Marianna gave a little shrug. “Gabe and his volunteers are harmless. You don’t have to worry ’bout them trying to get her to be Old Order.”

Sadie thought on that; she was rather hoping Gabe might seek Anna out. It would keep her round here, if he succeeds in getting her attention.

Marianna gave her a knowing smile. “Don’t borrow trouble.”

“Well, I’m not Anna’s Mamm, so I have nothin’ to fret about.”

They sipped their tea and watched the hummingbirds flit and flirt, performing their U-shaped aerials as they showed off for potential mates.

Several cats from the stable wandered over across the lawn, meowing, and Sadie began to fret again over Eva, wishing something could be done to bring her back to herself.

There was a bit of a lull where Marianna leaned her head back against the chair and closed her eyes. Meanwhile, Sadie stared at the clouds, watching the shapes slowly move and change. How she longed for autumn, when cooler days and nights meant time for apple picking and then applesauce making and cider pressing. Eventually, they would butcher a steer for the winter. Many of the turkeys would be sold in late October and early November, too, and Glen would help Luke with the harvesting process.

Marianna sighed loudly. “I want Jimmy to be my last baby,” she said out of the blue, jarring Sadie from her reverie.

Sadie looked at her, trying not to overreact. “Havin’ a hard day, dear?”

Marianna nodded her head slowly. “I catch myself comin’ and goin’, all day long. Feels like it’s never ending.”

Sadie reached to pat the back of her hand. “Bein’ a Mamma is hard work, but let me remind ya: These baby days won’t last for long.”

Marianna glanced out toward the meadow. “I know you’re right.”

“Taking one day at a time is best,” Sadie added, squeezing her daughter-in-law’s hand. “Sometimes one hour . . .”

To try to get Marianna’s mind off her stress, Sadie mentioned all the fun the upcoming months would bring, including the Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bird-in-Hand.

“Would you ever go up in one?” Marianna asked, crossing her legs and straightening her long green dress.

Sadie shrugged.

“Just maybe?” Marianna was grinning at her.

“I s’pose at my age, what’s there to lose? If the balloon goes down, I’ve lived a long and happy life.”

“Oh now, Mamm . . . don’t be thinkin’ thataway.” Marianna shook her head. “Luke’s been dropping hints ’bout taking me up this year.”

“Really, now? Would ya want to?”

Marianna nodded emphatically. “‘Wither thou goest, I will go’ . . . remember, from the Good Book?”

Sadie chuckled, ever so glad she’d dropped by. It’s been good to forget myself for a while.

Chapter 33