Chapter 14

James

Thanksgiving came, and we decided to have it at our house. Sam loved having everyone over, and even though she was close to six months along, she wanted to host it. Of course, everyone came early, so the guys played with the kids while the ladies cooked and talked trash about the guys. They thought we didn't know what they were up to, but we definitely did. They'd been doing it for years.

We were deep into dinner, and I looked over at Sammie. She nodded, so I stood up.

“I have something I want to tell everyone,” I said.

“Nothing you say will bother me,” Lance said. “You've already gotten my daughter pregnant. It can't be any worse than that.”

“Yes it could,” grandma said. “They could be having twins.”

“Shit!” Lance snapped. “It's not that, is it?”

“Seriously!” I barked out, as I looked over at my grandma. “Don't get him started. I'm your blood, remember? I don't need that blood smeared all over the wall behind me.”

“Okay,” Lance said. “What's the big announcement?”

The whole room was filled with noise. It was nothing like the Thanksgivings from years ago, it was so much better.

“I'm selling the company,” I said.

“What?” Lucy snapped out.

“You're kidding,” Lance Jr. said, as he stood up.

“I am,” I said. “Lucy needs to be home to keep her man in line.”

“Reid,” Lance snapped.

“I also know she'd much rather be at Lauren and Lance's house or at ours, spending time with her million grandchildren. And Lance Jr., I know you've been struggling with a huge decision. You don't want to let the government go, but you want more time at home. Lauren and the kids need you. I'm making that decision for you. You're fired.”

“James,” Lance Jr. said, as he sat back down.

“I get it,” I said. “That just leaves me. We have three beautiful kids, and we're getting ready for number four. I want to be home with them. This is what I want.”

I looked at my dad, and he smiled, letting me know he was behind me on my decision.

“Do you already have someone showing interest?” Lucy asked.

“I do,” I said. “Actually, everything went through yesterday. I'm no longer the owner.”

“What?” she snapped out, as she got to her feet and rounded the table on me. “How did this happen without me knowing?”

“I'm good like that,” I said. “I have to hand over the keys Monday, so I was hoping you could all get together and help clear out what's mine.”

“On Thanksgiving weekend,” Lance said. “You know these ladies have to do that crazy ass shopping tomorrow.”

“Then you're available Saturday and Sunday. Great! Thank you,” I said.

“That's not what I said,” he replied.

“Sounded like it to me,” I said.

“You've already sold the place,” Lucy said. “I just can't believe it. That means I have to spend more time with this guy.”

She walked closer to Lance, and he wrapped his arms around her.

“That's an honor, baby,” he said. “More naked time.”

“Dad,” Sammie snapped.

“Says the woman almost six months pregnant,” he said. “Do not dad me.”

Lance Jr. came over and gave me a pat on the back.

“Congrats, Man,” he said. “You really did make that decision for me, didn't you?”

“You've been fighting it for months,” I said. “Don't think I couldn't see that shit. Lauren needs you, and there is no way I'd want you to give up the government for me.”

“You gave me a chance when nobody thought I could do it,” he said. “I love you, Man.”

“Love you too, Bro,” I said. “I wanted to fire you, but there was no way I wasn't having you at the company. This was my only choice.”

“Don't put that on my back,” he said, as his face went serious.

“I'm just fucking with you,” I said. “It's time for me to be home with my family full time.”

“Guess I can give you my news then,” he said.

“You did not,” Lance snapped, as he got to his feet. “My son or not, I'll kick your ass.”

“No way,” Lance Jr. said, as he lifted his hands in defense. “I landed a huge contract for the military, and I want Lauren to help me. We'll definitely need some help at home.”

“I'll take that any day,” Lance said. “We're on the job, and we won't even charge that much.”

“Hotshot,” Lucy snapped out. “Do not say that.”

“What?” he asked, in an innocent tone.

“Don't what me,” she said. “You'd move those babies in with us if you could.”

“Sure would,” he said. “Don't any of you forget that either. Better keep my babies happy, or I'll be right there to rescue them. That goes for all of you.”

“Now we know how to get a little break,” Parker said, from the other side of the table. “Just have one of the kids call Lance sounding unhappy.”

“Not funny,” Lance said.

“What happens when one child from each family calls on the same day?” Sammie asked.

“Do not even think about it, Sammie,” He answered.

“Please,” Lucy said. “It's not just him you'll be doing that to. There are definitely times a move like that will bite you in the ass.”

We all sat back down and finished dinner. By the time we were done with dessert, there were tired kids everywhere. We set them up with pillows, blankets, and a movie in the basement. Then us adults spread out and turned on a movie of our own. It didn't take long for all of the ladies to fall asleep, including grandma. That was when I grabbed the remote, the Lances grabbed us all some beers, and we settled in to watch a game.

The day had turned out better than I'd hoped. I should have known that though. They were family. Of course they would be behind me in my decision. I never should have doubted any of them. They'd always have my back.