Seeing how many bags they both are carrying; Kerry teases, "It's not against the law to make more than one trip guys." Isaac grins as he bellows, "Real men don't take multiple trips for grocery bags, it's a rule." The ladies all chuckle at his response, and even him and Tony have to laugh. There couldn't have been a more macho remark made in the moment.
After putting the bags down on the counters and table; they remove their coats, and Valerie says, "I'll take those for you gentlemen. While you get warmed up." They both smile and reply, "Thanks." As she responds, "Don't mention it. Have a seat and relax, that weather is no joke out there today." They nod in agreement as Annette adds, "She's right. These temps are bitter, more than usual I'd add. So your dutiful actions are much appreciated."
Tony proudly replies, "You're welcome. It feels good to be of service." Isaac nudges him as he fails to whisper, "Man, keep talking like that and the list will only grow while we're here." They all laugh, knowing his comment couldn't be truer. But it was still funny.
As Valerie returns from hanging up their coats, Annette and Valerie both watch the interaction between their daughters and their husbands. Michelle serves them both mugs of hot chocolate as they sit down at the dining room table. And Kerry asks, "Are you guys hungry? I can make sandwiches or something, I know I could use a bite myself."
Isaac nods as he replies, "Yeah that would be cool cousin. Do we have any of that chicken salad left?" Michelle nods as she replies, "Yes we do babe. And chips too." Both Tony and Isaac like the sound of the offer, and don't hide their smiles. Tony adds, "That would be amazing. I'm starving. But we don't want to inconvenience yall. You're still in the midst of cooking. And, like you said, you're hungry too. So, we can order something if that would be easier."
Kerry smiles as she lovingly replies, "it's all good honey. It won't take but a minute to make you guys something to eat. Besides, looking at the weather, food delivery ticket times are probably pretty bad." Isaac interjects, "She's right bro. Can't argue with that."
He nods in agreement as he says, "Okay. Point taken." She matches his sweetness with some sass mixed in, as she replies, "Glad you agree. Now, please take your hot cocoa and relax with pop and uncle G in the den. And your food will be done momentarily."
Isaac graciously replies, "You don't have to tell me twice. Thanks cousin. We appreciate it." They all chuckle as Michelle nods as she responds, "You're welcome love." The guys take the advice of their wives, but before leaving they give them a few sweet kisses. Which causes both ladies to giggle and smile.
Annette also smiles as she taps Valerie, to get her to notice what's going on. And, they both smile as Valerie replies, "You four are too cute. I love it." Annette nods in agreement. The couples' grins are radiant and infectious, and leads Annette to reply, "True love is undeniable. It always shows up no matter when or where, or how big or small the instance may be."
With them all reveling in the moment, Kerry replies, "No argument there auntie." And Michelle adds, "Amen mom."
More kisses are shared, and then the timer goes off interrupting, as Valerie says, "Time to pull the pies Nettie." Annette smiles as she responds, "Yes Val, I heard it." The shift in the air is instant, and both Ike and Tony look at each other knowingly, as Ike says, "That's our cue to bounce." Both Kerry and Michelle laugh, knowing they're getting out of dodge to save themselves from hearing their mothers' argue.
Both Kerry and Michelle are already accustomed to such bickering while they cook; they simply waltz over to the table, and continue to help with the prep for tomorrow's feast, as their mothers' do their yearly dance of sharing differing opinions of how to make certain dishes, while they laugh at them.
As Tony and Ike walk back into the den to hang out with Earl and George. George looks up as they enter the room asking, "What took you guys so long? The movie is almost over." Tony smiles as he replies,"Well, it looks like the last minute shopping rivaled actual shopping." Ike grins as he adds, "No kidding, I was expecting a few bags. But wow." Earl teases, "Hey, don't let them hear you two. You don't want to get yourselves in trouble, do you?"
Both of them suddenly look over their shoulders, as if they just realized the possibility they could be heard. And both George and Earl laugh at their expressions, as George replies, "Relax fellas, they can't hear you. Even though they're just around the corner. The sound doesn't travel as much as you'd think from this room to the kitchen. You're safe."
They instantly relax, getting more comfortable as their bodies warm up. And, In the next twenty minutes they're all eating sandwiches, drinking beer and watching the rest of Godfather 2. While the ladies continue to prep for tomorrow's feast.
With the addition of more family members dropping by to visit, hearing Kerry is home for the holiday. The next few hours are fast and furious. Both Kerry and Tony get to see their little one interact with family, and everyone dotes on how gorgeous Isa is. Basha, Michelle and Isaac's daughter is also getting her fair share of attention too. And both Kerry and Michelle enjoy hearing stories of how everyone remembers when they were the ages of their own daughters. It causes both of them to grin and hug each other, as they too recall how close they were as kids. At one point they thought they were sisters because they were together so much, not understanding till they were older they couldn't be sisters because they have different parents.
The joys of the day comes and goes. It's getting late, and everyone is game for turning in. With all the cleaning and prep for tomorrow done. Everybody but Kerry and Valerie stay up, finishing cleaning the kitchen, and talking as they normally do.
As Kerry puts the mixing bowl on the shelf, her mother lets the water out of the sink, and wipes down the counter top one last time. Meanwhile Kerry closes the door to the cabinet where the mixer goes. And she has a seat at the kitchen table as she exclaims, "Finally done." Valerie turns to face her daughter as she walks toward her to have a seat, and says, "Yes my child. It's been a long day." She nods as she replies, "Yes it has. But it's been fun too. It was great to see everybody. And hear all of our childhood stories, especially the ones about Nana Grace, and Pop pop George." Valerie nods as she says, "Yes it was. It was a great surprise indeed and a good time. Always good to remember the good times with those who are still here to tell the stories. But I was hoping you wouldn't be thrown too much by all of the attention. I know that's not what you and Tony were looking for when you opted to come home for the holidays."
Her words cause her to pause at first; but then she realizes what her mother means, and says, "Wow, i didnt even think about that the entire time. Not until now." Valerie smiles as she replies, "Sounds like someone is easing into the idea of embracing life, instead of living life to appease others." She grins as she looks at her mom, she knows that's something they've talked about quite a bit. And she can't argue with her, more and more she's starting to see how living in the shadows is becoming more of a burden than a help.
Valerie sees her daughter in thought, and asks, "Cat got your tongue?" She smiles as she responds, "Maybe. Just thinking about what you said. So much is changing mom. I don't feel as anxious or concerned about the stuff that used to keep me up at night. Heck Tony and I went to the store yesterday like normal people, and not once did i think about what happens if someone sees us. Yet i didn't realize any of that until just now."
Valerie replies, "That's a good thing Ker. You know that right?" She nods as she says, "Yes. I do. And it feels good to be in this space. It actually makes sense given my recent thoughts of having another baby." She sees the look of joy on her mother's face as she responds, "Really? Really Ker?" She smiles at her as she says, "Yes mom. Really. But please don't say anything to anyone else. I'm not announcing anything. Just saying i'm open to trying again, this time for a boy. But of course with everything going on with Sam, I thought of tabling the idea for later."
She understands her point and says, "While what you're saying makes sense sweetie. What does Tony think about the idea?" She smiles as she responds, "By all accounts I think he'd love it. He's said from the start it's my call to have another baby or not." Her mother nods as she responds, "Somebody's been trained well." They chuckle at her remark as Valerie says, "Seriously hon. I think now is an ideal time despite Sam's health. Because the circle of life is constant, and knowing Sam, I think he'd be pleased at knowing you two are continuing to live your lives."
She has to admit her mother has a point; this news would only bring joy to the family as a whole. And, with her now letting down her walls to be around family and not be worried about paparazzi lately, it's a given that a true change in her perspective has arrived.
Snapping out of her head she responds, "You're right mom. Sam would be over the moon about T and I having another baby. He could barely be contained when he found out about Isa." Valerie replies, "Yes. It's clear he loves her dearly. And he looked good on facetime today. Who knows, Sam may rebound from this illness and outlive us all." They share a smile as Kerry replies, "From your mouth to God's ears mom. I pray he does rebound." She takes her daughter's hand, comforting her as she says, "Trust me love, we're all praying for him. He's a good man, and the world is definitely better with him in it." Kerry nods as she says, "Amen."
They both take a breath as the moment settles, and Valerie asks, "Are you okay sweetie?" She nods as she says, "Yeah I'm good mom. Thanks, your talks always do the trick."
Valerie smiles as she responds, "I'm glad to hear I still got it." They laugh together and round out their conversation with a hug and agree to turn in, knowing they have to rise early tomorrow for turkey day.
However, Kerry cannot go to bed without checking on her lady bug. She goes to the nursery her mother set up at the house. And when she arrives, she finds her husband peeking in on her too. She steps in and he turns to face the door. They share a smile as she nears the crib, and he takes her hand as he pulls her close. They share a kiss, and he whispers, "I had to check in before I laid down." She smiles up at him as she then looks down at their baby girl fast asleep, and says, "Me too. I feel like I haven't seen her all day. Despite the fact i know that's not true." He nods as he says, "Yeah. I feel the same way. Today was super busy. Lot's going on."
She agrees as she replies, "True. But i think she enjoyed it. Her and Basha were all the rage of the family today." He smiles as he says, "Yes. They were truly the lives of the party. It was cool to see. Especially how sweet lady bug and Basha looked together." She can't deny it, she saw that too. And says, "Right. They are both so precious.' He kisses the top of her head in agreement, and they stare at their little one for a few minutes more before kissing her goodnight, and heading off to bed themselves.