Katie's Journey to Love Read Free Page B

corner of her eye she noticed Jesse was doing the same. When the plate of eggs came around to little Joel, Mabel reached out to help him.
    Mamm said, “I’ll help him.”
    Mabel blinked a few times and glanced at her daett . When Jesse nodded, Mabel backed down. She attempted a smile and said, “Of course. I’m so used to doing everything.”
    â€œ Yah , I understand.” Mamm smiled at Mabel. “How many eggs does Joel usually eat?”
    â€œTwo!” Joel announced.
    After Mabel nodded, Mamm pulled two eggs off the serving plate and put them onto Joel’s.
    Mabel looked so pleased Mamm had consulted her that Katie thought she would burst. But this is a gut thing, she reminded herself. She must not become bitter over Mamm and Mabel developing a good relationship.
    When they were finished eating, Jesse bowed his head in silent prayer before standing to lead the way into the living room for morning devotions.
    Mamm seemed to notice Katie for the first time since breakfast had begun. A troubled look crossed her face. As they both stood, Mamm reached over to squeeze Katie’s elbow as they walked together into the living room.
    Katie whispered, “It’s okay, Mamm . I understand.”
    Mamm ’s face relaxed, and by the time she sat down on the hickory rocker beside Jesse, she was smiling again. Katie listened to Jesse read the morning scripture, a section out of Psalm 147: “Praise ye the L ORD : for it is good to sing praises unto our God…”
    That was so true, Katie thought. She was glad Da Hah had brought them so much joy.
    â€œâ€¦he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart.”
    Kate thought again how glad she was to finally have a daett . She was happy Da Hah was healing their hearts, and she was pleased He had given her a small part in it. Hopefully they would become a strong, loving family. No matter what, she would trust in Da Hah to lead the way.

Chapter Three
    An hour later Jesse and the two oldest boys had left the house to begin their work in the fields. Katie walked into the kitchen to find Mamm up to her elbows in flour as she stirred a huge bowl of bread dough. At home Mamm had baked only a small batch of bread each week, but here it looked like she would have to make three times as much with so many mouths to feed.
    â€œI’m leaving early for Byler’s,” Katie announced, pausing to give Mamm a quick wave. “They’re expecting an extra busy time since it’s right after Thanksgiving.” She saw no sign of Mabel, but Katie could hear the washing machine running downstairs.
    â€œBye!” Mamm said, looking up but not lifting her floury hands from the bowl.
    Katie closed the washroom door behind her and crossed the yard. Before she reached the barn, Mamm came running from the house, wiping her arms on the apron.
    â€œKatie!” she called out. “Katie, I need to talk to you.”
    Katie didn’t pause. “I have to harness Sparky, Mamm ,” she hollered over her shoulder. “Can you come to the barn?”
    Mamm followed her into the barn and watched as Katie brought Sparky out of his stall. She threw the harness on his back. “What is it, Mamm ?” she asked.
    â€œKatie…” Mamm stepped closer. “Katie, I’m sorry for how things went this morning. I’m so caught up in everything that I feel I’ve neglected you.”
    â€œI’m okay.” Katie looked away. “I really am.”
    Mamm touched Katie’s arm. “ Nee , you’re not. A mamm can tell. I’m sorry I asked you to step outside this morning. That was awful of me, regardless of what I was trying to accomplish.”
    â€œ Mamm , it’s okay,” Katie insisted. “ Yah , you are right. It did hurt a little, but it was for the best. And at least Mabel didn’t blow up. Maybe she would have if we hadn’t been