dust motes in the streaming sunshine. “Good morning, son. How goes your day so far?” He spoke to the child in Deutsch because children didn’t usually learn English until they started school. The boy giggled.
“Strawberries or bananas?” asked Iris. When he indicated the latter, she added a heaping pile to his oats.
“What do you think about the church service at your own home?”
Iris sat down to finish her own breakfast. “All I have to say is my daughters-in-law had better be wearing running shoes if that house isn’t spick-and-span.”
He glanced up to find her eyes twinkling. “You would chase after them with your broom?”
“If need be, but I’m not too worried. They are good girls.”
“Are you anxious to get back to your family?” When the question caught in his throat, he gulped down some coffee.
“You’re my family too, Nathan, you and Abraham. Don’t you forget that.” She wiped her mouth and then pulled her apron over her head.
“I don’t think I will ever stop being grateful.” He scraped the sides of his bowl with his spoon.
“For what? For taking care of this little angel?” She lifted the baby from the highchair, making all the appropriate noises, and hugged him to her chest. “This child is a gift from God.” Abraham gurgled while reaching for a kapp ribbon.
“That he is, but we’d better be off. I don’t want to be late.” He carried his bowl to the sink and carefully positioned his black hat on his head.
“Are you nervous?” she asked, wrapping a lightweight quilt around the boy’s legs. “These are just Plain folk, nephew, and no different than you or me.”
“They might wonder why I’ve stayed away after everybody was so nice at the funeral.” He picked up the hamper of pies she had baked yesterday for the lunch table.
She emitted a dismissive snort. “Nonsense. Many of those folks have walked in your shoes. You’re not the only one to suffer sorrow.”
So like Iris to put things in perspective. “In that case I’m as ready as I ever will be.” He opened the door for her and they walked into glorious sunshine, perfect for a day to give thanks.
Neither spoke much during the drive to the service except for the requisite comments about the weather. Once at Iris’ home, they had to park quite a distance from the house. Nathan hefted the heavy hamper while she carried the infant. Because the bishop hadn’t yet summoned people inside to worship yet, many milled around in the crisp fall air.
“Oh, my,” called a voice. “Nathan has come with mamm, and they have brought the little one!” Iris’ eldest daughter-in-law, Mary, ran toward them. “How he has grown and put on weight since I last saw him. Mamm Fisher is quite an expert with doing that.” Mary slapped a hand on a well-rounded hip.
But Iris wasn’t listening. She was studying the windows of her house, cocking her head to catch the reflection of sunlight on the glass. “Did you wash the windows this past week? You had plenty of notice about this service.”
Mary exchanged a sly look with Nathan. “Jah, with vinegar and old newspapers, just how you taught me. Let me take that boppli to show around. People will be itchin’ to see him.” She pulled Abraham from Iris’ arms and began bouncing him on her hip.
Iris was itching to see the inside of her home. “You go on ahead. I’m going in for a moment.”
Mary chuckled under her breath. “Welcome back, Nathan. I’ll show off your son while I hide from my mother-in-law, just until she finishes her inspection. Her other sons’ wives are inside in case something needs last-minute polishing.” Mary strode off toward the knot of women, while Nathan walked to the menfolk. The bishop, minister, and deacon stood within the group.
“Guder mariye,” he said, sweeping off his hat.
Those who hadn’t seen him approach pivoted, their expressions registering surprise. But in a moment they had surrounded him with warm welcomes, queries about his harvest, and complaints about the overly cool nights. He felt as though he’d been drawn into an Amish cocoon.
When the minister announced it was time to begin the service, the bishop placed a hand on his shoulder. “Hold up a moment,” he ordered. Nathan peered into the elder’s lined face and swallowed hard. The bishop waited until everyone else had filed into the house before speaking. “I’ve been wondering when you would return. If you didn’t come back after the harvest, I was going to pay