Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [10]
“No–o,” Katy drew out the word. “Like girls who are particular about whom they date.” Katy tried to tell if he was serious or joking. Sarcasm was part of Vernon Yoder’s way of speech.
“And how will I be a good dad to you if you’re not living under my roof? Have you thought about that? How can I protect you from the world?”
Moving to the edge of the sofa cushion, Katy straightened her posture and replied, “Of course, I will honor your final decision, but I’m nineteen. I think it would be good for me to learn responsibility. I think the Millers’ doddy house would be a safe place to do this.” In talking to her mom, she’d happened upon her most persuasive point.
And to Katy’s relief, her mother added, “Better than some apartment in the city.”
Dad rested his gaze on Mom, who dipped her head. He folded his hands on his lap and turned a stoic face toward Katy. “What are your plans for the doddy house?”
“To renovate it with part of my savings—”
“Hah!” he interrupted, with a wave of hand. “More like all your savings.”
Her face heating, Katy ran her palms down the front of her dark skirt. “Lil made a list of our ideas, and she plans to get construction bids on the work. Ivan Miller said we could deduct the renovation costs from rent unless they exceed one year’s rent; then he will start to charge rent anyways.”
“And what about the job you lost?”
Beads of perspiration collected on Katy’s forehead. “I will look for work. I want to work.”
He rubbed his slightly shadowed chin, his gaze indiscernible. Finally he nodded, and Kate held her breath. “I will agree on three conditions.”
“Yes?” Katy was too pleased to move lest she hinder what could only be a blessing from the Lord.
He thrust one finger in the air. “First, I will look over the bids and the financial arrangements and see if I think they are feasible and fair.”
“Yes.” She took several quick breaths. “I welcome your advice.”
“Second, I will go and speak to Ivan Miller to see if he is willing to keep an eye out for you girls.”
Embarrassed because their ages weren’t that far apart, Katy frowned. But she gave her head a reluctant nod.
“And third, you must go on three dates with David Miller before you move into this doddy house.”
“What!” Katy almost toppled off the couch, and her mouth wouldn’t close.
“It would please your mother.” He patted her mom’s hand. “Her feelings matter in this, too.”
Katy stared at her mom, whose eyes widened and then twinkled.
Silence prevailed while Katy tried to tell if he was joking. Her dad cracked his knuckles. Katy swallowed, still mystified over her father’s unusual request. Finally, unable to prevent a hint of disrespect from tainting her voice, she asked, “And do I have to report to you after these dates?”
“You can report to your mom.”
Still struggling with disbelief, Katy watched her siblings burst into the room. They skidded to a stop when they saw all the serious expressions. Her sister Karen tilted her head. “We’re finished, Mom.”
“You may go work on your report.”
“Dad promised to play checkers,” Katy’s youngest brother reminded them.
Dad picked up a checker and rolled it between his thumb and one finger. “We’re not finished with our talk. I’ll call you.” The trio shuffled back out, and the checker pinged back onto the game board, bounced, and rolled onto the floor.
Katy quickly retrieved it and placed it back on the board, returning to her seat.
“Where were we?” he asked.
Katy’s cheeks heated again. “About David Miller. If after these three dates, I don’t like him. Then what?”
“Then you are free to quit him.”
“But you must agree to give him a chance,” her mother interjected.
Dad patted Mom’s hand, as if reminding her who was in charge.
But Katy thought her dad was losing his mind. “Isn’t there something you’re forgetting?” He bunched his mouth considering but didn’t come up with anything.
“I’ve turned David down twice already. He probably won’t ask me again.”
Her father’s face broke into a satisfied grin. “I have it on good authority that he will. Perhaps as soon as the New Year’s skating party.”
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