The Quilter's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

floor and smiled. “If I’d told her, she would have argued and insisted I not come.”
    Naomi rushed over to Abby and gave her a hug. “I’m sure Fannie will be happy to have you here for a visit.”
    “This is more than a visit,” Abby said. “After reading Mom’s recent letter and learning what the doctor said about her needing to rest more, I decided to take over her quilt shop until she’s had the boppli and is ready to return to work.”
    Naomi’s mouth fell open. “Why would you do that when you have your own place of business to run?”
    Abby released a yawn as she leaned on the counter. She was tired from the long bus ride and hadn’t slept well in the uncomfortable seat. She’d had another one of her frightening dreams, which hadn’t helped, either. “I couldn’t stay in Ohio, knowing Mom would likely have to close her shop here.”
    “That’s so nice of you, Abby. I’m sorry to say it, but I’m not up to running both the store and the quilt shop. It’ll be all I can do to keep helping Caleb until my own boppli is born.” Naomi thumped her protruding stomach.
    “I understand. How are you feeling? Are you doin’ okay?”
    “Jah. I’m healthy as a mule, but feeling awful top heavy these days. It’s gettin’ to where I can barely bend over.” She leaned over as far as she could to demonstrate.
    Abby offered her a sympathetic smile. “And how’s little Sarah? Is she excited about becoming a big sister?”
    “I think so, although I’m not sure she fully understands that a boppli’s comin’.”
    “Your kinner will only be two years apart, so I’m sure she’ll adjust real well.”
    “Probably so.”
    “Would you and Caleb be able to give me a ride to Abraham and Mom’s place on your way home from work today?” Abby asked.
    “I don’t see why not. Caleb’s running some errands, but he should be back soon. Then we can close the store early and head out to their place. I’m sure Fannie will be thrilled to see you.”
    Abby grinned. “I’m anxious to see her as well.”

    Fannie shifted, trying to find a comfortable position on the sofa. Only a few days ago she’d been given orders from the doctor to stay off her feet as much as possible. Already she felt as restless as a cat on a hot summer day. If there was only something constructive she could do instead of sitting here wishing she could be at the quilt shop. The only thing useful she’d done all day was knit on the little sweater she was making for the boppli. She patted her stomach and smiled. The way this babe is growing so quickly, I have to wonder if the child will weigh a ton when he’s born.
    “Want me to start supper yet?” Nancy asked, stepping into the living room with a cup of tea, which she held out to Fannie.
    “Danki. This is just what I need.” Fannie took the offered cup then glanced at the clock on the far wall. “It’s not quite five, and I’m sure your daed and brothers will be out in the fields awhile, so there’s no hurry gettin’ things going in the kitchen.”
    “Even so, I think I’ll start making a tossed salad, and then I’ll put some chicken in the oven,” Nancy said. “It can stay on warm if they don’t come in by six o’clock.”
    “That sounds fine.”
    Nancy turned to go, but she’d no more than left the room when Fannie heard the back door open and click shut. She figured it was Mary Ann or Samuel, coming in from their chores, so she settled against the sofa pillows and took a sip of tea.
    A few seconds later, she heard voices in the kitchen, followed by footsteps clomping down the hall. When Abby stepped into the living room, along with Caleb, Naomi, and Nancy, who held Sarah in her arms, Fannie nearly dropped her cup. “Abby!What are you doing here, daughter?”
    Abby rushed to Fannie’s side, dropped to the sofa, and gave her a hug. “I came as soon as I got your letter.”
    “My letter?”
    “The one saying you had to rest more, and that you would probably have to