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“Um. Thanks for having me over for dinner. It smells delicious.” The sweet tang of barbecue sauce hung in the air along with corn on the cob, and unless she missed her guess, fresh biscuits. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had barbecue; she’d probably been a teenager. Many of her friends were chefs and it seemed that dinners with them were often fancier than they needed to be. Almost an unspoken one-upmanship contest against each other. She’d been no better than the rest, prepping intricate multi-course dinners, when a simple meal would have served as well and been more intimate and relaxing.
Beth wrapped her arms around Heather’s shoulder and tugged her forward. “Don’t worry about your shoes. They’re fine.”
“Oh no. I’ll just slip them off. The heels might damage your floors.” She slipped out from under Beth’s arm and removed her high heeled sandals. She put on a pair of short socks and set the shoes to the side, out of the jumble of large men’s footwear that littered the entryway and created a tripping hazard. She wanted to line them all up beside hers.
“Come. Come,” Beth urged, “tell me all about yourself. Are you single?”
“Mom!” Zander groaned.
“Oh, hush. I want to know everything about your new friend.”
Zander’s mom was a force to be reckoned with. Heather wondered if the woman was ever denied anything she went after. Beth hustled her to the dining room table and shouted, “Come eat.”
Thundering feet heralded the arrival of the rest of the family. For a moment all four sons were lined up at the side of the table. They were all different from each other but were, beyond doubt, related. Though their hair was a variety of shades, they had the same steely jaw and eyes. They looked a bit like their mother but probably resembled their father more.
Jacob was serious, as always. Derrick was scowling, and Tyson looked distracted. Zander smiled at her, and heat blossomed from her toes to the top of her head. Funny that his smile did that when none of his brothers’ rare grins ever lit her insides on fire. Not that they were grinning now.
“What’s with the shirt?” Derrick growled, edging past Zander with a heaping tray of ribs in his hands.
“You’re not the favorite,” Tyson quipped. “Everyone knows I’m the favorite uncle. I’ve even got the shirt to prove it.” Heather stifled a laugh. Zander, Derrick, and Tyson all wore the same shirt in different colors. Jacob’s said World’s Best Dad while the others all said World’s Best Uncle.
Ella and Lexi came in, each carrying a laden dish. “You’re all my favorite.” Ella’s comment elicited a chorus of grumbles that made the women laugh.
The enormous dining table was set with serviceable dishes. They were mismatched in a manner that made the table feel eclectic and quirky. Heather suspected the variety of dishes was the result of years of rough and tumble boys breaking things. The drinkware ranged from ancient superhero glasses from fast food joints to those designed to mimic cut crystal. The entire table made her smile. The ribs were piled on a baking sheet and the mashed potatoes were mounded in a heavy ceramic bowl patterned with three-dimensional strawberries. Biscuits overflowed a wicker basket. There was a Royal Albert Christmas patterned gravy boat, and the iced tea was in a plastic jug. The table, like the family, was a bit chaotic and absolutely fun.
The bickering continued as everyone found their way to a seat. Mostly, it seemed good natured, but there were a few harsh verbal jabs thrown. Still, Heather recognized the love between them.
Heather sat in the chair Beth steered her toward. Ella sat on her left, Zander on her right. The table was large but crowded. Zander’s knee bumped hers repeatedly. Initially, she pulled away, but it was no use. The only way to escape the delightful brushing of skin would be to leave the table entirely.
“Thank you for inviting me. This all looks amazing,” Heather said.
“You are very welcome. Zander can bring you anytime. No need to wait for an invitation. There’s always plenty of food to go around. Besides, you work at the inn, that practically makes you family.” Beth winked at her from across the table. She suspected Zander’s mother was pushing to see how serious their relationship was.
“Tyson, you should go out with Lila-Jean’s daughter while she’s in town next week,” Beth declared giving her son a significant look.
Heather had no idea who Lila-Jean was but judging by Tyson’s face the idea was not appealing in the least.
“Derrick can date her. I’ve been down that road. I dated Naomi in high school. Lila-Jean is lovely. Naomi, not so much. So, no, thank you.”
Derrick glared at Tyson. “Don’t even think of pushing that on me,” he growled.
“Why is everyone bent on hooking me up?” Tyson demanded. “I’m capable of finding my own dates.” He slammed a fist on the table making the glasses jump. He grabbed the dish of corn and threw a cob on his plate before shoving the dish Derrick’s way. He accidentally bumped his brother’s elbow as he started to take a drink of iced tea.
Liquid sloshed down Derrick’s chest. The glass dropped onto his plate spraying everyone with the sugary liquid. He cussed and slammed his chair backward, tipping it over with a deafening crash. He stormed out of the room. King barked twice from under the table. The screen door slammed and seconds later a motorcycle roared to life.
When the sound faded in the distance, Beth sighed. “Pardon my sons, despite my best efforts, they sometimes behave like a bunch of barbarians.”
Tyson mumbled an apology. Lexi righted Derrick’s chair. Zander rose carefully to his feet and went into the kitchen. He came back with a roll of paper towel and several wet cloths.
“Don’t worry about me,” Heather said. “I’ve seen more than one fight at a dinner party.” Nothing like this, but she didn’t want Beth to feel worse than she already did. Both Beth and Ella looked on the verge of tears.
The mess was cleaned up and everyone patted dry. “Dig in,” Beth said. “It’s already getting cold.” Silence reigned as bowls were passed and people began eating.
“How are you liking Half Moon Bay,” Beth asked. “Are you thinking of settling down here and raising a family?”
Heather choked on her tea. “I like it here. I’m happy at the inn.”
“And babies?” Beth persisted.
