“I second that,” Natasha said. “Your grandmother’s pound cake is a good option, too. But after you give people a taste of that, they’re going to be hounding you day in and day out for more.”

Serenity shook her head. “In that case, I might skip it. I don’t have time to do baking full-time.”

“No is a complete answer,” Dana said emphatically. “I say make the cake and don’t worry about the requests. There are always so many cakes, people probably won’t even know who baked what.”

“True.” So far she’d done apple pies and peach cobblers. “What about three different desserts—berries, pound cake, and brownies?” Immediately, her thoughts went back to the look of pure pleasure on Gabriel’s face as he ate the brownies. The soft kiss on her hand and the resulting sensations.

“Ooh, yes. I think that’s perfect. For the first time, I have that day off, and I’ll be buying some of each,” Terri said.

“Is Jonathan coming with you?”

Her smile faltered. “I don’t know. Lately he’s been working more hours, and we haven’t done anything fun in the past month.” She tilted the wineglass to her lips and drained the contents.

Serenity grasped her hand. “I’m so sorry. Hopefully, it’s just temporary.”

“I hope so. I didn’t mean to drag the party down.”

“Girl, please,” Natasha said. “We’re all having men problems. At least you’ve found your Prince Charming and didn’t let him get away. Everything will work out.”

Dana lifted her glass and touched the side of Natasha’s. “At least you don’t have to worry about brothers being mad because I can fix a car better than they can and accuse you of not being ladylike.” She rolled her eyes.

Serenity shook her head. Dana was probably the most refined in the group. A classically trained pianist, she’d played in concerts all over the country while in college and for a while after. Although she no longer played professionally, she still offered private lessons. “I say forget all those losers. You’ll find the one who’ll appreciate the diamond you are.”

“See, that’s why I come over here. I can get the best cooking in town and the encouragement I need.” Dana gave Serenity’s hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re the jewel. I say we toast Natasha for convincing Serenity to relocate here.”

They touched glasses and broke out in a fit of laughter. The mood lifted, and the women continued to converse, interspersed with moments of singing and dancing. Usually, her friends stayed around to help clean up after their dinners, but tonight, for one reason or another, they all had to leave a little early. Serenity hugged each woman at the door and, with promises to talk early the next week, they said good night.