“My cousin Marilyn Halverston might show up ridin’ with Bettina and me tonight after Singing, if you’re interested,” Levi said, his hands stuffed deep in his trouser pockets. Marilyn Halverston? Jed was surprised. Marilyn was an exceptionally pretty girl, sweet spirited and soft-spoken, but her beau had gotten into some trouble, left the church, and been shunned. “Marilyn doesn’t have any expectations at all—she knows you’ve been through a rough patch, too,” Levi continued. “It’d strictly be a favor to me and Bettina.” “A favor, you say?” Reluctantly, Jed agreed to the double date. “Just this once, though.” He laughed a little. “Guess it’s one way for me to keep an eye on you and my spunky sister.” Levi’s eyes narrowed, and then he chuckled as he seemed to realize Jed was joking. “Tell Bettina for me, okay?” Jed said he would.
