Chapter Ten
Brenda finished rinsingthe last of the breakfast dishes. She wiped her hands on her apron, and glanced out the window to where the Texas sun was climbing higher in the sky. With a determined breath, she removed her apron, folded it neatly, and set out for Amy’s house.
“Knock, knock,” Brenda called out, tapping lightly on the wooden doorframe. Before she could contemplate on the words bubbling just beneath her tongue, the door swung open.
“Oh, Brenda!” Amy’s voice was like a fresh breeze as she stood in the doorway, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “You won’t believe it—I’m pregnant!”
Brenda’s heart leaped for her friend, and all thoughts of her worries momentarily evaporated. “That’s wonderful news, Amy!” she said, stepping into the house and enveloping her friend in a warm hug. The scent of freshly baked bread lingered in the air, a testament to Amy’s knack for baking.
“Can you believe it? We’re going to have a little one by summer!” Amy’s eyes sparkled with tears of joy.
“Summer babies are the best,” Brenda said, pulling back to look at Amy, her own smile wide. “All those new beginnings.”
“Exactly.” Amy patted her still-flat belly with a tender hand. “I just had to tell someone, and I knew you’d be happy for us.”
“Of course, I am,” Brenda affirmed, feeling a mix of delight for Amy and a twinge of longing. But this wasn’t the moment for her worries—today was about Amy’s joy. “You’re going to make the most amazing mother.”
“Thank you, Brenda.” Amy’s face softened, her gratitude genuine. “I’ve always wanted a family of my own, you know? Not that I don’t consider the four I have now my own, but this one I’ll give birth to and know from infancy.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Brenda replied, knowing full well the depth of that desire. “And I reckon you’ll have the liveliest house in the county before long.”
“Let’s hope so,” laughed Amy, leading Brenda toward the kitchen. “Now, enough about me—what brings you here today?”
“Just felt like a visit,” Brenda said. “And maybe to snag a taste of whatever’s in that oven.” Her gaze flitted to the stove, where a golden crust peeked out from the oven door, and she winked at Amy.
“Always welcome,” Amy chuckled, slicing into the warm bread. “Especially when there’s good news to share.”
“Couldn’t agree more,” Brenda murmured, letting the comfort of companionship soothe her—if only for a little while.
*****
BRENDA’S FEET KICKEDup small clouds of dust as she made her way to Cassandra’s home. The summer heat wrapped around her like a heavy shawl, but it was the weight in her heart that truly slowed her steps. She pushed open the gate and stepped into the modest garden, where blooms fought valiantly against the relentless Texas sun.
“Morning, Cassie,” Brenda called out as she entered the cool shade of the parlor. Cassandra looked up from her sewing, a fine needlework of delicate flowers taking shape under her deft fingers.
“Hey there, Brenda,” Cassandra greeted. “What’s on your mind?”
