“Honestly, it wonders me. I’ve always thought there was somethin’ special ’tween you two.” Mamma shook her head. “You’ve been friends for years.”

Susie had always assumed her mother approved of Obie. “I really can’t speak for him, Mamma.”

“A solid friendship is the best foundation for a relationship, ya know, and dating takes things a step further—tells ya if there’s a spark.”

“Obie’d have to pursue me, though,” Susie said. “And he hasn’t.”

Mamma studied her. “Jah, well, if he did have feelings for you, I’d be truly happy.”

Thankfully, Mamma changed the subject before Susie could grow any more embarrassed. She held up her embroidered piece to display it. “I’ve thought of givin’ something to Ella Mae Zook for her many years of kindnesses toward me. This set of embroidered pillowcases would be nice, don’t ya think?”

Susie nodded, liking the idea. We all need a trustworthy friend like the Wise Woman, she mused, thinking again of Obie.

Susie preferred to work on her cross-stitches in the small, sunny sewing room just off the front room. Sitting by the open window, she could hear Britta near the house, talking to the cats. Of the three felines, Daffodil and Lucy angled for the most attention, which was unusual compared to most cats, who were, as a general rule, fairly independent. But even the more standoffish Tabasco was drawn to Britta. As for Susie, Daffodil was her favorite—such a pretty golden coat, and with a sweet way about her.

Susie set aside the sketch pad where she kept all of her designs, as well as the names and dates for each of the family trees her customers had special ordered. She prioritized them by which customers needed them soonest, since she worked on more than one at a time.

Going outside, she found Britta sitting on the potting shed steps, cuddling black-furred Lucy. Meanwhile, Daffodil was rubbing against Britta’s leg and purring loudly, competing for attention. Across the way, Tabasco had pushed his head under the lilac bush while the rest of his orange body soaked up the warmth of the sunshine.

Britta pointed this out to Susie, who laughed at the sight. “Too bad we can’t have cats in the house,” her sister said.

“Not with Mamma’s allergies. Besides, I can’t think of anyone among the People who has an indoor cat, can you?”

“Nee. Awful as that is,” Britta said comically, scratching Lucy under her chin.

Susie remembered when Britta was little and liked to pretend that tiny Lucy was her doll baby. Surprisingly, the kitten would stay put while being rocked in the little handmade cradle, beneath a doll quilt Mamma had sewn.