Thanksgiving Day arrived, and Sandi and the girls were almost ready when Jim pulled up to the curb outside of Susan’s house.
Sandi was wearing the ice blue sweater that Susan had gotten her for her 31st birthday last month and navy-blue dress pants. Around her neck, she wore a diamond pendant that had belonged to Jim’s mother.
She still could not believe they were actually going to become a part of the Benning family.
Joletta and Annie looked so pretty in the new dresses Sandi had bought them a few days before. Sandi wanted them to look their very best today, and even though she had spent more than originally planned, she decided it had been worth every penny of it.
At first, Joletta argued that she did not want to wear a dress. She insisted that jeans and a sweater would be fine, but she eventually agreed to go with her mom shopping, as long as she got to help choose.
It had taken them awhile before they both agreed on one that suited mom and daughter both. But now, as Jo came down the stairs, you could see both the sweet little girl and the beautiful young woman she was becoming.
Little Annie, even without the frilly holiday dress, could melt the hearts of just about everyone. Even the coolest of Sandi’s acquaintances soon fell victim to her sunny personality.
Hopefully Jim’s stepmother would be equally charmed by Sandi’s daughters.
She was excited and nervous about the day ahead, but she also knew that to Jim, it would make no difference in the way he felt about her. Whether his stepmother was impressed or not, he loved her and her girls just as they were.
As Jim stepped in the door, he let out a long, low whistle as he pulled her to him.
“Hey, Sexy Lady, how about you and I, and these lovely young things take a little trip to the country? I know an elegant place where we can dine on roast pheasant and caviar.”
“Jim! Will you never quit with your silliness? I am so nervous, and all you can do is joke!”
He held her at arm’s length and smiled. “Oh, Shivers, how can I convince you there is nothing to be worried about? Dad already has told me he thinks you are something special and, well, you’ll see. Gloria doesn’t bite. She is just a bit stiff, if you know what I mean.
Laughing once again, he kissed her hard on the lips and ran his hand down the length of her back, ending with a solid smack on her backside.
Turning to Joletta, he said, “Jo, if you get any prettier, your mom is going to have to lock you up in a closet.”
Joletta blushed and giggled.
“By the way, Dad’s brother Cliff and his family are going to be there today. I think you will like them. Do you remember me telling you about the twins, Jo? They’re just a year older than you. Anyway, Tim and Tammy are a lot of fun. They are always pulling something.”
“Last year at Christmas they put a rubber snake on Gloria’s plate just before we sat down to eat! Talk about a ruckus! I’m not sure that she has forgiven them yet. I’m shocked she is letting them within 50 miles of the place!”
“By the way, Joletta, Dad said to tell you to bring some riding clothes. The twins keep their horses stabled on the ranch, and after we eat, you kids can go out and ride awhile if you want. I told him how much you enjoyed horseback riding last summer at camp. You can ride either Lady Love or Golden Boy.”
“Oh, Mom, could I? Please!” Joletta was practically jumping up and down in her excitement.
“I don’t know, Joletta.” She paused and looked at Jim. “If Jim thinks it is safe, I guess it would be all right!”
“Sandi, Dad has had Golden Boy for longer than he’s had Gloria, and Lady is the sweetest little mare on the property. Even Annie could ride her without a problem.
Jim had the usual twinkle in his eye and Sandi gave him a warning look
“Annie is definitely not ready to start riding yet, so don’t get any big ideas.”
“I rode Golden Boy a lot before I went to college, but I don’t think he’s ridden very much now. Old Mac, our stable keeper, puts him out daily, but, I’m sure he would love having a young person to exercise him.”
“Tim and Tammy come out to Dad’s on weekends in the summer and ride quite frequently.”
“Oh, Mom, that sounds like so much fun.”
If Joletta had not been fully enthusiastic about this Thanksgiving before, she had now done a complete 360-degree turn around.
“I’ll go and get some things together, Mom.” Joletta whirled around and danced all the way up the worn staircase before disappearing along the upper hallway.
“Don’t forget to bring a heavy jacket and your high tops! It’s only 40 degrees out there,” Sandi called after her daughter and shook her head.
“I hope she doesn’t catch her death of pneumonia.”
There were almost 30 of Jim’s extended family in attendance, and though things were more formal than it was at home, everyone was warm and friendly.
Sandi believed that the day had gone well.
At first, she had felt quite uncomfortable, fearing she and the girls might not fit in, but as the afternoon passed without incident, she relaxed and began to enjoy herself.
Gloria was kind and gracious. Obviously not new to the job, she was an accomplished hostess, keeping her guests happy and occupied.
She was a truly beautiful woman. Slim and graceful, she looked stunning in her royal blue satin top, and tight black leggings. Her dark shining hair was pulled back on one side with a diamond-studded comb.
Before the day was over, Sandi decided that she liked the woman. At first, Gloria did come across as somewhat aloof, but after having the chance to get better acquainted, Sandi realized that perhaps she had judged too quickly.
Another thing Sandi observed was the gentle way Jim’s father treated his wife. There was obviously much love between the two of them.
As Jim drove them home later that evening, snow began to fall, fast and thick, and soon they were driving in a world of pure glistening white.
With both the baby and the big girl sound asleep in the back seat, Jim and Sandi drove silently through the dark swirling wonderland.
What a wonderful way to end the day.
They pulled into the drive of Susan’s house, and Jim put the car in park, keeping the engine running.
Pulling Sandi close, he whispered in her ear, “I love you, and I want you to be my wife.” He reached into the pocket of his pants and drew out a small velvet box. Inside was a beautiful solitaire diamond ring. “This was my mother’s. My precious Sandi, please say that you will be mine forever.”
Large tears rolled down her face as he slipped the ring onto her finger, making their engagement official.
“Oh, my Darling, I love you so much. It is beautiful, and yes, I so want to belong to no one else.”