A/N: This is totally corny, and totally sappy, and you'll need to brush your teeth when you're done. But I'm not sorry, since I'm very corny and sappy myself.
Kate put a giggling James Richard in his high chair and turned to smile at her husband. Their Thanksgiving table was filled of fantastic food, food their family had cooked together. All of their family was sitting there waiting to dig in. Rick spoke up first.
"I really think we should share a little something before we start eating. I know it's corny, but I'd like us each to share what we're thankful for this Thanksgiving." He spoke in a quiet voice, so Kate knew how important this was to him. She reached out and grasped his hand in silent agreement. But as she looked around the table she saw everyone was nodding their heads in agreement as well.
Her dad spoke up first – so unlike him, Kate thought. Jim turned to look at his grandson, and said "I don't think it's too hard to imagine what I'm thankful for this year," and everyone laughed. Jim's love for James was obvious to anyone who spoke to him for more than five minutes these days. "Yeah, I'm so thankful for this little guy here, but it's also what he represents – a new generation for our family. The fact that his Grandma Jo's belief in truth didn't end with her. That someday, James may carry on that belief, like his mom and dad have."
Martha spoke quietly after they all nodded. "I'm so thankful for you, Richard. You have always been a wonderful son, no matter how much I tease you. You opened your home to me when I needed it. And you've given me two beautiful grandchildren. And a wonderful daughter – yes, Katherine, I consider you a daughter now. And Jim, you've become a wonderful friend too. So thank you!" That was said with the usual Martha Rodgers dramatic flair, and everyone laughed.
Alexis smiled as she looked around the table. "I'm thankful for James too. I always wanted a little brother or sister, and I'm so thrilled that it happened. But I'm so very thankful for our grandma. You've given me lots of love and support. And you've also given me fun and laughter," she reached across the table to take her grandmother's hand in hers. The two red heads shared a smile.
Now it was Kate's turn to speak. She found that she needed to clear her throat before she could start. She looked at her husband and smiled. He leaned over James to kiss her cheek, and she was able to start talking. "I really am so thankful for you, Rick. It is amazing to have unconditional love from someone, and you love me with all of that big heart. And all of us here at this table have felt that love from you. I'm so thankful that our son is so much like you – I can tell he will love with his whole heart too," as she finished, she knew she was crying, but she couldn't help it. Her love for Rick and their family filled her heart to overflowing.
Rick stood up, and picked up his water glass. "I want you all to know I am so thankful for all of you. You all fill my life with so much. Jim, I am so thankful that you and I have become friends and that you and Jo raised a wonderful daughter who loves me so completely. Mother, you are the one who taught me how to love someone. And Alexis, every day I see something in you that amazes me. James, someday you'll know what we're talking about, but you greet every day with a smile and that makes me start my day that way too. And Kate – from the first day I met you, I knew you had me. I didn't know how much that would mean, but our life has been adventure and that's never going to change. So let me toast all of you – my family. I wouldn't be who I am without all of you, so thank you!"
They all echoed his toast, and before they could or say anything else, young James banged his spoon on his high chair's tray. "Da!" he cried out, pointing at the food. Everyone laughed, and the food was passed from person to person.