A Cousin's Prayer Read Online Free

room was stifling. It felt as if something heavy was pushing on her chest. Her stomach clenched. She needed some air. She needed to get out of this room!
    With no thought of what anyone might think, Katie jumped up and raced out the door.

CHAPTER 3
    Katie’s legs shook as she stood outside the Hershbergers’
    buggy shed trying to cool off and calm her racing heart. The fresh scent of earth coming from the first warm days of spring offered little comfort. She couldn’t believe she’d gotten up in the middle of Loraine and Wayne’s wedding vows and rushed outside. She couldn’t believe she was such a ball of nerves.
    There must be something wrong with me. Am I losing my mind?
A shudder rippled through Katie. When she had been sitting in that buggy shed, she’d felt as if she was going to die. Was that how Timothy had felt right before his life was snuffed out?
    A gentle hand touched Katie’s shoulder, and she whirled around. Ella stood behind her with a worried expression.
    “Are you okay? You look
umgerennt.
”
    Katie shook her head. “I’m not upset. It was so hot in there, and I—I needed some fresh air.” She fanned her face with her hands and blew out a quick breath.
    “Your face looks flushed. Maybe you should go up to the house and get a drink of water.”
    “I’m okay now. I just need to stay out here awhile so I can cool down.”
    “The wedding will be over soon, and then we’ll be heading over to Aunt Priscilla and Uncle Amos’s place for the first meal of the day. Maybe you’ll feel better once you’ve had something to eat.”
    “Jah, maybe so.” Katie wished she didn’t have to go to even one of the wedding meals, but with her being one of Loraine’s attendants, she didn’t see any way she could get out of it.
    Ella slipped her arm around Katie’s waist. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
    “I’m fine. I just need to be alone for a while.”
    Ella looked stunned. “You’re not going back inside for the rest of the wedding?”
    “No.”
    “I’ll wait out here with you then.”
    Katie shook her head. “It wouldn’t look right if we both stayed out here. Everyone will wonder what’s going on.”
    “You’re probably right. Guess I’d better get back inside.”
    When Ella left, Katie decided to start walking up the road to Uncle Amos and Aunt Priscilla’s house. Maybe her help would be needed in the kitchen. At least that would occupy her hands and hopefully keep her from thinking too many negative thoughts.
    ***
    “How come you left the wedding?” Loraine asked when she stepped into her mother’s kitchen and found Katie mixing a fruit salad.
    “It was too warm in there, and I needed some air.” Katie glanced past Loraine’s shoulder. “Where’s Wayne? Shouldn’t the two of you be seated at your table by now?”
    Loraine nodded. “And so should our attendants.”
    Katie’s face flamed. “I’m—uh—busy helping here.”
    “You’re not one of the cooks, you know. You’re supposed to be with the wedding party.”
    Katie dropped her gaze to the floor. “I’ll be there as soon as I’m done with the salad.”
    “I can do that for you.” Selma Hershberger scurried across the room and took the spoon from Katie.
    As Loraine followed Katie out the door, she felt concerned. Not only had Katie run outside in the middle of the wedding, but she was acting awfully strange. It seemed as though she’d rather be helping in the kitchen than joining the others at the wedding meal. What happened to the old Katie who used to be full of laughter and enjoyed being with people?
    When they entered the barn where the tables had been set up a few days before, Loraine took a seat on the left side of her groom, while Ella seated herself beside Loraine, with Katie next to her. Andrew and Freeman took seats on the right side of Wayne.
    Loraine looked over at Ella and said, “I’ve smiled so much already today that the muscles in my cheeks are beginning to ache.”
    “It’s been a