“Really? What does that mean?”

“I think it means I have no idea. But when I figure it out, I’ll tell you.” Roxie smiled. “Night. Remember we are shopping tomorrow afternoon.”

“I know. Night.” Her look was as puzzled as Roxie felt. Perhaps her reaction was because it was so many years since she’d been kissed by a man. What she did understand was she had some major decisions to make. And she might need to make them sooner rather than later.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Miss Amalia, this is Addy and I have a favor to ask.”

“Oh, and what might that be?” Amalia swung her feet up on the lounge on her lanai.

“Well, Andy and I leave for Bible Camp on Saturday and I hate to leave my grandma alone for a whole week. I mean, she says she will be fine and I shouldn’t worry but…”

“She’s right, you know.”

“Maybe, but I don’t want her to get so sad again.”

“You’re a good kid, Addy; your grandma is very blessed to have you.” Amalia thought a moment. “Tell you what. I’ll call her and ask if I can come out on Tuesday. That will give her a couple of nights alone. Tell her that if she really needs me, I can come earlier, but she could pick me up Tuesday morning or even Monday night after the UFO meeting. How does that sound?”

“The strawberries are ripe. I was going to help her make regular jam and freezer jam, but maybe you can.”

“Good. That’s an even better reason. My mouth is watering for strawberry freezer jam.”

“Thank you. I’ll bake you a batch of cookies.”

“I’d love that. Bye, Addy, and you have a good time at camp and don’t worry about her.”

“I won’t with you here.”

Amalia stared at her phone. What a kid. When she and Ginny talked after the birthday party, she was so grateful Andy had talked with her, enjoyed the party, and come back to help around the farm the next day after church.

She dug her calendar out of her bag and checked to see what she would have to change. Not a lot. After tapping in Ginny’s phone number, she leaned back on the lounger and watched the birds flitting about in the maple tree. She was sure there was a robin’s nest in the higher branches. She’d seen both parents bringing nest materials.

“I heard the strawberries are ripening. Would you like the company of your I-don’t-want-to-wear-out-my-welcome house guest as of after UFO on Monday night?”

“Now that was a mouthful. Addy called you, didn’t she?”

“I’ll never tell.”

“They are,” Ginny said. “Already, I think, there are enough for jam. You want to come help and take some home with you?”

“Hm.” Amalia thought a very brief moment. “Ginny, come get me and let’s pick strawberries. Are you up for it?”

“I would love that. I’ll be there in a sec.”

It was more than one sec, of course, but Ginny showed up promptly. Amalia slid into the passenger seat. “Thank you, my friend. How big is the job? Any estimate?”