A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray Page A

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.”
    â€œI am.” After a pause, she leaned in close. “Michael and I are expecting a boppli .”
    â€œOh my goodness.” Grasping one of Penny’s hands, Emma gave it a little squeeze. “That is wonderful! Congratulations!”
    â€œDanke.” A dimple appeared in her cheek as she blushed again, making her look even more adorable. “We are happy.”
    â€œOf course you are. What a blessing. How are you feeling?”
    â€œSome days sick, some days not.” She smiled. “I’m trying my best to concentrate on the baby and not on my queasy stomach.”
    â€œTake care of yourself. I was tired and suffered from morning sickness with all three of my girls.”
    â€œI 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.”
    â€œLet him fuss over you, Penny. He just wants to help you.”
    â€œI 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.”
    â€œI’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.”
    â€œ 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.
    â€œHe is gut . He’s writing today.”
    â€œIs he finding it difficult to write about his life instead of talking about it?”
    â€œSome 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.”
    â€œI’m glad you both are.”
    â€œEnough about me. How are you? How are the girls?”
    â€œWe 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.”
    â€œWilliam?”
    â€œOh! He’s the son of a new family in the area. They took over Borntrager’s Organic Farm.”
    â€œHow many kinner do they have?”
    â€œThree boys, but their father is a widower. William is the youngest.”
    â€œOh, my. He’s raising three children all on his own. Just asyou are.” Immediately, Penny covered her mouth with a hand. “Oh, forgive me, Emma. I didn’t mean it like it sounded.”
    â€œThere 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.”
    â€œOh?” Pure relief flooded Penny’s expression as she realized that Emma hadn’t been hurt by her blunt comment.
    â€œ Jah . His boys are much older. The eldest, Ben, is almost all grown up, and Mark is in his teens, but jah , I know what you mean,” Emma said with a small smile. “It’s hard, but Jay and his boys