“I would’ve liked to tell ya myself, but things have a way of slipping out round here. Sorry ’bout that.”

She nodded. “It’s all right, Obie.” She smiled, though she didn’t much feel like it. “So, you’ll leave after the corn harvest, then?”

“Dat needs me to help him and Jerome, so I’m honoring that. I’m planning to leave mid-October.”

“Who’ll take your place?”

“We’re still discussin’ that, which is another reason why I decided not to make a hasty exit.” He explained that his uncle wished he’d come sooner but was willing to wait.

It’s just like Obie to be so dependable, she thought. Doesn’t quit till the work’s done.

Her neck and shoulders felt tight with all she was holding in, but it was too late now to speak up, to tell him she wished he would stay put here. Where he belongs . . .

Once the singing commenced, Susie went to sit with her cousins, and Obie joined Jerome and their own male cousins clear down at the end of the table, on the other side. Susie wanted so badly to look his way, wanting to memorize these times they were sharing. After all, memories would soon be all she’d have of Obie.

Except for letters . . . if he writes, she remembered. Until someone else captures his heart.

———

Susie had been talking to Verena and Marnie for a while and was getting ready to leave the Singing and walk down to the road to meet Del Petersheim when Verena discreetly poked Susie on the arm.

“Looks like your date’s here,” Verena whispered.

Sure enough, Del had appeared, stepping into the barn as he looked around for her.

“Okay, I’ll see ya,” Susie said, then made her way over to Del, who gave a friendly wave to a group of fellows.

Susie glanced toward the refreshment table, where Obie was talking with the deacon who’d hosted the Singing. She felt awkward yet also relieved Obie didn’t appear to have seen Del standing by the barn entrance.

She smiled at Del as she headed outside with him to walk to the enclosed carriage he must have borrowed from his father. “Our Singing ran a little overtime,” he said.

“Ours too,” she replied.

“Glad I didn’t put you out waitin’.” He accompanied her to the left side of the buggy.

Stepping in, she saw that the couple they were doubling with were seated in the second seat. “Hullo,” she said, and they smiled and greeted her as Del got in on the driver’s side after untying the horse.

“Susie, I’d like ya to meet Mervin Allgyer and Cindy Jane Esh, longtime friends of mine,” Del said, making introductions.

“Nice to meet ya,” Susie said. “Did yous have a nice ride over?”

Cindy Jane nodded. “It’s another beautiful evening. Perfect for a night out.”