by Leah Atwood
“Short, sweet, and meaningful.” James smiled from across the table. “My kind of prayer.”
Her dad shook his head. “Ignore my eldest child. Shall I start with the squirrel?”
“Go ahead,” she told him.
“I’m thankful for making new friends while here.” He smiled at the Fords then passed it to Mom.
Taking it, Mom rested her eyes on all her kids, one at a time, from oldest to youngest. “I’m thankful to have all my children under one roof this Thanksgiving.”
Julie’s turn came next. “I’m thankful Mom and Dad finally agreed to let Jess and I get an apartment off campus.”
Jessie winked “And I’m thankful we move in as soon as we get back and that I get the master bedroom.”
“I’m thankful for my sisters.” Almost as an afterthought, James added, “Even if two of them do want to grow up too soon.”
Janie agreed with him, but the twins scrunched their faces at him before switching to smiles.
Mr. Ford accepted the figurine from James. “I’m thankful for Janie’s invitation to join these wonderful people for dinner.”
A tear glistened in Mrs. Ford’s eyes. “I’m thankful that although my children can’t be with us today, they are sharing meals with their own loving families and none of them will be alone.”
Malcolm took the squirrel with trembling hands. “I haven’t had a real Thanksgiving meal since I joined the Corps. This reminds me of the celebrations back home, so I’m thankful for Janie reaching out and welcoming me into her home.”
His words touched a deep chord within her, and tears burned her eyes. She’d put aside her grief to extend the invitation, and the reward was greater than she could have imagined.
“My turn?” Jared stared at the squirrel for several seconds before answering. “I’m thankful to be on American soil this Thanksgiving, and Lord willing, every Thanksgiving from here out.”
He glanced at her as if ensuring his answer hadn’t upset her.
“Since it’s not my turn yet, this isn’t my official answer, but I second that.” She circled the table, kissing the cheek of Evan, Jared, Malcolm, and Mr. Ford—all men she held to the highest regard. Returning to her spot, she wiped her eyes. “Thank you each for your service so that we’re free to join here today without restriction.”
“How am I supposed to follow that up?” Evan’s voice wavered through the humor in his tone. “I’m thankful for God and His healing grace. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
Her dad’s arm moved behind her and squeezed Evan’s shoulder. “God is good.”
Janie picked up the squirrel from the table. “I’m thankful to each of you for being here today. I didn’t know how I’d survive this first Thanksgiving after Mike’s death, but the presence of each of you here means more to me than I can express. Thank you for your support this last year, and for not giving up on me.”
She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat. Something brushed against her, and she looked down to see Evan’s hand covering hers under the table. For this moment, she’d indulge and not move.
“Thank you for your friendship,” she said, so low no one else could hear.
He squeezed her hand, silently telling her, “Thanks for yours, too.”
Chapter Six
An upbeat Christmas song played over the airport’s radio system. Evan had seen no less than three decorated trees since arriving at the airport, not including those outside that were strung with hundreds of multi-colored lights.
“Have I mentioned that I’ve never been on an airplane?” Janie stood with her carry-on bag beside her as they waited to board the plane.
“Never?” Incredulous, he arched a brow. “That’s a long drive from Iowa to North Carolina.”
“Twenty hours, give or take.”
“How come you didn’t fly?” He still found the fact hard to believe.
“At first, because it was cheaper to drive, and we were broke. We drove a fifteen-year-old sedan that first trip to North Carolina.” Her gaze darted from the window to the tarmac and then to the plane waiting to be loaded. “After the first two trips, we discovered we liked the drive. It was a nice downtime to enjoy each other’s company.”
“That makes sense.” Peering ahead, he watched a couple in line argue over who would hold a gift during the flight. Apparently, they’d purchased a fragile music box as a gift for their niece but hadn’t considered the specifics of transporting it cross country. He was surprised it was allowed on the plane in this day of heightened security.
Janie stared at the screen of her phone. “What do you think of this one?”
He watched the animated white snowflakes flutter down her screen and then form a snowman. “Better than the last one. The elves jumping out as the present opened was a bit much.”
After a two-hour delay, they’d resorted to playing around with the wallpaper on their phones. It started as a contest to see who could find the most outrageous one before Janie decided to find a Christmas theme.
“I’ll keep this snowman. It’s cute.” She tucked the phone in her pocket. “Have you ever had a white Christmas?”
“Not unless two years ago counts, when it snowed the day after Christmas.”
“That doesn’t count. Unless it’s Christmas day, it loses the magic.” Her eyes took on a faraway look. “We had them in Iowa every few years. There’s nothing like waking up on Christmas morning and sipping hot chocolate while watching the snow fall. Add in a round of carols, and it’s as near perfection as we’ll see in this lifetime.”
“I’d like to experience one at some point in my life, but between Louisiana and North Carolina, I don’t foresee that happening.”
“You’ll have to come home with me one year to have a chance.” A nostalgic smile appeared. “It’s an event you’ll never forget.”
He rubbed his arms, pretending to shiver. “But it’s so cold there.”
She laughed, producing the desired effect. “You’re such a Southern boy. You wear layers when it's sixty degrees.”
“I like my sweatshirts.”
“We wear shorts at that temperature.”
The line moved forward, inching them slowly toward the opening. Once they made it into the plane, they found their spots. Janie had a window seat, and he got the unfortunate middle seat that could spell disaster depending on who sat on his other side. Two days before Christmas, he doubted the spot would remain empty.
Janie’s fingers curled over the handle of her carry-on, her knuckles the shade of a sheet of loose-leaf. “Is it too late to get off?”
“You’ll be fine. Once we take off, you’ll look out the window and be awed by the view.”
She released her grip on the bag and hugged herself. “My husband died on an aircraft. His last flight on one brought his body home to me.”
Her words punched him in the stomach. He should have thought ahead, realized flying would be an issue for her, especially so close to the anniversary of Mike’s death. They could have made the drive in a day, but it was too late now.
“I’m so sorry, Janie. I didn’t think.” It seemed to be a recurring theme lately.
“Tell me about Christmas with your family.” She swallowed and blinked. “What are your traditions?”
If distraction helped her, distraction is what she would get.
“Everything starts on Christmas Eve. My mom cooks a huge breakfast for us, enough for an entire platoon. Pancakes, muffins, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, kolaches.” His stomach grumbled thinking of the feast. “If it’s ever been considered a breakfast food, my mom will have it on the table.”
“What’s a kolache?”
“The easiest way to describe it is like a pig in a blanket but a hundred times better. You can find them in most donut shops and breakfast joints, filled with a variety of meats, but Mom always makes hers with cheddar sausages and adds jalapenos.”
“Sounds delicious.” Color began to return to her face. “Will K
ate and Luke be there?”
“They should be.” He couldn’t wait to see his sister and have her meet Janie. He couldn’t explain why, but he desperately wanted them to like each other. “When I talked to her last night, they planned to spend all of Christmas Eve at my parents’ house.”
“What comes after breakfast?” Her back and shoulders relaxed.
“We hang out until evening. Some years, my dad takes Kate with him shopping to help him pick out last-minute gifts for Mom.”
Janie smirked. “Must be a man thing. I made many of those trips with my dad, too.”
“Could be, but I think Dad and Kate enjoy the tradition of it more than anything. The last year I was home, Dad already had a bunch of presents under the tree for Mom, but they still went out shopping.” The memories filled him with a longing for home. “While they were out, I’d help Mom wrap Kate’s presents, and then I’d tease her all day by telling her she’d either love or hate her presents.”
“My parents never let us know anything they bought for the other siblings.” A brief laugh blew from her lips. “They knew we were terrible at keeping secrets.”
“Christmas as a kid was the best.” That’s not entirely true. “After I was adopted, anyway. I never knew my dad, and I try to block out all those years with my bio mom.”
A flight attendant interrupted their conversation to give instructions. Soon the plane taxied down the runway. The engine rumbled, and the force of acceleration pushed him against his seat. The scenery blurred as they whizzed by and the nose began to lift.
He watched Janie’s face as she experienced it all for the first time. She paled again at takeoff when they were pushed against the seats a second time, but as the plane ascended, her eyes widened.
When the aircraft passed through its first cloud, she gasped. “This is amazing.”
“Told you.” He settled in his seat and closed his eyes, now that Janie had relaxed.
Completely at peace, he barely noticed the man next to him with the offending body odor. Nothing could faze him. In two hours, he’d be home. He’d celebrate Christmas with his family and one of his best friends. Had it only been a year ago he’d been rescued from the crash after weeks of wondering if they’d be found? In recognizing the blessings facing him, the dull ache in his leg couldn’t bother him today.
Before long, the plane landed at Lafayette Regional Airport.
He nudged Janie. “We made it.”
“Why am I so nervous?” She drew a deep breath. “I’ve met your parents before, and they’re great.”
“Don’t be nervous. My parents are thrilled to have you visit, and Kate can’t wait to meet you.”
When given the approval to leave the plane, they gathered their things and got in line. They stepped off the plane and walked down a short hallway. Right past the security checkpoint, he spotted his parents with Luke and Kate. He had a strong urge to push the other passengers out of the way and run to his family, but he kept himself in check.
Sensing Janie’s unease, he put a hand on her back. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks.” She gave him a lopsided smile. “I think I am, too.”
As soon as they crossed the line into public access, his family rushed to him. His dad gave him a quick hug before his mom drew him into an emotional embrace. Sentiment welled in him, pushing emotions to the surface.
“My turn.” Kate cut in and hugged him. “This will be the best Christmas ever.”
“Yes, it will.” He backed away. “Marriage agrees with you.”
“How can it not with a husband like Luke?” Kate wrapped an arm around her husband and pulled him to her.
Luke extended a hand. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks.” He turned to introduce Janie, but Mom already had her wrapped in a tight hug. He winked at Kate. “Looks like you’ll have to wait your turn again.”
“She’s pretty.” The gleam in Kate’s eyes was obvious.
“Don’t get any ideas,” he warned in a low tone for only them to hear. “She’s a good friend, nothing more, and don’t make any comments that will have her uncomfortable.”
“Have a little faith in me.” Kate smirked. “Those are reserved for you.”
“Do I have to separate the two of you?” Luke gave them the look of a scolding parent, but his eyes twinkled.
His parents finished their extended greeting of Janie, and Evan gently tugged on her arm. “Janie, this is my sister Kate and her husband Luke. Kate and Luke, Janie.”
“I’m glad to finally meet you.” Kate gave Janie a brief hug, careful not to overwhelm her. “I’ve heard so much about the gang that y’all feel like family already, even if you’re the only one I’ve gotten to meet.”
“I feel the same.” Janie appeared comfortable now, her posture less rigid.
“Let’s grab your luggage and head home.” His mom latched onto his arm again as if afraid he’d disappear if she let go. “I have a pot of gumbo waiting.”
The group walked down the steps and waited at the baggage claim. It didn’t take long for his large, olive-green duffel and Janie’s purple suitcase to circle around.
Evan grabbed them both. “What are the driving arrangements?”
He’d reserved a rental car, but his parents had insisted he cancel it.
“We figured you can ride home with us today, and then my car is yours for as long as you’re here.” Dad tried to carry the bags for him.
“I’ve got them, but thanks.” He smiled his appreciation for the offer, but there was no reason he couldn’t get them. Even though he knew his dad didn’t offer out of concern for his leg, but out of kindness and the loving service of a father, Evan—regardless—determined to show them he could function fine.
Kate and Luke had parked directly by his parents.
His sister squeezed his arm. “I’ll meet you at Mom and Dad’s. I told Mom I’d bring the bread, but forgot it at the house. It won’t take long to swing by and pick it up.”
“See you soon.”
She turned to Janie and smiled. “Don’t let my family overwhelm you. We love Christmas and do it big.”
“Our yard is proof of that.” Luke rolled his eyes. “Not a square foot of free space left.”
“He’s exaggerating.” Kate pecked her husband’s cheek then turned back to Janie. “There are two feet left, and it was his idea to expand the nativity this year.”
Janie smiled in response. “Evan showed me the pictures. It’s a lovely display.”
“You’ll have to stop by at night to see it in its glory.” Clasping her hands, Kate’s excitement visibly grew. “We can show you tomorrow night after the candlelight service. You’re coming with us to look at lights, right?”
Evan slid a protective arm around Janie. “Give her a chance to get settled before you barrage her.”
“It’s okay. I’d love to look at Christmas lights.” Janie blinked once. “Last Christmas is a blur because of everything that happened, so I intend to make up for it this year.”
That’s my girl.
Wait, when had he started to think of her as his girl? No, no, no. He had no romantic inclinations toward her, and that’s how it would stay. If—and that was a big if—either of them wanted love in their lives, it wouldn’t be with each other. He couldn’t betray Mike like that, and he couldn’t offer Janie all that she deserved.
“You kids ready?” Dad asked after closing the trunk.
“Yes, sir.” Evan opened the rear passenger door for Janie then sat in the seat behind his Dad.
“Do you mind if I turn the heat up, dear?” His mom pushed a button on the dash after Dad said, “Go ahead.”
“I thought it was warm here.” A shiver passed through Janie, shaking her shoulders.
“This is rare.” He watched her rub her arms. “Would you like my sweatshirt?”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine once the heat kicks in.” She adjusted the rear vent. “I guess that’s what I get for teasing you earlier.”
> Mom craned her necked to see them. “This is abnormally cold weather for us. Our local meteorologist said there’s even a chance for snow in the next few days.”
“No way.” What would be the chances? Hadn’t he told Janie only hours ago how unlikely it would be to get snow in Louisiana? “If anything, it will probably turn to ice. Every time they called for snow when I was a kid, I’d get my hopes up, then it would turn to ice.”
“Who knows?” Janie tapped his knee. “You might get your white Christmas after all.”
If that could happen, anything could. Why did that thought pop into his mind with images of Janie? His mind was playing tricks on him this trip, and something had to give. He and Janie were too good of friends to allow interference of any kind to disrupt their status quo.
Chapter Seven
“Thank you for a wonderful breakfast.” Janie carried her plate to the sink and added it to the soapy water.
“You’re welcome.” Mrs. Jergens—Maria as she insisted on being called—scraped the remaining eggs in the trash. “I hate wasting food, but reheated eggs are a bad idea.”
“Should I put away the food that can be saved?”
“No. This breakfast is one of my gifts to everyone, and I do the cleanup as well.” Maria pulled the platter of pancakes from the table and placed them in a plastic freezer bag. “I heard you cooked a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for your family this year.”
“Evan did most of the cooking. He won’t claim it, but he saved the meal from being a tasteless, burnt disaster.” Disobeying Maria, she grabbed another freezer bag and placed the muffins inside.
“Oh, really?” Maria’s brows arched. “He didn’t mention that. What other skills has my son been hiding?”
Janie laughed. “I think he surprised himself, but he enjoyed it. Last week, he decided to attempt another dish and made red beans and rice with cornbread for everyone. I’d never had them to compare to anything, but they were good. By the end of the meal, the pot had been scraped clean.”