You Only Live Once

Chapter Forty One

Jamie and Sebastian made the short drive to Jamie's mother's home for Thanksgiving dinner. Once he had parked the car, Seb took one of the dishes from Jamie's lap so he could carry it into the house. They sat in the car in silence for a few moments, before he finally spoke up. "Are you ready, sweetheart?"

With a deep breath, Jamie nodded. "I'm glad we decided to come early... It will give us a little peace before people arrive. I hope."

Seb took a hold of her free hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It'll be fine. Just remember, we can leave any time."

"I know. I just want this to go right," she commented. "As right as my family will allow anyway."

"I'll be right by your side, the whole time. I promise."

Jamie squeezed Sebastian's hand and nodded. "Okay. Let's go. The sooner we get in, the better off we'll be, I think."

He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss, then opened his door and stepped out. Locking the car behind them, the pair made their way to the front door hand in hand.

Once Jamie rang the bell, they waited patiently until the door opened and her mother, Miranda appeared. "Oh! I didn't think you would actually come. It's good to see you!"

"It's good to see you too, mom." Jamie and Sebastian stepped inside the home and into the kitchen. Once she placed the trifle on the counter, she turned to face her. "Mom, this is Sebastian. Seb, this is my mom, Miranda."

Sebastian held a handout to Miranda. "It's nice to you, ma'am," he greeted with a smile. "Thank you for allowing me to come along with Jamie for the holiday."

Miranda shook Sebastian's hand and gave him a polite smile. "You're welcome. My daughter has talked about you for years. It's pretty amazing to see you inside my house."

A slight blush spread across his cheeks. "Well, she's a wonderful woman. I'm lucky to have met her, Mrs. Fields."

"That's always good to hear," Miranda smiled. "I hope that you're taking good care of her."

Jamie rolled her eyes as she wrapped one arm around Sebastian's waist. "Do you have to grill him, mom?"

Sebastian nodded, resting his arm around Jamie's shoulders and giving her an understanding smile. "It's okay," he said before looking back at Miranda, "I like to think I am."

Miranda watched at how proudly Sebastian stood by her daughter. She had to admit, he was being a gentleman. "That's all that matters to me," she noted, then turned and picked up the trifle. "I think I have space for this in the fridge. Your cousins should be getting here any time though."

"Is there anything I can help with?" Sebastian asked.

"Could you check on the turkey?" Miranda asked. "It's still in the oven."

Seb nodded and went to the oven. The turkey looked great. He found a spoon and scooped some of the juice from the pan, pouring it over the bird to keep it moist.

Jamie moved to sit at one of the barstools that were lined against the kitchen island. "How have things been?" she asked. "I know you've been traveling. Are the horses okay?"

"The horses are fine," Miranda answered as she shut the fridge door and turned around. "Your mare had a foal this year. A nice little paint colt."

Sebastian could tell there was a slight tension between the two women. He joined Jamie at the island, taking a seat beside her. "You'll have to go out and meet the new addition," he commented, giving her knee a soft squeeze. "The turkey looks great, Mrs. Fields. Should be done soon. Can I help set the table or anything?"