“I know, Vance. But it’s Thanksgiving! It’s a special time for us, and I’m trying to honor Grammy’s recipes to keep the tradition alive,” I said.

Vance frowned but didn’t argue in front of our kids, Elton and Corinne, who were playing with their baby brother, Theo, nearby.

So I quietly picked up Grammy’s recipe book and said, “I want this Thanksgiving to be special. Only my mom can help me get these dishes right. I’m inviting her over!”

Vance whipped around, giving me a sharp look. “Marla, what? It’s my family’s turn this Thanksgiving, remember? Last year was yours. This year, it’s mine!” he snapped.

I couldn’t believe Vance wanted to invite the person I feared most—my mother-in-law, the daunting Lenore—for Thanksgiving.

I thought he’d understand how tough the past year had been after losing Grammy to illness. I didn’t want my widowed mom, Delphine, to spend Thanksgiving alone in her cottage.