“Yes,” came the collective agreement of everyone else.
Cora collected the free cards to complete the pack. After a few shuffles, she began dealing the players’ hands. Andrea bit into her croissant as she waited.
“So, Thanksgiving is only three weeks away. Me, Jo, and Drea were discussing it with Mom, and we think that maybe we should have it here at the main house with all of the family,” Cora suggested.
“I think that that’s a marvelous idea,” Maria agreed.
“Me too,” Aunt Stacey chimed in. “We haven’t had a Thanksgiving dinner with everyone together as a family in more than two decades.”
“I am definitely all for it, reviving family traditions and all,” Tessa added.
The others nodded or murmured their agreements for the plan.
“So, it’s settled then. Thanksgiving will be here,” Cora concluded.
“Speaking of events coming up, Drea, for Rory’s wedding, can I take a plus one?”
Andrea looked over at her cousin, staring back at her expectantly. “I’ll have to discuss it with her, but I don’t see it being a problem,” she replied. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. “Is this an indication that you and Ethan are taking your relationship to the other level?”
“I wouldn’t call it, “taking the next step,” we’ve already done that,” Kerry explained. Her green eyes shone with contentment. Seeing her father’s narrowed, questioning stare, she rushed on, “What I mean to say is that we’ve made it official. We’re exclusively dating, getting to know each other, going on dates, nothing more.”
Luke’s shoulders relaxed as he slumped back into his chair and the crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.
“He’s not coming with me; he’s going to a conference on the 23rdof December.”
“The same day as Rory’s wedding,” Andrea pointed out.
“Yeah,” Kerry confirmed. “I wanted to take Ella because I want her to get to know us better.”
“That’s a good idea. In that case, you can definitely bring a plus one,” Andrea assured her.
Kerry smiled gratefully.
“Man, the days seem to be melding into each other. Christmas will be here sooner than we think, and then the new year…”
Andrea nodded her head to agree with Cora.
“Time is a precious gift that we have to appreciate no matter how short it may be. I’m just happy that we’ll be getting to spend it a-ll together as a f-f-f-amily,” Becky added softly.
Andrea stared at her mother, her expression bitter-sweet. As happy as she was that she had reconnected with Becky before it was too late, it pained her heart to know that any day now, her illness would get worse and sooner than later, the inevitable would happen. Fear surfaced like a dark cloud that threatened to swallow all the joy of the moment they’d been having until now. She tried hard to swallow over the lump in her throat.
Cora looked over at her, her expression telling. “I’m happy we get to spend it together as a family, too, Mom. I know that these family get-togethers will be some of the best we’ve ever had.” She reached across the table to rest her hand on top of Becky’s reassuringly.
Andrea felt Jo’s warm palm rest on the hand, gripping her thigh under the table. She turned to see her sister staring back at her, a barely there smile of understanding on her lips. She managed to return it, drawing strength and comfort from the simple gesture.
Suddenly there was an outburst of laughter. Andrea’s eyes snapped to the other end of the table to stare at her mother. Becky seemed oblivious to the attention she was receiving even as she cackled uncontrollably, but just as unexpectedly, her chortles became whimpers until she was full-out crying.
“Mom,” Cora spoke in alarm, rising from her seat to go to her. “Hey, what’s wrong?” she cajoled as she knelt by Becky’s side.
Andrea’s legs felt like jelly, and her heart hammered in her chest. Slowly she made her way over to her mother until she too was kneeling before her. Becky was now whimpering, her eyes wide with fear.
“Mom, we’re here for you. Tell us what’s wrong…please.” Andrea’s voice broke as she pleaded.
Even though Becky’s mouth opened as if to speak, no words came out.
“Girls, maybe a few hours of rest would be best for Becky,” Uncle Luke suggested from above them. “I’ll take her up to her room,” he offered. The women stepped away from Becky and allowed Luke to bundle her in his arms and take her up the stairs. The sisters followed him up after bidding goodbye to their cousins and aunts. After Uncle Luke left, they gathered around their mother, who had fallen asleep.
“I think we should take her to the doctor,” Cora suggested after a length of silence.
