“The Lord will tell us when it’s time, and I reckon Muffin will as well.”

Chapter 36

Harmony

Harmony chatted with Jolene as they prepared to open O’Brien’s for breakfast that morning. She found the familiarity of their routine comforting as she filled the condiment caddies and Jolene put the coffee on. Today was Saturday, their busiest day of the week, and Harmony looked forward to losing herself in the hustle and bustle of the busy restaurant.

“Carolina called me up last night and said she’s been offered a paid internship at her college. Can you believe it? My baby, an intern!” Jolene spoke of her daughter so often that Harmony felt as if they were already dear friends despite not having had the chance to meet her just yet.

“Congrats. That’s wonderful. Carolina must be as smart as they come.” She went to write out the day’s specials on the chalkboard by the door while Jolene continued to work with the coffee.

“She sure is. No idea where she gets it from, but she is certainly making the most of it since heading off to school.” Jolene paused and chewed on her lower lip. It was clear how much she missed her little girl despite wanting to be supportive of her big city dreams.

“Well, she’s lucky to have a mom like you,” Harmony offered with a reassuring smile. She’d had dreams like that once, that a simple change of location could give her a whole new life. Good on Carolina for actually making it happen.

“Oh, look at the time!” the other waitress cried. “I got so busy boasting that we forgot to open up the restaurant on time.”

Harmony glanced up at the clock above the kitchen and—sure enough—they’d missed opening time by five whole minutes. When she went to answer the door, she found a few expectant diners waiting to be given reprieve from the chilly morning air.

“Good morning,” she told them each as they shrugged out of their jackets and hung them on the old-fashioned coat rack by the door. “Take a seat where ever you’d like, and we’ll come ’round with the coffee in a moment.”

Jolene was already on it, wielding a pot in each hand. They’d already set out mugs and creamers on each table, which made getting started with their first batch of customers quick and efficient. It was part of the reason folks liked O’Brien’s so much. They never had to wait to get fresh coffee and great eats.

Nolan’s face popped into view through the kitchen window. “Can I get something started?”

“Hold your horses!” Jolene called from across the way, and Harmony chuckled at their easy banter. That’s how life felt here, she realized, easy. Well, except for all the unwanted drama she’d brought with her from Alabama.

The front door swung open again and another group of diners entered.

“Good morning and welcome!” Harmony and Jolene both called in unison.