Healing Faith (53 page)

"Nathan is old enough to make his own choice. I won't
tire of this life. You don't know what my life was like before.
This is the life I choose. Even with you making it difficult at
every turn, you will not dissuade me, Bishop Yoder. I will do my
best to make you believe I am worthy," I said and moved to
leave.

His next words made me pause.

"I do not approve of you, Katherine Hill, because you
are a woman with strong opinions. Your world has made you willful,
and that is not our way."

I turned and shook my head at him.

"If anything, Bishop Yoder, that world has made me
more determined to seek out what will make me happy. That world
made me run, and I found this place. It made me see where I needed
to be. There is nothing I desire from that world. Not when I can
find peace and joy here," I replied and stepped inside.

I heard him following after me; saw the looks of
surprise on the Bergers’ faces as I stepped inside. I put myself at
a safe distance from him, close to Nathan as the Bishop lingered in
the doorway. He looked at each of us, holding his hat tight in his
hand.

"I was told to meet with both of you weekly, so that
we may complete your baptism classes before first frost. I will do
so, but it is under duress," he said, refusing to look at me.

"Samuel, you know this is right," Fannie said as she
stood beside Jonah.

He shook his head and turned to leave.

"It is not for me to decide. The community has
spoken. Therefore I will abide by their wishes," he said and paused
in the doorway, looking back at us.

"I will expect you at my home this Tuesday evening.
We will meet for an hour, and then discuss a time to meet from
there. It is inconvenient, but it must be done," he said.

Nathan stepped forward.

"Thank you, Bishop Yoder. We will try not to burden
you," he said.

The Bishop glanced over his shoulder, eyeing Nathan
hard.

"We will see. But you must remember your
responsibilities, Nathan. Your baptism brings responsibilities," he
said and disappeared into the night.

I looked up at Nathan, whose eyes were now downturned
and thoughtful.

"What did he mean, Nathan?" I asked quietly.

He turned his head up, his eyes unreadable as he
stroked my chin lightly. His smile seemed a little sad.

"It means," he murmured, "that you may soon be a
Bishop's wife."

~~~~

Look for Book Two of the
In Your
World
Series, coming late 2013!

This story would not be possible without the love and
support of my friends and family, and my incredible readers that
have stood by me through every word.

To my loving and patient husband, for believing in me
and being patient while I diligently researched. Thank you for
eating all those corn cakes and pie. Thank you to my dear son who
patiently waited for many a burnt meal while I tried to finish that
last paragraph.

To Leah who nudged me to take the first step.

To Jess for reminding me of what was important and
providing sanctuary.

To my girls on Twitter and Facebook and the forums-
thank you for providing so many hours of love and support, laughter
and inappropriate inspiration to keep me going.

To Claudia, Teddi, Traci, Terri, Staci, Sarah, Kris
and Mandy for the moment of conception on this sweet boy:
suspenders and big black hat, shy smile and all.

To Barbara, Amy, Mary, Ava, Jules and Jayme for
holding my hand through the editing process and lending me your
most trusted opinions.

I love you all, and I am so blessed to have you all
on this journey.

Jennyfer Browne has always been a sucker for a good
love story- a complex recipe with a dash of dashing, a pinch of
heroism, and a hefty dose of outside forces that test young lovers.
Seasoned with tears and laughter, followed by a sprinkle of happy
sighs fill out the perfect recipe.

Jennyfer also enjoys pie.

Ms. Browne lives in California with her wonderful
husband and adoring son, where she enjoys the beach and sailing off
on further adventures.

You can visit Jennyfer Browne on her Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/jennyferbrowneauthor