by Terra Kelly
“Do you both cook like this every day?” Connie asked, entering the kitchen. “I may want you to move closer, just so you can make my house smell this way all the time.” She hugged Alyssa and Alex, then went and sat down on a barstool at the little island.
Alex turned to Alyssa. “No one is leaving, love. Isabel and Mom are just drooling over all the smells coming from the kitchen.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I think Alyssa and I make a great team in the kitchen.”
Lexie was being carried around like an airplane by Grant. He zoomed into the kitchen and Lexie declared, “I make good food, too.”
Alex put his arms up in surrender. “That she does. She makes an amazing mac n’ cheese pizza. Don’t you, little one?” Then he beeped her nose and leaned in to kiss her temple.
Lexie moaned. “Pizza, pizza, pizza!”
“So, I guess, like Mother, like Daughter?” Isabel teased.
Alyssa smiled. “The only thing different, she looks just like her Daddy. Want to see a picture?”
As Alyssa took Isabel and Connie to see photos of Derek. Alex finished making breakfast and got the table and island area set for everyone. By the time they all finished eating, it was already 10:00 a.m. so they packed up and headed to the cafe to make the epic Thanksgiving dinner.
Chapter 11
Alex headed over to the pit to get the coals ready, then planned to prep the turkey. Alyssa turned on the TV in the dining area for the boys, then she showed Isabel and Connie around the kitchen since they both would make homemade bread together. Alyssa set them up at Anna’s station because the prep area was perfect for two people. She then headed over to make a few different side dishes. They were in the kitchen for several hours cooking, baking, wood smoking, and laughing a lot.
Since Isabel tended to be messy, Drew wasn’t surprised to hear she dropped the flour bag. Lexie ran in and gasped. “Oh, no!”
Isabel was covered in flour and in fits of giggles. She noticed Connie was trying very hard not to laugh. When Lexie reacted, Connie lost it. Alex and Alyssa walked over to see what all the commotion was about and almost slipped on the spilled flour. Isabel’s eyes went wide. “I will take a wild guess and say this is not the safest kitchen right now.”
Alyssa walked over to Isabel and patted her on her back. “Is this normal, sweetie?”
Drew walked into the kitchen and pinched Isabel’s behind. “I like this look on you, it suits you.” Then he leaned in to kiss her and whispered, “You look sexy, baby.”
Isabel flushed with excitement. “Um... So not fair.” She then pushed him away and walked to the bathroom to clean up.
Alyssa had invited the other staff members, but they all declined. Anna had told her that this dinner was for family only. She had to admit, it was fun just having Alex’s family there. They all seemed so close. She loved how they welcomed Alyssa and Lexie into their circle. At that moment, she realized she had a lot to be thankful for this year. The most important thing to be thankful for was Alex. Her one wish would be to be reunited with her family, especially her sisters.
About 4:00 p.m. the cafe dining area looked beautiful. The table was set with flowing bright Fall colors. All the food was sitting in the center ready to be devoured. Once everyone sat down, she stood with her wine glass in her hand. “I would love for us to share what we are thankful for.” She looked toward Alex. “I’ll start. I’m thankful for meeting, Alex. I’m also thankful for all his patience, he needs a lot with me. Lastly, I’m thankful for his beautiful family’s persistence to come to Boise for the holiday.” She raised her glass to everyone and then took a drink. As she went to sit down, she leaned over and kissed Alex, then gave little Lexie a kiss on her head.
Alex went next. “I’m thankful for losing my job in L.A., best thing that ever happened.” They all laughed, and in unison said, “Awwww.”
Joshua said, “I’m thankful for patience.” Everyone wanted him to elaborate. Then he said, “And I’m thankful for my beautiful family and how close we all are.”
Grant said, “I’m thankful for what I do every day, protecting and serving the citizens. I love my job.” They all raised their glasses and thanked him for his services.
Connie said, “I’m thankful for my little family getting bigger. We need some little babies next.”
Drew laughed. “One thing at a time, Mom.” He then stood. “I’m thankful that Isabel moved into that little cottage next door to me. I love you, Isabel Sloane, and I look forward to calling you my wife.” He then bent to kiss her and hugged her.
Jim said, “I’m thankful for every one of you. You all are successful and happy, and I couldn’t be more proud of you.” He sat down, and Connie leaned over and kissed his cheek.
Isabel said, “Wow, I could name like 20 things I’m thankful for right now. Let’s see, I’m thankful for my shimmering white curtains I had at my little cottage.” She looked at everyone and winked. “Just let your imaginations run wild. I’m also thankful for having the support from not just one, but two amazing families. I’m also thankful for meeting Alyssa and Lexie. I look forward to getting to know you so much more.” She raised her glass to everyone, then sat down and snuggled into Drew.
They passed dishes around and had more of everything in the kitchen. They all agreed having extra leftovers was not a bad thing. Alyssa was sitting facing the door to go outside. She had her fork almost to her mouth when it fell with a loud clatter to her plate. One moment there was a room filled with laughter and then it went silent. The clatter from Alyssa’s fork hitting the plate startled everyone.
Alex noticed Alyssa’s face had gone white, and she was staring at the door. He looked up to see four people standing in the doorway. He whispered. “Baby?”
Alyssa didn’t know what to say, hell, she didn’t even know where to begin. Her Mom, Dad and Derek’s parents stood there looking somber. Derek’s mom, Maria spoke first, and in an angry tone said, “What’s all this?”
Derek’s dad Kirk looked over at Maria. “Calm down, this is not how you want to start things.”
Alyssa looked at her parents, who still had not spoken. Then she glanced at everyone at the table “Would it be okay to wait in the kitchen for a little bit?” They all rose and touched her arm as they went past her. She turned to her parents. “So, when are you going to yell at me? Or are you leaving that to Maria and Kirk?”
Sam, Alyssa’s mom, looked heartbroken. “I don’t want to fight with you,” Sam said, and turned to Maria. “I thought we agreed to not get angry?”
Zach, Alyssa’s dad nodded. “We discussed that Maria, didn’t we?”
Maria just made a noise of frustration. “How can you not get angry? She is sitting here celebrating Thanksgiving with a family we don’t even know.” She looked at Alyssa. “Did you have a secret family on the side to go to after the accident?”
Alyssa bent down to Lexie. “Sweet pea,” she said, calmly. “Can you please go spend time in the kitchen with everyone?”
“And now you don’t want her near us either?” Maria said, sounding frustrated.
Lexie looked scared, her lip was trembling as she walked into the kitchen. Isabel was waiting by the door with her arms wide open. “It’s okay, baby girl. Your momma and Alex just need to talk adult stuff.”
Lexie looked up at Izzy. “But what if they make my momma cry? I left Sammy Bear at home and she needs him if she cries.” Then tears poured out of her sweet blue eyes.
Izzy held her tight. “I guarantee that Alex will never leave her side and will hug her if she cries. Okay?”
Lexie just shook her head and snuggled in tighter to Izzy. The Winters’ all looked concerned, but made sure to not let Lexie see them too worried.
Once Lexie was in the back, Alyssa turned to Maria. She was beyond angry. “How dare you walk in here and spout off accusations?”
Kirk looked sympathetic. “Alyssa, please understand where we are coming from. We walk in and see you laughing and having a good time with several peo
ple. It’s hard to not think something negative.”
Sam shook her head in agreement. “You disappeared over two years ago. We haven’t heard from you, no letters, no nothing.”
Kirk nodded. “You leave in the middle of the night and only leave a vague note. What else could we do, we needed to find you?”
Alyssa gasped. “It was you? The other night I felt someone watching us but couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. You were watching us, weren’t you?”
Maria laughed. “That was the private detective I hired. You made it easy to find you, but we were curious what you do during the day.” She shook her head and looked toward Alex. “You seem cozy with him.”
Alex spoke. “So, I’m curious, when did the private detective start coming around?”
Kirk looked at Maria. “She hired him two months ago. We were tired of waiting and wanted to know if you both were okay.”
Alex shook his head. “What you’re saying is, you just started watching? You have no idea what she has been doing for the last two years?” Alex felt anger rise, but he took a few deeps breaths. “Well, for starters, I’ve only been in Boise for a few months. For your Daughter, she has been depressed for two years. When I met her, she was still living in the past. Afraid to care about someone. Scared she would betray Derek by caring for me. Always crying, always sad. Her daughter has a stuffed bear for when her momma cries. Her daughter consoles her and helps her through the tough days.” He looked toward Alyssa, tears were streaming down her face. “When I met her, I knew she broken. It was her smile that gave her away. Even with her beautiful little girl, she still struggled to be happy.” He turned back to the parents. “Don’t you dare walk in here acting like you know what is going on. You know nothing.” He sat down and pulled Alyssa into his embrace. He rubbed her back and tried to calm her. “I’m right here, love.”
Sam cleared her throat and went to say something. Alyssa wiped her eyes and looked up at her parents. “It has been two long years. I’m tired of crying. When I left, I needed to get away from all the memories. While I was healing, you all kept talking about the past, and reliving memories. Not a day passed where I had the chance to breathe or even try to work toward the future. When I mentioned this to you, Mom and Maria, you both got angry at me. When it was safe for us to travel, I decided to give Lexie and I a fresh start.” She held Alex’s hand tight. “The day this man arrived in Boise, was the day I lived again. Don’t you dare try to judge him or his family? They have helped me in celebrating Derek. They want to know about him and how special he was.” She looked at Alex. “I want to go home with your family now.” She looked at her parents. “When you all are ready to let go of the past, move forward, and celebrate Derek with me, let’s talk, but for now, I have no intentions of fighting with any of you.”
Maria looked stunned. “That’s it? We come all this way and you basically are telling us to leave?”
Alex just sighed. “I think you all still need more time. Alyssa is ready but you’re not. Lexie is very fragile and shouldn’t be around all this hostility. Please contact us when you all are ready to talk with no anger.” Alex and Alyssa turned and walked into the kitchen.
Lexie ran to her momma. “Oh Momma, you okay?”
Alyssa bent down and pulled Lexie into her arms. She then turned toward Connie, with tears streaming down her face. Connie grabbed her and held her. “Oh sweet, sweet girl, I’m so sorry.” Alyssa was holding Connie; she needed a mom at that moment.
Alex stood by the door. “Alyssa needs to go home with Lexie. I will run them home. Is it okay to have you guys throw the food in the cooler? Don’t worry about cleaning up, I’ll contact Stu and Anna tonight. He combed his hands through his hair. He was upset and confused.
Joshua walked over and placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “I’ll run you three home and come back here to help. They need you more right now. Maybe I should stay over at Alex’s house tonight?”
Alyssa looked up. “No, please, will you all come back to the house? Lexie and I need family.”
Alex walked over to Alyssa. “Are you sure, love?”
“Yes, please. Go ahead and run Lexie and I home, it’s time for her and I to go home.”
Jim walked to Alyssa. “Sweetie, we will bring leftovers back to the house, stuff our faces, and watch Wizard of Oz. How does that sound?” He then leaned in and hugged her.
Alyssa and Lexie had put on their pj’s and were snuggled together on the couch. Alyssa heard the key in the door and looked up to see Alex walk through. She smiled, kissed the top of Lexie’s head, and then rose to go greet him. “Did you get everything stuffed in the small walk-in?” She reached her hands out and grabbed his hands. Then they moved in closer with only a moment separating them. “We missed you.” She leaned up on her tip-toes and kissed his sweet lips.
He pulled her close and kissed her more deeply. “I missed you both, too. Everyone will be here in a moment. They have a surprise in store.” Still just inches from her lips, he grinned and then kissed her again. Then he backed away and walked over to the couch. “How is my sweet girl doing?”
Lexie was tired and was not acting herself. She looked up with sad eyes. “Good. Where is everybody?” She sat up onto her knees and inched over to Alex. She climbed into his lap. “I thought we would watch Oz and eat lots?”
Alyssa sat down beside them. “We will do both, cutie. Do you want to talk now? You said you wanted to wait till Alex got back?” She brushed the back of Lexie’s hair and squeezed her shoulder.
Lexie shrugged. “Not now, Momma.”
“Whenever you’re ready, baby girl.”
Alex looked confused. “She wanted to wait until I got back?”
“Lexie and I both like you around.” Alyssa said, brushing a strand of hair away from Lexie’s face. “You make us both feel safe.” She looked toward Lexie. “Right, baby girl?”
Lexie nodded her head vigorously. “Yup, we love you, Alex.”
“I love you, too,” he said, trying not to cry. “I love you both very much.” He smiled. “It’s not too soon to say I love you, right? Because I think it’s possible I fell in love with you both the moment I met you.” He touched the side of Alyssa’s face and brushed a single tear away.
Alyssa leaned into his touch. “I love you, too. I love you so damn much, it scares me.” She smiled at Lexie, then back at Alex. “When you took me out on our first date. I knew I loved you. When I felt that feeling come rushing back after two long years, I ran. I believed I had to love only Derek for the rest of my life. That I made a vow, and I had to honor that vow forever. You have helped me see it’s okay to move on, and that I’m not dishonoring Derek. I love how you want to celebrate him with me that you’re okay with talking about him. I’m so glad you lost your job in L.A. too.”
Alex pulled Alyssa over and hugged both his girls tight. “We will get everything straightened out, okay? Maybe we can go to Michigan and see them. I think it’s time for Lexie to meet everyone.”
Alyssa nodded and looked at Lexie who was resting her head on Alex’s chest. They sat there together, snuggled in close. A few minutes went by, then they both looked up to see the door opening. All the Winters’ were walking in carrying tons of luggage and bags. Alyssa hopped up. “What’s all this? Can I help with anything?”
Grant smiled, then leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I think we have everything. Plus, we brought tons of leftovers, just like we promised.”
Isabel walked in holding up beer in one hand and two bottles of wine in the other. “Mom has sparkling juice for cutie.”
Joshua walked in holding blankets and pillows. “Mom got me sparkling juice? Oh, how sweet of her.”
Lexie giggled. “It’s for me Josh.” Then she ran and hugged his leg.
“Um... why are you holding blankets and pillows?” Alyssa asked, sounding confused.
Connie had flowers and her suitcase in tow. “Someone told me we were having a slumber party. So, we stocked up on the es
sentials, wine, beer.” Looking at Lexie, she said, “Juice! Plus, we loaded all the leftovers in a few coolers and they are on the porch.”
Grant and Jim walked in and sighed. Jim turned to Alyssa, and asked, “How are you, sweetheart?” He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “So, what should we eat first?”
Lexie jumped up and down with excitement. “Dessert, dessert, dessert!”
Isabel laughed. “Cute girl, we are so going to get along. Dessert it is. I believe we brought all the different treats Anna left us. What should we try first?”
Alex and Alyssa looked at each other laughing, and at the same time said, “Strawberry cheese danish!”
Lexie was rubbing her belly in happiness. “Yum!”
Grant walked over and scooped her up. “Cutie, you sure do know the way to a man’s heart. Now I need one of those cheese danishes, too.” Lexie leaned in and hugged him. Then she wiggled to get down and pulled him toward the coolers where the desserts were being stored.
“Are you sure you are okay, sweetheart?” Connie asked, reaching for Alyssa’s hand.
“I am now, Connie.”
The tiny living room was full of people, food, pillows, blankets, and so much laughter. Alyssa knew she needed to deal with what happened today, but she was determined to enjoy her time with Alex’s family. It was obvious her family was still living in the past. She had no room to judge since only a few months ago she was in the same boat. Since Alex walked into her life, she realized how important it was to move forward. As she sat, there snuggled next to Alex, she thought about the possibility of celebrating Christmas in Michigan, and then maybe Wilmington. It would give her a month to figure out how to talk with her family. Having them back in her life was the one wish she had now. She turned to Alex, and said, “What do you think about celebrating Christmas in Michigan, and then Wilmington?”