On Eagles Wings: Book 3

1

Crystal Springs, Texas

November 28, 1880

W hen is that stage scheduled to come in today? I’m tired of sitting around here waiting. William won’t wait forever. John looked at LeFleur and scowled.

Shut up! You know what I’m tired of? I’m tired of hearing you bellyache all the time. Don’t you like those girls down at the saloon? You’re down there often enough. They should keep you occupied enough to keep you from getting so antsy. I sent William a telegram and asked what he wanted us to do, stay or go? Until we get the ‘go’ from him, we’re staying.

LeFleur looked around the town one more time, threw the stick he had been whittling on out into the street, and stood up to take a walk. A familiar growl reached his ears.

I shoulda kept that stick and beat that dog with it. All she wants to do is growl and threaten us. I can’t stand people like that, much less a dog. LeFleur walked to the other end of the boardwalk in front of the hotel and gingerly stepped down the steps.

Those girls aren’t like William’s chicken coup. He has only the best birds in that cage. These gals here are prairie hens, no class. John looked up and down the street, up at the sky, any direction except at LeFleur. He hated it when he got in this kind of mood. No telling what he would do if he couldn’t take out his frustrations on somebody or something.

LeFleur walked toward the stick. The dog growled and bared her teeth at him. He started to pick up the stick, and she started wildly barking at him. Several people opened doors and windows to see what was going on.

Shut up, you mangy dog, or I’ll beat you within an inch of your life! he yelled.

Esther opened the screen door of the hotel and looked out. What are you doing to that dog?

Nothing, I’m gonna teach her a lesson, LeFleur answered.

You’ll do nothing of the kind. Now, go on and get away from my hotel. Esther didn’t know what dog he was talking about, but she was not going to put up with any of his abuse to anyone or anything.

You just stay outta this, you hear me? Raising the stick in a threatening way, he looked at her.

The noise of the stage arriving changed everything. LeFleur hastened to get out of the way of the stagecoach. Joy replaced the look of disdain on Esther’s face. When the stage stopped, Riley opened the door and then turned to help Erin down. As her feet touched the ground, a man rushed over and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her to him.

You’re not getting away from me again! he yelled. He then hissed in her ear, You belong to William.

With moves slicker than wet Texas shale, Riley grabbed Erin’s other arm with his left hand and cold-cocked LeFleur’s left jaw with his right hand. LeFleur let go of Erin as Riley whirled her away from him and hit LeFleur in the gut with his left and his jaw again with his right. Don’t you ever touch my wife again, you…you… I can’t call you what I want to call you. Just don’t do it, or you will be sorry.

John looked down on the scene from the front porch of the hotel with his jaw dropped down to his chest. Your wife? Mister, do you know what she is? She’s a—

Shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you. Riley was beside himself.

Erin had run to Brian’s office and had just returned with him.

Brian put handcuffs on LeFleur who was out cold on the ground and then looked up at John. You want to come with me real peaceful-like, or do you want me to turn Riley loose on you?

I’ll come with you. John sheepishly looked from the men gathering in the street to the driver of the stage with his whip ready to use, and the Shotgun doing just that, pointing his shotgun at John.

Two men from the crowd picked LeFleur up and started hauling him to the jail while John walked with Brian.

Riley, you and Erin go on home. If I need you, I’ll send for you, Brian called over his shoulder to them.

Riley nodded over Erin’s shoulder as he hugged her and rubbed her back. Lord, keep us from evil and evil from us. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Erin began to cry now that it was all over. She couldn’t seem to stop. He gently turned her, and they started walking to their home at the end of the street, next to the school.

We’ll bring your belongings down to you. Don’t worry about them, Adam said as he watched them slowly walk away.

They passed Marta’s and Erin’s shop, noticing the place was still closed. Marta must still be out at Josh and Katie’s, Erin half whispered through her tears.

Doc’s buggy was gone, so he was not home. Just past his place stood the comfortable cottage of Mr. J. R. Riley and the now Mrs. Erin Riley.

I know, Riley. I know God is sovereign. I know he has a plan, but why this one? Erin talked as Riley watched her warm her hands on the cup of ginger tea he had prepared for her. She looked up at him with tiny droplets clinging like diamonds to each lash.

You’re really terrified at this point, I know. Your nightmares may start again, and I understand that as well. But, dearest, William can do nothing. He can never take you back to Baltimore or to that life you were forced into when he kidnapped you the day your mother died. You are legally married to me, and in this country, that makes me solely responsible for you, and I am the authority over you. Sometimes, that doesn’t seem like a good idea. For instance, look at Marta’s case. With Oscar as her husband, he was able to beat her and nothing could be done. We felt that wasn’t right. In that case, it wasn’t. Now, however, for you, it is a very good thing. Now, William has no claim on you. If he were to kidnap you, then that is what it would be. Because you are married to another man and William has no authority over you. Surely, he knows or will as soon as those idiots send him a telegram telling him that you’re married, he can’t even hope to have you back. If he kidnaps you, he’ll be in serious trouble with the law. I don’t think they would look kindly on that in Baltimore or anywhere else. He will have to give up the hunt. Simply put, he can’t have you because you are mine, legally.

I’m just so scared. Erin put down the empty cup and looked up at Riley. Could I read from one of your Bibles? Mine is packed in our things, and I really need to read God’s Word right now.

Certainly, I have one in the bedroom.

Don’t get it. I’ll just go in there and sit and read. I may take a nap. I feel like an old dishcloth that has been completely wrung out and is draped over the washtub.

Erin had closed the door, and Riley had begun to clean up the tea things when there was a knock on the door.

Riley carefully opened the door to find Adam, Esther’s husband and owner of the hotel, and Jarvis, the new blacksmith, standing there with their trunks.

We brought your things. You want us to put them in your bedroom?

No, no. Just put all of it here and we can sort things out in a bit. Erin’s taking a nap.

Adam and Jarvis nodded. If there’s anything we can do, just let us know. Tell Erin we’re praying for her. What a horrifying thing to happen, especially when you’ve just stepped off a stagecoach and have no warning. Her heart must still be racing, Adam said. Jarvis nodded again.

Riley couldn’t remember the man ever saying anything. I can’t even remember meeting him, except I know who he is; so I must have met him, sometime? Riley was lost in thought about Jarvis when he realized it was quiet as a tomb in there. The two other men stood there looking at him expectantly.

What? I’m sorry… I just can’t seem to keep my mind focused.

Adam smiled sympathetically. That’s understandable. I just asked if you and Erin will join us for dinner at the hotel. I know you probably don’t have the makings for supper and are also bone-weary from riding in that stage. We’d love to have you.

Oh, yes. I see. Well, yes, I’m sure it will be fine with her, but I’ll check with Erin when she wakes up and send word back to you. Mr… Jarvis…will you join us, if we can be there? I’d really like to get to know you better.

No, sah. My wife and chilrin’ll spec’ me ta home. I best not cause dem worry. Stop by da smithy some time an’ we’ll have us a nice leetle set-down chat. Jarvis’s smile nearly covered his whole face. His white teeth showed bright against his chocolate complexion.

His eyes sparkled with the same dark chocolate color contrasted with the whites of his eyes. His whole countenance spoke of peace and joy.

I’ll do that. Are your children of school age, Mr… Jarvis?

Ma name’s Jarvis Smith. Friends jist call me Jarvis. If yous will, yous kin jist call me Jarvis. Yes, suh, dey’s of school age. Dey’s neva been ta school, dough.

Well then, I think it’s time they attended. We can get them caught up in no time. Can you read, Jarvis?

No, suh. I’s never had the op’tunity. Thank youse f’ axin’.

Jarvis, it is never too late to learn your letters and to read and write. Why, it would open wonders in your own life as well as letting your children see it’s important to you, so it will become important to them as well. I would be happy to teach you on the side, if you like. You and the misses, if you will let her.

Yes, suh. I lets her know and we’ll be a-prayin’ on it. I’s gets back widja.

In the meantime, send the children to school. We will get them started.

Yes, suh. Jarvis’s eyes twinkled with a happiness and hope he’d never dared show before. He turned to leave and then looked back at Riley. "My chilrin’re the mosted blessed chilrin on God’s good Earth. Praise da Lord, deys gonna go to skool.

Jarvis, I’ll be prayin’ with you about the other.

After Jarvis left, Adam drew Riley into a hug and gave him a double pat on the back. Riley, the Lord moved you to do that. There is no way you could have known the conversation, although brief on the way over here was about how Jarvis wished we had a school his children could attend. I told him they could go to your academy. He just shook his head and said, ‘Probly not.’

There again, God goes before us, preparing the way.

Those children will feel like they are flying on eagle’s wings when they begin to read. It may take a while. It really will help if the parents are learning right alongside their children. Adam scratched the back of his head and shook it. I remember when Esther taught Rose and Jasper.

Brian looked at Riley and Erin beside him at the table.

Those two scallywags sent a telegram to a William Brison in Baltimore, letting him know that they found you, Erin, only they used the name ‘Raven’ in the telegram. They also told him that you are married, and when they tried to grab you, half the town jumped them. So, Riley, let it be known from henceforth, thou art ‘half the town.’ Both men laughed. They just received a telegram back. It was short and to the point. ‘Come home.’ Now, I can hold them on assault charges if you want me to do so, or I can put them on the next train, stage, or ship to Baltimore. What is your wish?

Erin smiled then frowned. I don’t want them to go back to Baltimore where they can continue to help William with his nefarious work. However, I don’t want to go through a trial and have to be a witness. I do know they were the ones who broke into the room I was supposed to have in a hotel in Houston when I was staying there. The owner of that hotel may want to press charges. His name is Jesus Martinez. He, his wife Consuelo, and his sister Maria were extremely helpful in getting me away from Mr. LeFleur. Could you contact him and see if he wants to press charges? If he doesn’t, I will. I just dread digging up old memories and reliving them. I do want to do what God would have me do. I certainly don’t think they should get off scot-free.

I understand that. Brian looked around the dining room and lowered his voice. You two have so many adjustments right now with being newly married and having just gotten back from your honeymoon. The town does not need to know all the facts from your past. I can see why you want to move on. Let me contact Mr. Martinez and I’ll get back with you. Perhaps we can combine the charges and have the trial in Houston since we don’t have a judge here anyway. What do you say, Riley?

Brian, if we can hold the trial in Houston, I am all for traveling there and being a witness. If it has to be here, I think it will do more harm to Erin than good. See what you can do.

Okay, I’ll contact the authorities in Houston after I see what Mr. Martinez has to say.

Riley, I can’t take any more time off. Christmas is almost here and Marta is far from healed. I need to work and I need to work hard and long hours. There are copious orders to be filled. I am so thankful for that sewing machine! What a life-preserver that has been. Daisy and Sarah Jane have been a big help with sewing buttons on and hemming things. I can send things out to the Schmitt ranch when they are out there. With it getting cold, there isn’t much to do outside for the ladies. They are enjoying sitting by the fireplace and sewing. Katie and her neighbor Marlene, if she has time, can help them if there’s ever something they don’t really know how to do. Marlene is feeling so much better since her appendectomy. She and Katie are fairly good seamstresses. They have been making the cutest baby things, Erin suddenly stopped talking and started blinking back tears, her throat closing with emotion.

With Marlene in the family way again, we may be in for a baby boom this coming year, Riley stopped talking when Erin suddenly got up from the table and excused herself. She headed out to the privy behind the hotel.

Esther, what just happened? Did I say something wrong? Riley begged with his eyes for her help.

Riley, it isn’t unusual for newly married women to be especially emotional the first year of marriage. There are so many adjustments. She has more than most because of being grabbed by someone who had been trying to kidnap her from the beginning of her trip. I’m sure for no good purpose. I mean, why else would they resort to kidnapping?

I suppose you are right. I just think that’s very out of the ordinary for Erin’s behavior. She had more right to be scared and emotional before we were married than she has now. I mean, I am her protector now. She doesn’t need to be afraid. ‘God shall guard from every ill,’ David said. He will guide and protect us all our lives, even if he uses weaker vessels such as I am.

Just be patient with her. Remind her of how much she is loved. Reassure her that no matter what, God and you will be by her side… Here she is. No need for concern.

Erin took her seat again and picked up the lemon drop on the saucer beside her tea cup. She gave a serene smile to all who were looking at her.

Riley gave her a long look. Well, when we finish our tea, I think it’s time for Mr. and Mrs. Riley to head home. We’re weary from our travels and tomorrow’s a work day. I am thankful a few of the townsfolk felt led to help out with school while I was gone. Although I fear we will have to catch up on some of the work, at least not all was lost in their classwork. I am going to keep them in school until Christmas eve, however.

Erin’s eyes began to puddle again as she quickly drank her tea.

I fear Erin doesn’t have that luxury, Riley. There was no one to keep things going for her while she was gone. I fear she is feeling the pressure of having so much to do before Christmas. Why don’t you two just depend on us for meals for the next few weeks? That way, Erin doesn’t have to worry about what to fix or when. It will be ready when you are. And…if you like, you can take it home with you and enjoy some privacy. Erin, Riley can bring the dirty dishes back with him when he comes to pick up your lunch and bring it to you. That way, you won’t have to stop so often to do something other than sewing. I’m sure Katie and Daisy would love to help…maybe even Sarah Jane too. Would that be a help or more of a bother, Erin?

Oh, I wouldn’t need them every day. I do have some things right now they could do if any one of them has the time. If you see any of them, would you please ask them to come see me? I’ll be happy to pay them something for their help.

Certainly, that’s not a problem at all. In fact, Adam was going to ride out to the ranch tomorrow morning, early. Weren’t you, dear? Esther looked at Adam with a you better say yes look while pinching his leg at the same time.

Yes, I was going out there to see if I couldn’t eat one of Katie’s delicious breakfasts. I haven’t had one of those in a coon’s age. I’ll even bring one of the ‘fillies’ back with me if they agree to your terms, Erin. Esther patted his leg and gave it a little rub, signaling he had done very well.

Does anyone want pie or a tart? We have some fresh lemon meringue tarts, Liz asked as she began to clear the table of dirty plates.

Oh, fresh lemons? Where ever did you get them, Esther?

Mr. Breland got a barrel in from down in the valley. It’s time for them down there. I can’t help myself. I just have to buy them every year even with his exorbitant prices. Esther smiled. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a choice of where to shop?

Oh, Esther. I have the most wonderful recipe for a delicious lemon drink. I got it while I was in Houston. I would love to share it with you and have you add it to your menu offerings. I’ll give it to Riley to bring to you tomorrow. He can give it to you when he comes to pick up lunch. Riley looked at Erin like she had worms crawling out of her ears and then looked at Esther who was beaming. Erin didn’t even look his way once.

Excellent! I’ll remind him to give it to me when he comes. Esther almost laughed.

Liz, I’d love a lemon tart. Thank you for offering, Erin said through her beaming smile. Esther, did I tell you? I love the new private dining room! How convenient. I see there’s a rather large group in there.

Yes, it’s the Heinz family. They get together the last of November or the first part of December each year. They all live in other towns, and Crystal Springs is centrally located for them. They were delighted to see we had that room available. In the past, they all gathered together out here. To tell the truth, it’s much quieter out here than in there right now, much more pleasant for our other guests!

Just then, a very loud round of laughter and applause came from behind the closed door to the private dining room. See what I mean? Esther asked.

Those at their table laughed as well.

Oh, Riley, would it be all right if I asked the children who have been coming to eat at the table outside for lunch to help with stringing popcorn for some hotel Christmas decorations?

I don’t see why not. When do you want them to do that?

I want to have a little party for them after school one day, and we could do it then. I don’t want to leave anyone out, though. Do you suppose any of the other children would want to come?

To a party? Of course they would want to come. Why don’t you do up a little invitation for each of the students, and I’ll send the note home with the children. Oh, I have five new students. Jarvis will be sending his children to school. No one in that family reads, so I’d best give the invitation to Jarvis and I’ll tell him what it says. I’ll send them home with all the children so Jarvis’s children won’t think they were left out, Riley said, at the same time trying to figure all of the logistics out for not having anyone mistakenly feel they weren’t wanted.

That will be wonderful!

Esther, this tart is divine! I can’t believe how much better my throat is feeling and sounding since I started using ginger tea and lemon drops regularly. They are a good medicine. Maybe someday, I’ll be able to sing again.

Oh, you sing? How wonderful. We will add that to our prayer list. Won’t we, Adam?

Of course, dear. What? Adam looked bewildered.

Obviously, you have been giving your brain a rest, again! Honestly, I will never understand how you can do that.

We need to give our brains a rest while we can so they will be in top shape to take care of our beloveds when our full attention and strength are needed. It is a gift from God to men to be able to rest our brains. Adam smirked.

Oh, you! Esther smacked Adam’s arm playfully.

Uh, I think that is our signal to leave, Mrs. Riley. May I escort you to our domicile?

Yes, of course, Mr. Riley. It is a pleasure to take your arm. Shall we? Erin looked into Riley’s eyes and sent a message of love and trust all the way to his toes.

2

Christmas 1880

Cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and a rich yeasty aroma wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the pine scent of the tree they had put up yesterday, sending the smells of Christmas throughout the house as Willow began to brew the coffee. Her excitement on this first Christmas morning since she had been back in the white man’s world would not let her sleep.

She had to be doing something, and cooking seemed the most logical. She loved being out at the ranch, but found her thoughts going across the miles and into town. Like an unbroken mustang, she couldn’t seem to reel those thoughts back here. What’s the matter with me? They’ll be here soon. My thoughts don’t need to go there. She picked up the egg basket and was heading toward the door when she heard Katie creep toward the kitchen. What are you doing, Willow? It isn’t even light out yet?

Katie, I couldn’t sleep, and it seemed like I was wasting time just staying in bed. I was as restless as a deer surrounded by wolves. I felt ready to jump out of my skin. Everything’s so quiet. I need to get outside. Willow turned toward the door once again and opened it. "Oh, it is really cold out here." The door closed harder than intended.

I wonder if the eggs will freeze by the time she gets back with them. Katie gently rubbed her enlarging belly and began to set the table for breakfast then couldn’t resist a peek in the oven.

Yum! That looks oozy-good!

Katie, come out and look! Quick! Willow had popped her head in the door and then out again as she closed it, quickly.

Katie grabbed her cape and hurried out the back door.

Oh, Willow! God has done a marvelous thing. Isn’t it beautiful?

No wonder it was so quiet. The clouds were low and gray yesterday, but I didn’t really think about snow. How wonderful, a white Christmas! Look at the different characters we can see in this snowfall. The smokehouse looks like a Chinese pagoda with all the curves and points. It’s just like the picture I saw in a book Riley had. And look at the clothesline! How funny! Willow laughed.

I don’t remember leaving that sheet out there. It looks like a line of ghosts with each clothespin making a head, albeit a small one. The corncrib looks like an old man leaning against the barn, Kate mused.

Look at the woodpile! Let’s go around the porch to the front. I want to see the well!

The women were still on the porch, dreaming up characters and objects for each of the snow-covered things in the yard and beyond when the front door opened.

Merry Christmas! Josh stepped out on the porch and wrapped his arms around Katie. You’re going to get really cold out here. You best go in by the fire. I stoked the fire in the fireplace. Go on. Willow and I will take care of things out here.

Well, we have named most everything already, so I don’t mind. Why don’t you go gather the eggs since you have those long legs and can get through the snow more easily? Willow can come in with me and get warm.

That sounds very fair to me, Josh said. Here, Willow, I’ll take that. You go on in and get some heat in those bones.

The women giggled as they went back inside. Each pulled a rocker up to the hearth and rested her feet against it—not for long, though. Willow hopped up and looked at Katie.

I must have some hot chocolate! She ran to the kitchen to start heating the milk she had brought up from the root cellar.

There wasn’t much there, but it was enough. Someone will have to milk the cow if we want more milk.

They heard stomping feet outside. Willow reached to open the door, but it was open before she could assist. To her surprise, Michael walked in carrying a bucket of fresh milk.

The Lord heard me!

Michael looked at her with a loving, compassionate gaze. Of course, He heard you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He also knows the plans he has for you. They are not just the big plans, they are the everyday plans that keep the ranch running, that keep people fed and well. He loves each one so much he gave his only begotten Son to die for us in order to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Isn’t that wondrous?

Merry Christmas, Michael! Oh, you make my heart sing when you talk like that. Sometimes, I feel like I really am talking to an angel. When you say things like that, you are a true messenger from God.

Michael winked at her and said, Here is your milk, young lady. Now, where do you want it?

No sooner had he asked than the door opened, and Josh came in with a basket full of eggs. The hens were happy last night or whenever. We have an abundance of eggs. These aren’t all of them. I just didn’t want to put more in the basket. Merry Christmas, Michael. I see you have been busy. Thank you for doing that chore.

Well, with the cow right there next to my room, I felt I was the most logical one to do it this morning. Merry Christmas to all of you.

Willow took the eggs and began to wash them before she cracked a one. Michael put the milk on a stool nearby. I believe I’ll go warm my hands by the fire, he said as he left the bucket and turned to leave the kitchen. What do I smell? I don’t believe that’s the aroma of biscuits.

Right you are! It is a dough, cinnamon, sugar, and candied fruit mixture made into a braid and baked. We will slice it and eat it with our eggs and hot chocolate this morning. Don’t give me that look, Michael. There’s coffee too! Willow put her hands on her hips and turned her back but couldn’t keep her shoulders from giving away her hidden laugh.

Around noon, the sound of jingle bells coming closer could be heard. The house smelled of pine, good food, and cinnamon. Presents were piled beneath the gaily-decorated tree by the front window. Esther, Adam, Tad, Brian, Riley, and Erin made their way up the slick steps to the front door.

Welcome, one and all! Josh hollered as he stepped out to hold the screen door for the heavily laden people coming in. What a wondrous day this is. I feel blessed beyond measure. The Konrads should be arriving soon.

I am excited about getting to know them even better. I’m tickled they have started coming to church, Esther said. What a good thing to have them on a ranch so close to you, Josh. They must be really good neighbors.

I’m glad they didn’t stop their girls from coming to school once Marlene recuperated from her appendix surgery, enough to go back home. I haven’t seen her since, well, except for church. I guess that’s true for a good many people.

I saw Hans at the Christmas program your students put on, Riley. I guess she didn’t come. It has been very cold these last few days, Adam added.

Hot chocolate or coffee, anyone, while we wait for everything to finish cooking? It’s almost ready, Willow offered.

I believe the Konrads are coming down your lane now, Josh. You know, Willow, hot chocolate sounds mighty good. Adam hugged her shoulders.

I’ll take some coffee. Erin wants some hot chocolate, Riley spoke with his most dramatic voice.

Erin laughed. Willow, let me help. I can put some of these dishes on the table. Mine is a cold dish. Esther, does your offering need heating? We can put it in the warming oven or on top of the stove.

Oh, yes, please. It’s still a bit warm. I was using it to help keep my hands warm. She laughed. It could use some heating as I stole most of its warmth.

Suddenly a blast of cold entered the room at the same time Josh jovially said, Merry Christmas, Konrads! Come in. Come in. Get warm by the fire.

Erin hurried over to Marlene. Here, let me take that. Ooo, it’s still really warm. Maybe you want to hang on to it for a little bit.

Marlene laughed, sounding like a bright and cheerful bell that rings out good news. I think I can spare the heat. You certainly may go ahead and put it on the table.

Josh had closed the door, and Katie finished gathering up wraps and depositing them in their bedroom. When she returned, Erin and Willow were busy in the kitchen.

Katie turned. Marlene, come over by the fire. She led her over and scooted in behind Gretel, Katrina, Hans Jr., and Klaus.

I’m not sure we will feel any heat, but it’s warmer here. How are you feeling?

I’m feeling great! I still marvel at God’s hand reaching down and picking me up like that. I would have died and so would our baby, if it had not been for your husband, Adam and Brian as well. They truly were sent to our ranch for just that purpose. As a result, we all came to have a real relationship with Jesus! What a wonderful thing that has been. She lowered her voice. Hans has changed so much. Sometimes I wonder if he’s the same man. I love the new Hans more than the ‘old’ Hans, and I loved him with all my heart before. I didn’t know love could grow like that.

She rubbed her tummy. This one is really active. I remember, I thought I was losing him when that pain struck me. God not only spared me, but also this little one. I can’t wait to see him or her. We have picked out names either way.

Katie rubbed her own tummy and smiled. When are you due?

Not until April. I wish it were sooner. This is my fifth time, and I’m not looking forward to that last month.

Oh, don’t tell me that. I don’t want to know. I want to continue in my blessed ignorance. Both women laughed at that.

Okay, everyone! Josh’s voice boomed over the cacophony of voices. All eyes turned toward him. "We are going to do this like we do at the chuck wagon. Get a plate, only the utensils are at each place. Then you can go through the line of food that is all laid out on this makeshift sawhorse table. Then find yourself a place to sit. We were thinking the children could sit at the table in the kitchen and the adults could sit at the bigger dining room table in here. If you want to sit on the couch or in a chair instead, that’s just fine with us. We aren’t particular. We just want to celebrate the birthday of Jesus with those we love the most. Riley, will you lead us in asking the blessing