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

was about to turn into the Schrocks’ place when a black truck whizzed past, causing the horse to whinny and veer to the right. She hadn’t been able to get a good look at the driver, but she thought he was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.
    “Sure wish folks wouldn’t drive so fast,” she muttered.
    A few minutes later, she spotted a horse and buggy up ahead. It didn’t take her long to realize it was Martha’s rig. Ruth followed as the horse and buggy turned to the right and headed up the Schrocks’ driveway past the sign reading S CHROCKS’ H OME C OOKING .
    “How’d your visit with Esta go?” Martha asked as she stepped up to Ruth moments later.
    “It went fine.” Ruth squinted. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming to speak with Irene.”
    “Changed my mind. Since my dog business isn’t doing too wellyet, I figured I could use some extra money.”
    “I doubt Irene will need us both.”
    “Then I guess she’ll have to choose between us.”
    Ruth frowned. She didn’t think it would be fair to put Irene in that position, and Martha should have realized it, too. “Never mind. You can have the job.”
    Martha shook her head. “I won’t work for Irene if you want to. I just figured since you already have a job—”
    “You’re right. I don’t need two jobs. I’d much rather spend my free time with Martin—and of course little Esta, who still needs extra encouragement.”
    “Speaking of which, is the pup doing okay?”
    “Seems to be.”
    “I’m glad.” Martha motioned to the Schrocks’ house. “Guess I’d better go see what Irene has to say about me helping her.”
    Ruth gave Martha a hug. “See you this evening.”
    “Jah. Have a good day.” Ruth climbed back in her buggy, feeling good about things. Martha would be earning some extra money, Esta was getting along well with Winkie, and Martin was definitely showing interest. This was the beginning of a very good day.

O ne early summer morning, Grace entered the barn to look for Martha. She drew in a deep breath, enjoying the pleasant, prickly aroma of fresh hay as she leaned against one of the wooden beams. She felt the baby kick and placed one hand against her bulging stomach. “I wonder if you’re a
buwe
or a
maedel
.”
    “Are you talking to yourself or me?”
    Grace turned and saw Martha heading toward her. “I was talking to my boppli, wondering if it’s a boy or a girl.”
    Martha grinned. “I think Anna’s hoping for a maedel.”
    “Jah, and speaking of Anna, I was wondering if you could watch her so Mom and I can go to town to get some material for baby things.”
    “What time will you be back?”
    “Soon after lunch, I expect.”
    Martha nodded. “That should be okay, since I don’t have to be at Irene’s until three o’clock.”
    “I’d forgotten about your new job. Would you prefer that we take Anna with us?”
    “I’m sure you’ll be back in plenty of time. Besides, I enjoy spending time with Anna. It’ll be better than being out here alone, fretting over my failing business.”
    “Things aren’t going so well with your plans to raise dogs, are they?”
    Martha shook her head and handed Grace a breeders magazine. “I was reading this and spotted an ad about trading dogs to strengthen the breeding lines. I might consider doing such a thing if I had some extra dogs to trade.”
    “I’m sorry Flo still isn’t pregnant.”
    “I may allow Heidi to get pregnant again soon,” Martha confided, “since she did so well with her first batch of puppies.”
    “She did okay giving birth, but things went a bit sour after that.”
    “You mean with the one puppy dying?”
    “Jah.”
    “That was too bad, especially since you had just said Anna could have the pup.”
    “Hopefully nothing like that will happen again,” Grace said firmly.
    “I’m sure everything will work out.”
    Grace touched Martha’s arm. “I’d better head back to the house. As soon as Mom’s ready to leave