Walking past the mirror, she noted her unkempt hair, a clump sticking up on top of her head, another clump waving at her from the side. Grace pulled her hairbrush through her hair and fluffed it about her face. Not great, but good enough! Then she exchanged flip-flops for sturdy walking shoes. A walk, she thought, might help burn off some of her nervous energy.

On the porch, she stood for a moment staring across the street, then started down the steps and across the lawn as if she were heading for Max’s place. Then Grace turned and marched back to the house. What’s the matter with me? Why is it so important what’s happening over at Max’s? Hannah will be home in due time.

When Hannah finally got home, she found Grace asleep on the living room couch, The Long Summer open across her stomach. Hannah leaned over, picked up and closed the book, and patted Grace gently on the shoulder.

“Grace, wake up. I need to talk to you.”

Startled, Grace opened her eyes. Being awakened precipitously like this caused her heart to thump in her chest. “What time is it?

“Almost noon.”

“I was reading while I waited for you. I must have dozed off. What’s happening at Max’s?”

Hannah sank into a nearby chair. “It’s been a heck of a morning.”

“Amelia said Zachary and his wife are back.”

“They certainly are, and Max is so delighted at the prospect of having a grandchild born here, he can’t think straight.”

Grace smoothed her hair. “What does that mean, Hannah? Why are they here?”

“I’m not sure. Zachary tells an amazing story, and Max says nothing will change for us. That’s a joke. For starters, I’m home and it’s a Saturday.”

“How long are they going to stay? What does Zachary say?”

“It’s not clear. Nothing’s clear. When we told him that we’re married, Zachary looked as if he’d been kicked in the stomach, but he got a grip on himself, shook his dad’s hand, kissed me on the cheek, and asked if he should call me Mom. I put that to rest, fast. I said, ‘Just call me Hannah.’”

“Sarina, if I remember, is sort of formal. She’ll find it hard to call you by your first name.”

“She was wiped out and asleep upstairs, so I never saw her. Max asked him what he planned to do, but Zachary hasn’t a clue what he’s doing or he wants to do. He appears to be in shock from the whole experience. I assume Amelia told you what happened in India?”

Grace nodded.

“I suggested that this wasn’t the time to talk about long-range plans.” Hannah paused and looked out the wide, low window.