:: Emma's POV ::

The last couple weeks had come and gone so fast and Thanksgiving had quickly approached. I had offered to host everyone at my house this year and I was suddenly kicking myself for my decision. For a holiday solely based around food, it was a lot of pressure to make sure everything was perfect. Don't get me wrong I love to cook and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it, but I'm used to cooking for Noah, JJ and myself at most. What mattered most to me is that JJ felt welcomed and comfortable, I hated that he was going to spend the holiday away from his family and could only imagine how tough it would be on him. I know he was used to it by now but I know deep down it bothered him. On a brighter note, I had spent the last week or so talking with Connie about the possibility of JJ and me hosting his family for Christmas. She seemed to be on board and I was thrilled about that, I had kept it a secret from JJ and couldn't wait to surprise him once we had all the details worked out.

I was pretty proud of myself for everything I was able to accomplish ahead of time in order to prep for today. If there was one thing I was really good at, it was being prepared and organized. I liked to have a plan of attack for everything; I think it was something I acquired from being both a mother and a business owner.

My day of cooking started at six this morning when I began to tackle making my pies. There was a lot of pressure riding on these pies; my mother had made hers from scratch year after year and I was insistent I could handle it, even though I wasn't completely sure I could. I didn't do much baking, not because I wasn't good at it but because I was probably the messiest baker that ever existed. If anything, my disheveled baking skills at least gave JJ a laugh before he left for practice. Regardless, he made sure to tell me how much he admired my attempts and how sexy he thought I was covered head to toe in flour. I knew he was just being the supportive boyfriend that he is, but God love him for it. He is so good to me and managed to bring me confidence no matter what task I was attempting to master, I'm his biggest fan and in turn, he's mine.

It seemed like an entire day had passed by the time I had finished, yet it was only nearing noon. It left me one hour to get the table set and the drinks chilling before my family was expected to arrive. I had put Noah to work organizing his toys and making sure his playroom was picked up and ready for his cousins. JJ always laughed at my philosophy of having Noah clean his playroom just to have his friends or cousins come over to mess it all up again. Maybe he was right but unfortunately for Noah, and potentially JJ in the future, I have a mild OCD problem. I don't see anything wrong with being clean and tidy. My mom always taught me that your home is a reflection of yourself and it was something that stuck with me my whole life.

I had just barely finished setting the table when the doorbell rang; I looked at the clock on the wall trying to figure out how my last hour had gotten away from me so quickly. 12:45. It was sure to be my parents, they were always early. Any time I had people over at my place, whether it was a birthday party for Noah or even just a small family gathering, my mother had always showed up ahead of most guests so she was able to lend me her "services". Personally, I think she just has a hard time not being the hostess with the mostess. She wasn't used to handing the reigns over to anyone else and I still wasn't completely sure how she had agreed to allowing me to take over Thanksgiving this year. I'm sure she has been having mini panic attacks all week.

"Can you see who's at the door buddy?" I called out to Noah, his play room was in the front of the house and had several windows that over looked the front porch and the drive way.

"Nana and Papa are here!" There was so much excitement in his voice, he loved having company.

"You can let them in."

I smiled to myself as I listened to my parents doting over Noah and how handsome he looked in his Thanksgiving attire. He really is such a little ham but his plaid button up he was wearing with his jeans was adorable. JJ had taken him shopping for his "little man" outfit and he insisted on being just like him. I remember JJ coming home and being so touched by it. They were going to wear matching plaid shirts today and I thought it was beyond adorable. I couldn't wait to get a picture of them.

"Hi Em." My mom's voice pulled my attention away from the dishes I was trying to quickly wash.

"Hi." I looked over at her, "You look cute today."

"Thanks honey." She kissed my cheek as I continued with my dishes.

"Hi dad." I smiled at him as he walked into the kitchen, a platter in his hands.

"Hi kiddo." He looked around, "Where do you want this? It's just some snacks your mother made up."

"You can set it on the counter right there." I gestured to the empty island with a nod of my head.

"Where's that handsome man of yours?"

I looked over at my mom as I dried my hands off on a dish towel, "He had practice unfortunately; he should be here soon though."

"On Thanksgiving?" My mother seemed so offended by the thought.

My dad and I laughed and I just shook my head at her, she would have everyone home with their families if she could have anything to do with it. She never understood the mix of Thanksgiving and football but the idea of people working on holidays really seemed ludicrous to her.

"He's still got a game to play Sunday honey." My dad rubbed her back, my parents were so cute and I couldn't wait to have the kind of relationship they shared, "We need that win."

"He is so excited that you're coming out to the game with us on Sunday." I smiled at my dad, "He's been talking about it all week."

"Oh yeah?" My dad laughed.

"I swear. He says he's got all kinds of surprises for us." I chuckled.

"I like surprises." He smiled as he pulled out the bar stool to take a seat at the island.

"Do you need help with anything honey?"

I knew my mom was eager to help but I really didn't have much that needed to be done. I had pretty much accomplished the task of preparing everything myself. Regardless, I managed to find her an odd job, I knew she'd appreciate it or at least feel like she was contributing.

We spent the small window of time we had visiting with each other before everyone started showing up. Before I knew it, my house was fuller than it had ever been. Not that I was complaining, I loved it. I loved having family together and it seemed like these moments grew to become few and far between. Everyone was always so busy with day to day life; we really grew to cherish these times together. I was glad JJ was going to join us; I hoped he could feel that same sense of family with mine that he would be missing with his own back in Wisconsin. I would love for my family to be his "family away from family". He had grown close to my dad and my brothers and I was more than thrilled about that. They were already planning several golf outings for the off season, I thought it was so cute how excited they all were. JJ had even said that he wanted to buy Noah a set of clubs and teach him a little about golf, or at least get him to start hitting a golf ball around. It melted my heart at how much he had stepped up in Noah's life to fill so many voids my ex left behind. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect man. I don't think I could have dreamedup a more perfect man.

I was definitely glad that I was not going into another holiday season single, it was nice to have the heat off of me and on someone else for a change. Everyone's attention was now switching to my cousin Kate and her new husband, Brett, and when they planned to have babies. I couldn't help but to laugh, God love my family. Wasn't there enough kids running around for the time being? I counted twelve running around my house and that was not counting the two little ones that weren't quite old enough run around with the older kids just yet. Fourteen kids. Under one roof. We seemed set in the kid department of the family if you asked me.

"Momma JJ's here!"

I looked up from my conversation with Holly and saw JJ walking into the room, Noah in his arms. I set my wine glass down as I got up to see him. He looked so handsome in his matching button up and jeans. I loved to see his hair free of a hat, although I think he's extremely sexy donning a ball cap. I just like being able to see his eyes better, they made me melt; definitely one of my biggest weaknesses with him. Well, actually, everything about him is a weakness to me; in the best way possible of course.

"Hey." I smiled at him as he pulled me into him with his free arm. I love that he always instinctively rested his hand on my bottom, it almost felt like a subconsciously possessive gesture and I thought it was kind of sexy.

"Hey baby." He greeted me with a short but sweet kiss and I felt so proud to be able to introduce him to those in my family he had not yet met.

They were eagerly waiting their introductions and I was eager to give the introductions. Noah remained attached to JJ as I took him around to introduce him to those he didn't know, which seemed to be the majority. The kids loved him and while not all of them really knew who he was, they were amazed by his size and I often found them staring at him in awe. It was one of the sweetest things I had ever seen. The remarkable size difference between JJ and my cousin's three year old son was actually quite adorable. It gave us all quite a laugh to watch him stare at JJ in enchantment.

"Oh my goodness. You two look so cute!" My mom was beaming as she wrapped her arms around JJ and Noah.

"Thanks." JJ smirked.

"Does he love him or what?" My mom looked over at me then back at the boys as she referred to the view of Noah clinging to JJ.

I agreed with her, a smile on my face, "He really does."

My mom excused herself as she walked off to get my grandmother a drink refill and Noah had rejoined his cousins to continue playing. It finally gave me a brief quiet moment with JJ. Those moments had been limited over the last week due to me being so stressed out about making sure today went smoothly. I know he didn't mind and that he understood the situation.

"How was practice?" I wrapped my arms around his waist and looked up at him.

He nodded, "Good. I'm definitely exhausted though."

"Do you wanna go?" I asked, hopeful he'd say no but completely understood if he said yes.

"Are you kidding? I watched you prepare for this all week, running around like a chicken with your head cut off. I'm definitely not going to miss it."

I laughed with him as I gave him a playful swat. He loved to tease me but at the same time I really enjoyed it. He was cute and playful in that sense, I thought it was flirtatious and I knew it was all in good fun.

"I just wanted everything to go well." I reasoned.

He kissed my forehead, "I'm sure everything is perfect baby. You're too hard on yourself."

I stood on my tip toes to kiss his lips but he still had to bend over to greet my lips, "I love you."

That was one downfall, the only time I could really smother him in kisses the way I wanted to was while he was sitting or laying down. Other than that, regardless of how high my heels were or how much I stood on my tippy toes he still had to bring himself closer to me in order for me to actually reach his lips. Not that he's ever complained but it kind of takes away from my attempts at spontaneity.

"I love you too."

I hated breaking up my moment with JJ but I needed to start getting the food out on the table. Everyone was waiting to be fed and I was ready to get this celebration underway. Honestly, I couldn't wait until it was over and I was able to spend the night unwinding with my man. The last thing I had done this past week was relax. Lord knows I need it.

My mother happily assisted me in getting all food heated, my father and JJ happily assisted with the manly job of carving the turkeys. My family insisted on having one fried turkey and one baked turkey every year, while I didn't really notice a difference, it made the task of preparing two turkeys much, much easier. Thankfully, turkey frying is a job the men in my family tend to love. It's like a rite of passage around here.

Everyone had filled their plates and scattered around the various places I had set for eating. I was so happy to report that everything had turned out amazing and my first Thanksgiving was looking like a total success. It was definitely safe to say I was in no hurry to do it again but I was happy to know I was completely capable of pulling it off. I understood why my mom enjoyed it; it was rewarding to know the family appreciated the lengths you went to provide them with a delicious holiday meal and not to mention the cook never had to partake in clean up duty in my family. That is worth it all on its own if you ask me. Dishes are the worst part.

JJ insisted I relax with a glass of wine while he helped take care of the clean up duty and I happily obliged. Sometimes I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. He was the perfect team player in a relationship and I had never been used to having that. That seemed to be a trait that died out in a lot of men these days. My mom always told me you could get a good feel for what kind of spouse a man would be by the way he treats his mother. When I was younger I didn't always believe it, but the older I got, I completely agreed with what she was saying and JJ treated his mother like a queen.

The doorbell rang as I sat talking with Holly and Jillian. I looked at them confused as to who would be showing up at my house. Everyone that was supposed to be here was here; I couldn't even imagine who it could be. I set my glass down and walked over to answer the door. When I pulled it open I was met by a face I had spent a lot of time hoping I'd never see again. My ex.

"Hi Emma."

His voice sent chills of horror down my spine. Not that he had ever severely hurt me, but he was a complete dog and I dreaded the times he felt like he needed to come be a dad to Noah. The last time I agreed to let him see Noah, he destroyed him. He filled him with nothing more than false hopes and put me in the position of being the bad guy. I'd be damned if I was going to let him near my son again.

"What are you doing here?" I narrowed the gap in the door, trying to prevent him from coming any closer or attempting to come in.

"I wanted to see you. I wanted to see Noah." He smiled at me and I felt my skin crawl.

"We don't want to see you. It's best if you leave." I began shutting the door when he stopped it with his foot.

I looked at him, my eyes wide. I was shocked he was going to play this game with me right now but I wasn't going to have it. I wanted to prevent drawing attention to this situation and stepped outside to continue this conversation with him on the porch. The last thing I needed was Noah walking in on this.

:: JJ's POV ::

I was in the kitchen having a good time cleaning up with the guys. Who knew washing dishes could be so entertaining? I was so proud of Emma for the incredibly delicious meal she had pulled off and the least I could do was volunteer for dish duty to show her my appreciation. Luckily, the majority of the men were on board. I soon discovered they used it as an escape to down a couple extra beers unbeknownst to their wives; as a man that doesn't drink it was amusing to me.

"JJ I think Emma needs you out-front." Jillian seemed to be in a panic as she ran into the kitchen.

"Is she okay?"

"Nick is here!" She softly raised her voice and instantly pulled my attention away from the pile of dishes I had agreed to master.

I made my way out to the front door as quickly as I could without drawing too much attention to myself. I didn't want everyone knowing what was going on. I heard voices on the front porch and quietly slipped outside to find out what was going on.

"You okay?" I looked at Emma who was visibly upset, I'm not really one for confrontation and I was not going to acknowledge Nick unless it was absolutely necessary.

"Who are you? Her bodyguard?" Nick laughed at his own lines obviously finding himself amusing; I cannot say that I felt the same.

"I don't believe I was talking to you." I looked at that man that stood across from us.

"I'm okay." Emma nodded.

"I'm just trying to see my kid."

"Excuse me?" I found his choice of words offensive.

"I want to see my fucking kid. Why is that so hard to understand?"

"I think by 'kid' you mean Noah and it's hard to understand because you haven't had any desire to have contact with him. Forgive us if we seem a little surprised by this unwelcomed visit." I tried to keep my cool but the way he talked about Noah made my blood boil with anger, "I suggest you leave before I'm forced to call the police."

"Is this how you want to do this Emma?" Nick was trying his hardest to get under her skin, "All I have to do is go to court and ask for joint custody of him and they'll give it to me. There's nothing you can do about that."

Emma couldn't speak and it was killing me to see her this way. I knew she was scared, I knew she dreaded this day but I'd be damned if I was going to let him make her feel like this. He had no right. Just as I thought I was going to have to address his threats Emma spoke up.

"You want to go to court and get joint custody?" She reiterated his choice of words, "That's fine Nick. I will contact my lawyer. Just know that you'll have to open your wallet and pay all the backed child support you owe; I've also documented the number of days you go in between wanting to see Noah, I've also documented that you failed to come through each time. We can go to court, that's no problem. I'm beyond prepared. I just hope you are."

I was proud of her, she was definitely prepared to be met with this moment and she had said all of the right things. Nick was nothing more than a punk who was going to do anything he could to attempt to control her and I knew he was growing angry at her ability to stand up to him and his idle threats.

"You really think they'll listen to you? Sounds to me like you're just a jealous jaded ex who's mad I strayed so you're punishing me by keeping my son from me. At least that's the way I see it." Nick was the epitome of a bully and I was really struggling to keep my fist to myself, but this was not the publicity I needed, this scum wasn't worth my reputation.

"Emma, go inside." I was going to handle Nick on my own; I didn't need him bringing her down. She didn't deserve to feel bad about herself for his short comings.

"JJ." Her voice was soft and I knew she was trying to persuade me otherwise.

"Emma. Go inside." My voice was firmer this time; she needed to know I was serious.

She turned to walk inside and left me on the porch with Nick. I wasn't going to beat on him as much as I wanted to but I was going to get to the bottom of his motives; or at least I was going to try.

"What do you want Nick?"

"I want to see my kid." He stated once again, his choice of words really getting on my last nerve.

"We both know you're not here to see Noah, so why don't you try answering that question again."