Finding Love at Home (The Beiler Sisters) Read Online Free Page A

feet.”
    Saloma had made her way out of the married women’s section by the time Bishop Beiler had helped Debbie to her feet. Saloma took her hand and kissed her on the cheek. The two embraced. Saloma didn’t release Debbie right away as a soft sob escaped her. When Deacon Mast cleared his throat, Saloma held Debbie at arm’s length and gave her a teary-eyed smile.
    Debbie wiped her eyes. On the way back to their seats, she almost stumbled over a satchel set up against a bench leg. Saloma noticed and reached back with a hand to steady her. Saloma’s eyes shone with happiness. Thankful for the help, Debbie’s thoughts turned inward. It was almost as if she were born anew today. She’d become someone she hadn’t been by natural birth. But wasn’t that the way it should be? Her heart pounded as she kept her eyes on the songbook for the last song. On this her baptismal day, would Alvin finally make up his mind and ask her home? Surely this would help. If Alvin did ask her, she could move on to the next important goal all Amish girls had—saying marriage vows with the man they loved. And beyond that to raise families for the next generation of people of faith and community.
    The singing finished, Debbie remained seated for a moment, catching her breath from all the excitement. Deacon Mast’s frau , Susie, was the first to come up and greet her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
    “You made it, Debbie!” Susie was all smiles. “We all knew you would.”
    “Thanks to the Beilers’ help,” Debbie replied at once. Even in triumph, she knew one gave thanks to others for the parts they played.
    “You did plenty yourself,” Susie told her. “And now you’re really one of us. Well, I’m glad for you.” Susie’s face fell for a moment. “ DaHah gives and Da Hah takes, that’s what I told David this morning. Not that long ago we lost a member, but today we gain new ones.”
    Debbie’s voice caught. “That was so sad about Barbara’s passing.”
    Susie nodded. “One should never question Da Hah though. He always knows what’s best.”
    “It’s still so hard.” The words slipped out.
    Susie didn’t appear offended. “That’s the part we must work through, trusting Him. Well, let’s not spoil the joy of your day, Debbie. Welcome again.”
    “Thank you,” Debbie whispered as Susie moved on. Others came and shook her hand, wishing her God’s best and telling her what a blessing and inspiration she was to many of them. She was surprised to hear that. The community had been a blessing to her more than anything.
    Ida soon pulled on her hand. “Shall we go help with the tables?”
    “Of course,” Debbie agreed. She didn’t expect royal treatment, even though it was her special day. Back to work it was. There had been no sign of Verna seated among the women today, but she hadn’t expected her friend to venture out again until the birth of her child. Ida seemed to read her glance as they made their way to the kitchen. “I don’t see Verna either, but I’m sure she’s thinking of you.”
    “Thanks.” Debbie smiled. The kitchen was crowded, with women and girls everywhere. Ida found Deacon Mast’s wife, Susie, and tapped on her shoulder. “May we help somewhere?”
    Susie thought for a moment. “The unmarried men’s table in the back of the house needs help.”
    Debbie’s feelings sank as Ida moved toward the bowls of peanut butter and red beets lined up on the counter. She had no choice but to follow Ida’s lead, although at the moment she’d rather do almost anything else. Debbie loaded her hands with bowls. Maybe she could drop out of line and serve the married men’s table instead. Butthat would provoke strange glances from the other girls since that table apparently had plenty of servers assigned to it.
    She still hadn’t seen any sign of Alvin, but Paul Wagler was here, plain as day. He looked up and smiled at her as they approached the unmarried men’s table.
    “What an honor!” Paul