Chapters 17 and 18 Summary

Chapter 17: Until Milly Came

Willa Jo told Milly about Baby. She said she'd drive right down to the door. As Willa Jo ran back, the sun was beginning to rise. It was too beautiful to look at right then. When Willa Jo got back, Noreen was holding Baby who was calm and still. She told Willa Jo to tell Milly not to come. Baby was fine. All morning long, all Noreen did was hold the quiet baby and rock her and sing to her. Noreen didn't fix coffee or read the paper or watch TV. The girls could sense that something was wrong. Little Sister climbed on Willa Jo's lap and sucked her thumb, something she hadn't done in years.

Later the girls were outside when Milly came over. They all went inside. Noreen was crying. They all started crying. When...