Sorting Through Life's Puzzle Pieces

Chapter 13

                Maeve looked around her table and enjoyed that everyone else was having a good time. It had been few and far between that she could entertain anyone before, she had missed having company.

Luke and Ben were laughing at something Tom was talking about and Sofie had gone to clean Carlton up. While the poor kid had enjoyed his meal, he was still having a hard time mastering the fork. She made a note in her mental file to give him a spoon next time. She happened to hear the end of the topic as she got up to clear plates for dessert.

"If I recall correctly, Tom, you played just as badly as me."

"Oh, there is no denying that, Angel." He missed Ben shoot a questioning look at Luke. "But at least I stopped a ball on occasion. Your team regularly lost as I recall."

"Why do you think the children had us switch teams so often, sir. Now give me that plate so I can bring dessert out by the time Sofie gets back." She flounced out, having won the small argument. Luke and Ben were left to laugh at their friends expense, Tom taking it in gracious humor.

Sofie walked back in just as Maeve came back in with full arms. "Oh, here, darling, let me help you." Tom jumped right up taking the utensils from under her arm and a bowl from her hands. She kept a pie plate and server from the other hand. Sofie had never seen Tom be so accommodating once already at the table. Yes, he was a gentleman, but he was still a man and capable of getting lost in conversation once seated with friends.

"Yay!! PIE!" Carlton screamed at the top of his lungs. Sofie went to shush him, but he didn't quiet until the plate was before him. "Thank you, Maeve. I'm sorry I couldn't quiet him."

"It's alright, Sofie. You know I would be more than happy to watch him for you on occasion. Pretty soon you'll be needing a nap here and there." Ben and Sofie just looked at her in shock.

"How did you know that? We haven't even released that information to the press, yet." Ben stated in amazement.

"I have two sisters with six kids between them. Also, I come from a rather large family that seems to continue to have children. I've seen what a pregnant woman looks like at all stages. Don't worry, I don't plan on telling anyone your business. Do you want whipped cream on your pie?" Sofie nodded and raised her hand to receive the plate.

"Tom? Luke? Do y'all want any?" She stopped when she saw the smirk on the men's faces. "Yes, I know but I saw how much the two of you ate. So, Mister sweet tooth and side kick, do you want dessert or not?"

"I would be delighted, Darling. Luke, I think will decline." She raised her eyebrow at this and looked at the mans assistant. "I assume, you can speak for yourself?"

"Yes, milady, but Tom is correct. I have never been much of a dessert person." The party watched with interest as a challenged look came across her face and she served him a small piece of pie with some whipped cream on top, placing the plate in front of him. "Try that then tell me you don't like it."

Luke tried to give it back, but no one would let him. "The lady of the house has spoken. One bite should set you straight. Tuck in, my friend," was all Ben spoke to him. Maeve was so busy watching Luke that she missed the slight blush that came across Tom's face, but Sofie caught it. She decided she would get the information out of him after they left.

Luke put a small bite in his mouth and that he took another bite without comment was enough for Maeve to tuck in to her own pie while helping Carlton with his spoon so that Sofie could enjoy her own.

"Well, I guess that says enough about that. This is absolutely wonderful, Maeve. Where did you get it?" Ben asked as he took a second piece.

"I made it. I think it counts as a family recipe." The table stopped all movement and stared at her. "Y'all do know pictures last longer, right?"

Sofie started laughing while Ben tried not to choke doing so. Luke looked rather forlornly at his empty plate and Tom...he just kept looking at the woman before him as she returned his gaze. "What?" she questioned him without blinking.

"Darling, do you realize you have made this better than any restaurant we have ever been in?"

"That's a shame." She looked down at her plate and took another bite. "Makes me wonder at the quality of their ingredients. Unless of course, they are using from frozen."

"Well, as riveting as this is, I think we have to call it a night. Carlton just fell asleep in his plate." Sofie softly pulled the small child's face from his food and wiped it with his napkin and a wipe.

"That's alright. I remember how they could go until they dropped at this age. I'll get your coats. You just leave that for me to take care of."

"I'll get it, Angel. You help o-your guests." Tom caught himself before he really stuck his foot all the way in his mouth. He already knew, from the looks Sofie and Ben had been pinning him with, he would be grilled later.

"Thank you, Tom. Ben why don't you gather your son up and I'll give Sofie y'alls' coats." Maeve left with Sofie while the others rose from the table.

"Tom, what is going on," Ben questioned while he picked up Carltons sleeping form. "And just where is she from?"

"America. I haven't found out which part yet. You know, the temperature is considerably warmer with company. We should do this more often."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it. I know where you met her, I know she's American, but how the bloody hell do you just find a woman who is so sweet and kind, to complete strangers? She cooks like a bloody chef and turns conversation from anything that isn't surface knowledge."

"I know that. She is a very guarded person and I intend to respect that. Just give me time and we will all know her better."