“I’ll be headin’ back Wednesday,” he said. “Onkel Leon has plenty-a work for me to do.”

So soon! she thought.

Obie waved at several fellows walking toward the fire, including his brother Jerome. “But it’s gut to be able to say hallicher Grischtdaag in person, Susie.”

She nodded, smiling. “Denki for the perty card,” she said. “And a merry Christmas to you, too.”

He stood there, not saying more, but his shoulder brushed against hers, and she suddenly felt tongue-tied.

Following a light supper, Kate picked Britta up in the Yoder family buggy to go caroling with Hazel. Susie was glad for her sister; Britta deserved some fun with the younger youth, especially with Hazel.

Meanwhile, Susie stoked the coal stove in the front room and hummed “O Come, All Ye Faithful” as she returned to the kitchen to redd up.

“How’s Aendi Emmalyn?” Susie asked Mamma while scouring one of the pots. “Did yous have a nice visit this mornin’ before market?”

Mamma laughed a little from where she sat at the table writing Christmas cards to hand out tomorrow after Preaching service. “Emmalyn seems glad she doesn’t have to cook for Christmas, what with the common meal tomorrow.”

“Honestly, I am, too,” Susie said. “It’ll be easier.”

“Emmalyn’s immediate family is providing Christmas dinner on Monday,” Mamma said. “Like Polly and Henry are doin’ for us.”

“Polly’s bringing roast beef and all the fixings, jah?”

Mamma nodded.

“I figured Polly’d want to cook, but I’m happy to make a cake or whatever ya need to round things out,” Susie offered.

“Or you could simply relax a bit this year, dear.”

“Actually, it’s harder not to keep busy.” Susie smiled. “You, on the other hand, can sit and rock Nellie Ann. That’d help Polly out.”

Mamma looked wistful. “It’ll be our first Christmas without Allen and Sarah and their children,” she said, eyes glistening.

Susie rinsed her hands and dried them, then went over to sit with Mamma. “We’ll have a nice time with Polly and her family. And we can always call Allen and Sarah, if it’s not too cold for ya out in the stable,” she said, trying to brighten her mother’s spirits.

Sitting there, reminiscing about former Christmases, Susie was glad she’d stayed home tonight since Mamma seemed a little blue.

Dat would want me here tonight with Mamma, if he knew. His heart was always soft toward her, thought Susie.

———

An hour or so later, Susie heard a knock at the front door. Unusual as it was, Mamma wondered aloud if this might be an “unexpected surprise.”