Page 97 of Give Me Forever

"Now more than ever, since all my boys have a better half."

“Do you think the others will be late?” I asked.

"No. Look, there are three cars pulling into the driveway," Dad remarked, glancing out the window.

Kimberly and Reese got out of one, along with Declan and Liz. Travis and Bonnie emerged from another, carrying Rose in a car seat. Luke and Megan were sharing a car with Tyler and Kendra. The only one missing was Tate with Lexi and Paisley. Gran was coming with him too.

The next few minutes were very loud as everyone bustled in. Avery was the center of attention, and she handled it well.

She was beside herself when we introduced Rose to her, but since she was sleeping, she stayed in the car seat.

Declan pulled the two of us into a corner right away.

“Declan, thank you so much for looking over my documents,” Avery told him.

“My pleasure. I think we’ve got a case based on the stolen jewelry designs, but I don’t want to get your hopes up yet. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Thanks,” she said just as Kimberly joined us.

“Declan. Don’t monopolize them. Avery, you’ve brought the jewelry?” Kimberly asked.

Avery nodded eagerly as we joined the group. “I left the bag near the hallway table. We can look over everything later.”

“Hell yes.”

"Guys, don't overwhelm her," I said, stepping next to my woman and putting an arm around her shoulders.

Kimberly waved her hand. "You've hogged her all to yourself for so long. Now it's our time with her. Shoo, shoo, move away."

I laughed but didn't budge.

"Hmm, this one's possessive, isn't he?" Reese said, looking at my hand on Avery's shoulder.

"Oh yeah," Avery confirmed. "Is it just him, or is it a family trait? I remember everyone being pretty intense."

"You remember right,” Travis said. "Mom, what are we doing and where?"

“The table’s set," she replied. "Everyone just go into the dining room.”

“Damn. She’s not making us work for once. That’s something,” Travis added.

Avery grinned. "I like your family. You've always had style."

I squeezed her shoulder. "Thank you for coming here with me today."

"I wouldn't miss a Maxwell Thanksgiving for the world. Is your grandmother coming too?"

"Yeah, she should be here any minute now, along with Tate, Paisley, and Lexi."

"I can't believe Tate has a daughter who's almost a teenager," Avery said as Liz and Declan approached.

“Hey, I’m Liz.”

“You’re the baker, right?” Avery asked.

Liz smiled brilliantly. “Yes, I am. I brought some goodies for later.”

“Thank goodness. I brought pie, too, but I don’t know if it’s any good.”

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