“Jenna.” Kira sent another warning glance to her daughter, and then looked at Mia. “Hi, Mia. It’s good to see you again.”
Trace removed his cowboy hat and nodded. “Hello, Mia.”
“Nice to see you, too. I hope you don’t mind that we took over Jarrett’s house.”
The pretty blonde smiled and glanced up at her husband. Love radiated between them just as Mia had seen between her brother and his wife.
“We think it’s wonderful,” Kira said. “I’m just wondering how you did it.”
“I believe a judge did it, along with several of the tenants.”
They all looked toward the living room and saw the numerous people. “Welcome to Mountain View Apartment’s Thanksgiving Day celebration.” Mia turned to Kira. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to find a restroom.”
Jarrett watched Mia walk down the hall. He wanted to go after her. Why? She was capable of finding the bathroom.
“How is she doing?”
Jarrett looked at his sister-in-law. “She should be off her feet. So would you watch her?”
“Sure. If you and Trace unload the car. I brought a few things for dinner, too. I’ll take Jenna to the kitchen and see if they need any help.”
“Just ask for Nola.”
“I know Nola Madison. I see her at church nearly every week.”
“Okay. You’ll probably know a few of the others, too.”
Once the group of seniors spotted Jenna, they began to fuss over her. His niece couldn’t get enough of the attention.
“So tell me about you and Mia Saunders,” Trace said.
Jarrett turned around. “There’s nothing to tell. She had a scare with her pregnancy and I had to take her to the hospital. The doctor ordered bed rest. She was allowed to come here, but she needs to stay off her feet.”
He glanced down the hall. “And if she doesn’t come out soon, I’m going in to get her.”
Trace arched an eyebrow. “So when did you become her protector?”
Jarrett turned to his younger half brother. Trace stared back at him.
“She doesn’t have anyone else,” Jarrett reminded him. “Remember, she lost her brother a few months back.”
Trace nodded. “Yeah, Reverend Brad was a good man,” he said, studying Jarrett. “I just never knew my brother to care much about anything that wasn’t about the almighty dollar. You must be getting soft in your old age.”
“Hey, I’m not that old.” He didn’t want to discuss his age or his relationship with Mia. They were neighbors. Temporary neighbors. “But don’t go thinking I’ve bought into the family scene.”
“Never say never, bro,” Trace challenged. “I’ve seen you with Jenna. You wouldn’t be a bad dad.”
Jarrett froze. He didn’t want to be a dad at all. His own father had been lousy at the job. “Look, as soon as I make the repairs to the complex, I’m out of there. And I won’t be looking back.”
On returning from the bathroom, Mia discovered that everyone was taking a seat at the tables. She glanced around for to find one last vacant chair. Next to Jarrett.
Smiling, he stood and pulled out her chair. “Looks like you’re next to me.”
She caught Nola smiling from across the table. Little Jenna was on the other side of Jarrett and Trace and Kira sat beside her. “I’m just happy we have a place to eat. Thank you, Jarrett, for having us here.”
Nola and Margaret stood and went into the kitchen and soon returned, each woman carrying a platter with a large turkey. The group made approving sounds as the birds were placed on the table alongside sweet potatoes, green-bean casseroles, stuffing, gravy and other side dishes too numerous to count.
Nola stood beside the table. “Before we all dig in, we should give thanks for this wonderful day.” She turned to Jarrett.
Mia watched as he nudged his brother and said something to him. Trace nodded. “Everyone, take hands and let’s bow our heads.”
Jarrett reached for Mia’s hand. His large palm nearly engulfed hers. She was surprised by the roughness of his fingers, but also by the warmth he generated.
“Dear Lord,” Trace began. “We thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us this past year. There have been some rough times, but sometimes that brings out the best in people. And today, we see that special bond as friends gather together as a family.
“We also ask for your blessing for those who aren’t here with us.” Trace paused. Mia thought about Brad and Karen. She felt Jarrett squeeze her hand. “We also ask a special blessing for Mia’s baby.
“We ask you to bless this food in your name. Amen.”
“Amens” echoed around the room.
Mia kept her head lowered, thinking of her brother and his wife. How much she missed them. Brad had always been there to guide her, to spout optimism whenever she wanted to give up. Now, she had to go on without him.
She opened her eyes to see that she was still holding hands with Jarrett. She turned to him to catch him watching her.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine.” She pulled her hand away. “I wish people would stop asking me that.”
“Then eat a good meal today, and we’ll get you home to bed.”
His deep voice caused her to shiver. “I can get myself to bed, thank you,” she said in a quiet voice.
“Well, one thing is for sure, you’re not climbing the steps.”
Since when did he become the boss of her? “I wouldn’t have to if you’d fix the elevator.”
He glared. “That will be Monday. I can’t get anyone out before then.”
She heard his name called and they both looked up at Nola.
“Jarrett and Trace, would you do the honor of slicing the turkeys?”
The brothers stood, went to opposite ends of the table and began to carve. The side dishes were passed around and Mia put small helpings onto her plate. With Jarrett gone, she dished up food for him, too.
“Are you Unca Jay’s girlfriend?” Jenna McKane asked from across her uncle’s empty seat.
Mia smiled. “No. We’re neighbors in his apartment building in town.”
The little girl frowned and turned to her mother. “Mommy, what’s an apartment?”
“It’s a big building with a lot of houses inside. It’s like where Aunt Michele lives.”
“Oh.” The child turned back to Mia’s stomach. “Are you going to have a baby soon?”
“Yes, I am, in just a few weeks.”
Jenna grinned. “I have a big brother, Jack. He’s old and he doesn’t live with us. So my mommy and daddy are trying to have a brother or sister for me.”
“Jenna McKane,” Kira said, giving her daughter a stern look. “You don’t have to talk so much. Now, eat.”
Kira looked at Mia. “I’m sorry. Trace and I forget how much she hears.”
Mia smiled as the platter of turkey was passed to her. She nodded toward the child eating mashed potatoes. “She’s adorable.”
Kira looked at her daughter lovingly. “She’s