Jake kissed his cheek. “I’m so happy to be here.”
He touched Jake’s cheek, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. “A week away seemed too long.”
Jake’s green eyes blazed. “It did. We have lost time to make up for, later.”
“Daddy, let me out.”
Jake gave his fingers one more squeeze and then opened his car door, but Patty beat him to it and was already lifting Stacey out of her booster seat.
“Where’s my little girl? You’ve grown so much, even since Thanksgivin’.”
Stacey wrapped her arms around Patty, and they walked into the house. Tail wagging furiously, Kiss ran after them and headed straight for the kitchen.
“The place looks amazing. Like a fairy tale.”
They stood in the center of the large front room, and even Shea was impressed with the transformation they’d brought about. Sparkling lights hung from the ceiling, and three Christmas trees graced the room: two by the large front windows and one in the corner, where piles of wrapped boxes awaited opening. Garlands hung around the room, with red and gold ribbons interwoven through the branches, and poinsettia plants sat up high on the mantels, to keep the dog from chewing on the leaves.
Chattering away, they all trekked into the kitchen, where Shea, Patty, Craig, and Johnny had spent the day preparing for a Christmas Eve feast. The table groaned with platters of barbecue chicken and brisket, roast beef, ham, and even a whole grilled salmon he’d gone into Dallas to buy. There were side dishes of mashed and sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and salads. A separate table held pies, cakes, cookies, and more.
“I can’t believe you did all this. Thank you.” Jake hugged Patty, and she took his face between the palms of her hands.
“You’re family. This is what we do.”
Blinking, Jake met his eyes, and Shea’s heart threatened to burst, knowing how much those words meant to him.
Stacey stood in front of Patty. “Can I call you Grandma? All my friends at school said they were going to see their grandmas and grandpas for the holiday.”
Shea had never seen Patty at a loss for words before, but she put her hand over her heart. “My word. I’d never thought to hear…oh, my.” Tears glistened in her eyes, and she bent to hug Stacey. “’Course you can, sugar. I’d love to be your grandma.”
“Did you know?” he murmured to Jake.
“No. Not at all, but I should’ve seen it coming. She surprised us after Thanksgiving by asking Terry if she could call her Grandma too. I guess she’s searching to expand our family as well.”
“Well, you don’t gotta worry ’bout searching no more.” Shea draped an arm around Jake’s shoulders. “Why don’t we all wash up and have dinner? I know y’all planned to be here earlier, but with the plane delays, we’re just glad you made it.”
Once they’d all settled in around the table, they fell on the food like ravenous beasts. “Patty, I haven’t eaten this well since Thanksgiving.” Jake surveyed the demolished table, almost picked clean.
“Never gonna find food as good anywhere, that’s what I say.” Craig chewed on a toothpick. “I’d set Miss Patty up against any of them fancy chefs.”
“I agree. Especially knowing all the love that goes into it.” Jake raised his wineglass. “A toast to you, Patty.”
“Oh, stop it, y’all.” Her cheeks turned a fiery red. “I do it because I love you.” She stood, and Shea jumped to his feet.
“Aunt Patty, if you think we’re gonna let you clean up, you’re bein’ silly. C’mon, boys.” He waved to Craig and Johnny, who were already standing. “The three of us can do it quick, fast, and in a hurry.”
Jake also joined them, and in no time all the plates were gone and loaded into the dishwasher. Shea desperately wanted to get Jake alone for a few minutes and took his hand.
“Will you excuse us?” He tugged Jake by the hand, and to the knowing smiles of everyone else at the table, they left the kitchen and sat on the bottom step of the porch, gazing out into the darkness.
Jake huffed out a sigh of contentment. “It’s so perfect here. Like coming home. Do you know how much I missed you?”
“Probably as much as I missed you.” Shea put his arm around Jake’s shoulder. “But you’re here now for two weeks, and I’m goin’ back with you.”
“I’ve been thinking.”
“Always dangerous.” Shea chuckled, but Jake didn’t laugh.
“It’s been four months now, and every day, even though I didn’t think it was possible, I love you more. I don’t want to live apart anymore when we go home.”
