Page 28 of A Buckeye Falls Christmas
“How many enemies can O have?” Alice asked, punching her nephew lightly on the shoulder. “This kid’s a saint.”
Steven coughed into his handkerchief, clearly unbelieving. “He’s a good boy, but a saint?” He directed his question to his wife, who merely shook her head and took off her gloves.
“I’m going to go see if they need help in the kitchen,” Alice suggested, catching Anthony’s eye so he’d follow her.
As soon as they crossed into the kitchen, the Snyder siblings found CeCe and Max and began their long-winded apologies. “I’m so sorry about them,” Alice said as Anthony nudged her to the side, and added, “They sprung this invasion on us this morning without a hint of notice. We were loading up the car, and boom, there they were like specters of Christmas past.”
Ginny smiled, pausing her vegetable chopping to chime in. “I think it’s sweet, they wanted to surprise you kids.”
“Our parents don’t believe in surprises. I think they weren’t having a good time on the cruise and used us as an excuse.” Alice sighed, reaching out to snatch a piece of cheese from a waiting platter.
“How can they not like a Mediterranean cruise?” CeCe asked. She was perched on the office chair, shaping a ball of dough with her swollen fingers. She’d long since given up attempts of wearing her wedding rings and was donned in the biggest tunic the restaurant supply store had. In an attempt to look festive, she tucked a spring of holly behind her ear.
Anthony and Alice shared matching expressions ofHave you met our parents, when Natalie laughed. “I think they described it as a germ factory that floats. I have a feeling their cruising days are over.”
Evan looked down at the ham he was glazing and shrugged. “We totally have enough food for four more. I mean, how much do four senior citizens eat anyway?”
“We’re fine,” CeCe said from her spot. “Although I would love another lower back rub and that canister of flour over there.”
Evan held up honey-covered hands and grimaced. “Give me a minute, babe.”
Alice went into action, wiggling her fingers. “I can handle the back rubs. I think we can all agree my culinary prowess isn’t needed in this kitchen.”
James rubbed his hands together, looking around the crowded space. “What can I do?”
Max hefted a turkey from the chiller and dropped it on the counter, the reverberating thud echoed around the crowded kitchen. “I’m about to get intimate with this bird. Do you mind going around and setting the tables? The kids can help if they’re getting restless.”
“I’ll create a masterpiece.” James spread his arms and beamed. He’d chosen a festive navy blue sweater dotted with miniature snowflakes that Alice had picked up as a present from Frick and Frack. There was also a red lipstick smear from his wife on his cheek, but no one was mentioning that. “Leave the tables to me,” he said with a wink as he backed into the dining room.
Alice dug her heel into the small of CeCe’s back, earning sounds that were certainly not appropriate for the kitchen. “Good Lord, woman. I can’t tell if I’m hurting you or helping you.”
Evan snorted, wiping his hands off before sprinkling the hams with brown sugar and mustard powder. “I’ve heard those sounds, and I assure you she was having a good time.”
“Eww, gross, Ev.” Mallory spluttered from the back door. Mallory and Maybelle had matching braids, their cheeks rosy from the cold.
Beckett followed her in, Maybelle’s carrier hanging from his free arm. The other held several bags, which he hastily dropped by the counter. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”
Natalie clapped, pushing him out of the way to get to Maybelle. “There’s that little red-headed wonder. Come to Auntie Natalie.”
Before anyone could blink, she had the baby in her arms and was covering her in kisses. “Please don’t get any ideas, Nat,” Anthony teased, but his eyes were filled with hearts as he gently tugged on the baby’s braid.
Natalie tossed her head back and laughed, startling little Maybelle. “Oh, honey, don’t you worry. I’m pretty sure at this point, my ovaries are dust.”
CeCe balled up a piece of dough and threw it at Natalie, where it landed on her forehead before falling on the floor. “You could have a dozen more babies if you wanted, young lady.”
Anthony looked torn between agreeing with CeCe and saving himself from a growing brood. “Technically, yes,” he said, ever the politician.
Natalie cradled Maybelle and cooed to her before responding. “Everyone can relax. I just want a little Maybelle time.”
Mallory sighed. “You’re on baby duty all day as far as I’m concerned. Our little elf didn’t realize that sleep is important, even on Christmas day.”
Beckett groaned. “She had us up three times before dawn, so we gave up and did presents at five o’clock.”
Max chuckled, his arm shoved up the turkey to his elbow. “Welcome to fatherhood, Beckett. It’s fabulous, even when it’s not.”
The group went back to their varied tasks, with Alice and Mallory taking turns rubbing CeCe’s back as she rolled out bread dough and the beginnings of a pie crust. “Are you sure you can handle all this?” Mallory whispered, concerned her sister-in-law was overdoing it.
CeCe’s pinched expression didn’t prove much either way, but she kept her head down and focused on her dough balls. “As I told my loving husband”—she paused to look over at Evan, who was currently browning mushrooms—“I feel great and want to bake. The babies are fine. I am fine.” She raised a hand to pat her lower back. “Well, one of you needs to get to rubbing, then I’ll be fine.”
