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“But you gave some to Daphne,” Sol whines

Mama gives her daughter alook.“Marisol Barrett, are you being jealous? The girl’s hands are dry, for heaven’s sake.”

“I wasn’t jealous,” Sol mumbles, settling at the table with a huff.

Sam winks, wrapping an arm around her shoulder so he can kiss her temple. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ll get you some later.” She damn near beams at her husband, leaning in to kiss his entire face while her brothers heckle them.

“Sweet, aren’t they?” Mama pulls me out of the dining room and into the adorable kitchen nook. “They’re perfectly suited, just like Levi and Omar. Like you and my boys.”

My face is cherry red and growing hotter by the second while she shoots me this satisfied look. “We’re still early in our courtship.”

“Maybe, but a mother always knows when her kids find the one.” Mama smiles at me and it’s so fucking warm, I want to cry. “I just wanted to say thank you for coming. For bringing my boys back. They were floundering before they met you, but I see the men they were before life kicked them in the teeth coming back.”

We turn to watch all three of them standing by the table, laughing with the rest of the family. I think of the photos on the wall, of how bright they used to be, and I realize she’s right. Even Connor, who’s stressed all the time lately, seems content here. At least, until he checks his phone when he thinks no one’s looking and every time he does, his face creases. I can almost feel the stress pouring off him until he shoves it away, like he shuts himself in that fucking office every night.

But when he’shere,he’s at peace.

“They’ve given me so much,” I admit, trying to ignore the way my system’s stressing over the pack lead. “If I can help even a little, it’ll be worth it.”

Mama smiles. “You’ve helped so much more than you know. If you need anything, you better call me.”

I always dreamed of having a mother like this. Someone kind and affectionate, glowing with love every time she looks at herfamily. Even when they frustrate or annoy her, Mama smacks them on the arm or shoos them out of the kitchen with an appreciation that I’ve never experienced. If I ever have babies of my own, I hope I’m half the mother she is.

Maybe that’s what pushes me into her outstretched arms, letting the scent of shea and the warmth of home seep into my bones and heat places that have never felt a loving mother’s touch. My throat burns as I hold still, enjoying the connection while it lasts.

When we pull away, I have to dry my cheeks, not wanting to acknowledge the damp there. “Thanks, Mama.”

“Anytime, baby. Now, come on. Let’s eat.”

Mama’s spread looks even more insane close up. Roasted turkey that makes my mouth water, dressing and potatoes of all kinds. The cheesiest mac and cheese and a bowl of greens that I need in my mouth immediately. There’s barely any space left at the table to set my water, let alone anything else. They’re going to roll me out of this house with a smile on my face.

Mama cuts the chatter with a single, sharp clap. “Before we eat, let’s go around the table and say what we’re thankful for.”

“Thanksgiving’s tomorrow, Mama,” Sol complains.

“And who says we can only be thankful, then? Miss a whole year of gratitude with that attitude.”

“I just want to eat.”

“You can eat after you tell us what you’re thankful for.”

“Better stop while you’re ahead, babe,” Sam whispers, kissing the back of Sol’s hand.

“Ugh. Fine, gratitude away.” At Mama’s sharp glance, she straightens. “Shit, I’m grateful for work being safe, my family being healthy, and my husband being hot.”

“Here, here,” Sam cheers. “I’m thankful for a wife who can keep up with me?—”

“Okay now,” Will interrupts.

“In the gym, obviously.” Sam winks and Sol looks so bashful I snort into my glass.

“Levi?” Mama asks.

“I’m grateful for steady work and a lifetime with my love.”

“Aww,” Nate coos. “Love you too, Levi.”

He throws a roll, but when Nate tries to retaliate, Mama about skewers him with a fork. She looks exasperated by the time she gets to Connor.