Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman Page A

Sounds to me like you’re judging this man before you really know him.”
    “Why would I want to know him? I’m just trying to help the boy, maybe get some doctors’ advice about how that man should tend to the child. That’s all.” Sadie tied her bonnet and pondered Lillian’s words. “You’re right,” she mumbled. “It is not my place to judge.”
    Sadie moved toward the door. “I’ll be back.”
    Once outside, Sadie rigidly held her thoughts in check. She didn’t understand why she was picking up unbecoming traits. She’d never been a judgmental person before. It was as wrong as anything she’d been taught. Judging, questioning God’s plan for her life—all wrong. She’d need to pray for strength to keep her thoughts pure and righteous. Maybe even speak with Bishop Ebersol about the matters.
    She neared the cottage, and a vision of Kade wearing only his pajama bottoms flashed before her. Surely not . The man would have all his clothes on this time of day. But she slowed her pace anyway. She leaned an ear inward as she walked. Nothing.
    The curtains were closed. She looked toward the barn, and the fancy car was still parked inside.
    The porch steps creaked beneath her feet, and she considered turning around. But she knocked, not wanting to get caught loitering on the porch again.
    Kade opened the door. Thankfully, he was fully clothed in jeans and a pullover blue sweater. Sadie could see past him to Tyler, who was sitting on the couch, reading a book. Interesting .
    “The boy can read, no?” Sadie asked. She stretched her neck to peer past Kade.
    Kade looked over his shoulder and then turned back to face her. “Yes, but according to my ex, he can’t understand anything he reads. In her notes, she says he has hyperlexia. It’s a syndrome observed in children who are autistic.”
    Sadie knew the confusion registered on her face, but she just nodded.
    “It’s a precocious ability to read words far above what would be expected of a five-year-old.” He glanced at Tyler again. “There’s a whole bag of books in his suitcase, but he seems fond of the book you had on your coffee table.”
    “The only book in here is—”
    “Come in out of the cold.” Kade swung the door wide and waited for her to enter.
    “No, I just came to invite you to supper. You and Tyler.”
    Kade smiled his crooked smile in a way that made Sadie immediately wish she hadn’t asked him. “We’d love to,” he said in a tone that furthered her regret. She’d need to clarify her invitation.
    “ Mei Englisch friend, Carley, and her husband are bringing guests for supper. They are doctors, and I thought they might be able to help you with your son. I don’t know what this ‘autistic’ is you speak of, but you seem . . .” She paused. His smile had faded, but his eyes were fused with hers, and he was listening intently. “You seem like maybe you need some help with the boy.”
    “Come in.” He gently touched her arm and coaxed her inside. “You’re letting in cold air.”
    She inched inside. The door closed hard behind her, and Tyler looked in her direction.
    “Hello, Tyler.” She walked to where he was sitting on the couch. “You are reading the Bible, I see.”
    Tyler didn’t say anything, but refocused on the Good Book. Sadie turned around to see Kade standing uncomfortably close to her. She backed up a step. “It will not be a fancy meal, Mr. Saunders. Just a simple—”
    “Kade,” he interrupted.
    “It will not be a fancy meal, Kade . Carley and Noah’s guests would like to learn more of the Amish ways, and I’m happy to cook for all of them. And you and Tyler, if you wish. Sometimes I host Englisch families in my home for supper.” She raised her chin and shrugged dismissively. “So this is ordinary, quite common, actually.”
    Kade folded his arms across his chest. One corner of his mouth pulled into a slight smile. “Sure. Sounds great.”
    “Am I amusing you, Kade ?” This was a bad