AND LOVE CHAP 171
Celebration Days
October birthdays
The folks at Saddle Rock Ranch lobbied hard and incessantly to host the 5-way birthday celebration – once more. They had hosted the first such day, but none since. Jamie and Eddie couldn't say no to Palmer and Deborah – again.
Juliet (Not yet a Reagan) has an April birthday. So she will not be celebrated, but she will help celebrate. Then there is Josh.
Josh has an April birthday also, and is attending Rutgers University. Plus, he is in the thick of football season, so he cannot get away to attend. UNLESS?
RING
PC Jameson Reagan looks down at his cell phone's screen. It's Josh Allen, Cassie's significant other. He is doing paperwork at 1-PP so he picks up. "Josh? What prompts the call? I'm at work, you know."
"Yeah, sorry. I have a quick question. Has the October birthday party been scheduled?"
"Not the date, why do you ask?"
"Well, if it was on a Sunday, there is a slim chance that I could slip on over and attend. As a surprise, you know?"
"Ah . . . interesting. Tell you what – if you could firm up that possibility on your end; I could work on things on this end."
"I will do that, thanks. I'll try and get an answer for you in a couple of days. Bye."
"Bye Josh."
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Rutgers cafeteria, lunch the next day. Josh sees the QB and OL coaches eating in a back corner. He moseys on over. "May I ask you guys a question?"
"Sure," the QB coach motions to a seat. Josh sits and speaks up, "Does coach ever let a player take some personal time on a Sunday, after a Saturday home game?"
"Well, what's up?"
Josh explains the 5-way birthday celebration his girlfriend is involved with.
"Wow, that's special," his QB coach exclaims. "I think coach would love to hear about that." The other coach taps his leg. "Can I help you set up an appointment with him?"
Josh didn't see or feel the tap – but this doesn't feel right. "Naw, I'll take care of it. Thanks guys."
Josh gets up and goes to the lunch line, to get his food.
Zeke soon joins him. "Zeke, buddy. Watch our coaches in the back. Tell me later how they behave."
"On it."
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RUTGERS DORM ROOM
"Zeke, what'd you notice in the caf?"
"Well, they thought something was hilarious. Something about you – from the way they'd look our way and then laugh. What did you do, buddy?"
"Just asked a question."
"A funny?"
"Nope." Josh told him about the 5-way birthday party, and the question he proposed asking coach. Zeke burst out laughing.
"What's so funny, man?"
"In the middle of the season? Are you daft?"
"I don't think that's crazy."
"Where did my smart QB friend go?"
"I'm right here, man!"
"Ok, do you know where Josh Allen has gone? Those guys were toying with you, man."
Josh cocks his head. "Really?"
"Josh, we've been working under our head coach for . . . 3 months. Can you envision him EVER giving his approval for that?"
Josh thinks for a while, "Ah, no I can't." He pulls 2 Coke's out of their mini fridge. They pop the tabs and drfink.
"And, listen to me; those coaches are totally invested in
Dave Meyer. If they can sabotage Josh Allen, they will. Take that to the bank buddy!"
"Thanks."
"Any time. Just taking care of my man."
"Wait a minute . . . Dave is good, admittedly. I have far more potential, I think. Why-
"Because they recruited him. Their reputation rides with him. You, my man, must earn every inch of respect. And I am here to scratch and claw right by your side . . . well, actually right in front of you!"
The two BFF break out into laughter.
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TXT
JA: Can't make b-day party.
JR: U sure?
JA: Yes, coaches trying 2 trap me into asking head man, cannot risk it.
JR: Ah, understood. Play smart.
JA: Always.
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JH: I like your Thanksgiving idea. Mom and I will be there.
JR: Excellent. Bring 3 vino, the ones I suggested. Or one better.
JH: Got it.
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JA: Christmas gift ideas for Cassie?
JR: Moderate jewelry? Clothing . . . wait, that's a tough decision for a guy. Eddie and I have a grad present request.
JA: Shoot.
JR: Nothing transportation related. We have it covered. WINK
JA: OH . . . I bet you do. Can't wait.
JR: You may need to catch her – she may faint!
JA: I'll be ready! LOL
JR: LOL
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BIRTHDAY PARTY
As of this birthday we have: Cassie 17 y/o, HS senior; Malina 14 y/o, HS freshman; Mary Rose 11 y/o, 6th grade; Patrick & AJ 6 y/o, 1st grade; non-b-day 'family' = Juliet 18 y/o; Josh 18 y/o, Rutgers freshman.
The party was at Saddle Rock Ranch. The arena was decorated beautifully. Juliet was a great help here. The 3 sisters decided to let the activities focus on their brothers and their friends.
Carroll and Timmy had brought over Hero, Maddie & Joseph. Betsy, being very pregnant, stayed home. They assisted the young kids to have a ride. Mary Rose helped with young riders on her Joseph's back. After 1.5 hours of riding, they switched to games. Included were 3-legged racing; dodgeball; capture the flag; and the chaos of old-fashioned TAG.
Following a short rest period; they had lunch, cake and presents. Guests were told that a present was NOT required. A card would gladly do fine. After that, more rides were offered and the guests gradually thinned out.
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PASTURE
During the final ride time Frank and Jamie got together with Palmer. They updated him on their hopes for the two properties just east of Jamie and Eddie's. They were interested in assistance with managing the pasture land. What forage to plant, and when. They were thinking of offering some pasturage for additional animals. How to do that, what to charge etc. The conversation was very fruitful. They came to an agreement to work together.
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PLANNING 4 THANKSGIVING
Eddie and Mal have had another late lunch at Bayside. As Abby cleans up the dining room and preps for dinner, Michael joins them, sitting at a corner table. Mal hands him a suggested menu – based on what she did last year.
"GG and I worked together the last 2 years of his life-
She bows her head, wiping away tears; mom rubs her back.
"Her great grandfather Henry Reagan was the family chef," Eddie explained. "He took Mal under his wing and taught her a lot. He left all his recipe books to Mal, in his estate."
Mal has now collected herself. "GG always roasted the turkey . . . so, may I ask you to do that part, please?"
"Surely. May I do that here, and bring it to your place?"
"Absolutely, and maybe gravy with it? Will that work?"
"Yes. Might I suggest that I bring desserts also? That way my contribution would be: turkey, gravy and desserts."
"That sounds wonderful. What desserts would you suggest?" Mal wonders.
Abby had now joined them. She and Eddie are pleased with the easy discussion between Mal and Michael.
"Well, I see you had pumpkin pie – that is traditional."
"Yes, it is. Would you like to shake it up?" Mal raises an eyebrow.
Michael grins at her. He is enjoying this, after all. "Maybe add an international flair?"
"What do you have in mind?" Mal grins.
"I am thinking of Tiramisu; Flan; and Krumkake filled with lingonberry whipped cream." He smiles.
"Wow!" Eddie exclaims.
Abby adds, "My dad loves to make an occasional fancy dessert," she smiles and winks at her daddy.
"Let me add this," Michael voices. "The Krumkake you and I can make on the spot after dinner. The family can watch, especially if we have a video camera set-up."
"YES! My sister Cassie can get that ready. That will be great."
"I will talk to Cass about that," Eddie volunteers.
Everyone is pleased how things are coming along.
LATER
"Dad, I think you and Malina can work together nicely," Abby encourages him.
Silence.
"Dad?"
"I suppose. There may be hope there."
"Give it, and her, time. You know, play nice in the sandbox. Please?"
"Um . . . ok."
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ALMOST DINNER TIME
Joe corners Jamie, "Are you sure about this, man?"
"Yes, just be cool." Jamie smirks.
"I am a nervous wreck!" Joe frowns.
"Nah. Smile, offer her your arm and a grand tour. Mary Rose will cover your 6."
CHIME
Jamie looks at his phone, "It's them, GO!"
Jamie has told all his family that when it is Michael & Abby, that none of them are to answer the door.
Joe turns and stumbles. Jamie steadies his nephew, and gently pushes him toward the front door.
He arrives and pauses.
CHIME
"GO JOSEPH!" Jamie whispers.
Joe opens the door – and there she is. Standing by her father, holding a cooler with two desserts in it. And a bag on top with ingredients for more.
Her dad holds a large roasting pan, obviously with THE turkey. The aroma is grand.
"YOU!" She exclaims – absolutely nonplussed.
"ME! Welcome to Thanksgiving at the Reagan Ranch. Can I relieve you of that heavy load, ma'am? Then I would like to give you a tour of my uncle's ranch. Follow me, please."
He takes the cooler and turns. Michael follows; Abby remains nailed to the front stoop.
When they reach the kitchen, Michael puts his burden down and turns to Joe-
"Mommy, there is a lady standing by the front door," AJ shouts. He runs off to find his mother.
Joe appears; he extends his arm. "It's ok. Nobody will bite you here." He grins; she scowls.
"You could have warned me, Joseph." She takes his arm.
"Aw, what's the fun in that?" He leads Abby thru the kitchen and out to the barn. They enter and see Mary Rose hard at work. "Oh, she's here. You had better put on some boots. In the tack room – white for her and black for you cuz."
Now she really scowls. "You had this all planned, didn't you?"
"Perhaps."
"Hmpf."
They pull on rubber work boots over their shoes. They come out of the tack room, and Mary Rose waves them over to Betsy's stall. They enter and stand just inside the gate.
"Betsy is my mom's horse. She is pregnant, thanks to Hero over there."
Hero nods and stamps his hoof. He is used to this, and plays his part willingly. Abby covers her mouth, to stifle all out laughter.
"You may laugh at him; he doesn't mind. Come over here and gently feel Betsy's tummy."
Mary Rose shows Abby how to gently feel Betsy's belly. The mare is used to strangers gently examining her. She doesn't mind, as long as there are no sudden moves. Her foal is 10 months along; so his snout is easily felt. Abby is amazed.
A young couple dash by, on their way upstairs. "Some big guy said dinner in 20," Nicky shouted on her way by. Her husband Jimmy following closely behind.
"That's Nicky, my dad's niece. The guy is Jimmy, her husband. They're living upstairs for now. They are looking for the first place of their own." Mary Rose narrates.
"Would you like to muck out a stall?" Joe asks with a smirk.
Abby gives him a death star glare.
"I'll take that as a no."
Abby pats his cheek, "Smart boy."
They return to the tack room, remove their boots and reenter the house. They find the family room and sit on one of two love seats. The other holding an older gentleman and a slim, very pretty blonde.
Frank speaks up, "Joseph, who is the very pretty lady?" (He knows the answer. Abby cannot place him, yet)
"This is Abby Dixon, Frank. She works with her father at Bayside."
"Ah, the chef's daughter. I've heard great things about you, my dear. Welcome to a Reagan family Thanksgiving dinner."
Kelly gives him an elbow. "Don't be so pompous, Francis."
He turns to her, "Now who is being pompous. You don't need to be so formal, Kell. Let's help her relax." He turns to Abby. "Abby, I am Frank Reagan. Jamie's father. This is Kelly O'Shea, my life companion."
Abby keeps her mouth shut – she just smiles and nods.
DINNER
Jamie marches throughout the house, ringing a ship's bell. Everyone gathers and sits at their assigned places. They notice that the table is elegantly set, but has only flutes and champagne and sparkling Martinelli's apple juice on it. Jamie and Eddie are certain that the 1st step will take some time. The food is being kept warm in the kitchen.
Jamie is at the head of the table, Eddie at his left. Frank is at the foot, Kelly at his left. The others are seated next to loved ones; Joe/Paula, Michael/Abby, Cassie/Juliet and Nicky/Jimmy. When they worked on seating Linda, Mal Rose graciously agreed to hostess Patrick and AJ at a small nearby table. Mal would be doing some up and down anyway. Jamie and Eddie were very grateful for that. 17 total, a full house.
THANKS
Cassie had rented some extra video recording equipment. The cameras were unobtrusively mounted to capture video from the 4 corners of the room. She planned on editing the images from this section of the festivities. And making it available to the family that were celebrating elsewhere. Her grandpa Frank had resourced this part of the day.
"Let's carry on the tradition of so many families around the world," Jamie announces. "There are 17 of us around our 2 tables; if you have something extra special to be thankful for – please raise your hand. I will not exclude anyone from talking."
JULIET: I am absolutely amazed and thankful that I met Cassie and through her I found this family. I realize now that I never knew what the word family really meant. Now I know. I love you all. She blew them all a kiss.
KELLY: When Frank and I decided to commit to being life companions, I thought that my life was complete. Now, looking around this house full of loved ones – I realize that happiness, joy and love were only just beginning. Thank you all for filling up my life!
MICHAEL: When Abs and I learned that Bayside Café had changed ownership, I was distressed. Then I learned that I would be working with a young girl; maybe even taking orders from a kid-
CAREFUL! Came from the smaller, secondary table.
Laughter broke out.
Michael holds up his hands in surrender.
He continues – But with every interaction, I've found Malina and her family to be different. Very different. My comfort level with Mal, Eddie, and each of you I've dealt with has skyrocketed. Thank you for your commitment to a high-quality product – and to further improving Bayside.
LINDA: My most sincere thanks to Jamie and Eddie. You guys are there for me each and every time I need a place of safety, support and love. You have NEVER failed me. And I know that you never will. God bless you!
FRANK: Looking around these 2 tables, I am amazed. As pleased as I am to spend my golden years with Kell by my side-
"I know, Frank," Kelly whispers as she leans her head on his shoulder.
Frank continues – There is a part of me that wishes Mary Margaret were here with us. This family, near and far, warms my heart, as it would hers, as nothing else ever could. Thank you – and keep the love flowing.
Frank turns his head, giving Kelly a kiss on top of her head.
There were more, which will go unreported.
Finally, Jamie and Eddie call an end, and ask that the food appear. It does, and the feast begins.
Michael brought the turkey and set it before Jamie, who began to carve.
Mal brought 2 chickens, roasted using GG Betty's recipe. She set them before grandpa Frank. He began go carve, for those wanting chicken, or both delicacies.
After the main dinner was completed, Michael and Mal got the ingredients for Krumkake ready. When the iron was hot, they began baking the Scandinavian Christmas treat. Abby and Joe were tasked with preparing the lingonberry flavored whipped cream. Yes, some cream ended up on noses, and other body parts. And needed to be carefully licked off. BLUSH / BLUSH!
Tiramisu and Flan were added to the dessert tray. Everyone was delighted. Sated, and stuffed.
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LATER – FAMILY ROOM
Everyone has left except Michael, Abby and Joe. Michael is in the kitchen talking with Mal and Eddie. Mal is showing him GG's recipe books. He is suitably impressed.
In the FR Abby and Joe are sitting close together in one of the love seats. They are talking softly.
"Joe, how exactly are you and Jamie related?" She has been wondering this all evening.
Joe tenses, "Well, ah . . . that is my mother's story to tell. It's complicated, and . . . I really shouldn't get into that."
"Do you know?" She senses trouble. She straightens up, pulling away from his shoulder.
"Yes, I do know. I just . . . it's nothing nefarious, I promise."
She gets up, "I'm going to see what daddy's doing." Abby walks into the kitchen and joins Mal and her dad.
"Mal, when can I schedule you for bussing and dishes? What if we met on Sunday and talked things through?"
"Well, I have church and then family dinner."
"Will you be ok to work any Sunday hours?"
Mal looks to her mother.
"What are the Sunday hours at Bayside?" Eddie asks.
"Dinner is 5 PM to 9 PM," Michael pipes up. "So, working dinner would be 5:00-9:30. Or until the dining room is cleaned and set up for breakfast."
Eddie and Mal look at each other. This will be a challenge.
"This will be a challenge, won't it?" Abs voices.
The others nod.
"But, if I give Mal a shift, she needs to work the whole shift. So I can give another staff the whole shift off. Do you understand that?" Abs looks at mom and daughter.
"We understand," Eddie answers. "I'm thinking that Mal and I need to know what times the shifts are. Then she and I can match the shifts up with her other responsibilities. Family and such."
"Understood," Abs states. "Serving times: Breakfast is 7:00-9:00. Lunch is 11:00-1:00. Dinner is 5:00-9:00. For bussing and dishes add on 1 hour; maybe more or less."
"Ok, we can work with that. Mal and I will talk this over with Jamie. We will get back to you ASAP."
"Good, I am working on the schedule for December. Give me as much time around Christmas as you can, please."
"Understood."
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FR – AFTER ABBY LEFT
TXT
JH: She asked THE question.
PH: And?
JH: I fumbled the ball.
PH: Joseph! We agreed that U could tell!
JH: Yeah, but I am so used to dodging, I blew it.
PH: Now what?
JH: Recover. I hope.
PH: Me too!
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As Michael and Abby are heading for the front door, Joe catches Abs eye.
"Can we talk, please?"
"Joe, if it's about my question, not now. It's been a long day. We'll find time. I promise." She turns and leaves with her dad.
IN THE CAR
"Your question?"
"Yeah. I asked him how exactly he and Jamie are related."
"And?"
"The artful dodger."
"DAMN! Abs, that spells trouble, no?"
"I don't think so, dad."
"Careful, sweetheart. Our hearts are fragile."
"I know – and agree. Careful is the word."
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TBC