“Seasoned to perfection,” he smiled.
His mother had taught him a few recipes. Roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits with sausage gravy. She was an all-American mother. His father told him stories about how long it took him to adapt to the food she cooked. They had a wonderful life. Together for forty years now. Would he find someone to live with for the next forty years? He’d settle for ten at this rate.
“What smells so good?” Teddy walked into the kitchen.
“I thought I’d surprise you two by making breakfast,” Ciaran said. “I hope that’s okay?”
He’d set an alarm for five to beat Teddy to the kitchen.
“Smells like sausage, eggs, roasted potatoes, and…” Teddy glanced into the saucepan. “Is that sausage gravy?”
“Yup,” Ciaran said. “My grandmother taught me how to make it.”
“Well, thank you for making breakfast.”
Geoff joined them, and they sat down to eat.
“I thought you didn’t cook,” Teddy said.
“Honestly, I don’t like cooking for myself. I like to cook for others, but I only know a few recipes.”
“This is fantastic,” Geoff said with a mouthful of biscuits.
“Thank you,” Ciaran said.
“What’s the plan for today?” Teddy asked.
“I want to head back to see if Nicholas’s toy shop is open. I got a few gifts for my niece and nephew, but I want to get a larger one for each. The last time I saw them was when my sister and brother-in-law came to California to visit two summers ago.”
When they’d finished breakfast, everyone showered and then piled into Teddy’s truck. Geoff had music from the nineties playing. All three sang along to the tunes of their childhood.
“Strike a pose, vogue,” Ciaran sang while making hand gestures around his face. Teddy and Geoff laughed.
When Teddy pulled off the side of the road, Ciaran was relieved to see an open sign on the door of the toy shop.
They entered to see Nicholas dusting off a small train set by his register.
“Hello again, Nicholas,” Ciaran said.
“Ah, it’s the traveler,” Nicholas said. “I see you found a place to stay. Hello boys.” He walked up and hugged Geoff and Teddy.
“Hello, Uncle Nick,” Teddy said. “How are things here?”
“Good,” he said. “Got supplies and I’m hunkered down.”
“The storm’s taking its time,” Geoff said. “It was supposed to be here today.”
“I’m sure it’ll get here,” Nicholas said. “You boys ready?”
“Yup,” Teddy said. “Went shopping a few days ago, and we’re ready to lock down.”
Ciaran watched this conversation unfold.
“You didn’t tell me the toy maker was your uncle,” Ciaran said.
“Almost everyone in Thistle is related,” Teddy said. “The only reason I’m not related to Geoff is because his family moved here when he was twelve.”
“It’s true,” Geoff said. “I had the pick of anyone I wanted.” He smiled at Teddy.
