The doorbell rang, and Natasha, who was just finishing tossing the ingredients for the kale salad, said, “I’ll get it. It’s probably Dana or Terri.” She placed the bowl in the refrigerator and headed toward the front. She came back with both women.

“Hey, y’all,” Serenity called out.

“Hey,” the women chorused.

“Oh my goodness. It smells so good in here.” Dana hugged Serenity, then claimed a stool at the kitchen bar. “I really hope you made an extra loaf of that bread because I’m starving. Everybody and their mamas brought their car to the garage today, and I haven’t eaten since breakfast.” She worked as an auto mechanic at her father’s garage.

“I always make extra when you come, Miss Bread Queen.” Dana had been known to devour an entire loaf of French bread, but she never gained an ounce.

“I was just telling Dana the same thing,” Terri said, laughing. “The ER was busy all day. I had time for half a granola bar and a bottle of water, and then it was off to the races again.”

Serenity gave Terri a quick hug. “I’m just glad you could make it. You’ve been working a lot of extra hours lately.” She retrieved a small charcuterie board filled with assorted cheeses, crackers, spinach dip, and chunks of sourdough.

“Me too, and I know. I’ve been taking a few extra shifts.” Leaning against the counter, she scooped some dip onto a piece of bread and asked, “Have you met Andrea’s brother yet?”

“No, but I invited him to join us for dinner tonight—sort of a welcome-to-town thing. Ms. Della’s coming, too.” She checked the two loaves of bread in the oven.

Natasha laughed. “That means we’re in for a good ole time. I hope you’ve got the old-school R & B playlist ready. You know Ms. Della’s going to have us all up dancing.”

Serenity smiled. “You know I do.” She glanced over at the microwave clock. “They should be here in a few minutes. I told them to come around six.”

Dana, munching on cheese and crackers, reached for one of the wine bottles chilling in an ice bucket. “In the meantime, I’m going to start with a glass of this delicious chardonnay.”

“Pour me one, too,” Terri said, holding out a wineglass. “Matter of fact, just pour four, and we can toast to this fabulous food.”

Once everyone had a glass, Natasha held up hers. “To friendship, sisterhood, and Serenity’s Supper Club.”