a few moments the ticking of the battery clock was the only sound heard. Catherine whispered her words of gratitude for the food, and then she discretely opened one eye to see what Isaiah was doing. At first, she thought he was praying, same as everyone else. Upon further perusal, she noticed his eyelashes flutter as his head turned left and right, almost imperceptivity. When Daniel murmured a quiet “amen” and lifted his head, Isaiah did the same, although his sounded more like a grunt.
She had been right! He was only mimicking behavior he’d witnessed. He didn’t know to pray. As she passed the bowls and platters around the table, Catherine silently pledged to teach him. But in order to pray, a person first needs to know God.
“Please pass the salad dressings,” said Daniel, studying her.
“Sorry. I was daydreaming.” She handed him three bottles of store-bought dressing, regretting not making her own from buttermilk, herbs, and minced vegetables.
Isaiah watched Daniel add ranch dressing to his and Nate’s salads, while Laura added French and Catherine topped hers with Italian. When the bottles reached Isaiah, he poured a drop of each onto his finger to taste, and then he selected the Italian. Isaiah winked at Catherine as he poured on a liberal amount.
His gesture didn’t go unnoticed. Daniel cleared his throat and speared a cherry tomato with sufficient force to spatter his shirt with seeds and juice. Isaiah and the kinner laughed. Catherine merely smiled, but Daniel aimed his peevish glower in her direction just the same. “Eat your dinner, Laura,” he then said to his daughter. “Let’s not dawdle tonight.” The child complied, but she continued to giggle each time she looked at the array of seeds on her daed’s shirt.
Catherine rapped on the tabletop. The vibration attracted the attention of the guest of honor. Isaiah glanced up from his enjoyment of the chicken breast.
“More green beans?” She mouthed the words with exaggeration, while the verbal sounds were only whispers for the hearing folk at the table.
“Jah, thanks,” he replied with an ear-to-ear grin. He accepted the bowl and scraped the remaining beans onto his plate. The size of the heap warmed a gardener’s heart.
Laura knocked on the table next, offering the potato salad in the manner she’d observed. Isaiah pulled her other kapp string and took a large spoonful of spuds.
Daniel squinted his eyes. “Enough of that, or the boy will eat until he explodes just to be polite.” He bit into a chicken leg with a frown.
“Perhaps he simply loves my cooking,” Catherine said, not hiding her wry tone.
“Your cooking might be better than average, but I would bet he simply loves all the newfound attention.” He met her gaze and held it, broadcasting his meaning without words or table raps.
“He’s been eating alone for years. Everyone deserves some attention and to feel consideration and compassion from their family members.” Catherine sliced her tomato, popping half into her mouth without breaking eye contact. The two in-laws circled around each other like wary dogs.
Isaiah, oblivious to the contention he was causing, enjoyed his supper with finger-licking appreciation.
“All well and good, but no one should be led down a dead-end road.” Daniel dropped his chicken bone on the plate with a thud.
“I don’t see how this road could be considered a dead end. Isaiah enjoys eating with the family and he’s done just fine. He doesn’t have poor table manners despite his years of seclusion.” She regretted her words as soon as she said them. Wait…this is Daniel’s house, not mine. He sets the rules in his home. And even worse, she’d spoken about a person sitting at the table. Although he may not have heard their exchange, somehow he’d sensed the discomfort of the situation at last. He looked between Daniel and her with a bewildered expression.
Catherine blushed to her hairline. “Who’s ready for banana nut bread?” she asked.
“I am,” chimed Laura and Jake in unison.
“None for me. I’ll eat my dessert later.” Daniel concentrated on his remaining dinner.
Catherine sliced one large and three small pieces of banana nut bread. When she delivered Isaiah’s to the table, his nervousness had vanished. He looked joyous as he broke off a corner and popped it in his mouth.
Daniel mumbled something about water troughs and left the kitchen while the others enjoyed dessert. She exhaled slowly and leaned against the back of her chair when he was gone, overall happy with how the meal had turned out. When Isaiah finished his dessert, he