By the time Henry and Polly were ready to leave, the sun was beginning to set, and Britta had a little catch in her throat, realizing the day was coming to a close. She wished they would stay around for a late supper, even though they’d all had their fill. It was odd, really, she thought, how having more family around to fill up the house with their familiar voices and presence made her so contented.

Most of all, she was glad for the special moments with her older sister, few though they were, and Britta hoped Polly might visit again soon. And that Polly would line her up to babysit, just maybe.

That next day Susie took the family carriage out on the snow-packed roads with Britta to deliver a cherry pie and some snickerdoodle cookies to Aendi Emmalyn, who lived in a nice-sized Dawdi Haus next to her son’s place. They were on their way home when they noticed Obie and Jerome parked off the side of the road in their father’s enclosed carriage.

“Was is letz do?” Britta wondered aloud.

“Looks like they broke down.” Susie eyed the carriage and slowed onto the shoulder, then stopped. “Maybe we can help.”

Before they even got out, Obie came up to the driver’s side, and Susie opened the buggy door. “Susie! You’re a godsend,” he said, looking serious. “Could ya give us a lift home?”

“Sure,” Susie said, and while Jerome tied their mare to the back of the buggy to lead her home, she quickly got out of the carriage to fold down the front seat so Obie could get in the back. Once Jerome squeezed into the buggy next to his brother and Susie had put the front seat back up, she and Britta climbed back in.

“Dat an’ I’ll come back later with tools to fix the wheel,” Obie explained as Susie picked up the driving lines.

“Thank goodness it ain’t blizzarding yet.” Susie glanced over her shoulder at them.

“Snow’s comin’ later tonight,” Obie mentioned. “Hopefully won’t get too much, since I need to get back to Sugar Valley tomorrow.”

“Jah, I remember you sayin’ that,” Susie replied, suddenly wishing Obie and she were the only ones riding together. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but letter writing had become their main way of communicating, and she felt too reticent.

“Say, I meant to ask ya the other day, but besides Britta here, how are your siblings?” Obie tapped Britta’s shoulder and chuckled.

“Everyone’s fine,” Susie replied. “Allen and Sarah are busy with their brood, of course, and Polly and Henry spent Christmas with us, like usual.”

“Does Allen ever talk of comin’ back to visit?” Obie asked.