“The ocean freezing or you staying till spring?”
She chuckled. “Both.”
“Yeah, I guess not.” He rubbed his hands together and then blew on his bare fingers. “So, I hear you’re going to Marion’s for Thanksgiving, too.”
“Too?” She echoed. Was there no end to her neighbor’s attempts to push them together? Not that Caitlin really minded. “Marion invited you for Thanksgiving?”
“You sound shocked.”
“That’s not it. I just assumed you’d be spending the holiday with Joyce and Sammy. Or visiting your parents in South Carolina.”
“No. Joyce takes Sammy to see his paternal grandparents in Maine. Since my parents live so far away, my sister and I take turns visiting them for the holidays. She’s got Thanksgiving this year, and I’ll get to see them at Christmas,” he explained. “Marion knew I’d be alone, so she was kind enough to invite meto join her family for a what she promised will be a delicious feast—including two kinds of pie made by my favorite baker, apparently. How could I say no to that?”
He gave her a huge grin and Caitlin wondered what part of Marion’s invitation he’d found so appealing, the food or the company?
“Well, I’m very glad you’ll be there, too,” she said.In fact, I’m a lot happier about it than I probably should be…
Caitlin was heading up Marion’s walkway when Shane’s truck came down the street, so she waited for him to park and join her.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” they greeted each other at the same time.
“What have you got there?” he asked, referring to the covered glass bowl she was carrying.
“Homemade cranberry sauce.”
“What, no pies?” He looked despondent.
“Don’t worry, I dropped them off yesterday,” she answered and they continued to the front steps.
“Risky move. Someone might have dug into them already.”
“That’s fine—as long as it wasn’t Pepper.” She motioned to the platter in Shane’s arms. “What did you bring?”
“Appetizers. Shrimp cocktail and crabcakes with lemon garlic aioli. It’s sort of a Dune Island Thanksgiving tradition.”
“Wow. I’m impressed you know how to make crabcakes.”
“Don’t be.” He leaned closer and whispered, “These are from Captain Clarke’s.”
“Not Ahab’s?”
“Nope. Ahab’s makes the best chowder, but Captain Clarke’s is my go-to for crabcakes.” He joked, “I don’t like to brag, but as a single guy who rarely cooks for himself, I dine out a lotand I consider myself to be something of a seafood restaurant connoisseur.”
“Oh, really? Then in your opinion, where would you suggest I go for the best lobster?”
“To Maine,” he deadpanned.
“You’re just biased because you grew up there,” she ribbed him.
“Nope, I’m telling it like it is. You can’t find better lobster anywhere than in Maine.”
“I’ve heard that Captain Clarke’s makes an awesome lobster roll,” argued Caitlin.
“If that’s true, it’s only because they serve lobsters that swam here from Maine.”
Caitlin could’ve stood on the doorstep kidding around with Shane for the entire holiday, but he rang the bell and immediately Pepper started barking. A moment later, Marion opened the door and a delectable aroma wafted out.
“Hello, hello,” she said cheerily. “We’re so glad you’re here.”
