Bessie sits in the polished cherrywood window seat of the newly renovated Dodd family farmhouse. November snow drifts past the glass in huge, lacy chunks. All around her the sounds of a boisterous house-warming party fill the room. Two confused babies, Paddy and Silver, are being passed from guest to guest.
Sipping on her soda, Bessie watches Leif approach with a plate of homemade brownies.
“I made them myself,” he comments. “So, you might want to take a small bite first.” He slides in beside her in the window seat, setting the plate on a nearby table. Bessie admires the intricate pattern of the cream hand-knit sweater he wears. His hair falls across his forehead when he leans over to grab a brownie. He tosses the flaxen lock back with a grin. “Finally, the renovation is complete.”
“Doe
