A Season of Love by Amy Clipston Page B

and each of her cousins an apple slice.
    “Thanks,” Jake said, taking the slice. “How’s your brother Samuel doing?”
    Katie’s eyes widened with surprise. Does he know Samuel is engaged to Lizzie Anne ? “He’s fine. Why do you ask?”
    Amanda turned to Ruthie and asked about another couple in their youth group. They launched into a conversation about a couple Katie didn’t know well.
    Jake shrugged in response to Katie’s question. “I haven’t seen him much lately.” He popped the apple slice into his mouth.
    Katie studied her napkin and considered telling Jake and her cousins the news she’d heard.
    “Katie?” he asked. “Is something bothering you?”
    Katie placed her knife on the napkin next to the apple slices and considered her answer. She studied Jake’s concerned expression and felt the urge to be honest.
    Since her cousins seemed to be occupied with their own conversation, Katie felt comfortable telling Jake the news about her brother and Lizzie Anne. “Samuel proposed to Lizzie Anne Friday night,” she said softly so her cousins wouldn’t hear her spoil the secret.
    Jake looked stunned. “He did?”
    “Ya.” Katie nodded. “They want to get married this season. I heard him talking to my parents last night. They’re considering December.”
    “Oh.” Jake nodded slowly. “That’s pretty quick, don’t you think?”
    “It’s very quick,” Katie said, still keeping her voice soft. “I don’t understand what the rush is. Lizzie Anne is only eighteen, and he’s twenty-one. I said that to him, and he was very defensive.” She lifted her cup of water and took a sip.
    “I imagine he didn’t like that too much,” Jake said. “Is he building a house for her?”
    “They’re going to move into the apartment my parents have attached to our haus ,” Katie said, handing him another apple slice. “My grandparents on mei mamm ’s side lived there a long time ago. Eventually Samuel is going to build a haus on our property for them, but who knows how long that will take. Why do they have to get married now? Why can’t they wait a year and build the haus first?” She paused when she realized she was committing a sin. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be judging them. You must think I’m terrible.”
    His smile was sympathetic. “No, I don’t. I actually had the same thoughts you did.”
    “You did?” she asked with surprise.
    “Yes, I did.” He ate the apple slice. “It seems a little hasty, but I guess love can be like that.”
    Katie shrugged. “I guess so, but I really can’t relate. I guess Lindsay and Matthew are next.”
    Jake looked surprised. “Did Matthew finally ask her to be his girlfriend?” he asked Katie.
    “Yes,” she said. “I’m happy for them both, but I can’t really relate, you know?”
    He looked sympathetic. “I know the feeling all too well.”
    “You do?” she asked.
    He nodded. “I’ve never been good at relationships.”
    “I’ve never had one.” She attempted to be positive and smiled. “I guess it will happen when it’s meant to, right?”
    “Of course it will. You can’t rush love. I found that out the hard way.”
    Katie studied his frown and wondered if he was talking about Jessica. She glanced at her cousins who were still discussing their youth group friends. “How long have you been working at the furniture store?” she asked.
    “A very long time,” he said. “I started working there over the summer when I was around eleven.”
    “Really?” Katie asked. “You were very young.”
    He nodded while chewing a cookie. “I was very young, but I was determined to be a carpenter like my grandfather. I started working in his shop with him when I was around five. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
    “I know the feeling.” Katie sipped some water. “I always wanted to work in this bakery like mei mammi. There’s no other place I’d rather be.”
    He lifted his cookie. “And you’re a very talented baker.”
    The