Keeley hadn't experienced such an awkward Thanksgiving since her first life, when she'd endured the Hales' dreadful catered events. Aaron was clearly uncomfortable with Gray's presence; the children were confused; and Jeremy…she couldn't quite decipher him. He was polite and engaged everyone in conversation as the meal preparations concluded, but something about him felt disingenuous. She was still pondering this when it was time for the traditional "what are you thankful for" round.

"I'm thankful for my family," Aaron said, as he did every year.

"I'm thankful that baseball season is over."

"I'm thankful that I got to come home for a little break before finals hit."

"I'm thankful that we're about to eat."

Keeley stifled a laugh at Nathan's comment. It was so typical of him. "I'm thankful that my treatment got approved by the FDA this year."

Technically, she couldn't reveal her Nobel Prize nomination due to the secrecy surrounding the selection process. Her immediate family knew, but she'd made them swear to secrecy. Otherwise, that would have been her expression of gratitude. She never imagined reaching this point in her scientific career; her dream had surpassed her wildest expectations, even if she didn't win the prize.

"I'm thankful to be here," Gray said mildly.

His words held a deeper meaning than anyone but Aaron and Keeley would perceive. He was grateful to be with his family and out of prison. If he weren't such a disingenuous person, a major threat if he discovered Aaron was responsible for his imprisonment, Keeley might like him more. The man truly lacked a support system, which was sad, but largely self-inflicted.

Even before his murder conviction, Gray had been shady, involved in who-knows-what. Aaron suspected he had unsavory connections before his arrest, even more so afterward.

Keeley wanted to dismiss it as Aaron's paranoia, but Gray's letters hadn't sounded like those of someone resentful of imprisonment. If he was using it to network with criminals, they'd be in serious trouble if he turned on them.

Jeremy cleared his throat before speaking, his matter-of-fact tone belying the romantic subtext of his words.

"I'm thankful I had the chance to get to know Violet this year."

Violet blushed crimson and looked down at her plate. Poor girl. She was smitten.

"I…I'm thankful to be dancing the part of Clara in The Nutcracker," Violet said quietly.

That didn't seem like the reaction of a happy person, despite her crush's confession. What was troubling her?

Keeley suspected she knew. When younger, Violet often expressed gratitude for Noah, leading to teasing, which she eventually ceased. She might be remembering that, given her recent lack of communication with him.

Keeley worried about Noah. He was likely upset about Violet dating someone else, as he was deeply in love with her.

Both Jennica and Keeley believed it was a passing crush—at four, ten, or thirteen. But at twenty-four, he'd never shown interest in anyone else, as far as his parents knew.

Noah was undeniably in love with her daughter, and she was oblivious. Naturally, she'd be upset and confused by his sudden withdrawal; she wouldn't understand his likely attempt to avoid witnessing her happiness with another.

It was about time. He'd supported her through past relationships; he deserved his own life. If distancing himself facilitated a clean break should things become serious with Jeremy, Keeley felt it was justified.

Still, it was sad. They'd been inseparable; everyone expected them to drift apart, but it hadn't happened until now. Noah's absence from the house was strange.

Everyone ate, but Violet picked at her food listlessly. Thanksgiving was one of her few annual cheat days, but she seemed unenthusiastic. Noah's absence clearly affected her.

Though Keeley had dated many boys, she always sensed Noah's greater importance. Why hadn't she acknowledged this to herself?

Love exists in many forms. She couldn't have it both ways—dating others while considering another man her world's favorite person. It was unfair to everyone, including herself.

Violet profoundly loved Noah Singleton; she simply wasn't in love with him.

Keeley furrowed her brow while eating candied yams. Noah understood Violet better than anyone and treated her well. Would Jeremy do the same?

Further observation hadn't revealed much. Years ago, Aaron predicted Keeley would find Jeremy (then a toddler) interesting, claiming a resemblance to his younger self in their first life. Back then, Aaron was classist, business-obsessed, and emotionally stunted, befriending only those who could benefit him. This comparison made her uneasy. Was Jeremy using Violet's feelings to secure his position as Aaron's heir?

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