The night before Thanksgiving,Cole joined the team at the facility for a holiday gathering. The women took over the kitchen while the men watched the kids play in the pool to burn off some of their excitement about the holidays approaching. Sparky sat at the table and made the relish trays while Edie fussed over the desserts. Bryanna pulled a pie from the oven while Kassie set the two tables with Samantha, Julie, and Catherine. Lizzy rocked Beth while Claire held one of Doc’s twins. Gabby fed Marcus. Tess checked the stuffing. The grans sat in a circle talking while glancing over at the kids.
The scene appeared like complete chaos, yet the adults didn’t seem the least bit flustered.
Seeing Ivan limping across the pool area, Cole stood and offered him his chair and pulled another one close. “How’s the leg?”
“It’s healing fine,” Ivan assured him. “I’m only limping because Aleski tripped me while fussing over the homemade bread for the men.”
“I don’t know if I feel relieved or sorry for Aleski,” Cole teased.
Ivan grunted. “He’s the one person I won’t touch. He started out as my man. Like a dog, he pants after Victoria and she’s furiously protective over the traitor.”
Doc carried one of his twins while Taco climbed into the pool holding Tori.
“Listen up,” Taco called over the chaos. “We need a half hour of baby time. No splashing,” he ordered. The kids groaned loudly, protesting his dictate.
“All right then. I guess no one wants to play chicken,” he teased.
The kids squealed excitedly and moved further away from the babies as Leo climbed in with Derrick and Saint joined them with Gabriel. Michael walked out of the locker room carrying Faith. Patch held her while Michael stepped into the water, then took his daughter.
He shook his head while the grown men played with the babies. Never having seen anything like it, Cole realized they might be coworkers, but this team considered itself family.
“How are you settling in?” Doc asked him.
“I love the town. Everyone’s great at the hospital. The seniors have kept me busy this week. We filled the entire bus last night,” he informed Doc.
“They’re becoming more comfortable again. We’re very pleased. Barb, Edie, and Cherise, Ty’s mom, have cooked for weeks. Kassie has purchased supplies to pass out on the day after Thanksgiving when the veterans pick them up,” he said, watching Taco with Tori.
“When I picked up the Hendricks, their fridge barely contained anything. I’m sorry if I put you on the spot about the cash award for the bingo game. I hear they want it to continue. I’m happy to provide it,” Cole offered.
“There’s no need. Kassie has it taken care of. Some of the families will be adopting a senior family for the year. It’ll allowthe community to care for the elders and ensure they aren’t going without. She only posted the sign-up two days ago, and it’s filled. We have a couple of families in town who seem in dire need of coats and essentials. The team will play Secret Santa this weekend if you want to join us,” Doc invited him.
“Absolutely. Do I need to purchase some presents?” he asked.
“Nope. The kids went shopping and got everything. We started the tradition last year with one family. They enjoyed it and asked to do it again this year,” Doc explained. “The women will have everything wrapped on Friday night while we deliver the supplies and keep the seniors occupied. We even saved them some presents to wrap.”
Cole grinned as Taco called time. The older kids cheered as the men exited the pool with the babies. Ragu and Patch passed out towels and held babies as the men dried off and wrapped the kids. They returned to the locker room to dress their children. Victoria took Tori from Taco, leaving him free to jump in the pool. “Who’s ready for games?”
The kids yelled and raised their hands. Bear entered the area with Tommy and a heavily pregnant Julie.
“Sorry we’re late. Julie’s back hurts but she refused to stay home,” Bear grumbled.
“I’m pregnant, not sick,” she said firmly.
“How long has it hurt?” Doc asked.
“Since this afternoon,” Julie informed him.
“Did you want to swim, Tommy?” Bear asked his son.
“Yeah, but I want you to get in with me,” he admitted shyly.
“Let’s get changed,” Bear said, guiding Julie toward the women.
Tommy followed eagerly behind him.
“What’s wrong?” Cole asked Doc. “You seem concerned.”
“My wife will handle it,” he said confidently.
