“It was great,” I answered.
“We stopped last night to see the Christmas lights in the mountains,” Grace said as Delilah made her way over to her.
“That sounds magical.” Delilah kissed Grace on the cheek. “How are you, sweetheart? I take it this handsome young man is Sam.”
“How do you do?” Sam asked, extending his hand.
Delilah playfully pushed away his hand and pulled him into her arms. “I’m a hugger. You’ll get used to me.”
“I’d be delighted,” Sam said.
“Isn’t he precious?” Delilah asked as she reached for Cash, and Richard came over to me.
“You didn’t tell me how pretty these girls were, son.” Richard said, squeezing Grace and me. “Have mercy. And this British fella is quite handsome too.” He patted Sam on the back.
I smiled. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
“And this little guy must be Bradley Cooper.” Richard crouched down, sending the little dog into a frenzy. He twirled in circles, his tail whipping back and forth.
“Oh goodness.” Delilah cooed as Bradley Cooper flopped on his back in front of her, begging for belly rubs. “He’s the cutest little thing.”
“Let’s get you all settled,” Richard said, taking my bag from me. “Dinner will be ready in just a minute. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving,” Grace replied. “Something smells good.” And it did. It smelled warm and inviting like roasted turkey and homemade cranberry sauce.
“Delilah’s been cooking up a storm for two days. Come on, young man. I’ll let you help me. I’d like to have a chat about your intentions with Grace.” Richard talked animatedly as he and Sam rolled the suitcases down the hall. “You know she’ll be our granddaughter one day, once Cash makes it official.”
“He’s always looking for an excuse to exercise those muscles, isn’t he?” Cash chuckled. “I’m going to put the presents by the tree.” He squeezed my hand before carrying the gifts into the living room.
“Don’t mind Richard,” Delilah said, placing her arms around me and Grace. “I promise he won’t scare the boy too badly.” She led us to the dining room where a feast suitable for twenty people awaited us. “I hope Bradley Cooper likes treats. I found a recipe online for some homemade peanut butter doggie biscuits.”
My heart melted. “Delilah, that’s so sweet of you. You didn’t have to do all of this.”
“Oh, I loved doing it.” Delilah’s smile was so warm that it reminded me of my own mom. “It feels good to have people to care for. And yes, Bradley Cooper is people to me.”
At the mention of his name, Bradley Cooper wiggled his butt so fast it became a furry little blur.
The dining table was covered with a fancy red table cloth. Not that you could see much of it for the mountain of food Delilah had prepared. A roasted turkey, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried apples, rolls, cranberry sauce, three pies, a pitcher of tea, and two bottles of wine were placed beautifully across the table. It was a gorgeous feast that looked like it had come out of a Hallmark movie. OrHarry Potter.
“You’ve really outdone yourself, Delilah.” Cash’s eyes were wide as he came into the dining room. “Everything looks delicious.”
“I told you she’d been cooking up a storm,” Richard said, entering the room with Sam on his heels. “Come on, everybody. Let’s eat.”
We all sat at the table with Delilah and Richard taking their places at either end.
“Wow, what a beautiful spread,” Sam said, awestruck.
Bradley Cooper circled the table, already hoping for a handout.
Richard passed one of the bottles of wine down the table as Grace poured her tea.
When I handed the bottle to Delilah, I noticed her eyes were misty.
“Delilah, are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m more than okay, sweetheart,” she answered. “I’m just… It’s been a long time since there was so much life at this table. It feels good. I’m so happy you’re all here.”
Delilah’s eyes met mine, and I reached for her hand. “I’m happy too.”
