Chapter 28
Paul’s eyes were gritty as he trimmed fat from a beef tenderloin, each cut requiring more concentration than it should. He’d arrived home from the hospital at a little after two in the morning. He’d had a few hours of restless sleep, then forced himself out of bed to be at the restaurant by six.
Food prep waited for no one, especially with a busy day ahead of his team. They were providing food for the open house at the Welcome Center, as well as their usual pre-Christmas bookings.
Even with all his staff helping, he was worried he’d over-committed what they could do.
Picking up his knife, he sliced through a beef tenderloin.
The meat beneath his blade was perfect. It had just enough marbling for flavor, and enough grain to give the meat a perfect texture.
This was simple work. Good work. And it should have kept his mind occupied.
Except he kept thinking about the hospital, Lynda’s pale face, and the worry etched in her friends’ expressions.
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.”
Paul hadn’t thought about the other events Matt was involved in. “Gordon will be perfect. He’s got the build for it, and the children at the center already love him.”
“That’s what I thought.” John took another sip of coffee. “And there’s more. Carol called me from the animal shelter. Matt and Lynda’s veterinary friends heard about the accident. They’re working out a schedule to cover the work at Paws of Hope so it doesn’t have to close while Matt’s recovering.”
Something tight in Paul’s chest loosened despite his exhaustion. This was Sapphire Bay. A place where the community helped each other. “That’s incredible,” he said. “Lynda will be relieved.”
“I hope it helps with some of the stress.” John finished his coffee and set the empty mug in the sink. “I should get on the road. Thanks for being on track with the event at the Welcome Center.”
“You’re welcome.” Paul managed a tired smile. “Drive safely.”
After John left, Paul’s hands moved automatically, gathering what he needed for the lunch special, but his mind was elsewhere.
Across town, Susan was probably in the Welcome Center, getting ready for her next cooking class. The thought made him smile.
He pulled out his phone and typed: Pastor John just stopped by. He’s going to the hospital to see Lynda and Matt. Gordon’s taking over as Santa in the Christmas parade. Are you going to the hospital tonight? I could take dinner for everyone after the open house at the Welcome Center.
The reply came almost immediately: That’s wonderful about Gordon. I’ll check to see what Lynda’s doing for dinner, then get back to you. I’m still planning on helping you at the Welcome Center tonight. XXX
Paul took a deep breath. If Susan had decided not to help him, he would have understood. But knowing she’d be there made a huge difference. Perfect, he typed. Enjoy the cooking class.
Paul slipped the phone back into his pocket and thought about how good it felt to be part of such a caring community. By the time Harry called out a question about the soup stock, Paul was humming a half-forgotten tune from his grandmother’s kitchen in France.
And for once, the melody carried no sadness. Only gratitude.