Page 47 of Eyes Tight Shut
Jenna sat down at the table pulling a cup of coffee toward her. “Jo thinks the verdict will come down soon.”
“Yeah, they’ll all want to be home for Thanksgiving.” Kane peered into the pots on the stove and sniffed. “I’m sure he’ll be found guilty and it will be wrapped up apart from sentencing tomorrow, for sure.”
* * *
The following morning, Jenna woke early and sat up wondering if she’d overslept. She stared at the light peeking through the drapes and climbed from the bed to look outside. Frost covered the window in an intricate icy design. She shivered and rubbed a small hole in the ice to peer out at the thick coating of snow that had fallen overnight. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and she had twenty-four hours to arrange everything for her guests. She had Jo to help her this year and Kane would cook as usual. She slipped on her slippers and robe and padded out to the kitchen, stopping along the way to increase the thermostat on the heating. She filled the coffee pot and stood by the phone making a list of things to do. As usual, Kane had ordered everything they needed, and the turkey would be delivered this morning. The pantry was filled to overflowing, Jo would make her famous pumpkin pies, but maybe Kane needed her to prepare the side dishes.
She counted the guests and made a note. She needed to get chairs from the basement. They always ate in the kitchen. The house did have a dining room but the kitchen was huge and very cozy. The table in there extended and would fit everyone and after dinner it was a great place for her, Jo, Norrell, and Wolfe’s girls to sit and chat while the men watched football. This year Atohi Blackhawk had agreed to join them, but Nanny Raya had gone to visit her relatives. She leaned on the counter as the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the room and looked at the calendar hanging on the wall. Time went by so fast and her birthday was after Christmas. Another year had flown by but next year couldn’t come fast enough. There were exciting times ahead. Life with Tauri had changed everything and now they made firm plans for vacations. Her little boy’s life was going to be as normal as possible for a child with parents in law enforcement.
When Kane’s arms came around her, infusing her body with warmth, she leaned into him. “I had planned on taking coffee into you for a change.”
“I came out to make sure you were okay.” Kane pressed a kiss on her cheek. “You’ve been gone for a time.”
Happy and contented, Jenna smiled. “I’m fine. I was making a list of things to do for tomorrow.”
“It’s a little after five.” Kane rested his chin on her shoulder. “Come back to bed. I have everything organized. It’s been a stressful couple of weeks and tomorrow you’ll have a houseful of guests. Why don’t you put your feet up for the rest of the day or play with the kids?”
Giggling, Jenna turned in his arms and cupped his face. “You’ll do anything to keep me out of the kitchen, won’t you?” She kissed him and then turned back to the counter. “Go back to bed. I’m making the coffee.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The day moved along swiftly, and Jenna spent her time filling the drinks refrigerator and getting wine from the cellar. Kane’s wine cellar was growing by the year and he was very specific about what he wanted on the table for Thanksgiving. She had a ton of beer as well. With the guys watching football, she’d make sure they had plenty of snacks as well. When Kane’s phone rang a little after one, she walked into the kitchen hoping it wasn’t a problem. Having to go into the office over Thanksgiving would be a disaster and the team needed a break. She walked into the kitchen and stared at him.
“Okay, thanks for letting me know.” Kane disconnected and smiled at Jenna. “That was Styles. The jury found Eduardo Souza guilty on all counts. Sentencing is set for the new year.”
Punching the air, Jenna grinned at Jo. “With the confession and the amount of DNA trace evidence found on the stun gun, plus the names of the victims Kalo was able to collect from Strauss’ files, hidden among the files on the ranch’s computer, we have two criminals off the streets this month. That’s a good result if I say so myself.”
“It is indeed.” Kane went back to stuffing the turkey. “Let’s hope we can keep crime-free until after the melt. It will be good to grab some downtime over Christmas.”
A cold shiver raised the hairs on the back of Jenna’s neck. “There you go again, tempting fate.”
EPILOGUE
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving was an all-out family affair. Jenna’s guests started arriving at noon, and everyone carried a plate of some delicious dish. They had a light lunch together, chatting about everything and nothing, while from the kitchen the fabulous aromas of food cooking drifted along the passageway. Jenna’s eyes almost popped out of her head at the sight of so many pumpkin pies and cherry pies along the counter. She looked at Jo. “Will we eat that many pies?”
“Count heads, I figure we have fifteen people and they’ll all want pie.” Jo waved a hand at the cherry pies. “Those were an afterthought. Just something different for a change. Everything else is traditional. Dave made honey-glazed carrots. I couldn’t resist taking a bite and I’m not going home without the recipe.” She laughed. “How did you manage to marry such an incredible cook? He makes everything from scratch.”
Proud, Jenna’s cheeks heated. “Well, he told me he had to learn how to cook or starve when he moved in with me. Well, he realized cooking isn’t something I do well. I do a mean burned toast.” She laughed. “This is why I’m usually delegated to peeling potatoes or making salads. I can, however clean the house and stack the dishwasher and I’m excellent at laundry.”
“It’s time to set the table.” Kane walked into the kitchen with Tauri and Duke on his heels. “Tauri wants to help, and Duke wants any leftovers before we’ve eaten.” He grinned at Jenna. “I’ll spread the tablecloths. The meal is ready and everyone is starving.”
The table set and the dishes spread evenly along its length, Kane placed the turkey on the table to the applause of everyone seated. Beside her, Kane took his seat and offered his hands to Jenna on one side and Wolfe on the other. Jenna smiled at him and nodded. She held Tauri’s hand and he giggled.
“We thank you, Lord, for this meal you have provided and for the company of our family and friends.” Kane looked at Jenna. “You go first.”
Jenna looked around the table and her eyes misted. “I’m thankful to have all of you in my life and for having Tauri in our lives.”
“I’m thankful for my mommy and daddy and Uncle Atohi and everyone.” Tauri grinned.
They went around the table, each person giving thanks. It was a very special moment. It came to Norrell’s turn.
“I’m thankful for meeting Shane and finding a new family, who I love and cherish.” Norrell leaned against Wolfe and smiled.
“I’m thankful that Norrell has agreed to marry me.” Wolfe grinned broadly and lifted their joined hands to display Norrell’s engagement ring. “We’re thinking maybe June next year.”
Heart bursting with joy, Jenna grinned at them. “Congratulations, it’s about time.”
“Yes, it is.” Emily giggled. “We’ve all been keeping our fingers crossed.”
“Okay, Dave.” Wolfe smiled at Kane. “Your turn. Please don’t tell us you’re thankful for buying a new motorcycle.”
“Nope.” Kane turned to look at Jenna, his eyes moist with unshed tears. “I am so very thankful. Last year Tauri arrived in our lives. To have a wonderful, unexpected gift of a son is mind-blowing. They say miracles happen at the most unexpected times, but two in the space of a year? How is this possible?”
“Two?” Carter leaned forward. “You holding out on us, Dave?”
“Yeah, we have been, but only for a short time.” Kane smiled at Jenna and squeezed her hand. “I’m thankful because my beautiful Jenna is pregnant.”
* * *