by Diana Tobin
“Okay. My folks will be here by mid-afternoon. That will be a good time for y’all to meet.”
“We won’t be eating with you tomorrow. We have too much to do and I’m booked all day. Let’s go, girls.” She headed for the door.
Ethan placed a hand on her arm to stop her and Mike stilled instantly, looking into his eyes for the first time. “We need a few minutes to talk.”
“Is there something wrong with the food?” Her voice was like ice.
“No, the food’s great.”
“Then we have nothing to discuss, and I need to get the girls to school.” She stepped away, dislodging his hand, and marched out the door.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Thanksgiving morning dawned cold with a dusting of snow covering the ground. Overhead clouds promised more to come. The smell of roasting turkeys filled the Baxter house and the kitchen was a beehive of activity.
All together they would have four turkeys and two hams. Wil had found two fresh turkeys, which Nettie had roasted the day before in the coffee shop oven. Nearly every customer had asked for a turkey sandwich and been turned down. The frozen turkeys, now thawed, were in Nettie’s home oven. Mike had managed to get the hams into slow cookers, keeping aside some for them to have for lunch or supper over the weekend.
Nettie, Mike, and Dani worked on putting together those dishes that would need to go in the oven. A few things, like the potatoes for mashing and gravy, would be cooked on the stove top at the coffee shop. Charley and Wil were in charge of getting the dishes and silverware washed.
Wil had brought over three sets of china he had in his store along with two sets of flatware. Charley and Wil checked for chips and cracks, keeping only those items deemed sturdy enough for the twenty-five dining together. It didn’t matter that the dishes didn’t match; the guest list itself was eclectic.
When they had things prepared, Mike went upstairs to dress for the day. Since she would still be busy in the kitchen, she chose a pair of dark brown corduroy slacks and a lightweight olive green sweater with sparkly gold leaves trailing across the front from shoulder to hem. Chocolate brown boots with low heels would keep her feet warm in the snow and be comfortable for the day ahead. Gold leaf earrings with a matching necklace were her only jewelry.
She, Dani, and Nettie were going to take everything but the turkeys still in the oven and get set up. Wil and Charley would join them once the turkeys were done. She gave a brief thought to how nice it would be to have Ethan’s SUV for transporting food and dishes, then dismissed the thought as soon as it had come. She didn’t need him, or anything of his.
She’d managed to drop off a large pan of lasagna, garlic bread, and salad for Ethan’s crew before he returned from the Bangor airport where he’d gone to pick up his parents. Mike had included two bottles of wine and some biscotti she’d picked up at the bakery. Billy had been home at the time and promised to follow her directions.
Politely, he’d walked her to the door. “We miss having you ladies eat with us at night.”
“It’s been a busy week,” Mike told him with a little smile. “We’ll see you tomorrow. We’re going to have a crowd. Did Dani warn you she volunteered the two of you to keep an eye on Noah?”
“The Webster’s little guy?” he asked grinning. “He’s a hoot.”
“Enjoy your supper,” she said as she went out the door.
“Thanks, Miss Mike. Can’t wait!”
Mike pulled her truck into the lot shared by her shop and her mother’s, parking in front of the door. They carried all the food items into the back room, leaving the dishes, flatware, table cloths, and decorations in the front of the shop.
Nettie and Dani had pushed all the tables together after closing the night before making one very long table down the center of the shop. There wouldn’t be a lot of room for walking around, but enough for people to get to the counter and fill their plates and still get back to their seats.
Mike and Nettie got things going in the oven and while Nettie and Dani set the table, Mike began peeling potatoes.
As with the dishes the table cloths didn’t all match. There were three white ones, a pale yellow one, and one in earth tones with leaves in a jacquard pattern. Charley and Dani had dug through Nettie’s decorations and came up with a cornucopia, which they’d filled with fresh apples, small pumpkins and gourds, nuts in their shells, and some pretty maple leaves.
By the time the table was set Moose-ley Coffee had been transformed into a festive dining room. The cornucopia was center stage on the long table with maple leaves trailing down both sides, along with salt and pepper shakers in the shapes of pilgrims, turkeys, and pumpkins. Nettie had placed battery operated candles in the windows giving the area a warm glow.
Gusta and Alice Webster were the first to arrive. “We came to help.” Gusta placed two pies she was carrying on the counter. Greetings, hugs, and introductions made the rounds.
“Noah and Grandpa are taking a nap,” said Alice. “Where do you want this?”
“What is it, Allie-Cat?” Nettie tried to pull back the foil to take a peek.
“Bread pudding. It’s all baked, but I thought we could put it in a warm oven while we have the main course.”
“Good idea,” agreed Nettie. “Let’s take it in back,” and led the way.
Dani went outside to help Gusta bring in more pies. “How many did you make?”
“Two pumpkin, an apple, cranberry and apple, and pecan,” said Gusta. “Allie and I were having so much fun baking together we couldn’t stop.” She giggled. “Ethan said his mother was making a sweet potato pie.” When she saw Dani crinkle her nose, she added, “I think it’s like pumpkin, but we’ll see.”
Soon, Wil and Charley arrived with the last two turkeys. By then, the women had opened the wine and were having a wonderful time chatting and cooking.
“Hi, sweetie.” Mike made the introductions for Charley. “Do you want a cup of hot cider or a glass of cold?” She’d filled a soup pot with fresh pressed apple cider, adding cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, and cloves, then set it to simmer on the stove.
“I’ll take the cold.” Turning to Gusta she asked, “Where’s your little boy?”
“He should be here soon. He and his grandpa were napping.”
Charley turned to look up at Wil. “Hmm. Like Grandpa Wil.”
“I dozed off for a minute or two,” he said, wrapping his hand around the back of Charley’s neck.
“We watched the parade,” announced Charley.
Alice moved next to Nettie and said quietly, “‘Grandpa’? Is there something we should know?”
“That’s the first time I’ve heard her call him that.” Nettie’s cheeks flushed. “Well, Wil and I…that is—we’re seeing each other.”
Just then, Wil came over, wrapped his arms around Nettie, and gave her a kiss. “I’m grabbing a beer. You girls need anything?”
Nettie shook her head, her eyes shining as she looked up at the man holding her. “No, we’re good.”
“That, you are, honey,” he said with a wink before walking into the back room to the fridge.
Alice slid an arm around Nettie’s shoulders. “I have one thing to say to you, my dear. About damn time!” She gave her a quick squeeze. “I’ve never seen you look so happy.”
“Don’t think I ever have been.” Nettie blinked back tears. “Let’s go whip some cream.”
People kept arriving, bringing more food and introductions.
Suddenly, Ethan was standing next to Mike with a petite older woman at his side. “Mama, this is the woman to thank for last night’s dinner and today’s fabulous meal.” The south was prominent in his speech. “Michaela, I’d like you to meet my mama, Eileen.”
Eileen Reigh took both of Mike’s hands in hers. “I am so pleased to meet you, Michaela. You’re even lovelier than Ethan said.”
Mike flicked a quick glance up at Ethan before returning her attention to the elegant woman before her. “The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Reig
h. We’re glad you could join us.”
“You must call me Eileen. I brought some pies. Your pretty daughter, Danielle? She had me put them on a table by the window.”
“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.” Mike kept her attention on Ethan’s mother, but knew he was much too close. “We’re running out of counter space, so had to put dessert aside until later. May I ask what kind of pie you made?”
“A sweet potato and a peach. Ethan’s favorites.” She looked over her shoulder at her son with a warm smile.
“How fortunate for him. Pie is one of the many things I don’t do well.” Giving the woman a smile, she turned her back to Ethan. “Let me introduce you to the others.”
Eileen kept hold of one of Mike’s hands as they moved toward Nettie. “From what I hear, you all but walk on water.” She gave a light laugh.
“Only when it’s shallow,” Mike muttered, leading her away.
Nettie announced everyone was to sit where they wanted and Mike hoped she was at the opposite end of the table from Ethan. Then she gathered Wil, Joe, and Web to carve the meat.
When Lars Jorgenson, one of the players staying with Ethan, heard this, he offered his help. “My father is a butcher. He’s shown me how to carve.”
In the midst of this Charley squealed in delight. “Mama! Mama! Brucie Bear is here!” She’d dashed out before Mike could make sense of what she’d said.
Mike set down the casserole she’d been carrying and moved to the door to see Bruce holding Charley in one arm with the other wrapped around Dani. His smile was as big as the outdoors. She tossed aside the oven mitts that were protecting her hands, gave a whoop of her own and ran outside to meet him.
Bruce set down Charley and opened his arms as Mike jumped into them. He planted a kiss square on her mouth, then tilted his head back and laughed heartily, all the while holding her up off the ground.
****
Ethan’s jaw was clamped so tightly it was a wonder his teeth didn’t break.
His teeth were of little concern. The fact this overgrown hairy beast was holding his woman was of major concern.
Michaela hadn’t spoken to him, had barely looked at him, and now she was in the arms of this oaf. Brucie Bear was a good name for him. Between his long, dark hair blowing in the snow-dusted wind and the beard covering half his face, he very much resembled a bear. Was this the man Charley said wanted to marry her mother?
Over my dead body!
He watched as Michaela drew the man inside with Charley skipping at his side and Dani smiling as she followed. It was plain to see Michaela and the girls were happy to have this Bruce here.
As Michaela introduced the newcomer to the others, it was easy to see the affection they shared. Just as easy to see was how much Charley and Dani cared for him and their feelings were returned. Worst of all, this Bruce was a whole man.
“Bruce, this is Ethan Reigh, coach of our hockey team.” She’d made the rounds with the guy and stood before him.
“Bruce Johnson,” he said sticking out his paw to Ethan. “Good to meet you.”
“Yeah,” was all Ethan could get out before they moved on. It wasn’t often he had to look up to someone, and he sure hadn’t liked it this time. She’d introduced him as coach. Not my friend, my lover, just coach.
He barely noticed when the others began taking seats at the table. Charley and Dani were seated on either side of Bruce, with Michaela at the head of the table. Billy grabbed the place next to Dani and his dear sweet mother sat to the left of Michaela chatting with the girls and their big black bear.
Nettie took the place at the opposite end from Michaela with Wil at one side and his father, Robert, at the other. Ethan grabbed the seat next to his dad where he wouldn’t be so apt to see Bruce, the interloper.
Nettie got everyone’s attention. “We want to thank you all for joining us today. I won’t make a long speech. As you can see, it’s serve yourself, and we don’t want the food to get cold. My family and I consider it an honor to share this meal with each of you. If any of you wish to share your thoughts, please do so as the rest fill their plates. I just want to say how pleased I am to have my daughter and granddaughters home with me, and I’m truly blessed to have this wonderful man,” she placed a hand on Wil’s shoulder, “by my side. Now, let’s eat.”
“Yay,” came from Charley as she picked up her plate and stood. “I’m thankful Mama brought us to live with Grammie. And for Grandpa Wil, and Ethan, and for Brucie Bear here with us today.” Then she scampered off to fill her plate with all the yummy food filling the counter.
Bruce got up to follow Charley, his plate in hand. “I’m thankful you let me crash your party. And, to see my girls doing so well.”
Eileen Reigh stood up and placed a hand on Michaela’s shoulder. “We Southerners pride ourselves on our hospitality, but I’ve got to say all you Yankees do a fine job, too. Thank you for including us. And, thank you for taking such good care of my boy.” She beamed a smile down the table at Ethan then followed Bruce to the food, chatting with him as they filled their plates.
Just to show what a gentleman he could be, Bruce helped Eileen with her plate, and seated her at the table before taking his own place across from her.
Others around the room either said what they were thankful for or expressed appreciation for being included in the day’s meal. Then Dani stood, placing a hand on Billy’s shoulder and one on Bruce’s.
“I’m thankful to be with old friends,” she looked at Bruce, “and new friends.” This time her gaze went first to Billy before moving on to the other players and rested on Ethan. “I’m thankful for my family, and those I hope will be my family.” Slowly her gaze went from Ethan to Wil as she grinned. “But, most of all, I’m thankful for my mom, Micki.” This time she grinned over at Michaela and winked. Tugging on Billy’s hand, she led him to the food.
Ethan could see the smile on Michaela’s lips and the tears she couldn’t hold back. He wanted to walk the length of the table and take her in his arms. To share this moment with her. To show her he knew how much Dani’s words meant to her.
To let her know how much she meant to him.
He pushed back his chair and stood, lifting his glass in a toast. “I want to thank all the cooks who have made this meal and this gathering possible. Thank you to all the locals who have made me welcome.” He looked from Web to Nettie. “Thank you to a great group of hockey men who allow me to be your coach.” His gaze roamed over the players. “Thank you to my family for joining me in my new home.” He patted his father on the back and smiled at his mother. “To my new friends, and some who mean even more to me.” This time his gaze zeroed in on Michaela, his stare holding her until he could see her cheeks stained with a flush. “Thank you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
He tried all weekend to talk to Michaela with no success.
He’d lingered after Thanksgiving dinner, hoping for a few minutes with her. Instead, she shoved dishes and bags of leftovers at him claiming they should be able to make do for the next few days. Then Bruce was helping her load up so he could follow her home—where he planned to stay.
Ethan gritted his teeth at the thought of Michaela sharing her bed with Bruce. He knew, all too well, she hadn’t before, but now might be different. Which made his need to explain matters to her even more urgent.
The few times he saw her, she was either in a hurry to meet up with Bruce or he tagged along, stuck to her side like they were joined at the hip.
The only one joined to Michaela’s hip would be him!
Ethan thought about being joined with her nearly every waking moment, and all too often in his dreams. He desperately wanted to slide back into her body again, showing her how good their loving could be, worshipping her body as Nature intended. But, first, he had to tell her about his leg.
He feared how the truth would change her feelings. However, he was seeing how not telling her had changed things.
If he could just get a few minutes
alone with her—without that oaf, Bruce Johnson.
Michaela didn’t seem to mind when Bruce lumbered along like the bear the girls named him. To be honest, he’d seen the other man could be light and nimble on his feet for a man his size. The lumbering walk was always followed by feminine giggles from Charley and Dani and an indulgent smile from Michaela.
Practically sneaking out of his house Friday morning, he’d gone to The Hair Mousse only to find it closed with a sign in the door encouraging others to enjoy the holiday. Deciding to ask Nettie of her daughter’s whereabouts, he’d entered the coffee shop to find Michaela and Dani behind the counter while Bruce shared a table with Charley. They looked like a damn happy family.
Greetings came from everyone but Michaela as he stretched his lips into what he hoped was a smile and approached the counter. “How come y’all closed up shop?”
“You really need to learn to communicate better,” Michaela said with a cool glance. “Mom and Wil are spending the day with your parents. Didn’t they tell you?”
He thanked Dani for the cup of coffee she placed in front of him and realized he’d been so deep in thought about wanting to be with Michaela he hadn’t heard anything his mother had said. “Mama might’ve, but I’ve had other things on my mind.” He looked deep into her eyes hoping she’d read his silent request.
When Dani started to move away to give them a bit of privacy Michaela stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Don’t worry, Coach. We’ll be at the rink tonight to volunteer. Brucie is looking forward to seeing the game.”
Ethan leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Could I speak to you privately for a few minutes?”
“No. I’m busy.” She met his gaze head on despite her lie. There were only the five of them in the café. “We offered to run things here so Mom and Wil could have the day off. They really like your parents. Such lovely people. You should think about spending more time with them…in Georgia.”