17
THE HOURS AT MEADOWLARK passed rather more quickly than Luella expected, and when it came time to set up afternoon tea in the community room, she got another surprise:
“Chandelle!”
“Luella!”
She wanted to run to the girl, wrap her in a big hug, and apologize one hundred times over. Instead, she approached warily. When Chandelle didn’t back away, she said, “I’m sorry about—”
“It’s okay,” Chandelle cut her off.
Luella was serious when she told the girl, “It isn’t okay.” She glanced over her shoulder, at Wade, who watched them expectantly. “I was out of line to behave the way I did.”
“Say,” Wade interrupted. “Would you two mind running to the kitchen? They should have a wheelie cart of treats ready to go.”
“Sure,” Luella said. Wade must have known instinctively that they nee
