Page 95 of The Mistake

Leaving them to whatever argument they were having, I returned to the kitchen and got everything ready with Michael.

“Thank you so much for doing this with me,” I said.

“No problem, little lady.You and I, we can do Thanksgiving every single year.” He winked at me.

I liked that. To have Thanksgiving every year. I went to him and gave him a hug, I just couldn’t help it.

He patted my back. “You’re going to get me killed if your husband sees you hugging me.”

This did make me smile. I thought it was so crazy to even think of Ive being jealous. There was no competition. I liked Michael, but he was not my husband.

The timer went off, and I looked at Michael. The turkey, providing the instructions didn’t lie, should be ready. He had the heat thermometer ready, and I opened the oven, and Michael grabbed both turkeys out, and pierced them at the right point, beneath the leg. I waited, and yep, our turkeys were ready. I clapped my hands and felt like such a loser for being happy about that.

The next job was to cover them, allow them to rest, and finish everything else. Adelaide’s fake turkey was also cooked. Michael and I had tried a piece and I have to say, it wasn’t bad at all.

I made sure not to use butter or any dairy or animal fats in the final preparations for Adelaide’s food, and for everyone else, that was more than fine.

We carried out the food to the table, and I went to get everyone for dinner.I stood waiting as Ive was the last person to leave the sitting room.

“You owe me later,” he said.

This made me giggle. “What did you have in mind?” I asked. This morning, Ive had suggested we just stay in bed, lock the door, and pretend we didn’t have a large meal to preparefor guests. I had promised him that he could have anything he wanted, if he would help me with this Thanksgiving. He told me the stakes would be high.

“I want you naked, and I can do whatever I want to you,” he said.

“I like that.” And I did.

He put his hand on my ass only letting me go as we got to the dining room table. Ivan sat at the head of the table, and there were only two spots remaining. Ive’s place at the head of the table, and me beside him. I didn’t mind that Ivan took the other place, as even when I was with Ive alone, I never sat far away from him. I wanted to be close to him.

We said a quick prayer, and everyone around the table gave thanks for something they appreciated. I listened to them give thanks for sports, to a couple of actresses, one person, I think it was Vlad, even said the porn channel, which raised a few chuckles. Cassie thanked the world for fashion and shoes. When it came to me, I had to think.

“I’m thankful for everyone here, sitting around this table, my true family.” I felt my cheeks heat, but that was really what I was thankful for, more than anything.

Ive took my hand and gave it a squeeze. One glance at Cassie and Rage and I saw the sadness in their eyes.

“Let’s eat,” Ive said.

I stifled my laugh, because I knew what he was trying to get to.I wanted to be alone with him as well.

Food was passed around and Adelaide was more than happy with what Michael and I were able to cook up at the last minute. She had second helpings. Everyone seemed to love the food. I don’t know if they were being polite or not.

Ive filled my plate as well. He made sure therewas a little something of everything on my plate. After dinner, we all enjoyed some pie. I chose pecan pie as it was my favorite. I noticed Cassie went for pumpkin. My husband went for the apple pie.

This made me smile.

We sat around talking, enjoying each other’s company, and coffee. Michael came out, and I went to hug him again, but he took my hand, offering it a kiss.

This was perfection. There was no arguing, no shouting. In a way, our weird family enjoying a moment together.

By the end of the night, I was still buzzing. I was pleased we didn’t make our excusesright after dinner, as I’d have been too full to enjoy alone time with my husband.

Iveflicked the lock on the door, and then stepped over to me.

“Did you at least enjoy it?”

“I’m not lying when I tell you it’s the best Thanksgiving dinner I’ve ever had.” He cupped my face, and I tilted my head back to look at him.

“For real?”

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