20
The weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays were a flurry of activity. What’s Perkin’ had been extremely busy, and Ellie came to help out once the semester was over. Cari’s parents, Dave and Susan Riley, came to town for the holidays and, without being asked, jumped in to help out at the shop. Cari was exceedingly grateful for the extra hands. It was just like her first few years in business with her mom and dad helping out, preparing and delivering baked items during the holiday rush.
Ray had been cleared to go back to work and was finishing a kitchen project. Everyone was coming to the McKenna home for Christmas Eve. The plan was to spend the night, wake up to gifts under the tree and a big breakfast, have a fabulous dinner, and spend the rest of the day together.
As the holiday
