I tried not to look blindsided as I gave him an awkward hug. “Oh, it was, uh, it was good!”
“Good!” He released me from the hug, but kept his hand on my shoulder. “If you ever get tired of all those planes, we would be happy to drive you around the country!”
I opened my mouth to reply, but a loud voice interrupted me.
“Allegra! We are so glad you’re here!” Jo was by the stove, wiping her hands on an apron with little embroidered flowers.
The daughters and future daughter-in-law were bustling around her, helping carry dishes to the table and adding food to plates. They all stopped and waved as attention was called to me.
I smiled back, shyly.
“Take a seat. Supper is just about ready!”
Dennis started chasing the kids down the hall, making them squeal in delight.
Jo kissed the back of Colton’s head. “Will you go get theboys? They’re out back.”
Colton nodded and wandered out the squeaky back door.
I felt so awkward I could die. The table was empty; there was no way I was going to sit while everyone else had a job. I felt my Southern manners creep their way back into my system. “What can I help with?” I asked, willing myself to take a step into the kitchen.
“Absolutely not!” Jo ordered. “This supper is in your honor. Please, take a seat.”
I obediently took a seat at the lonely table and watched the women work in harmony. They spun around each other, making the final touches to the food before bringing it to the table.
Eventually, the boys and the kids were corralled back to the kitchen and took their own seats.
Jo sat at one end of the table and Dennis at the other. The kids had their own plastic folding table, boys sat by their respective women, which left a single open spot beside me for Colton.
He smiled and winked before sitting down, as if we were in on a joke.
Dennis tapped his knife on his glass, silencing the room. “If y’all haven’t met Allegra yet, please do. I promise your life will be better with her in it.”
Oh my gosh. My cheeks had never been so hot in my life.
Dennis looked right at me, a wide smile on his face. “Allegra, we are so glad you’re here. Thank you for comin’.”
I shifted in my seat. “Well, thank you for letting me come, all of you.”
“Jimmy, will you say our prayer so we can dig in?” Joasked.
Jimmy nodded and reached his hands out.
I felt a nudge on my left and saw Colton holding his hand out. Suddenly, I realized everyone was holding hands with the people around them. I took his hand, feeling that electric spark all over again. Jo took my other hand in her warm palm and gave it a tight squeeze.
I was grateful everyone’s eyes were closed, because as soon as I bowed my head, I started to cry.
Chapter Seventeen
“Jimmy, if you don’t pass that meat right now, I will give your dessert to the dog.” Dean threatened.
Jimmy added one more slice of the roast beef to his plate and reluctantly passed it down the table.
Jo was everywhere but in her seat. She refilled glasses, got the kids more rolls when they asked, and found more salt and pepper. She kissed the tops of each of her kids’ and grandkids’ heads when she passed them, making sure they knew they were heard and loved every second.
I watched in marvel.
The noise was physical. Dennis was laughing hard at a story Alan was telling about a runaway goat, the kids were arguing over the last bit of juice, the wives were talking about their kids’ latest accomplishment in school, and through it all was the rhythmic clink of silverware against the heavy stoneware.
