Page 37 of Starts With a Bang

“But, Mother—”

“You can’t force these things,” Helen said. “A baking competition won’t change the past. Forcing people under one roof for two weeks won’t automatically result in the healing you want to see happen. You need to relax and let things unfold organically.”

Janet’s lower lip trembled, and Christian reached for her hand. She waved him off and stepped back. “I need more wine.”

“I think you’ve had enough for tonight,” John said.

Janet downed the rest of her wine and set the empty glass down on the counter. “I’ve had enough, all right.” She pivoted and left the kitchen without a backward glance.

Helen watched her go with worry etched on her face. “Maybe I was too hard on her. I’ll go apologize.”

“Why don’t we let her regroup a bit, Mom,” Molly Beth said. “Then we’ll both go up and talk to her.”

“She’ll pass out for the rest of the night,” John said. “Drinking herself into a stupor like a lush is what Janet does best.”

“Dad,” Christian admonished. “That’s a horrible thing to say.”

John shrugged. “It’s true.”

Molly Beth turned and squared up against John. “Maybe we should discuss doing something about her drinking problem.”

“You can lead a horse to water, but…” John’s words faded into laughter. “Well, that adage doesn’t apply. Janet drinks plenty. But I can’t force her to get help.”

“Have you talked to her about it?” Molly Beth asked.

“Or given her a single reason to want to get sober?” Helen asked.

“Why are you both taking this out on me?” John threw his hands up. “Women! Am I right, guys?” He quickly remembered there was only one other man in the room who had romantic experiences with women.

“No, you’re not right,” Dominic Sr. said.

John rolled his eyes. “I’m going outside to check on the fire for the pizzas.”

Molly Beth made big eyes at her husband and nodded her head in John’s direction.

“I’ll come too,” Dominic said.

“Now you’ve got my back,” John grumbled, but he slapped his brother-in-law on the shoulder.

Molly Beth turned her steely gaze on Dom, and he sighed heavily.

“Fine.” He kissed me firmly on the mouth, then whispered, “Behave.”

I just batted my eyelashes.

“I’m going to tackle the pizza dough,” Molly said. “Christian, you’re on cheese-shredding duties, and the rest of you can prepare the toppings. I’ve taken care of the meats already, but I need someone to wash and slice the vegetables.”

Me having sharp knives around Emerson probably wasn’t a good idea, but the dude would learn that my tongue was the sharpest tool in my arsenal if he didn’t straighten up. Helen must’ve seen something in my expression because she reached for my hand.

“You are a lovely Christmas surprise,” she said. “I want to know everything about you.”

Dom

“Stop spying through the window, and come enjoy the fire,” Dad said. “Everything is fine.”

I reluctantly turned away from the back of the house. The warmth from the brick oven tempted me, but I’d rather stand in the cold shadows and keep an eye on Sven. “I’m not so sure about that.” My guy had a murderous expression on his face and a sharp knife in his hand.

My guy.I liked the sound of it so much it scared me. Between my failed marriage and the cynical nature of my job, it felt like a Christmas miracle that I could even consider taking a chance on love again. But Sven made me believe, and I didn’t want to waste precious time twisting hope into doom. It was easierto expect the worst in someone because then you wouldn’t be disappointed when things went sideways. That was no way to live. Hell, that wasn’t living at all; it was barely existing. How had I let such a limited worldview become my norm?

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