The Longing by Beverly Lewis Read Free Book Online Page B

his legs and thought of several girls he could ask—even the pastor’s daughter might agree to go with him. Or a seemingly nice girl like Joy Landis from school. Letting his imagination soar, Chris wondered what it would be like to take Nellie Mae as his banquet date.
    Of course he would never know, since she would never give an “Englisher” a second look. That was the word Suzy, as well as his Amish cousins, had used to refer to him and his family, but only at first. In time, Suzy in particular seemed to forget that he and Zach weren’t actually as Plain as she was.
    Knowing better than to mention his crush to Zach or anyone else, Chris shrugged the ridiculous idea aside and returned to his work.
    Puzzled yet obedient, Caleb packed his things. He loaded his buggy, organizing things on the floor before hurrying over to the main house to let his grandparents know he was returning home at his father’s request. This, according to Reuben Fisher, who had stopped by for the few minutes it took to relay the message. Seeing Nellie’s father made him wish he might talk to her, too. But a clean break was far better after courting. And since it appeared Nellie hadn’t changed her mind, he wouldn’t try to win her back. Time might bring some relief to the pain of rejection.
    For now he stood in his grandmother’s kitchen, where Dawdi was reading The Budget , a Plain publication, at the table.
    “Well, I’m all packed up,” Caleb announced.
    Mammi wiped her eyes, nodding her gray head, and Dawdi rose from his chair to clap a hand on his shoulder. “You’re doin’ the right thing by your father, son.”
    He agreed but was still conflicted about his father’s decision after being cast out so harshly some weeks back.
    “Don’t worry ’bout us. The neighbor boys’ll come help with milkin’ and shoveling out manure from the barn, just as before.” Dawdi paused, his bearded chin quivering. “Your Mamm needs ya now, and when your Daed returns home, he’ll be needin’ you, too.”
    Caleb put on a smile for his grandparents’ sake. There was much to forgive and be forgiven for, and he would give it his all. Meanwhile, he must work hard, caring for his father’s livestock, overseeing the milking, and plowing the land that had once been intended for his inheritance.
    Having refused his birthright to prove his love to Nellie Mae and to be free of Daed’s say-so, the land would now bypass him and go to another brother. Or possibly to one of his courting-age sisters’ beaus, provided they married and remained in the old church. And what baptized soul would be foolish enough to leave the church now, with the shunning reinstated?
    “Be thankful for this chance to serve your ailin’ father, Caleb.” His grandmother’s voice sounded feeble.
    A bitter pill to swallow.
    “Don’t keep your Mamm waitin’.” Dawdi rose and walked with him to the door.
    His grandfather had come to regret telling on him to Daed. Caleb had seen it in Dawdi’s eyes during the time here—the pain of having to report his grandson’s indiscretions, however slight, with Nellie Mae.
    “Denki, Dawdi . . . Mammi.” He appreciated their hospitality, and especially his grandmother’s good cooking. “Thanks so much.”
    “Anytime, Caleb.” Dawdi shook his hand. “If ya ever need anything . . . just give a holler.”
    He nodded, grateful for the offer. Unsure what was ahead of him, he pushed the door open and headed outside to his waiting horse.
    No need for a courting buggy now, he thought as he climbed in. I’ll have my hands full taking care of my father.

C HAPTER 5
    Rhoda whispered good-night to Ken outside James and Martha’s kitchen door, feeling giddy. He reached for her, kissing her squarely on the lips.
    “I’ll see you soon.” He gave her another quick squeeze.
    She waved and watched him head toward the car, her heart beating fast as she opened the back door quietly. Recalling their exciting first date following the introductory