lies lies lies || book three

chapter eleven

Penny walked in with her over-exaggerated outfit, Chanel perfume coming out of her pores, and designer bag clutched. Dramatic as always. Then Laney laid eyes on her father who immediately smiled looking at Laney and went in for a hug. Giving him a hug, she saw her father's face change as Morgan recorded while Penny stayed oblivious.

"Surprise," Laney smiled as her father started to tear up. That sight alone was enough to make Laney start crying to which her mom brought over tissues for her to dab her face with.

Penny scrunched her face in confusion as she walked over and gave her sister a hug, "Nice place- oh my god. You're- you're pregnant," resulting in a bigger hug making everyone laugh.

As her family dropped their stuff and got settled, Laney and Morgan walked into the living room and began putting the premade appetizers out as he made the drinks.

"When are-" Laney began to ask but the front door opened and in piled Ashley, Leslie, and Morgan's father. Her eyes widened as did Morgan's before they both dropped everything to greet them.

"Oh hello, you two. Y'all have been avoiding family dinner," Leslie gave Morgan a big hug.

"Hey mama," Morgan gave her a hug grinning from ear to ear.

The sweater must have done a nice job covering the bump based on everyone's oblivion. Laney gave Ashley a hug, "Ashley it's so nice to finally see you again".

Ashley gasped at the contact of her belly to her skin and slapped her hand over her mouth making Leslie and Mr. Wallen look over. Laney tried to stifle back a laugh as Ashley's jaw dropped.

"Ashley what the hell?" Leslie scolded her before going to Laney, "Oh Laney dear it's so- oh my god. You're pregnant" she gasped at the contact making Laney and Morgan laugh.

Leslie slapped Morgan's arm, "You hid this? From your mother?".

"In all fairness, I didn't know up until yesterday," Lisa spoke going to hug Leslie.

"That's just plain wrong," Leslie shook her head.

Mr. Wallen gave Laney a hug, "What are you hoping for?".

"A girl. Morgan wants a boy," she explained.

"Well he probably watched how Ashley snuck out"

"It was just the one time!" Ashley whined making everyone laugh.

Drinks were being handed out and food was being eaten slowly. A Charlie Brown movie was playing on the TV while the turkey was going through carving by the men of the family. This is what Thanksgiving was all about.

Once the table was set, the men called everyone over for dinner.

"Who would like to say grace?" Leslie asked.

"I would," Morgan immediately spoke.

"Go ahead son," Mr. Wilson encouraged him before everyone held hands.

"Thank you, God for this food on your table and for blessing me with the opportunity to eat with my whole family. And thank you for keeping our baby and my wife happy and healthy. We are more fortunate than most. Amen," Morgan spoke.

"Amen"

"Now in our family, we have a tradition," Lisa spoke before everyone began to eat.

"We all go around and take turns saying what we are thankful for. Since Morgan went its your turn Ms. Leslie," Penny explained.

"I'm thankful for being able to see my son for Thanksgiving as well as becoming a grandma. Ashley?"

"I'm thankful for my husband and for it almost being Christmas"