Chapter 21
Christmas Dinner and After
"Welcome, welcome!" Carol stood at the door, arms open wide as the Patterson family arrived. "Merry Christmas! Come in, come in!"
Mrs. Patterson handed over a covered dish. "I made my famous sweet potato casserole."
"You didn't have to—oh, but I'm so glad you did." Carol took the dish and ushered them inside. "Everyone's gathering in the dining room."
The doorbell rang again. The Chens.
Then the Williams family with their three kids. Then the Rodriguezes. Then more neighbors, more friends, until the house was bursting with people and laughter and the smell of a dozen different dishes.
Maya stood in the kitchen helping Diana arrange food on the table when she heard Ethan's voice from the living room, greeting Mr. Williams. She peeked around the c
