Free Christmas in Paris (A Master Chefs Series Standalone Novel) by Kailin Gow Page A

possible, but was eager to have him return. 
“If things go well, he should be back today.”
    As
Bobby prepared his bird, he flicked on the television, quickly bringing a frown
to Taryn’s brow.  Every day it was the same; he turned on the television to
watch the news, to learn the latest development.  She couldn’t stand it
anymore.  She didn’t want to hear about war, and shootings and high alerts.
    Closing
her eyes, she tapped Liberté’s back a few more times then settled her on her
other breast.
    “They’re
reading the names of the victims,” Sam said solemnly.
    Liberté
began to cry, as if sensing the great sorrow that suddenly filled the room.
    For
the next ten minutes they listened as the names of every victim was called out,
every name bringing more and more sadness to Taryn’s heart.
    “It’s
okay, baby,” Taryn cooed.  “We’re going through a sad period, but everything
will be okay.”  She looked up to her mother for reassurance.  “Everything will
be just fine.”
    Sam
nodded and smiled, but it wasn’t enough to completely alleviate Taryn’s
worries.  She’d hoped to bring her daughter into a beautiful and peaceful
world, and now her country was at war.
    “Belgium
was on high alert, but it has been lowered,” Sam said. “And France had started
going after the culprits. The President of France has made it clear he will try
his best to keep France safe under his watch from now on.”
    Taryn
blew out a deep breath and said, “I can still remember feeling the stadium
shake. And when we were evacuating, and I realized it was a terror attack, it brought
back memories of 9/11, Mom. Twice I’ve experienced attacks on my homeland.
First in New York and now France. I must admit, Mom, it has shaken me up a bit,
but what can you do? I won’t keep it from letting me show my baby how much joy
there is in the world. How much life there is to live…”
     “It
was frightening at first, but like you said, you can’t dwell on that, honey. 
You have a new life and she needs your optimism, your hope for a bright future
and faith that good will prevail.”
    “Okay,”
Bobby called out.  “This bird is ready to hop into the oven.”  He opened the
oven door and slid the turkey in then clapped his hands with satisfaction.  “By
eight o’clock we will have a veritable feast.  Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted
string beans, homemade cranberry sauce all topped off with pumpkin pie.  A real
American Thanksgiving dinner.”
    “Sounds
wonderful!” Leo stepped into the penthouse apartment and walked up to Bobby. “I
will finally get a chance to taste the newest hottest chef of New York’s
cooking. Can Bobby’s turkey be better than Chef Errol King’s?”
    He
looked around. “You know I came all the way to Paris, me and my globetrotting
jetsetter ways, to have the best Thanksgiving dinner around. So, where’s Errol?”
    “Once
you taste my cooking, you’ll be like, Errol who?” Bobby said. “Ummm, that
Thanksgiving feast Master Chef Bobby Cummings made was out of this world good! 
I just might have to invite that handsome young chef to make an appearance and
introduce a signature dish at the Oyster House in Hong Kong.”
    Leo
laughed, patting Bobby’s shoulders.  “Nice. I like how you not so subtly tried
to get yourself introduced onto my menu at the Oyster House.  You know we only
feature the very best there. Our patrons have the most delicate tastes.”
    “But
I’ve always wanted to visit Hong Kong and the rest of Asia,” Bobby said. “I
love to sample all the cuisines there.”
    “That
depends on how well this Thanksgiving feast turns out,” Leo said.
    Bobby
shoved a spoonful of stuffing into Leo mouth before Leo could said anything.
    Leo’s
eyes opened wide in surprise before he began chewing. “Not bad. Not bad at all.
In fact, this is delicious. What is it?”
    “Manakeesh
topped with the sweetness of Knafeh along with some toasted chopped pine nuts
and garlic