Chapter Ten
Balloons in every color were tied on every available chair and table leg (likely to keep the balloons from flying up to the steep ceiling of the barn). There was a table of gifts off to the side, all in bright wrapping paper. And everyone seemed to be there, including her too-busy, misty-eyed daughter, Piper. Even Miss Sissy was there, probably pulled out of searching the woods, smiling at her. Beatrice felt herself tear up and blinked hard to fight the uncharacteristic tears.
Meadow bounced over to her. She carried a plate that was completely covered with food. Beatrice spotted stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, sausage bites, brie with pepper jelly, and cheese straws. Beatrice laughed shakily, “And now, suddenly, I’m starving. And trying not to cry at the same time. How can I
