Millie remarked as she scanned the folks coming out of Micah and Rachel Brenneman’s house after the church service. It was a bit cooler on this August Sunday, so the women had suggested putting blankets and lawn chairs between the apple trees in the orchard and serving the common meal as a picnic buffet. Ira chuckled as he wrapped his hand around hers. “Can ya believe it? Luke went to the Mennonite church with Nora this morning. Then they’re drivin’ to Cedar Creek so she can get an idea for a banner she’s makin’ for the butcher shop Vernon’s nephew runs.” Millie let out a startled laugh. “Your brother went to church with her? I thought maybe he’d slept in after your big opening for the mill store,” she teased. Then she thought for a moment. “My word, it’s what—a couple of hours to Cedar Creek from here? That’s a long way to go, I’d think.” “Not if you’re Luke and you’re tryin’ to get Nora all to yourself for the day.” Ira, too, looked at the crowd.
