Love & Family: Thanksgiving (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 2)

by Elsie Davis

  “Happy Thanksgiving.” Tom stepped in to give her a hug. “Cute apron. Don’t mind if I do.” He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

  Gemma grinned. “Happy Thanksgiving to the both of you.”

  “Kyle, don’t forget to tell Miss Gemma Happy Thanksgiving.” The old geezer had a devilish twinkle in his eye. She’d seen him in action once, and his intentions were all too obvious.

  Kyle knelt on the sofa, peering over the back of it to eye the dessert table. “Happy Tanksgiving, Miss Gemma. Can I have a piece of pie?”

  “You have to wait until after dinner.” She might not be a mother, but it didn’t take a genius to realize the quickest way to ruin an appetite was digging into dessert first. It would also make Kyle hyper at the dinner table and Jake wouldn’t appreciate the craziness.

  “Aww, shucks. Do I have to? It’s Tanksgiving. And I want to be tankful fo pie.”

  “With Thanksgiving dinner, you need to get it all stacked in your tummy just right. And then you top it off with pie. That way you don’t get a tummy ache.” It was what her mother used to tell her to get her to eat dinner. It usually worked.

  “I don’t want a tummy ache. Those huwt.” Kyle slid off the couch and returned to playing with Brody.

  “I don’t believe you’ve properly greeted our hostess, Jake. Mind your manners.” Tom grinned and headed toward Kyle and Brody, his motives crystal clear.

  Jake stepped in close, his grin a replica of Tom’s. A flush crept over Gemma’s face, and it had nothing to do with the heat in the kitchen and everything to do with the man reaching for her.

  “Happy Thanksgiving.” He pulled her close, his cologne reminding her of a walk in a pine-scented forest, musky wood all around. Fresh and exciting.

  “Happy Thanksgiving,” she echoed.

  Jake lifted his hand to her face. Using his thumb, he brushed against her cheek, sending ripples of delight down her spine. At a loss for words, she stood there waiting to see what he would do next.

  “Flour,” he murmured.

  “Thanks.” She swallowed hard and closed her eyes, waiting for the kiss she was certain he would deliver this time.

  She felt his lips press against her cheek and then nothing. Gemma opened her eyes, embarrassed to have been caught out in a breathless moment of wanting a real kiss.

  And the worst part was, Jake knew it.

  “I like your apron.” He grinned and stepped back just as Chad walked into the room. Jake’s teasing eased over the awkwardness of her dad discovering them standing so close together.

  “Thanks.” Gemma turned away, not wanting anyone else to witness the open look of disappointment that was surely written on her face. Especially not her dad.

  Gemma refused the men’s offers of help, and they moved into the living room to watch Kyle play with Brody. Listening to them talk, it was hard to believe they’d only known each other three years and not a lifetime. She peeked Jake’s way several times when he wasn’t looking, unable to deny the tug of attraction. Eight years her senior, it was no surprise she didn’t know him from when she lived in the area, but she couldn’t help but notice him now.

  It took another thirty minutes to finish up, but as Gemma surveyed her handiwork, she was pleased with the presentation of her first dinner party. Everything looked delicious, but the final test would be the taste.

  “Dinner’s ready.”

  Everyone gathered around and took a seat, their comments causing her to flush with pleasure. They served up cowboy-size portions of food on their plates, echoing their initial appreciation. Even Kyle’s plate was heaped full as Jake gave him what he wanted.

  They all joined hands as Chad said the Thanksgiving blessing. Jake’s hand curled around hers gave her a sense of peace, while Kyle’s brought her a sense of joy, the boy’s trusting smile one of those feel-good moments.

  “Now that everyone has their plate ready, while we eat there’s a tradition my mom and I do during Thanksgiving dinner, and I’m hoping we can do it here.”

  Everyone stopped fixing their plates and turned to her.

  “Go ahead, sweetheart. I remember this at your mom’s. Why don’t you explain it to the others and then I’ll start if you want?” Chad sat back in his chair and smiled.

  “Thanks.” It came as a surprise he would remember a Thanksgiving tradition, but it pleased her to no end. “We go around the table and say one thing we are thankful for this year, and one thing we hope for in the next year.”

  “Sounds easy enough,” Jake chimed in.

  Kyle looked around the table but didn’t say a word.

  “Kyle, honey, if you don’t want to when it’s your turn, you don’t have to. We’ll leave it up to you. I know when I was growing up, I hated to do stuff like this, knowing everyone was listening.”

  “Okay.” The look of relief on his face warmed her heart.

  Chad laid his fork down. “I’m grateful my daughter showed up on my doorstep and is giving me a chance to get to know her and for this beautiful feast she prepared. Far better than a TV turkey dinner I might have had otherwise.”

  “That’s three things.” Not that she minded since they were all about her. It was still crazy to think of the changes in her life, but her thanks would closely echo his own.

  “I know, but all of them are important to me. As to the next year, I’m only going to say new beginnings.” Did he mean her, or was it more? Like her mother. “And I pass the floor to…Jake.”

  Tom laughed, shaking his head. “Rather vague, but acceptable, because I don’t expect to do any better.”

  Jake was flustered at being caught unawares, the tension in the way he held himself obvious. He cleared his throat. “I’m thankful for my dad’s help, Chad’s friendship, and of course, my son.”

  “Another one going with three things. Putting the pressure on the rest of us.” Gemma laughed. It wasn’t as if she expected him to mention her.

  “And for the next year?” Tom eyed Jake, a funny expression on his face.

  “For the next year…new beginnings sound like an excellent all-around answer.” Jake grinned, picking up his fork and knife, focused on cutting his turkey. “Oh, and I pass to Gemma.”

  He couldn’t possibly mean her when it came to new beginnings, but if her racing heart was any indication, she would be on board if he did. But since Jake wasn’t letting anyone in his inner circle, much less someone who lived in Syracuse, it was wishful thinking on her part.

  “I’m thankful I came to meet Chad, for the rescue team saving Brody, and for all the help I’m getting from everyone to make the fundraiser a huge success. For my next year, I’ll follow suit and say new beginnings. Not that I have a clue what that would mean in my life at this point, although it could simply mean with Chad, which would be super.”

  Gemma shot her dad a smile and nodded. It was all true, and it was important to let him know her change of heart. Somehow, against all odds, she’d decided to let him become a part of her life. “And I pass to Tom.”

  “Very nice. I’ll stay with new beginnings also because I have my eye on a few.” Tom shot a pointed look at Jake and then back at her, which they both chose to ignore.

  “And you’re thankful for?” Gemma asked.

  “I’m thankful for the time I have with my son and grandson, and I’m grateful to have met Gemma, a woman strong enough to shake things up around here.” Tom laughed as he raised his glass and toasted with Chad. The two of them were up to no good, that was obvious.

  Gemma grinned and shook her head at the two of them. “Thanks for sharing, everyone, and humoring me.”

  “Wait. Don’t I get a tuwn?” Kyle spoke up, surprising everyone around the table.

  “Of course, darling. Go ahead.” Gemma took his hand in hers to offer support.

  “I’m thankful for my daddy, Gwamps, and that I wide howses like a big boy. And Mr. Chad and Miss Gemma. Oh, and Bwody.”

  Jake beamed. “That was really good, Kyle. Thanks for sharing.”
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  “And what I want is…new begin…beginning.” Everyone burst into laughter.

  “What kind of new beginning?” Chad asked when the group quieted.

  “A new mommy. Fow my daddy and me.”

  Jake stiffened. “It doesn’t work that way, Kyle. You and I have a good thing going on, and I’m happy having just you and Gramps.”

  Kyle’s baby blues landed on her. She knew what he was thinking, and she’d have to talk to him later and try to explain why it wasn’t possible. It was only fair to Jake that it didn’t fall on his shoulders since she was the one who insisted on friending Kyle.

  The boy’s crestfallen face disagreed. She remembered all too well the feeling of wanting her family to be complete. To be the same as other kids. She squeezed his hand, hoping to give him encouragement.

  The conversation around the table resumed, and story after story flowed. There was no shortage of laughter, and Kyle, bless his heart, chimed in whenever he could. He was adorable and so well-mannered for such a young boy; it was clear Jake was an excellent role model for his son.

  It wasn’t long before everyone was full as a tick and pushed back from the table.

  “Anyone for a walk around the quarry? I’m sure Brody would love to go outside.” Her earlier embarrassment had long since vanished amidst the laughter of the group. It was for the best Jake hadn’t kissed her.

  “Why don’t you three take the dog and go? Tom and I will stay behind and clean up. It’s only fair.” Chad was joining Tom in his matchmaking efforts. The two could be a potent force, but the walk was around the quarry not down the aisle.

  “How’d I luck out and not have to clean up?” Jake stood and stretched.

  “Consider it our Thanksgiving gift to you. Besides, you need to keep an eye on Kyle.”

  “Okay, then. Let’s go.”

  Gemma grabbed Brody’s leash while Jake made Kyle take a potty break.

  The kid was a chatterbox the whole time they walked. At the Peninsula, they stopped to look around.

  “It’s beautiful here.” Gemma took a deep breath, always amazed at the beauty.

  “Yeah, it sure is.” She wasn’t sure, and she was afraid to find out, but she sensed he was looking at her when he spoke the words.

  “I’m leaving Sunday, you know. I should explain it to Kyle.”

  Jake stiffened beside her. “No. Leave it to me. We knew the time would come.”

  “Okay. I trust your judgment, and he’s your son. I promise I’ll come back and see him.”

  “It’s okay. We’ll be fine.”

  We’ll? Jake had included himself in the statement. Did that mean he wasn’t happy she was leaving either? Or was it just wishful thinking on her part?

  * * *

  Gemma set her alarm, knowing she wouldn’t get up in time without the obnoxious ring tone blaring into the darkness to announce the morning. She eased out of the warm comfort of her bed and raced for her jeans and a sweater.

  Even at five AM Chad had beaten her to the coffee pot. Knee-deep in thought with a pile of papers scattered across the table, he glanced up as she approached.

  “Morning, sleepyhead. Let me get you a strong cup of coffee. I have a feeling you’re going to be needing it if we intend to get any work done this morning.”

  “Thanks. Oh, and good morning.” Slumped down low in the chair, she rested one elbow on the table to prop up her head. Chad slid a cup in her direction, the aroma tingling her brain into awareness. She took a sip, letting the warmth of the liquid seep through her body, bringing her the much-needed caffeine.

  “It’s cold. Hopefully, it warms up fast today for the carnival. I wish I’d brought my winter jacket. I don’t want to wear the white coat I bought last week; it would be destroyed before the day is out.”

  “Do you want me to turn the heat up in the house? I should have asked you sooner. And I’m sure I’ve got a coat I can lend you.”

  “As long as it doesn’t make me a fashion disaster, I accept.” She yawned. “Are you riding with me to the high school this morning?”

  “I’ve got to take my truck. I need to haul some of my gear for the bull-riding lessons. Figured the kids would like to see some of the equipment and have it more realistic. I also need to bring plenty of clothes. Would’ve been nice if it was a warmer time of the year you decided to donate my dunking services.”

  Gemma shivered in sympathy just thinking about him being dunked in a cold tank of water. “I’m sorry. I did manage to overlook that one small factor.”

  “Nobody’s perfect. I’ll live. Not much different than jumping in a cold creek to bathe, I reckon.” She appreciated that he was a good sport about an oversight on her part.

  Or maybe once upon a time, she’d thought it appropriate, but she certainly didn’t anymore. “I guess, but thanks.” Nobody’s perfect. Chad’s words held a deeper meaning for her.

  Everyone deserved a second chance, and Gemma was glad she’d given Chad one. Nothing could ever erase the past, but forgiveness was on the horizon the way things were shaping up. Every day, they grew closer, the hands of time closing any awkwardness between them.

  “What time is everyone scheduled to arrive for the setup?”

  “The rescue squad is meeting me at the high school fields at six, and the vendors and trailers with equipment should start arriving at the same time. If everything goes smoothly, we should be up and running right at ten when the gates open. I’ve got my fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong.”

  “Nothing would dare go wrong with you at the helm.” He chuckled. “I still can’t believe you managed to put all this together in such a short time. I could use someone like you around here to help raise money for the GiddyUp Kids program.”

  “Thanks. Let’s just hope you’re right.”

  “I’m serious, you know. Maybe you could give it some thought.”

  “I can’t—”

  “Just think about it.” Chad picked up his papers and shoved them into a folder. “I’m sure we could come to a satisfactory arrangement if you consider it. But right now, I’ve got to get the horses fed if I’m going to make it to the fields in time to help set up.”

  Chad stood, taking the folder with him, waving his hand in farewell. All before she could think of a suitable turndown. It was one thing to get to know him, another to forgive him, but quite another to turn her whole life upside down. Not going to happen.

  Letting Brody out for his morning run put her behind schedule, and by the time she pulled into the parking lot, several pickup trucks were already parked on the grass near the designated area where they would be setting up. The guys all stood close together, thermoses on the hood of a car and a coffee cup in their hands.

  “Good morning, guys. Thank you all for coming out this early to help. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.” Gemma glanced around at the group, pleased so many people had shown up.

  Everyone murmured their hellos, some amidst sleepy yawns.

  A semi-truck pulled into the school parking lot. Thank goodness, the Ferris wheel had arrived. One down, four to go. She wasn’t worried about the dunking tank or the kissing booth as those were both local rentals. Her main concern was Bouncy’s R Us deliveries. She may have sweet-talked them on the phone to confirm their arrival, but until the truck got here, she would worry.

  “I’ve got a chart for everyone to see where they’ve been assigned. Charlie, who just pulled in,” she pointed to the semi, “has our Ferris wheel and that’s going to take the most guys to help set up. Charlie’s an old hand at this, and he’ll oversee putting it together and making sure it’s tested and safe before we open. Most of the other stuff will be easy to put together, but only if we all work together.”

  “Any idea of how many people are going to show up today?” Captain James asked.

  “It’s hard to tell because of the short notice, but I’m hoping to get at least five hundred people to pass through. With a ten-dollar donation entry, that alone brings in five-thousa
nd bucks and the rest I’m hoping to raise with added donations for the bull-riding lessons, the dunk tank, the kissing booth, the food baskets, and the vendors.”

  “This sounds great. And you put all this together in two weeks?” another guy called out.

  “I did. With a whole lot of help. And none of this works without you guys volunteering to lend a hand. Any questions?” she asked, just as Jake joined the group.

  “Did you bring breakfast?” Jake hollered from the back of the group. “I have it on excellent authority you know how to cook.” The group stared at Jake with interest before turning their gazes back on her.

  “Hardly. Your information is flawed. I rarely cook as I live alone and have only ever thrown one dinner party. It sounds like sausage and egg biscuits to the rescue. I’ll see what I can do about getting food because we wouldn’t want anyone slacking off because they’re weak.” She was glad the early morning light hid the heated blush rushing to her face at Jake’s praise of her cooking.

  “Do we look like a bunch of slackers to you? I was just teasing. Most of us probably grabbed something at home.” Jake was quick to reassure her.

  “The only slacker is probably me. Southern hospitality dictates I should have stopped for chicken biscuits, but I’m on it now. No worries.” On it, of course, meant calling Chad.

  Three and a half hours later, Gemma was pleased with the way everything had come together. After the Bouncy’s R Us truck arrived, she’d started to relax and realize it was all going to happen as planned.

  Now all they needed were people. And sure enough, like clockwork, everyone started arriving about twenty minutes before the scheduled opening. The parking lot was filled like any regular school day instead of a holiday closing.

  The sun pushed away the morning chill, bringing the promise of a beautiful fall day.

  Gemma took off Chad’s jacket and put it back in the Jeep.

  Everywhere she looked, people were laughing and having fun. She wandered over to where Chad had started his mechanical bull riding lessons. The line of kids and parents, all eager to speak with the PBR rodeo star, didn’t seem to mind the wait.