Tanner is frozen as he looks at me.
“You want her to eat first?” he asks.
I nod. “Where I come from, the women and children always eat first. They get to take as much as they want, and if there is anything left, then the men eat.”
“That is barbaric,” Jane hisses at me.
“No, it’s taking care of your kin.”
“You are my guest. Guests eat first.”
I finish cutting up the chicken before putting some mashed potatoes, gravy, and veggies on the plate.
“I don’t like veggies.” Emily pouts.
“They are good for you. They will make you big and strong. All the best queens eat them.”
She frowns. “Really?”
“Yep. I could call one for you if you wanted to ask.”
She lights up, but Jane shuts her down. “No phones at the table. Eat.”
I turn and give her a pointed look. She rolls her eyes.
“Tanner, get your food,” she tells him.
“You first, Mom,” he says, looking at me.
I give him a proud nod. I meant he should eat first too, as he is a child, but he thinks he is the man of the house, so I will give him my approval. One day, he won’t need to be the strong one anymore.
“Ridiculous. You are causing a mutiny in my house.” Jane groans.
“Or getting Emily to eat her veggies,” I whisper to her.
She looks up, and her eyes soften as she sees Emily eyeing a carrot before putting it in her mouth.
Jane gives up the fight, making her plate. Then she looks at me.
“You next, Tanner. I’m the eldest male, so I go last. Unless it is an elderly man, like your grandpa’s age.”
Tanner nods. “Yes, sir.”
I watch him make his plate before I make my own. Once we are all settled, I take my first bite.
“This is delicious, Jane. Thank you for the effort you put into dinner. It is appreciated.”
“Oh, um. You’re welcome.”
She blushes, making me want to kiss the hell out of her. I don’t, though. Instead, I give her a smile as I go back to eating.
Emily starts talking then, telling us all about what she has been learning in school. Tanner studies me throughout the meal. We seem to have come to an understanding. He is still unsure about me, but as long as I am trying to keep them safe, he is on my side.
I respect that. He has seen too much. He doesn’t want to see his mom hurt again.
He will learn to trust me, just like Jane will as well. Emily is the easy one. She trusts so easily. It’s scary in a way, but also a relief. It means she still has that childhood innocence.
After dinner, the kids go to their rooms to clean up while I set to doing the dishes.
