“But so much of that is in the Old Testament. Some biblical scholars believe the interpretation from the original Greek in the New Testament doesn’t completely line up—”
“It’s God’s word.” Ray frowned. “This is why I worry about you and law school.”
Kate’s gaze widened. “What?”
“I worry you’ll turn away from scripture, from the church, and seek answers outside of God. You’re confused because you’re doing that now.”
“I thought it’s okay to have questions. You’ve always said that.”
“Well, this question has a clear answer.”
“It’s not a sin. It’s part of her. It’s who she loves.” Kate’s pulse filled her ears.
“Just because it makes someone happy doesn’t make it okay in the eyes of the Church.” Ray narrowed his brow. “Is there another reason this has you so worked up?”
Kate shook her head. “No.”
He patted her shoulder. She nearly jerked away, crushed, despite predicting this response. Something in her naïvely hoped he wouldn’t be the one to let her down.
“Pray on it,” he said. “And pray for your friend.”
The next day, as if doubling down, Ray chose a reading to emphasize his point at breakfast. “ ‘The Creator made them male and female and said for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ ”
Kate’s mother, Beth, beamed at her, but she wouldn’t understand why until later. Instead, she fidgeted under Ray’s gaze, convinced that he knew the truth.
That’s why she dawdled in the chicken coop as snow flurried on New Year’s Eve. When she finished tending to the chickens, she joined her brothers with the cows and horses. She filled troughs and distributed hay, avoiding the house as long as possible.
They finished their chores ahead of the incoming storm, haulingextra wood on their way back. Kate stomped chicken shit and mud from her boots before entering the kitchen, where a surprise awaited. A surprise of the most unwelcome sort.
“Morning, Katie.” Blake grinned from where he sat with her parents at the table.
“Blake.” Kate barely had enough sense to hug him back when he embraced her. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought we could ring in the New Year together.” He pecked her slackened lips.
Ray and Beth, who rarely allowed suitors at the house, nodded happily. She ran a hand down Blake’s broad chest, confirming reality. With her parents glowing behind him, she understood this was it. This was the danger lurking at home.
“I’m happy you’re here.” Kate didn’t even sound like herself. She raked fingers through her tangled hair. “I should clean up. I smell like manure.”
Blake smiled. “I’ll wait out here.”
She scrubbed viciously in the shower, contemplated her phone when she got out, willing a text or a call from Abby, pleading for a sign. But it didn’t come. She spent the afternoon at Blake’s side, cringing every time her mother or sisters flashed her a knowing smile, like she’d won the lottery.
At dinner, he held her hand beneath the table, the massive Hutchins clan in attendance. Kate’s phone rang with a call from Abby, but she ignored it. After dessert, they watched the countdown to midnight. Despite the late hour, everyone stayed, hovering as if excited to mark the New Year, but that wasn’t what they lingered for. When the ball dropped and fireworks popped, Blake got down on a knee with a ring.
“Katherine Ruth Hutchins, will you marry me?”
Kate’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She knew it was Abby and as she stared at the diamond, she couldn’t shake how desperately she wanted to answer. She confronted one of life’s magic moments and only thought of one person. Not the one in front of her. The one thatlong ago dug a hole in her heart and nested there. She wasn’t Abby’s and Abby wasn’t hers, but Kate already belonged to her. Too much to belong to another.
“Kate?” Blake whispered.
Her chin quivered. She just had to say yes. Say yes and claim her ticket out. Say yes and end the confusion. Accept being locked out, take her seat in the stands. A reasonable second choice. Say yes and make every person in the room happy. Every person except her.
“I need a minute.” Kate staggered backward.
Blake followed her into the kitchen and grabbed her arm. “Kate, come on.”
“I told you I don’t want to get married.” She hyperventilated. “I want to wait until…”
