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hand, her face set hard.
    â€œI will submit to whatever has been decided,” she said. “But can Samuel go to the church services?”
    Menno looked at Mamm and shrugged. “Deacon Ray didn’t say…” He slowly nodded. “I suppose the child can go.”
    â€œThen that’s good enough for me,” Teresa said, tears now springing to her eyes.
    Susan wrapped an arm around her shoulder as Teresa choked out a sob.
    â€œAt least my son will grow up to be an Amish man of God,” she said. “What happens with me doesn’t matter.”
    â€œSee, she already speaks as one of our people,” Mamm said, looking over at Menno. “Yet she isn’t. Does that not count for something?”
    Menno kept his head low, his eyes looking to the hardwood floor.

C HAPTER S IX

    T hey all knelt around the living room for Sunday morning prayers. Menno’s voice led out. “And now, our great Father in heaven, Master of the universe and full of glory, look upon Your humble children and grant us Your grace. Without You, oh mighty God, we are but dust that the wind blows away and like the grass that tomorrow is no more. Help us, oh God, and leave us not without Your Spirit.
    â€œGive us now, if it pleases You, a day gifted with Your presence and food for our souls that we might be nourished and strengthened for our journey through this earth. Let us never forget that we are but pilgrims and strangers with no abiding presence on this lowly soil. We ask this all in Your most holy name. Amen.”
    Susan waited until her daett had risen to his feet before she pulled herself up and onto the couch. Beside her, Teresa followed every move. Tears stung Susan’s eyes at the pain in Teresa’s face. Even though she clasped them in front of her, Teresa’s hands were trembling.
    â€œIt’s time to leave, Menno,” Mamm said, not looking at either of the girls, “or we’re going to be late.”
    â€œI’ll get Toby ready,” he replied, turning to go.
    Teresa now had tears running down her cheeks, and she made no attempt to wipe them away.
    Susan hugged her friend.
    Samuel looked up from Mamm ’s lap. Mamm set him on the couch and disappeared into the kitchen.
    â€œOh, the little darling,” Susan whispered through her own tears. “He has no idea what’s going on.”
    â€œThank God he doesn’t,” Teresa said, getting to her feet. “Is there anything I can do before you leave? I want Samuel to look exactly like he’s supposed to for his first Sunday in church.”
    â€œHe looks fine,” Susan said, wiping her eyes. “And we can start sewing for him in a few months, but for now our old baby clothes Mamm kept around will do.”
    â€œMy boy in a dress,” Teresa said. “I never would have thought it, but I want to do what the others do because that’s the only way Samuel will ever have a chance.”
    â€œSamuel has nothing to be ashamed of,” Mamm said, bustling out of the kitchen with the baby satchel in her hand. “I have the bottles ready. They are still hot, but they should be cooled down enough to use by the time Samuel’s hungry. You fed him before breakfast, didn’t you, Teresa?”
    Teresa nodded.
    â€œHere, I’ll take him.” Susan reached for the squirming bundle.
    â€œTake good care of him. I’ll be praying all day,” Teresa said.
    Susan could barely look into Teresa’s eyes. What was wrong with her people that they made such awful rules against a helpless young woman? Teresa was tenderhearted, but then Susan knew her and the others didn’t. It was that simple.
    â€œI’m so sorry about this,” Susan whispered.
    Teresa shook her head and followed them to the front door.
    â€œThis can’t be helped,” Mamm said over her shoulder. “Now come, we have to go.”
    Susan caught sight of her daett bringing Toby out of the