TAKE TWO_ Who says you can't ma - Heather M. Orgeron Page 0,36
we sit inside by the fireplace. Either way, the holiday doesn’t pass without the thanks being given. Momma is a stickler for tradition.
Ellie insists on being first, a request that is quickly granted. As an only child as well as the one and only grandchild, there isn’t much she wants that she doesn’t get.
“I’m thankful that my mom and dad got married and we get to live in the same house… Oh! I almost forgot, I’m thankful for Midge too.”
“Midge,” Nya huffs. She’s facing away from me, but I can practically see her eyes rolling back in her head. She spoils that little dog rotten and still acts as if she’s the biggest thorn in her side, next to me of course. Let’s face it, not even the dog can steal that title.
Ellie sticks her tongue out at her mother, rotating her head from side to side.
“Don’t do that.” Momma tries to hide the fact that she’s fighting back a smile when she admonishes my daughter. “That’s your mother, and I know you’re just playing around, but it’s still disrespectful.”
“Sorry,” El mutters. “Your turn, Grammy.”
“Well…” Momma seems to think really hard about her answer, to the annoyance of the rest of the group. I’m not the only one getting antsy, if the loud sighs and bodies shifting are anything to go by. This really shouldn’t require so much thought. “Before last night I was gonna say I was thankful for a prosperous year on the ranch, but I guess I’m piggy-backing off of you, Ellie-Lou.” She rubs a hand on her still-pouting granddaughter’s back. “I’m thankful to have the entire family back together. It really is a dream come true.”
Nya’s arms, which are draped over my thighs while she sits between my legs, leaning back into my chest, tighten. She was so damn nervous about coming here… about the way everyone, namely my mother would react, so I know how much it means for her to see she’s still valued so much. I kiss the top of her head, kneading her shoulders with both hands, and resist the urge to say I told ya so.
“Same for me,” Pops announces. “Thankful to have our Nya girl back.” He holds out his whiskey tumbler in a sign of cheers, and he’s done. Pops has never been a man of many words.
“Great,” Cliff grumbles. “Now if I say anything other than Nya, I’ll look like an ass.”
“Everybody already knows you’re an ass, boy. Ain’t no secret,” Pops counters.
The younger version of myself jerks back in exaggerated shock. “Wow. Thanks for that. I was only kidding.”
We all start laughing, and Dad and I take turns bustin’ his chops. He flips us off before turning to address my wife. Ellie draws in a stunned breath at the gesture.
“Nya, seems you’re a pretty hot commodity ‘round here this year.” He takes a long pull from his beer. “Hasn’t been the same without you, so I guess you get my vote too.”
Cliff earns the nod of approval from Momma. “You’re up next, Liam.”
I give my wife’s shoulders a gentle squeeze. “This year I’m most thankful for birthday wishes and drunken promises.”
Nya chokes, and her Boone’s Farm sprays out of her mouth and nose toward the fire.
“What the hell kinda answer is that?” My mother is ready to leap over the flames and come at me swinging.
I can’t stop laughing at her indignation on her daughter-in-law’s behalf. “I was referring to my beautiful wife too. Relax.”
She blows out a long breath settling back on her log. “Well, you shoulda just said that then… Go on, pretty girl.” She waves at Nya. “Before I have to pull out the fly swatter for him.”
Her throat clears, and she leans forward, sitting up a little taller. “Would it be too conceited of me to say myself?” she jokes, sniffling into her sleeve. “I’m kidding, Nadine,” she hurries out, afraid of getting chastised for making a mockery of Momma’s ritual. “You guys. I’m just… This is… Wow.” Her voice is all broken up as she tries to compose herself. “I’ve missed you more than I realized and I’m thankful to be back here with all of you too, truly.”
It isn’t long before everyone becomes distracted with their own conversations and roasting marshmallows for s’mores. As soon as the attention is no longer fixed on us, I lean forward, brushing my lips against the shell of Nya’s ear. “All of you means me too, right? You thankful for me, Darlin’?”