Some links may be affiliate links. We get money if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links on our site.

Christmas All The Time is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Buffet for Munchkins

Meredith fanned herself as the families approached. Holly and Nancy took the kids to another table before joining their husbands at an adjacent table. Holly kept Frank Jr. in a sling across her chest. ‘Looks like I’ve got you all to myself, big boy.’ She was aghast at the thought. ‘What on earth has come over you?’

“That looks like quite a challenge.” Toby said.

“What’s that?”

“Buffet for munchkins. Do you just bring stuff and hope they like it or spend all afternoon trying to get them to agree to something other than ice cream?” Toby looked over at the kids’ table.

‘Hmm, kids’ table, parents’ table, Ivy’s table and our table. That worked out strangely.’ She coughed nervously. “How would you handle it?”

“Me?” He turned back to find her dark brown eyes drilling into his soul. “Uh, I, um, well, that is…”

“Yeah, I guess it’s hard to really decide until you’ve got some of your own.” She leaned over to look at the kids’ table. ‘Jeez! Have you flipped? Talking about having kids? He’s going to jump up and run out the door!’

“You’ve probably guessed already that I’m a pushover. I’d probably carry them over and help them pick.”

“The defensive lineman is a pushover? That is surprising.”

He grinned. “Well, I’m a pushover for cute little kids. Offensive tackles? Not so much.”

“Want to give them a hand?” She studied the green elements of his hazel eyes. ‘What are you doing?’

“A hand?” He itched his beard. “Why not? I’m sure they’d appreciate the help.”

‘Wow, he’s actually getting up.’ Meredith folded her napkin and placed it on the table. ‘Gee, I hope they don’t take my soup.’

“Hey, Steve, mind if we take the kids over to get some lunch?” Toby headed over to the kids’ table.

“Sure, buddy. Be my guest.”

‘Well, sure. They’ve known each other since they were kids, but Holly barely knows me.’ She stood up. “Holly, do you mind?”

“Not at all. I appreciate the help. Thanks!”

‘Look at him. He’s a natural. I don’t know anything about kids.’ She watched Toby sweep Bradley up into his enormous arms. “Hey, girls, let’s go see what’s good for lunch.”

Lynn and Chelsea darted away with Kendra hot on their heels. ‘I’ve already lost them. I shouldn’t have worn heels today.’

Meredith struggled to catch up with her charges. She and Kendra got the little ones provisioned with plates and escorted them back to the table. “Can I get you something, honey?”

“I can get my own.” Kendra said. “Can you stay here with them for a moment?”

“Sure.” Meredith sat down in Kendra’s spot. “So, what did you ladies study at Sunday School today?”

Lynn was eying her tortellini. “Mrs. Tribbett was talking about soap on a rope.”

“Really? That’s kind of random.” Meredith said.

“No, it was hope on a rope.” Chelsea leaned over and speared a slice of pear from Lynn’s plate. “Today is the First Sunday of Advent. Lynn was too busy drawing to listen right.”

Lynn humphed and snatched a slice of peach from Chelsea’s plate. “Whatever.”

“What were you drawing?”

“I always draw a picture for Chelsea because she’s my best friend.”

“That’s sweet of you.” Meredith smiled as she saw Toby returning with Bradley’s plate in one hand and the little boy perched on his shoulder with his arms out like an airplane. He put the plate down in front of Bradley’s booster chair and flew the boy back to his seat with a loud airplane noise. ‘He’s adorable, good with kids, a legitimate Sentinels fan and he’s so nice. You should grab on tight and never let go.’

“Meri, are you okay?” He asked.

“I’ve got to sit down.”

“You are sitting down. Are you okay?”

“I’d better go…” Meredith put her face in her hands.

“Nancy, can you help her?”

Nancy and Holly sprung from their seats and hovered over her. “Meri, let’s get you freshened up.” Holly handed the baby to Frank.

She saw the look of shock and fear on Toby’s face as they led her away. ‘Now he thinks you’re crazy. Why did I ever come here?’

“Toby, what happened?” Steve asked.

“Heck if I know. We were getting the kids some lunch, and she started having a fit.” He took a spoonful of mac and cheese and flew it to Bradley’s mouth like a crazy airplane. “City folk…”

“Meredith, tell me what’s happening.” Nancy said.

“I’m getting ahead of myself again.”

“I don’t understand.” Holly said. “What’s going on here?”

“I’m trying to have a nice time with Toby.”

Holly studied her. “Seems like you’re having a panic attack. Do you have an inhaler or something?”

“No, I never get like this.”

“Except around Toby.” Nancy said.

“Huh, either you’re in love or you’re going to have a stroke.”

“Holly!” Nancy hissed. “She is not going to have a stroke. She’s just keyed up because she’s been hurt before.”

“Haven’t we all?” Holly rolled her eyes.

“Holly, do you think Meredith and I could have a moment here?”

“Oh, relax.” Holly grabbed Meredith’s shoulders. “Meri, look at me.”

Meredith stared into Holly’s bright blue eyes. There was a curious mix of fury and concern in her gaze.

“Whatever happened to you is over now. That was then and I’m sorry it happened, but what’s done is done. You don’t need to lay all that on poor Toby. He’s a very nice guy.”

“He really is, Meredith.” Nancy said.

“Now breathe.” Holly gave her a little shake and let go. “Get a grip. Will you?”

“But…”

“But what, Meri? What could possibly have happened that has any bearing on what’s going on out there? Does Toby look like the guy who hurt you? Is he being mean? Why are you so stuck on whatever that was?”

“Because I’ve never been so humiliated in my life.” She sobbed. “It was horrible, and it just kept getting worse.”

“Until?” Holly snapped.

“Until what?”

“What changed? When did it stop getting worse? How did you escape the pain?”

“That’s the thing, Holly. I never have.” Meredith sunk to her knees and cried.