Katie's Forever Promise by Jerry S. Eicher Page B

strange conversation was this? Her character was still being questioned. What would Norman say if he knew she’d been to see Ben at the hospital? Thank Da Hah that had been Willis’s idea and for a gut cause. Even Jesse had approved so who could hold that against her? But wasn’t it possible Norman would find out about the visit? Mamm knew, as did the rest of the family. They had no reason to spread the information around unless Mabel had. Katie drew in her breath. Would Mabel do such a thing? Perhaps. If her feelings were strong enough for Norman—and if Mabel suspected Norman cared about the matter. Plus it was hard to keep things from the community.
    â€œIt’s gut to hear that you agree,” Norman was saying, seeming more relaxed now. “Our youth are open to so many temptations in the world today with wild living during their rumspringa time. There’s also drinking and, in Ben’s case, even worse things. You never did rumspringa either, did you?”
    Katie’s head was spinning. She hadn’t expected this kind of questioning from shy Norman. She forced the words out. “ Mamm never allowed it.”
    Norman smiled. “Emma’s a decent mamm then. I hope to keep my children out of such things.” He fell silent for a moment before continuing. “After I…well, after I wed, of course. When Da Hah sees fit to open the door for my wedding vows.”
    â€œI understand, Norman.” Katie touched his arm and he flinched. She pulled her hand back quickly. She would have to learn how to act more circumspect again after being around Ben. But that was a gut thing, no doubt.
    Norman was looking at her. “I hope I’m worthy of love. I search my own heart many times, and I don’t know. Keeping a wife and raising children can’t be an easy thing.”
    Katie said nothing. She felt as if she weren’t here, that Norman was lost in his own thoughts. Still, she was on a date with him, which meant they were headed toward the very thing Norman was wondering about.
    â€œI hope I’m not boring you with these things,” Norman said.
    Katie forced a smile. “It’s okay, Norman. We all wonder and doubt at times. I know I do. Shall we go inside where it’s warmer?”
    â€œ Yah , let’s.” Norman stood.
    Katie also rose and led the way inside. If Norman knew what her doubts were or what she’d been thinking all evening concerning Ben, the shy man would surely have gotten into his buggy and driven home right away. That must not happen. She’d worked too hard to achieve a position of respectability in the community to lose it now.

Chapter Ten
    Katie stood in the kitchen glaring at Mabel, who was smirking back at her. Norman was in the living room where Katie had left him. She’d promised him cherry pie and ice cream. She’d seen a flash of Mabel’s dress vanishing into the kitchen doorway when they’d walked in, so she knew Mabel had probably been listening by the window.
    â€œSo we’re back where we started, Mabel,” Katie said. “I thought we were going to respect each other from now on. And what about being friends…you and me?”
    â€œThat was before I knew you were going to date Norman and get all high and mighty again,” Mabel shot back.
    Katie sighed. “I’m just trying to live a normal life, Mabel. Can’t you understand that?”
    Mabel didn’t back down. “You know you don’t love the man, Katie, so why don’t you let me have a chance at him?”
    Katie couldn’t stop herself. “What do you know about love, Mabel? You kissed Mose out in the feed bin. That’s about how far your experience goes. I’ve had my heart broken.”
    Mabel glared. “Just wait until I let it slip at the sewing that you were down at the hospital to see Ben. What do you think Norman and Enos will think about that?”
    So Mabel had been