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Over the next few days, I spent most of my time reading Harry's journals and trying to avoid Chance and Tom. Soul bearing sessions with Krista and Laurie, didn't really make things any easier. It was easy to do the right thing, when I didn't have to see either of the guys.
After a lot of self-reflection, I made some decisions if I could just commit to them enough to put them into action I might be able to feel in control of my life again.
Maybe it was all my self-reflection or just the approaching holiday, but I decided I wanted to have a proper thanksgiving dinner, even if it had to be two days before the real holiday. Laurie came early with her card table. My kitchen was small and so was my table. It was perfect for two, but with the dishes of a feast for five, I needed the extra space.
As each of my guests arrived, I put them to work setting the table or finishing up the cooking. Tom hugged me and whispered in my ear that he was looking forward to having some time alone together. I doubted he'd be as pleased about that if I carried through with my plan. Chance hugged me and whispered the same sentiment as Tom. I thought he'd be happier with our alone time in the woods.
I was pleased with the spread. "Thank you all for coming. I know it's not Thanksgiving yet, but since some of us will be spending the holiday in the woods, I wanted to have a typical southern Thanksgiving meal with y’all." We had bourbon glazed turkey with cornbread stuffing, both mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole, with pecan and pumpkin pies for dessert.
"I thought you said you didn't like to cook," Chance said.
"I enjoy cooking sometimes," I said, “but I like baking more.”
"Well, this is all fabulous," Jim said and the rest agreed.
"Any of this would be great on Hairy's menu," Laurie said.
It was a nice night, just what I'd hoped for. I realize it was a strange grouping of people, but this was my Wilkins’ Gap family. They were the people that made this feel like home. Romantic relationships aside, I was glad that all of these people were in my life. As we said grace, I lifted up a thank you to Uncle Hairy for giving me the life I never knew I wanted.
It was good that with the exception of Laurie we were all heading out on our next adventure the following day. Everyone was anxious to get home and make their final preparations, so I didn't have to juggle both Tom and Chance wanting to hang out after everyone else left. Laurie stayed to help with cleanup.
"You and Jim seem pretty cozy," I said. I'd seen him pull her down the hallway for a private kiss when he came in, and again before he left.
"Yeah. I think he still feels a little weird because he dated you before," Laurie said. "I've told him that you know what's going on and you're fine with it, but it still seems to make him uncomfortable."
"If I get a chance, I'll let him know that I think it's great that you two are dating."
Talking about Jim reminded me that I sometimes got the vibe that he wasn't what he appeared to be. "Do you ever get the feeling that he's not really a small-town lawyer?"
Her look told me the answer was no. "He certainly could practice in a larger city, but he seems happy here."
"Of course, you're right. It's Jim."
We said our good byes, and Laurie left with my leftovers. I wasn't sure how long I'd be away and didn't want it to go to waste. "Stay safe out there," she said as she hugged me. "I know they'll take good care of you."
"If past experience is any indication, you probably should have wished them good luck surviving being in the woods with me."
"Take it easy on them, Em."
Chance had made a good case for my staying the night at his place so we could get an early start, but I really wanted to celebrate the holiday in my own place. It felt really good.
As soon as everyone was gone, I packed up, set things up for morning, and crawled into bed. The alarm was going to wake me long before I was ready.