Page 31

Because it was a family potluck, Ethan suggested they arrive hungry. Instead of bringing a food item, she picked up a large poinsettia wrapped in red foil at the same store where they’d purchased Ricky’s Christmas tree.

Ethan opened the door even before they reached the top step, as if he’d been looking out the window, anticipating her arrival. “Come on in.” He stepped onto the porch and held the door open for them.

The first thing that caught Sage’s eye was the large brick fireplace decorated with an evergreen swag. Multicolored lights flashed that seemed to say this is exactly the place you need to be. A huge Christmas tree stood like a regal sentinel in the corner of the living room. The six-foot tree was decorated with a variety of ornaments, some clearly made from the grandchildren’s craft projects. Sage noticed that a few wrapped gifts were strategically placed at the base on a red fringed tree skirt.

She was barely inside the house when three children raced past her. Two looked to be close to Ricky’s age. With their stocking feet, they slid across the hardwood floor, shouting and being boisterous.

“Michael, Lilly, Jeff, come meet Ricky,” Ethan said, stopping them.

Ricky stayed close to Sage’s side, holding on to her coat. The two children stopped and stared at Ricky and then at their uncle Ethan.

“Kids,” Ethan said, “this is Ricky. He’s here for dinner and to bake cookies with you and Grandma.”

Lilly spoke first. “You want to play?”

Ricky nodded.

“Come on, then,” Lilly said, and took off running.

Ricky looked at Sage as if asking permission. “Go ahead,” she said. After removing his shoes, off he went, chasing after the other children. Sage waited long enough to be sure Ricky was fine before returning her attention to Ethan.

“Come meet my mother,” he said. He took the poinsettia from her and led the way into the kitchen.

Ethan’s mother looked up from the stove. She had the same brown hair and bright blue eyes as Ethan. She wore an apron with a bib top. Her smile was warm and immediate.

“You must be Sage,” she said, before Ethan could make an introduction. “I’m Rafaelle. I’ve heard a lot about you. Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you.”

“Sage and Ricky brought you a poinsettia,” Ethan pointed out. “Would you like me to place it under the tree?”

“That would be perfect.” Returning her attention to Sage, Rafaelle gestured toward the barstool, inviting Sage to sit. “Ethan told me you’re helping your sister by watching Ricky this month. I understand there have been a few challenges and Ethan has offered to help?”

“Yes, he’s been wonderful.”

Rafaelle moved closer to where Sage stood. “Ethan is the only one of our children who has yet to marry. Mason, Ian, and Maria are all married. You’ll meet them later.”

Oh dear, here it comes, Sage mused. His mother didn’t hesitate to let Sage know she was a prime marriage candidate for her son.

“Ethan has mentioned your name quite a bit in the last few months,” his mother said as she continued cooking. “He explained that you’re both vying for the same position and that this news put a damper on your relationship. I hope that will all resolve itself in time.”

“I’m sure it will,” Sage said, and hoped that would be the case. She didn’t know what the future held for either of them. But she was beginning to feel confident that they would make their way through, no matter what Mowrey’s decision turned out to be.

“Good.” That appeared to satisfy his mother.

Ethan returned and stood at Sage’s side.

Their conversation lasted only a few minutes before Ethan’s siblings arrived, carting an array of dishes. Introductions flew over her head. Sage wasn’t able to keep all their names straight, and who exactly belonged to whom and whose children belonged to which couple.

Ethan remained with her and helped her keep track. More children arrived, joining the chasing game with the others. Soon the house was buzzing with activity.

“Mom watches Michael, Lilly, and Jeff after school,” Ethan said, explaining why the three children were at the house before their parents. “Jeff belongs to Ian and Lizzy, and Michael and Lilly are Maria’s.”

“What can I do to help?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Ethan’s sister, Maria, insisted before his mother could answer. “The first visit is a gift. If you survive and return, then we put you to work.”

Sage smiled. She liked Ethan’s family and was surprised by how well she fit in. She wasn’t confronted by a slew of questions or innuendos about the two of them, so she felt free to be herself.