Kate's Song Read Online Free PDF Page B

excitement.
    Kate gave both of them pecks on the cheek. “I hoped I’d see you tonight.”
    Cousin Miriam Bontrager wrapped her arm around Kate’s neck and studied her face. “I don’t see no bruises. Well, I guess a little around the eye. I’m sorry I haven’t come earlier to visit you. Two little brothers had the flu, and I needed to help Mamm.”
    The other cousin, Rebecca Miller, tucked an errant lock of hair under her kapp. “I wanted to see you something awful, but Fater said the buggy could not be spared. But Mamm practically begs me to go to the gatherings, so she let me come.”
    “Is your mamm still feeling poorly, Rebecca?” Kate said.
    “She is taking some new medication that might help.”
    “And are you still working for Mrs. Johnson?”
    Rebecca nodded. “She is grumpy as ever, but she sleeps most of the day.”
    Miriam leaned forward like she had a big secret. “Rebecca got a cell phone.”
    Rebecca shrugged her shoulders. “I am in rumschpringe.”
    “Do you have anyone to call?” Kate asked.
    Rebecca smiled but lowered her eyes. “A few people. Mamm’s not happy, but I can pay for it.” She lifted her chin. “Besides, Joe Bieler bought a car. His parents are fit to be tied, but then parents will always find something to worry about.”
    Kate sighed. She knew a little of giving her parents something to worry about. “And you, Miriam. Are you and Ephraim engaged yet?”
    Miriam stifled a giggle. “We promised ourselves to each other like as not five years ago.”
    “Miriam Bontrager,” Rebecca scolded. “Does your dat know?”
    “Of course he knows. Ephraim is the minister’s son. Dat loves the idea.”
    Rebecca winked at Kate. Miriam, like Aaron and Ada, thought that a relationship to one of the elders lent her added importance. Or maybe it was just Miriam’s dat who felt that way. Miriam and Ephraim had seemed destined for each other long before the lot fell to Ephraim’s dat to be minister.
    “Will there be a wedding this November?” Kate said.
    “No, I’m eighteen yet. Hopefully next year.”
    “What about you, Rebecca?” Kate said. “Any interesting boys?”
    Rebecca grimaced. “Who wants a husband?”
    Elmer returned as suddenly as he had departed, with Nathaniel King following close behind. Nathaniel greeted Kate warmly, wearing the wide smile that almost seemed to be a permanent part of his face. Her cousins exchanged significant looks and backed away slightly. Kate was surprised by how overjoyed, how lightheaded, she felt upon seeing Nathaniel again.
    In two years, none of the young men in Milwaukee ferhoodled Kate like Nathaniel had managed to do in the last two weeks. Many college boys sought girls who would trade their virtue like candy. Kate was perfectly aware of what went on between Englisch boys and girls. The girls willingly tarnished their honor for what they thought was love. But what they got from those boys was counterfeit affection. Nathaniel stood in stark contrast to what she had seen of the world.
    “You look gute,” Nathaniel said. “No bruises left. No swelling on the lip.”
    “Denki,” Kate said. “Do you know my cousins, Miriam Bontrager and Rebecca Miller?”
    Nathaniel vigorously shook hands with both cousins. “Jah, of course.”
    Rebecca grabbed Miriam’s elbow and tugged her away. “We will talk to you after, Kate.”
    Elmer nodded to Nathaniel and then, for no reason at all, sauntered after the cousins.
    Nathaniel nodded back then turned to Kate. “Your smile just about knocks me down every time I see it. Better than you sticking your tongue out every time you laid eyes on me.”
    Kate felt her face flush. “For a girl of eleven years old, that kiss was a grievous offense, Nathaniel King. Anna and Linda would not play with me for days because they said you gave me cooties.”
    “You did sock me a good one,” he said, chuckling and rubbing his jaw as if still feeling the blow.
    “You deserved worse.”
    Nathaniel stroked the