UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 20

 

         Thanksgiving day was a revelation for Charlie. As an only child whose parents hadn’t had a child until they were in their late 30s, she barely remembered the grandparents on either side. And, of course, no siblings meant holiday gatherings were very small. True, her parents had held at least one open house during the holiday season when all their friends were invited to come and bring their own families. Still, it was nothing like Charlie experienced at Adam’s house.

As soon as they’d had breakfast which was served in the kitchen, Charlie and  Adam were put to work. Patricia sent them to the dining room with instructions to set the big table for 14. Charlie was thankful she’d been taught the proper way to set a table and was impressed by the fact her hostess had more than 14 place settings in both china and silver and the silver wasn’t silverplate. At home, she and her parents had always eaten in the dining room with the good china and silver, but it had been just the three of them. Charlie wondered how it would all play out when everyone was seated.

In the kitchen, Patricia was finishing up the various dishes her part-time cook had prepared the day before. The turkey smelled wonderful and Charlie assisted as her hostess instructed. Finally all was as ready as it could be prior to being placed on the table, so they went off to dress for dinner. The rest of the family was due to arrive within the hour, plus it would be an early dinner, served at about 3:00.

Charlie was ready when Adam tapped on her door. His eyes widened when he saw her appearance. She’d pulled her hair back into a chignon at the nape of her neck which was hugged by the pearls she’d been given when she turned 18. A few tendrils had been allowed to escape which made her appearance especially feminine. Identical pearls dangled from her ears, but it was the dress, a deep green with long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline that reached her knees. It wasn’t too tight or too loose, but just perfect. The heels she wore gave her a few more inches in height and allowed her to look into Adam’s eyes without having to look up. Her makeup was flawless because it appeared to be barely there and only enhanced her great features.

“Wow, you’re the epitome of a sweet southern belle,” Adam said, pulling her in for a quick kiss.

Charlie put on her most southern accent and responded, “Now sir, don’t you be tryin’ to turn this girl’s head. I’ve been warned ‘bout men like you sir by my mamma.” Then she laughed and said, “Think I should talk like that the entire afternoon?”

“Well, you could, but my folks would know that wasn’t normal for you. Besides I like, no love, the normal Charlie.”

Together, they went toward the central part of the house, just in time for Adam’s brother Matt and his family to arrive. They were quickly followed by Adam’s sister, Maryanne and her family. Introductions were made all around and while Charlie knew she’d remember the adults, she wasn’t sure she’d remember the names of the children as the day progressed. There were six all told and close enough in age that they seemed to know each other well and almost immediately disappeared to the room their Nana had set aside for their use when visiting.

The adults retired to the room in which Charlie had been welcomed and wine and drinks were poured and handed around. Then began what Charlie thought of as the inquisition with first Adam’s sister and then his brother corralling her and politely asking all sorts of questions. Charlie was happy to respond and had to laugh when Matt’s wife, Sybil told her she’d been given the same treatment the first time Matt brought her home.

“I don’t know what would have happened with Matt if Adam and Maryanne had given me a thumbs down. Then, when Maryanne brought Tom home, we all did the same thing to him. I do believe from observing the interactions that Adam will be given a rousing thumbs up when we provide our opinions.”

“Well, Sybil, that’s good to know.” Charlie responded, but before she could add anything else, they were joined by Patricia and Maryanne.

Maryanne didn’t waste any time. “So, for Adam to bring you here for Thanksgiving, I’d guess marriage was in the future. Is that true?”

Charlie laughed. “It’s been talked about, mostly by Adam. I’m still on the fence, so to speak, because I never thought I’d find someone who would be as understanding or supportive as Adam has appeared to be so far.”

Sybil smiled and patted Charlie’s knee. “You’d best watch out. If there’s one thing the Foster men are terribly good at, it’s getting their way, getting what they want. Oh, they don’t argue or get mad or do anything that is disturbing; they simply set their goal and slowly but powerfully find a way to reach it. If Adam’s goal is marriage, my advice is to start planning the wedding. I speak from experience because I wanted to finish my masters and maybe get my Ph.D. before ever thinking about a husband or children.”

“So, what happened. I know Adam’s referred to you as Dr. Sybil, so you must have reached your own goals.”

“True, I did, but during my efforts, I somehow ended up getting married and was pregnant with Donnie when I added the Dr. to my name. On the plus side of all that was Matt who supported and encouraged me in my efforts and then celebrated big-time when I reached my goal. That even continued after Donnie was born because I wanted to be able to work.”

“And, did you? How did that work out?” Charlie asked.

“Again, Matt was very supportive and helped with the process of hiring a part-time nanny because I only wanted to work part-time. Plus, he used some of his connections to help me find a position, one I still hold, although now all the kids are in school, I’m working more rather than less.”

“You found motherhood and working fulfilling?”

Maryanne jumped into the conversation. “I can speak for both of us and the answer is yes. If you have the right partner, nothing is impossible. Now, I don’t work as much as Sybil does, but that’s my choice just as hers was. I really do love being home with the kids and I’m going to be so very sorry when Luke goes off to school full-time next fall. I’m going to cherish every single moment these coming months because once your kid goes off to school like that, it changes the dynamic. I won’t be as necessary or perhaps even wanted when that happens.”

Patricia joined the conversation saying, “I never worked outside the home except for the various charities I supported. But then, the kind of work my girls do wasn’t necessarily available back then. Still, I loved being a mother and being able to stay home and participate in all the school functions for each of them. Now, lets talk of something else. Charlie’s going to think we are trying to help Adam wear her down and maybe we are, but let’s find another topic that’s more general.”

 The women talked for a while longer, sipping their drinks and nibbling at the hor d’oeuvres Patricia had put out. The men seemed to be having a great time on their own, their deeper voices providing a background that was often punctuated by laughter. Charlie didn’t add a lot to the conversation, but listened intently as the other three women talked.

Then, it was time to head for the kitchen. Sybil took on the responsibility of getting the children washed and to the table. Patricia, Maryanne and Charlie handled getting the food into the dishes and to the table. Paul came into the kitchen to haul the turkey into the dining room where he would carve the bird. Even though Charlie knew how to properly do things, with only the three of them at table, her father had always carved in the kitchen and placed a platter of meat on the table. When everything was ready, it look a lot like a magazine photographer should be on hand to snap some photos.

Before Paul began carving, the eldest child, Donnie, was asked to say grace which he did, his voice changing mid-verse and going a bit higher toward the end. Then, plates were handed round with your choice of meat, dark or light on them, followed by the various bowls and plates of other food. Once everyone had a full plate before them, eating commenced.

Charlie found the dressing to be quite different from the cornmeal dressing her mother made. Patricia’s was filled with cranberries and walnuts, some kind of spice and was actually quite good. The potatoes had been cooked with garlic, whipped with butter and cream and Charlie could have happily died with a mouthful of them. All too soon it seemed, her plate was empty and she accepted the offer of another portion of dark meat, helped herself to a bite more of dressing, potatoes and gravy and another heavenly biscuit. When her plate was clean again, she joined her table mates in sighing and almost groaning aloud because all their tummies were stuffed full.

There had been talk during the meal and Charlie had listened or responded or offered her own opinion if asked. Now they were finished, Patricia asked her how a northern meal compared to a southern. Charlie responded, saying about the only difference was in the dressing, plus her mom always served okra she’d pickled at the end of summer.

The children were excused and Sybil took them to the bathroom to clean up sticky hands before they returned to the playroom. Charlie had been quite surprised at the children’s behavior. There hadn’t been any tantrums or whining and all were fairly good eaters. Sybil and the children’s departure was followed by the men rising and beginning to clean off the table.

Patricia looked at Charlie and said, “We women cook and the men clean up after. Let’s go back to the living room where we’ll be out of the way and much more comfortable.”

Sybil soon joined them and there was discussion about the kids and how each one was doing in school. Included were some funny tales about behavior or things they’d said. “So, Charlie, do you plan to have children at some point.” Maryanne asked. “I think Adam wants a houseful, or at least that’s the impression I get from the way he plays with his nieces and nephews.”

Great, Charlie thought. I figured this was going to come up at some point. She nodded her head and plunged in with her response. “I think most girls are raised with the idea that motherhood is the first and main goal in life. That’s certainly what my mamma tried to instill in me. And, it’s not that I don’t want children at some point, it’s more that I’ve always looked at becoming a mother as something way off in the future.”

“Aren’t you worried about your biological clock ticking away?” Maryanne followed up.

“Until recently, I hadn’t given it much thought at all. But I guess at the ripe old age of 32, I should begin to think about the possibility. Also, until recently, I hadn’t met someone like Adam which whom I might consider making a family.”

“You’ve never had a serious relationship before?” Sybil questioned, then quickly following it with, “That is, if what you and Adam have is serious. It is, isn’t it?”

Oh. My. God. Charlie thought. Here it is. “Well, Adam has been perfectly clear about what he wants from me. I’m having a bit more difficulty in catching up to him, so to speak. I mean we’ve only really gotten to know each other in the last few months. I don’t want to rush into anything and have it be wrong. I mean….”

“You do love my Adam, though don’t you my dear?” Patricia asked with one eyebrow raised.

“Well, yes, I believe I do love him. I know he certainly is the most interesting man….”

“And there’s that electricity that jumps between the two of you. I saw that right off.” Patricia said. “That’s just the way it was and actually still is between Paul and I. Oh, my dear, when you have that kind of connection, you simply cannot let it go and I’m positive you won’t.”

Just then, the men returned from the kitchen and proposed a game they could all play. For the next couple of hours, with one of the women going in to check on the kids now and then, they played a game where each person put  words or sayings on three pieces of paper. The papers were all dumped into a bowl and then the decision was made to have teams, men versus women. When a paper was pulled from the bowl, the person with the paper had to give a one-word clue. The second and third rounds, different clues in different ways were provided. Charlie didn’t know this game, but caught on quickly. It was great fun with lots of laughter and kidding between the two teams. When the slips of paper had been exhausted for the third time, the women were in the lead by one single point, making them the winners.

It was time for coffee and dessert. Everyone returned to the table for pieces of pumpkin or apple pie with ice or whipped cream. Coffee was decaf, with milk for the kids, or you could have water if you wanted. Once again, everyone felt as though they wouldn’t have to eat again for a week. There was more talk, laughter and joking around the table and this time, the children remained and were encouraged to participate. It wasn’t long before Luke, the youngest was barely able to keep his eyes open.

Maryanne and Tom rounded up coats and mittens and the kids and provided hugs and kisses to all before expressing their thanks for dinner and a good time. They also told Charlie how much they’d enjoyed having her join them and hoped to see her again soon. Then it was time for Matt and Sybil to gather up their belongings and say farewell too. The house suddenly seemed awfully quiet once the door closed behind them as well.

Then, it was back to the table and to the kitchen where the four of them cleaned up the remnants from dinner and dessert. When the dining room table had been returned to its usual size and the kitchen looked as though no one had been in there at all, it was time to call it a day.

Patricia approached Charlie and gathered her into a hug. “Thank you my dear for putting up with all of us and all our questions, especially the ones that had to have been a trifle rude. I deeply admire your openness and grace and particularly the way in which you joined in with the family right away. Sweet dreams and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Paul had already said good night and left for the bedroom, so it was just Adam and Charlie in the kitchen. “How about a sandwich?” Adam offered.

“You’ve got to be kidding. My tummy feels like it’s the size of a bowling ball.”

“I can think of some exercise which might make you forget about your tummy.” Adam responded, pulling Charlie in for a hug and running his hands down her back to her bottom.

Charlie laughed. “How about we just do some snuggling in front of a television for a bit? I’d much prefer that at the moment.”

“Okay, we can do that, but I just want you to know that I plan to take such advantage that you’ll have to join me for turkey sandwiches at midnight because our exertions are going to use up all the calories you took in today.”

Charlie laughed again and allowed Adam to take her by the hand and lead her off to the TV room. Snuggled together they began to watch an old movie, but it wasn’t long before their eyes closed and they slept.