Page 42 of Cole
“What about all the children’s events we do?” asked Ajei. “I know we do something big for the girls’ and boys’ schools, as well as the center downtown. How do we know what to do with those?”
“We’re still here,” smiled Alexandra. “We haven’t gone anywhere and neither has Mama Irene. We’re all right here to help you find your way. Don’t sweat it.”
“There’s so much to be thankful for this year,” said Sophia Ann. “Our health, happiness, prosperity, the children, the animals, and so much more. How do we adequately show our thankfulness for all that’s been given to us?”
“By celebrating it and giving back,” smiled Adele. “Just like Mama always did. We celebrate the love, good fortune, friends, and family. We remind ourselves of all that is good in this world and we give to those less fortunate.”
“You’re right,” nodded Ajei. “I’ve watched this happen for decades now. I know what to do. We all do. Claudette? Can you get us a list of needy families in the parish that will need food baskets? Kate? You get with the chefs to decide on menus. Sophia Ann and Gwen, can you get a team together and handle the tent and decorations?”
“Of course,” they smiled.
“Jane? You and I will start working on the holiday decorations for Christmas. We’re going to do Mama Irene proud.”
“I’d be proud of ‘ya no matter what,” smirked the older woman suddenly appearing before them. “Nothing y’all do would ever disappoint me. You know what to do and how todo it. We got enough people here to make sure that everyone is taken care of and the food is ready. Even if it wasn’t, even if there was no tent and no decoration, we would still be thankful as a family for what we have.”
“I know you’re right, Grandma,” said Liz smiling at the other women. “There was a man in the clinic the other day, an oil field worker. I made the comment that his work was difficult, dirty, and hard. He just laughed at me, shaking his head. He said, I never complain about my job because there’s always a man out there praying for it. I never complain about my modest house because there’s a man out there struggling to provide shelter for his family. I don’t complain about meager meals because there’s a man out there unable to provide meals for his family. He said, I’m blessed with having exactly what I have.”
“That’s profound,” whispered Jane.
“It is. We complain about all the stupid little things. My washing machine broke the other day and I had to wash clothes at mom and dad’s before someone could fix it. I complained and whined about it all day. How fortunate am I that my parents were close enough that I could use their machine and that within twenty-four hours someone fixed my machine and didn’t charge me for it.
“Even if they hadn’t fixed the machine, I am able to afford to buy a new one tomorrow. If I tear my shirt, I can buy a new one or repair this one. If I need new shoes, I can get those. We are so very fortunate, and not just with things but also with the people that surround us.”
“Amen,” smiled Grace. “Mama Irene? I would imagine that one day you’ll fill us in on how you get our young men and young women to choose the right partners. Because no one has brought home a loser. No one.”
“Well,” she grinned. “Believe it or not, much of it is luck. You can guide them, push them a bit, but if things don’t click, well then you’re right back where you started.”
“It’s going to be an epic holiday season,” smiled Ajei. “Everyone have their assignments?”
“Got ‘em!” came the chorus of cheerful voices.
“Alright then. Ladies, put on your pilgrim hats and let’s begin.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Feeling comfortable with her new work environment and colleagues, Layla was ready to start her new life with Cole. But she knew she wouldn’t be able to do that as long as her grandfather was still alive. She’d always be looking over her shoulder, wondering when he would pop in, and attempt to take her, or worse.
There was also the issue of him potentially targeting all of these amazing people. She just didn’t want to risk that. The challenge was that she didn’t really have an alternative. If she went by herself to Syria and tried to kill him, his men would kill her first. She wasn’t a warrior. She didn’t know how to use a weapon. Maybe a knife, a scalpel, but not a gun. She’d never get close enough to harm him.
“You doing okay, Layla? My son treating you alright?” asked Ham smiling at the young woman. She sat alone on one of the stone benches in the gardens, wrapped in a warm wool shawl. She laughed, shaking her head as she slid over to allow room for him to sit.
“No. He’s been wonderful. More than I could have ever hoped for in a husband.”
“Did you hope for a husband?” he asked.
“You know, I don’t think I did. I was always worried that my grandfather would force me to marry someone but I think my medical skills were more important to him than anything. I didn’t allow myself to hope for a normal life.
“Now I’ve learned that I have grandparents, I have this wonderful new family that’s beyond a dream, and I’m about to celebrate my first, official American thanksgiving.”
“Didn’t you get to celebrate that when you were in college?” he smiled.
“No. I was invited to celebrate with classmates, not really friends. I didn’t have friends. But classmates knew that I was alone and tried to get me to join their friends-giving but of course the bodyguards wouldn’t allow it. I remember smelling all those glorious smells coming from my neighbors’ apartments.”
“Well,” he chuckled, “you’re about to get an overload of smells here.”
They sat quietly for a few minutes, just listening to the rustling of the leaves as the cool fall breezes washed over them. The smells of the gardens had shifted from the spring and summer potency to the milder smells of winter coming.
“You know when I came here I felt lost as well. I knew some of the Robicheauxs, but I never, ever, expected to meet Sadie.”
