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buggy tonight.” Jacob scratched his nose and avoided his father’s eyes.
    “ Ya , I don’t see why not.”
    Jacob stared at his father. Don’t you even want to know what for? He knew his mother would be excited that he was doing something social again. His father, however, didn’t care what he did. What any of them did. “Danki.”
    He rushed back to where he’d left Anna standing on the other side of the barn, trying to leave his sadness behind. He relaxedwhen he saw that she’d waited for him. “It’s no problem. What time should I pick you up?”
    She stood taller and raised both eyebrows. “Uh . . . I guess four o’clock?”
    Jacob felt a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. He’d gone out with a few girls back home, but none as beautiful as Anna. He was looking forward to getting to know her better, and he hadn’t looked forward to anything in a long time. “ Gut, gut . Just tell me where to pick you up, and I’ll be there.” He thought about her grandfather and what Rubin and Ben had said, and for just an instant he wondered if he should have declined her invitation. But then she smiled, and Jacob realized he was more than willing to face her scary grandfather if it meant spending time with her.
    “You know . . .” She stepped closer to him. “My grandfather isn’t an evil man like Ben and Rubin made him out to be.” She paused and took a deep breath, then grinned. “And he surely doesn’t lock me in my room.”
    Jacob had suspected Rubin and Ben were exaggerating about the bishop, but he still felt relief flood over him. “I didn’t believe what they were saying, and I’m sorry they upset you so much. Lots of bishops are strict, but they just want what’s best for the district.”
    “Ya!” She bounced up on her toes, and a beautiful smile filled her face. “Exactly. I’m so glad you understand that. I wish everyone around here did.” Frowning, she shook her head and went on. “Anyway, I appreciate you agreeing to take me to the singing. It . . . it isn’t like a date or anything. I just thought if some of the other guys here saw me going out with you, then they’d know I’m allowed, that my grandfather isn’t such a scary man.” She blushedas she glanced down at the ground. “Although . . .” She shrugged. “Maybe there’s another reason no one has asked me out.”
    Jacob opened his mouth to tell her that her grandfather was definitely the problem, that otherwise she would have been asked out dozens of times. But he said nothing, feeling like he’d been kicked in the gut. He’d thought maybe Anna was interested in him. It had never occurred to him that she might be using the new guy to let those in the district know she was allowed to date.
    “Four o’clock sounds great,” he finally said. He forced himself to smile, knowing this could be a mistake. Did she see through him? Could she tell that he felt on the verge of tears half the time? Or did she just not find him the least bit attractive? Either way, he knew he wasn’t a good catch. Grief sucked the life out of him sometimes. But the deed was done, and at least it might set a good example for his brothers and sisters, show that he was getting on with his life.
    For a short while today he’d felt like it might be true. But Anna had straightened him out about her intentions, and now he just felt sad. And a bit bitter.

    Anna waited until they were almost home before she mentioned the singing to her grandparents. She leaned forward into the front seat of the buggy and clenched the leather backrest in front of her. “Daadi?”
    Her grandfather gave a brief glance in her direction as he flicked the reins for the horse to pick up the pace. “Ya?”
    “A—a . . .” She’d always hoped this day would arrive, and she’d always thought her grandfather would allow her to bepicked up for a singing, but now that the moment was upon her, she wasn’t sure.
    “Spit it out, child.” Daadi glanced at her again.