Red-and-silver tinsel hung from the light poles on Main Street in Moose Creek. The roads were covered in hard-packed ice, but they gave the new tires on the Toyota no trouble. Even when Jeremy flipped around to park the right way in front of the house.

As they walked to the door, Bea nudged Jeremy’s new leather belt with her elbow. “Looks good on you.”

His chest puffed out a little. “I’m surprised he didn’t misspell my name on purpose.”

She smiled and smacked his shoulder. “Oh, stop it.”

They reached the door, and Bea knocked as she opened it. “Anybody home?”

Jeremy followed her inside, and they looked around. No one appeared to greet them.

“Hello?”

Dad poked his head into the hall from the kitchen. “Oh, you’re here.”

“Everything okay? Where’s Grandma?”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Dad waved her over. “Sorry, your grandpa and I were just talking at the table. Grandma’s been in her room all morning. We’re trying to figure out what might convince her to come out.”

“She’s not doing well? Hi, Grandpa.”

Grandpa gave her a wink and lopsided grin.

Dad shook Jeremy’s hand. “She’s just been quiet today is all.”

“Oh.” Bea wasn’t sure what to make of her dad’s tone. Was he worried? He seemed distracted. “You still planning to run some errands while we’re here?”

When she’d told him over the phone they would be coming today, he’d mentioned he might take the opportunity to run out and take care of a few things.

A funny look passed over Dad’s face. “Yes. If that’s all right with you.”

“Of course.”

Grandpa frowned. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I know.” Dad appeared flustered. “But I don’t like leaving you alone for too long.”

Dad’s explanation did nothing to alleviate Grandpa’s frown. “How long are your errands gonna take?”

“Uh . . .”

Bea tried to keep her voice upbeat. “It’s fine, Grandpa. This just means we’ll be able to talk about him while he’s gone.” She turned to her dad. “Where will you be going?”

Dad scratched the top of his head. “Well . . .”

The door opened and shut.

“Yoo-hoo! Ready to go?”

Dad’s face reddened.

Bea smirked. “I see. Well, I’m sure we’ll all be just fine while you’re on your date.”

“Keep your voice down.” Dad’s face was horror-stricken. “It’s not a date.”

“You know what your mother would say.” Grandpa’s frown threatened to flip upside down. “If it looks like a duck, and walks like a duck . . .”

“Cut it out.” Dad pleaded with his eyes as Marge joined them in the kitchen. “Bea, why don’t you go down and see your grandma. See if you can talk her into coming out for lunch.”

Ha. She could take a hint.