Adoring Addie by Leslie Gould Page B

mother is critical of Cate, and of others in the community. It seems to be her way of trying to build herself up, by pointing out the flaws of others.”
    â€œI think that’s pretty common,” Jonathan said.
    I nodded. But not acceptable. “What’s your family like?” I asked.
    â€œVery small compared to yours.”
    â€œOh?” I suspected his siblings were all younger than he was.
    â€œI’m an only child.”
    I wasn’t sure how to respond. That was very rare for an Amish family.
    â€œI had a Schwester once, for a few days.”
    â€œI’m sorry. What happened?” I stared at him by the light of the moon.
    â€œShe was my twin, born after me. During the pregnancy there was no indication there were two babies, at least that’s what my grandfather told me. They only heard one heartbeat, and my mother wasn’t unusually large. It was the last day of January, and the roads were bad when she went into labor. The midwife arrived late. My Mamm labored too long. I weighed eight pounds when I was born. But my Schwester weighed only two pounds. My Dat told me once I’d hogged all the food.” He shook his head, sadly. “Worse, my delivery injured my Mamm, which probably cut off my Schwester’s oxygen and also prevented my parents from having more children.”
    I squeezed Jonathan’s hand as compassion filled my heart. Not only did he not have any siblings, but it also sounded as if he’d been blamed for it, at least by his father.
    He smiled at me. “It’s sad, I know. I wish my Daed had more children, particularly more sons, to focus on.”
    â€œWhy’s that?”
    â€œI’m a big disappointment to him.” His voice was matter of fact. “I’ve never measured up to what he hoped for.”
    â€œWhat are you saying?” I couldn’t comprehend why any father wouldn’t be pleased with Jonathan.
    â€œMostly that he wants me to farm, and I want to be a carpenter.”
    â€œBut you’re so good at what you do.”
    â€œHe doesn’t think it has much value.” We reached the field with the downward slope beyond the orchard. He chuckled. “You keep changing the subject to me. I want to talk about you.”
    Before I could protest, he asked, “Who was that guy playing volleyball today? The one who called out your name when we were down at the creek.”
    I groaned. “That’s not talking about me.”
    He stopped walking again at the edge of the orchard. “Phillip, right?”
    I nodded, stepping beside him.
    â€œAre you courting him?”
    â€œHe and my parents think so.”
    â€œBut you don’t?”
    I took a deep breath. Three conversations with Jonathan, plus Cate’s insight, had convinced me. I knew for certain. “Phillip’s not right for me.” Not once had I felt for him any of the emotions that nearly overwhelmed me now as I stood beside Jonathan.
    â€œI’m so glad to hear you speak honestly.”
    â€œDenki,” I answered. “There’s no reason not to, jah? If I know he’s not right for me, I shouldn’t pretend.” Inwardly I groaned. Somehow I’d have to make it clear to Phillip, sometime soon.
    Jonathan leaned toward me. “Nor should I pretend when I know who is right for me, jah?”
    My eyebrows arched as I spoke. “And who would that be?”
    He beamed, his eyes dancing. “Who do you think it is?”
    I stepped backward. “But how can you know so soon?”
    â€œI know.”
    I tugged on his arm, urging him to walk again. He obliged. “What about Hannah?” I asked. “I heard you wanted to court her.”
    He answered in a calm voice. “I was interested in her, jah. I thought she might be a possibility. But I know with you.”
    â€œHow do you know?”
    With the most sincere look I’d ever seen, he said, “How could I not know?” He