Thanksgiving

Chapter 21

Driving home, we are followed by Sawyer in his SUV. Ted is strapped in in the back and I am sitting beside him so as to make room for me and my extended leg. Ted is playing with my phone and listening to some music on his headphones.

"Now what?" I ask of Christian who is driving.

"We find Sue's mom, I guess."

We found out that Sue's mom had remarried a man who already had a son. The son being Phillip Grant, the man who had tried to abduct me. Sue had lost track of her mom not long after she and Marcus divorced 3 years ago.

I reach forward and put my hand on Christian's shoulder. He grabs it and squeezes. "I know, I know." Once home, I see that Christian's parents are here along with Mia and Kate by their cars parked in the driveway and also by the fact that Mr. Grey has apparently just finished installing a makeshift ramp over the two steps to the porch. Sawyer has a wheelchair in his SUV and brings it over. He and Christian help me out and Christian pushes me up the ramp and into the house. The house is bustling with people and they ALL gather around looking down at me like I'm a fish in an aquarium.

"Move out of my way, move OUT of my way," I hear from behind the crowd. People separate and I see Ray, my step-dad, coming toward me. I burst into tears. "I get first hugs!"

I hold out my arms and grab onto him tight. "I thought you weren't coming!" I say through blurred eyes.

"I wasn't going to come for Thanksgiving, but when Christian said you were in the hospital he sent his jet to come get me," I see him quickly wipe away a tear.

"How is José Sr.?" I ask.

"He's good, he's good, Ana. His boy is with him and they send their best." Ray grabs my arms and squeezes. "You need some rest."

I laugh at him, I must look like hell for him to make a comment on my appearance.

Not long after my arrival, everyone leaves, except for my dad who will be staying with us. He heads to his spare bedroom upstairs. Kate and Mia promise to return early to start the turkey and instruct me to stay out of the kitchen. I'm not to do anything. After everyone leaves I turn around to see Taylor standing near the steps.

I glare at him, even though I made him leave by threatening him with his job, I have never been happier to see him here. Of all of Christian's guys, I trust Taylor the most.

"Why are you back early?" I ask, trying to sound angry.

"Mrs. Taylor insisted once she heard you were hurt. She pictured her kitchen in ruins and couldn't relax. Plus, I didn't like being across the country knowing your safety was at risk. If you want to fire me, I kindly request that you do so after the holiday, I have Sophia with me and I don't want her to see her father cry."

"Come here!" I hold out my arms and he steps cautiously to me but accepts the hug. "I'm not going to fire you. I'm actually glad you came back, we owe you a vacation... anywhere you three want to go. Hawaii, Australia, Europe, you name it!" I rub his back.

"Ahem," I hear Christian behind Taylor. "Giving my money away?" He smiles and walks toward us.

We all laugh. Taylor stands up and straightens his suit jacket. "When you're done making out with my wife, I'd like to talk to you in the office."

"Oh stop!" I say. Christian smiles and gives me a kiss and hug. "It's so nice having you home. I'll be right back."

The living room is a mess, the couches are moved to make room for more chairs. Empty glasses, beer bottles, and plates are scattered across the various surfaces. Apparently, my family is a bunch of frat boys. I roll over to reach what I can and place a stack of dishes on my lap. I then roll to the kitchen where I see Mrs. Taylor standing, looking ruffled with her hands on her hips. "Mrs. Grey!" She rushes to me and gives me a hug and takes the plates. "Please, don't worry about the mess...es. I'm getting to them all."