The loft was awash in the smells of cooking Turkey and Ham there were other smells Rick could not figure out. His sleepy brain smelled warm Pumpkin pie? Rick got up then saw his wife on the Couch peeling potatoes or were those apples he really could not tell all he could think of was some sort of hot beverage. Hot Chocolate would suffice but when he got into the kitchen a mug of hot spiced cider was shoved in his face.
"Here try this!" Alexis asked.
Looking around for the iPad and not seeing it he just shook his head.
Rick placed his lips upon the edge of the mug and blew on it. Taking a sip Alexis was eyeing him carefully.
"Was there enough spice?" Alexis asked.
Rick shook his head yes and Alexis relaxed.
His mother was basting the Turkey.
Sitting down he finally figured out what was going on.
"Its Thanksgivings isn't it? Mother…?" Rick said watching the two women bustling in the kitchen.
Alexis ignored him after he confirmed her recipe was at least palatable.
"So Mother where the hard stuff is?" Rick wondered his mother usually never cooks with out some sort of alcohol beverage around.
Martha satisfied the turkey was coming along turned to her Son.
"Richard it is Thanksgivings and would you be a dear then start cutting up the day old bread. I want this stuffing to have our signature kick." Martha said.
"Yes Mother." Rick said.
"And for your information this bird is going alcohol free!" Martha stated.
Rick's eyebrows had shot up that was captured by Alexis shooting a video and sending it to Kate who watched and enjoyed the goings on one she wished she could participate but the demons spawns were active today. Rick did not even know she had been retching when she heard noises in the kitchen.
Rick was glad when he remodeled the kitchen that there were two double ovens. That way one held the pies that were cooking and the others were filled with the meat and more meat. Rick smugly looked on all the activities. It had been a marked change over the prior few days. Rick thought he must commend the Personal Shopper Shannon for getting exactly what was needed.
"Rick would you come here?" Kate yelled.
Rick finished the stuffing and placed it in the oven then entered the living room to find out what Kate needed.
"Oh there you are. Please take these cut up potatoes and put them on to boil?" Kate asked.
Rick saw the pot for the mash potatoes.
"Kate did you make enough to feed an army?" Rick said.
"I think so at least my arms are tired from all that peeling and cubing." Kate said.
"Ok that is enough for you. You need to be resting Missy!" Rick said removing the cutting board and utensils out of her hands.
"I want to contribute Rick." Kate protested. "All I do is lie around."
"Yes I know Kate but you are doing something very special which only you can do. That is keeping my demon spawns happy and healthy." Rick said as he gave his wife a kiss then he talked to his children. "It that not right demon spawns!"
Kate smiled and realized she was indeed doing just that. Rick picked up the trash and mess along with the potatoes and properly put them in the right places. Returning to his wife he sat down then started massaging her swollen ankles.
"So when did this start?" Rick asked.
"This morning I found I was retaining fluid." Kate said,
"You must have been on your feet too long. Were your episodes with the commode extra long?" Rick inquired.
"Now that you mention it Rick it was 3 times yesterday," Kate said.
"The doctor warned us this might occur. It is not much of a bother but today you need to keep your feel elevated." Rick said.
"I think I want a Second Opinion." Kate said.
"Fine Lanie and Espo will be here soon you can ask her." Rick said still massaging her feet.
"Oh Rick don't stop." Kate moaned.
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Soon the meal was completed and Rick was up to plate. Kate was still staying on the couch with her feet elevated. Dr. Lanie has concurred with Dr. Castle on his diagnosis and treatment.
The loft was a buzz in excitement when Rick got the call that they had landed. Rick sent the car service to pick them up.
The plane which held the rest of the team headed to Chicago for their own family Thanksgivings. Alex and Charles jr. flew a few days earlier to be with Ellie and Devon.
Jackson, Sophie and Caroline got into the waiting car then were promptly placed in the front of the building.
Jackson took the lead. Caroline had never been anywhere before marveled at the sights of her new home. It was much to take in since she had been shuttled like a football between guarded estates and Hotel rooms so she had never felt freedom. She looked around expecting to see guards. But none were evident.
"Jackson why are there no guards?" Caroline asked.
"Card Honey they are not needed. We have a police dept who protect people. There is no need for armed guards." Jackson said.
"Look Caroline we Jackson and I can keep you safe. We are professionals." Sophie said.
"Besides I will not let you out of my sight unless you want me to" Jackson said. So let's enter and see my son. OK Card?" Jackson said.
"Ok Jackson" Caroline said holding on tight to his hand.
They entered the door and were greeted by Eduardo's holiday replacement Sam who was enjoying a plate of food Martha had sent to him.
"Good Afternoon Madam, Miss and Mr. Hunt they are waiting for you on the …" Sam informed.
"I know the way thank you er…Sam." Jackson said leading Sophie and Caroline to the elevator.
Once in the car Jackson allowed Card as he was calling Caroline to press the button to the 4th floor. She had to get used to doing things for herself and why not now be the time to start Jackson thought.
Sophie thought what a disservice those people did to this wonderful child. She has no self confidence at all. Well that is going to change.
Getting to the right floor the thanksgiving celebration was in full swing. They could hear the uproar of laughter from the hallway.
Jackson had a key but he thought it would be best to have someone opened the door and invite them in so Card could see how it was done. She has so much to learn.