More than a decade ago now, Polly’s husband had decided to turn the beloved little cottage into something more practical, so Britta had missed out on the opportunity to play there with her dolls or read storybooks on a plump homemade cushion in the cozy reading corner like her older sisters had.

Just then, the shop door opened across the way, and Mamma stepped out and walked toward the stable.

Is she calling for a driver? Susie wondered, leaning back against the step. Mamma seldom visited the stable for any other reason now. She thought ahead to Saturday market and wondered if Obie might be there, then pushed the thought away. I have to get used to not seein’ him, she thought sadly.

Quickly, she finished drinking the cold water and returned to tilling. All the while, she watched for any new customers, despite the fact it had been slower this morning than yesterday. Yet it was still early in the tourist season, so this was a good day to till the garden and possibly start planting, especially since Mamma felt well enough to work in the shop. It would be another six weeks or so before strawberries were ripe for picking, which would be followed by hours of making jam to sell and to stock their own pantry.

Just when will there be time to make dozens of popcorn balls? Susie wondered, hoping Britta might take that upon herself.

Customers started coming later that morning, and Mamma and Susie took turns working the shop during the noon hour, eating separately at the house. Glad for the business, Susie didn’t mind, and as far as she could tell, Mamma was still doing all right.

When Britta arrived from school, she promptly went out and took Mamma’s place in the shop to give her a break. Susie, however, kept busy planting her seedlings, one after another, in the freshly tilled soil.

Twice Britta slipped out between customers to talk to Susie, who was determined to get as much gardening done today as humanly possible.

“I told Mamma not to bother cookin’ supper,” Britta said the second time she emerged.

“We do have leftovers.” Susie straightened and stretched her aching back. “I hope Mamma didn’t overdo it today.”

“She seemed okay when I went to spell her off.” Britta paused and glanced toward the house. “S’pose you’ve been out here all day.” She shielded her eyes from the sun and looked at the expanse of garden, dotted by the seedlings and Susie’s seed markers.

“Shouldn’t waste such nice weather, jah?”

“True. And you’ve always enjoyed workin’ outdoors.”

“Eli did, too. It was the hardest thing to get him to come inside.”

Looking up toward the sky, Britta replied, “I wish I could’ve known him.”

Susie nodded, feeling tenderhearted toward her. “I wish that, too. He’d have loved you.”