Thanksgiving Day
Rosemary's cheeks flushed as she pulled the turkey from the oven. Just another matter of minutes and Lee would carve the turkey as the guests, who filled every nook and cranny of their simple row house, would take their seats at the make-shift table. Lee had directed several of the men from the mill to bring in large slabs of lumber and construct a temporary table. Thankfully, with several tablecloths thrown over it, no one was the wiser. Elizabeth approached and peered over Rosemary's shoulder at the steamy golden turkey.
"Oh, Rosemary! It's perfect."
"I do say so myself." Then, remembering none of this would have occurred without her friend, she added, "I can't thank you enough for all your help, Elizabeth. This event would have been dismal at best without your involvement."
"You're welcome Rosemary. I did quite enjoy our time together, our little talks."
"Me too. Now let's get this bird carved!" Rosemary motioned Lee to come over to the kitchen and handed him the large carving knife.
Ten minutes later, the make shift table was loaded with more food than the original pilgrims themselves could have eaten: corn beef hash, green beans with garlic cloves, real mashed potatoes with golden butter dripping in the middle, Rosemary's soft and buttery biscuits, and thick slices of savory turkey. Rosemary took a moment to look around at all those gathered here. Sure, she may have initially wanted to show off her skills, but honestly, this group of people gathered were more like family than her own family was. Breathing in a deep breath of love, Rosemary felt her heart constrict. To her left Lee sat at the head of the table. Oh sure, she had her share of frustration with his work antics lately, but underneath it all, she knew he was a faithful and loving husband, and for that she'd always be grateful. Feeling her assessing look, he turned towards her and smiled, his eyes crinkling in that special way just for her. To her right, Elizabeth, Abigail, Cody, Becky and Pastor Frank, Clara and Jesse. Hickam was at the end of the table. On the other side of the table, Murphy smiled shyly at Mary Yost, how excited she was to see where that little romance could lead, while Bill sat uncomfortably next to Florence and her two children. Dottie and her son, Bradley sat next to a embarrassed Molly who glowed next to an awkward Doc Carson. The table was complete, well complete except for one. If only Elizabeth's hero- Jack Thornton, himself, could be here. Oh what a grand surprise it would be if the man in red crashed through their door at this precise moment. Knowing it was not likely, Rosemary quietly said her own prayer for their Jack's safety. Lee gripped Rosemary's hand and the motion rippled across the table as loved ones grabbed each other's hands to unite in prayer. Lee shifted uncomfortably.
"As some of you may have noticed, I am getting a mite closer to the Big Man himself, but I'm not much for saying a big lengthy prayer. I do want to say how thankful Rosemary and I are to have you all here. We consider you our dearest friends, and so let's eat! But first, Pastor Frank, would you lead us in a prayer?"
Pastor Frank slid his hand over his hair. "I'm not much for a long lengthy prayer, either, my friend, but I'm honored to say grace for this special gathering today." Pastor Frank bowed his head and the guests followed suit.
"Dear Lord, for this meal, for these friends, for all your blessings, we give thanks. Be with each one of us, your sweet presence wrapped around us, and be with those not here today. In Your precious Name, Amen."
An echo of "amen" chorused around the table, followed by Cody's "Pass the biscuits, please!" Soon food was being shoveled onto plates and mouths were made happy with the sweet taste only Thanksgiving brings. Rosemary heard snippets of conversation from down and across the table, pleased with the atmosphere their home and food provided on this Thanksgiving Day.
"I'll take one of those world famous biscuits, please." Lee's low voice tickled her ear.
"Of course, dear. And thank you, Lee, for letting me do this here, this year."
"I'd say you outdid yourself. This is the most beautiful" he motioned to the settings "and happiest Thanksgiving I've ever had the privilege to be a part of."
Rosemary beamed under his approval.
"Thank you, Lee. We can't forget Elizabeth though. I couldn't have done this without her." Elizabeth glanced over at the mention of her name.
"We are so grateful to you, Elizabeth." Lee smiled.
"And I to you. Rosemary helped me pass this last week quite pleasantly, instead of sitting and pining away for…"
A rap came at the door. Rosemary's spine stiffened and she could feel Elizabeth grew tense next to her. In fact, the whole room seemed to inhale and wait in expectation. There was only one person who wasn't here, and all their minds were on him. Lee rose and opened the door, revealing… a hurried Mr. Yost. Elizabeth's shoulders visibly drooped and Rosemary could have promised she saw a tear escape her eye. The whole room groaned.
"Mr. Coulter, excuse me, sir, I did not mean to interrupt your meal but I do have a matter of importance." Mr. Yost's beady little eyes sought out Elizabeth. He walked over to her chair.
"You must excuse me, I didn't find this until this morning. I was sweeping out the mercantile and somehow this must have fallen behind the mailbox." He produced a letter with the undeniable flow of Jack's script. Elizabeth gasped.
"Oh, oh how wonderful." And now a tear truly did run down her cheek.
"Rosemary, Lee, please excuse me." She took the letter and practically ran from the table. Abigail was quick to follow. Everyone was frozen, but after a minute or so, the feasting continued, with Lee offering Ned Yost a plate. Soon the conversation flowed, but Rosemary couldn't get the thought of Jack's letter out of her head. What did it say? How was Elizabeth faring? The poor dear. She had handled this week so well, but underneath she mourned the absence of her true love. Rosemary resolved then that after she cleared the dishes away from the table, she'd find a way to excuse herself and find Elizabeth and offer her support and a hug.
Rosemary didn't even have the chance to cut the pumpkin pie, before a flushed Elizabeth entered the room with Abigail following close behind. Rosemary immediately left the dishes and made her way to Elizabeth's side. Elizabeth's eyes were red rimmed as if she had been crying, but also held a hint of excitement.
"What did he say? Are you all right? Was it good news?" The questions just poured through Rosemary. She quickly pulled Abigail and Elizabeth into an adjoining room where they could talk privately.
"It is good news!" Elizabeth's eyes gleamed. "I just couldn't stand another day without him and this letter found its way to me right in the nick of time."
"And?" Rosemary clenched her hands together under her chin.
"He said there is a possibility he will be home for Christmas!"
"Oh what extraordinary news! I'm so happy for you, Elizabeth."
"And that's not all, he says he is bringing a Christmas surprise." Elizabeth's eyebrows rose. "I can hardly wait!"
Abigail smiled warmly and placed her arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "We will all be so glad to have him back home. What do you say we go tell the others?"
Elizabeth nodded and proceeded out to the dining room, her friends close behind. Noticing their arrival, the whole room quieted. Faces became solemn, wondering.
"It's good news. Considering all goes well, Jack should be home for Christmas!"
The whole room exhaled "hoorays" and applause broke out.
The rest of the meal continued with a jovial atmosphere. It was so wonderful Rosemary had forgotten all about her own possible news.