Scarlett's Scotswoman book 2

Chapter #32

Chapter #32

November 25th 2008

Scarlett’s POV

“I still deh understand this whole thanksgiving holiday. It doesnae make sense.” Jan says as I am getting the turkey ready. “It’s a day to get together with family and give thanks for what we are thankful for each year.” I explain again like I have every year. “Americans are confusing.” Christian says as he walks into the kitchen. “Aye I agree with ye there.” Jan says. “Oh there is some Scottish woman named Mary on the phone for you Jan.” Christian says and puts the phone on speaker. After Jan’s mom Mary left her dad Ronald they were able to rebuild their relationship and it turns out Mary is actually a really good person. “Mornin Mum. Ye are on speaker.” Jan says. “Did ye forget something Leannan (Sweetheart)?” She says and Jan’s eyes go wide. “Oh shite! Mum, I'll be right there. I’m so sorry.” Jan says and I can hear Mary let out a small laugh. “Ye have a habit of forgetting tae get people from the airport. I’ll see ye in a bit. Gate B.” Mary says and Jan tells her she’s heading out now and quickly heads out to go pick up her mom. “I thought you said Jan doesn’t get along with her parents.” Christian says. I go on to explain the whole thing and how Ronald is the problem not Mary and that she is no longer with Ronald and we don’t talk to or about him. 

A few minutes after Jan had left to get Mary Claire walks into the kitchen and attaches herself to my leg. “Good morning Sweetie, are you hungry? I plan to make some waffles after I get the turkey in the oven.” I say as I pick her up and set her on my hip. "Can I watch I wove wucy with Uncle Chwistian?" She asks. "You have to ask him sweetie." I say and she nods and turns to Christian and asks him if he will watch I Love Lucy with her which he instantly agrees to and takes her to the living room to watch the show. She is still having trouble with pronouncing her L's but she is getting a lot better. 

Janet’s POV 

I park my truck in the parking lot for gate B and run inside tae get mum. She’s right I dae have a bad habit of forgetting tae pick people up from the  airport. “Janny!” Mum calls out as I run right past her. “Sorry Mum, I hope ye dinnae have tae wait long.” I apologize as I pull her into a hug. “No I dinnae have tae wait long. I dae think it’s funny that ye ran right past me ye were going so fast.” She laughs. “Aye sorry about that. I’ll take yer bag and we can head tae the apartment.” I pick up her bag and lead her tae my truck. “What’s that? Ye never wear jewelry that isnae yer wedding ring.” Mum says pointing tae the bracelet Christian got me. “Oh, it was a gift from Christian. That’s Scarlett’s older brother. Read the inscription.” I tell her, showing her the bracelet. “Her Scotswoman. That’s adorable Leannan.” Mum says with a smile. “He got Scarlett a matching one that says ‘Her New Yorker’.” I tell her. “I’ve missed ye Janny.” She says sadly. “I’ve missed ye tae Mum.” I say taking her hand in my free hand. “Thank ye for inviting me tae Thanksgiving. I can’t wait tae see Scarlett and the wee ones again.” She says. 

Christian’s POV

Claire and I are enjoying I Love Lucy when Jan walks in with a woman who looks like an older version of her, I assume she’s Mary. I know what she called Scarlett the day they met and I wish I was there to defend her and be the big brother she needed. I know they made up but I still don’t really like the woman. “Mary, welcome to our home and happy Thanksgiving.” Scarlett says happily with Riley on her hip. “Scarlett ye look bonnie dear it’s so good tae see ye again. Thank ye for having me.” She says as they hug. “Mary, this is Christian my eldest brother.” Scarlett introduces us. “It’s a pleasure tae meet ye Christian.” Mary says, holding out her hand to shake which I do. “Hi. Is this your first time in New York.” I say as politely as I can since Claire is clinging to me like a koala and I don’t want to be rude to her grandmother. “Aye it is. It’s a lot bigger than Inverness that's for sure.” She laughs. “Aye it is.” Jan agrees. “Christian why don’t you hand Claire to Jan and come help me in the kitchen.” Scarlett says as she hands Riley over to Mary and I agree handing Claire over to Jan before following Scarlett into the kitchen.

“Ok why are you acting like that?” Scarlett asks. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” Ok that’s a huge lie I do know what she’s talking about. “Bullshit I know you Christian. Why are you being rude to Jan’s mom?” She says. “Because Dad told me what they said to you the first time you met. And you told me yourself that she treated Jan like shit for years. Yet you just forgive her after one apology.” I rant. “Christian you don’t know the whole story and it’s not mine to tell. All I will say is Ronald is not a good man and is an even worse husband and father. It was all him. He kept Mary away. He made her pretend to be someone she’s not. She’s been through a lot and survived. So please be nice. Besides just a few months ago you wouldn’t acknowledge the fact that I was married and you didn’t even want to acknowledge that I have kids eiter and that really fucking hurt. But we talked it out. We worked to fix what we  once had. That’s what Mary and Jan, Colleen, and Liam are doing too. We didn’t forgive her because she’s blood, we forgave her because she truly meant everything when she apologized. She acted like a horrible person to protect her kids from Ronald. Yes they were hurt in the process but she was doing what she thought was the only way to protect her kids from him.” Scarlett tells me and I feel horrible. I didn’t know any of that. And she’s right. I was horrible to her as well and she still gave me a second chance because we genuinely want to fix our relationship and be better for not just each other but for ourselves as well.

Janet’s POV

“Ronald got the house in the divorce. So I’ve been looking for a new place.” Mum tells me when I ask how she's been. “Live with us.” I blurt out. “No Janny I cannae dae that we are still rebuilding what we once had. I  deh no I cannae jeopardize that.” Mum says as she holds a sleeping Riley. “Mum ye deh have tae try and prove yerself tae me or Colly or Liam anymore. Ye were brave enough tae stand up tae him and ye showed us just how much ye protected us. Mum ye had five broken ribs. I love ye I always have that’s why it hurt so much when ye used tae act the way ye did. But ye can be ye again. Mary Emeli MacNeil the woman ye were before ye met Ronald. Ye aren’t the same woman I saw on Mull Isle four years ago. Ye are my Mum again. I want ye in my life Mum. For years that’s all I wanted. Now I get the chance tae have that again. So please Mum move in with us.” I say. “I agree with Jan, you should stay with us. I love having family close. And honestly I think Colleen would love it.” Scarlett says. “Colly lives with ye?” Mum asks. “Aye at the lake house. Which I built to be a home for my family. Mum how about we call Colly and see what she thinks but I can tell ye she will probably want ye there tae.” I say. “Ok, let's call yer sister.” Mum says and Scarlett runs tae the kitchen tae grabs the phone.

A/N: Hey I know it’s been a while so here’s a long one to help make up for it. The next one will be long too. Anygays see you in the next one.