A Sister's Test Read Online Free PDF

bossy little
aldi
.”
    She pushed his hand away, and her blue eyes flashed indignantly.“I may be your girlfriend, but I’m not bossy.”
    “Are so.” Toby whipped off his straw hat, revealing a thick crop of reddish-blond hair, and plunked the hat on Sadie’s head.
    “Hey, you’re crushing my kapp!” Sadie lifted Toby’s hat and sent it sailing through the air.
    Ruth looked over at Martin and rolled her eyes skyward. “Shall I get the picnic food?”
    “Might as well,” he replied with a nod.
    Ruth and Martin spread a quilt on the ground and retrieved their ice chest from the buggy while Sadie and Toby did the same.
    Once everyone was seated on the quilt, all heads bowed for silent prayer. Afterward, Ruth and Sadie passed out golden brown chicken, macaroni salad, coleslaw, carrot sticks, dill pickles, and lemonade.
    “Everything looks good,” Toby said, smacking his lips. He reached for a drumstick and took a bite. “Jah, it’s
appeditlich
.”
    “If you think the chicken’s delicious, wait until you taste some of Ruth’s strawberry-rhubarb pie,” Martin said. “I had some at her house last Sunday when I brought her home from Abe Wengerd’s place.”
    “What were you doing at Abe’s?” Toby asked, looking at Ruth.
    “We took one of Martha’s little shelties over to Esta, hoping it might help her deal with the grief of losing her mother,” she replied.
    “It was nice of Martha to give away one of her pups,” Toby said as he reached for another piece of chicken.
    Sadie swatted his hand. “You haven’t finished the first piece you took, and already you’re taking another?”
    “Actually, giving Esta a puppy was Ruth’s idea,” Martin said. “Ruth even paid for the hundli.”
    Toby set the chicken leg down and licked his fingers. “Is that a fact?”
    “Sure is.” Martin smiled at Ruth. “My aldi’s real kindhearted and generous.”
    Ruth blushed a crimson red, and he figured he’d probably embarrassed her. At least she hadn’t denied being his girlfriend.
    “You’re right about Ruth being kindhearted,” Sadie said, touching Ruth’s arm. “My good friend is the nicest person I know.”
    The color in Ruth’s cheeks deepened. “I’m not perfect, you know.”
    Sadie shook her head. “Never said you were. Just meant you’re a good friend, and a nice one at that.”

    Ruth finished her lunch in quiet as she mulled over what Martin and Sadie had said about her. She did care about others who were hurting, which was why she’d been concerned for Esta Wengerd. She’d always tried to be an obedient daughter, a helpful sister, and a trustworthy friend. But at times, Ruth felt as if she were being tested—always trying to do what was right, yet struggling with feelings of discontent. Her feelings of frustration over the break-ins at their home and Dad’s shop were examples of how imperfect she was. Then there was the anger she’d felt toward Luke when he had refused to be honest with her.
    “You’re awfully quiet,” Martin said, nudging Ruth. “Are you bored with being here?”
    “Not at all. I was just thinking.”
    “I’ve been thinking, too.” Toby grabbed Sadie’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “I’ve been thinking it might be a good idea to take a walk in the woods and work off some of the food I ate so I don’t fall asleep while I fish.” He glanced down at Ruth and Martin. “You two want to join us?”
    Ruth looked over at Martin to get his opinion and was pleased when he said, “I’d rather stay here and enjoy the sunshine.”
    Ruth nodded. “Me, too.”
    “Suit yourself,” Toby said as he and Sadie hurried away.
    Martin leaned close to Ruth, and she could feel his warm breath caress her cheek. “I enjoy being with you,” he murmured.
    She swallowed a couple of times, hoping she could speak without stammering. “I enjoy being with you, too.”
    He reached for her hand, and they remained on the quilt, visiting and watching the ducks float on the pond