No Place Like Home by Debra Clopton

eater. And I think I just discovered my competitive food category.” She laughed and finished off the hunk of candy.
    Dottie was amazed. Lacy had introduced her as the only woman she could think of who would’ve dropped everything to drive five hundred miles for a cup of coffee and the chance to share an adventure with her.
    Dottie had a vivid picture in her mind of the two of them riding cross-country in the Caddy. It wouldn’t have been boring, of that she was certain. And for the life of her, she didn’t know where all that fudge was going! Sheri was about the size of Olive Oyl and she’d put away at least six pieces of the rich stuff.
    That in itself was a testament to her grandma Sylvia’s candy-making talent. Dottie was embarrassed to accept all the praise the fudge was getting. She loved to cook, and had loved having her shop. Its reputation had grownso that she’d been able to make a nice profit from its sale. The money was enough to get her set up in California, but she still felt like an impostor when people complimented her cooking abilities.
    â€œMy grandma and Mom passed their talent and love of cooking down to me. And their recipes,” she said, giving credit where it was due.
    â€œReally,” Lacy said, tapping her tangerine fingernails on the tabletop. “You know, Mule Hollow could use a good restaurant. Have you thought about that possibility? Just don’t do an all-you-can-eat buffet— Sheri’d bankrupt you.”
    Dottie tugged at her earlobe, perplexed by their inability to hear any phrase resembling “no.” “Well, um, like I said, I have obligations to fulfill elsewhere. Though I dearly love Mule Hollow, I really do. I’m opening an old-fashioned candy store in California.”
    Norma Sue was watching her. And Dottie saw her exchange a look with Esther Mae. They were at it again, despite what she’d just said. They hadn’t heard the no again.
    â€œSam told me Brady was bragging on you this morning. Said you were an unusual woman to go out of your way to bring Cassie here.”
    â€œShe is,” Cassie blurted out. Plopping a hand over her fudge-filled mouth, she continued talking. “I never dreamed anyone would bring me all the way here. I think she’s wonderful. I was afraid I was going to have to either walk all the way or endure a ride with a jerk ortwo. I vote you stay here. With us.” She smiled and there was chocolate on her front teeth. It was not a pretty sight, but it touched Dottie’s heart, and despite her discomfort she wanted to hug the kid.
    She thanked God once more for placing her on that road at the right time to pick Cassie up.
    Adela patted Cassie’s hand, a serene smile lighting her expression, her eyes so full of wisdom it radiated from her. “God has a way of putting people exactly where He wants them. Although, your hitchhiking disturbs me greatly, young woman, I’m glad you’re here.”
    â€œNo offense, Miss Adela,” Cassie said, “but I’m not real sure about the God stuff.”
    Dottie looked around at the lovely women— pushy deaf women, true, but she knew that if any group of women could help Cassie understand that the God stuff was the good stuff it would be this group.
    This was a group of women who could truly have an impact upon women in need. The thought dug into her heart and started to germinate.
    â€œDottie, why don’t you tell us about this mission you’re on,” Lacy said.
    Dottie met her gaze. This was a woman who knew about missions. Her coming to Mule Hollow had been a complete stepping out on faith, her own mission. Suddenly Dottie couldn’t help herself.
    â€œGod has opened doors for me in California. No Place Like Home is the shelter for women in crisis, and it’s struggling financially. My brother needs me.” Dottiefrowned thinking about it. Glancing around at the interest she saw on everyone’s