A Sister's Test by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Author:Wanda E. Brunstetter
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781607420613
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.

“I’m glad you came over to see me today,” Esta said as she and Anna took a seat on the porch with Winkie perched between them.

Ruth smiled as she seated herself in one of the wicker chairs beside Abe’s sister. “Nothing makes a little girl happier than to be with her best friend.”

Sue nodded. Her blue eyes seemed to have lost the sparkle they’d had when she’d first come to help her brother and his family.

“Is everything all right?” Ruth asked, concerned. “Are you working too hard?”

Tears welled in Sue’s eyes, and she blinked a couple of times. “I’m feeling kind of homesick.”

“That’s understandable. You’ve been away from your folks for several months now. I’m sure you miss them.”

“I also miss Melvin.”

“He’s your boyfriend, right?”

“Jah. Melvin and I started courting six months before I left home. We’ve been writing letters, but it’s not the same as seeing each other and being able to go places together.”

“No, of course not.” Ruth couldn’t imagine being separated from Martin even for a few weeks, much less several months. “Maybe Melvin can come for a visit.”

“I’d like that, but he’s been busy helping his daed in their masonry business and hasn’t been able to get away.” Sue released a sigh. “I’d like to go home for Christmas, but I wouldn’t feel right about leaving Abe in the lurch.”

“Maybe some of the women in our community could take turns coming in to clean house, cook, and watch the kinner.”

Sue shook her head. “I think it would be hard on everyone, especially Abe, if I went home for the holidays. It’s going to be difficult for him to get through Christmas without Alma. I think he needs my support.”

“I understand. I would make that sacrifice for either of my sisters.”

The puppy growled as it leaped off the porch and romped in the yard with Josh, Willis, and Owen. “It was nice of you to give Winkie to Esta,” Sue said. “The dog’s filled a big hole in that little girl’s life, and having a pet to care for is teaching her responsibility.”

“I was glad to do it.” Ruth turned to the girls, who sat on the steps watching the boys and Winkie play a game of tug-of-war with an old sock. “It won’t be long until Christmas. Have either of you thought about what you’d like to receive for a present?”

Esta nodded eagerly. “I’m hopin’ for some ice skates. Of course, we’ve gotta have cold, icy weather first.”

“It was awfully cold last night,” Ruth said. “I imagine it won’t be long before your daed’s pond will be frozen over.”

Esta nodded. “Me and Josh found a ladybug nest on the trunk of a pine tree the other day. Mama used to say that was a sure sign of winter comin’.”

Ruth smiled. She remembered how excited she used to get when she was a girl looking forward to winter games, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and gifts at Christmas.

Esta nudged Anna. “How ’bout you? What are you hopin’ to get for Christmas?”

Anna shrugged.

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