29.

                                    

                                          
"You sure you wanna do this?" Stefani tossed over her shoulder as she hurriedly straightened a place setting. "Everyone under one roof for Thanksgiving is asking a lot. We could always tell them all we've changed our minds and we've decided to go to Italy for the weekend."
                          
She was only half-joking, he knew, and he came up behind her, wrapped his arms securely around her waist. "We can do whatever you want," he murmured into her shoulder, "but you love having a full house, usually." Gently, he asked, "is something going on? Because if there is, you know you can talk to me."
                          
In the near month that followed Halloween, he had noticed the slight change in her demeanor. Though she was always fairly content and was even slowly beginning to get back to the studio, working on a new album, there was a new sort of tension that sat at the corner of her eyes; a sort of physical discomfort. When he'd asked if she'd been having flare-ups, she told him that she wasn't but there was clearly something that was off. Guiltily, he wondered if he simply wasn't putting the pieces together because of how hectic his schedule was.
                          
He was consistently busy now with all things restaurant. Now that construction was complete and the place was finally beginning to feel like an actual establishment, he was in the thick of hiring staff, graciously aided by Lukas. The only thorn in his side was Dave, who tended to undermine every decision he made. It was getting to be entirely annoying and he was sure the day would come where he would eventually explode. 
                          
"Everything's fine. And you're right. I love the idea of having our families over tomorrow. It's our first holiday together. Not counting Halloween," she smiled cheekily. "It's just been so hectic for you and I guess I was worried if I was adding to the stress or not."
                          
Her thoughtfulness, though not uncommon by any means, never ceased to floor him and he took her hands in his, looked into both of her bright eyes at once. "I appreciate you so much, Stefani. Do you know that?" When she nodded, he tenderly swept his thumb down over her cheekbone, allowing it to linger there. "Yes, it's been a little crazy lately but it'll pass. In a few more months we'll be ready to open and once everything is going smoothly, I won't have to be there as much. This is exactly what I need, love...our family and friends and food and good conversation. I wouldn't have it any other way. Unless of course, you're having second thoughts."
                          
He thought he saw something minute flash over her face; just the smallest inkling before it disappeared and she clasped his hands tightly in return. "Nope. It'll be great. Lea's really excited, too."
                          
Lea had taken a liking to Stefani's parents and Facetimed with them often and in return, they adored her; sending her gifts from New York and visiting when they were able. It had been two months since they'd all been in one room and his daughter's excitement was palpable, especially since she got to help them prepare the pies for dessert before she had gone to bed. 
                          
"She is. She loves your mom and dad. And Natali's her best buddy, of course."
                          
"The feeling's entirely mutual," she replied affectionately. "She's got my sister wrapped around that cute little finger of hers, for sure." Satisfied that the settings were perfect, Stefani stood back and surveyed her work. "Do you think I'm insane to get this ready two days in advance? I swear there's a method to my madness. The night before Thanksgiving, my mom, Nat, and I usually curl up on the couch and drink wine and we'll all play board games. It's kind of a tradition."
                          
"I remember you telling me. I love that."
                          
"Well, this year, it includes you, if you want," she spoke by his ear, pressing her cheek to his. "Of course, you'll be subject to my dad being a sore loser and my mom insisting on making more food than we'll be able to feasibly eat but hey, it's the true Germanotta dinner experience. I already told Gloria she was more than welcome, too."