Read Online Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer - Free Book Online Page B

my name on a sign out front so everyone in the community can whisper on how prideful I am?"
    Joseph kicked his boot against the gravel. "Maybe not, but God did birth you with that talent."
    "Since when did you believe in God?" Aaron glanced at his friend. Though Joseph still dressed like a good Amish boy, and drove a buggy, his heart didn't reflect the beliefs that Aaron cherished. The beer under his bed and videos hidden in his closet proved that.
    "So why'd you come by anyway? Jest to harass me?"
    "Just wondering if you wanted to go over to the Yoders? Some of us are meeting in the new barn."
    "Sounds like you'll be up to no good."
    "What did I say?" Joseph scoffed.
    "Nothing." Aaron closed his sketchbook. "You said nothing, but I know you too well." He stood. "No thanks."
    "Marianna doesn't have to know."
    Aaron lifted his gaze. "But I would." He motioned to his house. "Building this I almost think of us as married."
    Joseph removed his brimmed hat and ran a hand through his hair. "Does she know that? Sounds pretty serious."
    Aaron stroked his chin. What would it be like telling her how he truly felt? Showing her this place? Sharing what it meant?
    "Nah, but maybe I'll tell her soon," he finally said. "Should be seeing her tomorrow. Not once but twice."
    "I wouldn't wait too long." Joseph turned and moved back toward the road. "You might not get the chance if you wait . . . from what I hear and all."

CHAPTER SEVEN

    Sunday dawned with a sweet scent drifting through Marianna's bedroom window, but before she could enjoy it, the throbbing of her hand reminded her of Naomi, of their conversation.
    Marianna thought about staying at home, sleeping in, giving herself a day to mope and question if her father was serious about moving to Montana, but thoughts of Aaron Zook pulled her out of her slothfulness. She rose and opened her bedroom window wide, letting in more of the scent of green, new leaves and the slightest hint of rain.
    In the next hour she dressed, fed her siblings, and they headed for church—in a hurry, like always. Wasn't Sunday supposed to be a day of rest and peace? Not for her. Not for as long as she could remember.
    This day seemed like any other Sunday, but soon thick raindrops fell, plunking on the top of their buggy as they neared the Hershberger farm, where her friend Rebecca lived, and she realized that soon everything could be different.
    "I imagine those pies you and Rebecca made will be quite a treat." Dat looked back over his shoulder. "I bet Aaron Zook will ask you to save a special piece for him."
    Marianna bit her lip. It wasn't like her father was interested in Aaron. If he was, then he'd give up his plans immediately. He just wanted to try to cheer her up before they got to church—to make her smile and look like the good Amish family they were supposed to be.
    She thought of a cutting response but held it inside. Daughters and sons were taught to always show their fathers respect, and she had to show him double to make up for her sisters.
    " Ja, I suppose he will." She clasped her hands on her lap as their buggy turned into the Hershberger place. When the buggy stopped at the front door, Mem climbed down first, and then Marianna who scooped up Ellie, settling her on her hip. Mem held her stomach as she walked, and her face looked more pale than usual. Marianna could tell that even if her mother went along with her father's plan she wasn't happy about it.
    They hurried toward the door, attempting to dodge the fat raindrops. Marianna didn't have to watch to know that her father would park the buggy next to the others, unhitch the horse and talk with the married men while the younger, unmarried men talked behind the barn and the children played.
    Marianna pictured Aaron standing with the other older youth, talking about the same things the married men talked about—crops, animals, the weather—while also fidgeting from side to side, knowing they'd soon be seeing the girls.
    Inside she removed