The first person they saw was Mabel Terry, one of the owners of the general store, and the person who organized the roster of volunteers for the evening meals.
“Lynda,” Mabel said with a wide smile. “It’s so good to see you. How’s George?”
“He’s doing better than the doctors expected. He’s getting plenty of rest and enjoying looking at the garden instead of working in it.”
“That can’t be easy for him, but I’m glad he’s resting. If George feels like company, tell him to call Allan. He misses their weekend fishing expeditions.”
Lynda smiled. “I’ll do that. Daniella added our name to the list of volunteers for tonight’s meal. What would you like us to do?”
Mabel consulted the clipboard she was holding. “Let me see…You’re both serving food tonight. Daniella, you’re responsible for the soup. And, Lynda, you’re serving the delicious beef casserole I made earlier today. Remember to wash your hands, and the aprons and gloves are sitting on the kitchen shelves in their usual place.”
Daniella grinned at Mabel’s thorough directions. “Thanks, Mabel.”
“You’re welcome. If you can’t find something, just ask.”
When they walked into the dining room, Daniella immediately felt at home. Dinner guests were finding their seats, chatting amongst themselves as they caught up on what had happened since they last saw each other.
The community dinner nights were a wonderful addition to the church’s programs. Daniella didn’t know how long they’d been running but, each night, the church provided a free meal for anyone who wanted to join Pastor John and the rest of the volunteers.
Everyone was welcome, regardless of their circumstances. Some people lived on their own and came to enjoy the company of other guests. For others, the free dinners were their only meal each day. The last group of guests were the people who lived at The Welcome Center. With a lot of families staying here at the same time, it was a busy place.
The evening’s task was clear and simple: serve the guests a hearty meal and make sure everyone felt welcome.
After a quick catch-up with the volunteers in the kitchen, Daniella and her mom washed their hands, tied their aprons around their waists, and got to work.
Daniella kept a careful eye on her mom. This was the first time she’d left the house since George had come home. Her mom had fretted over every last detail, driving Owen crazy with her list of emergency contact numbers and instructions on what to do if his dad’s heart did funny things.
So far, her mom seemed to be enjoying herself. Even the constant stream of questions from the dinner guests about George’s health didn’t faze her. Lynda smiled at everyone, served large portions of casserole, and joked with the guests about the funny things she’d seen at the hospital.
When they’d finished serving the first two courses, Mabel came across to them and smiled. “You’ve done so well. How does it feel to be back here?”
“Like a breath of fresh air,” Lynda told her. “I’d forgotten what it’s like to be around people.”
Mabel patted Lynda’s arm. “I felt the same way when Allan had a funny little turn. I spent every waking minute worried the same thing would happen again. My girls were a Godsend. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.”
Lynda looked at Daniella. “I feel the same way. Owen and Daniella have been wonderful.”
“And it’s even better that they’re both living in Sapphire Bay.” Mabel consulted her clipboard and checked her watch. “It’s time for your break. Would you like something to eat?”
Daniella looked at her mom, and they both shook their heads.
“We had dinner before we came here,” Lynda told Mabel. “But I’d love a cup of coffee. Why don’t you and Daniella find a table and we can catch up on what’s been happening. I’ll get everyone a cup of coffee.”
Daniella wasn’t sure that was a good idea. Mabel had a heart of gold, but she was terrible at keeping information to herself.
Thankfully, Mabel didn’t share any deep, dark secrets with Daniella. By the time her mom arrived back with three steaming mugs of coffee, Mabel had told her about a new line of jams she wanted to sell in her store, and was now discussing the summer festival.
“It’s a wonderful celebration of Sapphire Bay,” Mabel gushed. “I love the live entertainment and it’s a great way to support our local artists.”
Daniella smiled at her mom as she placed a cup of coffee beside her. “Thanks, Mom. I’m looking forward to the summer festival, too, Mabel. It gives a huge boost to a lot of businesses income even if they aren’t directly involved in the festival.”
Mabel nodded. “The fundraiser for the adventure camp and the Christmas Wish Program was just as successful. Having a gala event in The Fairy Forest was such a good idea. We raised so much money for both charities that I’m sure we’ll do it again.”
Lynda smiled. “I’m sorry George and I missed it. We were out of town that weekend, but we saw the photos you posted on the community Facebook page, Mabel. It looked as though everyone had a great time.”
“Oh, they did. I’m thinking of booking The Fairy Forest for my daughter Katie’s next birthday. Being a children’s author, she’d love the little slice of magic you’ve created, Daniella.”
“That would be wonderful,” Daniella replied. “But call me as soon as you decide what you’d like to do. I’m already taking bookings for events that are eighteen months away.”
