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that.”
    Unable to help herself, Christina traded glances with Marla.
    Marla shrugged. “She’s in a mood, but she likes you, dear. Don’t worry, she’ll be patient.”
    After tying on her apron, Christina walked toward the swinging door that separated the kitchen from the dining area. “It’s times like this that I really miss Miriam,” she murmured.
    â€œI know. Miriam would have teased ya, and then would have probably been your shadow all day, watching over you like a doting mother hen,” Marla agreed. “But she’s a housewife now. And a mighty happy one at that.”
    Christina smiled. After working at the Sugarcreek Inn for more than five years and pretty much being the backbone of the restaurant, Miriam and Junior Beiler had gotten hitched in a whirlwind wedding. It had been a big one, and somewhat of a grand occasion since they’d decided to hold the reception right there at the inn. Even the bishop had approved such a move, taking into consideration that the two of them had known each other so long that there was no need to wait to wed.
    But the short engagement had meant that there was no time to reserve a kitchen wagon. Christina, Marla, Ruth, Jana, and about a dozen more girls had worked in the restaurant’s kitchen, making chicken, stuffing, and even an assortment of wedding cupcakes for the happy couple.
    Practically the whole town had attended, and it had been quite the loud and boisterous celebration.
    But now all of that was over. Long over.
    â€œHurry now, Christina,” Ruth called out. “If you don’t get a move on, Jana’s going to hustle in here to see what’s keeping you.”
    That was all the encouragement she needed. With a deep breath, she walked through the doors and felt her cheeks heat when some of the customers looked at her curiously.
    Mrs. Kent smiled at her as she approached. “Ready for today?”
    â€œ Jah. I’m eager to be a waitress.”
    Mrs. Kent chuckled. “I’m glad you feel that way. I know you’re going to do great. I’ll stay by your side for a few tables, then you can be on your own.”
    â€œSo quickly?”
    â€œDon’t worry, Christina. It’s just food. If you mess up the order, it can always be fixed. And all you have to do if you do run into trouble is ask me to join you.”
    After giving her a pad of paper and a pencil, Jana went through a few points, then had Christina shadow her the next hour. By the end of the hour, Christina was feeling comfortable enough to do all the talking. At that point Jana seemed content to stand by her side and listen.
    As the restaurant began to fill with the lunch crowd Jana gave her a little push toward the back tables. “It’s time we split up, dear. Just do things like you did them with me and you’ll be just fine.”
    And wouldn’t you know it? She was fine. Since she’d worked in the kitchen she was familiar with all of the dishes and was therefore able to answer most questions. Next thing she knew, she was taking a break, then darting back and forth from the tables, taking orders, delivering glasses of tea and lemonade, and refilling coffee cups.
    She was doing so well, she was caught off guard when Jana called her over to take a phone call. “Aden is on the line,” she explained. “He wants to know if you need a ride home. Do you?”
    â€œOh, I was so excited about waitressing, I forgot to ask if you could take me home today. Can you? Ruth has other plans.” Jana usually never minded taking a few minutes to get out of the restaurant.
    â€œI’m sorry, but I can’t do it today. I’ve got a meeting with my accountant at five.”
    Spirits sinking, she took the receiver from Jana. “Hi, Aden.”
    â€œHi. How are things in the kitchen?”
    â€œFor your information, I’m not working in the kitchen.”
    â€œOh? What are you doing?”
    She