“If you’re not including Anna, then you’re leaving out a key player. I’m already knowing this was her grand plan for real. But hey, think about it like this, one house, one stop, quicker for us to get back home and for me to finish rubbing you down,” I said just as I parked the truck, reaching over to grab her hand andkissing the back, loving the subtle cherry vanilla scent on her warm, soft skin.
McKay kissed her teeth as she blew out her irritation and her pretty browns rolled to the back of her head.
“Exactly, one house. To a pregnant woman that’s limiting my buffet plates. This year I was excited to be hitting more than one house. I had plans to eat at your folks and mine, then swing by Johnni and Quincey’s for dessert. Anna and Kat hosting together this year just ruined all my plans.” She huffed as I snorted before uncrossing her arms that she had just folded over her chest.
“M&M, it’s not though. I’m sure the spread looks the same for both houses. We can leave and come back after your first plate if you want to, to give you that double family dinner.” When the tears started, I got confused until I remembered this was a symptom of her hormones.
“Baby, if we needed to make it three trips, I wouldn’t care. Anything to make you happy. Now c’mon, so these crazy ass people can stress me out about the gender and name of our baby.”
“You mean us?”
“Nope, just me. You already know I ain’t gon’ let nobody stress you out, your mama included,” I said as I got out, now rounding the truck to get her out, saying a silent prayer for a peaceful Thanksgiving, especially since unbeknownst to us, we had combined our families for the day.
We walked in and were immediately hit with smells that made us thankful as hell. The sweet cinnamon warmed my nose while the hint of Cajun seasoning had my mouth watering.
“Mmm… what’s that?” McKay asked as I removed her jacket, exposing the bump in the back and the front. I couldn’t help but grab a handful of her fat ass while holding her close.
“I don’t know, but I know what’s got my mouth watering,” I whispered in her ear, causing her to giggle while attempting to push me off.
“Uh uhn, not here, behave.”
“Yes behave, son. Happy Thanksgiving, you two.” The sound of my dad’s voice scared us both. I cleared my throat while I grabbed his extended hand with my free one, not letting McKay go just yet.
“Hey Dad, happy Thanksgiving. What’s going on?”
“Hiding in the den from your mothers watching the game. Now Mickey, normally the den is a man’s only domain, but given your current state of carrying my first grand, I’m extending my hiding spot to you too. I can almost guarantee no one will bother you there,” Paul said as he hugged her the best way he could with me standing in the way.
McKay chuckled. “As tempting as that sounds, me and this baby will be wherever the food is, then in a nice quiet corner after I do that.”
My dad laughed then looked at me, giving me a nod. “Damn, I guess I lost you this year in the den, huh? It’s all good. Well, let me get back before your Uncle Tim tries to sneak into my good shit. I’ve been gone too long.”
He left us standing there as we made our way through the foyer, passing the living room filled with family I recognized and a bunch I didn’t, which I assumed was McKay’s people. It wasn’t until we reached the kitchen where we found our mothers and Tino who came every year since he didn’t have much family of his own.
“There my babies are. How are you feeling, Mickey?” Anna asked for both as they rushed us, ignoring me and going straight for McKay’s belly. I moved out of the way to dap Tino who had his head down on his phone.
“What’s going on, man?”
“Nothing much. How long have you been here?”
“Just got here. Boss just called and said he’s on his way. He sounded fucked up already. I guess shit went bad at his folks’ spot.” I shook my head. Boss always had problems with his people around the holidays, so just like Tino, I knew he would be here too.
I put my attention back on McKay whose eyes lit up as she dried her hands as our moms sat her down at the table and put a plate of appetizers in front of her.
“I still can’t believe this is you for real. Shit moved fast, didn’t it?” Tino pulled my attention back on him, taking my gaze off my lady who was rubbing her belly.
“Naw, for real. Did I tell you I finally felt the baby move the other day? Shit was freaky as hell, but amazing. It’s a different feeling actually getting to experience that part with her.” He chuckled, not able to respond since Art and Boss both came through the kitchen door.
I dapped each of them up.
“Fool, I know your ass ain’t just getting here?” I directed at Art who pushed out his lips as he shook his head.
“Hell no. I made a liquor store run. Dad sent me to get something else since Uncle Tim was eyeing his cognac. So I got a couple bottles of Black Ops. Hey, sis!” he tossed out at McKay before he made his way through the kitchen back to the den.
“Fool, I’m following the bottle until it’s time to eat. Hey, family.” That was Boss passing me. I caught a strong whiff of alcohol and knew he was fucked up like Tino said.
“Yo I’ma go make sure he’s cool. Are you coming down?” I shook my head at Tino’s question before making my way over to McKay.
“Ol’ in love ass.” He smirked before heading out himself, leaving me behind. I took a seat next to McKay who said a quick prayer before going for a piece of chicken on her plate. When Ireached for her fork for a bite of a waffle, I got the pop of my life from my mama.
