“Hi, Anna,” he said, brightening. “It’s great to see you again.”

“I’m looking forward to Hershey,” she said, aware of the van filled with other young people.

“It’ll be interesting,” he said as he offered to help her step in.

She spotted a black umbrella tucked under the seat. Mart thinks of everything!

Anna was glad to find a spot next to Charlotte, who was sitting directly behind Austin in the driver’s seat. Another fellow was up front with him. “I’m glad you’re coming with us,” Charlotte said, smiling sweetly.

Anna nodded. “I’ve never been to Hershey.”

“The whole town smells like chocolate,” one of the girls behind her declared, and everyone laughed, breaking the ice for Anna.

The drive toward the highway took them past farmland—rows and rows of cornstalks and hayfields. And while the others talked quietly, Mart shared with Anna about one of his recent car tours for a family of six. “One child was deaf, so the mom sat beside her, translating everything I said into sign language. It was a first for me.”

Anna turned slightly to watch Mart’s animated face. “It’s wonderful that the child could be so involved,” she said softly. “I’ve recently thought of keeping a notebook of all the different clients I have and their requests.”

“And then someday, if you’re instructing new tour guides, you’ll have all of that at your fingertips,” Mart said.

She was a little surprised at his response. It wasn’t likely, she hoped, that she’d be conducting tours here for a long time. The Beachy Amishwomen she’d known rarely pursued careers, so she, too, hoped to be married and be home with a family someday. Like Mamm . . .

———

It was obvious when Sadie entered Marianna’s kitchen next door that this might not be the kind of visit where they could sit and talk quietly over iced meadow tea or lemonade. Baby Jimmy was wailing in Marianna’s arms, and little Sally had cluttered up a large section of the floor with her toys—she’d even dragged a rag rug over to make a small tent of sorts for her dollies.

Sadie went to help Sally pick up her toys, then led her into the front room to read her a story while Marianna nursed Jimmy in the kitchen rocker.

Soon, the baby’s crying ceased, and the house was pleasantly still as Sadie and Sally cuddled together on the settee near the open windows. She was happy to spend time with her littlest granddaughter, but Sadie also missed her usual conversation with Anna, who was off on another outing with her Mennonite friends.

Maybe Glen’s right and I do need to focus more on our immediate family, but should I deny myself time with Anna? Sadie thought. If she needs a listening heart, I’ll welcome it.