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“Grammy M,” Nova hollered. “Where are you?”
“Enough of this.” I wiped under my eyes and regained control of myself. “Not a word about Micah.” I pointed at him. “Promise me.”
“I promise.” He dropped a kiss on my lips. “I’m sorry he’s being a jerk.”
“So am I.” But we both knew Micah’s insensitive and hurtful side only came out when his demons tried to destroy and ravage him.
I would do anything to heal his wounds. Rewind time. Shield Micah better than I had.
I had failed my boy.
Even with the new additions at the dinner table, smiling and gobbling up the meal before us, I couldn’t stop thinking of Micah. I faked joy as best I could for the sake of my sweet Nova. And Ben.
My incredible man kept looking at me and caressing my knee under the table. I appreciated his attentiveness. I really did, but he made matters worse. I’d be ten pounds heavier by bedtime if he didn’t back off. I never go for seconds, but I was on my third serving of praline yams.
“Teacher told us to say what we’re grateful for at Thanksgiving dinner. Is there a certain time to do that?” Nova asked, rising onto her knees. She reached toward the center of the table for another dinner roll.
“I don’t think there’s a specific time.” Karma turned toward Abe. “Is there?”
“Uh, not that I know of it.” Abe stared at me for a long beat.
“Sweet girl, you can say what you’re thankful for whenever you want.” I winked, lifting my wine glass.
“Okay, I’ll do it now.” Nova put down the roll, brushed her long brown hair off her shoulders, and fixed her burnt-orange dress. Everything she did was with the utmost precision.
“Go ahead, baby. We’ll be quiet.” Abe cut his gaze at the opposite end of the table where Brady, Levi, and Hope were chatting. “Right, Uncle Hustler?”
“Yes, sir.” Levi saluted.
Nova covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. Her laughter was sweet music to my ears and soothed my aching heart.
“Go ahead, sweet girl.” Abe nodded, issuing her a wink.
She folded her hands in front of her chest. “I’m grateful for my mommy and daddy and the baby in Mommy’s tummy. I’m also grateful for all my family here at the table.” She swirled her hands dramatically. “Grammy M, Papa, Auntie Pipe, and lots of uncles.”
“We’re grateful for you too, darlin’.” Abe kissed her head, then kissed Karma. “Love you both so damn much.”
“I wish Uncle Bone could be with us. I miss his grumpy face.” Nova scrunched her face and twisted her lips. “When is he coming home?”
That did it.
I stood abruptly. “Who wants pie?”
“This girl, right here, Grammy M!” Nova raised both hands, eyes wide and bright.
“I’ll serve you first.” I collected plates on my way to the kitchen. All I needed was a moment to myself to regroup. It didn’t seem I’d get it.
“Momma, are you okay?”
I turned toward Piper. “Of course.”
“I can tell something’s bothering you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You like having all your kids with you, and Bone isn’t here.” Piper carried over the dessert plates. “Did you guys have a falling out?”
“No, baby. You’re all adults and free to live your lives as you wish. I won’t stand in your way, but I sure do like having my kids with me.” I cut into the pumpkin, plated a slice, and passed it to Piper.
