Holding a Tender Heart by Jerry S. Eicher Page B

and tell Joe himself. That way she could enjoy Sunday night with Joe, and they wouldn’t have to speak about this church problem. On second thought, how could she be so devious? It would involve a front of cheerfulness all Sunday evening while her heart would be in an agony of suspense. And what if Joe found outlater that she knew and hadn’t told him? Hadn’t he taken her into his confidence about the incident to begin with? He would expect her to watch out for him.
    Nee , if their relationship had any chance of survival, she would have to tell him. It was the only honest thing to do. Surely Joe would understand. She’d explain what she’d been told, which wasn’t that much. Yah , she would tell him, Verna decided, as she sat up on the bed. It was high time she acted her age. There were more profitable things to fill the evening with than tears. The first was the matter of Daett ’s decision on Debbie. She must be told, or rather her sisters should hear it first—Lois especially. Perhaps afterward they could all walk down and tell Debbie the gut news.
    A faint smile spread over Verna face. Yah , that would be gut . They were sisters, and like sisters they should go together. Verna walked across the hallway to Ida’s room and rapped on the door.
    â€œCome in!” Ida called out.
    Verna opened the door to find Ida on her bed, her nose in a book.
    â€œReading, huh?”
    Ida looked up, her gaze searching Verna’s face. “What have you been crying about?”
    Vern looked away. “Nothing much.”
    Ida didn’t appear convinced. “I heard Daett ’s voice downstairs. Was that it?”
    â€œ Yah , but it doesn’t matter now. What I wanted to ask…will you go with me down to Debbie’s place to tell her Daett says she can move in whenever she wishes? I thought it would be nice if all three of us went—you, Lois, and me. Sort of like sisters inviting another sister into the family.”
    Ida’s face brightened. “That would be gut ! I’m glad it’s happening.” She got up and laid her book on the bed. “Let’s go. I’ll finish when I get back.”
    â€œWhat are you reading?” Verna glanced at the cover.
    â€œOne of Christmas Carol Kaufman’s books— Light from Heaven . It’s gut reading.”
    Verna grimaced. “Sorry, but the main character joins a more liberal church, so you’d better keep the book out of sight right now. Daett ’s on the warpath.”
    Ida’s hand reached out for Verna’s. “Did Daett make you cut off your relationship with Joe? Is that it?”
    Verna shook her head as they went out into the hall and headed toward Lois’s room. Verna didn’t knock before she stuck her head in. “Ready for a little jaunt, sister?”
    â€œWhere to?” Lois asked.
    â€œDown to Debbie’s. Daett just told me she can move in if she still wants to.”
    â€œOf course I’ll come!” Lois’s feet hit the floor, and she quickly appeared in the doorway.
    â€œWhich room will be hers?” Ida asked.
    â€œI think she should have my room,” Lois offered. “I’ll take the guest room across from Emery.”
    â€œYou just want a new room!” Verna said as she snickered.
    â€œI do not!” Lois protested. “It’s for practical reasons. Debbie would feel more at home closer to the two of you.”
    â€œI thought she was also your friend,” Ida said as they went down the stairs and stepped into the living room.
    â€œShe is, but…” Lois stopped as her daett looked up and saw them.
    â€œOff to somewhere?” he asked.
    â€œA sisterly stroll down to Debbie’s,” Verna said.
    He looked pleased as they went out the front door.
    Lois ran on ahead once they reached the driveway. She did a little dance on the blacktop road. An Englisha car came from the west and slowed down. The