Page 30 of Thanksgiving With Dad's Best Friend

“Well, looks like it’s time to carve,” Eddie says, standing up to start the carving. But after my hard work, there’s no way I’m letting him do the best part. I stand and try to take the carving knife from him.

“I’ll do it,” I say in a deep voice. It surprises me how much it bothers me, but I want this day to be on my terms. I want to show off for Lexi and give her the best slice of the meat. In fact, most of how I plan for this day to go revolves around pleasing her. But Eddie seems desperate to hold onto the knife.

“I always carve,” he says quietly. “It’s tradition.”

I glance at Lexi. I can tell she senses the tension in the room, though neither of us have raised our voices. But I’ve been pretty accommodating for Eddie up until now. This is my house. I’m not going to be forced to live by his rules. I tug on the knife gently.

“I made it. I think I should be the one to carve,” I say gruffly. I don’t want to cause a fight, but I feel pretty territorial right now, especially in front of my woman. It’s so unlike me, but she brings out the caveman in me. And if we have to clash horns for me to get what I want, then Eddie’s going to be in for a shock.

“Dad…I think Flynn should do it,” Lexi says gently. “This is his home…he cooked it.”

I see Eddie’s cheeks flush with anger. I can tell he was hoping his own daughter would take his side. This whole thing just got a lot more awkward. He lets the knife go and sits down, seething quietly. I almost wish I hadn’t been so insistent on carving, but why should I give in to him? He’s stood in my way for long enough this week. If I’m never going to get his blessing, then maybe I should battle him on every other little thing until he knows how I feel right now.

I cut into the meat, feeling a surge of anger inside me. The table is silent. I serve up to Lexi first, and then to myself. I know it’s petty, but he’s pissed me off.

“Well,” Eddie says coldly. “I’m glad we could all be here together for this special occasion.”

He’s clearly being insincere, but I’m not going to let him spoil this day. I’ve worked hard to make it a special first Thanksgiving in my own home. I’m going to enjoy it with his daughter, even if he insists on being sour. I finally sit down after serving the turkey and tuck into my meal. Lexi’s eyes light up as she tries the mashed potato.

“Flynn…these potatoes are delicious. So buttery.”

“Have you tried the stuffing?” Eddie asks a little desperately. Lexi forces a smile for him.

“Not yet, Dad. I bet it’s great, though. It’s been a real team effort.”

I can’t help being vaguely irritated at the comment. It was clearly me and Lexi who made up the team. Eddie barely did a thing. But I understand the importance of keeping him sweet, so I nod and smile in agreement.

“Perhaps we should go around the table and say what we’re thankful for,” Eddie says as he tucks into his meal, glancing between me and Lexi. “I’m thankful for people I can rely on…people I can trust.”

It feels like a dig, and I do have the decency to feel a little guilty. The thing is, though, if I thought he’d be more accepting, I’d have told him right from the start about my feelings for his daughter. It’s his closed minded attitude that’s driving a wedge between everyone at this table.

“Go on, Lexi…what are you thankful for?” Eddie asks her, his eyes full of suspicion. Lexi immediately glances in my direction and it’s possibly the worst thing she could’ve done. She seems to realize her mistake and blushes, clearing her throat.

“Well, I’m thankful to have such a gracious host,” she says hastily. “And I’m thankful to have someone who has welcomed us into his home when our own home feels so strange right now. I’m thankful for the food on our table, and I’m thankful to have had someone to share the load of cooking with. I usually cook Thanksgiving dinner alone…so this year, it’s felt nice to have someone at my side.”

It’s a sweet speech. I feel my cock hardening in my pants. I want her more than I ever have before. She’s irresistible when she’s just being herself, saying what’s on her mind. And to think that I’m the center of her Thanksgiving speech feels so damn good.

Eddie sniffs in irritation. Not only has he struggled to expose our secret, but he’s also been left out of her speech. That’s got to hurt.

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