It was awesome. She pulled up a seat at the oversized kitchen island and watched the interplay between father and sons, each one convinced they were right. If it weren’t rude, she’d love to get this on video.
“It’s been like this my entire life.”
Amelia turned to see a grinning Mia walk in, followed by a very attractive older woman who had to be Mia’s mother, Lydia.
“Are they arguing again?” Lydia asked as she set down a bag of groceries. “Hey, all of you, knock that off. There’s food in the car. Go bring it in.”
And just like that, the disagreement stopped and all the men walked outside. Lydia had to be a miracle worker.
Mia grinned. “It’s so nice to see you again.” She came over to hug her.
“You, too.”
“This is my mom, Lydia. Mom, this is Amelia Lawrence.”
Amelia held out her hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, Lydia.”
Lydia folded her into a hug instead. “I’m very happy to meet you, too, Amelia. Mia has told me a lot about you.”
“And judging by what I just witnessed, I’m already a big fan of yours.”
Lydia frowned, then her eyes widened and she offered up a wry smile. “Oh, that?” She waved her hand. “They’re all like little boys.”
“And they know she means business when she tells them to do something. Even Dad knows not to mess with her.”
Amelia’s mouth ticked up. She could well imagine this petite woman running this household with iron fists. She’d have to with four boys.
Two more women entered the kitchen carrying grocery bags. After depositing them on the counter, they both turned to Amelia. The gorgeous blonde leaned forward to shake Amelia’s hand. “I’m Aubry Ross, Tucker’s fiancée.”
“Hi, Aubry. Great to meet you.”
The other woman, a beautiful dark-haired woman with a stunning smile, stepped forward and hugged her. “I’m Harmony Evans, Barrett’s girlfriend.”
Wow. The Cassidy men sure had gotten lucky in landing such amazingly beautiful women. Starting with Lydia, who was so beautiful with her soft brown hair and amazing blue eyes.
“It’s so great to meet you, Harmony. Honestly, it’s nice to meet all of you. Flynn has told me so much about everyone in the Cassidy family that I feel like I know all of you already.”
“This family can be imposing,” Harmony said with a smile. “You just have to dive right in because they’re the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
“How was your flight, Amelia?” Lydia asked as Mia began emptying grocery bags and putting things away.
“It was great, thank you. And thank you for letting me spend Thanksgiving in your home.”
“One of the things I love the most is when the family is home for the holidays. And extra family is always welcome.”
“Thank you for that.”
The men all came in bearing the rest of the groceries, so she moved out of the way while everything was put away in a matter of minutes.
Aubry had pulled lemonade out of the refrigerator and filled glasses.
“Lemonade?” she asked her.
“I’d love some.”
Within the next few minutes, the front door opened and she also met the striking Katrina, Grant’s fiancée, along with her younger siblings, Anya and Leo. Then Easton’s three brothers appeared, along with their wives, and she was overwhelmed by people. Flynn must have sensed her trepidation though. While she sat in the dining room getting to know everyone, he sat next to her rubbing her back. She was glad he wasn’t shy about being familiar with her in front of his family.
“How’s the restaurant going, Flynn?” his mother asked.
“Great, actually. Amelia takes good care of the customers.”
She warmed at the compliment. “Did Flynn mention that he prepared a signature dish for the restaurant?”
Lydia looked over at him. “He did not. Tell us about it.”
Flynn explained the dish he’d created, and Amelia was happy that the focus was off of her and on Flynn, as it should be.
“So now you’re the chef in the family, huh?” Easton asked. “And all this time I thought it was your mom.”
“Oh, it’s still Mom,” Flynn said. “Always will be. I would never have learned to cook if it hadn’t been for her.”
“Mom will always be the best,” Grant said.
“I don’t think we’ll talk about my cooking when we have a professional chef in our midst,” Lydia said, smiling over at Amelia.
“Home cooking for your family always trumps restaurant food,” Amelia said.
“I’m glad you think that. Now I won’t feel so pressured to come up with five-star meals the entire time you’re here.”
Amelia laughed. “Even I don’t make five-star meals, Lydia. Please, don’t feel any pressure just because cooking is my job. I’m really looking forward to spending time with your family. And, of course, I’d be delighted to help with the cooking.”
“I’d be delighted to let you help with the cooking.”
“That’s our mom,” Mia said. “Always willing to corral bodies to help slice and dice in the kitchen.”
Amelia laughed. “I’m always in the kitchen. Even though I work at a restaurant, when I’m home, I’m usually trying out new recipes. So trust me when I tell you I’ll be happy to hang out in the kitchen with you.”