Those Amber Eyes

Chapter 42 - Thanksgiving Morning

POV: Sophia

The air is quite brisk this morning, as I sit outside enjoying my coffee. It's rare that I have a few quiet moments to myself this early, but I am enjoying it. I am so excited for this Thanksgiving. All my family is here, even my extended family. It's been a long time since I have been able to prepare a meal for this many people.

I know Melanie and Jarnie plan to help, and I know Scarlett, Lizzie, Sydney and Lauren will try to help, but honestly, I just love doing this for my family. We are doing two turkey's this year, one in the oven and Ashlyn and Alex are doing another in the smoker. There is so much food. I made sure to include something from each family that they have traditionally. Scarlett, Lizzie and I prepared charcuterie boards for today so everyone could snack and not fill up before the main meal.

"Good morning, I figured you would be up already," Melanie said, as she joined me on the porch.

"Good Morning, did you sleep well?"

"I did, thank you again for allowing me to join you guys this year. I do appreciate it."

"I am just thankful to have everyone back, under one roof, together."

"I agree," she said, sitting back, sipping her coffee.

We sat in silence, each of us enjoying the quiet of the morning. I have missed my old friend, and I have enjoyed rekindling our friendship. I know we have a long way to go, but I am thankful for her.

"Good Morning, ladies. Thank you for making the coffee, love," Robert said, as he sat next to me, immediately taking my hand in his, and bringing it to his lips. I smiled and blushed at my husband. Even after all these years he still makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Good Morning, my love. You seem awfully chipper this morning."

"I am. I have my whole family here, and we are going to celebrate and be thankful for all we have been blessed with this year."

"I couldn't agree more, my love. Now, you sit and enjoy your coffee, and Melanie and I are going to get started in the kitchen. As soon as we get the pies in the oven, we will start getting a light breakfast going."

"Take your time, my love. It's still early," Robert said, as he settled into his New York Times.

Melanie and I made our way quietly inside, and stopped as we entered the kitchen. I was shocked to see Scarlett, Lizzie, Lauren and Sydney, busy prepping the pies and making breakfast.

"Oh my goodness, how long have you ladies been up?"

"Morning Momma Soph, not too long. We made a fresh pot of coffee, Alex, Hunter and Ash are out back with the smoker, and we have all the pies prepared and ready to go in the oven. Jarnie just took the pecan pies over to the guest house to start, Lizzie and Sydney have just about finished peeling the potatoes, and Lo and I started breakfast," Scarlett said, taking my coffee cup.

"Now, Momma, take this carafe, and you and Melanie go enjoy the morning with Pop," Lo said, handing the carafe to me. "We will call you when breakfast is ready."

I stood, stunned at my daughters and future daughters-in-law, and just smiled. Melanie and I turned, making our way back to the porch and enjoying our morning.

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POV: Hunter

"So, you and my BABY sister are dating? What are your intentions?" Ash asked, as she sipped her coffee.

"Um, yes, yes we are dating," I sighed, knowing this woman could end my life and not even blink. "Ash, I have always had a sweet spot for Lauren, you know that, and I love those two girls in there like they were my own flesh and blood. I honestly would marry her tomorrow if she would have me."