Jingle all the Mitchell Way: a holiday novella(6)

“I’m looking for something.”

“It’s Thanksgiving morning. What could you be looking for up there?”

He wasn’t going to leave until I made something up. “Christmas decorations – the ones with the big balls.”

My dad scratched his head, seeming to be considering my truthfulness. “Your mother seems to think you need help. Maybe she was speaking literally, like mental help. Get your asses down and go make sure your wife isn’t burning down your house. You’re not moving back into our place with that crew. I love my grandkids, but I like it more when their parents come to pick them up.”

“The food will be perfect. Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Dad. Amber has it under control. Go on, now. Be on your way, so we can get back to work.”

My dad put his hands in his pockets and jingled around some loose change. “Well, alright then.” He turned to leave, only to say something right before walking out. “If you’re looking for the turkey fryer it’s out back in the shed. I used it last night. Your mom wanted to make sure we had something edible, just in case. See you all a little later.”

I turned to Josh, seeing him laughing to himself. “Come on, Jax. You know it’s a little funny. Everyone has tasted Amber’s cooking. She’s got other qualities that make up for it.”

I pointed toward him. “Don’t be looking at wife inappropriately. I’ll have to kick your ass.”

He motioned his hands as if it were in peace. “Hey, looking isn’t against the rules. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on stealing her away. Nobody wants your sloppy seconds.”

This made me laugh loudly. “Unless your name is Jake. He seems to like them.”

“True.”

I started moving toward the ladder. “Come on. Let’s go get the fryer and get the hell out of here. Amber’s probably freaking out, and I don’t want her knowing my parents prepared a backup turkey. She’ll get bent out of shape. It’s important I make sure tonight’s dinner is amazing, even if I have to drive somewhere and buy the prepared food to make it happen.”

We were coming out of the barn when Josh spoke again. “You know, you might want to go ahead and start making some calls.”

“Shut your mouth. We’re going to have a nice family gathering. Nothing will be burnt, and everyone will be impressed, including my parents.”

“When this blows up in your face don’t get pissed about it.”

I shoved him lightly. “When it doesn’t, you’re going to be the first to tell my wife how amazing it was, and you better keep your damn eyes on hers as you speak. If I catch you checking out my wife, I’ll kick your ass until Sunday comes around.”

He seemed to accept that I wasn’t messing around. It was bad enough how wherever we went men stared at her, even women. She was stunning, and all mine. No woman could compare to my wife, and the way she made me feel each and every day. Even if dinner turned out awful, I’d still be sitting next to her eating every single bite. That’s how much she meant to me.

When I arrived back at the house Amber had the laptop on the kitchen counter. She was listening to a video on how to fry the turkey. I walked up behind her and reached my hands around her small framed waist. “How’s it going?”

She didn’t move from our position. “Did you find it?”

“Of course. I told you I would.”

“I’ve managed to get all the casseroles in the oven with the timers set. The sausage stuffing balls will be the last to go in. Don’t forget to remind me to do that. I’ve got the cheesecake thawing, and the fresh cranberries are in the refrigerator. I tasted them already, and they turned out so sweet. Oh, and I also made sure the stewed tomatoes were ready to reheat for just before dinner is served.”

“What about the rolls?”

“We have two kinds, and a loaf of fresh bread from the market. The hors d'oeuvres will be out around three. We just need to pop them in the oven right before. Reese is going to take some stuff over to their house so everything will fit.”

I spun her around to face me. “We’re going to pull this off, baby. It’ll be great.”

“Just promise me you’ll take care of the turkey.”

“I promise.”

She smiled, which caused me to do the same. “It was nice getting that call this morning about the movie. I know I can’t take the job, but it’s great knowing someone asked for me.”

I stroked her cheek, moving a few loose hairs and tucking them behind her ear. “I wish there was some way we could make it work. You know I’d do whatever you wanted. I know how much it means to you.”

“Jax, you and the girls are what’s important. If I’m never in a movie I’ll be fine. If I spent the holidays away from you three, I’d never forgive myself.”

“That’s good to hear. It never hurts to get extra reassurance.”

She kissed me gently on the lips. “If today turns out okay, I’ll give you an extra special dessert later.”

I reached down and pinched her ass as I spoke. “I’ll make damn sure it’s perfect, because I know there’s a delicious pie waiting for me now.”

“You’re terrible,” she teased while separating us.