Chapter 9
Possible Premeditation
My eyes blink open early the next morning, with only a few rays of sunlight shining through the window. I'm so warm, perfectly, blissfully, and utterly warm. And comfortable. I don't want to move, but, as always, once I'm awake I can't fall back to sleep, no matter how comfortable I am.
I'm not even the least bit tired; I'd swear that was the best night's sleep I've ever had. It takes my mind a few more seconds to recall exactly why. Jared. Not only is he the reason I slept so well, he's also the reason why I'm so warm.
I sigh softly, and close my eyes; just enjoying in the perfect unexpectedness of this moment-three days ago I would have called this impossible. Jared's strong, warm arms are wrapped around my waist loosely, because he's still asleep, and I'm pressed gently-comfortably-to his now clothed chest.
I narrow my eyes slightly, scrutinizing the fabric of his shirt that's within my eyesight. He must have left after I fell asleep. That's the only explanation I can think of. But he came back, and that's all that matters right now.
I try to think my way around this situation, how to slip out of his arms without waking him up, and I come up empty. There's no way out of his arms-and I'm honestly not sure I mind.
For a few minutes I just lie there, feeling safe and happy, and I don't try to move. So, I'm surprised when Jared wakes up. The only reason I know he's awake is the reflexive tightening of his arms, drawing me closer to his warm body.
I smile, but he can't see me, so I tip my head back a bit to look him in the eye. "Good morning." I say softly.
"Hey," He kisses the top of my head. "How did you sleep?"
"Better than ever." He smirks, so I reinforce the information. "I'm not lying, that was the bestsleep I've ever gotten."
"Me too."
"Then why are you up so early?" I suppose I had assumed that the late night patrols lead to sleepy wolf-boys.
"Because you are. Why are you up so early?"
"This is usual for me. I love mornings. And Roxy has to go out at 7:30 every day that I don't have school."
"Ahh." He nods, and smiles at me. "Then you better get ready, it's…" He rolls over to look at the clock, with it's glowing red screen, and black numbers. "Already, 7:20."
I groan, "But I'm so comfortable." His arms tighten around me slightly and I smile.
We stay like that for a few more minutes until I ease out of his arms and slip into the hall, motioning for him to wait in my room. I slip across the hall toward my parents' room. I nudge the door open with my knee and I deflate a little at the sight.
Their bed is made, and surprise, surprise, they aren't home. Unless they're in the kitchen, and I doubt that. Regardless, I head that direction and find a note on the counter.
It reads, Kim, we are sorry we forgot to tell you about this in person, but an important client has invited us to spend thanksgiving with their family-no children allowed. Sorry you couldn't come. We left you money to go out to eat, if you want to.
Sorry Kim.
We love you and Kennedy.
-Mom and Dad
It's not surprising. They've left us alone, again. I guess I just hoped for something more for Thanksgiving this year. But at least they hadn't promised. Somehow Jared knows that they aren't home. I think it might be the wolf hearing. He comes up behind where I'm still standing with the note clenched in my hands tightly. He wraps his arms around my waist and whispers in my ear.
"You ok?"
I nod, but he's not buying it.
"No you're not." His breath tickles my ear. "Don't feel bad. They should want be with you all the time. I do."
I can tell he's being honest, and I smile a little. Him being in my life almost makes up for my absentee parents.
"They love us." I say firmly, because I believe that. I do. Maybe if I say it enough everyone else will believe me. Maybe I'll start to fully believe me. "They just do a bad job of showing it."
"A very bad job. You're perfect Kim, they are just too blind to see it. They're probably so proud of you-you don't even know."
I smile, and lean into him. His words make me feel calm, and happy, and loved.
"Well," I say taking a deep breath. "Looks like we're in the clear."
He nods, "Looks like it, at least until Kennedy wakes up."
"Don't worry about her, she's just going to say good morning. By the time she gets up it will be ten-ish, then she'll have no idea that you stayed over. She'll just assume I invited you over after I got up."
Just then I hear Roxy heading toward the back door and I turn to Jared, "She's right on time."
I go to the back door and slip into my winter boots-because it's always mushy and wet in La Push. Jared eyes my shoe choice skeptically, and I smirk.
"What? A girl can't wear practical shoes?" My winter boots are just black, nothing fuzzy or frilly or furry about them. Very non-girly.
"Actually, I was surprised you were wearing winter shoes in the fall."
"Ah. I wear these boots all year round. It's too wet not to."
He nods and I pull the back door open without a coat on. I tell myself that's because it's still fall and it's not that cold out yet, but I know any other day I'd put a jacket on. Today, however, I'm ninety eight percent sure Jared will follow me outside and he's a walking fireplace.
I'm right, and he does follow me outside. As soon as I open the door Roxy heads out into the back yard, off leash, but always waiting for me to give her a command. She's pretty good about that.
When the cold air hits me I shiver and Jared narrows his eyes at me. "Would it have been too hard to grab a coat?" He wraps his arms around me like it's a chore, and his heat warms me instantly.
"Mmm." I sigh and smile at him. "Don't pretend you mind."
"You could get sick."
"Not with you here."
"I'm not always here."
"I don't always forget a coat."
"Forget?"
"I may have premeditated this…" I smirk deviously and he rolls his eyes.
I take deep breath and head back toward the door calling for Roxy to come as I do. She complies quickly, like she always does, and heads back inside before flopping down onto the carpet.
I laugh a little and head to the fireplace to turn it on before Kennedy gets up because she loves the fireplace and it is kind of cold outside. I can feel Jared eyes on me as I light the fire-which is simple to do because it's an electric fireplace. He seems amused by Roxy's reaction to the fire.
She hauls herself up from the carpet where she was before and plops back down right in front of the fireplace.
Smart dog.
I head into the kitchen and pull out some hot chocolate. It takes me thirty seconds to ask Jared if he wants some and then make two mugs. I hand him one and head over to the Tupperware container that has the leftover cookies from Monday. Jared watches me and laughs when I pull out a chocolate chip cookie and bite into it.
"Cookies? Really?"
"Breakfast of champions. Want one?"
He just takes one and shakes his head.
For a while we relax on the couch, just waiting for Kennedy to get up, and watching some random news channel. It's relaxing and comforting to sit here with Jared. At nine Jared abruptly stands up and goes into my bedroom. I'm a little perplexed until he returns with his cell phone and he's calling someone.
I watch him closely, trying to figure out what he's doing.
"Hey," He's talking regularly-if a little soft because Kennedy is still sleeping. "Are you cooking yet Em?"
I assume he's talking to Emily, though I can't imagine why-he shouldn't be bothering her, especially today, because it's Thanksgiving and she's trying to cook for a bunch of extreme eaters.
"Uh… yeah, that's sort of what this is about, actually."
"Jared what are you doing? She probably has a lot to do." I whisper softly.
"Do you have room for two more?"
"Jared?!" I hiss, shocked. He's inviting us over to Emily's.
"Yeah, Kim's parents bailed on her and I invited her over to your place but she didn't want to leave Kennedy so…" I'm just staring at him, one eyebrow raised, in what is hopefully a reprimanding look-but I doubt its effectiveness. "That's what I told her. She didn't believe me."
He's silent for a few seconds and then he smiles at me and gives me a thumbs up. "Alright. We'll be there by four, bye Emily. Happy Thanksgiving."
He hangs up the phone and I glare at him. He looks at me, "Come on Kim, don't be mad at me."
I want to be, but I really can't, because for the first time it looks like Kennedy and I won't be thrown into Mariah's crazy family's Thanksgiving meal. Though I can't see how I don't feel like I'm being thrown into Emily's family dinner. For whatever reason it just feels right with them.
I sigh, "I can't be-frustrating as that is." He smiles, happy that he's 'won'. "But, I do have to cook something."
"No you don't. Emily said, and I quote, "They'll save me from being accidentally swallowed by you boys."
I laugh. "Well, I don't know about that… I mean, Kennedy's pretty small-heck, she might get devoured herself."
Jared chuckles.
"And I do need to cook something. You don't show up uninvited to a Thanksgiving dinner empty handed."
Jared makes a noise that I would call a growl, wolf much? Dead give away. I smirk, but otherwise ignore his outburst as he clarifies the reason for his reaction. "You weren't uninvited. You're always invited."
I roll my eyes. "Just because you feel that way doesn't mean everyone else does. I don't have an all access pass yet. The question is… what do I make?"
"Kim, you're being ridiculous. You're part of the family."
"Well…" I can't think of anything to say. "Too bad. I'll just have to pretend that I make food when I go to 'family' dinners." Not that I've ever really been to one. We used to, at my grandparents, but they've passed, on both sides, and since then there hasn't been much of a family atmosphere since.
"But, first thing's first." Jared raises an eyebrow. "I have to get dressed."
He laughs and I leave him in the living room and tiptoe past Kennedy's room to get to my own. I contemplate what to wear for Thanksgiving and decide that that's a decision to tackle later. Instead, for cooking, I opt for my favorite pair of boot cut jeans and a t-shirt that's a little too big on me, but it's old and I can get it a little messy.
I brush my teeth and wash my face, before trying to decide what to do with my hair. I run a brush through it and it's easy enough to pull the tangles out, but it's too long for cooking. I pull it back and twist it into a somewhat messy bun that I can tell will start to fall apart as soon as I leave the bathroom.
I'm not going to shower until after I'm done cooking. Kennedy is much too unpredictable when it comes to flour for that. I should know-she's gotten me far too many times with her quick reflexes. It almost always results in a 'spices war', and as fun as they are it's not a good thing when you have to be somewhere.
I head to the kitchen with a sense of determination. Unfortunately I quickly realize I don't know what to make. Jared has been watching me stand in the kitchen for a few minutes and I can see amusement dancing in his eyes.
I sigh and hold out a hand, expecting him to give me his phone.
"What?" Now he's the confused one. Good.
"Phone. Now." He's still confused, but he complies, as I knew he would.
I open it and find the recent calls list and I re-dial Emily. Jared watches me closely, and with a little confusion in his eyes.
"Emily?" I ask cautiously. Surprise flashes in Jared's eyes-but it quickly washes into understanding.
"Kim?" Emily sounds shocked to hear my voice on the other end of the phone.
"Yeah, it's me. I was wondering if you could give me a quick summary of what you're cooking tonight, I want to make something and I can't decide what."
Emily laughs good-naturedly. "I appreciate the thought, but you really don't need to make anything. Just you guys being here is good enough for me."
"Oh, please. I'm making something. If you don't tell me what to make I might show up with more than one thing…" I know this will get her and I'm right.
"Fine Kim. I'm making turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, asparagus-though I don't know why, the guys never even touch them-carrots, and six pies."
"Six pies?"
"Yeah, that's right. Six pies. What can I say? My boys can eat." She laughs.
"Alright, so what should I make?"
"Umm… Maybe some cookies?" I smirk.
"My specialty. Just ask Jared."
"I believe you. Thanks Kim."
"No problem. Just one more thing, how many should I make?"
"Um… how big is your oven?"
I actually laugh aloud and Jared smiles, because I'm assuming he can hear my conversation. "It's average size, but I can make a few batches."
"Well, that's probably a good idea. But we do have six pies, so I don't know maybe three or four dozen should do it."
"Well, you've never seem Kennedy go through cookies so maybe I'll go with four dozen just to be safe."
"Kim, she's a five year old! She can't possible eat that much. But no matter, I think that will be perfect."
"Alright, see you soon. Thanks Emily."
"Nonsense. Happy cooking."
"You too." I chuckle and hang up.
Alright, so now I'm making cookies-I guess chocolate chip. I turn to the kitchen and start pulling stuff out and setting up on the counter. Jared comes over to help and says, "Just tell me what to do."
I'm glad he's here-even if it does take a little longer to whip up the homemade cookie dough with him around. I wouldn't change a thing. Everything is better when Jared is with me.
We're almost finished with the dough when I hear the soft pad of feet coming down the hall. Kennedy's awake.
She stumbles sleepily into the living room and I see her calculating almost-too-smart-for-a-five-year-old blue eyes scan the living room for me. When she doesn't see me she utilizes her sense of hearing to locate me in the kitchen. She's wearing an oversized t-shirt as a nightgown that hangs well past her knees and her dark auburn hair falls in messy waves around her round face.
When she sees Jared in the kitchen her blue eyes go wide and I smirk. Surprise! I think goofily. She recovers from the brief shock quickly and comes to hop onto a barstool across from us.
"Morning Kimmy."
"Hey Kennedy, how'd you sleep?"
She makes a noise that's something like a groan and a sound of agreement. I take it as an ok.
I don't think too hard, or I'll change my mind, I just hold the cookie tub out to her and her blue eyes get impossibly wider.
"For breakfast?" From the look of her face and her shocked whisper you'd think I just told her that we were going on a cruise for her birthday.
"Why not? I had one. Jared did too." I nudge his shoulder. Kennedy quickly takes two and jumps off the barstool, now wide awake.
I turn to the sink for a second and when I turn back around Kennedy is giving Jared a hug-though he's so big that she's really just hugging his leg, I still think it's cute. Then she turns, cookies in hand, and heads to the hallway. Leaving a surprised Jared still slightly in shock.
Then, just before she reaches the hall where we wouldn't be able to see her she turns and tosses her hair over her shoulder looking right at Jared. "As far as I'm concerned you're the best thing that's ever happened to her." And she skips down the hall.
I'm shocked, but touched by her words. It's her way of saying she approves-even if that is majorly because of her getting more cookies than usual.
Jared turns to me with a smile. I grin back at him. "She likes you." I tell him.
"That's a good thing, right?" He looks a little weary and I smile wider.
"That's a great thing Jared! She has to like you-she's my sister."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. It's like, a sister code or something." He laughs. "Seriously. If the sister doesn't approve…" I make a motion with my hand, sliding it across my neck. "You're out."
He smiles, "Then I'm glad I'm in."
"Me too."
I give him a quick kiss, and turn back to the cookies. I hear Kennedy in her room playing with something, until she wanders into the living room fifteen minutes later. She turns on the TV and plops onto the couch to watch. When the cookies are in the oven I head over to Kennedy, Jared trailing behind me, and I sit beside her on the couch.
"Mom and Dad went to a Thanksgiving dinner with someone from work." She watches me, a little sadness flashing in her eyes. "But, Jared invited us to dinner with some of his friends, and I was thinking we could go."
Kennedy's expression brightens, but she narrows her blue eyes, glancing from me to Jared. "Kimmy do you know them?"
"Yes, they're very nice." I tell her honestly. "And Emily said she wants to meet you."
"Emily?"
"She's Jared's friend, but now she's mine too. Jared introduced us yesterday. She's great, and you'll love her Kennedy."
Kennedy smiles a little. "We can go?" She sounds skeptical, like I might be telling her this, but not really meaning it. She looks afraid to hope, but I can't blame her, we don't have the most reliable parents.
"If you feel like it."
Kennedy looks at me for a second and then smiles widely, and throws her arms around me. "Yes!" She squeals. "Let's go!"
"Well not now. You're not even dressed." She looks down and I laugh. "They aren't expecting us until four."
"Ok." She looks happy, and her blue eyes are shining. I smile too.
I turn back to Jared, "Looks like it's all settled."
He smiles at me, and we sit with Kennedy, watching cartoons until the cookies are done.
I take them out of the oven only to see that it's already 11:30. Wow. At some point Kennedy and I were going to have to get ready. I'm just considering the thought when my phone rings.
It's Mariah, and since Jared is with Kennedy in the living room I don't feel weird about answering the phone.
"Hello?"
"Happy Thanksgiving girlie!" I laugh.
"You too. What's up?"
"Just calling to talk to you? Are your parents there?"
"Nah, but it's cool."
"Wow. What a turn around. Does this have something to do with a super muscular new boyfriend?"
I giggle. "You could say that."
"Details, details!"
"He invited me over to the place he's spending Thanksgiving. Sam and Emily's house."
"Ooh! Fun, Kennedy too?"
"Of course, I wouldn't leave her alone. And I'm pocketing the $200 my parents left for 'dinner'."
Mariah laughs, "That's my girl. So when's he coming to get you?"
"Who?"
"Jared…"
"Oh… uh…" What to say? Mariah isn't as easygoing as Kennedy, she'll be suspicious of Jared being here. "He's here now." I admit softly.
"No way! Well, kick him out. What time is this dinner?"
"We're supposed to be there at four."
"I'm coming over."
"Um… ok." I know it's pointless to protest.
"Be there soon. Warn your boyfriend."
She hangs up and I sigh.
Surprisingly, throughout the phone call I've managed to finish setting the cookies on the wire cooling racks. I call Jared's name softly, knowing he'll hear me with his wolf senses.
I'm right and moments later he makes his way into the kitchen, coming up behind me at the sink and snaking his arms around my waist. "Everything ok?"
"Yeah." I say turning to face him. "If you overlook the fact that in mere moments Mariah will be here to kick you out."
He looks confused.
"Don't look at me. I don't know what she's up to."
"I can come back and get you and Kennedy later."
"Would you?"
"Of course. 3:40 ok?"
"Perfect." I say giving him a quick kiss before a knock at the door interrupts us. Rather than opening it Kennedy yells, "Come in!"
I can hear, but not see, Mariah bursting through the door and Kennedy running to meet her. I smile and take Jared's hand as we make our way into the living room.
"Hey Mariah."
"Kim." She eyes me; her dark hair wild and her cheeks flush from her rush to get here. She eyes Jared exaggeratedly. "Jared."
He chuckles lightly, making me smile. "Mariah. Don't worry, I was just leaving."
I can't help but notice that Kennedy's face falls at the mention of him leaving.
He kisses me on the forehead and my cheeks heat up from both the touch of his lips, and the display of affection in front of Mariah and Kennedy. But I can't say I regret it. "I'll be back later."
"Bye Jared!" Kennedy calls after him, unfazed by his actions. I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Bye!" And he heads down the street. I know I'm going to get drilled about this.
"Alright." Mariah claps her hands together. "Time for operation make Kim look hot." I raise my eyebrows at her and she just shakes her head. "You know, Kimmy, you really should trust me."
"Whatever. I need a shower, but so do you Kennedy. First or second?"
"Second! I'm helping Mariah with your outfit."
I sigh in defeat and march toward the bathroom. Even in the shower, with the water running, I can hear their laughter. It makes me smile, and fear their outfit selection all at the same time.
Half an hour later Kennedy is washing up and I'm in my room, still out of the loop about my clothing for the evening, and finishing drying my hair. When I finally set the blow-dryer down Mariah turns to me.
"So, what's the scoop with the boyfriend?"
"What scoop?"
"You know, the being here at 11:30 in the morning, and the not having a car in the driveway."
I knew she'd notice. I give in. "He may have slept over last night…"
"Shut up!" She squeals loudly, her eyes wide.
"Shhhh!" I hiss, narrowing my eyes at her and closing my bedroom door. "Kennedy is not going to find out about this."
"This, as in ongoing?"
"Mariah-"
"No freaking way. Not possible."
"How did you think I would explain him being here?"
"I don't know! How about 'he couldn't stand to be away from me any longer so he showed up at 7!'" She uses an exaggerated 'dreamy' voice.
"I don't talk like that."
"Whatever." She laughs and I do too. "But really he stayed over?" She drops her voice when she says the last two words.
"Yeah. Though, in his defense, I kind of initiated it."
Mariah's mouth falls open. "You?"
"Yeah, I know, right? But I feel really comfortable with him."
"Well… I mean, crap Kim. More power to you I guess." I smile and she does too.
Then she comes over and gives me a big hug. "I'm really happy for you."
"Thanks."
"But you better tell him I'm reserving one night each weekend, strictly girls."
I giggle. "Will do. I don't even know if it's a regular thing. No worries."
"It will be. He's head over heels for you."
I blush and say, "He told me he loved me."
Mariah smiles knowingly, "I knew he would."
"I said it back." I say even softer. This is one of those things you only tell your very best friend.
Mariah looks shocked at this. "Slightly more surprising, but I thought you would, too."
She smiles at me, and then turns her attention to my meager supply of makeup. "Alright, we're going to go with mascara, some lip gloss…" And I promptly zone out. Makeup is not my thing.
Fifteen minutes later Mariah is finished with my makeup, and there appears to be surprisingly little, considering that it's Mariah. I'm a little shocked because I look good. Like, really good. "Wow, Mariah, you really know what you're doing."
She grins. "Jared's going to freak."
I think about the imprinting business and I smirk. "Well, we can hope so."
"Now, for your hair…" She twists it around her fingers a little. "What do you think, should we leave it down?"
I just shrug, knowing she doesn't really want my opinion, she's thinking out loud.
"Well… it is just Thanksgiving. I say we leave it alone. You don't want to be too dressed up."
I nod. "Sounds good to me. You know how I feel about hot things coming near my head."
She laughs. "Yeah, I know you hate flat irons, and curling irons."
"And regular irons!" I chime in, and we both laugh.
Kennedy comes in the room, after knocking, in her little green robe and says she needs help with her outfit, so Mariah and I take off to her room, me in the clothes I had been wearing before my shower and Mariah in the outfit she showed up in.
We comb through Kennedy's closet until we all manage to agree on a sweater dress that she has and a pair of chocolate brown leggings to go with it. The sweater dress has tan and light pink designs and even some chocolate brown in it to tie into the leggings. She looks adorable in it and Mariah blow dries her hair and pulls part of it up in the back so her hair is down around her neck, but part of it is secured with a butterfly clip.
"You look great Kennedy." I tell her and she beams at me. She's always loved dressing up-even just a little. I get an idea and say, "You want to borrow one of my necklaces?"
She nods quickly and I bring her into my room. I have a butterfly necklace that matches her hair clip and has the exact pink as the one on the sweater. I pull it out and show it to her, and her eyes light up.
"Happy Thanksgiving." I clasp it around her neck and she looks at me confused. "You can keep it." I tell her softly.
She locks her tiny, but surprisingly strong arms around my waist. "Thanks Kimmy."
"Not a problem, squirt. It's what older sisters are for. You look like such a big girl tonight."
"Thanks, but you better hurry up." She skips out of the room.
She's right, it's already 3:00, and she's ready, but I'm not. I sigh.
Mariah insists that I put the cookies into their containers before I get dressed so that no one 'ruins the outfit' with chocolate chips. I comply, simply to avoid an argument. It's an understatement to say that at 3:20 I'm running a little behind, still not dressed to go.
"Come on Kim!" Mariah literally drags me into my room and opens my closet so I can see the outfit she fished out for me.
It's a sage shirt that's got flowing sleeves and a tie around the waist that I picked up in Seattle on a shopping trip with her. It still has the tags on it, because after I got it I forgot about it, but Mariah didn't. In fact she got me a matching tank top, because I know I didn't have one in this house of the color she has, now paired up with the top. I give her a hug.
"Thanks for the present."
"I knew you'd protest that the top was see through. Problem solved."
"You're the best."
"I know."
We both laugh, and I actually focus on the rest of the outfit. She's paired it with some dark wash jeans and a charm bracelet that's simple silver with a few charms hanging on it from random birthdays.
It looks great-even hanging on my door. "Wow."
"Don't just say 'wow' put it on!" She shoves me toward it and I change quickly.
When I look in the mirror I'm shocked. "Wow."
"Dang, Kim."
"You're magical Mariah, seriously." Though my hair is down and I'm not wearing much makeup I look… older somehow. Prettier, definitely. I love the outfit too; it's flattering and comfortable.
"Well, thanks."
"Do you want to be a personal fashion designer or something?"
"Nah, I'd be a better personal shopper."
"You got that right."
"Well, my work here is done." She looks me over one last time and sighs. "My masterpiece. Jared is going to F.R.E.A.K."
We both giggle.
"Kimmy!" Kennedy shouts from the front room. "You know who is here!"
"Thanks Kennedy!" Mariah and I shout at the same time, prompting more laughter. By the time Jared reaches the door Mariah and I are consumed in laughter-which is really my favorite thing to do with my best friend-and I'm glad that nothing has changed with us, even with all the new things going on in my life.
I give Mariah a final hug. "Thanks."
"It's what best friends are for." She smiles at me.
"I still owe you one."
"I'll remember that."
We turn off my light and head out to the front room. Mariah goes out first and heads over to Kennedy and Jared who are talking by the door. I smile and slip into the kitchen grabbing the two Tupperware containers of cookies.
Once I have the cookies I head into the living room. I look for my bag-purse, only to find Mariah holding an actual purse that matches my outfit perfectly. She really did think of everything.
I take it from her and smile. She winks. "Alright. Before I let you take away my girls I need pictures." Mariah's talking like she's our mother and I laugh. "Go on, get in front of the fireplace." She coaxes us gently and we make our way over to where she directs us.
I can feel Jared's eyes on me, and I can't stop smiling. One glance at him tells me he thinks I look good. He looks good too, and I'm glad to see I'm not too over or under dressed. Jared, Kennedy and I fall into somewhat of a formation with Jared's arm around my waist and my hand on Kennedy's shoulder while Mariah snaps a few pictures.
"Alright. My genius has been documented. You are free to go."
We laugh at her and head to the door. She follows and heads home, saying that she'll call me later. I tell her to enjoy her Thanksgiving and she laughs. "Yeah, it's always a riot. My idiot brothers come home to stuff their faces full of food, oh and our extended family comes in. Don't get me wrong, I love them all, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to get out of the house today. I can't even cook so I'm just in the way."
She's yelling to us while walking backwards on the sidewalk. When she finally rounds the corner, still backwards, it gets quiet.
It's a nice afternoon, and the moon is already visible, though it's not dark yet. I grabbed a light jacket on the way out, though I didn't need one, because I had to set a good example for Kennedy. Jared opens up the back door for her and she hops in, and I can tell by the smile on her face that she liked being treated like a 'grown-up'.
Jared also opens my door for me, and I can't help but smirk, thinking I like being treated like a 'grown-up' too. It's silly of me, but I love knowing that Jared is such a gentleman. Jared drives us to Emily's quickly and we're there in minutes. We get out of the car and head to the door, my cookies in hand, until Jared knocks.
At least we're being formal today; I wouldn't want to just walk in.
Emily opens the door, beaming. "Kim! Jared!" Then she looks at Kennedy, "And you must be the famous sister. Kennedy, right?"
Kennedy nods proudly and Emily smiles at her. "I thought so. You look so much like your sister. You're both so pretty. I'm Emily." She holds out her hand to Kennedy and my sister shakes it lightly.
"Hi." Jared and I both smile at Kennedy's response, and Emily does as well.
"Come on in guys," Emily says taking one of the containers of cookies from me. I follow her into the kitchen and set mine on the counter beside hers. Kennedy and Jared trail after me, and I deposit my coat and purse in the corner by the door, taking Kennedy's coat as well.
"Wow! It smells great Em!" Jared's smiling like a kid on Christmas morning and I smirk.
"Really Emily. How long have you been cooking?" I tease her.
"Hours!" Comes the voice I recognize as Paul from the living room. He comes in, smiling a little. "And she wouldn't let me try anything."
Emily grins. "Yes, poor Paul. I was taunting him with appetizing smells."
Jared introduces Kennedy, "This is Kim's sister, Kennedy." He gives Paul a warning look, but I can tell Paul doesn't need to be warned. Anger issues or no, Paul isn't about to be anything but civil to a five-year-old girl. And, it wouldn't be wise to mess with an imprint's sister.
"Hey there kiddo." He smiles at Kennedy, a genuine smile. "I'm Paul."
"Hi." Apparently that's Kennedy's go-to response today.
Sam comes into the house with a smile saying, "Hey, everybody's here! How did that happen? I only went out to get firewood like five minutes ago."
Emily laughs. "I told them four. They got here at four."
Sam looks thoughtful. "If you told them four why was this one-" He shoots a fake glare at Paul, "Here at two? Oh, and hi Kennedy. I'm Sam." Kennedy waves at him.
I contemplate Sam's question and take the opportunity to tease Paul. "Looking for handouts." I offer, teasing Paul just a little.
"I was not!" He denies it, but we all laugh, knowing that he was.
"Alright, well he didn't get any so he must be hungry," Emily smiles at Paul fondly. "And frankly, I am too. So let's eat!"
With that the guys spring into action, literally attacking all the food Emily has made. I find myself gravitating toward her, because we're waiting till the guys clear out before we make our own plates, and Kennedy sticks close to me.
I'm a little puzzled when Sam heads toward the kitchen table and forces the guys to follow his lead. I raise my eyebrows, turning to Emily who is smirking.
"What did you do to Sam?"
Kennedy speaks up, seemingly at ease around Emily, and without the huge guys surrounding us. "Isn't it obvious? She reminded Mr. Sam who wears the pants in the family." I think it's cute. Mr. Sam.
Emily and I laugh. Kennedy hasn't been here for more than five minutes and she's already determined that Emily is clearly in charge, and probably that she's with Sam too. Children are so perceptive.
Emily kneels down in front of Kennedy and smiles at her widely. "That I did, Kennedy. That I did." She stands up and smirks at me. "I made Sam promise we could use the table three times a year."
"So… Thanksgiving, Christmas, and…?" I'm out of major holidays.
"My birthday." Emily laughs a little.
"Ah. Well, good for you."
She smiles and we make our plates, each of us helping Kennedy out as well.
I smile when we head to the table and see that Jared saved Kennedy and I a seat-mine right next to him and Kennedy's right beside mine.
Kennedy and I settle in, just like I thought we would, and dinner goes great. After the guys attack the cookies and pies with Kennedy, and I help Emily with clearing the dishes. When we're done Emily goes into the living room to get to know Kennedy a little better.
I can tell Kennedy likes her by the way she talks to Emily. She looks up to her, probably because of the obvious control she wields over the guys. A few times tonight Emily has said one thing and all the guys immediately comply. They listen to Emily like she's their mother-aside from Sam, who clearly just wants to keep Emily happy.
I think Kennedy's favorite was when Paul bumped into the wall, in an attempt to avoid running into Jared as they crossed paths through the doorway, and said "Sh-"
Only to be interrupted by Emily who yelled, "Watch your language Paul! There are children present!" From the other room.
Paul had immediately responded, "I was going to say shoot." Though he clearly wasn't.
"You had better hope so. Or I might have to revoke your cookie privileges and give them to Kennedy." Kennedy had laughed, and so had I.
I'm a little surprised, though I shouldn't be, by how easily Kennedy and I fit into the family here. Granted they're all shape shifters and Kennedy doesn't know about it, but they really are a family. And we're a part of it now.
I couldn't be happier.
Alright, so what do you all think? Is it coming along nicely? I just realized that there are only 2 chapters left, so let me know what you're thinking. All you lovely readers, thanks for your continued support and helpful comments.
Thanks,
R&R
