Bestfriend or Best Lover

FORTY FOUR: THANKSGIVING

Belle's POV

The mansion-like house Caleb and Lizzie lives in have been decorated nicely. I tap my fingers on the glass table in Caleb's and Lizzie's living room. Everyone is here. My mom and dad and Caden, Riley and his wife Stephanie. Wren without his fiancé Thylane and also Kyrie flying solo 'cause Zoe is prepping for the courtroom. Lizzie's parents as well. The twins are with their grandparents, which is good.

Staring at everyone, noting that my husband, brothers and friends marked by subtle differences. Where Caleb wears his power openly, proudly, and now his a family man. Caden carries a quieter sort of force about him. Riley isn't shy about taking appreciative looks at Steph, either. Kyrie however, was more like the mysterious lawyer everyone knew. Wren, is the easy going one, in business and in person.

I looked at my dad, my father has now a streak of grey in his hair, but he carries himself with the poise and grace of a man who doesn't back down from anything. As a business man, my dad is intimidating to say the least. But with us and especially with my mother his a totally a different person. The possessive way he guards my mother is cute, never situating himself in a position within the room where he can't see her, never failing to touch her or speak softly to her when they are within arm's length. It's hard to believe, but looking at my father, gives me a glimpse of what my future holds with Arden.

Just thinking about him brings my mind to the twins Adi and Blair, and thinking of them makes my heart swell with so much love. I couldn't help smiling.

Caleb insisted that we all stay with him for Thanksgiving.

I move past Lizzie, who's leaning on Caleb's shoulder while they watch Lizzie's mom - Laura and my mom debate the best way to cook a turkey. Arden moves toward me, wrapping me in his long, powerful arms and bathing me in his scent, his signature scent, my favorite musk. I breathe him in closing my eyes and sighing. Every time I'm in his arms and I feel his touch, I keep thinking it can't get any better, that I can't grow to love this man any more than I already do, but I'm surprised every time.

"Upside down is really the only way," says my mom. "It lets all the juices cook into the breast."

Laura sighs. "But then the top of the turkey won't get as golden."

My mom shakes her head. "Just flip it and toss it under the broiler for a few minutes when it's almost done."

I tune them out, smiling a little. It feels wonderful to be surrounded by everyone here.

The food is delicious. My mom has always been a good cook (except When she's experimenting), and the addition of Laura's touches to the meal make it even better.

"So," asks Wren as he jabs a piece of turkey with his fork. "You going to take the position at campbell's  now, Liz?"

Lizzie finishes chewing and purses her lips, shaking her head. "I don't think so. I'm going to make my own way."

"Fair enough. Couldn't get Caden to work for me either, but I guess stubbornness runs in our bloodline." Caleb muttered.

I smirk, but no one else sees me.

"I think you might have the lion's share of that stubbornness, honey," says Laura to Lizzie.

Caleb grins. "I might agree with you there," he says, nudging Lizzie.

I laugh, looking at Lizzie. "I find that hard not to believe, too."

The kids eat at a smaller table beside ours. Adi brings his plate to me a few times to get me to help him cut his food up, but he's otherwise doing great.

Laura taps the top of the golden brown turkey breast with her fork and nods grudgingly. "I'll give it to you, Bella. The broiler was a nice touch."

My mom smiles. "And I'll give it to you, this is definitely the juiciest turkey I've ever had." Her eyes sparkle, remembering something. "The ball is next week right? Do you guys have anything to wear already? " staring and asking everyone at the table.