“You’ll be fine,” Megan said. “The weather’s warming up, the roads are clear, and I already spoke with Francine about parking the van in the driveway, next to the restaurant. There’s even a ramp for your wheelchair. And wait till you taste the food. It’s heavenly!”

“I ate there once with Katy’s family,” Daniel said. “It was yummy! I can’t wait!”

“It does sound good,” Megan’s father said. “And don’t worry, Dorcas. I know a lot of people from the school. They’ll be happy to meet you.”

Bundled into their coats, they used the lift to load the wheelchair into the back of the van and drove downtown to the B and B. Cars were parked around it for blocks, but, as promised, the driveway was clear. All they had to do was move the barricade with the RESERVED sign, drive in, and unload the chair.

Mouthwatering aromas greeted them as they came up the ramp and onto the porch. Daniel held the door open while his father wheeled the chair inside the crowded dining room.

Francine gave them a wave and a breezy smile. “Come on in. Megan’s already paid, and your table’s ready. Right over that way. You’ll see the sign.”

They headed for the empty table with another RESERVED sign on it. “I can’t believe you arranged all this, Megan,” Ed said. “And you paid. I was ready to do that.”

Megan smiled. “My treat. Sit down at the table. One of the servers will bring you coffee, and I’ll fill some plates for you and Mom.”

Daniel had headed straight for the food line and was now moving along the buffet table, heaping his plate with bacon, eggs, airy flapjacks, and crisp hash browns. As Megan waited in the line, she cast surreptitious glances around the dining room. Conner wasn’t here; neither were his partners. But, of course, he and Rush would be busy readying the sleigh and horses and getting them to town for the parade. With Travis still recovering, they’d have their hands full. Maggie was absent, but Tracy was here with Clara, sitting at a table with some friends.

Katy and her parents were here, too. Daniel had spotted them and was carrying his plate over to their table. Megan could have scolded him for deserting his own family. He needed a reminder to be more sensitive and respectful to his parents. But now was not the time. She would mention it later, at home.

She filled two plates for her parents and carried them back to the table. A lively gray-haired woman had joined them, sitting in the empty chair. Megan recognized her as the city librarian.