“Superior is a fickle woman,” he would tell her. “Fickle and jealous and given to pure meanness when she’s angry. But when she’s at peace with ya, there’s none more generous. ’Course, you can never trust her. You’ll never know for sure which way she’ll act until you’re out there.”

Gloriana had heard this from her father all her life. Everyone in Duluth knew the truth of the Great Lakes. She looked at JT, who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout the meal.

“Are you ill, little brother?” She reached over and felt his forehead under a tousle of curls.

He shook his head. “May I be excused?” He looked at Gloriana, but it was his father who needed to answer.

“You may,” Papa said with great tenderness in his voice. “Later, maybe we can have us a talk.”

JT said nothing but scooted back from the table and jumped down from the chair. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Carson.”

“Good evening, JT.”

He left the room, and Gloriana turned to her father. “He was that way this morning and when he came home from school. He’s still very angry, and I can’t figure out why. I know he hates disappointing you.”

“Maybe he misses the others,” Sally said. “Especially his mama.”

There was dead silence for a moment, and Sally’s face reddened.

“You know, Sally, you may be exactly right. I think of my own loss and deal with it as best I can, but that poor boy lost his mama and his brother and sister.” Papa looked thoughtful. “I need to be more considerate.”

They finished supper with a blueberry crumble Sally had made. Everyone praised her for the delicious dessert, and she shared that it was her mother’s recipe and got a little teary.

“I know you miss her very much.” Scott patted her hand. “Sally and her mother were very close, and it’s been nearly a year since she passed.”

“The first year is always the hardest,” Gloriana declared.

Papa nodded, but no one really wanted to discuss the matter, so the room went silent again. Finally, when they’d finished eating, Gloriana began to gather the dishes.

“I have a few things I need to tend to before I head to bed,” Papa said.

“So do we,” Scott replied, helping Sally to her feet. “Thanks again for a delicious meal. But please know we don’t always have to come over. If you want privacy, we would understand.”

“There’s plenty of time for privacy,” Papa said. “Besides, I consider it part of your pay.”

“Are you sure I can’t help you with the dishes?” Sally asked.

“No. Just get home and rest. JT can come and dry if I need help.”

“I’m grateful.” Sally looked at Papa and then Gloriana. “We never would have survived if not for your kindness and Scott’s brother, Luke.”