Page 88 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

Julian did some mental math. With Warren’s van and some muscle, there’d be just enough room to accommodate Frank’s wheelchair.

“Any chance you’d like to give some old folks a ride?” Doris asked Erin as Julian entered the lobby. “Our choir dreams have been bested by a flat tire.”

“This is an emergency!” Harriet said, practically throwing herself over the lobby desk, picking up the phone as it rang and slamming it back down. “All hands on deck.”

“Oh my gosh!” Erin said. “Of course. I’d be happy to. Let me grab my keys.”

“That’s another one secured,” Doris said, turning to him.

“If Erin and I both make two runs, and Warren can accommodate Frank—”

“We’ll just make it,” Doris said.

Julian nodded. “You should come with me now in the first group. You can get us signed in while I run back for the second.”

Doris bundled herself back into her coat.

“Maggie,” Julian called, darting across the lobby. “You’re in charge while I’m gone. If Warren gets here before I get back, explain the situation. Ask him to wait. He’ll need my help getting Frank loaded into his van.”

“Got it,” Maggie said, stress painting extra glitter onto already glittery cheeks.

He turned back to Doris. “Okay, let’s go.”

They collected a few choir members, and all piled into his car.

“Not exactly how I saw the day going,” Julian said as they drove through town, “but it could be worse.”

“It could be a blizzard,” Doris agreed. “Or we could have had a bout of laryngitis whip through the choir. Those would have been problems. This was a little hiccup.”

“Well, according to Maggie, I’ve got at least one more hiccup coming.”

Doris squeezed his arm. “I think we can handle it.”

When they reached the community center, Julian let the group out. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Someone keep a lookout for Erin. She’ll be bringing the next group. Doris—”

“I’ll get us sorted. Drive carefully.”

Julian did, only speeding a little as he made his way back to Glendale. When he arrived, Warren’s van was parked in front of the building.

“You are actually the best,” Julian said, hopping out of his car.

“It’s my good deed for Christmas. Gotta make sure Santa still comes.” Warren rolled the door of the van open. “Okay, what’s the plan?”

“I think we get Frank situated in your passenger seat? The wheelchair should fold down and fit in your trunk. Then between the two of us, we should be able to take the rest of the residents.”

“Sounds good.”

Julian hurried back to the lobby to collect Frank. They got him buckled into the van, then headed back to the community center with the rest of the choir. Warren helped Julian maneuver Frank back into his chair when they arrived.

“All right, I’m gonna head home to pick up the family,” Warren said. “But I’ll help you run the residents back after the show.”

“I’m hoping Walt has the tire sorted by then.”

“Keep me posted.”

“I will.”

Warren waved. “My kids are really excited for the performance.”