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“You’re not.”
I came home from the hospital ten minutes ago and was shell-shocked that the whole house smelled like pumpkin pie.
“I didn’t know you could bake.”
Avery blushed. “I can’t. I spent half the day with Mom on the phone, following her instructions. I did a test batch before this one, and it was complete shit. I threw it away. But this one actually looks good.”
“Fuck, I love you so damn much.”
She grinned, coming closer. She was already dressed to go, wearing a red sweater dress and black tights. Rising on her toes, she put her arms around my neck. “Sam Maxwell, if it gets this reaction out of you, I’ll bake more often.”
I kissed the right corner of her mouth. She tasted faintly like sugar. I wanted to eat her up.
Taking a step back, I grabbed the pie she’d carefully packed for transport on the kitchen island, then pointed to the door. “Let’s go. We don’t want to be late. Mom insists on waiting for everyone to be present before she cuts the turkey.”
“Okay.”
She grabbed a bag she’d placed by the door before we headed out.
“What’s that?” I asked, pointing to it.
“Oh, I spoke with Kimberly about my jewelry. A few of the girls want some.”
I'm going to owe Kimberly for life!She was a genius. Avery’s business was moving slowly, and she was vehemently against any financial help from me. However, when we returned from New York, I spoke to Declan, and Avery sent him the bank statements and the documents proving she’d designed the products Sophia was selling in her store. I was determined to do anything in my power to help her go after that woman.
***
We arrived at my parents'house in time for dinner. By the looks of it, we were the first ones; there were no cars in the driveway. My parents waited for us at the entrance.
"Oh, honey, it's so good to see you," Mom said, hugging Avery, who instantly wrapped her arms around my mom's back in a hug and leaned into her touch. The two of them had always been close, or at least that was how it had seemed to me.
"It's great to see you again," Dad added.
"Lena, Emmett, you both look great. I brought a pumpkin pie.”
Mom smiled. “Darling, you shouldn’t have, but I’m glad you did. I love pumpkin pie. I’ll take it to the kitchen.”
“I’m coming with you. I want to help,” Avery said.
“Oh, there’s nothing for you to do. The table in the dining room is already set. I’ve brought out all the food except the turkey. I’m waiting for everyone to sit down first. What’s in that bag?”
“Some samples for jewelry.”
Mom winked. “Kimberly told me all about it. I looked at your Etsy store. It’s fabulous. Sign me up for at least a pair of earrings.”
Avery grinned. “Will do.”
“Now, you two go relax. I’ll join you in a minute.”
I chuckled as Mom headed to the kitchen.
“Lena is usually easygoing about our gatherings. She makes us take turns working at the kitchen island, or if we go into the yard, everyone just grabs a plate and cutlery for themselves," Dad said.
"That's smart."
"You've got to get creative with so many people," he continued. “But she wants to do it all by herself on Thanksgiving.”
"I know your family gatherings were always overwhelming."
