by Tena Stetler
“Already done. Came back in to see how long before you two were ready to go.”
“We’ll kennel Tonk and Ember.”
“You most certainly will not,” Duncan said. “They can come with us. The horses are used to dogs, had several where they came from.”
“But Tonk is a wolf…usually puts prey animals on edge. Though he wouldn’t hurt them.”
“He was in the barn with me and the others. The horses didn’t pay him any mind.”
“Okay.”
Pepper helped her mom put the dishes in the dishwasher and clean up the kitchen. Klaren packed a few snacks, bottles of water and filled travel mugs with coffee and hot chocolate. “I think we’re ready to go. I have a ham in the oven, so we’ll need to cook yams when we get back and supper will be ready.”
Coats, hats, and gloves on, the group walked toward the barn. Kaylee soared overhead whistling sharply to make sure her flock stayed together. Timber yipped and nipped at the heels of everyone, including Ember and Tonk who barked a correction, then chased each other on the way to the building.
“I think you might want to pick up Timber, she looks a bit worn out,” Klaren said to her husband entering the corral where the horses were waiting.
He scooped the pup up and set her in the saddle in front of him. “She’s used to riding on the horses with me. Even takes a snooze on occasion.” Duncan peered adoringly at the pup and chuckled.
“See, and he claims it was me that wanted the pup. He’s spoiling her rotten.” Her lips twitched for a beat then curved into a wide smile.
“Oh, I can see that.” Pepper snorted a laugh, checked her saddle’s cinches and stirrups before swinging up into the saddle, reins held in her right hand. She twisted in the saddle to face Lathen as he swung into his saddle. “How much time have you spent on a horse?”
“Enough to know we’ll be sore tonight,” he shot back, settling in. “But that’s all right, it’s an exciting way to see the property.”
“Oh we won’t be out that long,” Duncan assured them. “Got too late a start. It’s dark in these parts by four o’clock.” On Midnight, a sleek black gelding, Duncan led the way up a well-worn path into the hills on the property. Beside him, Klaren on Rita, a buckskin mare. Behind them, Pepper on Jasmine, a Blue Roan Gypsy, and Lathen on Scout, a large buff Palomino, who was in no hurry to leave the corral.
Her parents’ property backed a national forest giving them a wide riding area. The couples made frequent stops to explore the countryside, hike, play with the canines, and eat the snacks prepared by her mom. By late afternoon, the group returned to the cabin. Kaylee perched on the leather gauntlet covering Pepper’s arm after she dismounted.
“It was such a beautiful day, nearly sixty degrees in November, hard to believe a snowstorm is on the way for Thanksgiving.” Pepper glanced at the cloudless deep blue sky.
“It’ll be a cold one tonight,” her mom predicted. “Clear skies. But we’ll take the nice weather and hope it holds through Wednesday. Your family will love Rocky Mountain National Park.” She nodded to Lathen. “It’s a fun drive. Weather permitting, we should be able to hike around Bear Lake too.”
Inside the house, her mom checked on the ham, Pepper peeled, cooked and candied sweet potatoes, then made deviled eggs from Aunt Ashling’s family recipe. When she finished, she went to check on Kaylee and feed her.
Lathen and Duncan put the horses away with the help of Timber, Tonk, and Ember, then they all trudged into the house. Lathen cleaned the dog bowls and fed Ember and Tonk. Duncan fed Timber her puppy food, but she rushed over to see what the others were eating. Ember snarled a warning as Timber swiped a mouth full of food. Pepper’s dad picked the pup up and returned her to her own bowl. “Better learn your manners, or you’re going to be in a heap of trouble.”
A cinnamony, citrusy aroma filled the cabin and Pepper’s mouth watered. Klaren stirred a mixture of honey, orange marmalade, cloves, and a few other ingredients in a sauce pan for a ham glaze and soon pronounced the meal ready.
As the couples sat around the dinner table, their conversation touched on wedding plans, the purchase of the cottage, Christmas, and New Year’s. Pepper sighed, glad to spend Thanksgiving in Colorado.
“We’ll probably close on the cottage while we are out there for your wedding.” Her father cut his ham slice in pieces and popped one in his mouth. The sticky warm glaze dripped a bit onto his chin. He cut the deviled egg in half and slipped a piece in his mouth. Around the bite of egg, he said, “Klaren you have to get this recipe. Best damn egg I’ve ever tasted. The center isn’t mushy but firm and the taste is tangy. I love it.”
“I agree. Pepper, how come Ashling never shared the recipe with us?”
“Probably because you never asked. You were pretty busy with your careers when I spent summers with her. That’s when I learned to make them.” She scooped up a fork of candied sweet potato and put it into her mouth, stabbed the last quarter of deviled egg with her fork, finished chewing, and popped the morsel in her mouth.
Lathen finished the last bite of four deviled eggs on his plate, picked up his and Pepper’s dishes and silverware, rinsed and arranged them in the dishwasher.
“My goodness—you have him trained well. I still can’t get your father to do that with his own dishes, let alone mine.” Klaren huffed.
“Not true,” Duncan said indignantly.
Lathen and Pepper picked up the rest of the dishes while Klaren put the ham and leftover yams in containers, storing the food in the fridge. The deviled eggs were all gone.
Her father picked up a bottle of wine, grabbed glasses, and walked into the family room. He settled into the couch beside the fireplace and picked up the remote, scrolling to an action adventure movie.
Lathen’s gaze flicked to the screen as he joined her dad. “Wow. Pepper and I wanted to see that when it was in the theaters, but…we never have time. Hey, Pep, come in here.”
Pepper and her mom sauntered in and settled next to their men, as the movie started. Lathen wrapped his arm around Pepper, and she snuggled against him sipping her glass of chardonnay. Midpoint of the movie, Duncan paused the show because Pepper wanted popcorn. She and her mom made a huge bowl of popcorn. Klaren set it in the middle of the coffee table. Pepper searched through the cupboards until she found the ranch and cheddar topping she knew her mom always kept handy.
After the movie, Duncan asked, “When should we expect your family tomorrow?”
“Early afternoon. Dad will have everyone on the plane long before dawn.” Lathen ambled to the door, slipped into his coat, and let Tonk and Ember outside. Timber bounded after them. “We never let the dogs out alone after dark. Too much trouble for them to get into.” He stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
Pepper stood and picked up the popcorn bowl and toppings. “I don’t know why, but I’m exhausted. Think we’ll call it an early night again, while we have a chance.”
“It’s the high altitude. You’re not used to it. Make sure you drink plenty of water.”
“Yes, Mom.” Pepper grinned trying to stifle a jaw-popping yawn, with little success.
The handle on the door twisted. Lathen strode inside followed by Tonk, Ember, and Timber. “Nightly duties done.” He yawned. “Hate to be a party pooper, but…”
“I already told them we’d call it an early night. Tomorrow your family arrives, and the Thanksgiving festivities begin,” Pepper sing-songed.
“Do you need any help with the wedding plans?” her mother asked hopefully.
“Not at the moment. But we’ll go over them in the morning. Oh, yeah, I have all the family’s invitations in our suitcases. They turned out beautifully. I’ll go get them really quick.” Pepper sprinted down the hallway and was back in the blink of an eye. She laid three cream envelopes addressed in a calligraphy script with deep purple ink on the coffee table.
Lathen’s eyes went wide. “Wow, decided not to go with the label option? When did you have time to…wait�
�� I didn’t know you were a calligrapher.”
Waving her hands in a dismissive gesture, she peered up at him coyly. “I’m not. But I have other talents.”
The light dawned slowly as his eyes took on a mischievous sparkle. “Oh, those talents. Not for personal gain?”
“It wasn’t personal gain, the way I see it. It was a need. If I didn’t get the invitations addressed, the people wouldn’t know when or where the wedding or reception would be held, and they’d be terribly disappointed. So it was for their benefit,” she said smugly checking her light lavender polished nails.
When Lathen attempted to cover a laugh with a contrived cough, her dad roared with laughter. “I see your talent to rationalize the use of magic as a child carried over into your adult life. Bravo.”
Her mom narrowed her eyes and shot Pepper a speculative glance. “Well, it’s your story, make it a good one.”
“Yep, it’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. But the ultimate gain was the people on the guest list.” Pepper shrugged.
“Still, I don’t see how you do it all. That’s why I offered to host Thanksgiving. I knew you were running yourself ragged. Magic or not.” Her mom smiled. “Besides, it’s going to be so much fun having a houseful of people.”
“Thank you. Night.” Pepper walked up the hall hand in hand with Lathen, Ember and Tonk trotted along behind. “Don’t worry about feeding everyone; we’ll be up early.”
Duncan and Klaren glanced at each other and grinned. “Bet not,” Duncan whispered then cleared his throat. “Hey, Lathen before you hit the sack or whatever you plan to do, could I have a word?”
“Sure, maybe even two,” he said on a laugh, tapped Pepper’s rear and winked. “I’ll be right back.”
Chapter Eight
A Family Gathering, Fun, Food, and Chatter
Lathen looked at his watch as he and Pepper trotted Scout and Jasmine into the barn. Jack was waiting for them. Duncan and Klaren had returned earlier to get ready for company.
A sonar ping went off in his pocket. Lathen pulled his phone out of his jacket pocket and glanced at the screen. “Dad and the family just landed at DIA.”
“Great, they’ll be here in a couple hours, maybe earlier depending on traffic flow on I-70.” Pepper dismounted, handing the reins to Jack. “Sure you don’t want any help? I’m not in the habit of handing a sweaty horse over to someone else to be groomed and taken care of.”
“If you aren’t up at the cabin in the next few minutes, Mrs. McKay will have my hide.” Jack grinned, the bronze leathery skin around his eyes crinkled as he took Jasmine’s reins. “Now scoot. You too, Mr. Quartz.”
“Got ya. But it’s Lathen and Pepper. Mr. Quartz landed at DIA a few minutes ago.” Lathen grinned at Jack and walked Scout to his stall. He drew a small carrot out of his pocket, offered it on the flat of his hand while rubbing the horse’s neck.
“Lathen, ya coming?” Pepper called over her shoulder as Tonk and Ember stood midway between them looking from one to the other.
“Yep.” He ambled out the barn door, caught Pepper’s hand, and linked his gloved fingers through hers. Ember and Tonk raced to the house barking and yipping.
“Dad texted me. They touched down at DIA a few minutes ago.” Lathen glanced around the room strewn with decorations. “Need any help?”
Klaren thrust a cardboard box full of Thanksgiving decorations into Pepper’s hands. “Please set these around in the family room, the guest bathroom, and extra bathroom.” She turned to Lathen. “Your family knows they are staying here? Right?”
Lathen shrugged. “Dad didn’t mention anything about it.” He gave Pepper a sideways glance, as if she would know. “Believe they have to leave on Saturday morning, rather than Sunday though, some pack business that can’t wait.”
Duncan nodded. “So I heard.” He peeked over the top of the newspaper he was reading in the recliner. “Klar, I informed Elijah of that during our last conversation. Even though he claimed to have made reservations in town, I told him to cancel them. The family is staying here.”
“Lathen, would your brother and his wife like the extra room or the apartment above the barn?”
“Dad and Amy would probably appreciate the apartment. They’re newlyweds you know.” He smirked. “Besides, Pepper and Hayley have become so close, it’s best to have them in the same vicinity. They’ll chatter all night, no matter where they are.”
“As if you and your brother don’t,” Pepper retorted. “Not to mention the midnight runs.”
Hey, we include Dad in those, and it’s required. Duncan, you’re welcome to come along too,” Lathen said.
“Well…since I only am a biped, I couldn’t keep up with you, but feel free, just stay well inside the property boundaries and careful in the national forest, if you go that far. Don’t want any of you coming back with buckshot from the neighbors.” Duncan set aside the paper and laid his half-spectacles on top. “Better go check the apartment, make sure it’s ready for guests. Lathen, you want to join me?”
An eyebrow raised, Lathen nodded. “Sure.”
“Great.” Klaren shoved a box overflowing with stuffed turkeys, pilgrim figurines, and garland into Lathen’s arms. “Put these on top the dresser, around the breakfast bar, and tiny coffee table, next to the loveseat. Please.”
Lathen looked from Klaren to Duncan and Pepper. “I…uh…don’t know anything about decorating. Pepper want to…”
“No…she needs to help Klar. I know what to put where.” Duncan whisked the box out of Lathen’s arms and strode toward the door.
Mouth open, about to answer, Pepper closed her mouth and shrugged, giving Lathen a look that said “you’re on your own.”
She continued setting out the tiny pilgrim statuettes in the middle of the coffee table and a colorful ceramic turkey on the fireplace mantel. Fresh flowers sat in the center of the massive log dining table with turkey shaped salt and pepper shakers on either side.
With four small beanie turkeys under her arm, she brought the empty box with bubble wrap back to her mom. “I take it these go in the bathrooms with the guest soap?” She indicated the turkeys stuffed under her arm.
“Yes. Thanks,” her mom said.
He watched Pepper disappear down the hallway and scratched his chin. “Huh? Okaaay?” Lathen’s forehead scrunched in puzzlement as he stood halfway between the family room and kitchen.
“Coming?” Duncan asked opening the back door.
“Right behind you.”
****
By the time Lathen and Duncan headed back to the house, a large SUV was pulling to a stop in front of the gated driveway. Duncan picked up Timber, flicked his wrist, the gates unlatched and swung open. Lathen called Tonk and Ember to his side. The vehicle continued up the driveway.
Pepper threw open the front door, sprinting up the path, and skidded to a stop beside Lathen. Before the SUV came to a complete stop, Hayley had the car door open. Kolby had her by the arm and said something to her. His own door opened and with a blur of movement, he was at her door. When he reached for her hand, she grasped it and hopped out, her large baby bump leading the way.
Pepper met her half way around the vehicle. “My goodness, that baby is growing.”
“Tell me about it. She’s a holy terror. Gonna be just like her father!”
“It’s a girl? How exciting.” Pepper glanced over at Elijah as he helped Amy out of the car. “Boy oh boy is that little girl going to be spoiled.” She patted Haley on the arm, kissed Kolby on the cheek, and went to hug Elijah and Amy.
Lathen stood beside his father trying to make introductions. Ember, Tonk, and Timber raced around the car, sniffing the air and the newcomers. Kaylee soared overhead, swooping down to get a better look. Finally, Lathen gave a shrill whistle and pointed to the house. “Ladies, join Pepper’s mom, Klaren, standing on the porch and go on in the house. We’ll grab the luggage and be right in. He whistled at Kaylee and motioned her to Pepper. She sheathed her arm in a leather gau
ntlet and held her arm high. After a couple of circles around the house, the osprey reluctantly landed on Pepper’s arm, then the women laughing and giggling trooped into the house.
“Wow, quite a group we have here,” Elijah said with a chuckle, reaching for a couple suitcases.
“Let me handle that,” Duncan said. With a wave of his arm all the luggage disappeared. “You’ll find the bags in your rooms.” He glanced sideways at Elijah. “Your son thought you and Amy would be more comfortable in the apartment above the barn. Is that all right?”
“Yes, of course. But we don’t want to put you out,” Elijah said in his usual booming voice.
“Not at all, plenty of room. Kolby and Hayley are in the extra guest room.”
Kolby gave two thumbs up and followed Lathen, with the rest of the group into the cabin. When Lathen walked in his eyes rounded, he blinked and glanced around. Somehow the family room and kitchen seemed to have expanded. He shook his head and looked at Pepper with one eyebrow raised, taking off his coat.
After clasping Lathen’s shoulder, Duncan said quietly, “This cabin will meet the needs of our guests regardless of the number. An option you may want to discuss with Pepper before the wedding. I understand you were considering having the reception at a community center.”
“Dad, the wedding invitations give the location of the reception; change is not an option,” Pepper said in a warning tone.
He shrugged. “Just saying…more convenient.”
“For who?” Pepper retorted.
Lathen rubbed his chin with thumb and forefinger. “Pep, I think we may want to discuss this later on.”
“We can discuss it, but…I have my own reasons for having the reception off-site,” Pepper said narrowing her eyes at him.
“What’s the problem over here?” Hayley asked cheerfully. “My brother-in-law trying to run the show again?”
“Yes, but I have him under control.” Pepper took Hayley’s arm and tugged her toward the back door.
