When Sunday school and church services had ended and the benediction had been given, Holly hurried to the back pew to talk to Granny Hayes. Braden took off toward the center aisle to talk to Isaac, leaving Lily and Mack alone. She was putting the hymnals back in the right spots when she giggled.

“What’s so funny?” Mack asked.

“I was just thinking that I’m glad Holly wore pants because she’ll be riding double with Granny Hayes,” she said.

Mack shook his head. “Nope, she won’t. Granny Hayes is one step ahead of you, sweetheart. She brought her wagon to church today. Didn’t you notice it parked out at the edge of the lot? She likes to put it there so her mule can eat the grass on the other side of the driveway while he waits on her.”

“I was so busy wondering why the kids weren’t arguing this morning that I didn’t pay a lot of attention.” Lily slipped her hand into his. “But riding on a buckboard will be an experience for Holly.”

“Yep, it will.” Mack gently squeezed her hand.

“Mama! Mama!” Braden and Isaac ran up in front of her. “Can I go home with Isaac? His mama says it’s all right with her if you don’t care.”

“We’ve got to come back to town at three to visit my grandma in the nursing home, so we can bring him home then,” Isaac said.

“Pleeeease.” Braden looked up at her with his big brown puppy-dog eyes.

“It’s fine with me, but be home on time. You’ve still got math homework to do,” Lily told him.

“And I’ve got to help with the goats,” Braden said. “Thanks, Mama.” He and Isaac disappeared into the crowd.

“Looks like it’s me and you for Sunday dinner.” Mack grinned.

“Sally is joining us. Hope you don’t mind,” she said.

“Not a bit,” Mack replied.

Lily reached out to shake Drew’s hand as they passed by him. “Want to join us at the pizza place for dinner?”

“Thanks, but I wouldn’t dare. The sweet wife has made my favorite meal, and the boys are all home. Maybe another time,” Drew said, and then lowered his voice. “I was sad that Holly hasn’t been joining us for youth group.”

“She’ll be back, I’m sure,” Lily told him.

“That’s good to hear,” Drew said.

“We’ll have to make plans for y’all to come to the house some evening for supper,” Lily said.

“Love to.” Drew dropped her hand and extended it to the man right behind Lily.

They were in the truck and headed to the pizza place when Mack took her hand in his. “Why did you invite Drew to join us for dinner?”