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happen. It’s not a done deal with the mother yet, right?”
    “Not quite.”
    “And you’ll know something definite in two weeks?”
    “I believe so.”
    “Then I think it would be best if I wait to tell Linda until we know for sure that the woman is actually going to give up her son.”
    “Sounds fair to me,” Max said. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I hear from Carl again.”
    “That’d be great. Thanks.” As Jim hung up the phone, his mind swirled with mixed emotions. If the woman in Maryland decided to give them her child, they would have two reasons for making a trip to the East Coast—one to pick up their son and the other to visit his folks.
    He was sure it would be a vacation they would never forget.
    ***
    Naomi grabbed a stack of invoices Papa had asked her to go over. She had to take this time to get caught up on paperwork. Summer was not far off. Then there would be carloads and busloads of tourists flocking to their place of business. Some would be coming in merely to gawk at the curious Plain folks who ran the general store. Others would drop in to purchase something made by one of the locals. Papa didn’t care much for English tourists, but he said it was a free country, and it did help their business.
    When the front door opened, Naomi looked up from her work, and her heart skipped a beat.
    Caleb removed his straw hat and offered her a dimpled grin. “Gude mariye.”
    She slipped from behind the counter and moved toward him. “Good morning. What can I help ya with?”
    He glanced around the room. “Are we alone?”
    Naomi nodded. “For the moment. Papa’s out back with the kinner. He could come inside at any moment, though.”
    Caleb shrugged. “I’ll take my chances.”
    “What are you needing?” she asked, feeling a bit impatient.
    “I’m sorry about last Sunday and sayin’ I thought you were gonna end up an old maid. I didn’t mean it, Naomi. I just spoke out of frustration.”
    She sniffed. “It’s okay. I understand.”
    Caleb smiled. “Since this Sunday comin’ is an off-week and there won’t be any church, I’m plannin’ to go fishing at Miller’s pond. Want to join me there?”
    Naomi released an exasperated groan and moved back to her wooden stool. “I can’t. You know that.”
    Caleb leaned on the edge of the counter and studied her intently. “It’s not fair, Naomi. A woman your age should be having fun, not babysittin’ her brothers and sisters and be expected to slave away here as well as at home.”
    Naomi felt her defenses rise, and she stiffened. “For your information, Caleb Hoffmeir, I like workin’ in this store.”
    “That may be, but you should still have a little fun now and then.”
    The back door creaked open, and Naomi jumped. “That’s Papa and the kinner . Look as if you’re buyin’ something,” she whispered.
    Caleb grabbed a straw hat off the rack nearby and plunked it on the counter. “I’ll take this one,” he announced in a voice loud enough so Papa could hear. “My old hat’s seen better days.”
    Naomi had just put Caleb’s money inside the cash register when her father came sauntering up front. He held Zach in his arms and was followed by Naomi’s younger sisters. He spotted Caleb right away and gave him a nod.
    Caleb smiled in return and pointed to his new hat. “Last time I was here, you said I should buy a new one. Finally decided to take your advice.”
    “I’d say it’s high time, too.” Papa set the baby on the floor, and Zach crawled off toward a shelf full of wooden toys. “Watch your brother now,” he said to Nancy.
    Nancy and Mary Ann both knelt next to Zach, and Caleb turned his attention back to Naomi, giving her a quick wink.
    She shook her head, hoping he would take the hint and leave. He just stood there gazing at her, however. “Want me to dispose of your old hat?” she asked.
    “Naw. Think I’ll hang onto it awhile. I might decide to wear it for everyday and keep the new one just for