The bell over the door chimed as Sarah pushed it open, the sweet scent of fresh-baked bread and pastries wafting out to greet her. She smiled, instantly relaxed by the familiar sounds and smells of Mabel's Bakery. The early morning crowd was thinning, leaving only a handful of patrons lingering over coffee and conversation. At the counter, a woman in her late fifties with a warm smile and auburn hair, chatted animatedly with Mabel, the bakery's owner. The woman gestured animatedly as she spoke, her words punctuated by the clinking of spoons against ceramic cups. "…so I told him, Stephen or no Stephen, I was going to the quilting circle no matter what. Aunt Helen would've wanted me to be there." Mabel chuckled, her round face crinkling with warmth. "You and your Aunt Helen, always causing a stir." The woman laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, she could stir up a hornet's nest at fifty paces. I reckon I just picked up the habit from her." Sarah edged closer to the counter, admiring the assortment of baked goods. A tray of croissants caught her eye, and she reached for one. As she did, Mabel glanced up, her gaze flicking between the woman and Sarah before introducing them. "Sarah, this is Judy. Her Aunt Helen was quite the character around town." Judy smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Nice to meet you, dear. Fixing to try a new recipe today." "Ah, what is it?" Sarah asked, intrigued. "Herb and garlic focaccia," Mabel replied, extending the tray. "Fresh out of the oven." Sarah's stomach rumbled in anticipation as she took a bite. "Oh, this is fantastic." "So you think?" Mabel beamed, clearly pleased. "I think it's a hit," Sarah agreed. The scent of sage and rosemary mingled with the yeasty aroma of the bread, and she devoured the rest of the croissant in a few bites. "Definitely one to watch."