An hour later, he’d chopped, prepped, and done whatever else Piper wanted, thrilled to be working with her so well. Yet another notation to mark of his checklist—proof that he and Piper were compatible in the kitchen.
Domestic compatibility: check.
Jenna finally rejoined them after a lengthy absence. No doubt giving Grant some space with her aunt. She grabbed a tray of cheese and crackers and started munching. “Simon says hi. And also, Grant, what do you think about pie?”
After a heated discussion about the merits of whipped cream and pumpkin versus ice cream and apple filling, Piper called a truce and drew out the turkey.
Though Grant had spent past holidays with family or friends, he’d never had so much fun while just being himself. Thanksgiving felt so welcoming and positive. A cold day outside, warmth and laughter inside with entertaining people.
By three o’clock, the three of them sat in the living room groaning about being stuffed while watching a dog show on television.
“We don’t have a dog,” Jenna stated the obvious and patted her stomach. “Ugh. I’m so full.”
“I see that.” Grant sighed, wondering when they’d cut into dessert. Not that he was ready now, but maybe in another half hour. “I don’t have one either. I’m not home enough to be fair to a pet. But Cade should get a dog.”
“I wonder how Ellie would feel about that,” Piper said.
“Alex would love it, I’m sure. Though they should probably get a German shepherd, Irish wolf hound, or pit bull to handle the kid. He’s a monster.”
“Nice, Grant.” Piper poked him in the arm, having to lean to reach him. They sat on either end of the couch, with Jenna stretched out on the rug before the blazing fireplace, having rolled onto her belly. “I mean, Jenna’s a monster. But you don’t see me calling her that in front of others, do you?”
“Ha ha, Aunt Piper. Takes one to know one.”
“Oh, she has you there.” Grant grinned. Seeing Piper’s smiles all day had been the best part of Thanksgiving. “Jenna, what’s this your aunt mentioned about going to Simon’s house tomorrow?”
Jenna sat up, her eyes lit with excitement. “Simon’s family loves the Friday after Thanksgiving, and he said to invite you and Aunt Piper too. We can all eat leftovers and play games and stuff. They have a pool and hot tub too. The house is pretty amazing.”
Piper nodded. “It really is. It’s right down the road from the one I showed you on the mountain.”
“Nice.” Grant wouldn’t mind meeting Simon’s folks, especially as hyped up as Jenna seemed to be about the kid. “Sounds like a plan.”
Piper left to use the restroom, and Jenna added in a softer voice, “And you can see where I’ll be staying this weekend while you and Aunt Piper spend some time alone. I’ll bring extra clothes in my bag.” She winked.
“Kid, you are one sly matchmaker.”
“I know.”
That smug tone would have sounded right at home on her aunt.
Piper returned, and they spent the rest of the day giving the dogs on the television names, picking out which they’d have if they wanted a pet, and playing more “boring games for old people” and laughing like loons at making the loser do silly things.
Grant felt overwhelmingly full—on food, sweets, and the delicious company. He couldn’t wait to see how the weekend might turn out.
But first, he had to get past Friday.
They made the drive up to Simon’s house using Grant’s Land Rover, which had some terrific snow tires, a powerful heater, and a great sound system. Piper hadn’t complained.
They pulled into the driveway of a massive stone house not far from the place Piper had shown him. “You were right. It’s close but not too close,” he said as they exited the car.
Piper carried the pumpkin roll Grant had made the previous night. They’d battled to see who could make the better dessert, and since Piper’s roll had crumbled like ash and tasted a step up from gritty pumpkin and lumpy cream, they’d gone with Grant’s masterpiece.
Though Jenna had warned him, it hadn’t occurred to him that the future Mrs. Weston wouldn’t bake well. And to put it plainly, the Thanksgiving dinner had been hit or miss. The dishes he and Jenna had created had been delicious. Piper’s offerings, not so much.
“Next time I’ll remember the sugar,” she muttered as they approached the front door.
Jenna looked over her shoulder at her aunt and gave a bright smile. “Hey, haven’t you taught me that it’s the effort that counts?”
“I’m a liar. It’s all about results.”
