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"I told you I would hire someone to do this," Aiden says, wrapping me in his arms after I close the oven door.

I admire the charm bracelet for a brief moment, it was the best gift my mom's ever given me, I haven't taken it off since my birthday. That and Aiden's locket are always on me. I took the promise ring off for today though, I didn't want my mom thinking I was engaged when I'm not.

"There is no way I would let your chefs be away from their families today. We're perfectly capable of cooking." I smile, gesturing to Ashley. "See! I even have Ash on chopping duty."

She giggles, showcasing her very large knife. Aiden laughs, "Yes, and when she cuts her finger off, I'm not driving her to the hospital."

I wipe my hands against my apron as my mom rushes in through the front doors, her eyes search the open floor as she darts in my direction. I turn to Aiden with a smile, "Besides, It's tradition, it will make my mom happy." I tell him, assuring him that I'm okay and this is what normal people do on thanksgiving.

Wait, I wonder what he did on Thanksgiving before me? He was always alone... no need to think of the past though. Only the future. He gives me an appreciative squeeze before my mom slips into my arms, hugging me fiercely.

"Honey!" she squeals, bouncing by Howard's side. He insisted on picking her up of course. In her hands, she holds two bouquets. One, which I know is for me. A blooming bouquet of yellow roses. The second, a vibrant set of tulips. Howard.

She hands the roses to me, "Thank you." I tell her, bringing the fresh-picked roses to my nose, inhaling their sweet and dewy scent deeply.

She rushes into Aiden's arms for a hug as well, which makes me smile. We talk all the time, she knows how happy I am. The calls were sporadic when we first arrived at the cabin, we didn't and still don't know whose after us but whoever it was hasn't attacked his body double so that's a plus.

I try to keep her up to date on my life as much as I possibly can, I know she's only but now knowing that Howard likes her it makes things easier. She seems smitten by him as well, they keep exchanging glances at every free second.

I get a little lost in thought watching my boyfriend and mom catch up. Then a mischievous smile creeps up my face, "Do you want a vase for your flowers?"

She blushes, turning her face slightly away and nodding. "Thank you, dear." she says.

Howard and Aiden walk away, giving us a moment. I grab two vases and arrange them accordingly.

My mom walks over to where Ash is, she lays a hand on her shoulder. "Ashley, how are you? How's your mom?"

"Good and good." She smiles, carefully chopping carrots. "You?"

"Wonderful.' She replies, full Cheshire grin.

I look over at the freshly vased roses, smiling as I think of mine and Aiden's matching tattoos, "Oh! Look!" I tell her, taking off my apron and placing it on the counter.

I slowly begin to lift my shirt up and she swats my hand, her eyes panning around the kitchen. "Emilia Acholeis Banks!" She scolds, making me and Ashley both laugh.

"It's okay, no ones in here. I just want to show you something." I smile, lifting my shirt to show her my tattoo."

She places her hands over her mouth at the sight of the small yellow rose on my side. She removes her hand and trails her fingers over the ink. "It's gorgeous, Emilia."

I jump a little, out of excitement, "I knew you would love it!"

She nods, "And the artist did a wonderful job with the drawing, just wow."

"He really did," I say, wishing I could tell her it was Aiden but for some reason, that's a secret for him and it's not my place.

Ashley pipes in, "Aiden got the same one." Shit.

Mom places her hands on her hips, mulling it over. "He did." She repeats to herself, looking out the large glass windows onto the patio where Aiden, Ricky, and Howard stand. Huddled around a tall heater and smoking with drinks in their hands.

Aiden looks different today, more casual but still edgy. His hair is a tousled mess, but it's perfect. He opted for a navy sweater today, which I love. He said it matched by cream dress, and he was right. I've never seen him in anything but suits or black T-shirts. I prefer him shirtless, of course.

My mom coughs, breaking me from longing further. "Yes." I say quietly, unsure how she will respond to matching tattoos. I knew she wouldn't care that I got one. For one, I'm an adult but two she has them as well.

A smile creeps up her face, "Well as long as you didn't get each other's names I don't care."

A laugh escapes my throat, "I would never!"

"Ouch! Fuck!" Ashley yelps, and somehow Ricky is already rushing through the kitchen to her side.

He looks panicked as he grabs a small clean towel from the drawer, "Are you okay?" he ask.

"Mhmm." She whimpers, always trying to be the tough one. Aiden walks in trailing behind Howard.

He takes one look at Ash, "How deep is it?"

She rolls her eyes, pulling her hand away from the wound. A little blood comes out but nothing major. Ricky instantly begins cleaning it, "I'm sorry!" She tells me, as they walk towards the bathroom.

"I should have known better than to give you a sharp object!" I yell back as they disappear down the hall. I hear her laugh, and I know she's okay. They'll throw a Band-Aid and be back shortly.

Aiden walks over, throwing away the area that could be tainted and cleans everything. "What are you doing?" I ask him, watching him roll his sleeves up and dip his hands under the running stream of water.

"Cleaning up to take over Ashley's job." He smiles, "She's out of commission now and I'm starving." he draws the last word out, and then winks at me.

My mom steals my apron, throwing it over her burgundy dress. "What do I need to do?"

I smile, watching her in the kitchen with me. This is something we've always loved to do together. "Help me with the Turkey?"

We sang, danced, chopped, cooked and caught up while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. It was so nice and Perfection.

Ashley even came back and helped pipe icing on the cupcakes, that didn't require any sharp utensils. I swear that girl can do everything, except cook. I love her for it though.

The long wooden table is decorated with a ridiculous amount of food, eight places have been set. Me, Aiden, Howard, Mom, Ash, and Ricky all crowd around and take our seats. It takes some persuading to get his 'guards' who my mom thinks are his friends to sit and eat, but they do happily.

We cut back on security for tonight, men still line the property but it's Thanksgiving and we need normalcy. Besides, Aiden's body double is still unharmed. We may never know who took him, or why. Personally, I hope we never come to find out.

"A toast!" Ash's voice draws me from my thoughts. "To health and family. And this delicious looking food." we all clink our glasses and dig in, enjoying the meal we spent all day preparing. It's such a rewarding experience, cooking with the ones you love and sitting at the table to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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