Dinner with the Church's!

[hatesgoodbyes]

Who: Allison and Leonard Church and their welcomed guests South and Tucker
What: Cocktails, dinner and conversation
When: Early in the Stepford event
Where: The Church's cozy home, just right up the path from the picket fence.
Rating: obnoxiously G except South.



Allison swished through her kitchen in a whisper of chiffon and linen. Her apron as clean and crisp as the sea foam green of her dress. She hummed a cheery song as she laid settings to the table and spooned juices over the roast to keep it moist and tender, the key was after all constant tending!

Drinks sat on a tray on the side board just inside the door and a happy fire crackled in the fireplace near the comfortable looking floral print couch and chairs.

Guests were welcomed to knock on the door and either Leonard or Allison would greet them.

Comments

[originalcopy]

Leonard added another log to the fire and looked proudly over the decorations. He'd spent what felt like the whole weekend up a ladder, stringing lights and hanging garland around the inside and outside of the house. Letting Allison's superb sense of decor dictate what went where. The picture of teamwork.

They had even taken the time to string popcorn and cranberries on thread while listening to the radio. He smiled and patted Mason fondly... such a good dog for resisting the urge to snack on the popcorn.

[hatesgoodbyes]

"Darling, could you get the big oval platter down from the top shelf for me? When you're not busy of course."

She peeked out of the kitchen for her request, she would need something suitable for guests and her usual old platter just would no due. Tonight required the good china and crystal and the silver coffee service for after dinner. All had to be perfect, her house keeping was a reflection of her husband and she would not embarrass him by being lack luster in her own duties.

[babyaliendaddy]

There came the cheery knock of 'Shave and a Haircut', before the door opened and Vern aka Tucker, poked his head around the door. Calling in cheerily, he scraped the snow off his boots. Allie wouldn't like anything mucking up her nice clean floors, after all.

"Hey ho, Churches! I'm here, bringing holiday cheer! And a really good bottle of wine." He beamed as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

[originalcopy]

"Hey, Vern! Make yourself at home." Church smiled and clapped Tucker on the shoulder before helping him with the wine so he could hang his coat and hat. Mason came up, tail wagging and eager to welcome one of his favorite visitors.

"We can always count on you to pick the right vine to go with dinner." he admired the bottle before handing it back. "I have to go fetch something for Allie, so get yourself comfortable and I'll catch up to you."

He hummed a cheerful holiday tune as he got the platter and brought it to the kitchen. "Here you go hon... Hey, why don't you go say hi to Vern and I'll watch things here for a minute."

[hatesgoodbyes]

"Vern!" Her voice could hardly have sounded more pleased when she called out to her brother.

She washed her hands and was drying them on her apron when Leo arrived with the platter. She sat it on the counter and smiled at her ever thoughtful husband. She leaned up to kiss his cheek. "If your sure it's not too much bother" She gave him a quick hug for good measure. "I have the best husband."

She hurried out to see that tall brother of hers with open arms. "It's not a holiday without you!"

[babyaliendaddy]

"Hello baby sister!" He called back, grinning. He clapped Leonard on the shoulder, before going down on one knee to rub the dog's ears.

"Well, you know me. I never met a wine auction I didn't enjoy. Besides, what else do I do with all this money if I don't spend it on the two of you?" He puffed Mason's ears. "And you too, you fluffy puppy."

He rose to his feet, whistling a happy Christmas carol as he headed into the living room to nick some tasty snacks, when Allie came in and he turned to lift her up and spin her around. "And it's no holiday without my favorite girl!"

[originalcopy]

Church meanwhile, tried not to look completely lost in the kitchen. His bachelor school days taught him enough to know to stir things that needed stirring but that was pretty much it. Oh, and don't let the roast burn (dry out maybe but not burn).

Honestly, he had no idea how she managed it all. Give him a legal brief or a summons to deliver any day.

[hatesgoodbyes]

She spun in her brother's arms and giggled while she pecked his cheek and shared the warm hug with him. When he put her down she ushered him over to a seat and then swept off to the bar to whip up a quick highball for him the way he liked it.

"Here you go, dinner won't be but a jif! And I can't wait to hear what you boys think of the new rosemary mashed potatoes! And you better save room for dessert! Cherry, pumpkin and apple pies, since I didn't know which ones you would like."