Chapter 3. Family Togetherness
I still don't own the characters of Peter Gunn and Edie Hart but I do borrow them and then carefully put them back. Thank you Blake Edwards.
Reference to S2
The small rap on the bedroom door woke Pete from his half asleep state, his body rolling over to check the time. 8:00. "Pete?"
"I'm up. " he said as he got out of bed, he pulling on his robe before opening the door, to find Iris on the other side. "Good morning!" She beamed. "I trust you slept well. "
"I did thank you. The bed is very comfortable. "
"Good. I'm making French toast for breakfast and wondered if you'd like to join us?"
The smell of bacon and coffee seemed to waft up the stairs on cue and he nodded. "Thank you I'd like that. "
"There are towels in the linen closet in the bathroom across the hall if you want to freshen up. Breakfast in fifteen minutes. "
He took a quick shower and shaved, joining Max at the kitchen table just as Iris was filling his plate with thick slices of French toast and bacon. He took a sip of coffee then returned the man's greeting.
"Did you sleep well?" Max asked as he poured syrup over everything on his plate.
"Yes, thank you the bed was very comfortable. "
"Glad to hear it. Your pop never made it over here last night. Mike called and said he was going to bunk on the couch. They were still going strong at gin rummy when I left. "
"Good old Pop. " Pete chuckled. "I wonder who cleaned out who?"
"Last I heard, Mike owned your dad 25 cookies!"
Breakfast with Max and Iris was very pleasant. Max was a mechanic who at one time worked for Ford and GM but had had his own shop for about fifteen years-Nolan's Engine Repair. Iris was a seamstress who worked from home. Bridgette was their only child but the house had been full of nieces and nephews and neighbor kids. "Even now, everyone knows that Iris gives our the best Halloween treats. " Max bragged.
"We're very glad you and your father came. " Iris said as she refilled his coffee cup. "You both fit into the family so well. "
"Thank you. "Pete smiled. "Sometimes, well sometimes I do wonder if I'll ever have Mama's approval. "
"Peg will come around eventually. " Max assured him. "She's always been stubborn and opinionated even when she was little. But in the end all she wants is for Edie to be happy. And you definitely make Edie happy. "
"She makes me happy too. "
He offered to help Iris with the dishes but she shooed him away, telling him they would be heading over to the Harts' around 1:00 and dress wasn't fancy. He spotted Max in the den as he walked towards the stairs the man welcoming him to come in. He was sitting in a recliner, the fat, white cat across his lap.
"I think you could hear him purr all the way to China. " the PI teased as he looked at the bookshelf against the wall, noticing a number of National Geographics, Farmer's Almanac, a set of World Book Encyclopedia, Agatha Christie, Isaac Asimov and various mystery and science fiction writers.
"Purring is one of his few talents. " the man chuckled. "That and eating, isn't it?" He rubbed the cat's head. You read much?"
"Not as much as I like but I do enjoy a good mystery now and again and I have a nice collection of Louis L'Amour and Zane Gray. Edie bought me a biography of Jim Bowie I'm looking forward to starting. "
"Talk about reading I remember Edie would devour books when she was young. Every summer Iris would pay Bridgette a dollar for every book she read; it was the only way we could get her to read. She started out paying Edie too but the girl nearly broke her!" He chuckled at the memory.
"I have no problem believing that. " the Pete nodded. "She has books of all kinds stashed everywhere. She even has some in the freezer, not that I'm supposed to know that. "
They played a couple games of checkers with Alfredo closely watching, each winning one. The more time Pete spent with Max the more he liked him and the harder it was to believe he and Mama were related.
The ringing phone being answered was Edie for Pete who picked up the extension, Max watching the smile on the man's face grow even larger.
"I slept fine. " he was saying as his fingers curled around the phone cord. "Considering. You?"
He nodded and grunted several times, telling her he'd be over as soon as he and Max finished their game. "See you soon. "
"What?" The older man asked as Pete sat back down. "Everything okay?"
"You should be a detective. " Pete smiled. "Edie wanted to let me know that her grandparents are coming. "
"This day keeps getting better and better for you doesn't it? "
The younger man groaned but Max told him he'd be fine. "Did she say which set it was?"
"The Harts. "
"You'll like Martin and Dee. They are both a lot like Mike; straightforward with a sense of humor. Marty used to own a large diary farm and he's got some good stories to tell. Edith can be fiesty and isn't afraid to tell you what she thinks. "
"Ah so that's where Edie gets it. " Pete jumped three of his opponents checkers.
"Yeah, they do have a lot of things in common. I think she's a lot more like Edith then she is Peg. Which could be one reason why mother and daughter seem to clash a lot. "
"Well. I guess I better go get ready. " the detective jumped Max's last two remaining checkers. "You and Iris are coming too aren't you?"
"We'll be over soon. And don't worry. It will all be fine. "
He changed into a pair of dark blue slacks and blue sweater that he pulled over a clean,white dress shirt deciding to put on a tie at the last minute. He didn't know much about Edie's grandparents on either side but they both seemed nice and she spoke of them fondly. He knew that the Harts had helped Mike and Peg buy the house they still lived in with the condition their unborn baby be named after one of them. He'd found that kind of funny himself but Mama and Papa must have found it reasonable.
He was glad he'd put his coat on to walk the short distance to the house as it had snowed sometime in the night, a couple inches laying on the ground. He picked up a handful as he walked into the Harts yard, molding it into a perfect snowball. Snowman snow!
"What do you intend to do with it?" He looked up to see Edie standing on the porch looking wonderful in her bright red coat, a saucy smile on her face. "Because I have to warn you, if you throw it at me, I've got a wicked return."
"That I'd like to see. " he grinned covering the distance in two strides, taking her in his arms and kissing her soundly.
"Well now. " she said a little breathlessly. "That was some hello. "
"Its my favorite kind to give. " he smiled, leaning in for another. "I missed you. "
"I can tell. " she touched his cheek. "I missed you too. Did you get breakfast?"
"I did. Aunt Iris made French toast and scrambled eggs and it was all delicious. But I could go for another cup of coffee. "
"We can do that. " she led him toward the door.
"Are your grandparents here?" He asked, his hand tightening on hers.
"Not yet. I'd give them half an hour. "
The house already smelled of turkey and good things, a deep sniff picked up the scent of pumpkin and apple.
Peg was in her kitchen chopping celery at a furious rate, giving Pete a nod as Edie led him to the kitchen table. "How about a cup of coffee ?" He nodded, watching her get a large mug from the cupboard.
"Do you want one Mama?"
"No thanks. I'm trying to get this celery ready to put in the dressing. I forgot to put it in since we usually don't, but you know your grandmother if it's not in there!"
I'm sure she wouldn't mind Mama "
"Do you really want to take that chance?" She asked in a voice Pete had never heard before. "I need to put clean towels in the bathrooms, excuse me. "
"Is she all right?" the PI nodded in the direction Mama had gone in. "She sounds a little hassled. "
Edie handed him the mug full of steaming coffee sitting down beside him on the bench seat. "Mam coming tends to do that to her. Papa tells her over and over to just relax. "
He thought that over for a minute, Edie cutting into his thought. "We are going to have so much food. Besides the turkey and sides Mama made her famous apple pie and Pop made a couple pumpkin. "
"I guess will be waddling for the next couple days "
Emma siddiled up beside him fighting giggles, looking like she was ready to bust "I saw you kissing Aunt Edie. "
"Did you now? He winked at the little girl. "Spying on us?"
"You looked funny. " she giggled again.
"Funny how?"
"Like you were eating her face " the little girl answered before the laughing started again.
"Emma!" her mother walked over to the table while trying to contain a wiggly Lauren. "Tell Aunt Edie and Mr. Gunn you're sorry. "
Emma got up from the bench seat, mumbling an "I'm sorry" before running towards the stairs.
"She was fine Lisa. " Edie assured her. "I'm sure it probably did look something like that! " she smiled as she reached for the baby who settled down immediately.
"Traitor!" Lisa touched her daughter's head with affection on her way to get some coffee.
"She's become a regular peeping Tom recently. Not to mention she's too smart for her own good!"
Edie smiled, taking a sip of Pete's coffee. "She reminds me a lot of myself at that age. "
Sam walked in with a hearty hello for his son before going over to the coffee pot. He filled his cup up to the top,the last bit trickling up to the rim. "Uh-oh. Looks I drained the pot, I'm afraid. What should I do with it?"
"I'll make some more. " Lisa took it from him, rinsing it out carefully before adding more coffee. "If Maggie is getting on your nerves you can tell her to go play. "
"We're having a grand time. " the ex cop assured her, stirring sugar into his cup. "She's a smart little thing. " Turning to his son he asked if he had a good night and was sorry he never made it over to the house. "I made a couple pies this morning, Peg was gracious enough to let me use her kitchen, then Maggie and I have been playing peek a boo and coloring when I'm not finding money in her ear. "
"Sounds like a great way to spend time." Pete said.
"It is. " he smiled. "Would you happen to have any change on you son? I think I'm broke now. "
Pete shook his head in amusement as he pulled a handful of change from his pants pocket. "Go crazy Pop. "
Emma called for her mother just then, who made sure the coffee got started then excused herself heading for the stairs. "What's the matter Emmy?"
Mama came back in wearing a different dress, her hair carefully combed and held back in a barrette, instead of the messy bun it had held a few minutes before. "Edith have you seen your father or brother?"
"They were out in the garage doing something earlier. Do you want me to find them?"
"No, I'll do it. Would you please wipe the table and put on the tablecloth your Mam gave us?"
"Not at all. "
"Thank you. " she headed toward the front door then turned around. "Edith, is that what your wearing?"
Edie looked down at the long sleeved blue sweater and dark blue skirt started to say something then shook her head. "Of course not Mama. "
"Then hurry please. "
"Think Ill do the table first. " she muttered, handing Pete the baby before he could say no.
Are you sure this is a good idea?" He looked down at the little girl who had her grey eyes fixed on him with a curious look. That same panic was rising in his chest as when he'd found the baby on his door step several months back, and he had to fight the desire to give her back.
"I'm sure. "The blonde kissed his nose. "Why don't you take her into the living room and sit beside Pop. You'll feel better. "
Sam gave him a huge grin as he sat down in Mike's recliner, the baby cuddling against him as he got settled.
"Pop, don't you think you should take her?" hoping he was able to stamp out the panic in his voice. Lauren had grabbed his thumb, her tiny fingers gripping it hard as she let out a huge yawn.
"Not at all. You're doing fine. " his father assured him. "Maggie and I are playing I Spy. Go ahead Maggie. "
Pete sat there watching the small girl who was now sound asleep, her lips pursed in a look of contentment and he started to relax. Maggie had spied a cuckoo clock and Sam was imitating the bird inside making her laugh.
I wish I had a camera. " Edie sat down on the couch beside Pop a few minutes later looking lovely in a brown dress, a bright red scarf tied around her waist, her hair lying in golden curls across her shoulders.
"Ha! No evidence to bribe me with. " Pete teased her, drinking in how beautiful she was. "You look very nice."
"You do. " Sam agreed with a nod. "I spy something pretty. " he told Maggie who picked up her doll and touched her aunt's arm. "I spy Aunt Edie!"
The door opened bringing in Max and Iris laden down with two dishes each, Pop getting up to take one-Mike taking the other as he came through the front door followed by Mama. Ben came in last, making sure to close the door behind him. "Hi Sugarplum. "he greeted his two year old, then told Pete he'd take the baby now,thanking him for watching her. "Have you seen my wife?"
"She was headed upstairs the last time I saw her. " Pete answered feeling strangely bereft without the warm, soft bundle.
"Thank you. Come on Maggie,let's try to go potty before we eat. "
Pete got up from his chair, offering a hand to Edie as he pulled her up from the couch. She smelled so good he thought as her hair brushed his cheek and he couldn't resist laying a kiss in the crook of her neck, letting his lips linger for a moment.
"More later, I promise later. " she touched his cheek,her fingers brushing against his skin for a moment."But not now"
"Edith!" Mama's voice was clear as a bell as she called from the kitchen. "Stop lollygagging! You and Peter."
"Coming Mama. "
Another leaf had been added to the table, Mama and Papa's blue and silver wedding china setting off the whiteness of the table cloth. Mike sat at the top of the table, the seat beside his for Mama-Emma. Ben and Maggie next with Lisa and Lauren's highchair at the end, putting Pop at the bottom. Peg instructed Pete and Edie to take the next two on the bench; then Max and Iris beside them, the two spaces near Mike empty.
"Your parents can sit there. " Peg said to her husband, her eyes making sure the table had everything they needed. "Ben would you get the turkey please?"
"Of course Mama. "
The door bell rang just then, Pete surprised to see Margaret Hart stiffen up, her face growing white. "
"I'll get it " Lisa volunteered. "It's easier for me to get out. " A few minutes later, Pete heard a woman's rich laughter coming towards them and a man's chuckle. Edie's grandparents.
Mike got up from his chair to hug his mother and father, Pete seeing the resemblance in the two men right away. The woman was petite and very pretty, her silver hair in a bun with curls framing her face; those blue cornflower eyes just like Edie's.
"What a pretty table. " she said looking it over. "Hello Margaret. "
"Mrs. Hart. " Mama nodded. "Mr. Hart. "
"It smells delicious. " Martin addressed her. "How are you doing Benny?" he walked over to squeeze his grandson's shoulders.
"I'm fine Pap. " Ben told him, clasping his hand for a moment. "Lisa. " the older man, kissed her cheek, messed up Emma's hair and chucked Maggie under the chin,coming around the table to Edie-bringing her up for a hug. "This must be your fella. " he touched Pete's shoulder.
"This is Peter Gunn, Mam and Pap and his father Sam Hart. They all nodded at one another, Martin taking his place beside his son.
"Pa would you say the blessing please?" Mike asked him,the older man nodding.
Everyone bowed their heads as Martin Hart thanked God for family and friends and the many blessings he'd provided them and would he please continue to do so. After the blessing Pete noticed both Mama and Papa crossed themselves as did the elder Harts . Ben said amen before getting up to hand his father the carving knife.
"Would you please, Papa?"
Mike cut deep into the turkey,the smell of the bird making stomaches rumbles all around
"Now who wants white meat and who wants dark?"
After everyone was given their choice, the serving dishes were passed around, Emma delighted when her mother let her get her own with very little supervision.
Butter, salt,pepper and gravy were passed, glasses were filled with a choice of water, wine or milk,the conversation already going in full force.
"You out did yourself on the turkey this year. " Mike praised his wife as he took another forkful.
"Why thank you honey. "
"Everything really is delicious Mama. '
"This is a lot more moist than last years. " Mrs. Hart noted.
"Thank you. " Peg beamed, finally getting a chance to try it herself. After several bites she asked were Charlie and Bridgette with his parents today?
"They'll be there till Sunday, then they'll come spend a few days with us. They didn't get to see Angela right after the adoption like we did so they went there first. "
"Did you make those dresses the girls have on?" Grandma Hart asked Lisa who was cutting Maggie's turkey. "They are adorable. "
"Thank you Dee but no I didn't. The last thing I tried to sew from scratch the left arm was a foot longer than the right one and it was the silliest thing you ever saw. Not even my mom was sure how to fix it. It was pathetic. "
"Benny, why didn't you help her?"Edie addressed her brother trying hard to keep a straight face. "He's one of the best dress makers I know. "
"Shut up Edie. " he looked like he'd like to disappear. "I have no idea what you're talking about. "
"You can sew?" Lisa's face a mixture of delight and confusion. "Why didn't you tell me. "
"Because I can't. "
"Oh yes you can son. I do remember that now. "Papa looking like he was enjoying this very much. "What was her name; Maude,?, Marcia?, Millicent?"
"Dad!"
"Martha" Edie giggled. "Martha Lewis. He couldn't get her attention so he took home economics. Made the best dress in the class!"
"I don't remember a Martha. " Mama wrinkled her brow. "But oh that was the red dress wasn't it?"
"Dad, make her stop!" Ben begged.
"I wore that dress for a long time. " Peg gave her son a wicked grin.
"Thanks Mama."
"Is the little boy getting picked on. " Lisa kissed his cheek. "Poor baby. "
"Pete never did anything that drastic to meet a girl. " Sam took it up. "But I do remember something about making Sabrina Gardner think he had a tattoo."
"I don't think they'd be interested in hearing about that Pop. "
"I would." Edie giggled. "It sounds very interesting. "
"I'll tell you later. "
"These mashed potatoes are particularly good. " Grandma Hart said as she took a bite. "They don't even need gravy to disguise the taste. " she added a shake of pepper. "What did you do differently Margaret?"
Mama took a sip of her water, and gave a flat smile. "More broccoli anyone?" it being the closest thing to her. Lisa took the serving dish putting some on her plate. "Come to think of it Emmy I dont think I saw you eating any" she addressed her daughter as she put several stalks on her plate before handing it around.
"But Mommy I don't want it " the little girl frowned.
"Its good honey, you need to eat it. " Lisa said firmly but gently.
"But Mr. Pete didn't take any!" Everyone turned and stared at the man who turned a lovely shade of red and gave out a sheepish smile. With all eyes on him; his father's carrying an extra twinkle, he swallowed hard and gave a grin of sorts. "I guess I must have missed it with all the food on the table. I'm sorry. "
Sam put a few florets on his plate, the older man trying desperately not to laugh. Pete hadn't liked the vegetable since he was a small boy and attempts to make him eat it had always ended badly. Edie squeezed his knee as he speared a broccoli bush with his fork, chewing it throughly and swallowing
"Yummy. " he managed as he smiled at Emma. "You should try it. "
The little girl picked up one with her fork and chewed it slowly, giving Pete a huge smile when she was done.
"That wasn't so bad was it?" Her mother asked her, throwing Pete a grateful look. "Well,I'm still alive. "
"Me too. "He said softly causing the whole table to laugh at him.
It was over all a delightful meal, everyone brimming with food but none refusing the choice of pie and milk or coffee. "This pumpkin pie is the best you ever made." The elder Edith Hart addressed her daughter-in-law as she took a bite. "The crust isn't near as dry"
Pete felt sorry for Mama as she almost spilled her coffee. "Sam made the pumpkin Mrs. Hart. " she said simply. "And it is good. "
"Oh yes that would explain it. "
For the first time since they had sat down a silence fell over the table, even the little ones sitting quietly.
"I think Ill have another piece of the apple. " a very full and contented Pete heard himself saying. "Its the best I've ever had. "
"Why thank you Peter. " Peg threw an almost grateful look in his direction. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it. "
Martin Hart started asking Sam about his job with the police force, everyone hearing a couple short stories about his time in counterfeiting. "And Edie says your a private investigator. "He turned to Pete. "How is that different than a detective.?"
"A detective usually works with a police department or is an actual policeman himself. Most of his work revolves around the precinct. While I do work closely with the local police from time to time,I'm independent and can work on my own, and set my own prices. But I can't arrest anyone or interfere with police work. Supposedly. "
"Must be fascinating work. At least a long cry from milking cows. "
"I bet that has its moments. "
"You would think. " the older man grinned. "Especially when we did it all by hand.
"I guess we get to clean it all up now. "Mama sighed as she pushed her chair back from the table. "Could I please ask everyone to scrap their plates into the stainless steel bowl over there. Macy will appreciate it.
"The poor dog has been most patient. "
I'll wash. "Lisa volunteered " handing Lauren to Ben. "The faster we get done, the faster we can get to those afternoon naps. "
Edie grabbed her plate along with Sam's and Pete's, and scrapped them off before plunging thrm into the hot water. She reached for Emma 's glass noticing the look on the little girl's face. "What's the matter honey?"
"I don't want to take a nap. I'm a big girl. "
"Why yes you are, but sometimes its just nice to lay in bed and do nothing or play quietly. "
"Will you do it with Mr Pete this time?"
"Do what honey?:
"Granma told Mommy that you and Mr. Pete sleep in the same bed but you didn't last night. Did you forget your pretty panties? Mommy has some with lace and no front. I heard her tell Aunt Lauren that Daddy likes those. Do you like them Mr. Pete?"
You could have heard a pin drop.