Bluebonnet Days

Give Thanks

Dylan catches my attention by making a toast and reminding us the rules of the “Thanks” game. We go around for each person to say what they are currently most thankful for. We all then cheer and take a drink. Simple as that. Before we get started, Jackon leads us into the dinner blessing then ends with “Cheers to Sam finally coming home!” Everyone clinks their glasses and yells “Cheer!” The “Thanks” game begins with Mia.

“I am so thankful my bestie is finally home and home to stay! No more worldwide adventures Sam, unless you take me with you!”

“Cheers!” from everyone. We laughed and clanked our cups.

My turn….. I stand up and smile. “I am thankful to be able to come home to this, to ya’ll. I am blessed to have friends around the world, but no one compares to this crew right here, that I consider family!”

“Cheers'' followed by lots of clanks and hollers.

We keep it moving around the tables and I am realizing this has become one long intense drinking game. But at the same time seeing how happy and blessed everyone seems to be at this moment. Finally the game is coming to an end. Last up is Weston and Laura Belle. Weston got up and nodded with his cup held high,

“ I’m thankful for new business opportunities on the rise at the ranch as well as what new ways we can find to lead us back to our past to continue on in the future.”

As he says this, he is looking intensely at me. Again, what was that supposed to mean? This man seems to have a way with his words lately, and I am not quite sure what to think of this man that has now become so outspoken and has this domineering aura about him. My thoughts were cut off by the cheers. Lastly, Laura Belle stands up to speak. I think this should be good!

“Hi everybody, thanks for having me! I would like to give thanks to my Weston, whom I just love so dear! Who I cannot wait to set a date for our wedding with!” as she leans over to kiss him.

Whoa - did not see that coming and judging by hearing only the crickets in the background, no one else did either. My brother, Jackson, Westons best friend, breaks the silence.

“Bro, why didn't you tell me?” laughing. “Just giving you a hard time, but in all seriousness, congrats to you both. If she makes you happy, then we are happy for you! Cheers!”

All I could do was turn around and shove food in my mouth and chug my wine. Mia sees that my legs are shaking under the table and takes my hand. “You ok? Want to leave?”

“No, I'll be fine. Once again, What the hell, Mia!. I just wanted a no Weston weekend to prepare for whatever was to come. But this is way left field, even for him. I wonder if the Lancasters know, as they did not speak highly of her last night.” Thinking of last night, I recall he had held me so close to him. Why did he not tell me then?