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She took a seat in the rocking chair, and Barbara placed the baby in her arms.
    “He feels so good. I can’t wait until I’m married and have some bopplin of my own.”
    “Babies are a lot of work, but they bring many joys,” Barbara said as she took a seat on the opposite end of the sofa from John.
    John cleared his throat a couple of times. “We missed you at Dan Hilty’s funeral. How have you been getting along?” he asked.
    “I’m still feeling kind of tired, but I’m doing okay.”
    “Would you like me to send one of my girls over to help out? Betty’s taken a job at the general store, but I’m sure either Hannah or Nadine would be glad to help you.”
    “I appreciate the offer, but I’m managing with the help of my mamm.”
    “How’s Samuel doing in the harness shop? Is he able to keep up with the work now that you’re not there to help?”
    Barbara shook her head. “Due to Dad’s arthritis, he struggles to get many things done. Paul Hilty’s going to be helping in the shop for a while, so between the two of them, they’ll be able to keep things going until I’m able to work again.”
    John’s eyebrows drew together. “Are you sure you ought to return to work?”
    Barbara nodded. “I enjoy working in the harness shop.”
    “That may be so, but it’s hard work.”
    Barbara simply watched Nadine rock the baby.
    “Have you considered selling the shop?”
    She shook her head. “As long as I’m able to keep it open, I won’t sell the place.”
    Unsure of what to say, John leaned against the sofa, folded his arms, and listened to the steady tick-tock of the clock mingling with the rhythmic creak-creak of the rocking chair. Finally, John rose to his feet. “Guess we should get going. I want to pay a call on Margaret Hilty and see how she’s doing.”
    “I was sorry to hear of her loss,” Barbara said as she stood.“Will she be moving in with her daughter and son-in-law?”
    John shook his head. “From what I’ve heard, Karen and Jake plan to rent their house out and move in with Margaret. It’ll be easier for her if she’s not alone, and I don’t think she wants to leave her home right now.”
    “I can understand that.” When the baby started squirming, Barbara leaned over and took him from Nadine. “I think he’s about ready to be fed.”
    Nadine cast a furtive glance in John’s direction. “I wish we didn’t have to leave so soon.”
    “I think we’d better,” he said, moving toward the door.
    Barbara walked with them, and John was about to step onto the porch when an idea struck him. “You know, Margaret could use some encouragement, and since you lost your husband and know what it feels like to be left alone, maybe you could be helpful to Margaret.”
    “Helpful how?”
    “Well, I know you can’t get out much right now, with having a new boppli and all, but would it be all right if I encourage Margaret to come by and visit?”
    “Certainly.”
    “Margaret’s really good with flowers, so maybe she’d even be willing to help weed your garden. I’ll make mention of it when I get over to her house.”
    “Well, I—”
    “I’ll be back to see you again soon.” John smiled, gave Nadine a little nudge, and headed for his buggy. If things went as he hoped, in a few months he’d have a new wife, and then Barbara wouldn’t have to work at the harness shop anymore.

Chapter 4
    P aul was about to enter Zook’s Harness Shop Saturday morning, but he slowed his pace, still unsure if he had made the right decision. Maybe it won’t be so bad. Barbara did say she would be staying at the house to do paperwork and tend to her children . He would pretty much be in charge of things since Samuel Raber had arthritis and, according to Barbara, didn’t know a great deal about the business.
    As Paul opened the door and stepped into the shop, he drew in a deep breath. The smell of raw leather, savory neat’s-foot oil, and pungent dye hung in the air. He glanced around. Several