Forever. Karen Hopkins Ann

sure that Noah and I didn’t ruin her chances at being with the guy she loved. Of all people, I could never do that to a friend. I understood too well how awful it was to be kept away from the person you wanted to be with.

      I picked up Sarah’s hand and said, “Noah and I are doing things differently this time. I promise we’ll be discreet and keep our relationship hidden until you work things out with your Micah.”

      Summer cleared her throat and said, “Ah, do you think you can do that?”

      I shot her a warning look that would have wilted most girls. Not Summer, though. She sat up more confidently. “Because I’m not so sure.”

      “Yes, I can.” Staring into Summer’s green gaze, I knew she was talking about the baby. I said, “Especially with the help of my friends.”

      Summer shook her head and looked away.

      But her aggravation was worth the wide smile that Sarah’s face now held.

      “Oh, Rose, I don’t know if it will work or not, but it’s worth hoping for,” Sarah breathed with renewed life.

      “And, since we are your good friends, we’ll make sure you and Noah get some alone time, in secret,” Suzanna promised.

      Not being able to see Noah would be hard, but until I told him about the baby, being around him might be even more difficult.

      “It won’t be easy to get us together. Everyone will be watching extra closely now,” I said.

      “Don’t underestimate me. I’ve got a plan for everything.” Suzanna grinned. “Like right now, I’ve already got your next meeting arranged.”

      I raised my eyebrows, suddenly weary.

      “Friday night at the benefit dinner and auction,” Suzanna said.

      The prospect of seeing Noah again so soon made my heart race. I was beginning to feel the tingle of excitement about Friday when I caught Summer’s deep frown. Suddenly, I was fearful all over again. I’d be seeing the Amish people I’d left behind months ago when my father had kidnapped me and relocated me to Cincinnati. I wondered if Ruth and James, my foster family, would be happy to see me and what I would do when I faced Ella—or, worse yet, Constance.

      With a fresh surge of bile in my throat, I rushed out of the room to the bathroom. Maybe going to the Amish event was a bad idea, after all.

      14

      Noah

      The line of buggies down the fence row was the most I’d ever seen. There were a lot of families from neighboring communities in attendance at the benefit, and I smiled thinking about the money our church would be pulling in for the schoolhouse.

      The day was overcast but warm, and I undid my top button now that Mother was too busy with the other ladies in the kitchen to notice. As I watched three English teenage boys walk up the hill together wearing their comfortable jeans and T-shirts, I felt a bit of envy seep in. I loved my way of life, but I wasn’t fond of wearing the clothing, restricted to button-up shirts, sturdy trousers, and suspenders.

      Seeing the curious stares of the boys as they passed by me, I turned away angrily. I hated being gawked at, and lately I’d noticed it more than usual.

      “Why the sour face?”

      Timothy looked worried. With all the craziness in my life nowadays, I understood his hesitation.

      “Ah, it’s nothing—just the usual staring eyes of the outsiders.”

      “Yeah, I hate that.” With a sudden burst of energy, Timothy exclaimed, “Did you see the black Saddlebred buggy horse that the Yoders donated to the sale? She’s a beautiful mare and Joshua says completely road trained.”

      I smiled, picturing the horse. Throughout the day, I’d found myself back in front of her tie stall several times to admire her.

      “I’m planning to bid on her. I need a new buggy horse more than anyone in the community at the moment. I hope the others will keep the price down for me to get her.”

      “Will your father help out if she goes higher?”

      “He said he would—but not a large amount.” Seeing Suzanna and Miranda approach, I teased, “Here comes trouble.”

      Timothy’s smile made me think about my feelings for Rose and how I’d love to see her walking up to me. Unfortunately, we’d have to wait awhile longer for such a display. I purposely hadn’t mentioned the dinner and auction to her. It would be difficult to deal with my emotions in front of everyone in the community if she was nearby—especially the Schwartzes. I shivered at the thought of Rose and Constance coming face-to-face.

      “Hello there. What are you boys up to?” Suzanna said as she stopped a couple of feet away from us. She was careful not to touch her boyfriend or say anything that could be overheard as being inappropriate. As usual, Miranda stood quietly staring at the ground. Even when Matthew, her own boyfriend, was beside her, she rarely spoke.

      “We’re just talking. Judging by your wicked smile, I’m almost afraid to ask what you’re thinking,” Timothy said with a tight face.

      Suzanna’s grin turned into a full-blown smile as she looked at me. “You don’t have to worry about a thing, Timmy. It’s Noah we came to talk to.”

      “What now?” I asked with a sense of dread.

      “Rose is here.”

      My heart skipped, and I caught my breath. I was both elated and terrified at the same time.

      “Where is she?”

      “She’s eating dinner with her younger brother at the tables. She’ll meet you in her truck when darkness falls.” She pointed to the area where the cars were. “It’s parked in the back.”

      I didn’t want to be rude, given her obvious excitement at having helped arrange a meeting between me and Rose, and I smiled back and said, “That’s wonderful news. Thank you.”

      But inside I was reeling.

      15

      Rose

      My eyes darted around nervously. I couldn’t eat any of the food on my plate for fear I’d throw it up in front of the entire community. Instead, I nibbled a bite here and there and pushed the mashed potatoes around with my fork.

      “You really should eat something. The chicken is excellent,” Justin said as he shoved a forkful into his mouth.

      I whispered, “You know why I can’t, so stop bugging me about it.”

      In a very matter-of-fact way, he said, “You’ll die if you don’t eat.” He lowered his voice and added, “You need to for the baby’s sake, you know.”

      “Shhh.” Frustration pricked my insides, and I took a deep breath before I whispered, “I do eat, just not very much at a time and certainly not around a bunch of snoopy people.”

      “How long is this going to take? I have friends coming over tonight.”

      I looked at my little brother sternly. His eyes were puffy from lack of sleep, and his skin was pale. Normally, when he got out of the house into the fresh air, he was a good-looking fifteen-year-old, but today he was suffering from some serious Xbox fatigue.

      All of our lives had changed so dramatically since Mom’s death. She’d never allowed Justin to sit around in front of a TV all day gaming, and she’d never have put up with Sam’s arrogant, bossy ways, either. Most importantly, if Mom were here, I wouldn’t be pregnant—my life would be completely different right now.

      But she was gone, and our lives were upside down.

      “You promised if I bought you those pizzas for later, you’d come with me tonight.”

      “Yeah,