When dinner is ready, David carves the turkey and I set out the buffet and everyone to goes through the line. We only have enough seating for six at the table, but Robbie brought a card table and chairs. It’s set up in the middle of the living room area. Abbi helped me with the table décor and it looks like something out of a magazine. My parents sent a cornucopia arrangement for the middle of the table to honor my first Thanksgiving living on my own.
Once we’re all seated, David gives a sweet toast and thanks us for inviting him over and the work we’ve put into making Thanksgiving dinner. He also thanks the boys for their service and his children for being wonderful to him. He concludes with a little note that his wife would be a very proud lady if she were with us today and then winks at me. I tear up again, wondering if every holiday reminds him of the love he lost and has never replaced. Declan caresses my hand under the table and kisses me lightly on the forehead.
Dinner was excellent. Each table had equally animated conversations and I was trying hard to keep up. David told stories of his children growing up. They interrupted many times to object to any wrong-doings being mentioned. I looked at Robbie several times throughout the stories and he smiled back at me every time. We silently agreed; this was a great idea.
When dessert was being served, Will took the opportunity to talk to me directly about this weekend.
“RJ, I need to know your schedule for the next few days as soon as possible. I also need to know what classes you have on Monday and where they’re located. I’ll be shadowing your every move but I’ll be unnoticeable. I would prefer it if you laid low. I don’t want to have to fight any crowds. Everyone you hang out with will have to be checked out.”
The mood in the room suddenly changes and shifts to silence as everyone looks at anyone but me.
“Will, you can’t be serious. Declan’s band is playing tomorrow night and it’s a special show. I promised I’d be at the bar. I’d like to go shopping at some point and my birthday is Saturday!”
The room continues to stay quiet, but he doesn’t care. To him, I’m protection detail. “Sorry, Raven, no club tomorrow night, too much exposure. I’m sure Finn and Robbie will back me up on this. I can’t keep you one-hundred percent safe in a large crowd like that. As for shopping, we can’t go to a big mall, but I’d be willing to go to a few smaller shops where we can blend in.”
At the word ‘we’, Declan stills beside me. He doesn’t like the term being used on anyone but him as a ‘we’.
Declan takes our plates and motions to Will with a nod of his head. “Let’s go to the kitchen and talk about this.”
Will gets up and looks around at all the stunned faces because no one has muttered a word. He has no idea how jealous Declan is. David clears his throat to break the ice. “Robbie, son, never been a fan of anything but baked turkey, but you have changed me forever.”
“So glad you enjoyed it.”
Just like that, the room lights up again and things return to normal. David gathers some plates and heads to the kitchen. “Raven, we have a small tradition in our house. Let me bring out a variety of desserts and everyone can have their choice. Since you are the host, you get the first pick.”
I smile at David. “You sure are a charmer, but I’ll give you a hint, I LOVE chocolate.”
“So noted.” He walks to the kitchen.
A few minutes later, all the guys walk out. They have a huge grin on their faces.
“Looks like you are going to the bar tomorrow night, RJ. As for shopping, we’ll see.” Will tells me.
David brings me the most beautiful piece of chocolate pie I’ve ever seen. It’s layered with whipped cream and hazelnuts. The topping has marshmallows, graham crackers crumbs, and melted chocolate sauce. I sigh at the sight and savor every bite. I have my fork midway to my mouth when Declan stops my hand.
“You have to stop eating like that.” He says in my ear.
“Like what?”
“The way you’re devouring that pie is a huge turn-on. The way you’re licking your fork, the sucking, the groaning, it reminds me of something else.”
My cheeks grow warm and I look around to make sure no one heard him. Everyone is still wrapped up in their own discussions. I look back at Declan and think about what he said. I wink at him and he smiles back.
After the kitchen is cleaned, David announces his plans to go back home. He doesn’t want to be anywhere near Nashville on Black Friday. I really can’t blame him. He says his goodbyes to everyone. Before he leaves, he embraces me in a big hug and whispers in my ear, “Now I see what all the fuss is about. You really are a spectacular young woman. You take care of yourself. I’ll see you again soon.”
I hug him back tightly. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
When Declan comes back in from walking his dad out, the guys decide to play poker. I sit at the table with the girls to gossip. We toast to a successful dinner and catch up on all that has been going on. Ella’s overloaded schedule at school has allowed her to get into the Nursing program next semester. She is beyond excited.
Abbi is thinking about doing an externship next semester at a museum downtown. At first she wasn’t sure she could handle a full school load, volunteering, and an externship, but her teachers agreed that the time in the museum would count towards extra credit. She has a week to decide, but is pretty sure she will take the opportunity.
I don’t have too much to share since all my time is spent with Declan and school, but I tell them about traveling with Sayge over the next few weeks. The girls decide they are going to Atlanta with us.
“Oh my gosh, Rave, I almost forgot. What do you want to do for your birthday Saturday night?” Abbi asks loudly. I learned from Declan that she loves birthdays.
“Well, I’m not sure. We haven’t really talked about it.” I look back to the groups of guys who are concentrating on the game. “Declan, do we have plans on Saturday night?”
He doesn’t even look at me when he answers, “No, babe, Sayge’s got a show. I figured you would go out to dinner with Robbie and your friends and meet me there.”