Please Forgive Me

Chapter 30 - Madison

The weekend goes by in a blur. Before we know it, we're preparing our early Thanksgiving dinner. My family's a bit disappointed I won't be spending it with them but I promised today would be unforgettable and Christmas is just around the corner. I wouldn't miss celebrating with them for the world.

"You better not. That's the time I look forward to us being together the most." Leah lets me know as we work together to peel off the skin of the potatoes. Her and I are getting ready to mash them while my mom and Trinity figure out how to prep the turkey. It's our first time making it so we'll see how it turns out.

The sound of the mower comes on and I glance up at Maxon trimming the lawn. Liam is out there with him raking some fallen leaves. I smile loving how much everyone loves him around here.

"Damn, look at that fine ass." Leah mutters from beside me. "I can't wait to see what Maxon would get us for Christmas."

"Leah!" I give her a little nudge, seeing how my hands are full.

"What? Trinity wondered the same thing. Liam too."

"I see you guys only want him for one thing." I tease and she grins.

"Well...can you blame us? It's the first time you actually have a boyfriend you love. So excuse me if I've been waiting for this moment my entire life."

I let out a laugh and shake my head.

I watch as Leah works with a smile on her face and can't help but wonder what happened between her and Kaiden, if anything did.

I don't ask her though but she does tell me how she applied to a few colleges. "I have one in particular I want to get into but," She shrugs. "Let's see what God says. He has a better plan. Like always."

"You're right, but Leah." I give her a grin once she meets my gaze. "I have no doubt you will get in. You are a very smart, creative girl and I know you will make a hell of a graphic designer."

She flashes me a smile. "Thanks Mad! It means so much coming from you."

I give her a side hug and Trinity reminds me. "Potatoes! We do not want hair on them!"

I give her a quick apology when Liam comes in, wiping his brow. "Came to get some water." He comes to a halt and breaks out in laughter. "What the fuck? Are you fingering the turkey or something?"

I whip around and find Trinity with her hand inside the turkey, a frown on her face.

"Shut the fuck up turkey face."

"Niños! Callanse!" Quiet.

"He started it, Ma."

"Liam, come help if you're going to be like that."

He runs back outside, completely forgetting the water he was going to grab.

"Idiot." Leah laughs and Trinity rolls her eyes. "Annoying ass. He's lucky Maxon is here or else."

After we finish peeling the potatoes I grab the ingredients to add into the mashed potatoes and turn on the radio. We need a little life and this will do the trick.

"I'm taking water outside to the guys." Leah says and I nod as I shake my hips.

"This isn't the Thanksgiving vibe." Trinity says and I shrug.

"Music will always be a vibe no matter the season."

She rolls her eyes but chuckles and soon my mom is joining in on the dancing and that's what we do. We dance and we cook. It's the Rosales way.

***

MAXON

The sliding door opens and Leah comes out into the backyard where Liam and I have been working for the past hour. It's November but the California air still has a warmth to it. I've been sweating but I'm not complaining. I love the hard work. It keeps my nerves and stress at bay. Well, at least a bit considering what I'm about to do.