Free Katie's Way by Marta Perry Page A

as lively and outgoing as Rhoda.”
    Andy wouldn’t say that, Caleb guessed, if he’d heard what Caleb had the day before. Caleb was caught like a fly in a spider web, not knowing whether to speak or not. If he said something, if Andy and Nancy discouraged the friendship between the girls, Katie wouldn’t have any doubt about who to blame. Not that that would prevent him, if he was sure he was right.
    But he wasn’t sure, and he didn’t like the feeling. He wanted to know what was right and do it, no matter how that might look to anyone else. Or what it might cost him.
    â€œMaybe that gives Becky a little more confidence,” Gideon said, seeming to agree. “I hear we’ll see her at the singing tonight.”
    Gideon and Rachel, having hosted worship that morning, had said they might as well have a singing for the young folks tonight, since the barn was all cleaned up. Getting ready for when their own young ones launched into their rumspringa, Caleb supposed.
    â€œJa, Becky and Rhoda are coming together.” Andy put out a hand to slow down his youngest boy as he went spurting past. “You and Rachel will keep an eye on things, ja?”
    â€œThat’s certain-sure.” Gideon grinned. “But I guess we might have to let a few kisses go unnoticed, with the older ones.”
    â€œAch, stealing a kiss is all part of growing up,” Andy said, his own smile reminiscent.
    Say something? Or not? If Caleb did, word would get around. People would start talking about Rhoda, and he didn’t like the idea of causing that.
    Gideon clapped his shoulder. “We could use a few more adults tonight, Caleb. How about if you join us, ja?”
    â€œI don’t think—”
    â€œJa, that’s a gut idea. Becky would hate it if her mamm and I came, but she wouldn’t mind seeing her onkel there.” Andy sounded a little too jovial, knowing as he did the trouble that had emerged during Caleb’s rumspringa. “You go, Caleb.”
    Caleb couldn’t help how stiff he got at the words. “I’m not such a gut example for the young people.” He tried to turn away, but his brother’s hand on his shoulder stopped him.
    â€œThat’s foolishness,” Andy said, his voice firm. “Nobody thinks about that old story anymore. It’s forgiven and gone. You can’t act like a hermit because of that.”
    It was so unlike his normally taciturn brother that Caleb could only stare at him.
    Andy reddened a little. “You know it’s true, what I say. You never look at a woman, never go to anything you can get out of. It’s not the way you should be living, I’m certain-sure of that.”
    â€œI don’t—”
    â€œThen prove it,” Gideon said. “Komm tonight. You know Becky would like that.”
    He didn’t like this surprise attack, but Gideon was right about one thing. Becky would be happy to see him there tonight. And if he was at the singing, he could observe Rhoda’s behavior for himself.
    â€œJa, all right,” he said finally, knowing when it was best to stop arguing. “I’ll be here.”
    â€œGut,” Gideon said, slapping his back. “I’ll tell Rachel. She’ll be glad we have some extra help. And since you’re coming, you could do something else for me.”
    â€œWhat is it? Do you need soda? Snacks?” He might have known they’d have more for him to do.
    â€œYou can swing by and pick up Rhoda and Katie,” Gideon said. “Katie’s coming to help out, too.”
    Gideon walked away before Caleb could object.
    And anyway, what would he say? To refuse would be unkind to a sister, and he couldn’t do that.
    But he was being thrown together with Katie and her sister, as if he didn’t already see enough of them, and he didn’t have to like it.

CHAPTER FIVE
    K atie wasn’t sure what was more awkward on the ride to the singing