He’d propped a large basket against his hip to catch the berries he reached up to pluck with dexterous fingers. Which, in fact, was exactly what a young man with a coppery head full of shaggy hair was doing. “I said it is part of who I am, but is that true? Is it who I am? I didn’tĪrch shaped from twisted vines, carefully pruned and overgrown with brambles, their berries plump and ripe, ready to be picked. She sat taller, her gaze turned doubtful. I’m sure he will take into account your feelings on the matter.” “Yes, but I don’t know what they are,” I argued. Gage seems to me to be an astute, considerate man. Her mouth creased into a gentle smile, clearly reading my thoughts. But part of me was afraid of what his answer would be, of what that would mean. You’re right.” I had known that before I’d even asked her. That he understands it is part of who I am.” “ Then I should trust he means it.” “Yes, but once I’m expecting, doesn’t that change things? Won’t he expect me to stop?” “That is something you will have to ask him.” I exhaled a shaky breath. “He says he’s happy to have me assist him. “First of all, what does your husband say about all of this?” I swallowed. “ Does that mean I should give up the rest? Is that what is sensible? Is that what the Lord would want of me?” Her eyes were kind. To cherish and protect.” I blinked up at her.

Now I’m wed and… and someday soon I’ll likely have children to care for. “When I first began assisting with these inquiries, I had none of those things.

As Death Draws Near by Anna Lee Huber