Daniel held on to his wife’s waist more tightly as they crossed the street and into Cromwell’s. The couple was stocking up on groceries and other small items for their home. As they crossed into the store Serena saw Corey exiting the barbershop and going toward the restaurant.

"Daniel I’ll be right back."

"Where are you going?"

Serena smiled slyly. "I’m going to repair a friendship. I just saw Corey, and I think I’m going to invite her to sit with us at the Turkey Trot."

Daniel frowned. "Serena, I think we should mind our business and let Corey and Meghan handle their own friendship problems."

"Your daughter is upset Daniel, and not because Corey’s being courted by someone who Meg considers to be less than savory but because she truly misses her best friend."

"I don’t like this." Daniel muttered,

"What’s the worse that could happen?" Serena asked with a smile.

Daniel glanced up as he thought. "Meg and Corey could get into a horrible argument in front of most of the town?"

"Won’t happen. Luke and Dean will keep them in line."

Daniel’s eyes opened widely. "You’re going to tell her to bring Dean, too?"

"Well, I can’t very well invite Corey without asking her to bring her beau."

"Well if nothing else, this is going to be a very interesting Thanksgiving." Daniel muttered. Serena giggled softly then kissed him sweetly.

"Meet me in the restaurant when you’re done here, I’ll buy you lunch."

Daniel nodded and watched his wife walk out of the store and carefully cross the street.

Serena entered the restaurant and informed Clover to set up a table for her and her husband then looked for Corey. She found her sitting in the corner with Dean and felt a moment of uncertainty about interrupting their lunch. Finally deciding that it was for the best, she took a deep breath and headed for their table.

"Excuse me." Serena said with a smile.

Corey glanced up and returned the smile while Dean was a little hesitant to do so. "Hello Serena. Sit down, how are you?"

"I’m fine, you?"

"I’m doing well, thanks. Have you met Dean Hamilton?"

Serena smiled at the big man and nodded an acknowledgement to him. "Pleasure Mr. Hamilton."

"Call me Dean, everyone does." He said with a genuine smile.

"Dean then. I’m sorry for interrupting your lunch, but I was wondering if you two had plans for Thanksgiving."

Corey glanced at Dean and he shook his head. "We were planning on going to the Turkey Trot why?"

"Wonderful. I’d love it if you would sit at my table then. It’s the closest thing we’ll have to a family dinner."

Corey grimaced slightly. "Will Meg be there?"

"Well, I hope so. Wouldn’t be much of a family gathering if she and Luke weren’t there."

"Serena I’m sure you know what happened on Halloween."

"And? Listen Corey, what happened between you and Meg has to be resolved between you and Meg, but truth be known, I’ve come to think of you as my step-daughter as well, and I want you to be at my table."

Corey glanced at Dean. She didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable, and he shrugged. Serena seeing this made another decision regarding her table. "Dean won’t be the only new-comer to our table. I’m sure he and Ian could talk about what a diverse bunch we are."

"You’re inviting Ian, too?"

"You’re not the only one having friendship problems. It’s time for Luke to get over his feelings of mistrust with Ian. Besides, Ian has no one else to spend the holiday with."

"You are just on missions of mercy aren’t you." Corey stated with a wide grin.

"Well I try. I hate to see such discord among friends, especially this time of year. So will you have Thanksgiving dinner with us?"

Corey once again glanced questioningly at Dean, and he smiled and nodded once. She turned to Serena, "Okay we’ll be there."

"Wonderful. And I promise to make sure everyone is on their best behavior. No one will be made to feel left out."

"I appreciate it." Corey replied as a shadow fell over the table. Serena looked up and smiled. "Hello darling."

Daniel smiled and kissed a hello to Corey as he reluctantly shook Dean’s hand. "Corey and Dean have agreed to sit at our table for Thanksgiving."