Quote 7
"You're the only child we have, Abby. Even if Patience did give you birth and Strong is your daddy." (24.22)
Mother Barker says this to Abby after she tells her that she and the foreman will be leaving their house to her when they die. The love she feels for Abby is deep and familial, and she wants to set Abby up for a good future.
Quote 8
"My child, there is no greater joy on earth than the joy of healing." (24.27)
As Abby completes her education from Mother Barker, Mama B tells this to her star pupil. And what is healing if not an act of love?
Quote 9
"Barker," she said so softly Abby had to strain her ears to hear, "you're the only husband I ever knew." (25.18)
Remember how Mother Barker says, "every man you marry is not your husband" (20.19)? Well, the foreman was her husband, through and through. That's true love, Shmoopers.