The Welcoming

fine.” Idly she glanced at the papers on the desk. “Sorry I left you in the lurch yesterday.”
    “Don’t be silly.” Fear ground in his stomach as he eyed the wound on her temple. “We were worried about you.”
    “I appreciate that, but there’s no need to worry anymore.” She slanted a smile at Roman. “I’ve never felt better in my life.”
    Bob caught the look, and his stomach sank. If the cop was in love with her, he thought, things were going to be even stickier. “Glad to hear it. But—”
    She stopped his protest by raising a hand. “Is there anything urgent?”
    “No.” He glanced at Roman again. “No, nothing.”
    “Good.” After setting the papers aside again, Charity studied his face. “What’s wrong, Bob?”
    “Nothing. What could be wrong?”
    “You look a little pale. You’re not coming down with anything, are you?”
    “No, everything’s fine. Just fine. We got some new reservations. July’s almost booked solid.”
    “Great. I’ll look things over after breakfast. Get yourself some coffee.” She patted his hand and walked into the dining room.
    Three tables were already occupied, the patrons enjoying Mae’s coffee cake before their meal was served. Bonnie was busy taking orders. The breakfast menu was neatly listed on the board, and music was playing in the background, soft and soothing. The flowers were fresh, and the coffee was hot.
    “Something wrong?” Roman asked her.
    “No.” Charity smoothed down the collar of her shirt. “What could be wrong? It looks like everything’s just dandy.” Feeling useless, she walked into the kitchen.
    There was no bickering to referee. Mae and Dolores were working side by side, and Lori loaded up a tray with her first order.
    “We need more butter for the French toast,” Mae called out.
    “Coming right up.” Cheerful as a bird, Dolores began to scoop up neat balls of butter. As she offered the newly filled bowl to Lori, she spotted Charity standing inside the door. “Well, good morning.” Her thin face creased with a smile. “Didn’t expect to see you up.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “Sit down, girl.” Hardly glancing around, Mae continued to sprinkle shredded cheese into an omelet. “Dolores will get you some tea.”
    Charity smiled with clenched teeth. “I don’t want any tea.”
    “Want and need’s two different things.”
    “Glad to see you’re feeling better,” Lori said as she rushed out with her tray.
    Bonnie came in, pad in hand. “Oh, hi, Charity, we thought you’d rest another day. Feeling better?”
    “I’m fine,” Charity said tightly. “Just fine.”
    “Great. Two omelets with bacon, Mae. And an order of French toast with sausage. Two herb teas, an English muffin—crisp. And we’re running low on coffee.” After punching her order sheet on a hook by the stove, she took the fresh pot Dolores handed her and hurried out.
    Charity walked over to get an apron, only to have Mae smack her hand away. “I told you to sit.”
    “And I told you I’m fine. That’s
f-i-n-e.
I’m going to help take orders.”
    “The only orders you’re taking today are from me. Now sit.” She ran a hand up and down Charity’s arm. Nobody recognized or knew how to deal with that stubborn look better than Mae. “Be a good girl, now. I won’t worry so much if I know you’ve had a good breakfast. You don’t want me to worry, do you?”
    “No, of course not, but—”
    “That’s right. Now take a seat. I’ll fix you some French toast. It’s your favorite.”
    She sat down. Dolores set a cup of tea in front of her and patted her head. “You sure did give us all a fright yesterday. Have a seat, Roman. I’ll get your coffee.”
    “Thanks. You’re sulking,” he murmured to Charity.
    “I am not.”
    “Doc’s coming by this morning to take another look at you.”
    “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Mae—”
    “You’re not doing nothing till he gives the okay.” With a nod, she began preparing Bonnie’s order. “Fat lot of good you’ll do if you’re not a hundred percent. Things were hard enough yesterday.”
    Charity stopped staring into her tea and looked up. “Were they?”
    “Everybody asking questions nobody had the answer to. Whole stacks of linens lost.”
    “Lost? But—”
    “Found them.” Mae made room at the stove for Dolores. “But it sure was confusing for a while. Then the dinner shift . . . Could have used an extra pair of hands for sure.” Mae winked at Roman over Charity’s