She had hoped to move back home before the Fourth of July celebration, but it hadn’t worked out that way. Perhaps she’d be home for good before the Emancipation Celebration the first of August. Well, at least she’d have a few hours to visit with Pappy and Grace today after church. “I don’t think Pappy’s going to be happy about Truth’s prolonged absence,” she said as Moses pulled back on the reins and brought the buggy to a stop in the churchyard in Nicodemus. “Nor do I, but let’s wait until after church to tell him.” Moses held out his hand to assist her from the buggy. Jarena waved as her sister raced to greet her. Grace giggled as she pulled Jarena into a tight embrace. “I was hoping to see Truth in the buggy, too, but I suppose it’s too soon for her return, isn’t it?” Jarena glanced at Moses. “Yes, I suppose so.” She hugged her father and then took Grace by the hand. “Do sit beside me in church. I’ve missed you.” “You’re coming back to the house for a visit afterward, aren’t you?”
