“Not quite,” Cora responded. She took out two small ceramic white doves, their wings spread wide, and brought them up to her mother.
The moment Becky saw them, her eyes watered.
“I know how special these were to you and dad. Even though dad isn’t here to participate, I know he would want you to still hang them for you both.”
Andrea and Jo came to stand by her.
“I’ll help you hang yours, and Andrea and Cora can hang dads,” Jo spoke softly. Becky nodded and gave her daughters a watery smile.
“I w-would l-liiike that. I know S-S-Sam w-would t-too,” Becky stuttered, her emotions high. Rory and her cousins watched with smiles as they hung the doves in a conspicuous spot on the tree.
“Time for the lights,” Andrea spoke, tracking the plug to the socket in the corner. The minute she plugged it in, warm white light twinkled from under the spindly foliage and brightened the ornaments. The star shone brightly from the tree, its golden beams casting hope on the room. The family drew together until they had an arm over each other’s shoulders. The tree was indeed a magnificent work of art put together with much effort and love.
Rory looked over at her grandmother, whose face shone with joy. Her mother, aunts, and cousins all wore the same expression. Rory felt her cheeks warm, and a bright smile split her lips.
She wished they could stay like this forever.
ChapterTwenty-Six
“Here you go, ladies. A gin and tonic for you, Cora and Tessa, whiskey sour for you, Andrea, a Moscow Mule for you, Jo and Shelby— last but not least, a martini for you, Kerry.” Jake placed the named drinks before their owners and straightened up, dropping the tray by his side. He fixed the towel over his shoulder, a broad welcoming smile on his lips.
“Thank you, Jack,” the woman chorused, returning his smile.
“How are Janice and the girls?” Andrea asked.
“They’re good. Janice has been a real trouper with this pregnancy, and I love her the more for it.”
“When’s she due?”
“Late February to early March,” he revealed.
“Oh, that’s around the same time Jules is due,” Cora piped.
“That’s your daughter, right?” he asked.
“Yes, that’s right,” she confirmed.
“That’s great too, then. I’m happy for you…Grandma,” Jake said, making air quotes.
“Hmph. Don’t remind me,” Cora groaned with her hand over her face.
Andrea chuckled at her sister’s fake outburst of being mortified, as did the others at the table. She knew that Cora was as eager to meet the newest addition to their family.
Jack’s eyes cut to the patron, signaling him back to the bar, presumably to be served. “Excuse me, ladies, I’m being summoned, but it was nice catching up with you.”
The ladies smiled back at him. “Say hi to Janice for me,” Cora requested.
“Will do,” Jake replied. “Ladies.” He inclined his head before taking off. They watched him until he made it behind the bar to serve the patron.
“You know, I still can’t believe that he and Janice got married,” Jo commented.
“It does look like an unlikely pairing, but I’ve seen them, I know them, and they couldn’t be a better couple,” Shelby spoke up.
“I thought Donny was going to propose,” she blurted, gaining the attention of all the occupants at the booth.
“What?” Cora exclaimed.
“Yeah…I know…too soon, right? I mean…I. Really. Freaked. Out, because I’m sure we’re not ready to take such a big step. We’re still getting to know each other, and as much as I love him, I just don’t think we are there yet.” Andrea grunted before taking a large gulp of her drink.
