If Obie’s seriously dating, I really shouldn’t hang on to them, she thought while setting in the first sleeve. Maybe Britta could ask Hazel about her brother, she mused, realizing that this very thought signaled that something was still unsettled in her.

CHAPTER
31

Mid-October arrived with a bumper crop of pumpkins to harvest and sell at their farm stand. Thankfully, Roy Lantz came over to wheelbarrow them out to the road. Such a big help, Susie thought, smiling whenever she caught a glimpse of Britta with Roy. Young though they were, it was clear how fond the two were of each other.

Truth be told, there were times when Susie felt protective of Britta, who perked up whenever Roy dropped by to help. Surely someday, in not so many years, Britta would be leaving home to marry.

If Mamma doesn’t return, where will that put me? Susie wondered while lying snug beneath the quilts one night. Am I to be a Maidel? She was struck by the reality that she might at some point end up caring for an aging relative and living in their Dawdi Haus. No matter what the future brought, she refused to be a burden to anyone.

When the mail arrived the next afternoon, Susie was relieved to see a letter from Mamma. Anxious to read it, she opened the envelope on the walk back to the house.

Mamma’s words leaped out at Susie, especially two particular lines.

I hope you and Britta will come for Thanksgiving. Allen has offered to pay for the van driver.

“Oh,” Susie groaned. “If only I could.” Evidently, Mamma had forgotten that she was one of Cousin Verena’s bridesmaids.

She glanced toward the shop, where her sister was working. Seeing no cars or buggies parked outside, she read the rest of the letter, then hurried across the yard to show Britta.

“I wouldn’t think of goin’ without you,” Britta said after reading it.

“Well, I can’t disappoint Verena.”

“Nee, and ya shouldn’t.” Britta handed the letter back to her. “She’s counting on you.”

“I really wish you’d consider going on your own.” Susie leaned on the counter, eyeing the remaining table runners.

Britta shook her head. “I wouldn’t wanna leave ya alone for Thanksgiving.”

Susie argued that she would be at Verena’s wedding all day. “I’ll stay after the feast and the afternoon Singing and help with cleanup, so I’ll be plenty occupied. Please think about goin’, won’t ya?”

This time Britta didn’t respond as emphatically.

“Mamma misses you, I’m very sure.” Susie folded the letter and slipped it back into its envelope.

“Well, she misses you, too, Susie. She did invite both of us.”