Within the hour Jr. and Jasmine finally finished their meals and laid down for a nap. Envious of them, Cherish knew the significance tonight held and she couldn't slow down.
Returning to the first floor with the bottle in hand, Margaret lit up once Cherish's taller form entered the kitchen. Sitting at the island bar with a magazine, she perked up and waved her in, "Oh there you are!! There's some chicken and vegetables in the fridge. If you don't mind, we would love some soup on this cold day!" She exclaimed.
Cherish unscrewed the cap and set the bottle into the sink while looking around. Jack and Miriam were missing, and she could hear the television from the basement. Which meant that one or both Simons were down there, "Sure, did Miriam and Jack lay down?" She asked.
Margaret sighed softly and shook her head, "No. She's just having a tough time now. Let's give them some space." She replied. Cherish rubbed the back of her neck as Margaret flipped the magazine shut and stood, "I waited for you, dear. Are you ready to learn the super-secret family recipes that has been in this family since my mother found it in a 1976 cookbook?" She asked with a grin.
Cherish pumped a squirt of soap in her hands and washed them. She glanced over her shoulder at Margaret and nodded once, "Show me all of the sacred published secrets."
Margaret grinned from ear to ear as she tied her hair up in a small bun, "Jesus will weep tonight." She joked before both women burst into a fit of giggles.
As Cherish began her stew, Margaret stood beside her and showed her how to smash the potatoes, season, and form the latkes. Miriam soon found her way back to the kitchen and reassured them she was fine. The kitchen was filled with laughter, teasing any of the men who dared to step foot within, and the women bonding over the food they cooked for the family. Soon life returned to the house when the babies woke up and the men were on duty. Slowly the sun descended, and the lights illuminated the inside of the house.
Cherish placed a large pot of thick, chicken and sausage soup in the middle of the table. Which was followed by Miriam's green bean casserole, Margaret’s braised beef, latkes, and doughnuts. Cherish mashed some meat and vegetables in bite sized pieces in small bowls. They decided to forego the squeeze tubes and share a real meal with the babies.
Everyone hustled around to get the dinner table together while Cherish grabbed two ice cubes and placed one in each bowl. Going over, she put one by Simon's seat and the other by her own. With both grandfathers at the head of the table, Cherish sat across from Simon and smiled at him. She felt as though she hadn't seen him all day since they got home and found that she yearned to see his face. She wasn't used to the distance and now that he was in front of her, with a little love in his arms, Cherish shyly looked away and waited for prayer before they could eat.
Simon caught the tail end of Cherish’s look and stared right back at her. Normally the Gabot family didn’t always pray as they should, but because it was Hanukkah, they said a small blessing before tasting the bread. Before long they began to eat. Simon blew on his spoon, while trying to feed his son a small piece of chopped brisket and gravy.
Jr. smacked his hand against the plate and smeared it over his opened mouth. He kicked his feet and grunted out in satisfaction. Each time, Simon sighed out and grabbed a napkin to wipe Jr.’s little hand clean.
Everyone had a ball as they watched the babies enjoy their first real meal. Jr. was completely enticed like his father while Jasmine waited for her mommy to spoon feed her. Though, when she finally got some food, it was always followed by a small kiss against Cherish's chin.
Following suit with the same kiss, Cherish grinned down at her little girl and pushed her nose against her cheek, "Thank you, baby." She whispered to Jasmine before taking a bite of her own meal.
Halfway, she heard a deeper, louder grunt from across the table. Her brown eyes looked to Simon who stared her down with a look of trouble. He’d tasted her soup and gave her the “I’m about to embarrass myself with this food” expression; one she knew all too well now. They both knew that it would become a dinner staple in their home once they got back. Instantly Cherish's entire face scrunched up before she, and the others, laughed at his antics.
Ripping off a piece from his dad’s hand, Jr. grabbed more food and dramatically pushed it into his mouth. He loved the green bean casserole and, even though he was a messy eater, he was entirely adorable. Each time he kicked his feet and gave an enthusiastic hum tickled Simon.
Once dinner was over, they gave their prayer for the whole meal before they cleaned off the plates. Simon Sr. brought in the Chanukkiah and set it down in the middle of the table. He placed the Shamash in the center and the other candle on the far right. Lighting the middle candle with a match, he sat down and waited for the others.
Sitting back down, Cherish noticed how dark it was outside and Margaret stood. She clasped her hands together and shut her eyes as she started the first of three prayers. Cherish stared up at her silently while everyone else smiled lightly in Margaret's direction. The babies didn't seem to notice their grandmother, but the fire kept their attention. Jr. leaned back against his daddy while Jasmine continued to pick at bits of food and
