Runaway Colton by Karen Whiddon

Author:Karen Whiddon [Whiddon, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romantic suspense
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The turkey was ready around one o’clock. “We’ll let it rest,” Cord said. “That way you ladies will have time to get everything else ready.” He eyed Truman, sitting near the counter, drooling. “Just make sure the dog doesn’t counter surf and get it.”

Piper laughed. “I’m watching him. And we’re pretty much done,” she told him. “The dressing, sweet potato casserole and corn casserole are all in the oven. The green beans are in the skillet on low. All I need to do is cook the dinner rolls.”

“I can do that!” Renee offered, nearly dancing with excitement.

The next few minutes were busy. He sliced the turkey while Piper watched Renee arrange the side dishes on the kitchen counter. Renee got the rolls—perfectly browned—out of the oven. Through it all, Truman watched intently, still hoping for a morsel.

“Don’t worry, buddy,” Cord told him. “I’ll make you a small plate of white meat.”

As if he understood, Truman barked once.

“He’s saying ‘thank you,’” Renee said, making them all laugh.

Cord finished slicing and set down the platter of sliced turkey. “Ya’ll ready?”

“Oh, yes!” Renee said, rubbing her hands together in anticipation. “Let’s make our plates and then we can dig in!”

With the food set out buffet style, they took turns serving themselves. Looking exhausted, Piper asked Renee to make hers. Then, with their plates heaping, Cord and Renee took seats at the kitchen table next to Piper. She’d spruced it up a little with a homemade pumpkin and gourd centerpiece. Cord couldn’t help but wonder if she missed her no doubt much fancier table at Colton Valley Ranch.

“I can’t wait to taste the smoked turkey,” Piper said, smiling. “I’m loving this. It’s so much more relaxed than what I’m used to.”

Momentarily dazzled by her smile, he could only nod and pick up his fork.

“Wait,” Renee said. “This is my first traditional Thanksgiving meal and I want to say grace.” She held out her hands. Cord took one and Piper the other.

“Thank You, God, for this food. A special meal, cooked with love. But most of all, thank You for these people.” Renee’s voice broke, but she bravely continued on. “Growing up the way I did, there are a lot of things I never got to do. I have a feeling that this is only one of the many firsts ahead of me.” She blinked back tears, still holding his hand tightly. “Thank you, Cord, and you, Piper, for giving me something to start filling the hole inside of me. Love.”

His heart expanding inside his chest, Cord gripped her hand as fiercely as she held on to his. Tears streamed down her young face, but despite it all, she smiled. So much hope shone in that smile that his own eyes misted. He glanced at Piper and she quickly looked down at her plate, but not before he noticed how her green eyes glistened with her own emotion.

He thought this just might be the best Thanksgiving he’d ever had.

“Now we can eat!” Pulling her hands free, Renee wiped at her eyes with her napkin, picked up her fork and dug in.

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