On the ride over to visit Eva and Molly later, Anna gazed out the window at the wild yellow irises blooming along the ditch as the Flauds’ horse and buggy moved down the narrow road. It had been some time since she’d traveled this way. Back when her Mamm’s parents were both living, they had preferred to travel by buggy, even though they were also Beachy Amish and able to own a car. Sometimes, Mammi Eliza would even take Anna and Wanita to market in their carriage. Years ago, Anna thought, savoring the relaxing pace as Sadie commented on each farm they passed, talking about the Old Order Amish families who lived there—all of them devout church members and some ministerial brethren.

“Do you know anything more than what you’ve already told me about my grandma’s time here as a teenager?” Anna asked as they rode along.

Sadie shook her head. “Sorry I’m not more help. Maybe my parents know something.”

Tucking a loose strand of hair back into her thick bun, Anna hoped someone might know more about that long-ago summer.

She and Sadie rode in silence for a while, the horse trotting faster now, its glossy mane waving up and down.

“Say, Glen and I are thinkin’ of having Luke and Marianna and the children over for ice cream this evening. Will ya be home?” Sadie asked.

Anna nodded. “Sure.”

“I think you’ll enjoy our little toddler girl.”

“Sally, right?” Anna loved her name.

“Jah, and is she ever a talker.”

“I was, too, when I was little, Mamm said. Bapplich, ya know.”

Sadie smiled at her. “I remember.”

“But the older I got, the more shy I became.”

Nodding, Sadie said, “I was just the opposite, I’m afraid.” She laughed. “I was bashful as a youngster, and now . . . well, listen to me go on and on!”

Anna shared in the laugh, and after a moment, Sadie mentioned little Jimmy, Luke and Marianna’s baby. “I can scarcely wait for you to meet both children.”

“Are the older boys coming, too?” Anna asked. “The ones who helped Glen make the paths out to the tree house?”

“Nee, after supper they usually go and help at the next farm over, but you’ll meet them sometime soon.”

“Maybe I’ll run into them at their tree house.” Anna laughed. “I’ve been there twice already.” She paused. “I’m oddly drawn to it. Guess I feel close to God in the woods. Always have.”

“Well, it’s been quite some time since I managed to get out there.” Sadie adjusted the driving lines she held in both hands. “Marcus and Eddy—Luke’s school-age boys—wanted me to walk with them on the more difficult path that’s blocked by a pile of rocks. I had to say no. Even with their help, I didn’t dare risk a fall. Not with my bad knee.”