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Noel held her hand out to Merry. “Why don’t you pass the torch to me and go say hi to your honey?”
Merry grinned, handing her the knife. “Thanks.”
“You tell Clark I’m waiting in here for my hello,” her mom called over her shoulder.
“If you want something, Mom, you gotta go after it.” Her mother turned, giving her an arch look as Merry laughed her way out the door.
Clark, Nick, and her dad were standing around the fryer talking, but when she stepped onto the porch, Clark smiled at her tenderly. Butterflies erupted in her stomach and she wanted to walk over to him and snuggle into his arms but she wasn’t sure how Clark would feel about PDA in front of her family.
“How’s the turkey?” Merry asked.
“Coming along,” her dad called. “This is going to be so good. It takes a quarter of the time and gets a real crispy skin.”
“How do you know? You’ve never fried a turkey before,” Merry said.
“They did a demonstration when I was in Twin Falls last week. That’s where I got this baby.”
Merry eyed the fryer warily. “Maybe you should let Nick get the turkey out, in case there is grease splatter.”
“I’ve got my gear over here.” Her dad held up his black-gloved hands and adjusted the goggles over his eyes. “I’m ready.”
“I’ve never even cooked a turkey, why would I be better at frying one?” Nick asked.
“Because you’re young. You’ll heal faster.”
Nick glared at her. “I feel used and kinda expendable.”
Clark clapped him on the back. “I’d miss you, Nick.”
“Thanks, Clark.”
Holly and Sam were off to the side having their own conversation. Sam gave Merry a wave as she sauntered by on her way to Clark, but when she pointed to Holly and made a scissor motion, he scrunched his face in discomfiture.
“What do you need cut?” he teased.
“Don’t test me, Sam. I’ll come for you.”
“Why are you threatening my brother?” Clark asked, his hand brushing hers when she stopped next to him. She took the invitation and laced her fingers with his.
“He knows why.”
“I’m being unjustly threatened,” Sam protested.
Chris leveled him with a dry stare. “Son, I’ve known you a short time and if my daughter is threatening you, it’s with good reason.”
Everyone laughed but Sam, who held a hand over his chest. “Damn, Chris. That hurts.”
“Why don’t you go in and help Noel with food prep?” Merry shot Sam a pointed look.
“Hey, now, I don’t want Sam anywhere near my girl,” Nick argued, smoothing down the front of his collared shirt. “He’s prettier than me.”
“Thanks, Nick. It’s the hair,” Sam said, flinging his head back.
“Come on, Sam. Let’s go inside where it’s warm.” Holly stuck her tongue out at Merry when she glared at her sister.
“Dad, can I murder Holly?” Merry asked.
“You people do what you want.” Her dad squatted down, checking the fryer gauge. “I’m busy.”
