Matt’s accident had shaken Paul more than he wanted to admit, even to Susan. One moment everything was normal, then a second later, a person’s life hung in the balance.
The back door opened with its familiar creak. Harry stepped inside, stomping snow from his boots.
“Morning, Chef.” His breath formed white clouds in the cold air. “The temperature dropped overnight.”
Paul glanced up from his work. “Are the roads okay?”
“A little icy, but Main is clear.” Harry reached for his apron. “Lisa asked me to tell you that you’re invited for dinner next Sunday.”
“Tell her I’d be delighted.” Paul appreciated the normalcy of the exchange.
Before Harry started work, he stood uncertainly beside Paul. “The community Facebook page is filled with stories about an accident Matt was involved in. Is it true?”
Paul nodded. “Unfortunately, it is. He’s in the hospital in Polson.”
“Mabel heard he was in an induced coma,” Harry continued. “Do you think he’ll be okay?”
Paul put down his knife. “I hope so. He’s in the best care.”
Harry was silent for a few minutes. “Do you think he needs anything? He’s always been super kind to us. When Lisa’s tabby cat swallowed a button, he didn’t charge us for removing it. He does that sort of thing for a lot of people.”
Paul saw the worry in Harry’s eyes and sent him an encouraging smile. “Matt doesn’t need anything, but you could call the animal shelter to see if they need help. With Matt and Lynda not there, they’ll be short-staffed.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll do that this afternoon,” Harry said quickly. “At least I’ll feel as though I’m helping him, even if it’s only in a small way.”
Paul nodded and continued his food prep. He knew how important it was to show someone you cared, especially at times like this.
The morning routine unfolded with a familiar rhythm. Harry began breaking down chickens while Paul checked their inventory. Jenny arrived just after seven, prepared the dining tables and booths for their customers, and then started coordinating the reservations for the weekend.
By eight-thirty, Paul had just taken four loaves of bread out of the oven when Jenny appeared in the doorway.
“Pastor John is here, Chef,” she announced. “He’s heading to Polson to see Lynda and Matt but wanted to talk with you first.”
Paul set down his oven mitt. “Send him in.”
Pastor John’s coat was dusted with fresh snow, and his face was ruddy from the cold. But his eyes were full of their usual warmth and humor.
“Morning, Paul.” John extended his hand. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Never.” Paul gestured to the prep station. “I need to keep working, but we can talk while I chop the vegetables. Coffee’s fresh if you want some.”
“I’ll help myself.” John moved to the coffeepot with the ease of someone who’d been here plenty of times. He poured a mug and leaned against the counter. “You look tired. Did you have a long night?”
“Susan called me about Matt’s accident. I went straight to the hospital and didn’t get back until two in the morning.” Paul began dicing onions with practiced efficiency. “It was a long night and an early morning.”
“That was good of you.” John took a sip of coffee. “How was Matt when you left?”
“Still in an induced coma.” Paul swept the diced onions into a bowl and reached for the carrots. “Lynda was holding up well, all things considered.”
“She called me late last night.” John’s expression grew serious. “Matt’s family is arriving sometime today.”
Paul nodded. “Hopefully, Lynda can get some sleep while they’re with Matt. Did she mention anything that she needs a hand with?” Paul moved the carrots aside and started on the celery.
“Actually, that’s part of why I’m here.” John set his cup on the counter. “Lynda was in charge of decorating the Welcome Center for tonight’s open house. Shelley’s doing that, but I wanted to make sure you’re still able to provide the catering.”
“Of course.” Paul paused mid-cut to meet John’s eyes. “Susan and I had already pre-cooked some of the appetizers. If Susan’s needed at the hospital, Harry and Jenny have offered to stand in for her.”
John’s expression eased. “I appreciate that more than you know. With Matt’s accident, I was worried we might need to cancel it. On a more positive note, I received some good news this morning. Gordon Jessop heard about Matt’s accident and has offered to step in as Santa for the parade.”
