She sank down in the cool grass, enjoying the unusually mild temperature and the occasional breeze as she wrestled with her keen interest in Gabe. It would mean changing her lifestyle if she were to agree to let him court her . . . and if their relationship were to eventually lead to marriage.

She closed her eyes, pondering the kind of life she would live as Gabe’s wife. “Very much like the one I’m living with Glen and Sadie,” she murmured, wondering if that relationship and her willingness to live in an Old Order home was partly why Gabe had been drawn to her.

“Lord, I’ve prayed so often about this,” she whispered. “Disappointing Mamm and Dat is out of the question.” She sighed, remembering her mother’s frown when they’d talked earlier that day. “Please make the way clear to me,” Anna prayed.

That night, when she dreamed, it was of Gabe, and when she awakened, she brushed the dream aside. He’s always in my thoughts, Lord. What am I to do?

Monday morning, once the washing was pinned to the line and Anna had left for work, Sadie felt compelled to discuss something with Glen. She’d waited till he came in for his midmorning coffee, and by then she knew exactly what she wanted to say.

“What would ya think if I gave Rachel Beachy a call?” she asked while pouring his coffee.

Glen’s eyebrows rose as he sat at the table. “Funny thing, I was thinkin’ of suggesting it.”

“Really, now?”

He nodded. “Gabe’s qualities are second to none, and if he’s as interested in Anna as you seem to think, there should be nothin’ holding him back from pursuing her.”

“Well, Anna’s parents might disagree.” Sadie sighed. “But I’m hoping Rachel might listen to me. We’ve been friends as well as cousins all these many years.”

“That’s a good place to start,” Glen said.

“So do I have your blessing?” she asked, bringing his coffee mug over and setting it down before him.

Glen nodded as he reached for his coffee. “It can’t hurt . . . and it might help.”

“I chust don’t want to stick my nose in.”

Glen smiled wryly. “Oh, I think ya do, dear. And to tell the truth, I’m all for it.”

She grinned, and when Glen headed back out to the turkey barn, Sadie made her way to the phone shanty, praying silently for the right words.