A Christmas Homecoming

by Johnson, Kimberly Rose

  She frowned as she pulled into the grocery store parking lot. In spite of whatever was going on behind the scenes, she refused to disappoint the Belafonte children. Rick’s kids were sweet, and for them, she’d stick it out and do her best to prepare a fantastic Thanksgiving meal.

  Chapter Four

  Early Thanksgiving morning, Bailey stood at the mirror in her bedroom and pulled her hair into a ponytail. The house was still quiet and peaceful, exactly the way she liked it. Hopefully Mona would sleep a couple more hours. It would be nice to hide out in the kitchen for a while uninterrupted. Once she had the turkey in the oven, she’d feel a lot better.

  She needed a cup of coffee and a muffin to settle her nervous stomach. Her mother would reprimand her for drinking coffee instead of tea when her stomach was a bundle of nerves, but Mom didn’t understand that the scent of coffee was calming for her.

  She’d be sure to give her parents a call while she ate breakfast. Giving herself a once over in the mirror, she frowned. Her dark wash jeans and new purple, cashmere blend sweater were a gift from her mom. She wanted to look nice today but didn’t want to ruin her new clothes while cooking, either. Oh well, she’d throw an apron over it and call it good.

  She slipped into her most comfortable black boots, then headed downstairs. Soft Christmas music greeted her as she entered the kitchen. Stephen stood bent over, sliding something into the oven. “Good morning.”

  He straightened. “Hi. I learned to cook in France. I hope you don’t mind that I prepared the turkey.” He wiped his hands on the black apron wrapped around his waist and shot a grin her direction.

  She caught her breath. He cooks? Why did he have to look so good, even wearing an apron? “Not at all.” She spotted the box of muffins she’d picked up at the bakery on the countertop beside the fridge, exactly where she’d left it the evening before. “Would you like to join me for coffee and muffins? These muffins are so perfectly sweet, you’d think you were eating dessert.”

  His brow furrowed. “Isn’t it a little early for that?”

  “Nope.” She pulled it from the counter and raised the lid on the box. “Jenna makes the best melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon streusel muffins I’ve ever had. I bought three. One for each of us, and I make a great pot of coffee. I get my beans from Brewed Awakenings in Sunriver, in case you want to get some for your place.” She’d set the timer on the coffee machine the night before, and it suddenly clicked into brew mode. Good, she was more than ready for a caffeine fix.

  Although she’d looked forward to a quiet time visiting with her parents on the phone, spending a little time with Stephen was a good idea too. She sensed he could be a good ally where Mona was concerned.

  “Sure, why not. If you can’t have dessert for breakfast on Thanksgiving, then when can you?”

  “Right.” She placed two white mugs on the counter and filled them with the rich brew, then grabbed the box and sat at the island. “How are you feeling? Any lingering effects from your accident?”

  “I’m mostly doing better. The soreness is about gone, and as you can see, my eye is almost healed.”

  She noted the bruise had pretty much faded. “So what are your plans for the day?”

  “Mom’s nurse will be here in about an hour to help her get cleaned up and ready for the festivities today. Once she leaves, I guess I’m on Mom duty since I haven’t found a suitable companion for her yet.”

  “You’ve only been looking for a couple of weeks. The right person will turn up.” Bailey added creamer to her coffee and drew in a deep breath, savoring the rich scent. “Mmm.” She grinned and imagined what it would be like to begin every day like this. Especially considering all she had to do today. “Mona seems happier now that you’re here. I’m sure it will help her improve.” Although as feisty as ever, her boss had softened since Stephen’s arrival, and anything that put Mona in a good mood, Bailey supported.

  “Really? I think she’s been somewhat cantankerous.”

  Bailey chuckled. “That’s her normal demeanor. But I’ve heard that happy people get better faster.”

  He wrapped his hands around his coffee mug and stared at the brew. “She wasn’t always like that. Sure, she was a bit on the stuffy side, but she was fun too—sarcastic and hilarious. Rebecca and my mom were quite the pair.” He shook his head, and the merriment left his eyes.

  “I’m sorry about your wife.”

  He nodded and finished his muffin and coffee in silence. “I’ll check the turkey from time to time, but otherwise I’ll stay out of the way.” He stood and rinsed his dishes before loading them in the dishwasher. “Thanks for breakfast.” He winked and strode from the room.

  “Hmm.” Bailey rested her elbows on the countertop and tapped her chin. Stephen was a difficult man to figure out. Was he still mourning his wife or had something else changed his demeanor? Too bad she couldn’t read minds! She glanced at the wall clock and pulled her phone out. She still had time to call home. She tapped her parents’ number on speed dial, and her mom answered after only two rings. “Happy Thanksgiving!”

  “Bailey, it’s so good to hear your voice,” Mom said. “How are you?”

  “A little nervous about preparing today’s menu, but the hardest part has already been taken care of. Stephen, Mona’s son who’s been away in France, already had the turkey in the oven when I got to the kitchen this morning.”

  “Now that sounds like a handy man to have around. Your dad would never dream of helping in the kitchen, as you know.”

  “Speaking of Dad, what’s he up to?”

  “Chopping wood out back. I can get him for you.”

  “No. We can talk later. I don’t want to interrupt.”

  “Okay. We’ll miss you today.”

  “Thanks. What are you and Dad going to do?”

  “Since our only child isn’t here, we thought we’d go out. There’s no sense making a big meal for the two of us.”

  “Really?” Mom had always invited friends from church or extended family over. She never dreamed her not being there would create such a change. “I’m sorry to have messed up tradition.”

  “Don’t worry. You did me a favor. I’ve always wanted to let someone else do the cooking.”

  Bailey heard the truth in her voice, and her guilt eased. “Okay. Enjoy yourselves.”

  “We will. Have a lovely day, dear.” Mom’s voice caught.

  They both finally said a teary goodbye.

  With a sigh, Bailey stood and donned an apron. It shouldn’t take too long to throw together finger food and side dishes. An hour later she had fruit and veggie platters sitting in the refrigerator, then began work on the cranberry relish Mona requested.

  Stephen popped into the kitchen. “The nurse is with Mother now and will be for at least an hour. I thought it’d be a good time to set the table, before I head back to my place.”

  Bailey smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand. “I totally forgot about the table.” How could she have done that? Design was her profession.

  “No worries. You’ve been otherwise occupied. Don’t think your hard work is going unnoticed.”

  She stilled. “Thanks, Stephen. That’s nice of you.”

  He chuckled. “I’m a nice guy when I’m not jetlagged and injured.”

  “Duly noted. I’ll have time as soon as I finish this relish. I can at least help carry the dishes to the dining room.”

  He waved her off. “I’ve got this. Put your feet up when you’re finished.”

  She added the final touches to the relish and grabbed a fork to taste test it. She forked a small amount into her mouth—not bad. Hopefully it would meet Mona’s expectations. Stephen sang along to the Christmas music. He had a nice voice. Between his skills in the kitchen, his melodious voice and kind heart, it was a wonder that he hadn’t been snatched up while in France. Having Stephen here was proving to be a much better thing than she’d expected.

  Stephen stood with one hand on the mantle in his cabin and the other h
olding a picture of Rebecca. “Things here are so weird without you, Rebecca.” One minute he felt as if everything was as it once had been, then the next he felt like the bachelor that he was years ago. Like when he’d winked at Bailey. He’d done it without thinking, but the look of surprise on her face was branded into his mind.

  When would he be able to shake this melancholy that plagued him? He was lonely and ready to move on with his life. He’d thought he’d done that in France, but now that he was home again, all the memories flooded his mind day and night.

  Then there was his mother. He hadn’t let on to Bailey how poorly Mom was doing, but Bailey was a smart woman, and he could tell she at least had an inkling. When he’d received the call that he needed to come home to help care for his mother, he didn’t know what he’d expected to find here, but seeing her so frail was definitely not it.

  He’d been away less than three years, and she seemed to have aged twenty. She was no longer the spry woman he remembered. What more could he do to help his mother?

  He set the picture back on the mantle. For now he’d check on the turkey and see if Bailey needed any help in the kitchen. She was extremely organized, so he doubted she would, but he’d offer nonetheless.

  He slipped into his jacket and boots, then stepped outside. A cold blast of air struck him. He tucked his chin and headed for the shortcut thorough the woods that led to the main house. John’s Jeep sat in the driveway. Of his two brothers, he’d been closest to John before Rebecca’s death, but they’d grown distant since. He hoped to remedy that soon. If being in France had taught him anything, it was that family was important.

  He stomped to get the snow off his boots then stepped inside the house. Warmth immediately enveloped him. He shrugged out of his jacket and left it on the coat rack. He sniffed and grinned. The scent of roasting turkey filled the air. He looked around the first level. John must be upstairs visiting their mother.

  Stephen rounded a corner then headed toward the kitchen. Bailey stood at the counter whistling a Christmas tune with a red apron covering her front. She had a counter filled with all kinds of desserts as well as finger foods. The second oven appeared to be in use, and a pot simmered on the stovetop.

  Bailey turned toward him as he entered. “Hi. Your turkey sure smells wonderful. I can’t wait to taste it.”

  “Me neither. I’m getting hungry.” He used a digital thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature. “It’s almost done! I thought it would take a lot longer. I better call Rick and tell him to get over here.”

  “John is with Mona. He said to let him know when everyone got here.”

  “I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry. You’ve done more than enough already.”

  Her cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink. “I wanted everything to be perfect. This is my first Thanksgiving away from home, and the first I’ve ever cooked.”

  “And you’re spending it with us? I’m sorry.”

  She laughed. “I like your family, Stephen. It’s not a hardship.” She grabbed a veggie platter in one hand and fruit platter in the other and left the kitchen.

  An hour later Stephen ambled slowly beside his mom as she shuffled into the dining room with the aid of her walker right as Rick placed the turkey in the center of the table. He had to hand it to Bailey—she’d pulled off an elegant affair right down to the gourmet pies on the side buffet.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone,” Mona said.

  His entire family turned. His niece and nephew’s faces lit.

  Judy, Rick’s wife, jumped up from her seat. “Mona, you look wonderful.” She gave her a side hug. “I’ll get her settled, Stephen.”

  “Okay.” He stepped away. He’d extended the table to seat eight, but there were only seven place settings. Bailey was missing. Had she changed her mind about eating with them? It seemed unlikely, considering she’d seemed genuinely pleased to be spending the holiday with his family. “Excuse me while I find Bailey.” She had to be in the kitchen.

  “She’s gone.” Judy helped his mother to her place at the head of the table.

  “What do you mean, she’s gone? She’s been working in the kitchen all morning.”

  Mom shot him a look that said to zip it, but he was tired of her attitude toward her assistant who was more a part of his family than he’d been of late. He still hadn’t discovered what had happened that caused his mother to turn on the woman she’d groomed for the past two years. Nor had he taken the time to search for her replacement. “Where did she go?”

  “I phoned her a little while ago,” Mom said, “and told her to take the rest of the day off once the meal was ready to serve.” She flicked a pumpkin colored napkin into her lap.

  Judy settled into her seat beside her daughter, Lacy,wearing a smug look. “She said something about meeting friends in Sunriver.”

  “Oh.” Why did Judy look so pleased that Bailey had left? Irritation threatened to dampen his good mood. He was thankful Bailey had friends she could spend the meal with, but felt badly that she’d thought she was eating here and then was sent away.

  He pulled out a high-backed wooden chair and sat next to his nephew, Collin. Bailey probably preferred to spend the holiday with friends or her own family rather than co-workers, anyway. But regardless, the arrangement didn’t sit right with him. She’d been talking all week about what she was planning to make and looked forward to tasting the pies from a bakery that was supposed to be the best in the area. She’d looked forward to the turkey, too.

  Mom’s face glowed even though it still showed the effects of the stroke. “I’m delighted to have all my family under one roof after so long.” She shot a look of approval toward Stephen. “Welcome home, Son. We’ve missed you.”

  Stephen nodded.

  “I’m thankful for each of you. I am a blessed woman and can now die happy.”

  He resisted rolling his eyes. Mom could be so melodramatic. “You’re not allowed to die yet.”

  “I’m not a young woman. You never know.”

  John, his middle brother, cleared his throat. “Seventy-three isn’t that old.”

  “No way!” Collin’s eyes widened. “Grandma, you’re way older than my Sunday school teacher, but she has gray hair. How come you don’t?”

  Stephen chuckled and patted his nephew’s shoulder. “Cool it, dude.”

  Judy’s face reddened, and her eyes shot daggers at her son. “Everyone is old to a seven-year-old.”

  “True enough,” John said. “Let’s pray and eat before everything gets cold.”

  They all paused while Rick prayed a blessing over the food. “Amen.”

  A low hum filled the room as food was passed and plates were filled.

  “How is the search coming along for my new assistant?” Mom asked.

  Rick started choking. His wife patted his back. “What are you talking about? Did Bailey give notice she’s leaving?” He looked between Mom and Stephen. “The way you’ve been treating her, it wouldn’t surprise me,” he mumbled under his breath loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “Let’s not discuss business.” Stephen shot his brother a look intended to silence him. “It’s my first holiday home in a while, and I’d like it to be pleasant.” Or at least as pleasant as possible.

  Mona shrugged. “I don’t know what the big deal is.” She added fruit salad to her plate. “Thanks for bringing this, Judy. It wouldn’t be a holiday without it.”

  Stephen tuned out the conversation around him and pondered what was going on with his family. They were all the same, yet different. Then again, maybe he was the one who had changed. Losing Rebecca made him realize what was important and what wasn’t. Death had a way of doing that.

  John told a joke that had everyone laughing. He’d missed it but grinned anyway. Coming back had been the right thing. Now all he had to do was figure out how to live here without Rebecca.

  “I saw on the internet that Mount Bachelor has enough snow to open the inner tube run today,” John said. “Anyone want
to go after we eat? It’s not every year they’re open on Thanksgiving, so this is a treat.” John looked directly at him.

  “Um, sure. I guess.” Stephen reached for his water goblet.

  “It’s settled then. The old fogies will stay here and clean up, and you, the kids, and I will go have fun,” John said.

  Collin pushed his plate toward the center of the table. “I’m done!”

  Everyone laughed.

  His niece, always the reserved one, whispered into her mother’s ear. “Lacy wants to know if she can invite Bailey.” A sour look covered Judy’s face for a moment, then quickly cleared.

  Stephen stilled. What was up with that? “She’s with friends.”

  Lacy pushed the mashed potatoes around on her plate. “I know, but she’s so much fun to play with.”

  “You play with Grandma’s assistant?” Somehow this news didn’t surprise him, but it should have.

  Judy sent a forced smile his direction. “I work fulltime now, and sometimes Bailey gets the kids from school. No big deal. It’s not like she’s not getting paid.”

  “Is there anything that woman doesn’t do for this family?” He shoved back his chair.

  “I don’t know what you’re so upset about,” Judy said. “Bailey is always willing to do whatever any one of us wants. It’s not like we force her.”

  Judy appeared clueless to how callous she sounded. “Excuse me. I have a call to make.” He stood and stalked out the door. He couldn’t explain why this latest news didn’t sit well, but he was beginning to believe his mother’s words. Bailey did whatever his mother demanded and more. She was too nice a person to be treated so poorly, and he intended to put a stop to it.

  Bailey, Nicole, her fiancé, Mark, Spencer, and Sarah, a close friend of Nicole’s, were all seated around Nicole’s dining room table. Contentment settled over Bailey. She’d felt sad at first to be excluded from the Belafontes’ Thanksgiving feast since she’d worked in the hot kitchen all morning to create a fabulous meal for the family, but her backup plan turned out to be as good or better.