CHAPTER 10 | Turkeys and hams a plenty .
CHAPTER 10
Turkeys and hams a plenty ...
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A lice screamed, closing the distance and wrapping Addison in a firm embrace. “Oh my God, Addy.” Behind them, Chloe shuffled her feet, clearly concerned they were interrupting a private party.
James draped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her into the fray. “Everyone, you all remember Addison’s partner, Chloe.” He waved his free hand around the kitchen, and added, “You remember everyone.”
Chloe raised her hand to the group and, in a quiet voice, said, “Merry Christmas.” Through her honey-colored skin, a blush crept up her neck. She hated being the center of attention on a good day, unlike her very boisterous girlfriend.
Max quickly washed his hands and extended one to Chloe. “It’s great to see you again, Chloe. You and Addison are more than welcome. Pull up a seat and make yourself comfortable.”
“Are you sure you have enough food?” Chloe asked, her expression pinched.
Addison joined Chloe, entwining their hands. “If Max says we’re fine, we’re fine.”
James nodded, looking more relaxed. “He’s an honest man. He wouldn’t say it if he didn’t mean it.”
“James is right,” Ginny perked up from her side of the kitchen. She’d washed a half dozen heads of lettuce for salads and was ready for a break. “How about I take you ladies out to the dining room? I was just about to start playing bartender.”
“Then you are the woman to follow,” Addison teased. Chloe trailed her girlfriend into the dining room as closely as a shadow.
Alice pulled James to the side of the kitchen and hissed. “Did you know they were coming? I feel terrible I didn’t get them any gifts.”
James held up his hands in surrender. “I’m as surprised as you are, seriously. When I was setting the table, I heard a knock on the window and saw them standing there. Chloe looked like she wanted to have the earth swallow her whole, but you know Addy. She was practically knocking the door down for some small-town cheer.”
“Then that’s what we’ll give them,” Max said from the stove. He’d moved into stuffing mode, toasting pieces of bread that CeCe had baked the day before.
“Plus, they’re teeny tiny. I can’t imagine those two eating that much,” CeCe suggested, struggling to roll out her pie dough. “Damn this belly,” she griped, twisting and turning in an effort to reach across the counter. The odd motions caused the holly behind her ear to fall to the floor, another casualty of her growing belly.
Evan lowered the heat on his burner and walked over to CeCe. “All right, champ, take a real seat.” He put his hands on her shoulders and hustled her out into the dining room. Before everyone arrived, Evan set up a booth just for CeCe. There was her favorite back pillow, a stack of her favorite snacks at the ready, and her oversized water bottle.
“But I need to get those crusts in the oven by one o’clock, or we’re not eating dessert.”
Evan cupped CeCe’s cheeks in his hands, staring into her eyes for longer than was polite in mixed company. “Babe,” he said, low so only CeCe could hear, “I love you.” He leaned in and kissed her chastely on the lips. “I also love our babies.” He placed his hands protectively over her swollen belly. “It’s also Christmas, so that’s even more reason to enjoy the moment. Sit, chat with your friends, and relax. Today, we actually have enough cooks in the kitchen.”
Natalie joined them at the booth, sliding opposite CeCe and sipping from a glass of wine. “What happened to Maybelle?” CeCe asked, temporarily distracted. Evan took his chance and darted back to the kitchen.
Swirling her merlot, Natalie shrugged. “Maddie and Josie were dying for a chance to play with her, and Ginny got the bar set up so I got distracted.”
CeCe snorted. “I’m guessing this means baby fever is over.”
Natalie sipped from her glass and winked. “I think it wasn’t really baby fever. Maybe a baby fever dream?” She placed her glass on the table and sighed contently. “Besides, I’m enjoying my forties and this bottle of vino too much to get knocked up again.”
From across the aisle, Anthony cupped his hands in front of his mouth and shouted, “Thank the good Lord for that Christmas miracle.”
Natalie flashed him a cheeky grin before turning back to her friend. “Speaking of baby fever, how are you holding up?”
CeCe pulled her water bottle closer and took a long swig. “I’m being held hostage by my own body.” She patted her belly for full effect. “My husband is following me around like I’m a ticking time bomb.”
Natalie grimaced. “You kind of are.”
“I’m not due for another month, so simmer down, ma’am.”
Natalie drained her glass and stood. “I’m getting a refill. You look like you need something. How about a little mocktail? Chloe is a miracle worker with the bar.”
CeCe rearranged herself with her pillow and groaned. “Could you see if she has anything to put me into early labor? Like an old fashion or something?”
Natalie’s smile slid away as she crouched in front of her friend. “What’s going on there?” She reached out and covered one of CeCe’s hands with her own. “That doesn’t look like normal discomfort.”
CeCe’s eyes flashed with pain, but she didn’t make a sound. “I’ve been having these little pains off and on all week. I’m sure it’s holiday stress and my general hatred of being told what to do.” She stuck her tongue out at Natalie, but she didn’t get the response she wanted.
The flushed cheeks from her glass of wine melted into a worrisome shade of white. “I’m going to grab Mallory. She can give us her professional opinion.”
“No!” CeCe shouted, snatching Natalie’s hand and holding her in place. “Please, let’s just leave this alone. I’m sure it’s nothing, and I don’t want to stress Evan out. It’s Christmas.”
“And I’m sure watching his wife grimace through her turkey dinner will make him the happiest elf in the land.” Natalie pulled free and lowered her voice. “I’ll tell Mallory to be discrete, but I’m getting her.”
Natalie strode over the counter, her voice low in Mallory’s ear. A moment later, the duo returned to the booth. Ever the professional, Mallory gave nothing away, save for a small frown. Her voice low, she asked, “Describe the pain to me. Is it constant or coming in waves?”
Natalie hovered in front of them, shielding them from the room. Raising her voice, she shouted toward the bar, “Can we get Momma CeCe a little something festive?” Her smile was tight, but she got a thumbs-up from Chloe.
“Still want that old fashion,” CeCe chirped, earning a pinch from Mallory.
“Yeah, I don’t think so. It’s Christmas, not an alternate universe.”
Chloe arrived, handing CeCe a mocktail the color of sunshine. “I hope you like it,” she said, chin dipped low. “It’s mostly orange juice, but I wanted you to feel included. I used to make these to help out the DDs when I worked as a bartender.”
CeCe took a break from her impromptu medical visit to thank the other woman and take a sip. “This is really good. Thanks, Chloe. I’m so glad you guys could join us.”
Addison joined them, throwing her arm around Chloe’s waist. “My girl is amazing when it comes to cocktails. Just give her one idea and she’s off to the races.” Chloe relaxed into Addison’s hold, her pensive expression melting away.
Alice joined them, frowning when she saw Mallory on her knees in front of CeCe. “What’s all this?” she asked loudly.
Natalie took her arm and tugged her back. “Shh, it’s nothing.”
Addison raised an eyebrow. “Alice. Why don’t you tell Chloe about your book signing in Toronto?”
Alice’s eyes darted back and forth until she agreed. “Sure, but only if you tell me about that kid you helped get into Harvard. James was telling me about it, but he’s no storyteller. I need all the details.” Their trio stalked off to another booth, leaving Natalie and Mallory to continue their baby talk.
Mallory placed her fingers on CeCe’s wrist, checking her pulse before lowering her voice. “I always keep a portable blood pressure cuff in my car. I’m going to dip out the back and grab it, you stay here.”
CeCe made to get up, but Natalie placed her hand on her shoulder. “Sit still. The more you move around, the more obvious it is that something is going on.”
CeCe deflated back into her seat and scowled. “I’m never getting pregnant again,” she muttered.
Mallory strode into the kitchen, being careful to keep her gaze off her brother. If Evan suspected anything was up, he’d turn into a tornado of anxiety. She spotted Beckett helping James fold cloth napkins in the far counter, and she snagged his eye.
“You mind if I take a quick break?” Beckett asked, holding up a sad excuse for a flower. The fabric wilted in his grasp, a limp ball of linen.
James blinked at the bundled fabric and winced. “Yeah, man. No problem. I’ve got it.” Casting a look over his shoulder at Mallory, he added, “Take your time.”
Beckett hesitated a moment before comparing his monstrosity with James’s artfully folded lotus flowers. James may work primarily in paints, but he could certainly give napkin artists a run for their money—if that profession even exists. “Thanks,” he mumbled before following his wife outside.
As soon as she stepped into the cold air, Mallory exhaled. Beckett closed the door behind them and caught up to his wife in two strides. “What’s going on?” he asked, taking her hand and squeezing, snowflakes already coating his red hair.
“Hopefully nothing,” she whispered, opening the trunk and pulling out a tote bag.
Beckett blanched at the sight of her medical kit. “Oh boy, what’s going on?” His eyes grazed over his wife from head to toe. “I’m guessing this isn’t for you.”
Mallory looked over her shoulder again to ensure they were alone. “It’s CeCe. I think she might be in labor.”
“Holy crap.” Beckett gasped, rocking back on his heels. “Should we call an ambulance?”
Shaking her head, Mallory hoisted the bag up her shoulder. “I don’t think we’re there yet. I want to check her blood pressure and a few other things.” Lowering her voice further, she added, “And needless to say, don’t say a freaking word to Ev. He’ll lose his mind.”
Beckett mimicked zipping his mouth shut and nodded. “Let me go in first, just in case he sees you with your bag. Ev’s distracted, but he’s not an idiot.”
Mallory huffed out a laugh. “Great idea.”
But a distraction wasn’t needed, as a parade of Buckeyes marched up the parking lot. “Hold the door,” Helen shouted, waving her hands over her head. Mallory hardly recognized the older woman outside her diner uniform. She looked smart in a red pantsuit, her gray hair swept back in a bun.
“Helen? Trudy?” Mallory’s head whipped toward their new mayor. “Mayor Josh?”
The group surrounded Beckett and Mallory, each wearing different expressions. “Hey,” Josh said, awkwardly waving. “We uh, had a change in plans with Christmas.” He was clad in a suit that seemed two sizes too big, the fabric hanging off his young frame. Trudy was dressed for a day at the office in a charcoal dress and a green cardigan.
Trudy huffed, reaching out to pinch his earlobe. “What my grandson is saying”—she sighed with the annoyance only a loving grandmother could provide—“is he made reservations for a hoity-toity Christmas dinner in Columbus, which is an hour away.”
Helen helped her friend, nodding with each word. “And neither one of us wants to die on Route 70 because he’s craving a steak.”
The younger man flushed but soldiered on. “I know the diner isn’t technically open,” he hedged, his tone slipping into politics, “but Helen mentioned Max was hosting his friends and family, and aren’t we really all like family?”
Mallory opened her mouth to respond when Anthony opened the back door. “Everything okay out here?” His question faltered when he caught sight of the new arrivals. “Trudy?” He stomped down the steps and welcomed his former assistant with a warm hug. “What are you doing here?” He looked quickly to Josh before lowering his voice. “I thought you were going to Columbus tonight?”
Trudy rolled her eyes. “I’m not dying today, Anthony.”
Anthony shook his head, stifling a laugh. “I’m not sure I follow.”
Josh stepped closer, pulling his shoulders back, trying to look like an authority figure in the presence of his predecessor. “I’m willing to drive, but Grandma and Helen are convinced the roads are too bad.”
“Hello?” Helen asked, flapping her arms around at the still falling snow. “It’s a blizzard, Joshy.”
Josh’s ears burned crimson, and he hissed. “Aunt Helen, can you please stop calling me Joshy? I’m the mayor.”
“Mayor-Elect,” Trudy corrected, offering her grandson another eye roll. Turning back to her former boss, she added, “Do you think you guys have room for three more?”
Anthony didn’t hesitate, nodding and holding his arm out for them to follow him inside. “Absolutely, c’mon in. The more the merrier.”
“That is how you handle a problem, Joshy,” Trudy said, linking her arm through his and following Anthony.
As soon as they stepped inside, Max greeted everyone and ushered them out to a table. “I’m tempted to flip the sign to Open at this rate,” he teased, sliding a casserole into the oven.
Anthony raked his hands through his hair, grimacing. “I’m sorry, man. I panicked when I saw them.”
Max shook his head. “It’s fine, really.”
Evan agreed, squeezing a lemon over a tray of brussels sprouts. “We have more than enough.”
Anthony deflated. “Thanks. I just didn’t want to look weak in front of”—he did air quotes—“Mayor Josh.”
Max snorted. “You realize he was only elected because you’re leaving, right? If you wanted to stay a lowly local mayor, it would have been no contest, Representative Snyder.”
Anthony nodded. “I know that, but it doesn’t mean I like that Joshy is going to be sitting in my seat. I used to chase him out of the breakroom for stealing Snickers from the vending machine.”
“You should have mentioned that during his campaign.” Evan laughed at his own joke while he washed his hands. “No one wants a thief running city hall.”
Mallory and Beckett managed to squeak past Evan and make it to CeCe without anyone noticing. The new trio of diners was the perfect distraction as they settled into their own booth.
“Would you please stop fussing, grandma?” Josh asked as Trudy attempted to smooth back his collar. Her gnarled fingers dug into his skin as she righted his wrinkled shirt.
“We don’t want you looking this sloppy with voters present,” Trudy assured him, licking her thumb to swipe off a perceived smudge from his cheek.
Helen snorted. “He’s already won the election, Trudy. Let the boy keep what’s left of his dignity.”
“Thank you?” Josh said, balling up his coat and using it as a buffer to his well-meaning grandmother.
“This is already more fun than a snooty steakhouse in Columbus,” Helen quipped, taking a cocktail from Chloe.
Two booths away, Beckett ushered Mallory into place with CeCe. Once his wife was covered, his gaze swept the dining room for their daughter. “Should I go get Maybelle?”
Mallory shook her head, gesturing toward the far side of the room. Their baby was giggling while Maddie and Josie made silly faces, completely uninterested in her parents or the prospect of her next meal. “Let’s leave her be for now. She’ll get hungry or need a diaper change soon enough.” She hooked her hand around Beckett’s elbow, pulling him close for a peck on the cheek. “Thanks for your help.”
“You don’t need to thank me, but you’re welcome. Now, let’s figure out what’s going on with CeCe.” He pressed his lips to the shell of her ear, whispering words of admiration that only she could hear.
Natalie rose as Mallory opened her bag, moving over a pillow so she could sit next to CeCe. “Was that Trudy and our new mayor I just saw?”
“Yup,” Mallory agreed, pulling out the blood pressure cuff and looping it through CeCe’s arm. To hide what she was doing, she tossed the pillow in front of the mother-to-be. “If you want to go over there and distract them for a moment, I wouldn’t say no.”
Natalie took CeCe’s empty juice glass. “I’m on it. Anyone need a drink on my way back?”
“Bourbon on the rocks would be great.” CeCe beamed from her perch on pillow island. Her hands rested on her belly, the picture of serenity. The only crack in her restful image was her pinched expression.
Mallory checked the readings. “Don’t talk, and try a few deep breaths for me. Beckett can go get you some juice if you’d like.”
Before Natalie disappeared, she leaned in, and offered, “You need a ride out of here, our SUV has 4-wheel drive and my husband is still technically in charge.” She winked, patting CeCe’s knee in support.
“Thanks,” CeCe said through clenched teeth.
Mallory pursed her lips at the reading and made a few notes on her phone. “When did the pain start?”
CeCe’s eyes flicked around a moment in thought. “Technically, last night?”
Her response came out in a question, causing Mallory to scowl. “All right, Mr. Trebek. I don’t need my answers in the form of questions. When did you start having discomfort? And be honest, or I’m getting my brother.”
CeCe’s eyes grew wide, and she shook her head. “Okay, I’ll cooperate. Don’t get Evan.” She rested her hands on her belly and frowned. “I’ve noticed some minor ”—she stressed the word—“contractions starting two days ago.”
Mallory was incredulous. “Two days ago? That’s when you stopped by the farm to see us. You were in pain then?”
“I’ve been in some form of pain since your brother knocked me up,” CeCe said, wincing as a fresh round of contractions hit.
Mallory pulled herself up to standing, dusting off her knees. “Yeah, I’m getting the car. We’re on our way to the hospital.”
With a lightning-fast reaction neither woman expected, CeCe latched onto Mallory’s wrist. “Sit down. I’m not going to be the reason Christmas is ruined.”
Mallory tried to yank herself free, but CeCe’s fingers dug into her skin. “Not to state the obvious, dear sister-in-law, but you’ll ruin Christmas if you have a medical emergency during the turkey carving.”
“Not. Going. To. Happen,” CeCe clipped, a bead of sweat sliding down her temple. She looked at the clock over the door to the kitchen. “We have an hour until dinner will be ready. I’m going to sit here in my pillow fort and sip water. I will be fine. As soon as the pie is served, I’ll ask Ev to take me.”
Mallory’s head fell back in exasperation. “You know this is a horrible idea, right?”
“Never said it was a good idea, just the right one for the moment.”
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Mallory collected her thoughts. She looked down at her phone where CeCe’s blood pressure and heart rates were documented. “Your water hasn’t broken yet?”
CeCe quickly shook her head. “See? I’m going to be okay.” She protectively covered her belly with her hands. “These babies are fine. Just a little restless.”
“I’m going to regret this,” Mallory said, stepping back. “I’ll give you turkey, but you’re not sitting here through dessert.”
CeCe’s head bobbed in agreement. “Fair compromise.”
Beckett appeared with Maybelle on his hip. In a hushed tone, he said, “I can have the car up at the door in sixty seconds. What’s the plan?”
Mallory leaned in and reiterated what CeCe and she decided.
“Lawless will hate that plan.”
“Which is why you’re not going to say a word, Foxy.” CeCe glared, causing the redhead to squirm.
“Please don’t scare my husband,” Mallory warned. “You’re trying to stay on my good side, remember?”
CeCe blew raspberries, causing Maybelle to giggle. “Fine, but only because you have me by the balls.”
“Merry Christmas to us all,” Mallory droned, pinching Maybelle’s cheeks and earning a giggle of her own. “Operation hide CeCe will commence, but I’m the general of this operation. If I think you need to go, you listen to me. Okay?”
CeCe saluted. “Aye-aye, Captain.”
“You’re messing with my analogies, but thank you.” She pointed to CeCe, and added, “Don’t make me regret it.”