Elizabeth reclined in her bed, studying a map of Europe. It had only been a day since her conversation with Serena, yet she was more determined than ever to travel. Jeffrey walked into the room. "Whacha doin'?"
"Studying. I'll play with you later."
"I didn't come to ask you that."
"Well, then what?"
"I was wondering if you and Drew were getting married anytime soon? With all these babies... you and Drew have liked each other longer than Erin and Paul..."
"They're older."
"So? Aimee Godsey ran off and got married, and she's the same age as you."
"Will you leave me alone, so I can study?"
When Jeffrey left at last, Elizabeth let out a breath. It frustrated her that just because she was twenty two and unmarried that everyone expected her to be wed right now. What if she wanted to do other things with her life first? What if she wasn't sure about Drew?
Emma hummed to herself as she kneaded the bread dough, marveling at how quiet the house was this morning. With a big family and a husband who was often quite loud, this calmness was unusual. But today, most of the children were still in school as it was now September, John and the men were working outside and Olivia was visiting Corabeth (she might have been checking in Jim Bob, who worked at his garage just across the road from Ike's).
Elizabeth was dusting, but she didn't make much noise. The only sound Emma could hear beside herself was Elsie, who was playing with her blocks a couple of feet away. Charlie was reading a book on the couch.
Emma finally put the bread aside to rise and began cleaning the large kitchen counter, still humming. She was so glad the sun was shining through the window this morning. Everything always felt better when Emma could feel the sun. She would love to spend some time outside, too, but today was a busy day. Drew and his parents were coming for supper. As if Emma conjured Elizabeth by just thinking of her, Elizabeth walked into the kitchen. Emma couldn't help but notice how different her youngest sister looked.
Emma was just about to ask Elizabeth if she would mind helping with the laundry when the girl looked at her oddly, like she was nervous about something. "What is it Liz? Are you nervous about tonight? Things are going to be fine. Everyone likes Drew."
Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. "I know that. That's part of the problem. I mean….Forget it."
Emma shook her head as she watched Elsie play with her blocks on the kitchen floor. "No, honey. Don't forget it. You know you can talk to me about anything."
Elizabeth sighed and sat down at their large wooden table with Emma. "Have you ever thought about kissing anyone besides Ben?"
Emma had to struggle not to spit out her lemonade she was so surprised by this question. She was not used to talking about her physical relationship with Ben. Even if it was just kissing. "I'm not sure what you mean."
Elizabeth looked out the window for a moment. "Drew is a good man. I know that. He treats me well, and everyone in the family likes him. Even daddy approves of him. I like kissing him, too. But I don't want to settle down just yet. I want to travel, but I don't know how to tell him that."
"Where would you travel to?"
"Europe." Elizabeth said softly, obviously nervous. From the background, they suddenly heard Elsie shout something inaudible as she played. They both laughed.
"Could you get the laundry started for today while I take care of lunch?" Emma asked, giving her sister a supportive smile to show without saying anything that she fully supported her.
"Of course. Thanks for being there for me."
