Chapter 10
Hi, Emma,” Penny Knoxx called out from the front of the Quilting Haus as Emma rushed down the sidewalk lining Bahia Vista two weeks later. The Quilting Haus was one of Emma’s favorite places to visit whenever she had an hour or two to spare, though today she only had twenty minutes before she needed to pick up William and her girls from Pinecraft Elementary.
“Hello, Penny.” Penny Knoxx, formerly Penny Troyer, looked as pretty as a summer’s day. A few of her blond curls had escaped the confines of their pins and framed her rosy cheeks, and her cornflower-blue dress made her eyes look even brighter than usual. “How are you? I haven’t seen you out and about much lately.”
Penny blushed prettily. “Michael and I have been pretty busy getting our house in order.”
“How is it coming along?” Emma asked. “Do you need any help with curtains or such?”
“Danke, but I am hoping to do everything myself.”
“You sure?”
“Jah. Michael hasn’t had a real haus to live in for several years, you know. I think he is having fun watching me make our haus a real home.”
“I can understand that.” Emma remembered her newlywed days well. Every little thing she and Sanford had done had felt like an important task. She was about to comment about decorating when she noticed that Penny didn’t simply look happy about her life—she looked like she was guarding an important secret. “You seem to be in an especially good mood today.”
“I am.” After a pause, she leaned in close. “Michael and I are expecting a boppli.”
“Oh my goodness.” Grasping one of Penny’s hands, Emma gave it a little squeeze. “That is wonderful! Congratulations!”
“Danke.” A dimple appeared in her cheek as she blushed again, making her look even more adorable. “We are happy.”
“Of course you are. What a blessing. How are you feeling?”
“Some days sick, some days not.” She smiled. “I’m trying my best to concentrate on the baby and not on my queasy stomach.”
“Take care of yourself. I was tired and suffered from morning sickness with all three of my girls.”
“I have been tired, but it’s nothing too bad. Michael keeps fussing over me, though. He suddenly seems to think I’m made of glass.”
“Let him fuss over you, Penny. He just wants to help you.”
“I know.” She rolled her eyes. “I just sometimes wish he wasn’t quite so attentive. He hardly let me leave the haus today by myself.”
“I’m sure he’ll settle down soon. Please let me know if I can help in any way. The girls and I would be happy to bring you a meal. You don’t have to try to do everything on your own.”
“Danke. I’ll remember that. My parents have been over a lot, as have the Kaufmanns, but I’ll remember to ask you for help, too. I’m grateful for friends.”
Until recently, hardly anyone had ever seen Penny. But now that she was none other than Michael Knoxx’s wife, she was coming out of her shell a bit. “How is Michael adjusting to life in Florida?” Everyone in the area knew that after years of touring and speaking to crowds, he and Penny had quickly married and settled into their new house.
“He is gut. He’s writing today.”
“Is he finding it difficult to write about his life instead of talking about it?”
“Some days he says writing is far harder than touring ever was. Most days, however, he says it’s the best job in the world.” She shrugged. “I’m just glad he’s happy.”
“I’m glad you both are.”
“Enough about me. How are you? How are the girls?”
“We are fine.” Then, remembering the time, she took a step back. “Actually, I had better run off to the school. It’s about to end for the day and I need to get them and William.”
“William?”
“Oh! He’s the son of a new family in the area. They took over Borntrager’s Organic Farm.”
“How many kinner do they have?”
“Three boys, but their father is a widower. William is the youngest.”
“Oh, my. He’s raising three children all on his own. Just as you are.” Immediately, Penny covered her mouth with a hand. “Oh, forgive me, Emma. I didn’t mean it like it sounded.”
“There is nothing to forgive. It is the truth,” she said with a shrug. Everyone in Pinecraft knew she was a widow. And no matter what, without fail, when they were reminded of her loss, they got that same look on their face—one of embarrassment and dismay. She appreciated their sympathy but she did get tired of always being reminded of her widowed state. “Though, Jay’s boys are older than my three.”