Michelina moved through her kitchen with practiced ease, pulling dishes from cabinets and arranging them on the counter. The women had settled around the large farmhouse table, their presence filling the warm space with laughter and chatter.
"You must be starving," Michelina said, glancing at Jane. "I heard your stomach growling from the hallway."
Jane's cheeks flushed crimson. "I'm so sorry. That's so embarrassing."
"Don't be. It means you appreciate good food."
Ella snorted. "She appreciates all food. I've seen her eat three plates of breakfast and still have room for dessert."
Jane buried her face in her hands. "Ella!"
"What? It's true."
Cassandra laughed. "Jane has a healthy appetite. There's nothing wrong with that."
Jasmine tugged Michelina's sleeve. "I'm hungry too. But I'm not as hungry as Jane."
"Rude!" Jane exclaimed, but she was laughing now.
