A chime sounded as the door opened, drawing the older woman from behind the counter. She smiled, gauging the woman in her cascading sweater and rain-slicked coat who dabbed her umbrella dry on the floor mat. "Welcome to Betty's Best Bakes. How can I help you on this gloomy day?" The newcomer, her eyes scanning the array of goods, bit her lip. "I'm in a bit of a fix. My sister's having a baby shower in an hour, and my car conked out. I forgot the dessert." The baker nodded knowingly. "Ah, well, we do have a bit of everything here." She motioned towards a decadent-looking cake adorned with blue and pink swirls. "How does the Baby's Breath flavor sound? A mix of vanilla and baby's breath essence. Pretty and palatable." "Perfect," the guest breathed. "And how much?" "Thirty dollars, and I'll even pile on some chocolate flowers. No more to worry about, dear." She placed it in a box and handed it over. "Thanks, you're a lifesaver. Oh, do you have any tea? Non-caffeinated, perhaps chamomile?" The baker snickered. "You'll find it by the window. I grew my own chamomile and added calendula petals. It's one of our hot favorites." "I may need a double bag then. If it's half as soothing as it sounds, my nerves are in for a treat." With a wink and a wave, the rain-dampened woman left, leaving a trail of puddles. The baker gathered her apron, contemplating her day. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the closed sign turn over. A soft murmur in the back caught her attention. A woman, wrapped in a floral shawl, sipped her tea. "What brings you here so late, Louise?" Louise lifted her eyes. "Gossip. I haven't heard it all." The baker chuckled. "Sadly, our town's been quiet lately, no murders or scandals." Pausing, she added, "Thank goodness for that, mind you. But maybe the baby boom will stir things up?" With a conspirator's grin, Louise sipped her tea. "Oh, I doubt anything stirs in this town without Betty knowing." Laughing, they sat together, ready for the night's musings.