A Sister's Wish Read Free Page A

around her mouth whitened. “Do ya really think that is necessary?”
    â€œI’m afraid so. I think your leg is broken.”
    After staring at him for a few seconds, she sighed. “I’m afraid it is, too,” she whispered.
    After pausing for a moment to give thanks that the bishop had allowed him to purchase a cell phone for work, he dialed 9-1-1. He’d deal with the consequences of using the phone for a nonwork-related reason at a later date.
    He had to walk out the barn door to get a signal, but God wasgood. In no time at all, he’d been connected to the emergency operator, explained Amelia’s situation, and relayed her address. Once he was assured they were on their way, he turned to her. “What do you want me to tell Lukas?”
    â€œDon’t call him yet.”
    â€œAmelia, I bet he could get here before the ambulance leaves. Besides, he ain’t going to be happy to be kept in the dark.”
    She shook her head again. “ Nee . If you call the mill, it’s going to send Luke and Rebecca into a dither. They’ll run home and take charge.” Sounding weary, she said, “I’m not ready for that right now.”
    Everything inside of him disagreed with her. “They love you, Amelia. You keeping them away ain’t right.”
    â€œI know. But can’t you contact them after we get to the hospital? That’s not too long to wait.”
    Though he still didn’t feel right about it, he didn’t argue. She was in pain and she was also his weakness. He hated to refuse her anything. “The ambulance will be here soon. What do you need from the house?”
    Relief filled her blue eyes. “ Danke, Simon. All I need is my purse. It’s on the kitchen counter.”
    â€œI’ll be right back. You sit tight.” Then he went to put a pouting Princess in one of the empty horse stalls and guided Oscar back to the house.
    Inside, unable to help himself, Simon wrote Lukas and Rebecca a brief note. He’d just finished it when he heard the sirens.
    After grabbing her purse, he rushed back to her side. When she gazed up at him, her pretty eyes shining with unshed tears, he attempted to smile. “The ambulance is almost here. They’ll take you to the hospital and give you something for your pain.”
    She still looked agitated. “Simon, I’m afraid,” she admitted. Looking ashamed, she whispered, “The hospital brings back many bad memories.”
    â€œI know it does.” He’d been seated by her side both times she’d discovered one of her parents had died. That hospital waiting room, with its worn carpet floor, vinyl chairs, and faint bleachy smell would always trigger bad memories.
    â€œWould you go with me?”
    â€œOf course. I’m not going to leave your side, Amelia. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”
    Her bottom lip trembled as she attempted to smile. “Danke.”
    â€œNever thank me for something like this. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
    She smiled as she pushed back some stray strands of her white-blond hair. Only Amelia could look beautiful at a time like this.
    He smiled at her again before walking out the barn door and waving to the approaching ambulance.
    â€œShe’s in here!” he called out when a man and woman opened the doors to the vehicle.
    As he watched them get out a stretcher, Simon realized that he had now made his choice regarding Amelia. He was done thinking of other people. He was done biding his time.
    â€œAre you a relative?” the man asked.
    â€œBoyfriend,” he replied, not caring that it wasn’t technically the truth.
    As far as he was concerned, she would be his girl soon enough.

Chapter 2
    M ost of the time, Lukas Kinsinger was able to take his many responsibilities in stride. He liked being the oldest and he liked being needed.
    Usually, he was the first one awake in the house. While it was still