Just then, the back door screeched open, and there was Glen, removing his work boots and walking stocking-footed into the kitchen. He stood there on Sadie’s big rag rug and removed his straw hat as his grandsons flew to his side, smiling up at him. Watching the boys greet their Dawdi with such joy warmed her heart.

———

“Wanna catch some fish after dinner, Dawdi?” Marcus asked partway through the meal as Anna passed the tray of vegetables and dip around for the third time.

“I’d best be catchin’ forty winks first,” Glen said, making them all chuckle.

“But you can nap while you’re fishin’,” young Eddy teased. “Like this. See?” And he dropped his chin against his chest, eyes closed, and pretended to snore.

“Now, how do ya know your Dawdi snores?” Sadie asked with a glance at Glen.

“Don’t all men snore?” Eddy frowned as he looked at his brother, who elbowed him.

“Nee,” Marcus said. “Our Dat doesn’t. He slept with us out in the tree house once and never made a peep.” Marcus reached for two more carrot sticks and a handful of celery, then spooned up a pile of dip.

“Did ya stay up all night listenin’?” Eddy asked.

Glen was chuckling now. “You two are wound up today. Not sure the fish’ll bite if you’re this rowdy.”

“Oh, we can be still if we want to,” Eddy said, scooting forward on the bench, his eyes bright. “Ain’t so, Marcus?”

Marcus nodded, still munching on his veggies and dip.

“Well, I s’pose I’ll go along, then, since apparently I can snooze and fish at the same time.” Glen grinned as he reached for his tumbler of lemonade. “Wonders never cease.”

“Jah, go an’ have yourselves a gut time,” Sadie said.

“What’re yous plannin’ here?” Glen asked, looking at Sadie and Anna.

“Well, we could work on some cheer-up cards,” Sadie suggested.

Anna was quick to nod. “And afterward, I’ll go out and pick more strawberries.”

“Speakin’ of berries . . .” Sadie rose and went to get the shortcake from the counter.

Glen and the boys turned and watched her carry the dessert over on a clean tray. Then she and Anna spooned up a generous amount of whipping cream to top each helping. Finally, Sadie nestled the sliced strawberries atop the whipping cream.

“Looks scrumptious,” Anna said, offering the first one to Glen.

Eddy and Marcus picked up their forks but waited politely till Sadie sat down again before digging in.

My delightful young cousins, Anna thought, pleased at the chance to get better acquainted with her Amish relatives. Surely Dat doesn’t have qualms about my spending time with these wonderful kinfolk, she thought. It’s not like I’m falling for an Old Order beau!