Groans filled the air.
“Which is why I put together a charcuterie plate,” I said.I walked to the fridge and pulled out an enormous platter laden with small cuts of meats, cheeses, olives, fresh fruit slices, and a few pates.Carter had grabbed a handful before I walked it to the bar where the ladies were opening boxes of various types of crackers.
I stepped back as the kids, both the adult ones and the younger ones, descended on the tray.
“Like a pack of piranhas,” Jasmine said with an indulgent look.
“Guess we’ll push dinner back half an hour,” I said.
“Well, it won’t be ready for two, anyway.”
I laughed.“You’re sneaky.”
“We could finish it sooner if not for this extra step?—”
“It’s going to be great, beautiful.”
“You’re right.”She rose on tiptoes and kissed me.
“Gross!”Amaya yelled, getting in on the entertainment.“They’re kissingagain.”
The kids rolled their eyes and fussed at us for showing affection, but more than one of them had told Jasmine and me that they liked how much love we showed because it wasn’t the norm in their circle of friends.In fact, most of those kids relished a trip to our place because they got to see a loving home.
“Got to show all the love, little bit,” Nash said to his daughter.
“After dinner,” Ike suggested.“I’mstarvingand three pieces of cheese aren’t going to fix that.”
“It was all that skiing,” his father, Rye, said.We broke apart so that we could take in the pride and joy on Rye’s face.Ike had some health problems, but he didn’t let those slow him down much, and Rye had learned to let Ike make his own decisions.
“Who’s on dish duty?”Kate asked.She glanced over at the big poster she’d made before turning with a younger sister’s glee toward Carter.“Great!It’s Carter and Regan.”
“You just want to put your feet up and drink Steve’s peppermint cocoa,” Jenna said, laughing.
“Darn tootin’ I do.Plus, it took Rye, the kids, and me two hours to clean up their mess last night.”
“It was worth it,” Rye said.
“Darn tootin’,” Ike said.“I’m hoping tonight’s even better, Gramma, because I plan to eat thirds.”
They laughed and nibbled and talked while Jasmine and I worked easily around each other, creating another sumptuous meal.I loved these moments, treasured each one, and I couldn’t help but smile when Cash’s little brother, Rhett, plowed into my back.
“We have to finish our game, Pops!”Rhett yelled with all the enthusiasm of a nine-year-old hopped on Christmas excitement.
Warmth settled around me as I bent and scooped up Cam’s second son.Jasmine shot me a radiant smile as I tickled the wiggling, squirming boy, who was almost too big to fit in my arms.I inhaled as I held Rhett close, soaking in this moment, letting the pleasure of my family settle over me and into me.
I was home, well and truly, even in this exotic destination.The location didn’t matter.It was the depth of love I had for these people that created my sense of security and contentment.
I caught Nash’s eye.He smiled as he tipped his head toward the expansive living room.“Well?Are you going to play?”
“You know, I don’t think these screen-based versions are anywhere near as good as the real deal,” I said, setting Rhett on his feet.The boy was off faster than one of Jasmine’s prize horses.
She’d retired recently, and, starting next year, I’d have my beautiful bride to myself…between the grandkids’ visits and activities, anyway.So…not as often as I’d like, but I guess that kept the mystery alive and well.
“Yeah, well, we can’t scale a rock face,” Cam said with a shrug.As if he’d let his boys do something so crazily dangerous.“So it’s the next best thing.”
“The next best thing is being outside—” I began.
“We’ve heard it before, Dad,” Nash said with an exaggerated sigh.
