Chapter 93

They had a beautiful, two-story log home that set on ten acres of land. It was heavily wooded, but framed the house to perfection, as if the log cabin had just sprouted up from the land.
"It's gorgeous," Curt said as we pulled down the long drive.
I smiled, pleased by his reaction. "It takes my breath away every time I see it. I'd like to own one like it one day."
Curt reached over and squeezed my hand. "Maybe you will."
I smiled, and then returned the squeeze. "Let's go."
Curt held the door for me as I slid out of the car. I hopped up the steps and knocked on the front door, wondering what they would say at my bringing Curt along. But I knew they would welcome him with open arms. Any friend of mine
"There she is!" Frank said as he opened the door and pulled me in for a hug. "It's about time you got here!"
I smiled as I handed him a bottle of wine. "It's only twelve noon."
"Exactly," Frank teased. Then, he looked over at Curt. "And who do we have here?"
I smiled as I slid my arm around Curt. "Frank, this is Curt Davis. Curt, this is Frank Mallory. Frank, I hope you don't mind me bringing a guest."
"Heavens, no!" Frank said as he gave me a gentle pat on the back. "The more the merrier."
I smiled. "Well, I'm glad to hear you say that because Alanna's coming, too."
He laughed. "As I said, the more the merrier." Then, he held out his hand to Curt and gave him a hearty handshake. "Frank Mallory. Glad to meet you."
Curt smiled warmly. "It's good to meet you, too."
"Well, don't just stand there, Alyssa! Show your guest in!" Frank said to me as a broad smile spread across his face. He had always treated me like a part of the family.
Inside, people filled the house. The men were in the living room, watching football, while the women were in the kitchen, talking and helping Roxanne.
"Like football?" Frank asked Curt, clasping his shoulder.
"Sure! Who's playing?" Curt asked.
Frank guided him into the living room and made the introductions.
I smiled and headed toward the kitchen.
"Alyssa!" Roxanne said, feeding the baby, who was sitting in a high chair. "I'm so glad you're here! Come here. Can you feed Caden for me?" Without waiting for an answer, she shoved the baby food and spoon into my hands and then went on preparing the rest of the Thanksgiving meal. The women in the room were busy snapping green beans and peeling potatoes, talking and laughing.
I sat down on the chair across from the baby. "Well, Caden, are you ready for this? You won't give Auntie Alyssa a hard time, will you?"
"Da, da, da!" Caden muttered as he slapped the highchair tray, wanting his food.
Roxanne laughed. "Just shove the food in his mouth and he'll be happy." She pulled the turkey out of the oven. "I swear he eats like a horse!"
"He takes after his daddy," I teased.
"You got that right!" Roxanne agreed.
I scooped up a spoonful and held it up. Caden opened his mouth and gladly ate it as I spooned it in. Within minutes, I had the hang of it, enjoying taking care of a baby for a change.
"Wow! You look great," Curt said behind me, leaning against the door facing, holding a freshly-opened beer.
The women smiled.
I laughed. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you come in."
Roxanne suppressed a smile.
"Don't be sorry," Curt added, seeing only me. "You look good with a baby." He gave me a wink, and then walked out.
"Oh, he sounds just like Frank!" Roxanne set the turkey on the table. "Is he your new boyfriend?" she asked casually as she picked up a bowl of stuffing and scooped it into the pan around the turkey.
The other women in the room looked at me, glued to our conversation.
I let out a deep breath as I turned my attention back to the baby. "We met at the party in New York, and he came here a few days ago to discuss business." Well, at least part of it was true.
"My, my, my!" one of the women interjected in a very southern accent. "Honey, if you don't want him, I'll take him!"
"Hush, now!" the other one said. "Besides, you're already married!"
"Hey. It doesn't hurt to dream, does it?"
I laughed.
"This here is Bailey," Roxanne said, pointed to each woman in turn. "And this is Willow."
Willow looked up from snapping beans. "It's a pleasure!"
"Likewise!" Bailey said as she set a potato into the water. Then, she leaned in conspiratorially. "She's just jealous."
Willow burst out laughing. "Of what? Surely not you!" she teased as everyone laughed. She got up from the table and washed the beans and then set them on the stove.
Roxanne threw in a ham hock and added salt and pepper. She made the best green beans.
Soon, the conversation turned from Curt to other things.
"Roxanne? I hope you don't mind, but I invited Alanna, too."
She turned around and smiled. "Sounds great! The more the merrier!"
"Are you sure it's not an imposition?" I asked. Caden cooed as I cleaned him up.
Roxanne turned around abruptly. "Are you kidding? We'll just set another plate!"
"Hey! Did I just hear my name?" Alanna asked, walking around the corner.
"Hey, girl!" Roxanne said, waving a knife at her. "It's about time you got here!"
Alanna placed her hand on her chest and her eyes wide, feigning fright. "I promise it won't happen again!"
Roxanne laughed as she set down the knife and gave Alanna a one-handed hug. "It's good to see you again."
Alanna smiled. "It's been too long." Then, she pulled back and looked around the room. "So, put me to work. What would you like me to do?"
Roxanne laughed. "Be careful of what you offer!"
"Hey. I'm not into women," Alanna said, not missing a beat as everyone laughed.
Roxanne smiled. "Here. You can shuck the corn, if you don't mind." She set a huge bag of corn on the cob on the table in front of her.
"Sure," Alanna said weakly, approaching the bag cautiously.
I laughed. "Hang in there a minute and I'll help."
She looked at me sincerely. "Thank you!" she mouthed.
"Frank!" Roxanne yelled down the hallway.
"What?!" Frank yelled back from the other room.
"I need you to help me put the turkey back into the oven!"
I laughed, enjoying the banter of family. Being over at Frank and Roxanne's house always reminded me of my parents' home when I was growing up.