“You will not hear me complain about that!”

AMY WOKE WITH A START. There was a lot of noise coming from outside her room, and she swung her legs out of bed. She walked to the bedroom door and peeked out. “Get back in bed!” Brenda said, putting her hands on her hips. “You’ve taken care of every one of us while we were sick. Now we’re going to return the favor. I’m going to keep watching over you. Cassandra is going to make the girls’ dresses you promised them. Deb is going to do all the laundry including that filthy gown you’re in. Erna’s going to cook all the meals and bake sweets for the kids and Tim. Faithis going to be scrubbing floors and dusting. Gail is going to build that playhouse and not worry about you paying her back. Susan is going to cook in Gail’s place. Hannah is making lace collars for Beatrice’s dresses. And last, but never least, Imogene is going to water and weed your garden while Ruby and Priscilla help.”

Amy blinked a few times as she allowed her friend to help her back in bed. “Now stay where I put you!” Brenda said.

“What’s Beatrice doing?” Amy asked, hating she couldn’t make dresses with the girl.

“She’s helping with dress duty. And helping with the laundry,” Brenda said. “She keeps asking to see you, and even though the doctor said it’s probably safe, I don’t want to risk it.”

“I would never risk any of the children. Good call.” Amy swung her legs back into the bed, feeling as if she’d just run across the ranch and into town. “Back to sleep with me.” She lay down, closing her eyes. “And Brenda?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you! Hug all the sisters for me.”

“Of course!” Brenda said, smiling as she closed the door behind her.