A Sister's Test by Wanda E. Brunstetter Read Free Book Online

arm. “You’re in love with her, jah?”
    Martin couldn’t deny it, yet he didn’t want to admit it, either. “Would you mind answering a personal question?” he asked.
    “What do you want to know?”
    “I was wondering when you first knew you were in love with Alma and how long you waited until you asked her to marry you.”
    Abe chuckled. “I can’t imagine why you’d want to know that.”
    Martin glanced out the window again. He hoped Ruth would drop by the harness shop and say hello.
    Abe tapped Martin on the back. “Are you gonna stand there all day staring out the window, or did you want to hear the answer to your question about when I fell in love with Alma?”
    Martin pulled his gaze back to Abe. “I do want to hear it.”
    Abe motioned to a couple of wooden stools. “Have a seat, and I’ll tell you about it.”
    Martin listened as Abe told the story of how he’d taken an interest in Alma soon after she and her folks had moved to Ohio from Pennsylvania. “When Alma turned sixteen and started attending some of the young people’s functions, I asked if I could court her. Soon after our first date, I knew I was in love. Two years later, I asked if I could marry her,” Abe said, dropping his gaze to the floor.
    Martin figured talking about Alma must have conjured up some nostalgic feelings. He wished he hadn’t brought up the subject of Abe and Alma’s courtship. “Sorry if I’ve upset you.”
    “I miss my wife, but it’s good for me to talk about her.” Abe touched his chest. “Keeps her memory alive in here.”
    Martin nodded solemnly. If he were married to Ruth and lost her the way Abe had lost Alma, he didn’t know how he could go on living. No wonder Abe slept so much when he wasn’t working. It was probably the only way he could deal with his grief.
    “Want my advice, Martin?” Abe asked as he stood.
    “Jah, sure.”
    “If you’re in love with Ruth, don’t let her get away. Don’t waste a single moment you have together.”
    Martin’s forehead wrinkled. “Are you saying I shouldn’t wait to ask her to marry me?”
    “That’s got to be your decision. But if it were me, I wouldn’t wait too long.” Abe lifted his shoulders in a brief shrug. “One never knows what the future holds. One never knows how much time they have left on this earth.”
    “You’re right, Abe. Danki for the good advice. I’ll be thinking on what you said.”
    A few seconds later, the shop door opened, and Ruth stuck her head inside. “I’m on my way to work, so I can’t stay,” she said, smiling at Martin. “But I wanted to say hello.”
    “Glad you did. It’s always nice to see you.” Martin moved toward the door. “I had a good time with you at the pond last Saturday,” he whispered.
    She nodded. “I enjoyed myself, too.”
    “Maybe we can do it again sometime soon.”
    “That’d be nice.” She glanced toward her horse and buggy, parked outside the harness shop. “Guess I’d better go.”
    Martin fought the urge to hug her; he knew it wouldn’t be appropriate. Especially with Abe right behind him, no doubt watching and listening to their conversation. “See you soon, Ruth,” he said. “Have a good day.”
    As Martin returned to his workbench, Abe shot him a knowing look.
    Martin grabbed a hunk of leather and set right to work. Every time he saw Ruth, he fell deeper in love with her. How long would he have to wait until he felt free to ask her to marry him?

    As Ruth headed down the road toward the Schrocks’ place, the pleasant scent of wildflowers growing in the woods wafted through the open buggy flap, and she drew in a deep, satisfying breath. She was glad she had been able to stop by the harness shop to see Martin.
    Ruth’s thoughts turned to Esta. She’d been pleased to see how well the child was doing. From what she could tell, the puppy had adjusted to its new home. As time allowed, she hoped to continue her visits to the Wengerds’ to check on Abe’s children.
    Ruth