Page 32 of Wild Nights

"I hope so. It doesn't seem the same without them."

Joey nodded in agreement.

I'd created a spreadsheet of everything that needed to be cooked and when it had to go in the oven. We had some things catered but wanted to stick with the tradition of us cooking part of the meal.

Kylie barked out directions and things to do. It was chaotic and loud, but I loved it. Everyone helped carry dishes out to a long table Eli had the staff set up earlier in the week. The catering company had brought the containers of heated food and placed them on the table with tongs for serving.

Guests were already arriving, milling around the bar, talking and socializing. It was nice, but I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if we had a true family meal. Maybe Kylie could host while our parents were out of town. The rest of us would come over, help to cook, and watch football on TV. I'd have to suggest we have a family meal earlier in the day so that we could have that moment together but not interrupt this tradition of serving the guests and the community.

Eli's best friend was the sheriff, Chance St. Claire, and he was here in casual clothes talking to various townspeople. He seemed to flourish in his community-service job. I preferred to stay in an office and not talk to anyone. But I could appreciate the work he did for us and the community.

We all sat down to eat with holiday music playing in the background.

Eli stood. "I'm thankful that everyone is together again this year. We miss our parents, our brother Killian, and our cousin, Walker. I'm grateful for this community and everyone in it."

There were a few cheers and the clinking of glasses. Then everyone dug in.

After dessert was served, Joey curled up on my lap, and I took that as my cue to put him to bed in the upstairs condo. I didn't see the point in driving home tonight.

I tucked him into bed, then headed to the living room where I finally pulled out my phone. There hadn't been any new messages, so I reviewed our old ones. They were upbeat but something felt off, as if Carolina was saying what she felt like she should but not how she was actually feeling. I didn't know anything about her family. If something was off, I wouldn't know. It was just something I sensed.

If I hadn't thought something was wrong, I wouldn't have reached out again because this was outside the rules of our relationship.

Oliver: How was the rest of your evening?

I set the phone down and flipped on the TV to a football game. One I didn't care about. A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.

Carolina: Good. How about you?

Oliver: We served dinner at the lodge and invited the guests and anyone in the community looking for a hot meal and companionship. It's nice, but I was kind of wondering what it would be like to do a family thing in the future.

Carolina: Wow. That's such an amazing thing your family does.

Oliver: Yeah, I wouldn't want to stop the tradition.

I had a feeling I felt that way because I had Joey now, and he understood holiday traditions in a way he didn't when he was younger. I wanted him to have memories of his family too. Not just the community gathering.

Carolina: I enjoy the traditional meal too. Things were different this year.

Oliver: How so?

Carolina: It's usually just me, my mom, and my sister. But today, my sister brought her boyfriend.

Oliver: You don't like him?

Carolina: It's not that. It's just been the three of us forever, and it was different. But I'll get used to it.

That was the issue then. She felt thrown by the presence of her sister's boyfriend.

Carolina: Then they said they didn't need a traditional meal. But I think I do.

Oliver: Never feel bad for wanting different things.

Carolina: I have a feeling next year will be different. Mom will be with her new guy, and Ginny will be living with Waylon.

I video called her, needing to see her.

Her face filled the screen, her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she wore a red sweater.

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