The Wonder of Your Love - By Beth Wiseman Page 0,10

headed toward the kitchen.

“She’s like my daughter,” Martha said as she raised her chin. “And that little one is like my grandson. I figure he’ll call me Granny when he gets older.” She sighed. “But I won’t always be around to take care of Katie Ann and Jonas. I have my own life to lead, don’tcha know?”

He nodded, and Martha decided she’d better not travel along that road just yet. She didn’t want the guy to feel pressured. He’d fall in love with Katie Ann on his own, and the rest would come together.

“I’m making chicken lasagna Saturday night at Katie Ann’s house. You should come for supper.” Martha grinned. “I’m not much of a cook, but Katie Ann has taught me how to whip up a few things, so every Saturday I cook for her. Easier for me to bring supper to her house so she doesn’t have to get the baby out in the weather.”

“I, uh . . . should you check with Katie Ann first?”

Has manners too. He’s too good to be true. Martha waved her hand. “Nah, she’ll be fine with it. Seven o’clock?” She raised one palm toward him. “I know your people normally eat at five o’clock, but my stomach isn’t on that schedule.” She lifted one brow and waited.

“Ya. Seven o’clock then.”

“Wunderbaar gut!” Martha slapped him on the arm and went to help the ladies in the kitchen.

ELI WATCHED THE funny Englisch woman walk away, and grinned. Only tourists said wunderbaar gut. The Amish folks poked fun at it.

Martha was a character, though, and she was certainly playing the matchmaker. But Eli didn’t mind playing along. Katie Ann was sure pretty, and he loved lasagna.

He stroked his beard as he walked out the door to join some of the men on the porch. He was already looking forward to Saturday night.

KATIE ANN WRAPPED Jonas in an extra blanket before she eased him out of his car seat in the back of Martha’s car. “I’m glad you wanted to come home early. I’m so tired.”

“Bundle that little one up good.” Martha looked over her shoulder from the driver’s seat.

Katie Ann shut the back door, then leaned in the front window on the passenger side. “Danki again for driving. See you tomorrow?”

“No. I have a doctor’s appointment in town.”

Katie Ann’s chest tightened. “What for?”

“Don’t look so worried. Routine tests. But it’s gonna take most of the day, so I won’t see you until Saturday.”

Katie Ann nodded.

“I’m bringing lasagna, a nice salad, and garlic bread.”

Katie Ann grinned. “Ach, that sounds very fancy.”

“That’s ’cause company is coming.”

Katie Ann squinted her eyes. “Who might that be?”

“That nice Eli Detweiler is coming for supper.” Martha held up a crooked finger before Katie Ann could speak. “And don’t you dare be mad. He is a fine man, and it wouldn’t hurt you to get to know him.”

“Martha! You shouldn’t have done that. You know how I feel about dating. I’m still in mourning.”

Martha rolled her eyes. “Well, I’ll give you until Saturday night to get done with mourning that scoundrel husband of yours.”

Katie Ann’s eyes started to tear. She knew that Martha loved her, but she still couldn’t stand it when Martha talked badly about Ivan. Only she could talk badly about him. “I’ve told you before how upsetting it is to me when you talk like that. I loved Ivan, and—”

“Okay,” Martha said loudly. “I’ll try to do better. Now get that baby out of this cool air.”

Katie Ann narrowed her brows. “I know what you’re doing, and you should not have invited Eli for supper. I can tell by our short interaction that we are nothing alike. He is . . . I don’t know . . . so . . .”

“Happy, Katie Ann. That’s the word you’re looking for. The man smiles a lot. Something you should do more of.”

Martha rolled up the window, and Katie Ann watched her pull away. She pulled Jonas closer to her and walked up the steps to her house. Martha’s wrong. I am happy.

After she fed the baby and tucked him into his crib, she ran a bath and climbed into the tub. As she sat in the warm water, she leaned her head back and cried. She’d waited to have a baby and a real family her entire life. She only had half the equation. Even though she loved Martha, it wasn’t the same. She missed Ivan with all her heart. Why, Lord, did You take him from me? And