Hennessy Thanksgiving

The sound of running water disguised their arrival, so when they rounded the corner into the grand living room, her family was unaware. It was very similar to her arrival two months ago when she came back from Colorado. They stood around the gold hearth, only this time, there was a sparkling garland, stockings, and a Christmas tree. Ariana hadn’t been lying when she said Colette was trying to make this holiday extra special for Polara. 

Bailey was the first one to notice them. 

“Aunty Minnie!” 

Bailey streaked toward her, dressed in a purple velvet dress and tights with a bow in her hair. Jasmine dropped the package, so she could catch her niece, who she knew from experience packed quite the punch for someone so small. Even though she braced for impact, she still staggered back when the little girl launched herself at her. Roth steadied her as Bailey let out an ecstatic, hair-raising shriek and tried to strangle her in her happiness. She heard a cry and looked down to see her nephew Kye holding his arms up, demanding to be held. She tried to reach for him, but her arms were full of Bailey, who was in danger of kicking her brother in the head. Kye let out an angry cry and moved to the next adult, who happened to be Roth. Kye lifted his arms and jumped, grunting as he demanded to be picked up. Roth edged back as if the toddler were dangerous. 

“Kye!” 

Ariana swept up her son and put the little boy on her hip. Kye tipped backward in protest. Ariana ignored her son’s tantrum and gave Roth an uncertain smile. 

“Happy Thanksgiving.”

Roth uttered the pleasantry in return as Bailey calmed enough for Jasmine to set her down.

“Presents?” Bailey squealed when she spotted the gifts in the package. 

“I brought you goodies from our trip. After dinner, you can open them.”

“Hooray!” Bailey shouted and threw herself at Roth, giving his waist a squeeze and a “Happy Thanksgiving,” before she dashed off. 

One look at Roth’s unnerved expression was enough to make her dissolve into giggles. The big, bad wolf who didn’t hesitate to go head-to-head with the powerful elite was scared of children. Kids were the best icebreaker on the planet. They didn’t care who you were or where you came from. They were honest little beings that hadn’t learned how to censor themselves yet. She took pity on him and slipped her arm around his waist. 

“They don’t bite,” she teased. 

He pinched her ass in retaliation. Still giggling, she turned to her sister, who was watching their interaction closely. 

**This is an unpublished draft of Mia's work. Please do not share or distribute.