“And your anxiety built up overnight, so you’re more upset than you’d have been yesterday because you’ve had time to consider all the what ifs,” Angelle said.
“You’re making light of this,” Avaleigh said.
“No, we’re not. We’re taking every precaution. I defended myself, and well, I might add. I could have killed her and chose not to, that shows forethought. She just needed to see that Boon and I are a team and that I’m not going anywhere, or standing still for any intimidation she might try to throw my way.”
“And she’ll have a small pistol to carry with her whenever she wants to carry it. And I’m going to have protections put on the house as well. I should have thought of it before, but Whispers has always been safe, so it didn’t occur to me.”
“But…”
“Stop!” Angelle insisted. “I don’t want to talk about it again.”
“Fine,” Avaleigh said, still dissatisfied with the entire situation.
“What’s on the agenda today?” Daniel asked.
“Well, the party is canceled, thanks to Saige and the events of yesterday. But, I had an idea,” Boon said, looking at Angelle.
“What’s your idea?” Angelle asked.
“I thought it might be a good idea to have a barbecue.”
“A barbecue?” Daniel asked.
“Yes. Not an official party, just start cooking and see who comes. Welcome whoever does and have a nice, long, informal, relaxing day of food and friends. Then we’ll have done our part to establish ourselves as a mated pair in the community, and we don’t have to deal with anyone else for a long while unless we choose to.”
“So, a party, but not really a party, more a housewarming,” Angelle said.
“Housewarming?” Boon asked.
“When you get a new home you invite people over and eat and show off your house and people bring presents to help you set up your house — towels, dishes, lamps, cleaning supplies, things like that.”
“Exactly! But without the presents. We don’t need them,” Boon said.
“And we’re at our own home, instead of out of my element, and people can meet me and satisfy their curiosity,” Angelle said.
“We won’t even invite anyone except our parents and Lily and Carrik. The rest will show up as they hear about it, or smell the meat cooking.”
“Very informal. We’re cooking, there’s plenty, sit and have a plate with us.”
“Yes,” Boon said.
“What are we cooking that would be enough for that many people, assuming that many people come by.”
“There may not be that many now that everyone has heard or is hearing about you running that girl out of here,” Daniel said with a chuckle as he finished off another cutlet.
“You’re not funny, Dad,” Angelle said.
“He’s kind of funny,” Boon said with a shrug. “And we’ll have Cochon de lait.”
“I like that. I could make some sides,” Angelle said.
“Some will bring a dish to contribute as well,” Boon said.
“Let’s do it,” Angelle said.
~~~
Within two hours a pit had been dug and lined with rocks. A spit had been erected over the fire and a whole hog was roasting over the fire as Boon, Daniel, Brandt, and Carrik kept watch. All the windows and the front door of the house were open and welcoming, Angelle and Avaleigh were boiling eggs, cleaning potatoes, and slicing onions for potato salad, as Lily played with Eli. Tempest was busy making lots of lemonade and sarsaparilla tea. The conversation flowed and laughter came easily as they enjoyed being together.
