I laid my hand in his.
Zane’s smile bloomed. “Vee, we’re glad you decided to forgive this oaf.”
A quick peek at Fin, holding the bottle of Dangerous we brought, and I said, “We both made mistakes. I’m glad he forgave me.”
“Vee.” Lisa came forward with her arms outstretched and wrapped me in a hug. When she pulled back, her smile was gone. “We’re so sorry about your father.”
“Thank you.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a smile. “Thank you for the invitation. I remember what a delicious Thanksgiving dinner you made years ago.”
Lisa Griffin was in her mid-to-late fifties with a trim figure and long light brown hair with blond highlights, pulled into a low ponytail. Her blue jeans and light-blue sweater showcased the same sapphire-blue eye color as her sons.
Theo Griffin was a little older than his wife. His dark hair had transformed to mostly gray. While his days of coaching football were over, his physical fitness was evident. I guessed that he walked more rounds of golf than he rode.
Lisa lowered her arm around my lower back and motioned to Theo and the woman. “You remember Theo.” Her smile grew. “And this is Ashley, Zane’s girlfriend.”
Zane wrapped his arm around Ashley who looked both happy and a bit nervous. If I were to estimate, Ashley was in her late twenties. She was also petite, especially standing next to the center of the Minnesota Vikings. Her blond hair was pulled back in a high ponytail that swung when she moved.
“Nice to meet you,” she said.
“Zane,” Fin said. “You sucker. You didn’t tell me you were bringing Ashley.” Fin flashed his handsome smile. “Nice to finally meet you. My brother talks about you all the time.”
“I have to,” Zane said. “Fin never shuts up about Vee.”
Ashley and I shared a smile. It was nice to have someone else new to the dinner.
Lisa pushed Zane out of the way and led Ashley and I into their lovely home. The walls and trim were cream, contrasting beautifully with the multi-shade wood flooring. A fire crackled in the fireplace, complete with a mantel filled with family pictures and decorated with fall leaves. The open floor plan and high ceiling allowed the natural lighting from the various windows to fill the rooms.
Lisa led us to the large kitchen brimming with delicious aromas. The sleek dark cabinetry contrasted with the white marble walls. Three-globe light fixtures with glowing Edison bulbs shone over a large island. The table was set for six.
Fin’s mom stopped and looked at me. “Fin told me you don’t eat meat. I have a lot of options for you.”
As pink filled my cheeks, I whispered. “No red meat. Not a lot of white meat or fish, but I do make exceptions. Your turkey will be an exception.”
Her smile grew. “Just know you don’t have to eat anything you don’t want to eat.”
Laying my hand over my stomach, I confessed, “Lisa, I’ve been looking forward to this meal ever since Fin mentioned it. I believe I’ll eat everything.”
“I haven’t mashed the potatoes yet.”
I flashed a look back at Fin, but he was in the living room talking football with Theo and Zane. “Did Fin tell you I remembered that?”
Chapter 30
Vee
* * *
Lisa grinned and lifted her eyebrows. “I won’t tell on my son. But if you’d like to help me, I’d be delighted.” She turned to Ashley. “And you could pour Vee a glass of sparkling wine. We’re celebrating having both our sons and their special women here with us this holiday.”
I removed my cardigan and pushed up the sleeves of my blouse. “I’m ready.”
Lisa poured steaming water from a pan filled with chunks of potatoes. After pouring them into a bowl, she laid out butter and cream. “I’m here to help if you need it.”
Looking at the hand mixer I scoffed. “Would you believe me if I said the last time I did this was fourteen years ago?”
“It’s like riding a bike.”
“How do I know when they’re done?”
