“Anytime Cole.”I turn to leave when Caleb's voice catches my attention.“Cole, lunch tomorrow?”I smile, warmth spreading through me.
“You bet, bossman.”
Fifteen
Cole
Jealous - Nick Jonas
T
his year, we made the decision to revive our tradition of having a Thanksgiving Potluck for our congregation one week before the holiday.It's truly heartwarming to see the community come together like this.Thanks to Cole's hard work and dedication over the last 11 months, we are able to host events like this once more.
My eyes scan the room, taking in the warm glow of candlelight and the festive decorations.The sound of music faintly plays in the background."Everything looks amazing!"I exclaim, walking up to Ally and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
She has been tirelessly planning the layout and recruiting volunteers to help with setup.She has also reached out to various agencies in neighboring cities for turkey donations that we can distribute to those in need within our community.
Ally beams at me, her eyes sparkling with pride."Thanks, honey.I couldn't have done it without everyone's help.When do you think people will start arriving?"Ally asks, slipping her arm around my waist and looking up at me.I check my watch.
"According to my watch in about 15 minutes," I reply with a smile.Just then, the door to the large room opens with a group of parishioners filling in."Or now," I add, chuckling along with Ally.
As the parishioners make their way into the room, the scent of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie fills the air, making my mouth water.I can feel the energy and excitement buzzing in the air.The tables are filled with a variety of dishes, from classic roasted turkey to more unconventional options like, Mrs.Wallace's potato salad with raisins.I can't help but smile at the diversity of food on display.
The first person to approach me is Mr.Jenkins, an elderly man who always has a smile on his weathered face."Thank you for putting this together, Father," he says, giving me a warm hug."It's been years since we've had a Thanksgiving Potluck here."
"It's my pleasure, Mr.Jenkins," I reply sincerely."We wanted to bring back this tradition and create a sense of community within our congregation again."
“Speaking of community Caleb, this is divine well done!”Charlotte compliments as she leans into air kiss both my cheeks and grazing my face.
“Happy Thanksgiving Mayor Hendersen.”Mr.Jenkins greets, Charlotte nods at him with a smile then turns back to me.
As she leans into her husband with a palm on his chest she leans into my ear whispering.“Whoever your designer is, I want the number.”
“The credit goes to Ally.”I say beaming and pulling her into me by the waist.
She playfully slaps my chest giggling “Oh stop.”Charlotte's eyes darken for the briefest second before a parishioner pulls her attention.At that moment Cole strides up to us with a big tray of deviled eggs holding it out in front of me.
"Thought you could use some extra protein, Old man," he says with a grin and a wink.
"Thanks, Cole."I say smirking, grabbing the tray from him and setting it on the table as we both help ourselves to one of the deviled eggs, eyeing each other with small smiles.
Cole looks past me “Oh there's Mom I’ll talk to you later.”I nod and watch as he walks towards her and pulls her into a warm hug.They have a beautiful relationship.It warms my heart to know that not all parents like mine were cold and distant.
As more people start arriving and filling their plates with food, I make it my mission to talk to everyone and make them feel welcome.It's wonderful seeing our small church filled with so much love and laughter.
I'm in the middle of a conversation with Mrs.Thompson about her grandchildren when I notice Cole across the room.He's talking animatedly with Mason Atwood, one of the younger members of our congregation.They're standing close, heads bent together, laughing at something Mason just said.
An uneasy feeling goes through me.Mason Atwood has a bad reputation in this town.Normally I try not to judge a book by its cover but I wonder if Cole knows.Cole places a hand on Mason's shoulder and I start to head in their direction.It would be irresponsible to not say anything.
I'm mid stride when Ally rings the large dinner bell to signal for everyone to take their seats at the tables.I look back, Cole and Mason are already gone so I head to my place at the front of the room.
Tapping my fork against the side of my water glass, everyone points their gazes at me."Thank you all for joining us today.It's been too long since we've shared a meal together.Let us hold hands and bow our heads as I lead us in a prayer of gratitude."Everyone follows suit and I take hold of Ally and Charlotte's hands, who are conveniently sitting on either side of me.
"Dear Lord, thank you for the many blessings in our lives and for bringing us together today.We are grateful for Cole's hard work and dedication with repairs making it so that we have a safe place to gather as a community once again.Please watch over those who are less fortunate this season and keep them in good health.Amen."
The congregation echoes a chorus of "amen" before lifting their heads.As I do the same, I meet Cole's gaze; his green eyes shimmering with emotion, and I send him a gentle smile.
Everyone sits to eat, the cacophony of conversation mixing with the low music coming from the mounted wall speakers.I find my eyes drifting to Cole sitting across from his mother and next to Mason.Why is the man hovering around him so intently?
