Preparations for a Barbecue
The group was chattering as they worked, unpacking and setting up each wing before moving to another. It was obvious that things were going really well so far.
Dean entered the cabin, followed by his dog. The smaller ones were running around outside. He smiled at Bobby and Sam who were discussing the hanging a painting over the fireplace. Sarah had asked them to hang it.
“Hey, Bobby, will you have time to do a big barbecue? We got company coming.”
"We should be ready to start doing that in about an hour or so," he said to his adoptive son. "We're nearly finished."
Dean smiled a sweet smile and turned to go, with a slight, quiet sigh of relief. No third degree this time. A little more freedom given? He grinned as he headed towards his wing to put his laptop in his office and coffee maker in the kitchen. He had no idea where Lisa would want it.
Bobby's words were accurate. Within an hour, everyone was popping their heads into the room where Dean was to find out what they should make or bring for the family bbq. This was an important one due to the fact it was the first meal in their new home
Dean sat down on the floor in front of the fireplace, noting that someone had a fire started. He was tired, but happy they were done.
“What kind of meat does everyone want?” Lisa asked, a note pad and pen in front of her.
“I would have asked for brisket but that takes all day. There’s a huge bag of t-bones in there, Dean responded.
Lisa nodded. "Sounds good. I have some ground beef thawed, can make burgers for those who aren't into steaks."
“That would work. Potato salad or baked potatoes for the steak and burgers? We could do fries for those having burgers if we do baked potatoes. I thought potato salad and baked beans, but with steak baked potatoes and salad are probably better. Hey, Watari, can I eat this stuff?”
"Potato salad will do," Watari said. "I can fix it with less starch issues."
“I could put on a pot of baked beans in the oven. Lis has a great recipe for them. Sarah, Lisa, do you girls want to make desserts?” Dean grinned and winked at them.
Sarah laughed. "I'll handle desserts and Lisa can work with the beans."
Dean paused for a second, recognizing what had very kindly not been said. He remembered what Doc had told him and his own reply, and he smiled. “Okay, I know when I’m not wanted in the kitchen.”
Sam grinned. "Feel up to helping us set up some music to have in background?
“Hell, yeah. I could drive down to the shop and get the small stereo we moved from the model room to the new room we set up for modeling down there.”
"That's a good idea actually," Sam said. "Want company?"
“Yeah, that’d be great. Need to move the vehicles this way, anyway.” They headed back to the trailers and the Impala.
Sam trailed alongside his brother. "What are we doing with the trailers now that we're moved in?"
“I want to keep them. Holidays, family visits, and stuff like that. I know you got room, Sam, but do you want Sarah’s dad in your wing with you guys? Especially before the wedding? I don’t have anything set up for Ellen and Jo and they are coming. Said they could use the time off.”
He nodded. "That's not a bad idea."
“I do have one once in a while” They got into Dean’s baby and He started the engine. As they drove to the highway, Dean grew quiet.
Sam let it stay quiet for a bit before breaking the silence. "What's on your mind?"
“I went to see Doc today.”
"And?"
“Mello mentioned specialists seeing me, Sam. Had to have been when I got shot. I don’t remember it and Watari told me there were issues and I had to rest and change my diet. Doc never really took care of me until Lilith. He didn’t even know about it. I still get tired way too easy, Sam. He running a whole bunch of tests and some stress thing on Wednesday. Said it was going to take some time to do it all. Damn it, Sam, they’re going to take blood. I hate needles, but I want to know why everything is like it is.”
Dean parked the car and leaned back against the seat, sighing.
His brother turned in his seat. "Do you want company that day? I know the girls will be getting the house ready for everything so I can go with you."
The older man’s voice had a slight tremor in it, “That would be great, Sam. Thank you.”
"No problem. Just tell me when you're going in and I'll be waiting for you," he said, reaching out to pat his brother's arm. "It'll be all right."
Dean nodded. “I’m going in the morning on Wednesday and have to bring some thing to eat. Thanks, Sam.”
Sam nodded. "Okay, I'll be there."
Dean got out of the car and reached into his pocket for the shop keys. “We really need to get a music system for the patio, Sammy. Make it a heck of a lot easier than doing this every time.”
"I can ask Matt to help us choose one for that since the patio looks like it may be the main area for our gatherings," he said softly.
“It’s a good idea. They closed it in, Sam, so it makes sense to have something that would entertain out there. I want to talk to you about Sarah, while I’m at it.”
"What's up?" He trailed alongside his brother as they went into the shop.
“I’m hosting a party for her at Flannigan’s in town on Saturday evening. I looked for caterers on the Internet. Mrs. Flannigan is catering it. It’s going to be Celtic. I even found a guy who sings old Celtic songs. He performs at some of the Ren Fests around here.”
Sam grinned. "She'd get a major kick out of that. What you need me for?"
“Find a way to get her there without her knowing what it is. We have the tux fittings in the morning, so I thought Flannigan’s would be a big thing. We could drive home late that night.”
"Or we could stay. I did keep the rooms in case we needed them."
He laughed. "Staying might be better. We'll have at least one person not exactly sober. Tux fittings would work, I could have Lisa work on dress stuff with her and keep her busy all day."
“That’ll work. I got class tomorrow and Thursday. Next week, there won’t be any because of Thanksgiving. Oh! Promise me no cameras.”
"No cameras?"
“I bought a dress kilt, Sam,” Dean’s voice sounded strangled.
Sam started laughing. "No problem."
Dean stared at him, “You got any fingers crossed?”
"No, Dean," Sam snickered.
“All right. One picture gets out and I’m ruined for life, Sammy.”
"There won't be any, Dean," he reassured him.
“Okay. Let’s get this back. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been kicked out of the kitchen. I thought I was gonna make the beans, but I’ve been told ‘no’. I’m going to try out the whirlpool tub and maybe read a while in my office. Everyone else was planning something. You got something going, or would you like to join me in the my office?”
"Since my wing is unpacked and ready to go, I may enjoy a bath and then join you in reading until we're screamed at for help," he said with a grin.
“Sounds good to me. I may need a smoking jacket.” Dean thought for a moment. “Two questions here, Sammy. Why do they call them smoking jackets? Why the hell do they put patches on a perfectly good jacket? It looks lame.”
He stared at his brother. "I have no freaking clue."
Dean stared for a moment at his younger brother. “I would usually say something about college at this point, but I can’t do that anymore. Damn!” He grabbed the speakers from the walls and set them on the table as he unplugged the wires from the stereo.
Sam helped him get the speakers down. "The thing is, that's not usually covered in college classes."
“That’s okay. I’ll ask Watari. He knows everything about gentlemen and stuff. Be interesting to know. I’ll never be a gentleman.”
"Me either. It's fun this way though," he said, picking up some of the components to carry to the car.
Dean was behind him with the remainder and set them on the trunk and headed back to lock up.
Sam slid into the car, getting comfortable. Dean slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine. Turning his head, he backed out of the parking area and onto the road to the highway. What he had not planned on was a major family meeting due to Mello’s saying something to Matt and Ben about Dean’s tiredness and the doctor.
“I remember you dressing up and going to that girl’s house and having turkey and stuff when you were a kid.” Dean pulled into the drive and parked in front of the house.
"It wasn't family though," he answered, tone not getting any louder. "I really wanted to have a family turkey day."
“I know, Sam. So did I. Dad didn’t get back until late afternoon. He went out and got drunk and found a lonely woman somewhere. Kinda glad you weren’t there. Never did like for you to see him that way.”
"Well, we have a chance to make our own traditions and memories now," Sam told his brother. "So let's make 'em count."
“We got family and friends. It’s nice, Sam. Main thing is we’re still together.”
"Exactly."
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