The autumn breeze was simply lovely.

Thanksgiving was tomorrow, Honeydew's parents were arriving early tomorrow, and dinner was going to be calm and filled with love.

The porch swing gently rocked Beau and Honeydew, who was lying on top of him, as they enjoyed time alone together.

"You know, I love you more than I love football," Beau said filling the silence, though Honeydew never minded.

His voice was one of her favorite sounds.

Honeydew giggled at his silliness. "I do. Did you know that I love you more than brown butter cookies?"

Beau nodded and pressed a kiss onto her cute head. He loved everything about her. "Of course you do, sugar."

Honeydew poked his cheek, she loved touching him. "You're handsome, Beau. That's why you're called Beau, because you're dandy, swell, and the cutest man ever." She rested her head on his chest and sighed at the rhythmic beat of his heart. "Tell me something I don't know about you,"

Beau placed his hand on her lower back and rubbed it soothingly.

She yawned feeling comfort to the max. God, she loved Beau. He always knew what she wanted and how she felt.

"The week before I met you, the boys and me, mostly Hunter, were preparing for the anniversary of the day Stacy took them from me. I was real paranoid, Hunter more than me, and my head was foggy, it was hard being back at that place in time where I lost my sons without a second thought." Beau paused to see if she was still awake. Her eyes were closed, she was a cutie.

Honeydew nodded to urge him to go on but kept her eyes shut. His voice could put her to sleep.

"And the day I met you, as you know, it changed everything. It was like you were a lighthouse and I was a boat lost at sea, almost horrified about what was out there. And then you shined that pretty light, and I saw that life is scary sometimes, but I should never let something from the past keep me from having a bright today, tomorrow, and forever." He was grateful for his lighthouse of a fiancee.

She was perfect for him.

Honeydew's heart melted at the sweet illustration.

She was his lighthouse. He definitely had a way with words.

But now it was her turn.

"When I saw you, I thought you were handsome, charming, a little spicy, and mostly just nice. You made the stupid salon talk something to brush off, and you called me Miss Honeydew, which is adorable by the way. I liked you," She opened her eyes and found Beau shining his thousand-watt smile.

He was a cheeseball for sure.

"But when I got to know you and see you in action, I knew that you were a special man. Admirable for raising the boys the way you did, for being gentle with them, for making yourself a safe place for Hunter to open up, and for being so wonderful to Gunnar." She was serious.

Everything added up and equaled the perfect man.

"I've always had a heart for helping people, giving them what they need, and the way you do it so effortlessly, that's the most attractive thing about you." She pecked his lips, but Beau cupped her face to make it last.

Honeydew, his sugar, his world. His blessing.

He released her cheeks and resorted to brushing her soft cheeks with his thumbs.

The feeling of her skin was heavenly.

"You know, Jace keeps asking about a new sibling, a baby." He couldn't help but bring it up.

It was the perfect segway.

Honeydew laughed and tilted her head. "Has he?"

Beau hummed. "Yeah, I tried tellin him that it'd be a while even after we're married, but he doesn't want to listen."

Honeydew almost nodded, but his words processed making her think.

What was he saying that for?

"How long of a while are you thinking?" She asked trying not to be short with him.

He didn't know. They never talked about it. She couldn't be mad. But she was upset, just a little.

"I don't know, sugar. I just didn't want to put a time limit on your womb, we never talked about this before and I assumed that you'd want to wait, cause you're still young." He said honestly.

Young.

Because she was young.

He didn't know. He was just making assumptions.

But by God, Honeydew was now annoyed with Beau.

Beau recognized the look in her eyes and kissed her nose. "I'm sorry, sugar. I didn't mean to make you upset, talk to me."

She was stunned at how easily he read her. And she loved him for that.

"No, you don't need to apologize. We never talked about it and I just didn't want you to assume anything,"

Beau thumbed her bottom lip and looked at her sweetly. "I won't assume. You tell me how you feel and what you want."

Honeydew's defenses melted away when she looked into his eyes. "I don't like that you assumed I didn't want a baby because of my age. Do you think that because I'm only twenty-four I'm not ready?"

Beau's heart dropped. She was upset, but not in a loud way. Her offense was quiet, which made him guilty for being careless with his words.

"Oh, baby. I didn't mean it that way, but I'm sorry it came across that way." He rubbed her back comfortingly. "I didn't want you to feel as though I was pressuring you to have a baby so soon. I want you to always have a choice, but my assumption took that choice." He told her and kissed her forehead.

His sweet Honeydew didn't deserve his carelessness.

Honeydew liked this. A pleasant expression of feelings and offense. He didn't argue with her and say she was crazy. He listened and took accountability. And that's why she loved him.

"You gotta tell me what you want, sugar."

"I want a baby. And I don't wanna wait months or years after we get married." She said and he took her hand and kissed it.

Beau loved his world.

"I want that too. You know, even as a young man, I wanted about six kids," He said gently and poked her nose.

Honeydew laughed. "Really? I would've never guessed," It was certainly a shocker.

"Since I had no siblings, I understood how lonely it could be as a only child."

Honeydew was an only child as well, but she didn't mind. "I guess that's true, but I kept to myself as a kid, and even now,"

"You do, sugar," Beau said and picked up her hand again. "Do you know how lovely you are? The way the boys took to you, you're like that magic woman from that movie." He took her ring off and slid it back onto her finger.

God, he was blessed. He was marrying Honeydew.

His vague description left Honeydew slightly confused. "Mary Poppins?" She tried to guess. Or Nanny McPhee. She cringed.

Beau shook his head. "No. It's the same woman. Julie Andrews, my ma loves her."

Thank God.

"Maria from the Sound of Music?"

He nodded and kissed her cheeks. "Yeah, she brought sunshine to that house. And that man had ten kids or so, we can get to that number just as soon as we say I do," He grinned teasingly, though he was serious.

"You're funny," Honeydew said dryly. Ten kids? They already had two, so it would only be eight. Maybe. "Speaking of I do, when my parents get here they'll want to talk about the wedding, getting to know you, and stuff. Somehow I forget they never met you in person," She laughed lightly and patted his cheek.

Beau hadn't forgotten.

Part of him was a little nervous about meeting them. They knew about his life, but they didn't know him.

"Since they're coming before dinner tomorrow, maybe I can come over Friday and talk to them," He suggested.

He didn't want to rush getting to meet them, but he didn't want to impose them the second they arrived at Honeydew's house.

"Don't worry, everything will go well and they'll love you. You're way too charming for them not to, but they won't like either of us if their room isn't ready," Honeydew pursed her lips at her lack of preparedness.

Beau came over to spend time with her, but also help her get the house ready for her parents.

"Sugar, you're the one still laying on me." He told her pointedly, making her cling to him.

She didn't want to let him go, they could just do everything together.

She liked that idea.

"Come on," Beau stood up and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling their bodies together. "Onward, my world." He whispered in her ear.

"Whatever," She bluffed, all while trying not to swoon.

Things were going to be great if they could leave each other alone and get the guest room together.

Which most likely wouldn't happen.

-

Gunnar pulled on his boot and gave himself a good look.

He looked nice.

It was Thanksgiving and dinner was being held at Beau's house, as his was the biggest outside of Gunnar's.

Maybe one day he would host Thanksgiving dinner, but today was not that day.

"Oh, Lord. That ham oughta be done," He grumbled and hurried down the stairs and to the kitchen.

The smell of smoked ham filled his nostrils and his stomach growled.

He owned the fact that he could cook well.

Every year for Thanksgiving he brought some kind of meat, this year he chose to smoke a ham. Gave him something to do and a reason to be outside.

He loved his smoker, but to get a perfectly cooked ham, he had to throw it in the oven for twenty minutes with a cajun glaze.

It was going to be mhm, mhm, good.

He pulled it out of the oven wearing mitts and placed it on the counter.

It was almost time for him to leave, but he needed to grab a few towels to keep the hot pan from burning a hole in his car rug.

After getting the towels, Gunnar carefully placed the pan in his truck and left for Beau's house.

Completely unaware that tonight would be a night to remember.

-

"And then I said, what if I had feelings? What if I wasn't just a boy made out of paper and snot? And they said I'm so sorry paper Jace. And I said all is forgiven because now I'm a real boy!"

Jace was entertaining his new and old grandparents with one of his fabulous stories, which they enjoyed giving him a round of applause.

"That was wonderful, dear!" Danica said and pinched his cheeks.

Paul nodded in agreement. "It was. Just brilliant,"

"What's next bud? Get Hunter to do some too," Steven suggested, but Hunter picked up Baby, who was wandering on the floor and rushed to the kitchen.

Honeydew pulled her freshly baked cookies from the oven and set them on the counter.

Beau watched, as he finished the turkey twenty minutes ago.

"They want me to entertain them with Jace. Brylee will be here soon and I don't want her to see me that way," Hunter explained frantically, Baby licked his nose to calm him down, which made him laugh.

He liked Baby.

"You know you don't have to run, just say you want to sit and watch," Beau told his son and gently nudged him out of the kitchen.

He wanted Honeydew to himself.

"That looks sweet, could I try some?" He asked while eyeing the cookies.

"Let it cool down first," She answered pointedly and sat on the counter beside where he was standing.

She was gorgeous, as usual, but the dress she wore fit just right. And seeing her in his house with his sons just existing, it did something to him.

"Ahh! You're here!" Jace screamed and Honeydew jumped off the counter to see who it was, but Beau grabbed her by the waist.

"Don't be in such a hurry, I want to hold you for a moment." He kissed her cheek.

"I am! How's my favorite lil blonde boy doin?" Gunnar asked Jace and placed the ham down to hug him.

Jace hugged Gunnar tightly and then took his hand. "Look, I have more grandparents now. Hunter does too!" He exclaimed happily and motioned to Paul and Danica.

Gunnar picked up the ham and walked to greet them.

They were nice looking folks.

"I'm Gunnar Hendrik, nice to meet you. Your Honeydew's just the real sweetest girl," He said, making them smile.

"It's really nice to meet you, Gunnar. Honeydew says you've been nothing but wonderful to her. Thank you," Danica told him earnestly.

Paul shook his free hand and patted his back. "I agree with my wife. Thank you and it's good to meet you."

Steven stood up and smacked Gunnar's back. "You're late, Mr. Solitude! Come round here and catch me up,"

Gunnar shook his head while chuckling at the similarities between Steven and Beau. When he was around one, he could still see the other.

"Imma put this ham up and you come round," Gunnar said and walked the ham to the dining room.

The setup was nice as always, but it was pleasant to see extra seats.

He counted on his fingers to figure out who the extra two seats were for.

There were normally six chairs. Adding Honeydew and her folks, was nine. But there were eleven seats in total.

"Come on, Gunnar. I gotta show you this here fish I caught," Steven led Gunnar out to the backyard, halting his curiosity.

"December, we got to go on the water and get some. You know that real good spot," Gunnar loved fishing and Steven was the best partner.

And it was nicer talking to him outside than being inside and a little crowded. Gunnar wanted to ease into the crowd, being at home made him a lot more reserved with crowds.

-

"Hi, Honeydew! I don't know if Hunter told you, I hope he did, but I brought a friend. This is Galia," Brylee motioned to Selene as they stood at the front door.

Selene smiled at Honeydew, who smiled back.

"Yes, he did tell us. It's nice to see you again, both of you." Honeydew said and moved aside for them to come in.

Selene was asked by Brylee to accompany her to Thanksgiving with Hunter. Selene agreed because Natasha would have to bring the poor girl, and she wanted to get out of the house.

"Thank you for welcoming us into your home, Honeydew," Selene said as she looked around the home.

It was beautiful and seemed cozy.

"Everyone, this is Galia. Mama and daddy, this is Brylee, Hunter's friend." Honeydew introduced them emphasizing Galia. Her mother knew about Selene, they watched her movies all the time.

Danica smiled at Selene, but she hummed. "Galia, you look awfully familiar, doesn't she Paul?" They watched one of her movies on the flight to Perkinston.

Paul nodded.

"Yes, I do. But please, I would appreciate it if you called me Galia. Please," Selene pleaded.

"Of course, sweetheart. It's nice to see you again, you look beautiful." Renee told her with a wink.

Selene couldn't help the warmth she felt from the older woman. Her advice was much appreciated, but it made her think.

"You as well, ma'am. It's nice to meet all of you," Selene felt like a sore thumb, but still, a welcomed sore thumb.

A small boy rushed to her side and took her hand. "My name is Jace, my daddy is Beau, my mommy is Honeydew, my brother is Hunter, my grandparents are Renee, Danica, and Paul," He pointed to each person as he called their name, which was adorable.

"And, wait! I'll be right back! There's two more people!" He screeched and ran out of the living room.

"He'll be back, since we're all here we can wash up and go to the dining room." Beau announced with his hand on Honeydew's lower back. Its rightful place.

Meanwhile, Jace was animatedly trying to recall the reason why he left the house.

"Slow down, boy. I told Renee to stop sliding you candy," Steven grumbled while shaking his head.

Gunnar chuckled and kneeled to Jace's height. "Your daddy send you out here to call us for dinner?" He asked and Jace nodded.

"Yes! And I was counting and showing my new friend all of my family, but I remembered you two weren't there! How is she gonna know who you are if I don't tell her? How will she live?" Jace's face scrunched up in frustration and devastation.

The boy was dramatic.

Steven took Jace by the waist and carried him into the house without a second word.

Leaving Gunnar a moment to think, to prepare himself for dinner with chatter and laughter.

He sat on the porch step and closed his eyes.

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. In green pastures, He makes me lie down. He restores my soul and leads me on for His Name, for His great Name." He sang lowly, praising the One who kept his peace.

He stood up and dusted his pants. He felt better now, prepared to be in the midst of family.

He opened the porch door and walked to the bathroom to wash his hands.

As he walked out of the bathroom, Jace ran right into him.

"Woah there," Gunnar stilled the boy and stood him upright. "What's got you in a hurry?" He asked the dazed-looking boy.

Jace shook his head and wiped his brow. "Phew, that was a close one!" He murmured. "Oh! I was looking all over for you! Mommy is looking for you to come and eat now!"

Gunnar nodded and walked to the dining room with Jace as his leader.

"Galia! This is Gunnar! He was the other one missing when I counted, but now everything is fine and you know his name." Jace said proudly and pointed at Gunnar.

Galia?

Gunnar looked at the woman. If he could call her that, this was Galia.

The woman who he helped at the festival. Those captivating eyes.

The faithfulness of God, that woman was unnaturally beautiful. She was out of this world. A timeless masterpiece preserved for eternity.

This is the woman God chose for him.

Galia stared at Gunnar in utter disbelief.

She didn't expect him to be freaking hubba hubba hot.

And she didn't expect him to be older, but he was also younger than she expected.

He was extremely handsome, attractive, hot, his rugged mountain man look worked for him.

His look certainly fit his voice. The voice that annoyed her when he tried her.

And he was the man from the Festival. His voice did sound familiar.

"I'll be," Gunnar murmured under his breath. "It's good to finally meet you in person, Galia."

He didn't give away any of the countless feelings he had for her in his tone. This would be private for both their sakes.

When it came to serious things, such as this, Gunnar was extremely private and conscious of the fragility.

Galia was still kinda tough on him, but that wasn't a problem.

"Yes, it is." Galia finally said back and kept her calm composure.

Gunnar was one attractive man.

Jace pulled Gunnar to an open seat and sat beside him.

And it seemed as if no one noticed the somewhat lengthy stare-off between Gunnar and Galia. Which was good.

Discretion was key.

Dinner began, shortly after a prayer headed by Beau.

Small talk was made, questions were asked, and Selene couldn't stop herself from watching Gunnar.

She passed it off as just a passive glance as she spoke to a person on his side of the table.

For the life of her, she couldn't get why he wasn't making eyes at her.

Didn't he find her attractive?

He had to.

So why wasn't he trying anything?

He was ignoring her existence.

Or it seemed that way.

He was frustrating.

"Galia," Gunnar called after watching the excitement in her stare falter.

She seemed disappointed.

Galia looked up from