These Numbered Days by Anna E. Collins

Author:Anna E. Collins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: family, mental health, romance
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
Published: 2022-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

Flurries drifted through the air when I picked up the pecan caramel pie from the store on Thanksgiving morning. I burrowed my chin deeper into the scarf Kara had gifted me from her overflowing closet and unlocked the car with stiff fingers. Contrary to popular belief, New Mexico did have winters, but I hadn’t brought any of my warm clothes with me. I needed to deal with my place there pretty soon. It was overdue.

At three o’clock sharp, I rang the doorbell at the Hemingways. Wic had offered to drive, but I’d declined. I didn’t trust myself in his presence. Saying I was attracted to him was an understatement. I wanted him more than I’d wanted anyone since my early days with Joel. But that was not the deal. My priority was the kids. More than once since the power outage, I’d wished I could tell him that without sounding presumptuous.

Connor opened the door, wearing a smart button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves and skinny jeans. Very GQ.

“You know you can just walk right in, right?” he said, taking the pie from me.

Not sure Brandy agrees. I gave him a one-armed hug. “Smells great in here.”

“I made the stuffing. The turkey is enormous, so I hope you’re hungry.”

“Annie!” Shane came into the hallway, arms stretched wide as if he hadn’t seen me in a long time. “Good to see you. Blessings and happy Thanksgiving!”

I couldn’t help but smile at his exuberance, which made sense when he showed me the cup in his hand. “You’ve got to try some of this spiced apple cider.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “There’s bourbon in it, but don’t tell Bee.”

“She wouldn’t approve?”

“She’d be jealous.” He made a gesture with his hand to indicate a round belly.

“Ah.” I smiled. “She still doing all right?”

His face grew even more radiant. “Never better!” He hooked an arm through mine and led me into the kitchen.

“There you are.” Brandy came around the counter, wiping her hands on her checkered apron. Her face was glowing, though I suspected that had more to do with the temperature in the room than the pregnancy. “Happy Thanksgiving.” She embraced me and, to my surprise, kissed both my cheeks.

“Happy Thanksgiving. Need help with anything?”

She scanned the various items on the counter. “No, don’t think so.”

“Everything looks delicious.”

Shane handed me a cup. “Here. Try it.” He watched me, eyes sparkling as I put it to my lips. It was way too strong for me.

“Mm, delicious.” I nodded.

“Hon, can you take out the garbage?” Brandy asked him. “And then put this platter in the dining room?”

He gave her a peck on the lips. “Of course, my dear.”

The two of them were certainly in a good mood today. I wondered what had brought it on—if it was just the pregnancy entering a safer phase or something else.

“Where’s Grace?” I asked after Shane had gone outside.

Brandy’s face soured. “Probably still upstairs. Actually, if you want to go get her, that would be great. Maybe she’ll listen to you.

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