“Both of them love cats . . . and book learnin’,” I commented, not mentioning that, more recently, Britta had been rather quiet and pensive at home, especially around Mamma. Britta was sometimes prone to moodiness, though, so I didn’t think it was anything to fuss over.

“Hazel sure seems fond of her. When Britta comes to visit, they hurry off to the barn to visit the new kittens, talking a blue streak,” Obie said, admitting to having overheard them.

“It’s great to see Britta breakin’ out of her shell. She still prefers her cats, I think, but I’m glad she’s including people in the mix.”

Obie laughed once more and then fell quiet as we circled back around toward the side of the pond where the willows grew more densely.

Then, under the delicate covering of budding leaves and greening branches, he slowed his pace. His expression softened as his eyes searched mine. “You know,” he began, “all these years, we’ve been such gut friends.”

I studied him, still surprised he’d dressed up like this in his church clothes today.

He shuffled his feet and glanced at the sky, and back at me. Then he said in his deep and mellow voice, one I knew as well as my own, “Here lately, I’ve been thinking ’bout something, Susie. Something important.” His expression seemed so hopeful as he paused to draw a breath.

“Jah?” I encouraged him along, curious.

“We’ve always been comfortable tellin’ each other most anything. . . .”

I nodded, my heart pounding now.

“So, what would ya think if we—”

“Susie!” Britta’s voice burst through the willows. “Allen’s callin’ for ya.”

Obie’s eyes registered surprise, and we turned to see Britta running toward us. Then, stopping abruptly, she said, “Ach! Sorry, I—”

“What’s goin’ on?” I asked, doing my best to hide my annoyance.

Britta leaned over, hands on her knees as she caught her breath. “Allen and the whole family want to wish you a happy birthday . . . on the stable phone.”

I glanced at Obie, dying to know what he was about to say. “I’ll call them back,” I told her.

Britta jerked her thumb toward the stable. “Okay, but they’re waiting.”

“Go an’ take your call,” Obie said. “It’s all right.”

“Are ya sure?”

He nodded. “We’ll talk another time.”

I apologized for the interruption, but he waved it away. “Denki for comin’ over to celebrate with me,” I said, watching my sister hurry back up the hill.

“Wouldn’t have missed it.” Obie smiled again. “Not for anything.”

Like you say every birthday, I thought.

Disappointment made my throat dry as I rushed to the stable. I was happy Allen had called, yet I couldn’t help wondering what was on Obie’s mind. “Something important,” he said. . . .

Part 1

CHAPTER
1