― Ruta Sepetys
Lost Years
Thanksgiving dinner seemed a dream to me—it was all I ever imagined it would be, with Ross carving the turkey, Breton saying a prayer of thanks and Emily graciously welcoming me into their home and lives.
Autumn sat close to me, occasionally reaching out to squeeze my hand to reassure me she was there. I had no doubt of that. I felt her warmth surrounding me.
It's not that I needed to be shielded from harm—quite the opposite. She knew I'd feel overwhelmed by a sudden display of affection and she was there to rein in any exuberance, no matter how well-intended.
After the meal we all retired to the huge den where we gathered round the fire for coffee and pumpkin pie.
"I hope you don't mind balancing a pie plate on your lap," Ross chuckled, "but there's something primal about gathering round a fire on a feast."
"I know, it's one of my favourite things," I replied and smiled at Autumn who mischievously grinned back at me.
I hoped it would rain later this night and she and I could repeat this ritual before our own fire, but this time we'd cuddle close on my couch.
"So, Father Dave tells us you've inherited the family house in Flamborough. Are you and Autumn going to drive out and see it?"
"We were thinking of going this afternoon―unless you have other plans."
"Oh, not at all, Jake. We just unwind by going for a drive after our Thanksgiving meal. We like to take in the fall colours. You two should take advantage of the fine weather―see the house and gather leaves. The weather report predicts rain later on, so it's best for you to get an early start."
We got up to leave and Ross grasped my hand firmly and smiled. "So glad you could come today, Jake. Now, don't be a stranger."
Before I could reply, Emily enfolded me in her arms and whispered, "I'm so pleased you're in our lives, Son. You're part of us now."
My eyes teared up immediately and my throat constricted. She sensed my reaction and clung to me a few moments longer, giving me time to recover.
Then, she grabbed my shoulders, stared into my eyes and feigned a stern attitude:
"Now, go you two, or I'll keep you here saying goodbye until it's too late to drive."
"She's right, guys," Breton laughed, "often her 'one more thing' keeps me here till midnight."
When we were at last in the SUV and waved our final goodbyes, Autumn leaned over and kissed my cheek.
"You got a little emotional there at the end," she smiled, "Mom tends to draw that out of people."
"I didn't know I had it in me," I sighed.
"Everyone needs a mother, including that little boy still lost inside you."
This time the tears really did come and Autumn made me pull over so she could hold me. It felt good.
I felt whole for the first time in my life.