“No, no. I just hope your father’s on his best behavior.”
“He should be. He knows what’s at stake.”
“Yeah, he does. That’s why I’m worried. If her father has any reservations… well, you know how your father can get.”
“Oh boy.”
“And didn’t you say Merry’s father is overprotective of his little girl?”
“Oh boy.”
“Uh-huh. Like I said,good luck.”
Chapter 18
Merry had decorated her little apartment with a small live Christmas tree and garland while Jason bought an artificial pre-lit tree that blazed like the sun. Just as well. She had asked him to host the family get together at his place on Christmas Eve since hers was so small and underwhelming.
She offered to do all the cooking and had planned the menu, then realized what a major task she had taken on. Trying to please everyone, she wanted to include both sets of family’s holiday traditions and foods. Thank goodness her thoughtful fiancé wouldn’t hear of her doing it alone and told her to hire an extra pair of hands.
So here she was, in Jason’s penthouse, counting out the number of plates, cups, and saucers. She was relieved to see the caterer had brought a few extra, just in case of breakage. Not that she expected dishes thrown like Frisbees, but one never knew.
“So, let’s see…” she mumbled to herself as she mentally inventoried the menu. “Ham, sweet potatoes, eighteen-pound dressed turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes au gratin, asparagus, carrots, a green salad, three pies… Six people are never going to be able to eat all this food. We’ll have leftovers for a week.”
Jill the caterer smiled. “Some folks think that’s the best thing about holidays. My mother made the most delicious turkey sandwiches and turkey soup after both Christmas and Thanksgiving.”
“Maybe I should get her recipes. And some for ham, if you have any. Trying to incorporate two sets of family traditions will test the weight limit of this buffet table.”
Jill laughed. “Everything will be fine. I brought extra potatoes au gratin so you can cut up the leftover ham and have a casserole later on. That’s why I don’t just mash the potatoes.”
“You’re brilliant. Thank you.”
“Well, everything is all set, and I should be on my way. You’ll find the ham sliced almost all the way through in the warming drawer on a cutting board. The vegetables are in the warming trays. The turkey is in the oven, all cooked and with the heat off it’ll stay hot while you get everyone settled and the champagne poured. Would you like me to carve the turkey before I leave?”
“Oh, no. That’s my father’s job. He’d feel deprived if he didn’t have the honor of hacking up the bird.”
Suddenly a horrible thought struck her.What if carving a large bird was offensive to a family of falcons? Oh, dear God. She hadn’t thought to ask Jason. Was it too late to cook pigeon? And, oh God, her family would have a fit if their traditions had to be changed.
“What’s wrong?” Jill asked. “You look nervous.”
Merry steadied herself and inhaled deeply. “Iamnervous. I’m meeting my future in-laws for the first time.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations.”
“You don’t understand. They don’t know we’re getting married yet. We decided to tell them all at once, tonight. Oh, Lord, what were we thinking? Jason says his parents will be thrilled, but my father… This wassucha bad idea.”
The elevator began to whir. Merry gasped. “They’re here! Oh my God. How’s my hair? How’s my makeup? Do I have anything in my teeth?”
Jill laughed. “You’re gorgeous. Now just relax, everything will be fine.”
“I might need my inhaler,” she squeaked, and was about to run to Jason’s bathroom for her spare.
Jill grabbed her shoulders. “Calm down. Take some slow, deep breaths.”
Merry did and her nerves settled.
Jill pulled on her wool coat and wrapped a scarf around herneck. “I’ll take the elevator down as soon as it gets here.”
The doors swooshed open and three people stepped off. The love of her life, plus a middle-aged well-coifed woman wearing a camel-hair coat, and her equally dignified, well-dressed husband.
