A Season of Love by Amy Clipston Page A

have.”
    “Fine. Mammi wouldn’t be happy to see me let you start with dessert, but here.” She handed him a cookie. “Enjoy.”
    He took a bite, closed his eyes, and grinned. “Your brother is right. You truly are a good baker.”
    “Danki , ” she said.
    “She’s one of the best,” Ruthie said between bites. “I always seem to burn things, but Katie never does.”
    “Appeditlich.” Jake finished the cookie in a few bites.
    Katie shook her head and then bit into her sandwich. “You sound like a true Amish person.”
    “Danki.” He lifted his cup. “I’ve heard the language from my grandparents my whole life. And you know I hear it at work too.”
    “Have you ever been to a church service?” Amanda asked as she bit into her sandwich.
    “I’ve been a few times.”
    “Could you understand the ministers?” Ruthie asked.
    “I didn’t understand every word, but I got the gist of it.” He placed his sandwich on his napkin and took another cookie.
    Katie was curious about Jake’s experience with the Amish culture. “Did you enjoy the service even though it’s different from what you’re used to?” she asked.
    “Yes, I did.” He finished his second cookie. “These are too good to waste.”
    “They won’t go to waste,” Amanda said. “I’m going to have to grab some before you finish them all.” She took a few and placed them on her napkin.
    “I’ll try a couple too.” Ruthie took two and broke one in half before biting into it. “These are gut , Katie. They taste a little different than usual. Did you change the recipe?”
    “ Ya , I did try something new as an experiment,” Katie said. “I’m working on some new versions of old recipes.”
    “I like this recipe,” Ruthie said. “You did a gut job.”
    Katie took a cookie and bit into it. “Not my best, but not bad either.”
    Jake finished chewing and looked surprised. “So you can do even better?”
    “I think so.” Katie finished the cookie. “I guess creating the perfect recipe is something you always strive for. I guess it’s an analogy for how we live our lives. We’re always trying to improve ourselves and be more like Jesus.”
    “Wow,” Ruthie said. “I’ve never thought of it that way.”
    “I hadn’t either.” Amanda nodded. “I like that.”
    “I do too.” Jake looked impressed. “That’s deep, Katie Kauffman.”
    Katie swatted at him with her hand. “Don’t make fun of me.”
    “I’m not.” He looked serious. “That was a very profound statement.”
    Katie studied him with disbelief. No one had ever called her profound or deep. Jake was different from any boy she’d ever had as a friend.
    “So Jake,” Ruthie said, “tell us about yourself. What did you do over the weekend?”
    Jake rubbed his clean-shaven chin and considered the question. “Let’s see. I cleaned the house, mowed the yard, worked on a project in my garage, and went to church on Sunday.”
    “Really?” Katie pulled an apple from her bag and wondered if all Jake ever did was work. “Did you do anything fun?”
    “Yeah.” He shrugged. “I had dinner at my grandparents’ house Saturday night, and I met my parents at church yesterday. That was pretty fun.” He lifted his sandwich. “How about you, Katie?” he asked.
    “I spent Saturday at mei aenti Rebecca’s helping Lindsay with my cousins.” She pulled out a knife and began slicing the apple.
    “I bet that was fun,” Amanda said before eating another cookie.
    “It was,” Katie said. “Lizzie Anne and Lindsay cleaned, and I took care of the kinner. I even did some baking, which you know is my favorite pastime. It was fun.”
    “How was Rebecca doing?” Jake asked.
    “She’s doing well,” Katie said. “She’s anxious to get out of bed, but she knows that the best thing she can do is rest.”
    “I can’t imagine how difficult it is, but I’m glad she’s doing fine,” Amanda said.
    “I know. I am too. I was worried for a while.” Katie handed Jake