“Thank you,” Mrs. Hinkerson says.
“What’s all this?” I give a pointed look at the tray of plates in Jackie’s arms.
“I couldn’t come empty handed.”
Shaking my head, I take the tray from her and place it on my lap.
“Do you need some help?” she asks as I move back to turn my chair around and head to the door.
“Nope, got it. You two go in before me.” I pause and wait for them to enter the house before going inside and shutting the door.
I quickly introduce Jackie and her mother to Connor, Damon, and the rest of those who’re still in the foyer before taking Jackie down the hall to the kitchen.
“I’m not sure I brought enough. I didn’t realize there’d be so many people,” Jackie says, sounding worried behind me.
“Please, Resha’s been cooking for two days straight. And so far, everyone who’s showed up has brought something to share. There’s plenty of food. You didn’t need to bring anything.”
“Tuh, and have your entire family talk about me as the girl who showed up, ate, but didn’t contribute anything? I don’t think so.”
I chuckle. “They sure as hell would have talked about you, too.”
“And you would let them?” she asks, sounding offended.
“Let them? Hell, I would’ve been the ringleader.”
I laugh louder as she pushes the back of my shoulder. “Hey, sis, got some more food for you,” I declare as we enter the kitchen.
Resha turns to me, her shoulders sagging. “Who brought more foo— Oh, Jackie. You made it.” Her eyes dip to the tray I’m lifting onto the kitchen isle. “I guess I can’t fault you for bringing something, but Mark should’ve told you, you didn’t have to.”
“Excuse you, I did. She’s just stubborn and hardheaded.”
“Anyway,” Jackie says as she mushes me lightly in the head, “I hope you enjoy it. Don’t worry, though, I didn’t make it. I’m a terrible cook. I wouldn’t put anyone through eating my food on Thanksgiving.”
Resha laughs. “Well, thank you. I think most everyone’s here.”
“Destiny and Tyler haven’t come yet. Buddy, Brick, Damon, and his family and everyone else is in the living room.”
Resha shakes her head. “Destiny, Tyler, and Aunt Donna are over at Townsend Manor for the big family dinner. They’ll be over later with the kids.”
“Cool, I’ll show Jackie where to put this on the table.”
“Thanks,” Resha says as she turns back to the counter, stirring one of the many pots bubbling away on the stove.
“It’s beautiful in here,” Jackie comments as we step into the spacious dining area.
“Yeah, it’s not usually this fancy, but Resha went all out with the Thanksgiving decorations. Baby’s first major holiday.”
Jackie’s smile widens. “That’s so sweet.” That wistful tone is back in her voice.
“We’ll set these here.” I lift one of the plates of food covered in foil to the center of the table.
“Let me help.” Jackie moves around the table, putting them in the middle with the other dishes and uncovering them. She turns toward the living room.
Glancing over, I see she’s staring at her mother.
“She’ll be all right in there. Those guys don’t bite.” She smiles, but I see the worried look in her eyes.
“She’s still so sad over my father’s passing.” She sighs.
