Mark and Alex cringed.
"Oh shit," Alex mumbled. "Just ring the bell. We're in no hurry."
Jamie laughed and turned her attention to the door as her father opened it.
"Pumpkin!" He pulled her into a warm hug before meeting Mark and talking with Alex for a few minutes. Jamie disappeared into the house, looking for her mother and sister. It was the first year that she felt some tingle of excitement over seeing everyone. She’s even put up with her brother-in-law.
The sound of Stephen and her sister arguing in the back room caused her to pause. She didn't want to get into the middle of that mess, but promised herself that once the holidays were over she would pull Christine aside and talk to her about her marriage. Something was off, and she could see the physical effects of it on her sister. It was heartbreaking to say the least, and yet they all knew Stephen was an ass.
"Mom?" Jamie called out and moved into the kitchen.
"In the pantry." Her mom stuck her head out of the open door to the large walk-in pantry. "Just looking for cinnamon for the sweet potatoes. I can't find it anywhere, but my glasses would help, no doubt."
Jamie laughed and joined her mom in the pantry.
“Jamie! I believe you’ve lost more weight.” She tilted her head. “You look... happy.” Her mother absently picked a piece of lint of Jamie’s shoulder. “Sticking to that diet? Or has your boss got you running around like a headless chicken?”
Jamie ignored the comment and turned her attention to the spice rack. "What’re we having today?"
"Always about food, isn’t it?”
“Mom! A very Merry Christmas to you too!”
Her mother blinked and then her eyes went big. “Sorry, honey. I just worry you’re going to put that weight back on. You’ve worked so hard to lose it. I like you as you are now. Healthy and happy."
“It’s not going to change.” Jamie gritted her teeth and forced a long breath out through her nose. “What are we having?” She stared at the spice rack, preferring to look at thyme, salt, and whatever else other than her mother.
“We're having everything, but instead of me doing the turkey, of course you know Alex had one ordered." She didn’t sound that impressed.
"What?" Jamie looked over her shoulder as she handed her mother the spice they'd been looking for.
"Yeah. Alex spoke to your dad a few weeks ago and said he wanted to give his personal chef the chance to make some money today. The only way the guy would take a check was if he cooked, so Alex gave him a turkey to make for us. Should be here any minute." Her mom shrugged and walked out of the pantry.
Jamie left in search of her handsome boyfriend, wanting to tell him how sweet he was. Her mother might not like giving up her kitchen for someone else, but tough. It was sweet of Alex on so many levels. His giving seemed endless all of a sudden, and the thought of where she could have ended up versus where she did was almost too much to handle.
A door slammed to her right, and Jamie paused as Christine walked toward her. Her sister was trying hard not to cry, and failing miserably.
"Hey." Jamie moved down the hall, not sure what to expect.
Christine didn't stop until she wrapped Jamie in a hug and let out a short cry. "I'm so sorry for what I did this last year. I hate this bastard so much. You should hate me like I hate him. Can you ever forgive me? Please?" Her sister’s whole body shook as she cried against Jamie's shoulder.
"Yeah, already done, remember?" Jamie returned the hug, trying to let the good memories of when they were really little be the future foundation of her memories where Christine were concerned. They could build their relationship from the place it was at currently. Jamie found herself wanting to.
"I'm sorry for being a hot mess." Christine pulled back and wiped at her eyes. "I just hate him."
"Then leave his ass in there all day, and let’s have fun." She touched the side of her sister's face. "Go help Mom before she ruins the sweet potatoes. She's lost her glasses again."
“I could use a glass of something and get lost in it.” Christine nodded and let out a short laugh before turning and walking toward the kitchen.
Jamie walked to the front to find Mark and Alex finishing up on restringing the lights.
"You guys want a drink?" she asked as she pressed her hand to her forehead and moved in beside her father.
He wrapped his strong arm around her shoulder and squeezed her against his side. "Good guy you've got here."
"I think so." She turned and smiled up at her dad.
"Whisky?" Alex turned and looked down from the highest point on the roof.