Page 73 of Wildest Forever

I sweep past Pacey and don't look at him, my eyes brimming with the unshed tears. I couldn't crumble.

I needed to stay strong.

Reaching the bottom step, I make my way into the kitchen to see Marsha standing at the counter unpacking her basket. Fresh rolls, soup, fruit and pastries.

My stomach grumbles.

“Morgan,” Marsha smiles at me as she begins to set the table and I feel bad because I should be doing it but I know if I lift a hand whilst she is serving she will tell me off.

“Hey Marsha,” I push a fake smile onto my lips and hover waiting for her to finish. “Is there anything I can do to help?” and I know the answer before the words even pass her lips.

“No, sit down,” she gives me a smile and I do as I am asked. Dragging a chair out, I sit softly in it when I hear the sound of boots approaching.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see Dusty and Pacey walking in, light chatter amongst the both of them.

“About time y’all showed up,” she rolls her eyes and shakes her head at them and my lips twitch.

Pacey places a hand on my shoulder and gives me a gentle squeeze before he sits next to me.

“All smells amazing,” he rumbles from beside me and Marsha gives him a smile.

“This is Pacey,” Dusty announces as he places a kiss on his wife's cheek before he settles next to me.

“Figured,” she twists her lips as she reaches for five bowls.

“Pacey, this is my beautiful wife, Marsha.”

“Nice to meet you,” he says, tilting his head and she gives him a warm smile and some kind of curtsey.

“Are you all happy if I dish up?” she asks, eyes bouncing between the three of us and we all nod.

I feel bad sitting here but there is no chance of me even being able to sweep in and help.She reaches for her ladle and scoops three big spoonful’s up and places them in the shallow bowl.

The smells fill the room and I am only just realising how hungry I am.

“Leek and potato soup,” she smiles, placing the bowls down in front of us and then grabs the spoons and places them in the center of the table.

“Smells amazing,” Pacey grumbles and licks his lips. I twist my mouth and reach for my spoon.

Next are the fresh bread rolls that she places on a wooden block and then slips the butter next to it.

“Thank you,” I whisper and stir my spoon through the thick and creamy soup.

“Shall I take this up to your pops?” she holds the bowl up and I shake my head.

“Come and eat Marsha, I'll take it up shortly. I want to check on him before I head back out to work.”

“No problem,” she places the hot soup back on the work surface and finally comes to join us.

“This is delicious,” Pacey says as he spoons another mouthful past his lips.

I hum in agreement as I take my first mouthful, and it hits the spot just right.

Pacey reaches in for a bread roll at the same time as Dusty and dips it into the liquid.

I eat a few more spoonful’s before I swipe my soft roll through and take a mouthful and the mixture of the soup and the butter with the warm bread is what I feel like I needed.

Silence fills the table as we all sit and enjoy the food that has been laid out in front of us, Marsha looking between the three of us then drops her head as she spoons her own soup into her mouth.

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