Prep Work

Mary stumbled up the concrete steps, pausing at the top to readjust her grip on the enormous duffle bag in her arms.

     "Whaddya stopping for?" Garth, her husband,  called from the car.

     Mary's jaw clenched, but she blew a lose hair from her face, and forced the anger from her voice. "Resting, Dear."

     "You can rest later," He growled, shoving his hands in his pockets. "After."

     "After." Mary smirked, hefted the bag higher, and shuffled up the walk. After making supper, and after the clean up, and the dishes, and waiting on him and Frank while they watched the game... she staggered up onto the porch and kicked the door with her toe. "After."

   A moment later the door creaked open. "My word, you... That is a large bag," Mildred whispered, her eyes laughing as she peered around the bag. "Let me help you." She slid her fingers under Mary's load. "It should be big enough for both." Mildred proded the burlap with her fingers. "And it feels like you remembered the supplies."

   "I remembered everything. Clothes, knives, gloves, zip ties." Mary jerked her head back toward Garth, strolling up the walk behind her. "Even the turkey."

     Mildred shrugged with delight. "Good, good."

    From inside the house, Kevin's voice shouted. "I'm not made of money woman. Shut the damn door!"

    Mildred's smile widened. "And I've got all the spices ready."

     Garth stomped onto the porch, and snorted a laugh. "Two old hens clucking away when there's work to be done." He shoved Mary out of the way with his elbow and went inside.

     The two women watched him for a moment, then Mildred sighed. "I think we'll celebrate our Thanksgiving tomorrow, don't you dear?" She caught Mary's gaze, and her eyes twinkled.  "After."