Page 23 of Merry with a Single Dad

“You’re making me really hungry,” I said after she finished listing off the most festive menu I’d ever heard.

Cassie and Emily laughed together.

“See, Em, you’ve got this all under control,” Cassie said.

Emily’s body visibly relaxed. “And I’ll help as much as I can,” I added.

“Like you did with the turkey?” she joked.

“I’m sorry, baby. I guess I should have reminded you before I left this morning. I knew you were going to the store today.”

She shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have freaked out on you. I don’t know why I did. It’s not a big deal. I mean, it’s for Mike’s son and his school. You did a nice thing. I just wish I remembered that conversation because, seriously, what are we going to do with two turkeys?” She met my eyes and raised her finger. “And don’t you dare say,Cook them.”

Cassie and I laughed. When I opened my arms, Emily rushed into them. I hugged her tightly and whispered a “Thank you” to Cassie.

“You’re welcome,” she whispered back.

“I have an idea,” I said, tucking Emily under my arm and pulling her into my side. “Cassie, what do you think your parents might say about coming over here for Thanksgiving?”

“Really?” Emily asked excitedly.

“Yeah, why not? We do have two turkeys.”

“Um,” Cassie said, “I don’t know. They already bought our turkey. Granted, it’s not a twenty-pounder, but?—”

“But you could ask,” Emily said before pressing her hands together and begging, “Please?”

“I can’t guarantee they’ll say yes, but I’ll ask.”

“Cass, you really gotta sell it. Tell them everything on my menu. And I’m making homemade pies.”

“Hudson and I are helping with those,” I said.

“Yeah, tell them about Hudson helping. That will surely seal the deal. Who could say no to pie made by the cutest kid ever?”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that’s all I need. My mom reminding me about my biological clock.”

“Well, maybe a few hours with Hudson will tamp their grandkid fever,” I said.

“Doubtful,” Cassie said. “He really is too cute for words.”

We all looked over to where Hudson was working. Rufus, Moose, Luke, and Gigi sat around the coffee table like little helpers.

“I mean, seriously, how cute is that?” Cassie asked.

“I know,” Emily said, sighing wistfully.

“Well, I hope you and your parents will be able to join us,” I said before heading to my bedroom to change out of my suit.

“Me too,” Emily said. “We have enough turkey to feed an army!”

“It’s a good thing this place came with double ovens,” I said over my shoulder. I knew everything would work out fine. Emily was a bundle of nerves, and I understood why. She wanted everything to be picture-perfect for my family.

I loved her for it.

Even if the turkey was dry and the pies were burnt, this holiday would be nothing short of fantastic because she was in my life.

No matter how chaotic things got because Emily was stressed out, I was thankful for the love we had found.

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