October song (23 page)

“Jah, such emptiness there is,” Katie agreed.

“Receiving the phone call from Lyddie

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learning that my sister had died was actually the beginning of a better, more joyful life.”

“I believe God’s grace caught up with you,” Katie said softly.

The Mennonite woman had a unique way of putting things. In every way, Sarah liked Katie.“Iguess I’d better check on Josiah,” she said glancing at the clock. She got up and went to the porch. “How are you feeling now?” She slipped her hand under her nephew’s bangs.

He looked up at her. “I thought I might faint, is all.”

Katie came out and sat in one of the wicker chairs, across from Josiah. “I sew for quite a few boys your age,” she said. “I thought if you knew that, you might be feelin’ better ‘bout things.”

Josiah’s eyes nearly popped out. “Do ya sew for a boy named Ezra Hess?”

“Why, no, I don’t. But I can tell ya who does.”

Josiah’s eyes blinked much too fast. Katie wore a clever smile. “Ezra’smammamakes all his clothes, ‘least that’s my understanding.”

Josiah’s nose wrinkled. “That’s odd,” he mumbled.

“Why’s that?” Katie prodded.

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He shook his head. “I best not be sayin’.”

Sarah asked, “Could it be that you’re mistaken about.., well, you know what?”

Josiah surely knew what she was talking about, that Ezra t-Iess had to take off his clothes to be meastred. “Mistaken… jah, prob’ly so,” he admitted. “Ezra must be pullin’ my leg like Uncle Bryan does.” His

face relaxed then and a smile appeared. Hannah was giggling now.

” ‘Tis a family joke, jah?” Katie wore a knowing grin.

Reaching over, Sarah tickled Josiah under the arm. “I think you’re feeling much better, aren’t you?”

He sat up straiglt, grinning. “If Ezra can do this, so can I.” And with that, he stood up and led Hannala, Katie, and Sarah back into the house.

With both children measured for new clothes, Sarah was reluctant to leave the peaceful abode. And Katie’s company. “You and your husband must come for supper sometime,” she said. “Then you can meet the rest of the family.”

“And maybe she can come to Lyddie’s and Levi’s wedding,” Josiah said out of the blue.

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“Levi?” said Katie, eyes sparkling. “Is it Levi King, by any chance?”

Sarah said it was. “Do you know him?”

“Myhusband works with Levi’s cousin . in fact, he’s thinkin’ of offering Levi a

job.”

“Is that so?” Sarah was amazed at this connection “We’ll send you an invitation to the wedding”

Katie nodded. “I’d like that, truly I would.”

“You can see Josiah and me in our new clothes if you come,” Hannah spoke up.

“I surely will,” Katie said, leaning down to pat Hannah’s hand. She accompanied them to the front door, turning to Sarah as she did. “Your niece and nephew are ever so adorable What a pleasant afternoon.”

“Thanks for everything.” Sarah extended her hand to Katie.

“I feel like I’ve known you forever,” Katie said, accepting the handshake and squeezing her hand gently

Sarah agreed. “God knew I needed a friend.”

“The Lord has ways of bringin’ folk to gether.”

Thanks, Lord,she thought. Saying their goodbyes, Sarah and the children headed down the quaint brick walkway to the car.

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Katie followed them, waiting while Sarah helped the children into the backseat. I’ll be callin’ you next week, prob’ly. Won’t take too long to sew up the clothes.”

Turning, Sarah smiled back at Katie. “You’re a godsend … absolutely.“In more ways than one,she thought.

“Well, the Lord bless you and your family.”

“God blessyou,Katie.”

Katie’s face was aglow as she stood in the yard, waving to all of them. “Safe home!” she called.

As Sarah drove away she caught herself staring in the rearview mirror, watching wistfully until the image of the Mennonite woman in flowing yellow dress and white prayer cap hiding some but not all of Katie’s beautiful red hair — was no longer visible.

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O suns and skies and clouds of June, And flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour October’s bright blue weather.

Helen Hunt Jackson

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