Having received a cryptic answer from her mother, Violet was determined to observe Michael Gray at Thanksgiving dinner and discern his connection to her father. She texted Noah a "Happy Thanksgiving" message out of habit and was surprised to receive a reply, given his recent absence.

She attempted to engage Noah in conversation, mentioning Michael Gray's presence and her intention to investigate him, but received no response. He was likely busy helping prepare dinner, as was Violet. Nathan had commandeered the kitchen, directing others to perform less crucial tasks like peeling potatoes and baking rolls. Kaleb and Oliver, who had arrived late the previous night, were on the verge of rebellion.

Violet didn't mind; Nathan thrived in the kitchen, and she admired his culinary expertise. Even their mother, a seasoned Thanksgiving cook, deferred to him.

"So, I hear your boyfriend's coming to dinner," Oliver grumbled as they peeled potatoes.

Violet's siblings, predictably, had been gossiping. "He's not my boyfriend," she insisted, "at least not yet."

Oliver's eyes narrowed. "Why invite someone who isn't your boyfriend to Thanksgiving?"

"He had nowhere to go! I felt bad!"

Their mother intervened before the situation escalated. "It's not a big deal, Ollie. I used to invite friends to Thanksgiving all the time. She's allowed to bring a casual date."

Aaron scowled and muttered under his breath, "Don't remind me."

Violet almost laughed. Someone was still harboring jealousy over a past incident. He was truly a devoted husband.

Violet was nervous about Jeremy's reception. He knew her father and had met most of her family, but his compatibility with her family dynamic was crucial to their relationship. Her family was paramount; she couldn't be with someone who didn't get along with them. Noah's recent distance exemplified this concern.

His absence bothered her more than she admitted. Her family (excluding Oliver) had repeatedly inquired about him over the past few weeks, unaccustomed to such a prolonged separation. It was unsettling. Violet missed him deeply and planned to confront him about his unexplained absence after his vacation.

Michael Gray arrived first, bearing a blueberry pie from a local bakery. He seemed genuinely pleased to be there, his smile warmer than their first encounter.

"Aaron! How nice to see you again. Care to introduce me to your children?"

Her father's neutral expression was unusual; he was typically more expressive.

"You already met Violet. Everyone else is in the kitchen." He pointed out each sibling by name, prompting confused stares.

"Who's this?" Oliver asked.

"An old friend of mine," Aaron replied flatly, though Violet detected grimness in his tone. Their similar mannerisms betrayed his dislike, though his outward cordiality masked it—except perhaps from her mother, with whom he seemed to share a psychic connection.

As her brothers questioned the stranger's presence, the intercom buzzed. Jeremy had arrived. Violet escaped the awkwardness, instructing the doorman to admit him.

When Jeremy stepped from the elevator, Violet was captivated. His casual attire—an olive green sweater and jeans—was a departure from their usual post-work or formal date appearances, and he looked incredibly handsome.

"Hi Jeremy," she managed, despite her nervousness. "Come on up. Everyone's already here."

"Who else came?"

"Somebody my dad knows."

This was the simplest explanation, as Violet knew little about the man beyond her father's apprehension and both parents' use of his last name, Gray—a peculiarity she found odd.

Jeremy introduced himself, and Violet immediately sensed Oliver's hostility. He endured the same questioning from Oliver as Kaleb and Nathan had previously, answering with ease; he'd passed the "brother test." Now came the "mother test."

Keeley, having met Jeremy only once briefly in a professional context, hadn't formed a strong opinion, at least according to what she told Violet when Violet invited Jeremy. Keeley usually possessed excellent judgment, so Violet was curious about her assessment after dinner.

Her positive impression of Jeremy only grew. He was handsome, intelligent, and easy to converse with—a significant plus, as Violet sometimes struggled with new acquaintances. Thus far, nothing dissuaded her from liking him.

(The final paragraph containing the website mention has been removed as it is irrelevant to the editing request and appears to be promotional material.)