“I’m mighty glad y’all have come to celebrate Harvest Day,” Pa began after everyone settled at the tables he’d arranged in a U shape. He stood at the mouth of the U in his swim trunks and a ratty T-shirt. “Harvest Day celebrations began way back in the 1800s. It’s a time set aside for the church to celebrate the provisions God has made for us and to share that with others. So I say let’s start out by sharing what provisions God has made for us this year. Who’d like to start?”

After a few beats of silence, with each of us looking around to see who would volunteer, Tripp stood. “I got a lot to thank God for, mainly for you folks accepting me. I also got word at my last doctor’s appointment that I’m gonna get a new eye.” Tripp pointed to his glass eye. “This one ain’t ever fit just right. I go in next month and Miss Wise said she’s gonna take me.” Tripp turned to Miss Wise, who was in the chair beside him, and leaned over to place a kiss on her cheek. She’d become a mother figure to him over the last little bit of time. It was sweet to witness two such withdrawn people come out of their shells to reveal a softer side behind their prickly exteriors.

“I’d like to come along with y’all. Miss Wise?” Pa asked.

She nodded her head. “Of course.”

As Tripp took his seat, the group clapped and Miss Wise stood. She fiddled with the cuff of her shirt, one she would wear over her swimsuit the entire day to conceal the numbers on her arm. That was something she’d not gotten comfortable with sharing yet.

Clearing her throat, she spoke softly, emotion making her accent thicker. “Two young ladies have taken upon themselves to make a donation to something very close to my heart. Their act of kindness is a harvest that I’d like to thank God for today.” She gave me and Charlotte a knowing look, and I was glad she kept the details of that donation just between the three of us. I was a firm believer that good deeds were best left private.

More applause rippled through the group as she sat down. Then Peg, of all people, stood up next, his chin held high with pride. “I’ve gone four whole months without cussing.”

A wave of laughter rang out among us, echoing off the water and the rock face behind it.

“We all mighty proud of you, Peg. How about making four years your next goal?” Pa spoke on a chuckle. It was baffling that my brother even spoke in such a way, considering neither Pa nor Jinx ever did. I guess the summer farm help had rubbed off on him.

“I’ll do my best,” Peg declared, taking his seat.