A Season of Love by Amy Clipston Read Free Book Online Page B

the camaraderie, but instead tried to smile and enjoy the game. After all, it was a beautiful day and she was with her church community.
    When the game was finally over, Lizzie Anne and Lindsay rushed over, panting and laughing.
    “You really missed that shot, Lizzie Anne,” Lindsay said with a chuckle. “Did you fall asleep on the court?”
    “No!” Lizzie Anne said with feigned annoyance. She pointed to Samuel. “It was his fault. He missed the pass, so I missed the shot.”
    “No,” Samuel responded as he and Matthew walked over. “That was all your fault, Lizzie Anne. You were asleep just like Lindsay said.”
    “I’m thirsty,” Lindsay said. “Let’s all get a drink, ya?”
    Matthew gestured toward the barn. “That’s a gut idea.”
    “But I was going to play volleyball,” Katie said, falling in step with her friends.
    “We’ll play again,” Lindsay said. “Maybe this time Lizzie Anne won’t miss the shot.”
    “You missed one too, Lindsay!” Lizzie Anne said, tapping Lindsay’s arm.
    Katie smiled, wishing she could participate in the conversation. Although she’d watched the game, she didn’t quite see the humor they did. She assumed she would’ve been able to feel a part of it if they’d had room for her on one of the teams.
    Katie climbed the steps behind her friends and trailed them to the kitchen where they filled plastic cups with cold water from a pitcher. They moved to the family room, which was full of people, and crossed to some empty benches in the corner.Lindsay and Matthew sat on one side while Lizzie Anne and Samuel sat across from them. By the time Katie reached the table, there was no room for her.
    Lindsay frowned. “Oh, Katie.” She squeezed over toward Matthew and patted a sliver of bench. “Sit here. I’ll make room.”
    “I can make room too.” Lizzie Anne also revealed a small section of bench that wouldn’t be enough for even one of Katie’s legs.
    “That’s okay.” Katie glanced around the room and spotted her sister Nancy sitting with some of the younger girls. “I’ll go sit with Nancy. I’ll see you later.” She forced a smile and turned to go.
    “Katie, no!” Lindsay called. “We can make room.”
    “Really, I don’t mind.” Katie waved and then crossed the room to her sister’s table. “May I join you?” she asked Nancy.
    “Ya!” Nancy said, scooting over for Katie. “Sit down. We were just discussing how cute Andrew Smucker is.”
    “Danki.” Katie sat on the bench and glanced back toward her friends as they laughed and talked together without her. She moved closer to Nancy, trying in vain to ease the hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach.
    “I can do this,” Lindsay muttered as she sat next to Daniel in the buggy. She stared at the bishop’s large white house and sucked in a breath. “I can do this,” she repeated. “I know I can.”
    Daniel smiled. “ Ya , you can do it, and I’ll go in with you to give you support.”
    “Danki , ” she said. Seeing the bishop’s house caused her to doubt herself and wonder if she should just go to the youth gathering without meeting him first. She was thankful her uncle insisted on supporting her through this important meeting.
    Lindsay climbed from the buggy and then headed up the porch steps toward the bishop’s front door with Daniel. She’dspoken to the bishop numerous times since coming to live in Bird-in-Hand, and he’d always been pleasant during their brief encounters. However, now she was going to ask permission to enter into something sacred. Lindsay touched her prayer covering and then smoothed her black bib apron over her best purple frock. She had tried to look her best for this very important meeting. Mustering all of her confidence, she knocked on the door and mentally rehearsed what she’d told Daniel and Rebecca she’d say.
    The door swung open revealing Bishop Abner Chupp dressed in black trousers, a brown shirt, and suspenders. His gray hair matched his long