Chapter 51

“Nothing huge, right?” Kaos looked from Francis to Padraig and back. “I don’t have to go to Emil’s parents’ place—I can talk to the guys some other time. I’d like to have a quiet Thanksgiving here if you two are up to it.”

Padraig nodded. “I agree. I’ll be on call, which is a good reason not to go to Mary’s this year. Of course the puppy is an excuse too. A quiet evening, barring any emergencies, sounds lovely to me.” He looked at Kaos with an expression that made him blush for some reason.

“Do we want a turkey?” Francis asked, leaning to the counter. “We could start making our own traditions. Maybe not change everything, but you guys are the closest thing I have to family and….” He looked at his feet, clearly uncomfortable.

Padraig went to him and held him close. “Hey, it’s okay. You are family—always have been, even though I forgot for a while. We’ll come up with something our own, right? Maybe start doing that every year from now on?”