Dan grinned again, just thinking about an hour or so cuddling Jess.
~~~~~
Knowing the reason for their invitation, Jess kept a discreet eye on Holly during the surprisingly fun outing. Sure it was cold, but Dan made sure she was comfortably warm, both with the quilt they’d brought along, as well as the arm he kept wrapped around her shoulders. Even when the first ride ended, and the crowd gathered around the bonfire to roast the mountain of hot dogs Sam had brought along, he stayed close to her side. Not that she minded. In fact, she found that she enjoyed being held by Dan.
“I think she does like him,” she whispered in Dan’s ear, after watching Holly stare at Sam for a particularly long time. He’d been helping her youngest boy, Billy, put a hot dog on a sharpened dowel and hold it over the fire, keeping a protective arm around him. She was sure the tenderness in Holly’s eyes wasn’t just for her son.
“Really?” Dan whispered back, his lips almost touching her ear. Jess nodded, trying to suppress a shiver. “Why?”
“I’ve been watching her watch him. You can just tell.”
“Must be a woman thing, huh?”
“What?”
“‘You can just tell.’ Because I’ve been watching, too, and I couldn’t have said one way or the other.”
“Trust me,” Jess said quietly. “I don’t think Sam has anything to worry about. He just needs to get over being so nervous, and figure out a way to make the first move.”
“Nervous? Chicken, you mean,” Dan said with a chuckle.
“Shh. He may be a genius, Dan, but I don’t think he has a lot of confidence.” Not from what she’d observed over the past few weeks anyway. Sam seemed like a pretty shy guy.
“No,” Dan sighed. “I don’t know why either. He is smart, smarter than all the rest of us combined. He’s fairly wealthy. And he’s not ugly enough to actually scare anyone.” This time it was Jess who burst out laughing, but she cuffed his arm anyway.
“Dan. Not ugly? That’s mean. Sam’s adorable.”
“You two want to share?” Emma called from where she sat on the other side of the fire. “What’s so funny?”
“Private joke,” Dan said. Emma scowled at him, then grinned.
“Well stop monopolizing her will you? You get to see her every day.”
“Lucky me,” Dan said, tightening his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. Jess looked at him in surprise. It sure sounded like he meant what he’d just said.
“He’s always been a little selfish, Emma, so you have to stand your ground. Watch this. He’s going to share her with me,” Cal said, strolling over and pushing Dan aside to squeeze in between them. “Move over. Your Christmas party is next week, and I want to talk food with your wife.” Dan rolled his eyes, scowling as he got to his feet.
“I want her back in a few minutes,” he warned, as he scanned the crowd. Cal let out a gusty sigh.
“Oh I suppose. Darby wouldn’t let me keep her anyway. She’s kind of funny about things like that.”
“How old are the two of you?” Jess asked, shaking her head at their banter.
While she and Cal discussed the menu, and Jess admitted to feeling like she’d gotten in over her head, she watched Dan wander over to Holly and sling an arm around her shoulders. She heard him invite her to the party. Elated for Sam’s sake, Holly nodded, accepting the invitation with a smile, even as Cal had her agreeing to let him to prepare the entree.
When Dan strolled over to Ty and Emma to make sure they were coming as well, Cal continued to cajole her, twisting her arm until she agreed to let him handle the appetizers, too. That left Jess with nothing to worry about but the salad, dessert and beverages. Then, mission apparently accomplished, Cal quickly kissed her cheek, and jumped up so he could rejoin his wife.
“There. You can have her back now.”
Jess didn’t miss the discreet thumbs up he flashed her husband’s way, or the relieved grin on Dan’s face when he saw it. Jess knew then that she’d been set up, but couldn’t find it in her heart to be offended. How could she be when Dan looked after her so conscientiously?
~~~~~
The remainder of the week passed quickly, as the time for the party drew near. With everyone Dan had invited, the count was well over fifty people, and Emma, Holly and Darby came over the night before the party to help with the final preparations.
They spent the evening baking pies, and scrubbing mountains of potatoes that Cal had relented and allowed Jess to bake. Except the other women pretty much took over, kindly allowing Jess to polish the silverware.
Those chores out of the way, they spent the rest of the evening wrapping little gifts for everyone, while the ‘men’ finished painting the basement they’d been slaving away in, off and on since the previous weekend.
First thing in the morning tables and chairs from the local rental store would be delivered. Then, once everything was set up, the guys would be busy once again, this time with another manly chore – grilling Cal’s shish kebobs out on the deck.
“I’m beginning to see why Dan has this catered every year,” Jess sighed, adding another gift to the growing pile. That afternoon, she had peeled, sliced and soaked a dozen five pound bags of apples, and chopped more walnuts than she ever wanted to see again.
“You’re doing too much,” Emma accused, winding curly ribbon around a small wrapped box.
“No, I’m not.” She glanced toward the basement door. “Be quiet, Em.”
“Afraid your husband will hear?” Holly asked. She looked lovely that evening, her auburn hair pulled back with green barrettes. She’d even dressed in the spirit of the holiday season, dark green slacks and a delicate white sweater, a border of tiny candy canes decorating its wide collar. Jess wondered if she’d dressed for Sam because she was a knockout.
“Gosh yes. He’s already threatening to make me stay in bed until the party starts. And I still want to make my cakes in the morning.”
“Then by all means, let’s be quiet,” Emma exclaimed. “Can’t deprive the guests of your cake.”
“Are you being sarcastic?” Darby asked, pausing in the task of cutting paper for the gift she was wrapping.
“Not even a little,” Emma assured her quickly. “I’d have a hard time choosing a favorite between brownies, and Jess’s cake.”
“What is it?”
“Four layers of heaven on earth. She bakes white cakes, layers them with cooled vanilla pudding, the kind you cook. Then she frosts the whole thing with sweetened whipping cream, and tops it all with cherry pie filling. Mmm.”
“That sounds wonderful. And perfect for a Christmas party, I’d think. I’ll bet it looks really festive.”
“It does. And it tastes even better.”
CHAPTER 8
Christmas Eve finally arrived, the evening Jess had been dreading since Monica called with the invitation. But there was nothing to be done about it, and so she dressed for the occasion with care. Maybe if it looked like she was making an effort, her mother-in-law would, too.
Dan had brought the dress home the previous night, and she’d fallen in love with it. Hunter green velvet, with full sleeves, its neckline, hem and waist were trimmed in white satin, she knew she’d never owned anything quite so beautiful. Nor anything that looked as good on her as this did now.
It was long, falling several inches below her knees, and it flattered her ever-growing middle, though there was no doubt it hid, within its folds, an incredibly active baby. Sometimes she wondered if she were going to give birth to an acrobat.
Later, sitting at the vanity in the bathroom, she’d already pulled her hair back with white beaded barrettes, and was just getting ready to apply her makeup when the door to Dan’s room opened. He walked in looking very handsome in creased black slacks and a white sweater.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized when he noticed her in front of the mirror. “I didn’t realize you were in here.”
“It’s all right. I can finish up in my room,” she
told him, starting to slide her chair back. He put a hand on her shoulder.
“I just need a quick shave. If you don’t mind sharing the space, you might as well stay.”
Jess felt a peculiar shyness as they performed their respective tasks, Dan gliding the razor over a day’s growth of beard, while she tried to apply eye shadow. Not an easy thing to do when she kept glancing at the man beside her, fascinated with what he was doing, and the funny faces he made while doing it.
“Haven’t you ever seen a man shave before?” he asked, after a moment.
“Not even once,” she admitted, embarrassed at having been caught staring. She’d tried to be discreet, and obviously failed.
To further entertain his audience of one, Dan began to make exaggerated, ridiculous faces that had her laughing so hard, she had to give up on her face painting until he’d finished.
“Now can I watch you? He asked, lowering the lid on the stool and straddling it. “I’ve never had the privilege of watching a woman put on her makeup before.”
“I guess if you want to,” she said, blushing to the roots of her hair. Now that she was the observed one, her amusement faded quickly.
“Aren’t you afraid you’ll poke your eye out with that thing?” Dan whistled as she applied mascara to her long lashes. She wished he weren’t so intent on what she was doing. Already she’d had to wipe her lipstick off and start over, because he was making her so nervous. But that had only made him smile.
“Not if I concentrate on what I’m doing.”
“All I can say is thank God I’m not a woman.”
“Me, too,” Jess said, chuckling. “I’d have a tough time trying to explain to people why my husband is a girl.”
~~~~~
The Mulholland house was lit up like a Roman candle by the time Dan parked the car alongside the curb. Jess feared the house would be filled with guests, though Dan assured her that only his folks, his sister, her husband, and their son would be waiting for them. He helped her to the sidewalk, before retrieving two large shopping bags filled with gaily wrapped packages. He’d bought them himself, but gladly allowed his wife to wrap them when she offered.
“Well Merry Christmas, you two,” Nate said jovially, a warm and welcoming smile on his face when he opened the door. “Let’s get you in out of the cold, Jess.” He took her elbow and kissed her cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“Just fine, thanks.”
“You’re certainly looking lovely tonight, isn’t she, Dan?
“I think so,” he answered quietly, gazing at her with something close to tenderness in his eyes. Jess could feel the heat in her cheeks and knew she was blushing. “But then I may be a bit prejudiced where my wife is concerned.”
“Aren’t we all?” Nate murmured, raising his brows at his son. “Come on in. Some people are starting to get a little impatient in there.”
“I take it you mean Tyler?” Dan asked, referring to his three year old nephew. Nate raised a finger to his lips and whispered,
“Between you and me, I think that boy could use a tranquilizer. He’s worse than the three of you kids ever were.”
“Then we’d best not keep him waiting.” Dan set the bags on the hall floor, and removed his coat while Nate assisted Jess, before they walked to the living room.
“Uncle Dan!” a small, sandy haired boy squealed, running to Dan and throwing his arms around his legs.
“Who’s this?” Dan teased, reaching down to pick the child up and lift him in the air. “Did Santa forget to take you back to the North Pole, little elf?”
“I’m not an elf, Uncle Dan.”
“Then you must be candy. A green and red candy cane.” Tyler giggled gleefully when Dan pretended to eat his neck.
“I’m not a candy cane.”
“Then who, or what, are you?”
“It’s me, Tyler,” Tyler said with a laugh. Dan kissed his cheek and set him back on the floor.
“With all that red and green you’re wearing, I could have sworn you were an elf, or a piece of candy.”
“I’m just a boy!”
“A boy who wants some presents, I’d bet.”
“Oh yes.” He eyed the bags greedily. “Are those for me?”
“Some of them are,” Nate told him with a smile. “But only good little boys who sit quietly by the tree get to open them.”
Everyone laughed as Tyler made a dash for the tree, plopping down on his bottom, and looking expectantly at them. Nate steered Jess to a couple who must be Tyler’s parents.
~~~~~
“Jess, this is my daughter, Molly, and her husband, Gary. They weren’t able to attend the wedding.”
“Under the circumstances, there didn’t seem to be any point in making the drive,” Molly said stiffly. Dan shot her an irritated glare, so she added grudgingly, “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Same here,” Jess said quietly, glad when Dan put his arm around her waist.
“Let’s sit over here,” he suggested, leading her to a love seat across the room. It looked like he would need to stay close to shield her from at least a couple of members of his family. “Comfortable?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“How about some of Mom’s homemade eggnog?” Nate asked, trying to ease the tension in the room.
“I’ll have some, Dad, but none for my wife, thanks.” He looked hard at his mother and sister, a grim smile curving his lips. “I’m afraid eggnog tends to make her a little nauseous.”
“Some warm apple cider then?”
“That sounds lovely, Mr. Mulholland.”
“Why don’t you bring the tray of cookies in,” Monica called after her husband. Then she looked at Jess with a forced smile and said, “I picked up some brownies at Westside Deli. Dan said they were your favorite sweet.”
“Thank you,” Jess murmured, looking at her hands, tightly clasped in her lap.
“My favorite, too,” Dan said, stroking her shoulder. They were leaving early. Just as soon as Tyler opened his gifts. As if on cue, Tyler whined,
“I want my presents.”
“When Grandpa gets back,” Molly soothed. “Honey, why don’t you give him a hand?”
Gary Sinclair, a pleasant looking man with the same sandy hair as his son, couldn’t seem to get out of the room fast enough, shooting Jess a commiserating glance on his way past. It seemed that only Monica and Molly had a problem with Jess being here.
“We’ll leave when the presents are done,” he whispered in her ear. Jess shook her head.
Dan knew she would try to tough it out for his sake, but any joy he might have felt at getting together with his family was gone. All he wanted was to leave. To take her home, away from the undeserved hostility.
“So how was your party?” Molly asked. The question had come out too loud, and self-conscious, she ran a hand through her brown locks.
“Same as usual. Except the desserts were better this year. I married an exceptional cook.” His mother’s lips tightened in a scowl.
“I’m surprised she could handle it.” Apparently she realized her comment sounded more like an insult, because Molly was quick to add, “I mean, I remember what it was like to be pregnant, and feeding that mob is a lot of work under the best conditions.”
“What’s hard work?” Nate asked, carrying a tray laden with treats. He leaned down to sit it on the coffee table. Gary did the same with a second, this one holding dishes and utensils.
“Dan was just telling us that Jess did all the desserts for his party,” Molly explained.
“I hear it was good stuff,” Nate said, handing Jess a thick mug of cider. “Everyone at the office was raving about the cake. What was it? Pudding and whipped cream and... strawberries?”
“Cherries, Dad. And it was good. You should have passed on the concert.”
“I will next year. Maybe I can talk her into making one for me before then.” He winked at Jess.
“I’d be happy-”
“We can’t put her to that
kind of trouble,” Monica snapped, interrupting Jess in mid-sentence. “She is expecting, after all.”
“Maybe after the baby comes,” Nate said quietly. The look he sent his wife made it clear he was growing tired of her attitude.
“Grandpa? Now can we open presents?” Tyler begged.
“I don’t see why not. Dan, do you want to play Santa this year?” Dan shook his head, pulling Jess closer.
“I’m enjoying myself right here. Gary?”
The pile of gifts under the tree disappeared with amazing swiftness, leaving mountains of rumpled paper behind. Tyler’s excitement had eased a little of the tension, until he innocently asked about the three unopened gifts that were left.
“Whose are those?”
“Uncle Bruce’s,” Molly whispered.
“Where’s Uncle Bruce? Don’t he want his presents?”
“I’m sure he’d like them very much, but he can’t be here,” Monica said stiffly.
“But I wanna see him.”
“Sorry about that, partner,” Gary said, trying to distract him with a new fire truck.
“But why can’t he come? Don’t he like me no more?”
“Uncle Bruce loves you, sweetheart.” Monica knelt down and hugged him close, glaring at Jess. “He really wanted to be with us tonight, but he can’t.”
“I’ve had just about enough of this,” Dan muttered, starting to rise from the love seat.
“Dan, don’t,” Jess pleaded, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “Um, could you tell me where the bathroom is? I’m afraid I must have had too much cider.” The fact her glass hadn’t been touched didn’t go unnoticed.
“Jess-”
“Please, Dan?”
“It’s upstairs. Second door on your right.” He waited until he was sure she was out of earshot before he let fly. “I don’t know what you’re trying to do,” he said, “but it stops now.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Monica said with a pout.
“I think you do.” He turned to Gary. “Why don’t you take Tyler out to the kitchen. Santa won’t come if there isn’t a big glass of milk waiting for him.” He waited a moment before continuing. No need for the boy to hear this. “You’re doing your best to make Jess feel like she doesn’t belong here.”