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"Yes. We can leave one pie here and take one to Apple's for Thanksgiving," she said.
"Or we can take it all and share the bounty," he replied, walking over to pull out the chair for her to sit. "This looks just wonderful, Helen. I needed this. It was a rough couple of days."
"Want to talk about it?"
"No, I want instead to give you this," he said, bending to one knee. From his coat pocket, he pulled out a velvet box, opening it to show it to her. "I know you can't wear it when you work, but I thought it would be nice to wear it this weekend."
Mustang slipped the ring on her left finger. Her small hands showcased the sparkling diamonds which accented the platinum setting. Helen smiled, and from her pocket, she also removed a velvet box, presenting it to him.
"Those chicks in your office also need to know you're taken," she told him, removing the diamond encrusted band to slip on his left hand.
"You got me an engagement ring?" he asked, looking down at his hand. For shits and giggles, he held up his hands and began to fan his face like to was trying to prevent his mascara from running with his tears. "It's so sudden. Yes, Helen. Yes, I shall marry you. I'm so happy right now. So happy. I need a moment."
"Oh, shut up," she said, laughing at him. "Let's eat before dinner gets cold."
****
RIGHT AT 8 A.M., MUSTANG, driving a black GMC Yukon, departed the compound, preparing for the five-hour drive to Janesville, Wisconsin, for Thanksgiving dinner with what he assumed to be a newfound couple of friends. For his own peace of mind, as a backup, he booked a local hotel room in case shit got weird. This was different for him and the first outing as a couple for him and Helen.
"Practice run for Christmas," she said aloud.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"This is our first outing as an official couple," she told him. "It can be a practice run for Christmas and having to explain to the family what is happening between us."
"I don't have, or rather we don't have, to explain shit," he said. "We are consenting, grown ass adults. Besides, when I tell Mama Ruth I have moved two hours away, the rest, she's not going to care about."
"True," she replied, enjoying the comfort of the leg room of the SUV. "Is this a rental?"
"No, I bought it to haul home all that shit you're planning to buy for Christmas," he said, "plus, didn't really want to drive five hours in the Cobra. I’m getting too old for that shit."
"I like it," she replied. "Roomy. Do you think we can make out in the back?"
"Shit, I have enough leg room where we can get freaky up front, if need be," he replied laughing. "Put on some tunes and let's enjoy the ride. It's good to be out of the office."
"Man, that is an understatement," she added, thinking of Passion Fruit locked in with Bryan for the weekend.
The hours zoomed by as the Yukon ate the miles of the road, arriving in Janesville right at noon. The old farmhouse had a new life with a fresh coat of paint. The barn, which had been a doorless, falling-in mess, now possessed doors and the camper where Ricky had been living had a home. In the garage, she could also see Bad Apple's black Ford F-150, aimed at a side door, while Ricky's truck was parked in front of his camper. In the drive, where Helen instructed Mustang to park, a second small car sat. Helen didn't recognize the vehicle and decided not to speak about it.
Helen removed the cake and pies from the back seat, turning to find Bad Apple on the porch that no longer leaned to one side. He provided her a nod as Mustang rounded the vehicle to help Helen with the goodies. They walked up the stairs to be greeted.
"Mustang, Cranberry."
"Apple," Helen said, and Mustang provided a nod.
"Stephen has made snacks, a charcuterie board, finger sandwiches and other stuff, I have no idea what half of it is," Apple said. "Ricky is grilling the turkey, so I have limited hopes on that turning out well. If push comes to shove, we have potatoes and green beans, so we won't starve."
Mustang watched his eyes and asked, "You need help with anything?"
"Yes, a second turkey; if you can get one of those, then dinner may be saved," Apple said, opening the door for them to enter.
The pink chairs she'd purchased were still at the window, along with her teacup and a fresh steaming pot of hot water.
"Aunt Helen is here!" A young black man said as he barreled around the corner.
"Hello, Jeffrey," she added, opening her arms for an embrace. The young man looked good. He wore new sneakers, sported a fresh haircut, and wore a button-down shirt. "This is Jay."
"Hey, Uncle Jay," he said, extending his hand for a shake, which Mustang accepted. "Nice to meet you. Aunt Helen, you may have to go into the kitchen and help calm Stephen down. He's completely off the rails and has overwhelmed himself."