Chapter 28

Beth checked the turkey for the third time that morning. It appeared to be cooking fine, but she didn’t want the main part of the meal to have issues. Kyle helped her with the potatoes and dressing and took care of getting the house ready for their guests. She took a sip of her wine as she tried to decide what to do next.

Kyle’s parents were going to bring the pies and Karen was in charge of the rolls. Her mother hadn’t tried to fight her when Beth called her to ask them to come to her house rather than making a trip to the cites to see them. Beth was nervous about meeting Kyle’s parents. She didn’t know a lot about them, but meeting them was a big step in her relationship with Kyle.

She was mixing up the gravy when Kyle’s arms slipped around her waist, and he gave her a kiss.

“How are things going in here? Need any help yet?”

“Yes, can you mash the potatoes? They should be here any minute.”

Kyle found the masher, and Beth continued to whisk the gravy. The doorbell rang, and Beth jumped. Kyle laughed, and stopped what he was doing. He gave Beth a kiss. “Don’t worry, I’ll get it.”

Kyle turned to walk to the front door, and Beth called out to him. He turned around.

“Thank you for all your help.”

Kyle gave her one of his care-free smiles. “My pleasure.”

She wished she could share his relaxed attitude about the day. It would take a lot more wine before her nerves would calm down. She took another sip before testing the consistency of the gravy. It looked fine, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to taste it to make sure.

Her mother walked in carrying a bottle of red wine and put it on the counter. Kyle trailed behind her with a basket full of rolls.

“Where’s dad?” Beth asked her mom.

She gestured towards the front door. “He’s parking the car. Kyle was a dear and helped me bring our things in.”

Kyle was already back to the potatoes. Beth watched her mom go over to see what he was doing.

“Kyle, why don’t you go wait for Bud and let me finish that up for you. I’m sure you’d rather not do lady work.”

Beth rolled her eyes. Kyle chose not to fight her, and left the room. Karen finished mashing the potatoes, then found a spoon to sample the gravy. Beth waited for her reaction, glad she wasn’t the one to try it first.

“Not bad, but could use just a little more salt.” Karen seasoned the gravy to her liking. “So, Kyle’s parents are coming today too?”

Beth knew her mother was fishing for some information, she just didn’t know what.

“Yep, I haven’t met them, and they haven’t seen Kyle since he moved.”

“Hmm, sounds like someone else I know.”

Beth gave her mom the death stare. “I talk to you.”

“Hmph. Not very much.” Her mom took a seat by the counter. “It just makes me wonder if there’s a reason you two are bringing both your parents here.” Her eye brow went up.

Beth rolled her eyes, making sure her mother saw her. “No, no news here.”

Karen stood up. “Well you never know. The two of you are already living together anyway. Not like you wasted any time doing that.”

“How’s my little girl?” Beth turned her head sharply to see her dad standing in the doorway, Kyle behind him.

Beth forced a smile. “Hi Dad. I see you met Kyle already.”

Bud turned around and put a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “You mean this guy? We’ve met.”

Beth let out a breath. She much preferred her father’s laid-back attitude to her mother’s. He was much easier to talk to, and she missed the talks she used to have with him.

The doorbell went off again, and Kyle smiled at Beth.

“That must be my folks. I’ll be right back.”

Beth nodded, and watched him leave the room. She was getting nervous and needed to find something to do with her hands. Beth turned to take another sip of her wine, and felt her mother’s eyes on her. Beth lifted her glass to her. “Want some?”

“I certainly don’t think you should be the only one with a glass.”

Beth took out more wine glasses and poured one for her mom. She offered her dad a drink, but he said he would wait until later. Kyle returned with his parents and two pies, which he put on the counter.

Kyle motioned to the doorway, where his parents were standing.

“I’d like you all to meet my parents. This is John and Barb Olson.”

Beth walked over to them. Kyle’s mom had short brown hair with a few gray streaks. She looked to be a petite woman. His dad shared a lot of the same facial features Kyle had. John was balding, but the hair he did have was blondish-gray. Beth offered them her hand.

“I’m Beth. Thanks for coming. These are my parents, Bud and Karen. Now that everyone is here, we can eat. Take a seat and we can get started.”

Kyle moved to help Beth, and Karen also offered to get the food on the table.

“Why don’t you take a seat and get to know Barb? Kyle and I can handle the food,” Beth suggested to her mother.

Karen looked at Beth for a moment, then agreed with her. “Okay, I’ll see if anyone wants beverages while you two get things ready.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Beth returned to the kitchen to get the food in serving dishes. Kyle carved the turkey, and brought the last dish to the table. Their parents each took a side of the table, leaving the ends for Kyle and Beth.

“Shall we pray?” Karen asked no one in particular as Beth sat down.

It was agreed, and Karen led them in a quick prayer. The meal was peaceful, much to Beth’s relief. The two mothers were already talking like old friends. Beth smiled at Kyle. He raised his glass to her and winked.

Beth realized her dad was watching them, and smiled at him. Bud wiped the corners of his mouth.

“Great job, honey. The food was wonderful,” he said quietly.

“Thanks, Dad. I’m glad you two could make it.”

“Any time. You know, your mother had a lot to say when she came home last time. I’m just glad I get to see how happy you really are now. You know how she talks.” He looked to see if Karen was watching them, but she was deep in conversation about a charity event she helped plan. Beth always thought it was strange how her mother helped with charitable causes but wasn’t much of a giver herself.

Beth looked across the table at Kyle, who glanced at Beth. The warm smile on his face spread to her own.

“I am very happy now, Dad.” She looked back at her father. “And it’s about time.”

He let out a low chuckle. “Yes, I suppose it is.” He took the last bite of food from his plate.

Barb looked around the table. “Are we ready for pie?”

Kyle stood up. “I’ll get it.”

Beth got up too. “I can grab the whipped cream.”

As they walked out, Beth heard John call out, “If it takes more than five minutes, we’re sending a search crew!” Karen gasped, and Barb gave him a little shove.

“I can see where you get your sense of humor,” Beth said to Kyle. She gave him a kiss. “I think things are going pretty well in there.”

“I agree. They must have decided to be civil. It’s about time.”

Beth put her hand on the counter next to Kyle. “My dad approves of us, from what I can tell.”

Kyle stood before Beth, his hands on his hips. He looked really good in his dark jeans and a button-down shirt. “I’m glad. Just think of what he would say if he knew what I did with his little girl.”

Beth blushed, and Kyle gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Now, we’d better get back in there before Dad makes good on his promise and comes looking for us.”

They finished up their meal, and Barb and Karen insisted on helping Beth in the kitchen clean-up. Beth loaded the dishwasher with the plates and silverware as her mom started the sink to hand wash the serving dishes. Barb helped put the leftovers away.

“So, Beth, Kyle tells me you’re a nurse. Where do you work?”

“I’m at the clinic here in town. I’m a nurse to one of the general practice doctors. It’s a nice place to work and close to home.”

Beth saw her mom tense up, and hoped she wouldn’t add her two cents to the conversation.

“How did the two of you meet?”

“The fire department. He’s gotten to be good friends with the group I hang out with. Kyle fits right in with us. We took a camping trip in September, and that’s when it all started.”

“Beth’s first husband was on the department, but died in an accident,” Beth’s mom piped up.

Barb rubbed Beth’s arm. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Kyle got started with being a fire fighter after my daughter died in a car crash. I guess it helped him with the healing process to become an active part of helping others.”

Karen nodded her head. “Sorry for your loss. Beth hadn’t mentioned that before.”

Beth tried not to give her mother a look. “There are some things that don’t come up in conversation very often.” She directed her attention to Barb. “Kyle told me about how Copper was her dog too. I think he’s the one that really brought us together.”

Barb smiled. “Where is Copper?”

“We put him in the basement to keep him out of the way during the meal. He gets a little excited when we have company over anyway.”

They engaged in light conversation the rest of the time it took to clean up. Beth’s mother poured them each a fresh glass of wine, and led the way to the living room, where the guys were watching the football game. Beth smiled at Kyle, sitting alone in the recliner. She sat on the arm next to him.

Her dad was the first to talk. “Kyle was just telling us he made captain. That’s a big accomplishment.”

John added, “Yeah, that’s what happens when you get your priorities straight.”

Beth was starting to see how similar Kyle’s relationship with his dad was like her relationship with her mother. Beth grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Well I’m proud of him. He’s proven himself to the department, and they recognized him for it.”

Karen looked like she wanted to add something. Beth’s dad took notice. “It’s always good to have people willing to take charge and lead.” He looked at Beth. “That’s a rare quality to find, but one to hold on to.”

Beth felt her cheeks warm, and knew it wasn’t just the wine. Her mother cleared her throat.

“We should pack up. I’d like to get home before traffic gets ugly.”

Bud laughed. “I didn’t know you were driving.”

Karen gave him a look. “I’m just worried about how you get when the roads are busy.”

Bud chuckled, and looked at John. “I don’t think it’s the road that gets me riled up.”

John smiled. “I know what you mean.”

Beth laughed when her mother realized they were poking fun at her. Beth got up, and took her mom’s arm. “I’ll help you get your things.”

“Thanks.”

Beth dug through the fridge to get the rolls and pulled out the half full bottle of wine. “Did you want to take this with you?” she asked her mom.

“No, you two keep it. I joined a wine club, and that was this month’s special. I have another one at home.”

“I didn’t know you went out much.” Beth stood by the counter and crossed her arms. Beth looked at her mom and noticed for the first time how much she had aged. Her eyes looked tired, and there were more wrinkles on her face.

“Well, sometimes you have to just get out and do something. The charity work gets boring after a while.” She looked at Beth. “I get lonely too, you know.”

Beth was puzzled. “What do you mean? Isn’t Dad there with you?”

She nodded slowly. “He is, but he’s busy with his own groups. We don’t talk a whole lot any more.”

Beth knew her mom had good intentions but lacked the tact to show it. As much as she got frustrated with the way she acted towards her, Beth knew she was just looking out for her daughter. Beth smiled, and gave her mom a hug.

“Thanks for coming. Maybe we can do this more often.”

Karen wiped an invisible tear. “I’d like that, honey. You could come to the Cities and do some shopping with me before Christmas. A lot of cute little shops have opened in the last few years.”

Beth returned her smile. “I think that sounds like a good idea. I’ll check our schedule and let you know.”

Karen pointed a finger at Beth. “I’ll hold you to it.”

“I know.” Beth took a step back and saw her dad at the doorway.

“The car’s ready to go. What should I grab?”

Karen looked at what they had to take home. “I think I have it all, dear. Thanks.” Karen went through the living room to the front door.

Bud smiled at Beth. “I’m glad the two of you got to talk.”

“Me too. Thanks for coming, Dad.”

“It was nice to meet your new friend. I like seeing my girl happy again.” He walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You take care of that boy now, you hear?”

Beth laughed. “I will.”

She walked him to the door, and Kyle came over to shake his hand.

“Nice meeting you.”

“And you as well.” Bud turned and waved to Kyle’s parents. “Drive safe.”

John and Barb waved back. Beth watched her parents get in their car before going back to the chair with Kyle.

Barb talked with Beth more, extending an invitation to their house. Kyle and John talked very little. Beth supposed one family reconciliation was probably all the more she could ask for in one day. The afternoon wore on. Once the football game was over, John stood up, and announce he was going to start their car.

Barb and Beth went to the kitchen to get her things. Barb fidgeted with her hands nervously.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Beth. I know I haven’t talked to Kyle much, but it’s pretty clear what he thinks of you. I hope we can see each other more.”

“That would be nice. I’ll have to talk him into making a trip up there. Maybe we can check out the vineyard up that way.”

Barb smiled. “I know the owner and can arrange a private tour.”

“Sounds like fun. I’ll make sure Kyle hears about that.”

Barb chuckled. “Great. You’re making my son happy, and that makes me happy. Thank you.”

Beth blushed. “The feeling is mutual.”

“I know.” Barb gave her a hug. “It was good to meet you.”

Kyle popped in the doorway. “Dad’s waiting.”

“That’s my cue,” Barb said, and stepped over to Kyle, giving him a hug. “Don’t be a stranger.” She shook a finger at him.

Kyle chuckled. “I know, Mom.”

Beth grabbed Kyle’s hand and walked his mom to the door. His dad was already in the car. Barb gave Kyle one final reminder about calling her, and she left. Kyle stood with his back to the door.

“I’m glad that’s over, but it did go better than I thought it would.”

Beth sighed. “Me too. Your mom seemed really nice. I didn’t get to talk to your dad much.”

“Yeah, me too. I don’t think he wanted to talk though either. It looked like you got somewhere with your mom.”

Beth smiled. “Yeah, I think her own unhappiness is what she is dealing with. She pushed too much, and chases people away from her. I guess she’s getting out more, and that helps.”

Kyle walked over to Beth and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m thankful you’re in my life. I love you.”

Beth felt tears welling in her eyes. “I love you too.” She looked up, trying her best at keeping the tears from falling. She didn’t understand why she was about to cry. Kyle held her tight.

“It’s okay, it’s been an emotionally stressful day. But you were great. I think my mom loves you as much as I do. She’s never met someone I’ve dated before.”

Beth leaned back to look Kyle in the eye. “Really? Never?”

Kyle shook his head. “You’re the first for a lot of things for me, Beth.” He gave her a kiss on the top of her head and pulled her tight again. Beth loved being in his arms, close enough that she could hear his heart beating. She rested her head on his chest and realized how tired she was.

Beth was the first to break their embrace, and went over to the couch to lie down. Kyle stood near her.

“Are you okay?”

Beth nodded. “Yeah, just beat. It’s been a long day. I think I will just take a little nap.”

Kyle gave her a kiss. “Okay, let me know if you need anything. I’m going to let Copper out. Poor guy’s been locked up all day.”

“I’ll be here,” She said, closing her eyes.