LITMIR.BIZ

      May lugged the baskets of tomatoes and bins of green beans and peapods to her roadside stand she had put at the end of the driveway by the white fence. She arranged the quart-size cartons of strawberries in rows, then sat the plastic bags and cash box on the opposite end of the table.

      She blotted her forehead with her hand as she glanced at the blanket on the ground where Leah sat playing. Her pumpkin was the only sweetness in her life. For sure and for certain, she was going to miss that little bit of sugar if she headed to Indiana. She’d told Thad she hadn’t made a decision, but in truth, it was for the best that she moved. But she needed to consider it from all angles.

      Someday Thad would want to remarry, and that would make it uncomfortable for her. Edna’s offer was only for a short while, and she needed to take advantage of her generosity.

      A warm breeze danced across her face, drying the perspiration on her forehead. She turned in that direction, stood for a minute and fully enjoyed the blessing.

      It reminded her of the times she and April had sat under a tree one summer and talked about buwe. Who was the cutest, which one had the best personality, and who owned the broadest shoulders? Thad and Alvin tied for the win in all categories. A few pangs of homesickness stirred in her, knowing these would be her last few weeks on the land if she decided to move.

      May glanced toward the barn where Thad stood looking her way. It was hard even imagining losing the family’s farm.

      She finished arranging her vegetable stand, then took a step back and glanced at the display in front of the white fence. Perfect.

      She’d miss her garden and the stand, but surely Aent Edna had a patch behind her café and bake shop.

      She picked up Leah and the blanket she was sitting and crawling on. Leah smiled so sweetly that it stole May’s heart as she swung the tyke around. Leah giggled while little wisps of taffy-colored hair bounced around her cherub face. “Mamm, more!”

      “Nein, it’s time for your nap, little one.”

      “Mamm,” Leah laughed.

      May reached the porch and laid the blanket on a chair. She turned when she heard wheels rumbling into the drive.

      Bishop Yoder climbed out of his buggy and walked a few steps in her direction. “Gut afternoon, May. Another hot July day, jah? Is Thad around?”

      “I believe he’s in the shed boxing vegetables, Bishop. Would you like a glass of lemonade?”

      He looked toward the shed, then back at May. “That does sound gut. Just a small one.”

      He followed her into the kitchen and plunked down on a chair waving his hat across his face.

      “Would you rather sit on the porch?”

      “Nein. This is fine.”

      She sat Leah on the floor by her toys, cut a piece of banana bread, poured a glass of lemonade and set them in front of him.

      He took a bite of bread, then washed it down with the cold drink. “Mmm, they are both gut.”

      “I’m just going to put Leah down for a nap, but I’ll be right back.”

      She laid Leah in her downstairs crib and returned to the kitchen.

      She poured herself a glass of lemonade and joined the bishop at the table. “It’s a hot day for visiting.”

      “Indeed. Tell me, May, does Thad work the farm every day, and do you cook his meals?”

      A chill ran up her back. “Jah.”

      “How’s this situation working out for you?” He took another sip and waited for her reply.

      “I’m not sure I understand the question, Bishop.” She rubbed her finger down the glass through the condensation.

      “Jah, he jilted you years ago, is that right? So is it uncomfortable for you to live here? Together?”

      “This is my family farm that Thad inherited from April, but Daed said I could stay here until I married.”

      “But he’s here all day.” The bishop gestured with his hand to the outside.

      “He lets me stay, so I watch Leah and cook the meals. That’s all. Otherwise, I see very little of him during the day.”

      The bishop finished his refreshment, pushed his chair back and gave May a nod. “See you on Sunday.”

      She froze in her chair, and waited until his footfalls left the porch. She looked out the window. What was that all about? Why was he asking such questions?

      May sipped her lemonade, sat the glass down and dried her hand on her apron. No doubt, she wouldn’t like the answers to those questions.