voice prickled when she said, “It’s none of your concern or Jacob’s which boy I show favor to.” With a kick at the gravel, she added, “At least he’s one of us. Surely, things will be easier for us than they will be for you and Rose.”
The words slapped me, and I stepped back. Her face suddenly became remorseful, and she followed me and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I’m just upset that you echoed Jacob’s own sentiment.” She mumbled, “Now I understand how you felt when you couldn’t be with Rose. Why is the world so unfair?”
I stopped, suddenly feeling closer to my younger sister than I ever had. We really did have something in common.
“God willing, in the end I’ll be with Rose and you’ll be with Micah, if you choose him.”
Sarah smiled and nodded. As we walked back to the barn to get the horse hitched, I worried that God might have other plans for my sister and me.
A feeling of uneasiness pinched my soul as I watched Sarah carefully back Oscar from the tie stall. She was such a sweet girl, and the thought that my actions were causing her grief darkened my mood even further.
Out of all of us, Sarah deserved happiness the most. I was bound and determined to make sure that she had it—even if it meant putting my own life on hold for a while longer.
11
Sarah
A million butterflies fluttered in my belly as I played volleyball. Each time I glanced toward the net where Micah was, he’d be looking straight at me and I’d turn away quickly.
His brazenness awakened my spirit, and I’d found myself thinking about him constantly. It was difficult to get my chores done properly when visions of his bright green eyes and lightly tanned face would pop up unexpectedly. It had become more difficult over the past couple of days to concentrate, and my mind had been filled with remembering each and every word he’d ever said to me. I’d replay all of our meetings, analyzing his comments to the point of exhaustion.
Mother thought I was sick and had offered to allow me to return to bed. My younger sister, Rachel, had mocked me for being an old woman with hearing problems when I’d ignored her while we’d hung the laundry together.
My thoughts drifted back to this morning when I’d talked to Noah. I really did understand how he felt. The longing to be with someone could cause a person to do silly things. I’d already been thinking of opportunities to speak with Micah again, but hadn’t come up with anything even remotely promising.
“Sarah, snap out of it. You’re missing every ball that comes your way,” Suzanna scolded.
Wisps of her pale blond hair fluttered around her face in the evening breeze, and her cap was slightly crooked.
The game stopped when I reached over and felt along the top of her head to pull out the pin. Suzanna stood still for me to set the cap back on straight while I answered her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t see them.”
“And you didn’t hear me calling you?” She gently shook my shoulder and said, “Are you sweet on someone, Sarah Miller?”
Of course, Miranda was standing in Suzanna’s shadow, and pudgy Maretta had appeared beside my elbow. All the girls stared at me, waiting for an answer.
I nodded slowly, heat rising on my face. All eyes widened and Suzanna grabbed my arm, ushering me away from the nets. She settled on a grassy spot some distance from the games and pulled me to the ground. Miranda and Maretta followed suit, and I found myself sitting in the middle of their gawking faces.
“It’s Edwin, isn’t it?” Maretta muttered.
“Oh, Lord, I hope not. He’s so boring,” Suzanna put in.
Miranda cleared her throat and said, “Hush and let Sarah tell us herself.”
All eyes looked at me expectantly, and I whispered, “Do you swear to keep it to yourselves?”
They nodded vigorously as I expected. Feeling a rush of giddiness, I said, “Micah Schwartz.”
The looks on the girls went from interest to pure shock in an instant.
Suzanna glanced around and then said, “Are you crazy? Since Noah quit Constance, Micah is off-limits to you.”
Miranda, the most thoughtful of the group, must have pitied me when she chastised Suzanna, giving me a bit of hope. “I don’t see any reason why they can’t be together. Noah, Constance and Rose have nothing to do with Micah and Sarah. They’re both of courting age and members of our church. Once Mr. Schwartz settles down about the whole business, it will be fine.” She reached over and patted my hand.
Suzanna stayed silent, but Maretta jumped and smiled. “Are you sure you don’t want Edwin, Sarah?”
“I’m sure...why?”
“I’ve always liked him. I think I’ll make eyes at him and see what he does.” She scowled at Suzanna and added, “I don’t think he’s boring at all.”
I watched her jog away toward the nets with a deep sense of rightness. Maretta was meant to go after Edwin all along. She had just been waiting for me to make a decision about him. Now, she was free to pursue her heart.
I was smiling broadly when Suzanna said, “I have to admit the two of them are perfect for each other. He’ll never have to talk with Maretta around, and that will suit him just fine.” Then her face became serious, and she said, “Have you and Micah discussed a courtship?”
“No, not exactly, but he gave me a gift. Do you think he likes me?”
“What did he give you?” Suzanna asked.
I pulled the soft leather strap from my pocket and showed the girls. They each leaned in, and Miranda ran her fingers down the engraving of my name.
“It’s very pretty,” Miranda murmured.
“If he made this himself, then he definitely likes you,” Suzanna said with sureness.
Her words made me feel lighter, but the worry was still present in my heart.
“I’m afraid to say a word to my parents about it. They’re so worked up over the matter with Noah and Constance that I don’t want to burden them further.”
Suzanna flicked her hand. “Two people falling in love shouldn’t be a burden. Old man Schwartz is overreacting if you ask me.”
After another quick search of the area and seeing that the games were over and the boys were taking down the nets, I said, “Have either of you spoken to Rose? I do miss her so.”
Suzanna and Miranda shook their heads, but even as darkness was setting in, I could see the twitch of excitement on Suzanna’s face and I was suddenly very worried.
12
Sam
I
