Free A Perfect Match by Kathleen Fuller Page A

Naomi’s a nice maedel . I can see why you like her.”
    Zeke hadn’t realized he’d been that obvious. Although telling Naomi straight out that he liked her qualified as pretty obvious. He recalled her reaction, a mix of surprise and uncertainty, and, if he wasn’t mistaken, a little distrust. That bothered him more than anything. Being upfront with her made her suspicious. At least she hadn’t rejected his request for a date outright. Somehow he would convince her that she didn’t have to be wary of him. “She’s smart. Confident. Not to mention pretty.”
    â€œAnd you’re gone.” Chester chuckled. “You sound like I did when I fell for Priscilla.” He checked the door the same way Zeke did and nodded. “So when’s the wedding?”
    â€œHold up. I haven’t gotten a date with her yet.”
    â€œThen ask her.”
    â€œI did.” Zeke put down the screwdriver.
    Chester looked at him. “She turned you down?”
    â€œShe didn’t give me an answer either way.” A thought occurred to him. “She’s not seeing anyone, is she?”
    Chester scoffed. “Not that I know of. I can ask Priscilla to make sure. But, Zeke, Naomi’s not that kind of maedel . If she’s with someone, she’d let you know.”
    â€œ Ya , I figured as much.” The men went back to work, but a couple of nagging questions remained in Zeke’s mind. If she was available, why wouldn’t she agree to go out with him? And if she was so against dating him, why didn’t she tell him no outright?
    When they finished putting the doors on the cabinets, Chester said, “I’m calling it a night.”
    â€œSounds gut to me. I’ll come back in the morning and start on the floor.” There were planks of sanded, stained oak floorboards in the brand-new barn out back.
    Chester looked at his cousin. “Thank you, Zeke. I don’t know how to repay you.”
    â€œBy not saying things like that.” Zeke clapped him on the shoulder.
    â€œIf you and Naomi ever need anything, let me know. I’ll be there.”
    Zeke shook his head. “I shouldn’t have said anything. You already have us married off.”
    â€œOf course.” Chester made a funny face. “We Lapp mann are impossible to resist.”
    Zeke laughed. He hoped Naomi thought so.
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    â€œWhy can’t I get these stitches straight?” Naomi looked at the curved quilt strips laid out on her kitchen table, frowning at the fabric puckering on one seam. She grabbed her seam ripper, then heard a knock on the front door. When she opened it, she saw her youngest sister standing there.
    â€œSarah Mae.” Naomi tamped down her frustration and opened the door wider for the little girl to come inside. She crouched down to meet Sarah Mae at eye level. “To what do I owe this surprise visit?”
    â€œI made something for you.” Sarah Mae held out a plastic pitcher filled halfway with red juice. “Cherry Kool-Aid!”
    Naomi wasn’t thirsty, but she smiled at Sarah Mae and took the pitcher. She didn’t want to risk Sarah Mae tripping and spilling it. “Why don’t we geh in the kitchen, and I’ll pour both of us a glass?”
    â€œNee . ” Sarah Mae patted her stomach, the pleats of her light green dress covering her rounded tummy. “I’ve already had my share.”
    Knowing Sarah Mae, and seeing the bright red strip across her upper lip, Naomi suspected her little sister had had more than her share. “Then I’ll pour myself a glass and give you the pitcher back.”
    â€œThat’s okay. I made another one for everyone else.” She yawned, and Naomi noticed she wasn’t wearing her small black kapp . Thick locks of her dark hair hung loosely from the bobby pins struggling to keep it in place.
    â€œDoes Mamm know you’re over here? Or did she tell you to