Page 99 of Worth the Fall

“I’m thankful for Jasper,” Patrick said. “I didn’t know how much I needed him, but I feel like he saved my life.”

“Damn, bro.” Matthew clapped his back.

“It’s true. I don’t know what I’d do without that dog.” He swallowed hard. “And I’m thankful for all of you. I love you guys.” He reached for his beer and took a sip.

It suited Patrick to make his list short and to the point. Plus, I could tell he was hurting without Addison. I thought we all could. No one pushed him to say more though, and I was grateful that they didn’t.

“Daddy’s turn!” Clara shouted, and we all focused on Thomas.

His blue eyes swung to mine briefly, and I realized how deeply gone I was for this man.

“I’m thankful for everyone at this table. I would have never survived the last eight years without any of you. I’m thankful for my daughter, who is quite literally the light of my life. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Clarabel.”

Hearing this man talk about his daughter melted my heart. Every daughter wanted to be loved and adored by their dad, but it didn’t always happen that way. Thomas was a standard I felt like few men reached. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

“I’m thankful for you, Brooklyn. I never knew what I was missing. Honestly, I didn’t think I was missing anything really. Thought we were fine. But then you stepped into my office with a mouth full of as much fire as your hair, and my world was never the same again. I’m so damn thankful you took a chance on us, and I hope you never leave. I love you.” He said the words that made my heart leap in front of everyone before leaning over in his seat and planting a kiss right on my lips.

This man was always making a scene in front of his family. I melted into him, making my own scene as well.

“Okay, okay,” Mr. O’Grady gruffed as Clara clapped in her excited way, and Thomas and I broke apart. “Let’s eat, lovebirds. I’m starving.”

“Lovebirds,” Clara repeated with a giggle.

We ate until I felt like I couldn’t eat a single thing more. The food was delicious, the conversation loud and happy. I’d been hit with a realization that was so strong that it nearly bowled me over in my seat.

I wanted to be a part of this family forever.

I didn’t care if it was deemedtoo soon, ortoo fast, ortoo anythingby people outside of this circle. This was where I belonged. The O’Gradys were perfectly chaotic, but they were mine. And I planned on keeping them for as long as they let me.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN SNOW

BROOKLYN

It was officially December, and just like I’d predicted at Thanksgiving, the first snow had fallen in Sugar Mountain, coating everything in a sea of white. I wasn’t sure what it was about this time of year, but things always felt a little more magical. Promise, hope, and generosity filled the air. I loved it.

Working at the resort brought it to another level entirely. I couldn’t wait to show Clara the brand-new Christmas decorations that had just gone up. I almost cried when I saw them this morning—they werethatpretty.