Precious Stones by Darrien Lee Page A

amounts of food. However, when Sabrinia entered the kitchen, Keilah had a surprise for her.
    â€œWhat is this?” Sabrinia called out to her sister-in-law as they gathered around the large island. The smell of garlic and other spices was in the air, and when Sabrinia looked in the oven, she saw a large tray of baked chicken. On the stove top she found a huge pot of pasta, Alfredo sauce, delicious vegetables, and homemade rolls.
    â€œCalm down, Sabrinia,” Keilah instructed her sister-in-law as she popped opened a bottle of wine and started filling their glasses. “I knew you would come in here like a tornado and start slinging pots and pans, but not today, sis. You’re going to relax and enjoy yourself, because dinner is taken care of for tonight. We have plenty of food, drinks, appetizers, and snacks. Tomorrow we can get serious about preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, and you’re not going to do it alone.”
    â€œKeilah’s right,” Valeria added. “There are enough of us here to put dinner together in no time. Besides, I plan on making my famous corn-bread dressing and stuffed bell peppers.”
    Sabrinia smiled as she picked up her wineglass and took a sip. “Okay, you twisted my arm, because I have no problem relaxing and drinking Keilah’s wine.”
    Aunt Judy had already finished her first glass and was holding it out for a refill. She belched and said, “You don’t have to tell me twice. Fill ’er up.”
    The ladies laughed together as Luke and Sabrinia’s children, eighteen-year-old Lucas, sixteen-year-old Danielle, and twelve-year-old Paris, headed downstairs to the game room. The men quickly grabbed their beer and headed to the theater room to watch football.
    â€œI can’t believe our granddaughter has gotten so big,” Valeria stated. “What are you feeding her? Steroids?”
    Keilah laughed.
    â€œShe’s not big, but then again, your son is her father, so the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Keilah replied.
    About that time they heard a loud cheer coming from the theater room.
    Aunt Judy drank up her second glass of wine and said, “I guess somebody scored.”
    Valeria rolled her eyes at her sister and said, “Stop drinking so fast, Judy, before you pass out before dinner. Come help set the table, because I’m starving.”
    â€œMe too,” Sabrinia replied as she opened the oven and pulled out the steaming tray of baked chicken.
    Aunt Judy reached into the cabinet and handed Sabrinia a platter for the chicken before she started buttering the rolls. Neariah noticed all the food preparation and started squealing with excitement. Keilah walked over to the high chair and gave her a buttered roll. Neariah immediately stopped squealing and stuffed the roll into her mouth. Once everything was set, Sabrinia called the family to the dinner table, where they joined hands in prayer and finally enjoyed a delicious dinner.
    An hour or so later, the family continued to sit around the table, laughing and reminiscing. It was only after Keilah yawned that Valeria suggested they clear the table.
    Keilah stood and said, “If anyone wants dessert and coffee, it’ll be in the kitchen.”
    â€œNo coffee for me,” Aunt Judy answered. “It’ll have me up all night, but I will take some dessert.”
    A few others also wanted dessert, so everyone pitched in clearing the table while Ramsey and Luke took Target out into the backyard for a short walk. Luke was like a father to Keilah, and Ramsey not only admired him but also respected him.
    Sabrinia pointed to her two teenagers and said, “I want you two to clean up the kitchen before going back downstairs.”
    Lucas let out a loud sigh and rolled his eyes.
    â€œLucas, I know you’re not giving me attitude.”
    â€œNo, ma’am.”
    Danielle tossed her brother a dish towel and said, “I’ll wash. You