Free A Heart Once Broken by Jerry S. Eicher Page A

time with Ezra Wagler,” Clyde deadpanned.
    â€œWhat?” Sandra shot back, scarcely believing his boldness.
    Clyde laughed. “Don’t act surprised. Your attentions toward Ezra are common knowledge in the community. Yours and your cousin’s too. Although lately Lydia seems to have…”
    Sandra struggled to keep her voice steady. “I will have you know that none of this is any of your business, Clyde. And Ezra will make his mind up soon without your help.”
    â€œI guess we’ll have to see about that.” Clyde smirked.
    A chill ran up Sandra’s back as she dipped her hands in the hot water. Did Clyde know something that she didn’t?

Chapter Nine

    B y twelve thirty the next day, the three-hour Sunday morning service had ended and Sandra was hurrying toward the kitchen. Ezra had been sitting on the third bench with the other unmarried men and out of her view all day. That was how things had gone lately when it came to her attempt to catch Ezra’s eye. Somehow she had to turn the tide, Sandra told herself. She didn’t want to wait on the unmarried men’s table today, but she had little choice if she wanted to speak with Ezra. Unlike the men, the girls had limited options in their pursuit of attention. Sandra cringed at the thought as Lena tugged on her arm. “Did the cat get in the vinegar bottle this morning?”
    Sandra forced herself to smile. “I guess I should have added a little honey.”
    Lena chuckled. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t tease you. Your daett hasn’t been gone that long, and Sundays must remind you of him.”
    â€œ Yah , they do,” Sandra admitted.
    â€œThe Lord will be with you,” Lena said.
    â€œThanks for your concern,” Sandra whispered, then hurried on to the kitchen. The place was filled with women as usual. Sandrawaited a moment until there was a chance to approach the kitchen counter. Deacon Schrock’s frau , Ruth Ann, was in charge.
    â€œUm…I can take the unmarried men’s table,” Sandra offered.
    â€œThank the Lord!” Ruth Ann exclaimed. “Only Rosemary has offered so far. What’s wrong with the girls today? Have the unmarried men scared them all off?”
    Sandra gave Ruth Ann a shy grin and lowered her head. “I don’t know, but I’m up for it.”
    â€œThen here.” Ruth Ann handed Sandra a tray filled with bowls of peanut butter and red beets.
    Rosemary? Sandra asked herself as she left the kitchen with the tray. Why would Rosemary offer to serve the unmarried men’s table? Rosemary usually ran in the opposite direction when there was a chance to be exposed to the attentions of men. Did Rosemary wish to try for Clyde’s attention again? That was a distinct possibility. Wouldn’t that be a relief if Rosemary succeeded? Rosemary fit Clyde much better than Sandra did, regardless of Clyde’s fears about Rosemary’s liberal leanings. How dare Clyde think she would take him over Ezra Wagler, a goot dishwasher though he was?
    Sandra took a quick glance down the stairwell. The unmarried men’s table was set up in the basement, and the steps weren’t wide enough for her tray with another person on the way up. The steps were empty at the moment, and Sandra moved down carefully. The men’s light banter filled her ears even before Sandra stepped out onto the concrete floor. A quick glance around showed her Rosemary at the other end of the table, apparently the center of the men’s attention. The girl was indeed up to something. Sandra stilled the anxiety in her chest and planted a big smile on her face.
    Rosemary seemed oblivious to Sandra as her chatter continued. “There, that’s my last bowl!” Rosemary proclaimed. “You won’t starve until I get back.”
    â€œSurely you’re not the only pretty face we’ll see today?” someone teased.
    Rosemary blushed and hurried toward