“Well, ya never know—things can happen quickly sometimes.” Marnie went on to mention how she and Jerome had become good friends right away. “For a long while, he just took me home after Singings and other activities, not really pushing for a date or anything more. We’re still gut friends, of course, but here lately, he’s been holdin’ my hand. So things are changing.”

“I s’pose it would be nice to date your friend.” Britta thought of Susie and Obie, and it made her sad to think how they’d drifted apart.

“Mamma says it’s the best way,” Marnie said. “’Cause later in life, after your children are married and gone, you still have your wunnerbaar-gut friend to grow old with.”

Britta caught herself nodding in agreement. “Poor Mamma, losin’ her husband before she could enjoy that time with him after Susie and I are grown and gone.”

Marnie smiled kindly. “Do ya believe Susie will ever marry?” she whispered.

“I hope so.”

“Do ya think she feels responsible for your Mamma, since Allen and Sarah moved away? And maybe because of what happened to Eli . . . and Onkel Caleb, too?”

Britta pondered this, unwilling to share about Susie’s and her conversation on the buggy ride over.

“Ach, don’t tell her I said that,” Marnie added suddenly.

“Then we best not talk behind her back.” Britta said it with a smile, meaning it.

CHAPTER
25

Cousin Marnie said good-bye to Britta the minute Jerome Yoder showed up in his courting carriage. It was then that Britta realized she’d waited too long to get a ride home, although talking with Marnie had been very nice.

Britta made her way down the long walkway, aware of how mild the evening was now as a soft breeze cooled her brow.

Walking back from the barn was Roy, who pushed his hands into his trouser pockets. His gaze glided up, and she knew he’d spotted her.

Her stomach clenched, her mouth as dry as yarn.

“Hullo, Britta,” he said. “Did ya enjoy all the songs?”

She bobbed her head shyly. “I hope it cheered up your Mammi Glick.”

“No question ’bout that.” Roy took a step closer. “Say, you’re not walkin’ home alone, are ya?”

“Jah.”

“Well then, let me take ya right quick,” Roy said. “Dat’s carriage is already hitched up.”

Surprised yet pleased, she wasn’t sure what to say, but she found herself falling into step with Roy as they walked toward the parked family buggy. Self-conscious, she recalled Marnie’s comments about Roy not dating anyone yet, months into his Rumschpringe.

“Careful getting in.” Roy offered his hand.