Page 7 of Do It Yourself
I’d never assume someone else’s relationship but Paul doesn’t really try to hide that he has more than co-parenting feelings for Anika. They had a falling out around the time Anika got pregnant, before that everyone had assumed they were end-game. Nobody knows what happened between them and everyone is afraid to ask.
“I wasn’t sure…” Anika’s voice trailed off, her gaze darting over to Mama D.
“I invited her. It took some pestering to get her to agree.” Mama D stops lovin’ on Henry to explain, Henry darts to Mabel and repeats the process of hugs and kisses, and stands up to wrap her arms around Anika in a tight hug.
Anika seems to freeze for a moment before returning the hug with gusto. They exchange a few whispers before taking a seat at the table. Mama D has a wicked smile that sends a shiver down my spine. “I’m so happy to have you all here. I have plans that I can’t wait to tell you all about.”
My stomach flips like I’m at the top of a roller coaster just waiting for the drop. I don’t think I’m ready for whatever she’s got up her sleeve.
Chapter Five
MABEL
Dammit Mama.
She’s really become a shit stirrer in her old age. I’m right across from Anika. Henry is sandwiched between her and Mama. My heart breaks for my little brother, he’s at the edge of the table on the opposite side, I wish I could change seats with him without putting anymore attention on Anika, she looks like she’s one burst of wind from running away.
The longing on his face is like a neon sign. I don’t know what Mama was thinking, not preparing him for their arrival but it feels cruel. It’s so obvious that Paul has feelings for Anika. I don’t understand why he didn’t try to pursue something with her, especially after he got her pregnant.
I’ve learned to keep my questions to myself, though. Paul rarely gets mad but questions about his relationship with Anika definitely set him off.
“Dish up then I can let you in on my plans.” Mama’s smile is so wide it looks like it hurts but no one offers up a disagreement. Like the well-oiled machine our family has become after thirty plus years of dinner together, we grab whatever’s in front of us and dish up food onto our plates then passing to the next person.
Another reason I’d love to change seats with Paul, you ask?
I’m sitting right next to Jude and he smells addicting. It’s obvious he showered before coming to dinner, his hair is wet and he doesn’t have his usual ball cap on. The mixture of his soap, honey and farm is driving me insane.
He smells like home.
Every breath I take in fills my lungs with his unique mixture. My panties are wet, my nipples are tingling and my stomach is churning with anxiety.
It seems like horny anxiety is becoming my default setting nowadays.
Once everyone’s plates are loaded and all the serving trays have returned to the middle of the table, Mama takes a deep, dramatic breath.
“It’s been too long since we’ve all been down to the cabin. I know summer is a busy time here at the Farm but I’ve worked some magic with everyone’s schedules and we are all going up for a long weekend between the Fourth and Pioneer Day.”
Yes.
Yes, yes yes.
That’s exactly what I need!
The arousal and anxiety are quickly replaced with excitement and anticipation. Mama is still talking but I stopped listening but I tune back in once I realize I’m getting ahead of myself.
“Anika agreed to come up with us, which means, we’ll have the whole family.” Henry lets out a squeal of glee and I want to join him. This sounds like the perfect weekend and I just want to fast forward and get to this perfect escape.
“I’ll make sure everything keeps running smoothly while you are gone.” Jude’s rumbling voice wriggles down my spine and hits me right in my clit. I want to punch this sexy giant for inadvertently keeping me on edge.
“Oh, no. Judey, you’re coming too. I want the whole family together.” Mama’s words are fierce and leave no room for argument.
“That sounds great, Mama. Patrick and I can’t wait.” Elle cuts in, doing her best to stop any objections before anyone can say anything.
“Yeah, Mama. That sounds amazing.” Lola echoes her excitement.
Mama shoots the agreeable trio a smile. “Well, that’s settled. Let’s eat.”
Dinner passes by without much more excitement. Henry is his typical three year old energized self, making a mess of the pasta dish Mama prepared. We chat more about wedding prep which is coming up quicker than I can believe.
