Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 71

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Alex let out a snarky sound through his nose, looking up at the sky and giving Joanna a sideways glance.

Layton saw Alex acting obnoxious and quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Yes, Mrs. Thompson, this is Alex. He grew up alongside Ellie.”

A few years ago, Ellie’s mom came to visit the Warrens for the first time just when Layton was there. Alex’s mom made him call Joanna “Mrs. Thompson,” so he followed along,

Joanna smiled and nodded. “Hey, kiddo, please say hi to your grandpa for us. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and since Ellie’s dad can’t move around well nowadays, we won’t be able to make it to your place. I brought some things for your grandpa, could you take them back?”

As she spoke, Joanna finally dropped the heavy burlap bag she had been carrying and handed it to Alex. Disgusted, he glanced at the contents and took a step

back.

quickly reached out to grab it when he saw Alex

to her husband, glancing at her kids. “Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. You should take a day off

father said curtly as he turned around, leaning on his cane. Ellie watched her parents retreating, the weight

what just happened. Knowing full well her children had been wronged, all she could do was swallow her feelings and pretend she hadn’t heard anything They couldn’t repay the Warrens for

would only make

any

the cane, noticing it trembled violently. “You guys have been in the car all day without even a sip

her father repeated

looked at her father’s aging face, tears brimming in her eyes. With her back turned to everyone, she cried silently as she looked over at Aaron.

their parents like a child who’d done something wrong. His eyes were red at the corners,

supported her father. “Dad, don’t be upset. We’re going home.”