Kerry was at the grocery store, grabbing things for Thanksgiving dinner at her grandma’s house. The family hadn’t been together since Grandpa’s funeral five years ago, and Kerry was really looking forward to seeing her cousins—mostly.


At Grandma’s house, the kitchen already smelled like home.


Grandma was busy baking her famous pumpkin, pecan, and sweet potato pies when Chuck came in from the backyard.


“I cut up enough firewood,” he said. “I’m gonna hop in the shower and get dressed.”


“Thank you, son. Go on and get dressed,” Grandma replied.


As Chuck left the kitchen, the rich cousin, Evie, walked through the front door. The familiar scent of pie and cinnamon hit her, and for a moment, it felt like stepping back in time. She went straight to the kitchen and gave Grandma the biggest hug.


Grandma smiled and guided her to the dining room table. “So, how’s life?”


Evie smiled crookedly. “It’s good. I just opened my second restaurant in Miami, so I moved down there. You have to come try it.”


Grandma rubbed Evie’s hand. “Are you dating someone? I want some more grandbabies.”


Evie’s smile faded. “I’m sorry, Mama, but I’m not having any children.”


Grandma shrugged.


“You still got time.”

Evie stood up, her tone firm. “No, ma’am. It’s not happening at all. I had a hysterectomy a year ago. I almost died.”


Grandma’s face softened with shock.


She rose and wrapped Evie in her arms. “Why didn’t you call me? You don’t tell me anything about your life anymore?”


“Mama, please,” Evie said quietly. “I’m going to go unpack and lie down for a bit. That was a long flight.”


Grandma watched her go, sadness in her eyes, then turned back to the kitchen and finished her pies in silence.