Giving Thanks

Tara has spent all morning busy in the kitchen as Jayson had taken Zoe to the park to play, though both had bundled up against the chilly weather. Today was going to be a day to remember, she thought as she busied herself making some of her favorite dishes of the day.

Though she hadn’t spent a lot of time in the United States; in fact, she hadn’t been there more than a couple of years, but in that time, she had enjoyed a couple customs. One of which was a holiday known as Thanksgiving that was celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November. It wasn’t so much that she celebrated the Pilgrims and that first Thanksgiving, but there was a feeling of celebrating family that went with it. It was a day for counting one’s blessings . . . and that’s just what she intended to do. After all, she had so much to be thankful for.

Close to 13:00 hours, she pulled the turkey from the oven and it was perfect. As she let it sit, she popped the special mashed potatoes in the over along side the candied yams. The stuffing was already done along with the green bean casserole. It wasn’t a huge feast . . . It was enough for a small family. She was sure to have some leftovers which weren’t an issue. She looked forward to turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce. The last thing that would go into the oven were the rolls.

As she washed her hands, she went to the table and set it with her finest dishes and glasses, except for Zoe’s place, which was set with her hard plastic plate and cup designed with her favorite kid vid character on it.

She then put out the cranberry sauce and butter. It wasn’t long before everything was ready and she was carrying it to the table.

Just as she finished, Jayson came back with a giggling Zoe in his arms.

“Something smells good in here,” he said as he carried Zoe toward Tara, who was just filling the glasses with sparkling cider. It seemed a better choice as Zoe would undoubtedly want some of what they were drinking – no matter what it was.

“Momma, I hungry!” Zoe smiled, stretching out her arms toward her mother.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be eating in a moment,” Tara smiled as she took Zoe into her arms and kissed her little girl’s cheek.

“You certainly put forth a lot of effort on this,” Jayson said as he looked everything over.

“But it’s worth it,” Tara smiled. “This holiday I’d celebrated when I was stationed in New York under Zo’or . . . In fact, it was William Boone that had that first Thanksgiving with me . . . I’d felt so alone . . . I was new to America , and Zo’or . . . Well, he was a nightmare . . .”

Jayson too her hand and squeezed it gently. He remembered the stories she’d told him of the manipulative and deceptive Taelon.

“Well,” she said pulling her mind away from her memories. “This was one of the best things I learned when I was there. It’s wonderful to celebrate family and a friend . . . To give thanks for all that’s good in one’s life.”

“I think you’re right,” he replied, kissing her tenderly.

Zoe again giggled and kissed them both on the cheek. “Happy family!” she chirped.

“Yes, and happy families must have clean hands before we eat,” she smiled.

“I’ll help you,” Jayson said, taking Zoe in his arms once again. “And while I’m at it, how about I help you into your pretty new dress?”

Zoe immediately clapped with a bright smile on her face. “Yay!”

“Maybe I’ll take a few moments to change myself,” Tara smiled.

“Why don’t you do that now as I get Zoe ready?”

“All right,” she smiled, and disappeared into their bedroom.

Ten minutes later, Jayson entered their room to change his own clothes. But as he saw Tara, he smiled . . . his dark eyes sparkled. She stood before him in a green velvet, tea length dress. It had long sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and it was fitted to her waist. Her hair was pulled away from her face, and curled down her neck and around her shoulders. And around her neck was a simple emerald on as golden chain.

“You look . . . gorgeous . . .” he smiled.

As he went to her, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. She returned the kissed and smiled softly.

“So you like it then?” she asked.

“Oh yeah . . .” he replied, kissing her again.

Suddenly, their moment was again interrupted by the giggles of their daughter. As Tara turned, she saw Zoe dressed up in her little cranberry colored dress. Her dark hair was pulled away from her face; she wore white tights and little black shoes.

“Oh, you looked darling!” Tara said as she went to Zoe and knelt before her. “Just like a little princess!”

“Princess Zoe!” she said with a bright smile.

“Well, how about you ladies let me get dressed up now?” Jayson said.

“I think that’s a good idea,” Tara replied. “Come on.” With that, she stood and took Zoe’s hand. “Let’s see what you can help me with out here while we wait.”

It didn’t take long for Jayson to change into a suit. He looked as good as always. When he came back into the other room, he saw that the napkins had been laid out and the candles lit. Even the rolls were now on the table. Suddenly, there was the sound of a click. As he looked, he saw that Tara had taken a photo of him.

He laughed. “You might have waited until I was ready,” he said.

“And spoil the surprise?” she replied. “Come on . . . there will be time for more photos soon enough.”

They all said down.

“Now what? Are we ready to eat?” he asked.

“First . . . why don’t we all say what we’re thankful for?” Tara offered.

“Mommy and Daddy!” Zoe immediately chimed in. “And Princess Cindy! And Bobo! And-“

“I think you’re watching too much of the vid,” Tara laughed softly. As Jayson smiled, she asked. “What are you thankful for?”

“Do you have to ask?” he replied taking her hand, meeting her gaze with his own and then turning his attention to their daughter. “For you and Zoe, of course . . . My life would be very lonely with you both. You’ve taken my life in directions I never thought it would go.”

“Daddy loves us!” chirped Zoe.

“Yes, I do!” he replied taking a moment to tickle Zoe and listen to her giggle more. “And what about you, Tara; what are you thankful for?”

“I’m thankful for having been brought here to this dimension . . . To where my daughter could be born safely . . . and where I found you . . .” She leaned over and kissed him tenderly. “I can guarantee that I never thought my life would lead me here. But I am so glad it did . . . I have a family I would never want to live without . . . friends, though some may be a bit far away . . . and a job I relish each and every day. My life is filled with reasons to be thankful . . .”

Jayson reached out and caressed her cheek gently. “Mine too . . .” he replied and kissed her in the candle light.