and Trace and Kira sat beside her. “I’m just happy we have a place to eat. Thank you, Jarrett, for having us here.”
Nola and Margaret stood and went into the kitchen and soon returned, each woman carrying a platter with a large turkey. The group made approving sounds as the birds were placed on the table alongside sweet potatoes, green-bean casseroles, stuffing, gravy and other side dishes too numerous to count.
Nola stood beside the table. “Before we all dig in, we should give thanks for this wonderful day.” She turned to Jarrett.
Mia watched as he nudged his brother and said something to him. Trace nodded. “Everyone, take hands and let’s bow our heads.”
Jarrett reached for Mia’s hand. His large palm nearly engulfed hers. She was surprised by the roughness of his fingers, but also by the warmth he generated.
“Dear Lord,” Trace began. “We thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us this past year. There have been some rough times, but sometimes that brings out the best in people. And today, we see that special bond as friends gather together as a family.
“We also ask for your blessing for those who aren’t here with us.” Trace paused. Mia thought about Brad and Karen. She felt Jarrett squeeze her hand. “We also ask a special blessing for Mia’s baby.
“We ask you to bless this food in your name. Amen.”
“Amens” echoed around the room.
Mia kept her head lowered, thinking of her brother and his wife. How much she missed them. Brad had always been there to guide her, to spout optimism whenever she wanted to give up. Now, she had to go on without him.
She opened her eyes to see that she was still holding hands with Jarrett. She turned to him to catch him watching her.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine.” She pulled her hand away. “I wish people would stop asking me that.”
“Then eat a good meal today, and we’ll get you home to bed.”
His deep voice caused her to shiver. “I can get myself to bed, thank you,” she said in a quiet voice.
“Well, one thing is for sure, you’re not climbing the steps.”
Since when did he become the boss of her? “I wouldn’t have to if you’d fix the elevator.”
He glared. “That will be Monday. I can’t get anyone out before then.”
She heard his name called and they both looked up at Nola.
“Jarrett and Trace, would you do the honor of slicing the turkeys?”
The brothers stood, went to opposite ends of the table and began to carve. The side dishes were passed around and Mia put small helpings onto her plate. With Jarrett gone, she dished up food for him, too.
“Are you Unca Jay’s girlfriend?” Jenna McKane asked from across her uncle’s empty seat.
Mia smiled. “No. We’re neighbors in his apartment building in town.”
The little girl frowned and turned to her mother. “Mommy, what’s an apartment?”
“It’s a big building with a lot of houses inside. It’s like where Aunt Michele lives.”
“Oh.” The child turned back to Mia’s stomach. “Are you going to have a baby soon?”
“Yes, I am, in just a few weeks.”
Jenna grinned. “I have a big brother, Jack. He’s old and he doesn’t live with us. So my mommy and daddy are trying to have a brother or sister for me.”
“Jenna McKane,” Kira said, giving her daughter a stern look. “You don’t have to talk so much. Now, eat.”
Kira looked at Mia. “I’m sorry. Trace and I forget how much she hears.”
Mia smiled as the platter of turkey was passed to her. She nodded toward the child eating mashed potatoes. “She’s adorable.”
Kira looked at her daughter lovingly. “She’s our miracle baby. And a very welcome surprise.” She looked at Mia. “If you ever need anything, Mia, please don’t hesitate to ask. All of us in the church want very much to help.”
Mia was touched. “Thank you, Kira. Everyone has been so generous already. I think I’ll be fine if I can find a place to live by spring.”
Before Kira could say any more, Jarrett arrived back in his seat. For the next twenty minutes everyone concentrated on the delicious food and friendly conversation. Finally the men leaned back groaning at the amount of food they’d consumed.
“There’s pie, too,” Nola announced as she stood and took several empty plates. She looked at Jarrett. “Jarrett, would you mind helping me with the coffeemaker? I’m not sure on the measurements.”
With a nod, he stood. “Sure.” He grinned. “If I get first choice of pie.”
Nola smiled, too. “You think because you’re good-looking, you can charm me into anything, don’t you?”
“Hey, I do what I can to get an advantage.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Is it working?”
Mia never heard the answer as they walked off together.
“He’s a flirt, but he’s a good man.”
Mia turned to Kira, but didn’t know how to answer that. Was Kira trying to sell her brother-in-law’s better qualities to her?
“I wouldn’t have said that a few years ago,” Kira went on. “But something in him has changed. And he and Trace are working on being brothers.”
She turned and looked at Mia. “I know you’re not happy about having to leave your apartment, but I might be able to help with that. We have a guest house at the ranch. It’s small, but it has two bedrooms. A friend had been living there during college, and now she’s gone to be with her husband in the army.”
“Oh, Kira.” Mia didn’t want to get too excited. “What about Trace? I bet you haven’t even asked him.”
“Haven’t asked me what?” her husband turned toward her.
“About Mia coming to live in the cottage.”
He raised an eyebrow as if to think about it. “That’s a great idea. The house is sitting empty.” He shrugged. “You’re welcome to live there as long as you need.”
Mia was getting excited. “What is the rent?”
“There isn’t any rent.”
“No, I would expect to pay something.”
Trace glanced at his wife. “I think we owe your brother a bigger debt. He helped us through some rough spots a few years ago. I think Brad would want us to help you and the baby.”
“Can
