Chapter 156: Smoker
*Yer Independence Day and yer Thanksgiving. That’s what I’m really looking forward to. – Nessie*
It was tradition. The Fourth of July celebration was always a potluck. Siobhan and Toad kept telling Nessie that she didn’t need to fix anything. The women would make enough food for everyone. The men would take care of grilling.
She had never been in America during the holiday. But she had seen clips on the news. Had read about it. Researched the food. Read up on recipes.
Sitting between Knuckles legs on her love seat, she had flipped through a collection of recipes on her tablet. “So many of yer holidays revolve around food.”
“Probably why so many Americans are overweight.” He pointed out.
Turning slightly, she ran her hand over his light gray t-shirt that was stretched tight across his chest. “Not yeh.”
“Nope. Not me.” He lightly squeezed her toned bicep. “Not you either.”
He kissed her before leaving to go to work as a bouncer at one of the bars, The Clam Shell.
The next day, he and Law took her to the store and farmers’ market. She no longer hid under a hoodie, mainly because in July, she would definitely stand out. But she still tied back her hair and covered it with a scarf.
The beautiful woman in tight jeans shorts and a snug top drew the attention of many men. But the two Saints with her kept them at bay. Law was smart enough to keep his eyes to himself. But Knuckles had no problems letting everyone know that she was with him and he enjoyed the view.
When they got back home, Knuckles took her around to the back side of the kitchen as the prospects brought in everything she bought.
On the back side of the building, was a large wood smoker. He showed her the fire box with the rotating shelves. Then Knuckles opened the second box that had hooks and stationary shelves.
“Yeh were listening!” Nessie said excitedly as she flung her arms around his neck.
Knuckles wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off her feet. Keeping one arm around her waist, he ran a knuckle down her cheek. “Always.”
“It’s in the process of being seasoned.” Mia said from where she sat at a picnic table. “Should be ready to go in about an hour.” She stood up and walked around the corner leaving the couple alone.
“How did yeh do this?” Nessie asked after kissing him.
“I told the guys what you wanted and they made it at the fab shop. Prospects laid the concrete while we were watching movies the other day. Then it was installed this afternoon while we were out. Mia volunteered to come over and season it.”
“But why? Why would yeh do all this?”
He pressed his thumb lightly to her smiling lips. “For this. To see this beautiful smile of yours.”
“Yer crazy.”
“Yeah. I’ve heard that. What are you going to cook first?”
“Ahhhh… The truth comes out.”
“Just an extra benefit.” He said putting her back on her feet and guiding her to the door leading to the back hall just off the kitchen. “I’ve got something else to show you.”
Once inside her domain, he walked her over to the walk-in meat cooler. Inside were several briskets, pork and beef roasts, whole chickens and a large box of turkey legs.
“Yeh kept saying that I didn’t need to cook for the fourth.”
“And if we’d said anything else, you’d be planning what to cook.”
“Is that why all the girls kept asking me what I would smoke for the fourth?”
“It is.” He grinned at her as she gleefully inspected the meat. “Mia chose the meats."
“She did good.” Nessie said inspecting it all.
