“Well, Charles, we aren’t getting any younger. In fact, we’re getting older by the day. If that isn’t enough of an answer, I realized I don’t like cold beds. And you’re right. This moment, right now, this instant, is so perfect, it just seemed like the right time. I’m going to have Annie stand up for me. Whom will you choose, Charles, to be your best man?”

“Elias. You don’t think the boys will be upset, do you?”

“No more than the girls will be upset with my choosing Annie.”

“I don’t have a ring for you, Myra.”

Myra laughed. “The ring isn’t important. Just ask Elias for one of his cigar bands. That will do nicely.”

Charles reached for his bride-to-be. “My life is now complete, Myra. I think we should go inside before we both freeze to death out here, and then there won’t be a wedding at all.”

“I think you might be right. Come along, my darling. I’ll help you get started with your Thanksgiving dinner.”

Charles pretended horror. “My dear, you are worthless in the kitchen. But you can watch me. Let’s have an early breakfast. You can brown the buns and make the coffee and squeeze the juice. We received a box of Baby Bell oranges with our food order yesterday. Wait till you see them. Each one is more perfect than the other. And to think you can get them only at this particular time of year. Amazing.”

Myra linked her arm with Charles’s. “I’m going to learn to cook, Charles. I’ve been watching the Food Network.”

Charles laughed all the way across the compound as he half dragged Myra through the deep snow.

Thanksgiving dinner was everything everyone had hoped it would be. Good friends breaking bread and giving thanks together. Chef Charles accepted the accolades heaped on him with a gracious smile. The conversation was light, at times bantering, but always in good taste. Even Murphy and Grady whooped their thanks at the heaping plates Charles set out for them, but instead of turkey, they had roast chicken.

Jack passed on the pumpkin pie, saying he was allergic, and went with the pecan pie. The others hooted with laughter at the remembrance of the truckload of pumpkins back in Utah. One and all agreed that it seemed like a lifetime ago.

Coffee and brandy were served in the living room, in front of a blazing fire, which Elias and Bert maintained. Outside, the snow continued to fall. Relaxing music, golden oldies that no one objected to, played softly.

Even though there were football games on the big-screen via satellite, no one opted to watch them. All were content to sit and revel in the peaceful atmosphere with good friends.