Some links may be affiliate links. We get money if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links on our site.

Christmas All The Time is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thanksgiving Dinner At Lutheran Grace Fellowship

“Great to see you.” Megaman smiled. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“How often do we get to have a community Thanksgiving Dinner with a superhero?” Pastor Greg shook his hand. “I think I saw Jeb and the others heading that way.”

“Yes, there they are. Say, is it true they have turducken on the menu?”

“It is. Ryan really pulled through on that. He told Earl he knew how to make it and Earl set up the donations.”

“Boy, that guy is everywhere.” Megaman chuckled. “And people call me a superhero…”

The pastor smiled as he turned to greet the stream of people lined up out the door.

“Ryan, this is Earl Townsend’s plate.” Meghan dished some mixed vegetables and a dollop of cranberry sauce before sliding it down to him.

Ryan smiled. “Extra gravy for Earl. I remember.” He made a mountain of mashed potatoes and pressed the ladle in the middle to create a bowl to hold an extra portion of gravy. A thick slice of turducken with a drizzle of gravy and a parsley sprig finished the plate.

“I admire your energy.” She said, sliding him another plate.

“I admire your dedication. Greg told me how much of a help you’ve been.”

“That’s what marriage is all about. God willing, you’ll find your missing piece some day.”

“Maybe.” He completed the plate and slid it down to the window. “Maybe I found her and screwed it up.”

Meghan shrugged. “Maybe she wasn’t the one. Maybe it was just the wrong time.”

He thought about that as he continued dishing out potatoes, gravy and meat. It was weird seeing Carol again after all he’d been through.

She slid him another plate. “That one’s for plain turkey.”

He nodded and dished up accordingly. “People like having choices.”

“True.”

“Some people have their choices made for them.”

“Sometimes.” She slid him another dish.

“Um?”

“Turducken.”

“Thanks.” He dished up and slid it to the window. “Earl said this stuff would go like hotcakes.”

“It wouldn’t have without you. I’m glad Greg convinced you to come.”

“Did he tell you where I came from?”

She nodded and slid him a plate. “That part is over now. Oh, croquettes on that one.”

“Takes all kinds.” Ryan chuckled. He swirled gravy on and around the turkey croquettes.

They continued plating and sending orders out until it came to a sudden halt.

“Guess that’s everybody.” Ryan looked out at the social hall.

“Not quite everybody.” Meghan slid him another dish. “I’ll have the turducken if there’s any left. You want some veggies?”

“Sure, thanks. Cranberry, too, if there’s any left.” He sliced a portion of turducken for her plate.

“Okay, come on out. Greg saved us some seats.” Meghan took her plate and left her apron. Ryan followed her out with a plate of his own.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Chef Ryan! King of the Turducken!” Greg announced.

Ryan looked around the hall as he received a standing ovation and whistles of appreciation. He nodded and took his seat. “Well, that was an ambush, but not the kind I’m used to.”

“I told you, Ryan.” Meghan sliced up her turducken. “That part is over now. You don’t have to let your past determine your future.”

“Keep making good choices, Ryan. Let your present shape your future.” Greg said.

He nodded and dug into his dinner. They couldn’t know what it was like. It just wasn’t that easy. Was it?

“I can’t believe that’s the same Ryan Doyle.” Carol’s mom said as she mopped up her gravy with a dinner roll.

“People change, Mom.”

“Maybe.” Her dad said. “You should probably steer clear of him anyway.”

“I know I will.” Sarah said with a nervous glance in his direction.

“Guys, let it go. It’s Thanksgiving. We’re supposed to focus on what we’re thankful for, not what we’re resentful of. Just forget he’s here. Pretend he’s some other guy with the same name.”

“Marta, what are you saying?” Trilby hissed.

“I’m saying he’s hot. You may be married, but I’m free to be infatuated with anybody I please.”

“Don’t discourage her, Trilby.” Mrs. Kwock said. “I’d let her marry the UPS guy if he’d stand still long enough for her to seduce him.”

Trilby’s mouth dropped open. “That’s crazy.”

“Apparently, you haven’t seen the UPS guy.” Marta said as she studied Ryan.

“So, what are you thinking, Earl?” Maggie hung over his shoulder. “Is this guy a keeper?”

“So far, so good.” Earl shrugged. “If you can squeeze him into the budget, I’d hire him in a heartbeat.”

“If not?”

“I’d give him a strong recommendation and reach out to some friends around the county. Either way, he deserves to land on his feet. Whatever happened in the past…”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“It’s all I can ask.” Earl tucked his napkin under his plate. “Well, that and a piece of pumpkin pie.”

“Ryan, just set that stuff up with some hot, soapy water and leave it. The church ladies will be in after they do their Black Friday pillaging. You’ve done plenty here.”

“I’ve got a real knot in my stomach, pastor.”

“Why? Everybody loved your turducken. You’re making a great support network. Everybody told me what a good job you’re doing with the streets guys. I know you’re not used to having things go your way, but they are. Keep on keeping on, buddy. You’re doing great.”

“And that’s right about the time the other shoe wants to drop.”

“What am I about to tell you?”

“If you’re feeling uneasy for no good reason, it’s time to pray.”

“Exactly. You want company? I’ll pray with you anytime, anywhere. It’s in my job description.”

“Actually, yeah. I’d like that a lot. I think I’m hearing that wrong voice that you mentioned.”

“It’s been your companion for so long, it’s hard not to think of it as an old friend. I’m glad you recognize that it isn’t. You’re really making progress, Ryan. I’m proud of you.”