Chapter 14 - The Family Table
The next day—Thanksgiving afternoon.
Our coastal estate in the Hamptons was filled with warmth, laughter, and the rich scents of roasting turkey, fresh rosemary, and baked pecan pie.
Our grand dining room, featuring a thirty-foot long rustic oak table overlooking the ocean, was set with warm linen, simple silver, and fresh autumn leaves.
Sitting around the table were twenty-five people—not cold socialites or business associates looking for handouts, but true friends, our dedicated executive team, Victoria Sterling, Vance, and several of the young women who had received our foundation’s first university scholarships.
There were no crystal candelabras designed to intimidate, no business cards being exchanged, and no one sitting closest to the kitchen doors.
At the head of the long table sat Julian and me, side by side.
I wore a comfortable emerald green silk sweater, my dark hair falling softly over my shoulders, my diamond wedding ring catching the warm light of the fireplace.
Our head chef stepped out of the kitchen, carrying a massive, golden-roasted turkey on a silver platter.
"Mrs. Mercer," the chef smiled warmly. "Everything is prepared. Should we carve it in the kitchen or at the table?"
I stood up from my seat, smiling back at him.
"We carve it right here, Chef," I said warmly. "Everyone sits together at this table."
Julian stood up beside me, holding his glass of vintage red wine, looking around at the bright, smiling faces filling our home.
He tapped his glass gently with a silver fork, bringing the joyful room to a warm, expectant quiet.
"A toast," Julian announced, his deep voice filling the grand dining room. "To progress, to justice, and to true family—the family we choose, the family that lifts us up, and the family that sits together."
"To family!" the entire room cheered in unison, clinking their glasses together.
Julian turned his head to look at me, taking my hand under the table, his fingers warm, strong, and locked firmly with mine.
May you like
"Happy Thanksgiving, my love," Julian whispered.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Julian," I smiled back.
