Chapter 53

In the morning, we were all slow to get moving. I rose, washed up, and went into the kitchen. I started coffee. Just as it finished dripping, Alice came into the kitchen followed by Grace. I poured coffee for all of us.

Alice commented, “I guess everyone is sleeping in today.”

I smiled. “I expect the bodies to start appearing momentarily.” At that moment, my mother entered the kitchen. I poured a cup of coffee for her.

“Thank you, Son. I need this. Let’s get some breakfast organized and start slowly cleaning up the mess. Grace, Jerry, please collect dishes and all. Alice, please start loading the dishwasher. I will start putting together pigs in blankets.” We all nodded and started our chores.

Grace and I went into the living room and started to work. Mitch came out and, after she kissed him, she put him to work. We each carried a big load into the kitchen. Alice was ready for us. We placed plates on the counter after scraping them. We would use paper plates for breakfast today.

By the time, the rooms were cleaned up from last night, Dad and Mister and Missus Meadows had appeared. I was put to work setting a second pot of coffee to drip. We ate sitting around the kitchen table informally after the blessing. Alice and Grace sat in my and Mitch’s laps respectively since we lacked enough chairs. I enjoyed Alice in my lap. By looking at his face, Mitch enjoyed Grace in his lap. We made no comments.

After breakfast, Mom got Alice to help her with preparations for the New Years’ Day meal. I picked up paper plates for the trash. That was finally done and there wasn’t anything left for me to do. The fathers and Mitch had headed into the living room for football after the Rose Bowl parade. I joined them and, later, Mom and Alice joined us. I had always liked the floats but they looked better with Alice in my lap. I didn’t think it was the floats.

Any time my mom went into the kitchen to do anything, Alice went with her. Missus Meadows and Grace went in also after the first time. Soon, good smells were coming from the kitchen as food was cooked for the New Years’ Day feast. We would have a late lunch/dinner.

We watched the bowl games though they weren’t as exciting as in the past. With the monopolization of the games by one company for TV came homogeneity. The lack of half time shows also added to my lack of interest. By the time the feast was ready, I had had my fill of football.

The meal was mouth-watering. We had a ham, fresh greens from the Meadow’s garden, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. It was all great. Though it wasn’t traditional elsewhere, my mother cooked a cherry pie for dessert. Actually, she baked two since there were so many people. I filled two plates and had a large piece of pie for dessert.

After all that, I needed to walk it off. Alice and I helped clear the table and then left to walk. Grace and Mitch came with us. We made the big block. I was glad to get back and cuddle because the weather was turning colder.

We sat on the couch with Alice tight to my side and my arm around her. I could tell she was a little chilled, too, but was warming up quickly.

We watched some more football but my mind was in neutral just enjoying having Alice next to me. It was just after ten when she moved. “I’ve had enough for today, Jerry. I’m going to bed.” I just nodded. That seemed to start a mass exodus for the bedrooms. I kissed Alice and went inside my bedroom. I changed into my sleep stuff and got in bed. It was quiet and I quickly went to sleep. I woke at a more normal early time. I used the bathroom and then dressed. After that, I walked into the kitchen and started coffee.

It wasn’t long before Alice joined me. We kissed. “Good morning, my love. Grace will be out in a minute or two. How do you feel today?”

“Pretty good. Today will be leftovers. I plan to run some today even though it’s cold.”

The coffee finished dripping and I poured each of us a cup.

We sat down at the kitchen table next to each other. Alice smiled at me. “That sounds good, Jerry. I would like to get in some hot tub time today, too.”

A moment later, Grace came out closely followed by Mitch. They poured coffee and joined us.

“What are you two going to do today?” Grace asked.

Alice smiled. “We’ll run some and hot tub some. Other than that, it should be quiet.”

“I listened to you and brought a suit. I’ve never hot tubbed.”

“It’s fun and relaxing. I learned to enjoy it when I first came here with Jerry. Depending upon the suit I wear, he doesn’t always find it relaxing.”

I decided to just grin and did.

It was a few minutes later that my mother and Alice’s mother walked in. Mom said, “Well, at least you made coffee.” She poured cups for Missus Meadows and herself.

I said, “Good morning, Moms.” Alice smiled at them. Grace had a small grimace. I figured she was feeling her way through the family relation dynamic.

After a moment, Grace asked, “Were either of you mad at Jerry?”

My mom was sitting beside Alice and across from Grace. “No, dear. Why did you ask?”

“With my parents, that tone of voice meant that I would be getting whipped for having made a mistake.” Both mothers were horrified.

“Honey, that won’t ever happen here nor at the farm. We enjoy Jerry’s presence. We enjoy your presence, too. Alice and Mitch have both hinted that your past was not a positive experience. We enjoy your presence both for you and for your relationship with Mitch. Grace, Gerald and I want you to see a good family and hope we are.”

My mother was looking on in horror still. She said, “Grace, there are no whippings here. I was kidding Jerry. Isaac and I value him as our son and as a person. We also love Alice. They are both always welcome here. You and Mitch likewise are welcome here. You and Alice have both always been lady-like in our home. We are proud to introduce you to people as are Gerald and Marsha. Please see this house and their farm as safe places where you are welcome and have no requirements placed upon you.”

Alice smirked. “Does that go for me, too? I would like to sleep with Jerry.”

My mother mock seriously said, “On you, there are limitations.” She grinned. “You two sleep closely enough now.”

Alice leaned over and kissed me lightly.