Amish Promises Read Online Free Page A

from the oven. She had been caring for others for the last decade. First for her parents until they both died, then for Abra from the time she was diagnosed with cancer until her death five months ago. Now Tim and the children.
    Lila only had two more years as a scholar so, theoretically, she could take over the household then. But in a roundabout way Eve had promised Abra, when she was dying, she wouldn’t leave. She’d stick by that promise.
    Rose started putting the forks and knives around the table. “Did you see that Englisch kid standing on the other side of the gate and staring at us?” she asked Lila.
    Her sister nodded. “We saw him in the van when they came up the lane too, on our way back from the neighbor’s house. His Mamm was driving, and his Dat was in the front.”
    A knife clattered to the table. “The mother was driving? That’s weird.”
    â€œHush,” Eve said. “The Dat was hurt in the war. Maybe he can’t drive anymore.”
    â€œOh.” Rose scrunched her face as if trying to figure it all out. “Simon’s going to want to hear all about the war, for sure.”
    Eve shook her head. A soldier had spoken to him a year ago in Walmart, and Simon had been obsessed with the military since. No, Tim would not be pleased if Simon asked too many questions. In fact, Tim had lectured all of the children several times since on what it meant to be nonresistant—to turn the other cheek, to not defend oneself, let alone attack—but Eve didn’t think Simon had listened.
    By the time Eve had the biscuits and roast on the table, Tim and the boys came through the back door onto the mud porch, kicked off their boots, and headed to the bathroom to wash.
    â€œPour the milk,” Eve said to Lila. “And, Rose, put on the napkins.” The little girl had drifted to the dining room window. She turned, grinning, and did what she was asked.
    The children didn’t talk about the Englisch boy in front of Tim, but once he’d finished eating and left to go check on a cow that was in labor, Simon said, “That Englisch boy was staring at me every time I came out of the barn. I thought maybe he’d come over to say hello, but he never did.”
    â€œHow old do you think he is?” Daniel asked.
    Simon shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s tall.” He smirked. “Taller than you.”
    Daniel frowned, but before he could react, Rose said, “His father was in the Army.”
    â€œAre you sure?” Simon sat up straight.
    â€œJah,” Rose said. “That’s what Aenti said.”
    Simon looked at Eve. “I believe it’s true,” she said. “But that’s actually none of our business. Our only concern is to be good neighbors. Jah?” After the conflict Tim had with Mr. Williams, she hoped they’d be given a second chance.
    The older children nodded in agreement, Rose wrinkled her nose, and Trudy began to fuss.
    â€œI’m going to put the baby to bed. Lila and Rose, you do the dishes. And boys, go see if your Dat needs any help.” She stood and smiled. “Be quick and I’ll make popcorn before bedtime.” She usually only made it on Friday nights, but this particular Thursday evening seemed as if it needed some cheer.
    The children scrambled to their feet as she scooped Trudy out of her chair and headed to the hall. She was sure the children missed their mother most at bedtime, although she knew all of them ached for her all the time.
    Abra. Eve’s father had ridiculed her friend’s name, saying it was too fancy, even though it was the feminine form of Abraham. Timhad ridiculed the name too—until he realized he had a chance to make her his wife. By then he was smitten by Abra. Eve was pretty sure Tim had never expected to marry at all, let alone someone as beautiful and full of life as the woman who became his helpmeet.
    Eve had met Abra their first year