Red Hot Christmas by Jill Sanders Page B

then dumped the trash in the trashcan, then they walked back to the Golden Oar, hand in hand.
     
     

Chapter Nine

    B y the time he got back home, he was in a better mood then he'd been in all month. When he arrived home he was greeted with laughter and wonderful smells. The four women were in the kitchen cooking. His gran sat in her wheelchair laughing, which caused him to smile.
     
    “Well, there he is now. We were just wondering when you were going to be home. We're just getting ready for some company tonight. Your grandmother thought it would be nice to invite a few friends over.”
     
    His smile dropped away a little. “Gran? Are you going to be up to it?”
     
    “Oh my, yes, dear. I think it's a lovely idea. I always wanted to say my goodbyes on my own terms. None of this hanging about until I look dreadful. I want everyone to see me while I'm still in my prime.” She smiled, causing him to smile. Yup, that was his gran. Always doing things her own way. He thought it was a great idea.
     
    “Well, naturally we've been in here cooking all day. We even made a batch of those brownies you love so much,” one of the sisters said, causing him to look about the room quickly. “On, no. We have them tucked away. You can have some later. Now go clean up and wear something nice. Guests will be arriving soon.”
     
    He rushed from the room in hopes of getting his hands on a brownie early. By the time he was cleaned up and dressed in dark brown slacks and a green button-up shirt, he thought he heard more voices in the house. When he walked out, he saw the entire Jordan clan, Father Michael, Patty, several of the other church women, and a few other families his grandparents had been close to, all sitting or standing around.
     
    “Good, you’re here,” Annie said, carrying a large plate of cheese and crackers in her hands. “You can help me fill drink orders.”
     
    He spent the next ten minutes getting everyone drinks. When he was done, he realized more people had entered. He was in the process of carrying several glasses into the living room when Amber walked in. She'd changed out of her uniform and was wearing a slick green dress that made him pause. She looked stunning. He was happy to see her there and immediately handed the drinks to someone and mumbled something about handing them out.
     
    Then he was standing in front of her, and she was smiling at him. “You know, you'll never make any good tips that way.”
     
    “Huh? Oh! Yeah, well. I wasn't made to be on my feet ten hours out of the day.” He smiled and took her hand. “You look wonderful.” He leaned in. “And you smell wonderful, too.” She laughed and pushed him lightly on the arm.
     
    “It was so wonderful for your grandmother to invite me. She wasn't too clear about what the occasion is.” She looked around the room at all the people.
     
    “She's saying goodbye.” His smile felt forced.
     
    “Oh!” She looked at him. “Are you okay with this?”
     
    He nodded. “You know, at first I was hesitant. But then I saw her smile and the peace in her eyes. She wants to do things her way. My grandfather didn't get to say goodbye to any of his family or friends. Who am I to tell her what she can and can't do? Besides, it's the happiest I've seen her in a while.” He nodded to where his grandmother sat with one of Megan's kids on her lap. The little girl was gently looking at his gran's necklace, something he'd always seen her wear.
     
    “She does look happy. How's she doing?”
     
    “She has her moments. Today is a good day.” He smiled and pulled her along the hallway towards the back room where he thought there were fewer people, but the room was just as packed. He wanted to be alone with her, but before he could figure out a place to go, Megan and Allison walked by, and before he knew what was happening, all three women walked off together, leaving him standing in the doorway alone.
     
    He liked that Amber was friendly with all