I replenished the pies as everyone reached for a slice. "I'm glad you'll be spending it with your sister."
"Natasha thought it would be easier if we spent the day with the Sterlings. I don't think she could handle being alone today, and I want to do whatever's easiest for her."
I looked over at her. "What about what you want?"
She pursed her lips. "I think it would be better to make new traditions. It would keep my mind off everything we're missing."
"Why don't you stop by my parents after the Sterlings for dessert? We'll be there for a while, playing games and eating leftovers."
She let out a breath. "You know, that would be nice. I'll text you when I'm on my way."
A warmth spread through my chest, and it had nothing to do with the ovens we'd used to reheat the food.
Eve took a step back. "I should get going. I told Natasha I'd be over as soon as I dropped off the desserts."
I smiled at her, the action feeling a little rusty. "Thanks for bringing the pies."
She looked around, probably noting the other firefighters who were present. Then she moved closer to me. "Should I give you a proper goodbye? You know, because we're supposed to be dating now?"
I lowered my voice, enjoying her standing so close. "Maybe just a quick peck. We are serving food in a kitchen, after all."
Her lips twitched, but she went up on tiptoes and kissed me.
I didn't reach out to touch her. I was afraid that I'd lose control, even in this kitchen with people surrounding us.
It was a quick peck before she was flat on her feet again and moving away with a wave. "See you later."
I winked at her, ignoring the guys who were singing some song from childhood about kissing in a tree.
I was used to the constant ribbing, but it hadn't been directed at me in a while. It was worth it to get the promotion I wanted. If the lines had been blurred last night, it was my fault. I needed to keep a cool head and stay focused on the goal and not on the gorgeous woman who served meals on Thanksgiving and dropped off pies to missions.
"Get back to work," I finally barked at the guys, but they laughed at me. Apparently, my bark wasn't so scary anymore.
I turned my attention to the pies, plating more to keep up with demand. I told myself I'd invited Eve over to my parents' house because we were supposed to be broadcasting our relationship to everyone. But it was more than that. I didn't want her to be upset because it was her first holiday without her parents.
After the meal was served and cleaned up, I headed to my parents' house, looking forward to a good dinner and relaxing for the rest of the day.
Then there was the added bonus; Eve was stopping by. I looked forward to seeing her with my family.
At my parents' house, I found Mom in the kitchen with Sofia helping her cut potatoes.
Mom barely looked up. "How was the mission?"
I washed my hands in the sink. "Good. There were a lot of people there."
Mom nodded. "That's a good thing you do."
"I invited Eve to stop by for dessert later."
Mom's concerned gaze lifted. "Does she have somewhere to go for dinner?"
I grabbed a cracker and placed a slice of cheese on top. "The Sterlings invited her over."
"Oh, that's right. Ford is renovating Mistletoe Inn, and he used to date Natasha. I'm glad the Sterlings are taking care of the girls. It's their first Thanksgiving without their parents."
Sofia glanced up. "She lost her mom. Just like me."
Mom nudged her shoulder. "She might be feeling a little down."
