He was right, but she wasn’t about to admit it.
He leaned one hip against the table. “How did I do for my first time giving a program?”
“Very well. You clearly have a knack for teaching.”
“Danki. I tried to think about what I would say to my own children.”
“Do you have a mother in mind for them?” she asked with false sweetness, knowing he was a single fellow. She had heard a bit of gossip about him and wondered if it was true. Courting relationships were often closely guarded secrets in the Amish community.
He shook a finger at her. “Lillian Keim, you’re prying.”
She spread her hands wide. “You brought up the subject of children.”
“I want a wife and children someday. I pray I will have sons to work beside me in our business as I have worked beside my father. I hope I may teach all my children to be good and faithful members of our church.” His voice had grown soft. Lillian realized he was sharing something important with her.
“I hope God answers your prayers.” A family of her own was something she would never have.
He tipped his head to the side as he regarded her. “What about you? How many children do you want?”
She gave a laugh but knew it sounded forced. “I have forty-one children to care for. That’s more than enough. There will be forty-four next month because we have a new family transferring to our school. I hope the school board approves the hiring of a second teacher when they meet next Friday. I’m not sure I can manage that many.”
“Still, you must want children of your own someday.”
That wasn’t possible. Only her parents knew about the surgery that had saved her life but left her barren. She’d never told anyone else. She didn’t want pity. God had chosen this path for her. It wasn’t an easy one, but she would do her best to live as He willed.
She drew a steadying breath and raised her chin. “Every morning I wake up and think about these children waiting for me and I can’t wait to get here. I thank God every day and night for leading me to this work. I love it. Are you shocked that I want a career instead of a family?”
“Nee, I’m not. Luke mentioned as much to me.”
“You and your brother were talking about me?”
“It was last Christmas. Luke thought the reason I was helping with the school program was that I wanted to court you. He decided to become my unofficial go-between and have Emma find out if you would be interested in dating me. Emma told him you were devoted to teaching and not looking to marry. He relayed that to me.”
“And was that the reason behind your offer to help at the school?”
Timothy shook his head. “You and the kinder needed help. Friends help friends.”
A touch of disappointment pricked her, but she quickly suppressed it. She valued his friendship. Any sign of romantic attachment from either of them would make their friendship awkward and could bring censure down on her. As a teacher, she was expected to be a model of proper behavior. “Your help made the program extra special. Danki.”
He shrugged off her praise. “I didn’t do much.”
Now it was her turn to tease him. Checking to make sure they wouldn’t be overheard, she leaned closer. “I understand you are Nellie Martin’s come-calling friend. Is it serious?”
His eyebrows shot up. “What? Who told you that?”
“You were seen driving together last Sunday evening.”
“I passed Nellie walking along the road after visiting her sister and I gave her a lift home because I was going the same way. That’s all. I’m not her come-calling friend or anyone else’s, for that matter.”
“See how easily rumors get started?” She was glad he wasn’t seeing anyone. When he did find the right woman, Lillian knew their friendship would change.
A gleam sparkled in the depths of his eyes. He leaned toward her. “Would you be jealous if I were going out with her, Teacher?”
Trust him to turn the tables on her. “Of course not, but rumors will soon circulate that I have a new boo-friend.”
“Why?”
“Because these forty-one students will go home and repeat what they learned today. Some of them will fail to mention you were teasing about my boyfriend. By Sunday after the prayer meeting I’ll be answering carefully worded questions from many curious mothers as they try to figure out who he might be.”
A frown line appeared on his forehead. “Do you really think so? I didn’t mean to make trouble.”
“I know small children and the way they can mix up the simplest things. When people start asking, I’m going to tell everyone it’s you.”
He pressed his hands over his heart. “Teacher, don’t get my hopes up unless you mean it.”
It was her turn to frown. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I would be your boo-friend in a heartbeat. May I come courting?”
Timothy watched an array of fleeting expressions cross Lillian’s delicate face. Surprise, dismay and finally skepticism narrowed her green eyes. He would cheerfully snatch back his words if he could. She had to know he was joking, didn’t she? Had he gone too far this time?
Her eyes narrowed. “Where is that bucket of water? You need to soak your head.”
“Is that any way to talk to the man you’re dating?”
She jabbed her finger into his chest. “I’m too smart to go out with you, and it’s nothing to joke about.”
“You are right. Courting and marriage are not joking matters.” Relieved that he hadn’t truly upset her, he turned the conversation in a safer direction. “What did you think of the book I lent you?”
Her tense shoulders relaxed at his change of subject. “I haven’t had time to sit down with it yet.”
“Teacher hasn’t finished her homework. Shame on you.”
“I do have papers to grade and lessons to prepare.”
“I will accept that excuse today, but I’m dying to know if you find the story as funny as I did. The main character reminded me of you.”
“I thought you said it was about a dog.”
“It is. A lovable, devoted dog who believes she knows what’s best for every creature in the barnyard. Truly, it’s a great book with an excellent message.”
“So I’m like a bossy dog, is
