One Big Happy Family

Chapter 7

7

Dana unpacked quickly. Her clothes fit easily in the dresser and large closet, but she hesitated when it came to her cosmetic case. Normally she would simply put it on the bathroom counter, but given that she was sharing with Gwen, she felt that wasn’t a smart move. Better to keep it in her room and drag it with her when she needed it, she thought. A pain, but probably safer when it came to family relations.

She had no idea what was up with Blair’s mom. According to her sister-in-law, Gwen had practically demanded to be included in the holiday festivities, but since arriving, she’d been nothing but disapproving and unhappy. It seemed like she didn’t want to be here at all. So why had she come?

Dana didn’t have an answer to that, nor was she likely to get one. Families could be difficult. Her friends often complained about theirs. She supposed she was lucky. Her mom was great, she and Nick got along, and she adored Blair. She walked over to the poster of her and Dad, when she’d been a baby. His expression of love and wonder brought tears to her eyes.

“Oh, Dad. Why’d you have to go so soon?”

She pressed her hand against the picture. Thank goodness she and Nick had realized this was where they had to spend Christmas. Yes, thinking about her father not being here would be painful, but remembering him, missing him, loving him would honor his memory.

She tucked her cell phone in her jeans pocket and went downstairs. As she suspected, her mother was already in the kitchen, collecting ingredients for lunch. The large panini press sat out on the counter.

“We’re starting with easy food,” her mom said with a smile. “Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.”

“Sounds good.” She looked at the decorations tucked in corners and on the buffet in the eat-in kitchen. “You and Heath were busy, Mom. I can’t believe how much you got done.”

“We worked hard over the weekend, and I had all day yesterday to finish up. There are still a few things to put out, so I was hoping you and I could do that this afternoon.”

“Of course.” She studied her mother, taking in the faint shadows under her eyes. “You okay? You seem tired.”

“I’m fine.”

Dana wasn’t sure. “Are you worried about Heath’s kids coming here for Christmas?”

“A little,” Julie admitted. “I don’t know them at all. Heath and I hadn’t gotten around to meeting each other’s family because we haven’t been together that long and didn’t see any reason to rush things. Then Tiffany got invited to the Bahamas for Christmas. She wanted to go and of course Heath wanted the time with his children.”

“Tiffany?” Dana asked, her voice teasing. “Tiffany?”

“It’s a good name.”

“It’s the perfect ex-wife name. Do we hate her?”

“No. I barely met the woman but she seems fine. It’s not a competition.” Julie leaned against the counter and sighed. “Okay, I’ll admit she’s young. I mean, seriously young. That was depressing.”

“Mom, Heath’s with you .”

Julie waved that comment away. “I’m not worried about him wanting to get back together with her. It’s just...she’s really young.”

“You seem hung up on age, which isn’t like you.” Dana thought about her mother’s dating life since the divorce. “You’ve never been so worried about a guy before. Heath must be special.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Her mother paused, then shook her head. “That came out wrong. He’s great and I like him a lot. That’s not the problem. It’s just we were going along at a certain pace and suddenly everything is different. We’re spending Christmas together with all of our kids, and I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Are you worried about them being comfortable with everyone?”

“A little. They don’t know us and the house is unfamiliar. I want them to be comfortable and have a good holiday.” She looked at Dana. “Maybe it’s the realness of the situation. I knew about Madeline and Wyatt, but only in theory. Now they’re a thing, and they’re going to be part of our traditions. It’s Christmas.” She paused. “This sounds ridiculous, but I want them to like me.”

Her mother’s unexpected vulnerability surprised her. “They’re going to love you.”

“Maybe.”

“They are.”

Dana was sure—nearly everyone adored her mom. When she’d been young, hers had been the house all her friends had come to. There was always plenty to eat, lots of things to do, and while Julie kept track of what was going on, she’d never been intrusive. She was the mom her friends went to when they couldn’t talk to their own mothers.

“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Dana said. “Make sure they’re comfortable. At least then I’ll have someone to hang out with.”

She instantly wished she’d phrased that just a little differently.

“What’s going on?” her mother asked, looking at her intently.

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

Julie stared, obviously prepared to wait forever.

Dana sighed. “I’m trying to figure things out. Everyone has a better life than me.”

“If you don’t like what’s happening in your life, then change it. You have the power.”

Typical Julie advice, Dana thought with a touch of frustration. “That’s easy for you to say, but I’m not like you. I don’t instinctively take charge. My first reaction is to step back and assess the situation. You’re the one who plows ahead and gets it done.”

“Sometimes you need to have a little faith in yourself.” Her mother’s tone softened. “Or is Axel the real problem?”

Dana told herself not to flinch. Hearing his name was no big deal. “We’re done. It’s over.”

“You’re still in love with him.”

Aware of how sound traveled in the public rooms, Dana glared at her mother. “Don’t say that out loud.”

“You want me to write it on a note?”

“You know what I mean. And I’m not still in love with him.”

Her mother raised her eyebrows but didn’t speak. Dana groaned.

“I’m less in love with him than I was,” she amended.

“Love is or it isn’t. There’s no ‘little bit.’” Julie shook her head. “When I get back to the tow yard, I’m going to fire him.”

“What? You can’t do that. No. You’re not going to fire Axel on my behalf. I don’t want that.”

“We have to get him out of your life.”

“No, Mom. No! Don’t fix this. You’re right—it’s on me and I have the power. I need to use it.”

Her mother didn’t look convinced. “Axel is your greatest weakness. I don’t like seeing you unhappy.”

“I’m dealing. Please. Promise you won’t fire him.”

Julie hesitated. “Wouldn’t it be easier if he was gone?”

“I won’t be responsible for him losing his job. That’s not who I am. And you firing a guy because he broke your daughter’s heart isn’t you, either. It’s not right. We’d both feel awful. I want your word.”

“Fine,” her mother grumbled. “I won’t fire him, but I’ll give him the stink eye when I see him.”

“I’m fine with that.”

Paul walked into the kitchen, rubbing his hands. “Tell me lunch is soon, because I’m hungry.”

Dana laughed. “We got coffee and doughnuts on the way. How can you be hungry?” They’d stopped for them when Nick had needed to pull off the highway so Blair could use a restroom.

Paul grinned. “I’m a good eater.”

He was also tall and thin, Dana thought, trying not to be bitter about her extra weight. She’d managed to lose three pounds with her soul-crushing low-carb and healthy regimen. Unfortunately, given how great the meals always were at the cabin at Christmas, she would put them back on and a couple more.

She started down the path of beating herself up for not being stronger, then mentally put on the brakes. No, just no. It was Christmas. She wasn’t going to worry about anything but being with her family and remembering her dad. That was the entire point of coming up here.

“We’ll get started just as soon as everyone else joins us,” her mom said.

“After lunch I want to make my rum cake,” Paul said. “I brought all the dry ingredients. I’ll need eggs and butter from your stash.”

“I can do that.” Julie laughed. “I remember your rum cake from last year. It’s a whole thing, but it’s worth the work.”

Dana agreed. Once the cake was made, it was stored in an airtight container. Paul doused it in rum a couple of times a day until Christmas. When it was served, it had a nearly lethal dose of rum in every piece, but it was about the best thing she’d ever tasted.

Paul walked to the sink, where he started to wash his hands. “In the meantime, I’ll set the table.”

Dana helped him. They’d just finished when Nick, Blair and Gwen joined them.

“Let’s deal with logistics before we have lunch,” Julie said with an easy smile.

Blair grinned at Dana. “The rule portion of the afternoon.”

“It wouldn’t be my mom’s house if there weren’t rules.”

“Rules are our friend,” Julie told them. “Okay, there’s a running grocery list in the pantry. If you use the last of something, put it on the shopping list. If you can’t find something you want or need, ask me and I’ll tell you if we have it or not. There’s a menu list through the twenty-seventh on the wall in the pantry. Look it over, people, and give me feedback. This is the time to make changes. Having said that, I’ll point out all the proteins are in the freezer, so let’s try to stick with those if we can.”

“You buy snack stuff?” Nick asked.

His mother nodded. “Tons of it, along with supplies for cocktails. Dana was in charge of the wine.”

“We unloaded three cases from my car.”

Julie looked at Blair. “I need your input most of all. I did my best to get it right, but I might have missed on a few side dishes.”

“I’ll be fine,” Blair told her. “I can work around whatever you have planned.”

“Still, take a look.”

“I will.”

Julie seemed to steel herself as she offered Gwen a smile. “I’d like your input, as well. I’m familiar with everyone else’s tastes. I wouldn’t want to serve something you wouldn’t like.”

Gwen’s face puckered. “Thank you,” she murmured, somehow managing to make her tone sullen.

Julie glanced at all of them. “Every night at dinner you’ll tell me if you want the breakfast I’m fixing. You’re welcome to eat on your own, but I need to know in advance. Mealtimes are set by the group. We’ll prep and clean up on a rotating schedule. Everyone participates in chores. Any questions?”

Dana wondered if Gwen was going to protest being expected to help, but Blair’s mom stayed silent.

“Good. Now, house rules. No loud music or TV. Keep the volume at a reasonable level.” Julie stared at Nick as she spoke.

“What?” he asked with a grin. “I barely watch TV.”

“You crank up the volume when you watch sports, and some of us don’t like that.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he murmured.

Julie ignored him. “We’re living in tight quarters. Let’s be pleasant and give each other the benefit of the doubt.” She pointed at Dana and Nick. “I’m talking to you two.”

Dana took a step back. “What do you mean?”

“You and your brother bicker.”

“We don’t.” The response was automatic even as Dana thought maybe her mother was right.

“You do. It’s like you’re both five again and arguing about the other getting better presents.”

“Nick always got better presents.”

Blair laughed. “This is going to be fun. Last year Nick was on his best behavior. This year I’ll get to see the real him. I can’t wait to see if it’s as bad as Dana claims.”

Nick put his arm around her. “Last year I was trying to win you. But I’m not the one who starts trouble. That’s all Dana.”

“Everyone knows that’s not true,” Dana grumbled good-naturedly. “You’re the spoiled big brother. I’m perfect.”

Nick snorted.

Julie rolled her eyes. “Thank you for illustrating my point. Blair, I’m putting you in charge of keeping them in line.”

“Me?” Blair’s voice was a yelp. “I don’t want that responsibility.”

“Too late.” Julie smiled at Gwen. “You were a schoolteacher. I know it’s not the same as having two kids, but you must know what I mean. Sibling rivalry. It’s a whole thing.”

They all turned to Gwen, waiting for her reaction. Dana thought she might be snippy, but never expected Blair’s mother to burst into tears.

“How could you?” Gwen demanded before running from the room.

Dana watched her go, unsure of what had just happened. Her mom took a step, as if to follow Gwen, then stopped.

“I don’t understand,” Julie said, her expression troubled. “What did I say?”

“Nothing.” Paul sounded frustrated. “That woman has always been difficult. You didn’t say anything wrong. There’s no way you would have known. This isn’t on you.”

Blair nodded. “He’s right. I don’t know why she came. She’s not happy being here. Please don’t let her destroy the holiday.”

“But why did she cry?” Julie asked. “How did I upset her?”

Blair looked at her uncle, then back at Julie. She hesitated only a second. “It was the two-kid thing.”

“Because you’re an only child?”

“No. I had a baby brother. I was four at the time, so I don’t remember much. He died of SIDS three weeks after he was born. She couldn’t deal with the loss and got caught up in a depression spiral that went on for years. That’s the only thing I can think of that would upset her.”

Her voice sounded bitter. “Or maybe this is just who she is now. I don’t know her well enough to say.”

Nick pulled her closer. “That’s not on you. She’s the mom. It’s her responsibility to reach out. The fact that she didn’t is her loss.”

Dana tried to take it all in. “Your mom lost a baby?” What a terrible thing for any parent to deal with. Her mom looked equally shocked.

Blair sighed. “She did. Everyone said it was a bad time. I don’t remember much.”

There was something in her tone that made Dana wonder if she remembered more than she was letting on. Dana knew that Blair and her mother weren’t tight, but not the details. Nick had mentioned that Gwen had been emotionally absent during most of Blair’s childhood. A bullying incident during Blair’s sophomore year of high school had left Blair shattered and terrified to go back to classes, so her father had sent her to live with his brother. According to Blair, Paul had been exactly who she needed. But where had Gwen been when all that had happened?

“What a painful time for everyone,” Julie said. “Losing a child. I can’t imagine.”

“I apologize for my sister-in-law,” Paul said. “Gwen used to be fun. All that changed when she lost her son. It was tragic and life-changing. I get that, but somehow she never got over the loss. I thought eventually she’d recover, but she never did.”

“I’m sorry I upset her,” Julie murmured.

“Don’t be.” Blair’s tone was firm. “You had no way of knowing. None of this was on you.”

“My mother makes me crazy,” Blair said after lunch when she and Nick were alone in their room. “Why does she have to be so difficult? Why does she have to be here?”

Instead of answering her unanswerable questions, Nick bent down and began nibbling on her neck. Instantly flashes of desire ignited.

“I was having a rant here,” she murmured, melting against him.

“Isn’t this more fun?”

“Much.” She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “So what were your plans for the afternoon?”

He smiled. “I thought I’d tempt you into our bed. After that, I’m open to whatever interests you.”

She kissed him. “You interest me.”

They moved toward the bed, alternating between kissing and taking off articles of clothing. When they were naked, they slipped between the sheets. Nick took his time arousing her. Once she was breathless and close to her release, he shifted so he was lying on his back.

She raised her eyebrows and smiled. “So you want me on top.”

“It’s my favorite.”

Hers, too, she thought, straddling him. She’d reached between them to guide him inside when the bedroom door opened and Gwen walked in.

“Blair, do you have a minute? I thought—”

Blair shrieked and reached for the sheets. “Get out. Get out!”

The door slammed shut. She collapsed onto the mattress and buried her face into the pillow. Horror and embarrassment burned on her cheeks.

“Tell me that didn’t happen.”

Nick stroked her back. “We should have locked the door.”

She raised her head and stared at him. “She should have knocked. I can’t believe she just walked into our bedroom. Why does she have to be here? She’s ruining everything.”

“You okay?”

“No.” She looked at him. “She broke the mood.”

“We’ll try again tonight.”

“Thank you for not being mad.”

“I love you.” He kissed her. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not, but I appreciate the lie.”

After getting dressed, Blair went in search of her mother. She found Gwen in the downstairs family room, a magazine on her lap.

“You don’t knock?” she asked, her voice thick with annoyance.

“I didn’t realize what you were doing.” Her mother looked at her, obviously more put out than chagrined. “It’s the middle of the afternoon, at someone else’s house. What were you thinking?”

“That I love my husband. I don’t have to justify any part of our relationship to you.” She had a lot more to say but knew she would end up making comments she would regret. “I don’t know why you wanted to come with us,” she said instead. “You disapprove of everything, you’re obviously unhappy. What’s the point of it?”

“We’re family. We should spend the holidays together.”

Seriously? “Since when? You never showed up for them when I was little, and I haven’t seen you at Christmas since Dad died.”

Gwen flushed. “I was there when you were little.”

“If you’re saying you were in the room, then sure. If you’re trying to say you participated, you didn’t.”

Her mother had been an emotional ghost. There but not there. She’d gone through the motions of handing out presents, opening hers and thanking the giver, but her expression had been blank, her voice monotone. Most Christmases she’d retreated to her bedroom by three, leaving Blair, Paul and her father to have dinner without her.

“I was dealing with a lot of pain,” Gwen said.

Blair wanted to point out that she’d been a little girl dealing with the loss of both her baby brother and her mother but knew there was no point. Gwen would never see anyone’s side but her own.

“We have ten days here, Mom. You might want to think about making an effort.”

With that, she walked up the stairs, wishing her mother had stayed in Boise. Preferably for the rest of her life.

Even though there were only six people for dinner, Julie pulled out both electronic pressure cookers to make carnitas. They would have the meat tonight, along with roasted vegetables and scalloped potatoes, then use the leftovers for enchiladas later in the week.

She was using her favorite recipe—omitting the onions in deference to Blair. Her daughter-in-law could handle the rest of the ingredients, but onions were always iffy for her stomach.

She’d just finished up browning the large chunks of pork shoulder when Gwen walked into the kitchen.

The two women stared at each other. The last time Julie had seen Blair’s mother, she’d run out of the kitchen in tears. The last time she’d heard her had been while she and Blair were having what sounded like a heated discussion. Not wanting to know the topic, Julie had retreated to her room until they’d finished.

“You’re starting dinner early,” Gwen said, motioning to the pressure cookers.

“The carnitas take about an hour plus the time for a natural release.”

“I’ve never been a fan of Mexican food.”

Julie had no idea what to say to that. “As I said earlier, you might want to look at the menus. I have enchiladas and tacos planned.”

Gwen waved away the comment. “It’s fine. I’ll eat what everyone else does.”

While complaining , Julie thought grimly. Blair was right—her mother was a nightmare. That thought was followed by instant guilt as she remembered Gwen’s loss. Which meant she should be more understanding.

She put the last of the browned meat into the second pressure cooker, added broth, spices and the peppers, then closed it before setting the timer. Once that was done, she had no choice but to face Blair’s mother.

Gwen was around her age, she thought. They’d both raised children, held down jobs, been married. Surely they had to have something in common.

“I’m sorry I upset you earlier,” Julie said, telling herself to be the bigger person. “I’m not sure what happened, but I obviously said the wrong thing.”

“It’s not you.” Gwen pulled up a stool at the island. “I’ve been on edge lately. The move has been difficult. I can’t find a condo I like and I miss my friends. But that’s not the problem. Can I be blunt?”

Oh, if only she wouldn’t, Julie thought, even as she smiled and said, “Of course.”

“My daughter hates me.”

Julie leaned against the counter. She hadn’t been expecting that. “No one hates you,” she said automatically. Yes, Blair resented her mother and wished she’d stayed in Boise, but that wasn’t the same as hating her.

“We’ve never been very close,” Gwen admitted. “I suppose a lot of that is on me. But it was just the way of things.”

“You live five hundred miles away. That makes it tough to maintain a relationship.” Plus, according to Blair, Gwen had never been very interested in her daughter’s life.

“I doubt it is because of proximity.” Gwen shook her head. “I simply don’t understand the choices she’s made.”

Now Julie was really confused. “With her career?”

“That’s part of it, but also with Nick.”

“What?”

“Don’t get me wrong. He’s a nice enough man.”

Fury exploded. Julie hung on to her temper and told herself to stay calm. Gwen wasn’t the most tactful person on the planet. Julie should give her the benefit of the doubt. No way the bitch was dissing her son, even if that was what it sounded like.

“Blair has a master’s degree, and Nick never went to college,” Gwen went on as if unaware of how she’d offended her host. “And there’s no real advancement at his job.”

“He’s going to run the company.”

“It’s a towing service.” Gwen wrinkled her nose. “I was hoping Blair would find an investment banker or maybe a dentist. Someone who doesn’t have to carry a gun on the job. I’m sure you understand.”

“No, I don’t understand. I don’t understand at all. Nick is a warm, caring man who would give his life for your daughter. He’s honest, he would never cheat on her or disrespect her in any way. He’s strong, determined and loyal. I would think that as Blair’s mother, those are the qualities that would matter the most in your son-in-law, but I guess I would be wrong.”

Gwen stared at her, obviously baffled. “You’re upset. I don’t understand.”

“Then let me be clear. You have the emotional intelligence of a snail. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go hang out with my non-suit-wearing, uneducated son and be proud of everything about him.”

With that, she walked out of the kitchen. She passed Dana, who was standing on the stairs.

“Did I just hear what I thought I heard?” her daughter asked in a whisper.

“Every single word.”

“Now I have to hate her.”

“Join the club. It seems we’re all members.”