Page 33 of Stuff My Turkey
Around the table, similar reactions played out. Bitsy managed two bites before discreetly spitting into her napkin. Earl's face contorted as he manfully powered through a small piece. Knox didn't even try to hide his disgust, pushing his plate away entirely.
"It's... unique," Dottie offered with Southern politeness that couldn't mask her horror.
"It's awful," I admitted, pushing my own plate away. "I'm so sorry."
A moment of silence fell over the table before Heath burst out laughing. Not a polite chuckle, but a full-bodied laugh that came from deep in his chest. The tension broke, and soon everyone joined in—even Earl, whose booming guffaw rattled the water glasses.
"Well," Heath gasped, wiping tears from his eyes, "at least we have cranberry sauce."
"And Dottie's special Jell-O," I added, eyeing the wobbling green mass dubiously.
"It's a family recipe," Dottie sniffed, though a smile played at her lips.
The doorbell rang again, cutting through our laughter. Heath's expression instantly darkened, and I knew without asking who stood on the other side.
"I'll get it," I said, rising before Heath could. As I moved toward the door, I felt his eyes on me, concern radiating from him in waves.
Buck Jessup stood on the porch, dressed in black jeans and a western shirt with pearl snap buttons.
"Well, ain't this cozy," he drawled, pushing past me into the house without waiting for an invitation. "Hope I'm not interrupting your little family dinner."
"Actually, you are," I replied coldly. "What do you want, Buck?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Just being neighborly. Thought I'd stop by and check on Heath. Make sure he's made the right decision about our... business matter."
Heath appeared in the hallway behind me, his jaw clenched so tight I could almost hear his teeth grinding. "This isn't a good time."
"Oh, I think it's the perfect time," Buck countered, moving toward the dining room. "With everyone gathered 'round. Especially the Vickerys."
I caught the flash of jealousy in Buck's eyes as they swept over Heath's home, the guests at his table. This wasn't just about business—it was about his resentment of everything Heath had that he wanted: the respected breeding program, the heritage ranch, the Vickery investment, and apparently, me.
My heart pounded as I followed them back to the table, where confusion had replaced the earlier laughter. Dottie dabbed her lips with her napkin nervously, clearly sensing the tension.
"Mr. Jessup," Earl acknowledged with a curt nod. "Something we can help you with?"
"Actually," Buck said, his grin widening, "I thought you might like to know something about your potential partners here." He gestured between Heath and me. "A little truth about their... arrangement."
The moment stretched taut as a wire. I could see Heath's shoulders tense, his hands clenching at his sides. In that instant, I knew what I had to do.
"You know what?" I stepped forward, placing myself between him and the table. "You're right. It's time for some truth."
Heath's eyes widened. "Honey—"
"It's okay," I assured him before turning to face everyone. "When I first came to McGraw Heritage Ranch, it wasn't as Heath's girlfriend. The truth is, I tried to liberate what I thought werefactory-farmed turkeys, only they turned out to be prize heritage breeds."
Gasps echoed around the table. Dottie clutched her pearls, eyes widening to saucers.
"Heath caught me," I continued, the words tumbling out faster now. "He could have called the sheriff, had me arrested for livestock theft. Instead, we made a deal—I would pretend to be his girlfriend while you were visiting, and he wouldn't press charges."
Buck's triumphant smile faltered as I took the wind from his sails.
"So yes, it started as a business arrangement," I admitted, glancing at Heath, whose expression had gone unreadable. "But then something unexpected happened between us."
I took a deep breath, looking directly at Heath now. "I got to know the real Heath McGraw. Not just Knox's brother or some cowboy stereotype, but a man who cares deeply about ethical farming. A man who delivered a foal in the middle of the night and let me name her Grace. A man who defended me against small-town gossip and protected me against unwanted advances."
My voice softened. "What began as a deal turned into genuine connection—and more. At least for me." I swallowed hard, vulnerability making my hands tremble. "I'm falling for you, Heath. For real."
The room had gone pin-drop silent. Buck's smug expression had collapsed entirely, replaced by consternation as he realized his blackmail attempt had backfired spectacularly.
