Topic: A Granger Family Christmas

Caroline Granger

Date: 2011-12-12 19:10 EST
What with one thing and another, the usual Granger family gathering had been forgotten last year, left behind in the rush of other happenings and worries. Not so this year - now he was no longer in charge of every little detail to do with the running of the company, the Old Man himself had spent a vast amount of time and energy to put together a Christmas dinner for his sprawling, extended family.

Intended to begin from mid-morning on Christmas Eve, the reminders went out to every Granger, the house staff and their families, and various family friends to keep that day open to enjoy the hospitality of the big house at Maple Grove. Dinner was, of course, going to be provided with the usual aplomb, not to mention a ridiculous amount of alcohol, and the traditional free-for-all that was the gift-giving.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/01-3.jpg

The big house itself was sparsely decorated out front, giving full attention to the lovingly tended giant redwood tree that stood close by, decorated with sparkling white lights for the winter festival season. All one hundred and eighteen feet of it, making it possibly the tallest Christmas tree in Rhy'Din.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/10.jpg http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/09.jpg http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/02-3.jpg

As usual, the main rooms of the big house had been opened up, the two sitting rooms decorated to match the season as much as to accomodate the sheer numbers who would hopefully come for the celebration. Smaller fir trees had been brought inside and also decorated under Humphrey's watchful eyes, presents laid lovingly beneath the lower branches just waiting to be given out.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/08.jpg

When everyone was gathered, had been supplied with a drink, enjoyed a little conversation, and watched the children tear enthusiastically into the first round of presents, the party would move into the dining room, large enough to comfortably hold all the Grangers and their guests at a table laid in festive style, surrounded by portraits painted exclusively by members of their own family.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/07-2.jpg http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/06.jpg

Dinner was traditional, a simple but lovingly presented array of Christmas meats and vegetables, stuffing, and sauces. All allergies and food preferences were taken care of; options available for vegetarian, vegan, wheat-free, lactose-free, nut-free, and anything else that the cooks had been able to think of. And of course, the pre-requisite flaming Christmas pudding, the contents of which had broken more Granger children's teeth over the years than any number of barfights.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/03.gif http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5322909863_8210831fc4.jpg

After the meal, the party was invited to partake of Humphrey's more exclusive vintages and spirits back in the sitting rooms, encouraged to chat with each other further, reconnecting the ties that bound them without dissolving into arguments. If, of course, arguments did arise, the Old Man was not above exiling the warring parties to the gardens until they'd shouted themselves out.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/04.jpg http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/05-1.jpg

With snacks, coffees, games, and the pleasure of each other's company - not to mention a toast lifted in the hope that those absent would not be so for long - Humphrey hoped that Christmas Eve this year would be one to enjoy and remember.

Of course, they had to get through it without killing each other first ...

Dominic Granger

Date: 2011-12-15 12:41 EST
Dom stood underneath the sparkling Christmas tree in the dim light of the morning, a couple of large bags slung over his shoulder, and an illicit cigarette hanging from his fingers. Of course he was going to be the first to arrive - it wasn't that he was closest by any means, but with no one but his mother to fuss and get ready for the family gathering, it meant that they were probably going to arrive at least half an hour before anyone else did.

Not that it really mattered, he supposed. His mother was already inside, nattering away happily with Humphrey as they shared their complaints about the weather and anything else that came to mind while she laid out her assorted presents under the trees. Dom snorted to himself - he'd watched her wrap them this year; the selection was even more dire than usual. He loved his mother, but she couldn't pick a decent present to save her life.

With one last huff of smoke, he dropped the butt to the icy ground and stubbed it out, hiking his bags higher onto his shoulder as he turned toward the big house. Maybe if he was seen to be there by as many people as possible, he could sneak out as soon as dinner was finished. Gwen would never have allowed him to do that had she been alive; she would have run over his feet in her chair if he attempted it in her company.

As Dom crossed the threshold and stepped into the larger sitting room, he realised he was actually smiling at a memory, and pleased with the prospect of spending some time among family again. Hailed by the Old Man and instantly offered a large glass of something obscenely alcoholic, Dominic accepted graciously and thumped down into one of the many armchairs to await the arrival of the more raucous members of the family.

Brynne Granger

Date: 2011-12-19 12:38 EST
The next arrival made itself known shortly after Dom had sat down in the form of Lila. Dressed in her best party dress, with her hair tied back with a ribbon, she came scurrying into the sitting room to fling herself onto Humphrey's lap with a yelled, "Happy Christmas!"

"Lila, be gentle with him," her grandmother's voice came from the other side of the door, together with a collection of laughter that could only be Laurence, Elouise, and Brynne. It was soon revealed to be exactly them, stepping in through the doorway with smiles and armfuls of presents which were laid under the trees.

"Oh, don't be such a ninny, Elouise," Humphrey declared laughingly, hugging his however-many-great-grand-niece warmly before handing her over to Dom's mother, Lucy, for more cuddles. One thing you could always count on with little Lila was an armful of love before she got down to the important parts of her day. "Happy Christmas, all of you."

As the older members of the family settled to reminiscing and chatting over their past few weeks, Lila took full advantage of Dom being sat down to climb into his lap and demand a story about his adventures, which her mother did nothing to help with. "Yes, go on, Dom," Brynne chuckled, settling into the armchair nearest him with a large glass of wine. "Tell her about the tribe where they eat naughty children for breakfast."

"No!" Lila glared at her mother even as Brynne laughed, blowing her daughter a kiss, and cuddled in closer to Dom, whether he wanted it or not.

Jonathan Granger

Date: 2011-12-24 11:53 EST
Even if he didn't remember past Christmases, Christmas had always been Jon's favorite time of year. In a way, this year was his first Christmas all over again. He was hoping to make new memories to fill in the gaps, reconnect with those he once new, and build new relationships with those he'd just met.

A hopeless romantic, he'd left the Bentley home and hired a horse-drawn sleigh to take himself and Vicki to Maple Grove for the big family gathering. He was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning about introducing her to the family. He knew she was a little nervous about it, but he was confident they'd love her. He was especially excited to introduce her to Humphrey, and he suspected the two of them were going to get along famously.

The two of them arrived just after Brynne and Lila, arms laden with packages, Jon promising sleigh rides to anyone who wanted one.

Jon's smile was wide, his face shining brightly with happiness, as he burst through the door singing "Let It Snow" at the top of his lungs. He'd always had a decent singing voice, albeit untrained, and it had helped land him a part in several musicals back on Earth, but his real love had always been dramatic theater.

From the looks of things, they were early, but that was fine with him. It gave him a little time to catch up with Dom, the eldest of the Granger cousins, before the others arrived. The packages added to the growing heap beneath the family Christmas tree, Jon introduced Vicki to everyone there and took a moment to pull a coin out from behind Lila's ear with a sly wink at Brynne.

Jon didn't really remember all of his family members, but had been studying family photo albums and memorizing names. Now would come the real test of matching names and faces and hoping he remembered who was who. So far, so good.

He looked around to see if his sister had arrived yet. She was the one person he was most nervous about seeing. He'd brought a small gift along to exchange, but there was a second gift he wanted to give her in private. As far as he was concerned, the only present he wanted from her was forgiveness.

To some, it might seem that a different Jon had arrived at the family gathering - a Jon that had regained the twinkle in his eyes, a wide smile on his face, his expression bright and happy, his heart light, his mood jovial. He didn't have to rely on his acting talent to pretend he was happy. He felt like Mister Scrooge on Christmas morning, renewed, rejuvenated, and with a fresh look on life. For maybe the first time in his life, Jon felt truly happy.

Helena King

Date: 2011-12-25 15:43 EST
The tree in the yard shone like a beacon for miles, she was certain. She could see the tip of it from where she stood in the front door of her own house, holding her cat.

"Be good, Ish." She kissed his head again and ignored his plaintive growls to be let down. "I hid a treat by your bowl. You'll be okay."

Still she held him, reluctant to leave. Once, she'd dreamed of going on adventures, like Dom. After the mess with Jon, she'd just wanted to be wild and thumb her nose at what everyone expected her to be, but she'd found that she had no particular talent for that and gave it up the night of the attack at the club. Not that anyone believed it. Not that she cared. Lately, all she'd done was go to work and come home to hide.

She'd brought the rest of her gifts up to the house earlier before people were expected to arrive, along with two big plates of cookies and a few bottles of wine. She could stay home. But it was also Jon's birthday, so she couldn't, not really.

Ishmael bit her finger and launched from her arms to go hide somewhere deeper in the house. "Merry Christmas to you, too, Ish." She frowned at her finger, rubbing it with her thumb. She'd better go.

The drive up to the big house wasn't long. Five minutes or so creeping along the road that wound past the pond. When she parked, there were already several cars and a sleigh ranged along the carpark in the back. She took two presents she'd kept back from the others out of the passenger seat - Jon's Christmas gift and his birthday present - and started for the house.

Piper Granger

Date: 2011-12-26 23:01 EST
Packing up a baby, a husband, and a bag full of presents for the trip to Maple Grove was probably not unlike mobilising a small army, in Piper's opinion. She was, quite frankly, amazed that they had all fitted into Ollie's little car, much less that it had survived the journey up the bumpy drive from the gates to the big house itself. They hadn't been to Maple Grove since their wedding in September; this was going to be the first opportunity the family had to meet Lyneth.

But they'd arrived intact, and weren't the first to get there, by the look of things. She would have left Ollie to get Lyneth out and carry her in, if he hadn't insisted on being the man of the family and taking charge of the admittedly heavier present bag they'd put together. With the baby on one hip and the baby's bag on the opposite shoulder, Piper drew together the shreds of her courage in the face of the Granger family and fell into step with Ollie to wander in through the festively decorated hall.

The little gathering in the sitting room wasn't quite as terrifying as she had expected it to be, instead finding herself presented with a relaxed, blessedly small, group of Grangers. After Lyneth was, naturally, handed to Humphrey so the old man could coo happily over the latest addition to his family, she gravitated to where Jon's new girlfriend was lingering awkwardly beside the fireplace, falling into easy conversation with someone who felt just as intimidated by the prospect of the gathering as she did.

Looking around as conversations meandered back and forth, Piper caught Ollie's eye and smiled warmly. This was definitely the way a Christmas family gathering should go. So far.

Victoria Granger

Date: 2011-12-28 17:38 EST
Vicki didn't quite know what she had been expecting from a Granger family gathering. Despite warnings from the people she knew to expect a vast number of people she might someday be related to by marriage, she was still surprised by the sheer numbers when she and Jon had arrived. Of course, she smiled to herself, the fact that they had arrived in a horse-drawn sleigh hadn't really helped her prepare herself - she had been far too busy thanking Jon for his romantic spur of the moment display during the journey here.

It was wonderful to see Jon surrounded by his family, though, she had to admit. While not everyone had yet arrived, there were enough people here to give her some sense of what it might have been like in this big old house when her boyfriend was a child. The family resemblences were astonishing, once you saw past the myriad of features to the eyes and mouths that were shared by almost everyone in the room.

Humphrey, in particular, proved to have the sort of humor she'd come to expect from Jon over the months, reducing her to embarrassed snorts of laughter within minutes of being introduced with his outrageous flirting. Jon hadn't warned her about that.

She was, however, grateful not to be the only non-native in the house when Jon's cousin Ollie and his wife showed up. Piper proved to be a good choice of conversationalist, both of them quickly falling into the safe topic of comparisons between the Englands they both knew while the familial gathering continued on around them.

The only downside was that her own father couldn't be here to see what a huge family she'd managed to attach herself to. But he would be having his own Christmas, with his own girlfriend's family, and that was good, too. They could compare notes when she managed to get herself back to Earth.

Paige Granger

Date: 2011-12-28 18:39 EST
Paige had to all but drag Dean to the party. Then again she wasn't quite comfortable in the idea herself. Sure they were her family but she knew two of them' Three if you counted Piper, Ollie's wife. The rest were strangers. So going as if she belonged felt very unnatural. How was she suppose to get Dean to go with her if not even she felt uncomfortable?

The whole drive to Maple Grove was a nervous trail. Dean drove them and she spent the entire time tugging at the wool scarf around her neck. By the time they had made it to the drive way she had a light red marking around her neck out.

Maple Grove, decorated as it was, was a sight to behold and after he parked she dove out of the car, giving herself no time to chicken out. Once he was close enough she dragged him, and herself, inside. It was time he met the family and even more so that she did. Besides! Caroline had told her that Humphrey was dying to meet her and she was curious to meet him too.

Once inside she pulled the wool hat from her wild curls, her eyes tilting up to Dean. "Deep breaths, Dean. They won't eat you alive." She was pretty sure. Ollie might, though. Specially when he finds out...

Dean Winchester

Date: 2011-12-28 20:51 EST
Dean felt like a fish out of water. Not only was he uncomfortable in the turtleneck and slacks Paige had picked out for him, but he was not all that happy about the crowd either. Although, with it being such a swanky-looking place, he figured the meal would probably be well worth the trouble. At the very least, he was betting they'd have pie.

It reminded him of that party Bela had dragged him to once. The one where they'd stolen the so-called Hand of Glory. He'd often wished he'd been able to enjoy more of those little sausages they'd been serving. And champagne. Before he'd been dragged off to help Bela steal the damned thing. But he didn't want to think about Bela now. It only made him sad and angry to think about her. All of that was in the past. It no longer mattered.

Dean tugged nervously at the collar of the black turtleneck, frowning at the crowd of people assembled there. He felt eyes on him when they stepped inside, eyes on them. They didn't know him from Adam, and half of them probably didn't know Paige either.

"Tell me why we're here again?" he asked, leaning close to whisper in her ear, but he already knew the answer to that question. It was family, and while Dean no longer had any family of his own, it seemed Paige had plenty to go around. He just hoped for her sake that they wouldn't hate him.

"Deep breaths, Dean. They won't eat you alive."

He smiled awkwardly at her remark, reminded of plenty of monsters he'd hunted in the past who'd like nothing better than to take a bite out of him, but as far as he knew, all of her relatives were human. "Good to know," he muttered and heaved a breath to gather his courage. Just smile and nod, Dean, he told himself. Smile and nod.

Paige Granger

Date: 2011-12-30 18:16 EST
"Tell me why we're here again?"

Paige sighed at Dean, showing her disappointment in the question. "Because they are my family," her voice lowered, "Soon to be your family." was added as a reminder.

As she looked about she spied Piper, Ollie, and her new niece. Excitement took hold of Paige's expression and she squeezed Dean's arm. He was dragged, probably against his will, toward the little family. "Besides you wouldn't deny me seeing my new niece would you? I was hoping they would bring her out!"

She wasn't just excited to see the baby but Ollie and Piper as well. She hadn't seen her half-brother nor his wife since the wedding. If anything Ollie could hopefully shed the light on some of the faces that were suppose to be family.

Gabrielle Bradford

Date: 2011-12-30 21:11 EST
Crowds had never been Gabi's thing, but Christmas at Maple Grove wasn't something she had ever missed. Besides, it was family. Even the strangers she hadn't met yet were family. It didn't, however, stop her from hiding behind Frank and their father as they walked into the lively sitting room, presents in hand.

Frank carried the gifts that he'd sloppily wrapped as he followed behind their father. He only looked forward to going to the family Christmas for one thing; to pick on the little kids. With the alcohol stashed deep within his coat pocket in a silver flask, he was ready to go. All smiles on the outside, but swirling black thoughts on the inside. The lights on the tree outside made him want to pluck a bulb from the long cord just to see if all of the lights went out. Now that would be hilarious!

As head of the household, Gordon led the way inside, hoping that maybe Cian would join them at some point, but not counting on it. His arms, too, were laden with presents, but for some reason, his heart wasn't really in it this year. You wouldn't know it, however, from the smile on his face that he wore for the occasion.

As usual, Gabi blushed and stammered her way through the hellos and Merry Christmasses, deliberately loading herself down with the presents brought by herself, her father, and her brother to put under the tree, just to avoid having to spend too much time in small talk. Naturally, the moment she knelt down, she was pounced by various children of various cousins, quickly cajoled into storytelling to pass the time until dinner was ready.

Once Gordon was sure Gabi and Frank were comfortable, he made his way to the head of the family, Humphrey, to greet him and do a little catching up.

Frank grunted through the hellos, stood stock still and rigid through any hugs or kisses. Worming his way through the throng that had gathered in the main hall, he made a bee-line for the lowered table. There was a punch bowl there with a ladle made specifically for tiny hands. Sliding the flask out of his coat pocket, he glanced around to make sure he wasn't being watched. And when the coast was clear, more than a dollop of vodka was splashed into the punch bowl. Putting the flask away, he chuckled darkly, walking to a corner of the room where he could sit and watch.

It wasn't long before it became clear what had been done to the children's punch, since alcohol on an empty stomach doesn't take its time. A couple of the younger children complained of feeling sick, beginning an investigation into the drinks by a couple of the sober adults. Adults who could recognise the taste of the vodka even under the sickly sweet juice mix.

Sitting with Lila on his knee and Gordon at his side, Humphrey glanced up as the hunt for the one who'd spiked the punch started, rolling his eyes with a chuckle. "Wouldn't be Christmas without a promise of death somewhere in the day."

Frank sipped from his flask and hid his grin at the ruckus he'd caused. One leg was crossed over the other and he presented a very affable picture. Soon enough the fingers would be pointed at him, he knew. Instead of hiding it, he lifted his flask in a toast to the old man who was head of the family. "Here, here, Gramps!"

Gordon wasn't as oblivious as Frank thought he was and he suspected who had spiked the kids' punch. And there was his proof. Frank wasn't even trying to hide it. One way or another, he was going to have to deal with that boy. Man. "I'll deal with it," he told Humphrey quietly as he got to his feet.

It didn't take a genius to work out what had happened, although Gabi ended up dealing with the fallout, again as usual. She volunteered to take the little ones who didn't feel well upstairs and stay with them, glad to be out of the way for a little while. As much as she loved her family, too many of them in one place was always asking for trouble.

Frank watched as his father stood and he cowered behind his arms, raising his legs up to his chest. "Oh no, here comes daddy! I'm going to get a spankin' for sure!" He laughed and then righted himself. Getting up, he waved his father off. "I know, I know. If I'm going to misbehave, go home." He rolled his eyes and headed for the door. "Catch ya later."

Gordon narrowed his eyes at his son, anger melting away into sadness when he saw him retreat for the door. He felt as though the young man's behavior was some fault of his, some failure in him to have raised him properly. Spare the rod, spoil the child, but he never could bear to raise a hand to his children, even in their worst moments.

"He must not be taking his meds again," Gordon mumbled to Humphrey or to anyone within hearing distance. He hated having to constantly make excuses for Frank. He wasn't a boy any longer but a full grown man who had to take responsibility for himself.

Across the room, Humphrey, too, was frowning as Frank left. He didn't pretend to understand completely what was going on with that side of the family, nor how to fix it, but at least most of them had made an appearance this year. He beckoned Gordon over, handing his nephew-however-many-times-removed a large glass of something supremely non-alcoholic. "Never mind," he assured Gordon. "We'll make sure a meal gets sent over. No one's going to miss out today, even if they can't make it."

And despite this hiccup, the afternoon did progress well, the tension of Frank's little incident dissolving away into familiar friendliness as the Grangers got down to some seriously seasonal celebrating.

Caroline Granger

Date: 2011-12-30 21:17 EST
While the others filed into the elaborately decorated house, Richmond was in the kitchen, giving Caroline a neck massage. He was leaned over her, gently kissing the lobes of her ears and whispering words of encouragement. While family get-togethers were often a lot of fun, they could be very stressful for the head of the family. In Richmond's eyes, that was Caroline. Already he could hear faint laughter from the main room and the rustle of the Christmas tree as presents were laid beneath. Reaching around Caroline, Richmond lifted a dark colored drink and held it for her. "Liquid courage?"

He was right, in a way. While Humphrey was responsible for the decorating and throwing open the big house to the entire family for a the day, it was Caroline who had volunteered to finish up the cooking so that the staff could get out there and enjoy their Christmas, too. And, of course, it gave her a place to hide from the onslaught of everyone at once, which was always welcome. She leaned back against Richmond, letting out a laugh at the drink he handed to her. "What the hell is in this?"

"Cola and Bahama rum," he murmured, giving her earlobe another soft kiss before leaning back and continuing to massage her neck muscles. "Dinner's ready and the staff have finished with their gift giving. Let them take over and you relax. Enjoy this party that your grandfather put onto your shoulders." Taking a step back from her, he let his hands drop to his sides. "Ready?"

Taking a sip of the drink - which seemed to be more rum than cola - Caroline chuckled softly, rolling her eyes. She loved her family, really she did, but getting them all together in one place was asking for a fist-fight sometimes. Her fingers curled into Richmond's palm. "Okay, I'm ready." She flashed him a grin, heading out of the kitchen and across the main hall to the sitting rooms where the sounds of chatter and paper tearing were well in progress. "Just as well you've met most of them, isn't it?"

"That's my girl," Richmond returned her smile as they left the kitchen, hand in hand. "I'm the lucky one. I'm not in for much of a surprise. Imagine Ollie's little wife and anybody else that shows up. Especially if Gigi and Ollie get into it." He chuckled at the thought, the tales of that particular rivalry had been told to him by various other cousins. They were meant as a warning and Richmond had heeded them. With a squeeze of her hand, they entered the main hall. "I'm always a few steps away," he murmured, kissing her cheek.

"Not for long," she predicted with a grin, pushing open the door and stepping inside. Almost immediately, she felt a relaxed grin cross her face - not only had Dom and Brynne come out unexpectedly, but Paige was there, and with an uncomfortable-looking young man who had to be her boyfriend, Dean. Giving Richmond a gentle push toward the cousins he knew to say hello, Caroline swept down on Paige for hugs and introductions, already finishing her drink by the time she moved on. Her eyes scanned the room to find her sea captain, hoping he hadn't been challenged to a duel or hugged to death.

Richmond hung back a bit, always happy to be not in the center of things. Instead, he edged around the room exchanging well wishes with the myriad of cousins. A baby was held, briefly, and he expounded on what a perfect darling it was. He wasn't sure whose baby it was; there were ten in the room! Still, he hugged and pressed his lips to cheeks of the family that greeted him thusly. He shook hands and even played a hand at handing out alcohol to those old enough to drink. By the time his eyes met with Caroline's, he was ready for a drink himself. He smiled and began to pour some Laphroaig into a tumbler with ice. Holding it up, he offered it to her from across the room.

Toasting her lover with her empty glass, Caroline continued on her rounds to greet the family warmly. It was nice to see so many faces, not least which among them were Piper, Lyneth, Dean, and Vicki, the latest additions to the family by blood, marriage, or just good old fashioned sex. Odd, though, how Jon and Helena seemed to be carefully avoiding spending much time in one another's presence; Caroline figured they must not yet have ironed out the bumps in their relationship. She moved in and out of the mingle, occasionally with a cousin's child on her hip or holding her hand, reconnecting with everyone in the room until finally she came up behind Richmond and buried her face between his shoulderblades with a low groan of relief. "Feed me."

Richmond had continued his sipping of the expensive scotch in that expensive leaded crystal tumbler as he watched Caroline make her rounds. There was a certain pride that gleamed in his eyes as he watched her. He'd prepared more drinks and engaged in light banter as he did so. Suddenly, he seemed to have stepped seamlessly into the role of bartender. The title fit him well. So when Caroline came up from behind him and requested food, he teasingly replied, "Sorry ma"am, I'm only the bartender. The food's over there." Turning, he took her into his arms and held her. "You survived. I'm so proud."

"You're so full of it," she laughed back. "They're not as scary as you make out, you know." As if to make her point, at that moment a small hand tugged on Richmond's shirt to draw his attention down to Lila, who was only just visible beneath an armful of presents. "C"n I have a drink, Mr Captain Man?"

"Most of them aren't," he grinned and was going to lean to kiss her when there was a tug at his shirt. He shot Caroline a look of suspicion flavored with humor as he knelt down to address the child. "I can make you the best drink you've ever had. How about that?" He smiled and stood. Where Richmond found cotton candy on Christmas Eve, who was to know" This was Rhy"Din, they had everything! Soon a tumbler with lemon-lime soda was passed down to the girl with a cloud of pink cotton candy sitting on top. "Now, just take your straw and dunk the candy into the drink."

He took a step back after handing the drink over to take Caroline's hand as he watched the child.

As Lila took her drink back over to the Old Man, who was given no choice but to take her onto his lap together with her tumbler and presents amid a loud ripple of laughter, Caroline leaned into Richmond warmly. "See?" She grinned, catching the eye of Lucy, the cook here at the big house. "Ah " dinner's ready."

Richmond smiled and curled his arm around Caroline's slim shoulders. "You're right, they're good people. I'm proud that they're going to be my family." He turned then to Caroline and looked into her eyes. "That is, if you'll marry me."

Caroline blinked, not sure she'd heard that right. As Lucy bellowed across the loud gathering that dinner was served, she cleaned up, brushing her lips to his with a secretive smile. "Ask me again later," she suggested warmly as another small hand took hold of hers to pull her away toward the door. The Granger Christmas dinner was certainly not one to be sniffed at, if the enthusiasm for the meal was anything to go by.

"I will,? he promised in a whisper just before she was whisked away. Sitting across the table from her as dinner was served and eaten, Richmond gained an emotion that he hadn't felt in a very long time. As he gazed around the table of smiling and happy people, one word came to mind: Family. He'd found his port and home.