by Tena Stetler
The canines barreled into the house covered in snow and paused momentarily to shake. The wet, cold stuff flew everywhere. The fire sizzled as droplets steamed on the hearth. Lathen filled the empty bowls next to the door and got the dogs and wolf fresh water. Pepper brought out a towel and wiped them down, mopped up the floor. The furred creatures ate, drank, and settled down in front of the door, each vying for the premier place to look out the side glass window. After growls, snarls, a couple barks, and a yip, Ember laid her head on her paws and watched out the window.
“Come and get it,” Klaren called from the kitchen. “Grab a bowl and ladle up the stew. Cornbread, plates, and butter are on the dining table along with the silverware and glasses. The coffee is done, mugs beside the coffee maker. Pepper, the tea bags or cocoa mix is in the basket. Make sure you drink lots of water. Otherwise, the altitude will mess you up.”
“So that’s your problem,” Kolby teased his brother.
“Nope, I’m just fine. It’s you we wonder about,” Lathen shot back, punching Kolby in the arm as he rounded the table to take a seat next to Pepper, who had already scooped up a spoonful of stew, blowing on it.
Elijah smiled at his boys and sat next to Amy with his bowl and a heaping plate of cornbread. “Klaren, your cornbread is wonderful. What’s your secret?”
“I already gave the recipe to Amy,” she said smugly taking a chair next to her husband.
By the time dinner was over and the dishes stacked in the dishwasher, Lathen wasn’t the only one with drooping eyelids; the others were ready to turn in for the night.
“Thanks for the tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is an amazing treasure. We’ll make a point to visit during the summer and get the full experience.”
“Glad to do it. Wish the storm had held off a bit longer. But we’re back safe and sound.” Duncan glanced out the front bay window. “It’s really coming down out there.”
“Didn’t bother us. All and all, I’d say it was a successful outing. I’ve lots of pictures to show the folks back home. It’s really a winter wonderland when the snow is falling, blanketing everything with a frosty cover.”
“Looked like a storybook snow,” Amy added with a yawn.
“Let us know when you decide to make a summertime visit to our fine state. We’ll be happy to play tour guide,” Klaren said.
“Will do.” Eli nodded.
“Tomorrow, Elijah, I’d love to compare photos. Maybe even swap a few, put them on a couple of thumb drives.” Pepper glanced where she’d left her camera bag on the floor next to the door.
“Of course.” Popping the last bit of cornbread in his mouth, Eli stood. “Amy, what you say we check out their wonderful apartment,” he said in a smooth, deep voice, an eyebrow raised.
Amy’s chair scraped the floor as she got to her feet. “Night everyone. See you in the morning.” She turned to Klaren. “What time do you want me in here to help with Thanksgiving dinner?”
“Oh, whenever you get here is fine. Most of the prep is done. Turkey, gravy, stuffing, and pumpkin pie is all that’s left.”
“The pumpkin pie is my specialty,” Pepper said.
“’Night.” With Eli’s arm around Amy’s waist, they walked out the back door.
Lathen stood at the door and watched them laugh and toss snow at each other making their way to the apartment. A strange sense of contentment and belonging welled up inside him. This was truly going to be a holiday season to remember. Pepper’s soft hand caressing his cheek brought him out of his thoughts. His head turned, he caught her hand and brushed his lips against the palm.
“You about ready to turn in?” Her eyes rounded at the yawn that caught her by surprise.
“Sure.” He noted while he’d watched his dad and Amy, that Kolby and Hayley had disappeared.
****
Pepper peered out the window. Large, wet snowflakes floated through the crisp morning air adding a sparkling cover over the ground. Several inches of the white stuff covered the outside windowsill. The intensity of the flakes increased along with the wind howling around the cabin.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a doozy of a storm,” Lathen said standing at the front window watching Ember, Tonk, and Timber race, roll, and tumble in the snow. “I hope you have a good rug at the front door. Those dogs are going to be soaked and tracking it all over the house.”
“On the flip side, all the heavy wet snow will make perfect conditions for sleigh rides tomorrow afternoon with the worst of the storm over. If the forecaster’s predictions are correct,” Duncan said with a wide smile as he ambled across the floor to stand beside Lathen.
The rich aroma of roasted turkey, candied yams, and pumpkin pie floated through the house. When everyone was seated, Pepper glanced around the dining table at their blended family and sighed. “I’d like to start a family tradition. How about we go around the table and state what we are thankful for this year. It’s been such a year of transition for all of us.”
She shrugged uncertainly but brightened when all heads nodded in agreement. “I’ll start. Last year on Thanksgiving, Gwen and I sat in Salem with a microwave turkey dinner while trying to keep a tiny fawn alive. This year, I am thankful that fawn lived and for the love of a wonderful man, the acceptance of his family and pack, and the love and understanding of my family.”
Lathen stroked her knee, nearly to the thigh and smiled. “I’m thankful for Pepper, my family, and the pack’s forgiveness. To include the unconditional love her mom and dad have bestowed on me. No questions asked. Most importantly, thankful for all the men and women in the armed forces that are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life and keep our nation free.”
Pepper’s mom’s eyes misted, a wide smile curved the corners of her lips. “I am thankful for my husband of many years, and what a blessing my daughter found Lathen. That Elijah, Amy, Kolby, and Hayley have joined our family and are here to share our Thanksgiving holiday.”
Kolby shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I’m not good at things like this. But here it goes. I’m thankful my brother’s back, my dad is happily married to Amy, God bless her. Thankful to be part of the McKay family and most of all my wife, Hayley and our soon to be born daughter.”
Hayley grinned. “I’m thankful for everything everyone else has said and for my husband. He’ll make a great father.”
“Gee why didn’t I think of saying that.” Kolby chuckled.
Elijah paused then blew out a breath. “I’m thankful for the safety and anonymity of my pack, for Amy, my family, and the addition of the McKay’s to our family.”
Amy’s gaze wandered over all the people at the table. “I’m going to take a page from Hayley. Thankful for everything everyone has said and for Eli’s love, though he can be a big pain at times.”
Duncan licked his lips. “I’m starved so ditto to everything said, thanks for my wife and this wonderful dinner. Pass those delicious candied yams.”
Everyone laughed and began handing the food from one to another. Duncan offered the duty of carving the turkey to Elijah, but he declined. “It’s your home; you do the honors.”
The clatter of dishes being passed and ting of forks scraping plates replaced the conversation while the couples enjoyed the Thanksgiving bounty. Pepper thought about her friend, Gwen, at the Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and wondered if she was alone this Thanksgiving.
After dinner, Pepper excused herself and walked into the bedroom. She picked up her phone, touched the screen, and scrolled to Gwen’s number. It only rang once, and she picked up. “Pepper, is everything all right? Aren’t you with your family in Colorado?”
“Yes, but I was thinking about you and wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving. Wish you were here. Are you spending it at the Sanctuary again?”
“Yeah, we have an injured yearling that needs round the clock care. But I had the strangest sensation that things are changing. I hope for the good.” She laughed. “Remember last Christmas, we were sitting around your apartment, and you had
the feeling…more like a premonition that you wouldn’t be here this Christmas.”
“Yes, we laughed it off.”
“But look where you’ll be this Christmas. Married to a handsome guy, who loves you, with your own Rescue. It’s kinda the same thing. But I can’t see me going anywhere.”
“Neither did I, but…”
The door creaked open, and Lathen poked his head inside, then started to back out. Pepper motioned him in. “I called Gwen to wish her Happy Thanksgiving.”
He crossed the room and put his arm around her shoulder. “Tell Gwen the same from me. Ask her to try to come a few days early for the wedding and spend at least Christmas with us, if not New Year,” Lathen said quietly.
“Gwen, Lathen just came in and insists that you come a few days early to help me with the wedding preparations, then spend Christmas and New Year with us. He won’t take no for an answer,” Pepper said in a warning tone.
Gwen laughed. “That’s funny, I told everyone since I worked Thanksgiving, I would be gone for a couple of weeks around Christmas. I’ve been able to hire a few new people, thanks to the generosity of a charitable donation from an estate in Lobster Cove, Maine.”
“Oh, really…imagine that. So we’ll see you in a few weeks. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving to both you and your families.” Gwen ended the call.
Pepper sighed and peered up at Lathen. “I wish she would find someone…”
“You never know,” Lathen said mysteriously.
Chapter Eleven
Never a Dull Moment with Family, Friends, and a Wolf Pack
The room was washed out in gray and white by the silver moonlight filtering through the window when Pepper’s phone buzzed. She rolled over and picked up the phone. “Hello?” she mumbled in a sleep muzzy voice. “Alec, what’s wrong.” Instantly awake, she sat straight up in the bed. “When did it start?”
“This morning—I mean yesterday morning. The owl was lethargic, but the sounds she’s making now aren’t normal. Her breath is coming in rasps. She’s leaning against the wall of the cube in the warmest part of the enclosure. I didn’t want to stress her, but I’m sure her fever is up.”
“Did you call Dylan?”
“Sure did. She’s out of town on an emergency. Supposed to be back this morning, but…”
“Didn’t they leave a vet on call?”
“Yes, but his knowledge of avian medicine is limited. Not comfortable around wild birds…at all. The owl tore open his hand with her talon when he tried to examine her. Got fluids in her and a mild sedative so he could examine her. She started to perk up, so I didn’t want to bother you. Figured I wait for Dr. Foster. I left her a message…but… It doesn’t look good.”
“First of all, you should never sedate a sick bird until you know…mask the real problem. Oh, sorry Alec…I know you are doing your best, but you should have called. Don’t worry about bothering me, ever.” Her tone sharper than she intended.
Half asleep, Lathen reached over, rubbed her arm, and shook his head slowly. Pepper’s voice calmed. “Sorry. Let me think.” Pepper hopped out of bed, grabbed the green and black plaid flannel robe from the bottom of the bed, wrapped it around her naked body, and paced across the floor. “Okay, there’s a broad spectrum antibiotic in the locked cabinet in my office, top shelf in the right back corner. The key is in the middle left drawer in the little pink metal box. Go get it and call me back.”
“You got it.”
“What’s going on?” Lathen flicked on the bedside light, pulled himself up, and leaned against the headboard.
Pepper glanced at the clock, the blue digital readout said two-thirty a.m. “The owl is running a fever, lethargic, and tore open the vet on call. One of the wounds must have gotten infected.” She blew out a breath, looked at her phone. “I’m going to try Dylan again.”
“Wait, if Alec left a message, she’s otherwise tied up, or she would have called him. Can you use magic to carry you back to Maine?”
“Yes and no… I never honed that ability and…”
“Given your state of mind, you’d better not try tonight. What about Gwen? Maybe her vet is on call. At least you could talk to…”
The phone Pepper held tight to her chest chimed. She glanced at the screen, accepted the call. “Dylan.”
“I just talked to Alec, got his message, and started back as soon as I got things wrapped up with the emergency. Especially after I got the message from the on-call vet. He’s new. I’m fifteen minutes away.”
“Thinking infection?”
“Probably, I’ve drugs with me, in addition to what you have, so…we’ll do the best we can. I’ll be in touch as soon as I’ve had a look at the bird. Sit tight, there’s nothing you can do from there.” Dylan ended the call.
Pepper relayed the conversation to Lathen, even though with his preternatural hearing, he’d probably heard most the conversation. It made her feel better to talk the situation over with him; she glanced at the clock again. Shit, I hate waiting. She started pacing again.
He stood up and pulled on sweat pants, intercepted her mid pace, wrapped his arms around her, held her tight as he murmured against her ear, “Wearing a path in the carpet isn’t going to help anyone. Let’s go to the kitchen and get some tea.”
“But it’s a little after three in the morning. We don’t need to wake up the household.”
“Then keep your voice down. It’ll be fine.” Lathen opened the door and peeked out. “Coast is clear.” He smiled wearily.
Seated at the kitchen table, she watched Lathen put two mugs of water in the microwave, sort through the basket of tea bags, and pluck out two. He waved them in the air in triumph. “Chamomile and honey. That should do the trick.” The microwave dinged quietly at the same time Pepper’s phone chimed.
“Dylan. How’s the owl.”
“She’s doing better. The wound on her head is hot and infected. Cleaned the wound out, applied a topical antibiotic as well as gave her an injection. Turned up the humidity in her cube, so she’d breathe easier. Stress caused her rasping, it’s subsided now. Added an oral sedative, most of which I am wearing, but got enough inside to relax her. Sure miss your calming ability in working with these creatures. She’s resting comfortably now, she’ll be fine. No need for you to rush home.” Dylan yawned into the phone.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m going to go home and go to bed, but my cousin, Brock is visiting. He’s a vet, works in a practice in Salem, and has agreed to stay here until the owl is out of the woods. So to speak.” Dylan giggled at her pun.
“That’s bad,” Pepper said wearily, taking a sip of her luke warm tea, frowning. She passed her hand over the cup and steam rose from the mug; she took another sip. The corners of her mouth turned up in a half smile.
“Hey, I’ve been up for nearly forty-eight hours straight. I’m entitled. Talk to you this evening.”
Pepper disconnected the call, pushed up from the chair. “Shall we go back to bed?”
Getting to his feet, Lathen shuffled to her. “Yep, sounds like the owl is going to be fine.” He rubbed her shoulders, let his hand slide to the small of her back, guiding her through the hall and into the bedroom. “Sleigh rides today.”
“You’re really looking forward to that. Huh?”
“Yup.”
“Me too. A sleigh ride is so romantic. Two people cuddled up under a blanket. Mugs of their favorite warm beverage. The horses and sleigh all decorated for the holidays.” Pepper sighed and raised her hand to cover a yawn.
“I didn’t know you were such a romantic,” Lathen said, lifting the covers for her then crawling in next to her.
“Every woman is a romantic,” Pepper mumbled snuggling against him, her head on his shoulder.
“You’ve watched too many Christmas movies.” He chuckled. “On that channel that starts them right after Halloween.”
“Hmm?”
When Pepper opened her eyes again, the sunlig
ht filtered through the curtains and warmed her face. “Is the storm over?”
Lathen blinked. “It appears so.”
Pepper listened for a moment. Cheerful voices came from the direction of the kitchen, along with the aroma for freshly brewed coffee. “I believe we are the last to wake up.”
“I imagine. It’s eleven-thirty. Almost missed the morning entirely.” He rolled over and brushed his lips leisurely over hers. “We better get up. Breakfast and sleigh rides await.”
Her stomach growled loudly as if in agreement. She laughed along with Lathen. Pepper bounced out of the bed. “Last one in the shower has to wash the other.” She turned to see Lathen’s mesmerizing aquamarine eyes sparkle with mischief as he sauntered across the bedroom floor to join her. “I like that challenge.”
Pepper towel dried her hair, then dressed in flannel lined jeans, thermal shirt under a favorite brightly colored flannel shirt, warm socks, and insulated boots.
“You’re going to be too warm while eating breakfast.” Lathen stood, top button on his lined jeans undone, one arm in his fleece flannel shirt, bare chest and back muscles rippled as he slipped the other arm into the shirt and buttoned it.
Pepper licked her lips stopping to watch Lathen get dressed. He is one sexy package. She stepped to him and unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt, her fingertips caressing the skin left bare by her actions. Leaning into him she nuzzled his neck, drawing in his fresh, clean scent, a mixture of pine, cloves, and spice.
“You want me to freeze to death out there?” A chuckle rumbled from his throat.
“Nope, just eye candy for breakfast.” She smirked.
“Others may not be appreciative.”
“That’s their problem,” Pepper shot back opening the bedroom door. “Mmmm something smells good. Mom’s scrambled egg casserole.”
He pulled on his socks and shoved his feet into the boots. “Breakfast will be a fast affair anyway. Bet we’re the only ones that haven’t eaten.”
She stifled a giggle. “Everyone else is probably ready for lunch.”
They walked into the kitchen, and Pepper shot him a sideways glance. Hayley was making a peanut butter sandwich on a plate with chips.