Read Online His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman - Free Book Online

walked to the enormous tan and black animal lying at Arnold’s feet. She squatted and scratched his ears. “What’s your name?”
    Martha took off her reading glasses and closed the book she was reading. “That’s Dude, and where’ve you been?”
    Danielle looked up at Arnold. “He’s so great, Arnold. And so big.” She giggled when Dude stood up and knocked her from her squatting position onto her behind. Then the dog tried to crawl into her lap. “Easy there, big guy.” She nuzzled up to him and let him lick her face. She turned to Martha. “I’m sorry. I should have called.”
    “Sue said you canceled your plans, and we’ve been worried. I don’t pay for a cell phone for you just so you can keep it turned off.” Martha crossed her legs as she folded her arms across her chest.
    “I know. I’m sorry. Matthew and I broke up, and I wanted to go to his house to talk to him one more time.”
    Martha lowered her hands into her lap, her expression softening. “I’m sorry, honey. Is that why you’ve been so upset?”
    Danielle nodded. “Yeah, I just needed some time, and I needed to know if it was really over between us before I said anything. And it is.”
    “So you talked to him, but there’s no chance of a reconciliation?” Martha raised an eyebrow.
    “He wasn’t there, but, uh, no. There’s no chance of us getting back together. He . . .” Danielle paused, swallowed hard. “He actually left town to go to his cousin’s house in Indiana. He’s leaving the Amish faith.”
    “Oh boy. I bet his folks are beside themselves. And here all this time, they probably thought all they had to worry about was you stealing their son away.” Martha shook her head. “I’m sorry you’re hurt, honey, but God must have another plan for you.”
    “I guess.” Danielle knew it was the best response; otherwise Martha would try to push a conversation about God. Again.
    “I always thought that if you were going to date an Amish boy, that Levi Detweiler would be quite the catch.” Martha cackled, slapping a hand to her leg. “Ol’ Vera would have a heart attack if she ever heard me say that.”
    Arnold scratched Dude behind the ears. “Why are you attracted to these Amish fellows anyway?”
    Danielle shrugged. “I didn’t go out looking for an Amish guy to date.” It was just a weird coincidence. “But Levi did . . .” She stopped, her heart beating hard. She’d almost told Martha that Levi asked her to marry him, but Danielle was still sorting out her own feelings, not ready to deal with Martha’s reaction to that news.
    Shouldn’t I be mourning the loss of my relationship with Matthew? But with each passing second, Matthew seemed further removed, and not just geographically.
    “What’s that about Levi?” Martha asked as she reached for the remote and turned the television down.
    “Uh, Levi found me tonight.”
    “Where? I thought we looked for you in all your usual places.”
    Danielle avoided Martha’s eyes as she stood up and moved to the couch. Martha always sat in her old tan recliner, and they’d bought Arnold one of his own shortly after they were married. Danielle sat on the old red and gold couch across from them. “Don’t make a big deal about this, but sometimes I go to that little church in town, the one with the stained glass windows.”
    Martha smiled a little as she lifted her chin. “Do ya now?”
    “I asked you to not make a big deal over it. It’s just that it’s quiet, and I like to go there to think.” Danielle’s heart was pounding as she wondered if she should just tell Martha and Arnold everything. Now. But thoughts of Levi dominated. His sweet face, his strong arms around her . . . his offer to marry her. Was he crazy? Levi was the most religious person she knew, and she couldn’t imagine him leaving the Amish for a life with her. Even though she’d temporarily lost her mind and almost agreed to his proposal.
    She leaned her head back against the couch when