Turkey Day Blues
Mike hated the holidays and was feeling a bit sorry for himself, but Kara had INSISTED he come to her holiday dinner. He was skeptical because Kara was not a cook. Hopefully, she had help. He didn't want to disappoint her, so he bought a good bottle of Merlot and headed to her house. Apparently he was not the only guest given the amount of cars parked near the house.
Frankie let him into the house, showing him his new toy dinosaur, which was just another painful reminder of his lost children. The little boy didn't know anything about Lucas, Katie or Hannah. He led Mike into the kitchen where Kara was 'supervising' a professional chef.
"Wine?" Mike said, showing Kara the bottle.
"Oh, thank you. I have some chilled. Would you like a glass?" Kara asked.
"Yes, sure. So, you hired a professional?" Mike asked.
"Yes. At my mom and Danny's insistence. With being eight months along, they didn't want me on my feet so much. And Claire is someone my mom knows." Kara said.
"Probably a wise idea." Mike remarked. Kara was heavily pregnant and it reminded Mike of when Christine was that pregnant. She wouldn't have attempted that big of a dinner either.
"So, everyone is in the family room downstairs. Here's your wine." Kara said, handing Mike the glass of wine.
"Thanks." Mike said. He headed downstairs and was greeted by several members of the Nathan James crew. Some he hadn't seen in a while. He didn't know that Gator and his wife were expecting a fourth baby or that Miller and Courtney were engaged. He spent the next hour visiting, and finally made it to Maddie Rawlins.
"Sir, Happy Thanksgiving." Maddie said, shaking his hand. She had her hair down and was wearing a pair of jeans and a soft pink sweater, which was the polar opposite of her uniform.
"Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. I had heard you are retired. What are you up to now?" Mike asked. He had always liked Maddie because she reminded him of Christine.
"I recently got my real estate license and I am just learning the ropes." Maddie answered.
"Good. I am out at the first of the year. I am thinking about finding a house. I'll call you when I'm ready." Mike said.
"Perfect." Maddie said with a warm smile. Mike was completely taken and spoke before he thought.
"Would you like to go out for dinner sometime? Now that you're retired and I'm retiring, there is no regulations." Mike asked but immediately began doubting himself. Maddie was young and beautiful. He wasn't so young anymore. Before she could answer, Kara came down the stairs.
"Dinner is ready. Come on." Kara called out. Mike and Maddie waited as others went upstairs before she answered.
"I would love to." Maddie said quietly.
"Thank you." Mike answered, glad his Thanksgiving was improving already. The chef had outdone herself and Maddie sat next to Mike at the table, but they didn't get to visit much due to Frankie sitting next to Maddie and talking throughout the entire meal. Finally, Maddie pointed at his plate.
"Do you need help cutting that ham up?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah. I like ham better than turkey. Don't you? Are you going to get married to Uncle Mike?" Frankie asked. Mike choked on the roll he had just bitten into.
"I…no." Maddie said, not knowing what else to say.
"You should. You could have babies and I wouldn't be the only kid. I would help with the baby." Frankie said.
"FRANKIE, stop!" Danny said, apparently hearing his son's conversation.
"Isn't your mom having a baby?" Maddie asked.
"Yes, but it's a girl. I need another boy around these shin-digs." Frankie explained.
"Shin-Dig?" Mike asked.
"Yes, these dinners." Frankie said. Danny was embarrassed and Mike could just groan.
"Frankie, enough." Danny said.
"I bet you a dollar that you two will be married next year." Frankie replied.
"Just a dollar?" Maddie asked.
"I can't save money and Dad always leaves money on the bathroom counter. I can steal a one dollar." Frankie answered.
"SO, you would bet with a stolen dollar?" Maddie asked.
"Yes. I would because I know you will be married. I will steal a second dollar to bet with if you have a baby in your belly." Frankie answered.
"I'm sorry, Sir. Ma'am. Sorry." Danny answered, completely embarrassed by his son's antics.
"Its alright." Mike said.
"Yes, its fine. Frankie, I've cut up your ham but you need to eat some of that turkey too." Maddie said, placing the plate back in front of Frankie.
"Merry Thanksgiving." Frankie said, completely oblivious that he should have said happy instead of merry.
"Happy Thanksgiving to you as well." Maddie answered. All Mike could do was grin inwardly.