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aside, then turned in her chair and reached for the notepad on the counter. She needed to stop worrying and make out her grocery list before she went shopping in Shipshewana tomorrow morning.
    Rice, pickles, potatoes, coffee, tea, laundry soap ... Her list was quickly growing.
    Let’s see now. What else do I need?
    Bam! The back door slammed shut, and Priscilla set the notepad aside.
    “Oh, good, I’m glad you’re home,” she said when Loraine entered the room. “I was just making out the grocery list and wondered if there was anything you’d like me to include.”
    “No, not really.” Loraine draped her jacket over the back of a chair and sat down with a grunt. Her face looked pale and drawn. Her eyes were red and rimmed with tears. Alarm rose in Priscilla’s chest.
    “Daughter, what’s wrong? Has something happened to make you feel umgerennt? ”
    “Jah, I’m feeling very upset. Wayne called off the wedding.” Loraine caught her trembling lips between her teeth. “He—he thinks his life is over because he’s lost his leg. He thinks he’s only half a man.”
    “Is it because he won’t be able to farm? Is that what’s bothering him?”
    “Partly.”
    “Is he afraid he won’t be able to support you?”
    “Jah, that too.”
    “Maybe it would be best if you didn’t get married.”
    Loraine’s eyes widened. “You can’t mean that, Mom.”
    “I’m just trying to help you see the facts as they are.” Priscilla’s face grew warm as she fiddled with the edge of the tablecloth. She hoped she could say what was on her heart in a way that wouldn’t upset Loraine any further. “If Wayne thinks you shouldn’t be married, then maybe you ought to respect his decision. He might know what’s best for both of you.”
    “Wayne’s not thinking straight! He’s verhuddelt about things.” Loraine’s hand shook as she swiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “He needs time to get used to the idea of having only one leg. I’m certain that after a time of healing, Wayne will change his mind about marrying me.”
    Priscilla reached over and took Loraine’s hand. “I’m sure Wayne is feeling confused right now, but I want you to give serious thought to what I’m about to say.”
    “What is it?”
    “Being married to a man with a handicap such as Wayne’s could put additional strain on your marriage. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life taking care of him and dealing with his melancholy moods?”
    “He’s only lost a leg, Mom. It’s not like he’s a helpless invalid, and I’m sure in time his moods will improve.”
    “I hope so, but there will still be some limitations as to what he can do.”
    “Some time ago, I read an article in the paper about a man who’d lost both of his legs, but thanks to a pair of artificial legs, he’s actually running in races. And then there’s a swimmer who—”
    “I know there are many who have overcome great odds,” Priscilla interrupted. “But even if Wayne does rise above his circumstances, he’s got a long road ahead of him—both physically and emotionally.”
    Loraine’s chair scraped across the linoleum as she pushed away from the table. “I know you mean well, but I promised to marry Wayne, and I intend to keep that promise. I don’t care what sacrifices I might have to make, either.” She moved toward the door. “I’d rather not talk about this anymore.”
    “I think we should talk about it. It’s obvious that you’re not thinking straight.”
    “Jah, I am.” Loraine grabbed her jacket and outer bonnet. “I’m going for a ride!”
    “But you just got home.”
    “I need to be alone for a while.”
    As the door banged shut behind Loraine, Priscilla made a decision. She would do everything in her power to make sure her daughter didn’t make the biggest mistake of her life.
    ***
    Loraine headed for the barn to get her horse and shivered as a cluster of heavy, dark clouds moved across the sky. It looked like it might