Some Enchanted Season by Marilyn Pappano Read Free Book Online Page B

their million-watt smiles again, and Agatha bobbed her gray head. “We sent some with the sheriff when you awakened and he was able to interview you about the accident.”
    Maggie remembered. She hadn’t been allowed food yet—she had still received her nourishment via IV—but the aromas, after nine weeks in a coma, had been almost as good as actually eating. Though he’d no doubt thought it best, it had nearly broken her heart when Ross had them taken away.
    “So … we understand you and your husband are going to live here for a while,” Corinna said. “Once you’re settled in and feel up to it, we’ll have a welcome-home party to reintroduce you to all your neighbors.”
    “Let’s not wait for a party.” Agatha leaned close to pat her knee. “Thanksgiving is the day after tomorrow. We always cook a big dinner and have a lot of people in—family and friends and neighbors. Why don’t you and your husband join us?”
    “Oh, please do,” her sister chimed in. “Thanksgiving is meant to be shared by a crowd. It’s much too big a holiday for just two people. Please come. You met everyone last year, and they’ll be so glad to see you again.”
    Maggie felt a flutter of panic at the thought, no matter how well intentioned, of being on display for a crowd of strangers who knew her but had no place in her memories. At the same time, part of her relished the notion of spending a holiday with people who were genuinely happy to see her. That same part liked the idea of being welcomed into the community. After all, she was going to be a part of it.
    “It sounds nice,” she said, meaning it in spite of the panic. She was going to have to face her fears at some point, and being a part of the holiday they weredescribing seemed a perfect opportunity. “I’ll have to check with Ross, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”
    “Everyone starts gathering around eleven, and we eat at one or thereabout. We’d be happy to have you—and you don’t need to bring a thing. We always have plenty. Now, go ahead, eat,” Agatha encouraged. “There’s a napkin underneath the plate, though I prefer to just lick my fingers. Corinna, we should have made some hot cocoa. What good are cinnamon rolls on a nippy fall morning without hot cocoa?”
    “They’re wonderful all on their own,” Maggie said as she broke off a piece. She savored the first bite and the next, until half of one roll was gone.
    That was when Corinna took a look around. “Is your husband here, my dear?”
    “He’s inside—still asleep, I think.”
    “We never met him last year. On the rare trips he made here, he was always working.” Corinna clucked her tongue. “Young people need to learn to take it easy, to make time for what counts. Life doesn’t last forever, you know.” Abruptly, her cheeks turned pink. “I’m sorry, dear. That was insensitive of me.”
    Maggie smiled to put her at ease. “Not at all. It’s all too true, as I found out for myself.”
    “You’re a very lucky girl. We saw your truck when the sheriff had it towed out of the ravine. It’s a miracle that you survived.” Agatha’s expression shifted from grave to joyous. “You got your very own Christmas miracle. We love miracles here in Bethlehem.”
    “Then it’s a good place to be.” And as long as she was there, Maggie could use a few more small miracles—if she hadn’t already used up her share.
    “Well, dear, we must get back,” Agatha said, getting to her feet. “We’ve got planting to do.”
    “Planting?”
    “We’re dividing our bulbs,” Corinna replied. “It should have been done weeks ago, but …” She waved one hand dismissively. “Things happened. But as long as we can work the ground, it’s not too late. Why don’t you bring your husband over sometime? We’d love to meet him, and we’re usually home, unless we’ve gone to the library with the children—”
    “Or to help out at the church,” Agatha added, “or with something at the