Love and Football (BWWM Interracial Love Story)

Chapter 77 Thanksgiving Day Part 3

As the Thanksgiving meal drew to a close, Jason's family lingered in the living room, their conversation a warm hum punctuated by occasional laughter and the clinking of dishes being cleared. Jason walked up the path to his family's house, Kendra's hand in his, as she was about to meet his extended family for the first time. He had told them about her, but this was a different experience altogether. They were about to spend the remainder of Thanksgiving together. As Jason opened the door, Kendra's stomach filled with a flurry of butterflies as he led her down the hall to the living room. Upon entering, the room fell silent as everyone looked up to see Jason with a girl on his arm.

"Everyone, this is Kendra," he announced, his voice a touch more casual than usual, as if trying to downplay the significance of the moment.

Mary Ann, the welcoming matriarch, rushed forward with a warm hug and a beaming smile. "Kendra, it's so great to see you again! Come in, come in, make yourself comfortable." Kendra offered a shy smile and a polite "Thank you," her eyes darting around the room, taking in the lively scene.

James, equally welcoming, offered a handshake, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Kendra."

Kendra, shy yet grateful, took in the sight of all of their smiles and returned their gestures with a soft smile and a quiet hello.

Nick and Anna, initially surprised by the introduction, quickly offered their own greetings, their curiosity piqued by their brother's romantic interest and newfound willingness to share his personal life.

"Hi Kendra, it's so nice to finally meet you. I'm Anna, Jason's big sis" Anna said warmly, walking over to give her a hug. "Jason's told us so much about you."

"Aww, it's nice to meet you too".

Nick, the jokester, grinned and extended his hand, "Welcome to the madness, Kendra. We're glad you could join us." Kendra noticed he did not look like Jason at all with his dark drown hair, blue eyes, and average height.

"Nice to meet you. Thank you" she smiled.

Josh, ever the teenager, just mumbled a "Hey" before retreating to the corner with his phone.

Kathy came over and gave Kendra a sweet smile and hug. "Oh my gosh, you're so pretty! I'm Kathy, Jason's aunt."

"Aww, Thank you so much." Kendra replied, returning her smile.

Brantley stepped forward and gave Kendra a handshake. "I'm Brantley, Jason's uncle. So nice to meet you. We've heard a lot about you." While Evan offered a friendly wave from the couch, Jason kept an eye on Colton across the room. Colton's gaze settled on Kendra, openly curious and interested. Jason felt Colton's intense stare, a prickling sensation on his skin. Colton quickly averted his eyes when Jason met his gaze. Jason breathed a silent sigh of relief, hoping Colton understood the message to be cautious. However, Colton promptly rose and strolled over with a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, Kendra, it's good to see you again. Jason's been keeping you all to himself, haven't you?"

"We're about to start on the pie." Mary Ann called from the kitchen, drawing their attention.

"Come, sit down." She gestured to the two empty seats at the table. Kendra sat down beside Jason as Kathy served them both a slice of pumpkin pie and they dug in.

"How is it?" Mary Ann asked.

"Amazing" Kendra smiled.

Colton joined them at the table, eagerly awaiting his slice of pie.

"Colton, help yourself," Kathy offered. Pretending to be offended, Colton dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "What? I don't get any southern hospitality?" His playful reaction made Kendra laugh, a smile quickly spreading across Colton's face as he noticed. Jason's irritation began to simmer; he knew this gathering was just another opportunity for Colton to flaunt himself. Colton excused himself to the kitchen to get his own piece of pie.