Page 113 of Cougar

“Is she okay?”

“I just told you, she’s fine.”

“Is that why I haven’t been able to get in touch with you all day?”

“I’m sorry. I was busy taking care of my kid. What do you need, Cam? I don’t have time for your games.”

“What are you talking about, Emerson? I just wanted to talk to you.”

“The time for talking was three days ago. Good night.”

Fuck!

Emerson

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“How am I looking at you?”

He set down his guitar and leaned back in his seat with his arms crossed over his chest and his feet crossed at the ankles. “What’s on your mind, beautiful?”

“My parents want to come for Thanksgiving.”

“Why would that be a problem?”

“It’s not. It’s just that it’s our first Thanksgiving as a married couple. I didn’t know if you wanted it to be just us or if you already had plans. I don’t know what you do for the holidays since we’ve never talked about it.”

“You’re babbling.” He chuckled and held out his arms. “Come here, beautiful.”

I moved to sit down on his lap. “Normally Grace cooks and Drew, Tommy, and Chaz come over. We watch football and talk music. I’d love to have your family over. They’re my family, too.”

“Yo!” Liam calls out as he walks into the room carrying two platters, with my parents trailing behind him. He sets the platters on the counter before rounding the island to greet me with a hug. “Happy Thanksgiving, sis.”

“Happy Thanksgiving.”

“You gonna be okay today?” he whispers in my ear.

“Yeah.”

Liam turns and scans the empty room. “Where’s my baby? I heard she got into some trouble.” He chuckles as he takes off toward the stairs.

“Liam, don’t praise her,” I shout toward his back as he takes the stairs two at a time.

I narrow my eyes at my mother. “You told him about the fight?”

My mother shrugs. “He likes to be kept in the loop. Especially now that you’re here and he’s there alone.” I make a mental note to call Liam more often to check in.

Soon Max walks in with Willow on his hip. “Appy Fanksgivy!” she cheers. I walk over and smack a kiss on her cheek.

Jessica and the rest of the Mackenzie brood trickle in. Max passes Willow to Cole before switching on the TV and telling Willow about the Macy’s Day Parade.

“Co, I go see Ahpee and JJ.”

* * *

Liam storms into the kitchen and angrily points to Max and me. “You two, let’s go have a chat.” Then he turns and walks out the back door.

“What’s his problem?” my mother asks.

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