“She’s inside. We found her sitting by a tree down at the pond. She heard a cardinal and was following the sound,” David said.

His father’s face softened. “She’s always loved cardinals.”

“Dad, you should talk to Meg. I don’t think she can take her eyes off Mom at all while she’s here.”

His father nodded. “I agree. It’s not her fault. She was just trying to help, but now we know. I’ll talk to her before she leaves today.”

Once they were in the car again and heading back to the hotel, David glanced her way. “Thank you for coming. That was the first time she’s wandered off like that. Hopefully, it will be the last time.”

“I’m sorry. I know that was scary for all of you. I don’t think Meg will let it happen again. I felt bad for her.”

“I did, too. And for my father. It’s stressful for all of them.”

“And for you, too,” Paula added.

He smiled. “Thanks. It’s just the strangest thing. I was there last night for our weekly pizza dinner and she was so good. Better than she’s been since I first got back. But it seems that it comes and goes.”

“You’ve had quite the day. Have you and Missy kept in touch at all over the years?”

He shook his head. “No. I haven’t run into her at all when I’ve been home before. I knew she was married ages ago. I didn’t realize she got divorced.”

“I was surprised to see her working in a restaurant. I’ve seen her a few times over the years. She’s come in for various events at the hotel and I don’t think she worked then.”

“She used to work as a hostess at one of the waterfront restaurants when we were in high school. I don’t know what else she has or hasn’t done over the years.”

Paula smiled. “Well, she wants to catch up, so you’ll probably find out soon enough.”

“Right. I have to email her the details on the Taste of the Town event when we get back, too.”

“I bet they’ll do it. It’s a great opportunity for a new restaurant.”

“I agree. They’d be crazy not to.”

When they got back to the hotel, David disappeared into his office and Paula was about to go check her email, too, when she saw her grandfather and Aunt Vivian coming down the hall.

“How was it?” her grandfather asked.

“Good! Cute place, mostly seafood. We invited them to participate and David is emailing the details to the manager to send to the present to the owners.”

“Excellent!”

Aunt Vivian glanced pointedly at her watch. “That was a nice long lunch.”

They had been gone a long time. Not that it was any of her aunt’s business.