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hadn’t asked for more details because Lois had turned up her nose at the very mention of Alvin’s name.
    Debbie slowed as she approached the Knepp driveway. Off the road was a white, two-story house set on a small knoll. Fields stretched out on either side of the barn. The corn was already a foot high in the section to the east. A wagon appeared drawn by a team of horses. Debbie slowed even more. It was Alvin! He stood tall on the wagon as it bounced and rattled toward her.
    As she drew abreast of him, he waved in her direction. A friendly, noncommittal sort of wave, Debbie thought as she waved back. Shewas pretty sure he’d recognized her. She’d seen him once when they were both at the Beiler place. Her cheeks burned at the memory. Alvin hadn’t even climbed out of his buggy that day, but he had smiled when she nodded to him on her way out of the driveway.
    Debbie accelerated and drove out of sight. She could still feel the flush of heat on her cheeks. What was wrong with her anyway? Was she infatuated with this Amish man? Her mother would have a fit and a half if she ever suspected such a thing! She glanced at her watch and drove faster, soon approaching Lewistown. She glanced at her watch again. If she didn’t hurry, there would be a call from Doug asking where she was. Well, that was something Alvin would never do. He’d probably never been to an Englisha restaurant in his life, much less did he own a cell phone.
    Such a life—a life with such a boyfriend as Alvin—would be all about freedom. There would be no hurry to meet deadlines. Such a man would have no dates with women who didn’t wish to see him. He’d pass the hours of his day peacefully until nightfall, when he’d gather with his family and everyone would enjoy each other’s company. When was the last time she’d gathered with her parents at home? For anything other than Christmas or Thanksgiving?
    Debbie pushed the thoughts of her parents and, especially, Alvin Knepp away. What chance had she to gain the attention of a decent Amish man? None.
    She pulled into the parking lot at Andrea’s Pizzeria and rushed inside to find Doug already waiting at a table.
    â€œGood to see you, Debbie,” Doug said as he stood. He appraised her with a quick look and approving smile. “How was your big day?”
    â€œIt was fine, Doug.” She sat down. “I wish you could have been there.”
    Doug pulled up his chair. “I know. I wish I could have too. I had a work assignment that I couldn’t get out of. You do understand?”
    â€œSure, I understand. To be honest, I really didn’t enjoy it that much myself. I’m glad it’s over.”
    â€œReally? I loved my graduation day. I knew it marked the beginning of a new life for me. A life of success and achievement. I’m well on my way to that goal. And you will be too, Debbie. You should be happy about the great things ahead for you…and for us .”
    Debbie ignored his remark, her mind drifting. “There’s got to be some way Bishop Beiler can be persuaded,” she murmured.
    â€œWhat? Is this some kind of riddle?” Doug stared at her as the waitress came up.
    Debbie waited until they’d given their orders before she answered. “Sorry, Doug. I’m off in my own world right now. The truth is that what you think of as success, I think of as drudgery. A successful career and all that goes with it—the money, the ambition, the climb to the top—just don’t interest me.”
    â€œThen what does interest you?”
    Debbie smiled as she answered. “You’ll never understand, Doug. But I think I’d like to move into the Amish community. I’m wondering if they’ll let me.”
    â€œThis is a joke, right?” Doug asked, his gaze piercing hers. “I’m not getting it. What’s the punch line?”
    â€œThere’s no punch line, Doug.”
    Doug