Page 118 of Forbidden Flame

I had so many questions. Was this an apology gift? Was Cole paving the way for a reunion? I refused to ask though. I was too afraid of his answer.

Instead of talking to him, I sat on the couch with Izzy and watched the rest of the parade. I wished Cole were here, that he was man enough to stand up to his family and tell them what he wanted. But I didn’t hold out hope that he could change his entire way of thinking in a few days.

His family was important to him, and he wouldn’t do anything to mess that up.

After the parade, Izzy got dressed, we ate sandwiches for lunch, then headed to my dad’s. My brothers’ trucks were already in the driveway.

When I walked in, the guys were in the family room watching a football game on TV and Dad was in the kitchen.

There were containers of food covering the counter.

“I can’t believe Cole ordered all of this. It looks like it would feed an army.”

Dad shook his head. “Or just your brothers.”

I smiled despite the heaviness that rested on my chest. “Should we eat now or wait?”

“The card said it reheats, so we could wait.”

There was yelling and cheering coming from the family room. “It sounds like we should wait until the game is over.”

“You bring any pies?” Dad asked, his face lighting up.

“I sure did,” I said as I set the boxes on the counter.

“Big ones too.”

Dad opened one of the boxes and cut a slice. “I love your pies.” Then he hugged me with one arm. “I’m grateful you’re here. We’re just missing Fiona, Axel, and Ryder.”

“Maybe they’ll come for Christmas.” I didn’t hold out hope, but I didn’t have the heart to tell Dad.

When I went into the living room, Izzy was lying on Teddy’s lap, her head resting on his shoulder. It was sweet, and I loved that we were here with family, but I wished Cole were here too. That we were a couple, that we didn’t have to deal with our families not liking each other, and all the rest.

Each time I thought about Cole being in our lives, it hurt. He’d walked away, and his apology gift was thoughtful but not enough. Despite what I’d told my family, I wanted Cole in my life. Not as a secret. Not as someone to be ashamed of. But I wanted him by my side.

Toward the end of the game, I uncovered the food. There was a huge turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberries, mac and cheese, and dinner rolls. Izzy helped me set the table. When the game was finally over, everyone came into the kitchen to grab food, buffet style.

Teddy raised his brow. “Who do we have to thank for this spread?”

“Cole sent it.”

Teddy grunted. “So what does this mean? Is he back in your life?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I have no idea. He left a note saying our meal was catered and a box of spa items so I could relax.”

“That was thoughtful of him,” Dad said. “You shouldn’t be cooking our meal after making all those pies.”

“I don’t mind.”

We sat around the table, and before we dug in, Izzy said, “We’re supposed to go around and say what we’re thankful for.”

“I, for one, am thankful for this meal. For being here today with most of our family. I hope that one day, all my children will be seated at this table again.” Dad gestured at us.

“I’m thankful I didn’t have to prepare this meal,” I said, and everyone chuckled.

There was a knock at the door, and I wondered if it was another delivery.

Jameson threw his napkin on the table. “I’ll get it.”

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