by Lenora Worth
“I cannot hide that from her.”
“All she needs to know is—” Tobias stopped and sighed. “It’s a bad idea, isn’t it?”
“Ja,” Josiah said with a smile of relief. “The worst thing you could do is lie to her and withhold information. She doesn’t trust anyone these days and that would be a hard blow to her. Especially coming from you.”
Tobias let out a sigh and stared at the big creek that ran through town. “I am at a loss.”
“We all are at times.”
“Could you at least hold the house for me if I make a down payment?”
Josiah sat silent for a moment. “I can do that. I will hold it for one month.”
“Two?”
Josiah chuckled. “You do not give up, do you?”
“Not when I want something.”
“I hope one day my sister will see the good in you, Tobias.”
“I will make her see that I will not give up on her, either.”
Josiah’s smile held a bittersweet tinge. “I hope so. If you can win her over, the house is yours. If not, I’ll refund the down payment in full.”
After they’d worked out the details, Josiah left and Tobias walked along the street. Campton Creek was a beautiful town and everyone here had welcomed him with smiles and well wishes. Now he just needed a job and a place to live.
When he spotted a help-wanted sign in a furniture store, Tobias hurried inside. It was an Amish establishment where all the furniture looked handmade. When the bells on the door jingled, a muscular man came out from the back.
“Can I help you?”
“Ja,” Tobias said. “I saw the sign. You’re hiring?”
“We are,” the man said. “I’m Abram Schrock. I opened this store about three months ago and I need experienced woodworkers.”
“I have experience,” Tobias replied. He explained what he’d done in Kentucky. “I do carvings and I can work with any tool. I’ve made everything from tables to chairs and cabinets and chests.” He took a breath and added, “I also carve things—birds, flowers, butterflies.”
Abram grinned. “I can see you are eager.”
“I need a job,” Tobias admitted. “I want to settle here in Campton Creek.” He wouldn’t tell Abram anything beyond that, but he sure hoped the man would give him work.
Abram nodded, his dark eyes full of questions. “Kumm into the office and we will talk.”
* * *
Josie sat in the buggy, her kapp centered on her head and her eyes straight ahead. She did not like going out, but today she’d had no choice. Naomi was feeling bad and Raesha had to take care of little Daniel. He had a cold and had been fussy all week. Josiah had work to do in the fields, but he and Raesha would take turns checking on Naomi. That left her to do the weekly run to the Hartford General Store. At least Katy had readily agreed to drive her into town.
“It will be a girls’ trip,” her always chirpy friend had told her as she pulled her family’s buggy up to pick up Josie. “Do not worry. I will take care of you, and if you get uncomfortable, I’ll finish the shopping.”
“You are a gut friend,” Josie had told her as they took off. She hadn’t told Katy about Tobias showing up. Most of the community knew very little about her past except that she had a baby out of wedlock and her family would raise the child. But no one here held it against her, and they did not speak of it to protect both her and Dinah. The bishop had made sure of that. Or so she hoped. Josie had gone before the church and confessed that she was an unmarried mother and that she’d made some bad choices. She was forgiven. But that didn’t mean some might not talk.
What if Tobias heard something? Another reason for her to fret about him being here.
Katy kept reminding her she needed to forgive herself. No one knew the whole truth about her being attacked. She did not want that shame to hang over Dinah’s head.
“You are quiet today,” Katy said, giving her a sideways glance as they clopped along.
“I am enjoying the nice weather,” Josie replied. She’d always loved being outside. Mainly because bad things had happened inside her home when she was young. She’d spent a lot of time outside and in the barn, until the day she’d accidentally set the barn on fire. Blinking, she shuttered those memories.
“It is a beautiful day,” Katy said, taking a long breath. “Gott brings special days for special reasons.”
“It is the season,” Josie replied, used to Katy’s philosophical side. “Late spring is always special.”
“Ja, because Gott saved this day for us, a day of renewal and rebirth as the land comes back to life. A sign that we need to do the same.”
Josie shook her head and decided not to argue with Katy.
They were both laughing when she glanced at the Schrock Furniture Market and saw a sight that shook her to the core.
Tobias, walking out with Abram Schrock. Shaking hands with Abram. Smiling and nodding.
“Who is that?” Katy asked with too much interest.
Josie couldn’t speak. Tobias glanced up and into her eyes, his expression as surprised as her beating heart.
“Are you all right?” Katy asked, glancing from Josie to the two men.
“Drive,” Josie said. “And watch where you’re going.”
Katy shot one more look at Tobias.
While he never stopped staring at Josie.
After Katy tied the big draft horse to the hitching rail in front of the general store, she hopped down and waited for Josie. “Who was that?”
“Why would I know?”
“He looked at you, Josie, as if he knew you.”
Josie glanced around. The furniture store was down the street from the block-wide general store. But she didn’t see Tobias anywhere on the street.
“I will tell you on the way home, when we are alone.”
“Ja, you will,” Katy said, her tone firm. “You know you can trust me with anything, but you seem to have one more secret.”
Josie stopped and turned back. “I think I should go home.”
“Nee.” Katy held her arm. “You can do this. You need to get out more and this is important. Raesha and Naomi need you to help, and today that means stocking up.”
Josie took deep, calming breaths and prayed she wouldn’t have a panic attack. She had not suffered one in a long time, months maybe.
“Breathe in, breathe out,” Katy kept telling her. “Remember your list. Study it. That will calm you down.”
Josie managed to keep walking as she searched the aisles of the big general store to make sure Tobias wasn’t waiting for her. When Mr. Hartford greeted them with a smile, she smiled back.
But inside she was shaking and wishing she could go back home. When would Tobias leave? Because she didn’t think she could keep handling things with him so close. And she had to wonder what he’d been doing at the furniture market. He had always been talented with wood carving and making beautiful things. She still had a tiny horse he’d carved for her years ago.
Then the unthinkable occurred to her. Abram had been asking around for someone to help out in the store and the workroom out behind the store. Someone who had experience making furniture and carving wood.
Had Tobias taken that job?
* * *
Tobias stood in the sunroom the next morning, giving thanks that he’d found a job at least. And that he had two months to do a million little things to make Josie trust him again. And maybe tell him the truth about why she’d left him.
But he hadn’t been so great at finding a place to rent or stay. He talked to Bishop King and, ironically, the bishop had suggested the Bawell place.
“They have been known for taking in travelers, relatives and anyone in need. I’ve seen a lot of folks move through that big house.”
Tobias had lowered his head. “I cannot stay the
re, sir.”
“Oh, and why is that?”
Then he had to explain to the bishop, who he knew would not repeat what he’d told him.
Bishop King nodded after Tobias opened up with what he was feeling. “I know of Josie Fisher. She is a kind woman who’s been through a lot. The Amish don’t talk much of such things, but we are learning that the best of us sometime have emotional issues.”
“But you won’t reveal what’s bothering her to me,” Tobias said, making it a statement.
The bishop shook his head, his beard swishing against his dark coat. “I will not. You know where we stand on such things.”
“I do and I respect that, but it’s frustrating since I’d like to help her.”
“Gott will see her through, and you showing up here to become part of her life again could be part of that plan.” The bishop kept his eyes on Tobias. “If you take your time and do things in a proper way.”
“So everyone tells me,” Tobias said on a chuckle. He sure hoped so. He prayed so. He’d listen, as Jewel had so sagely suggested, and hope the Lord would show him the way.
Now he wondered what to do about a living arrangement.
He’d checked the Campton Creek newspaper and The Budget, but he’d found nothing. He started his new job today, so he’d have to worry about this later. Jewel had told him he could stay in the little room upstairs for another week.
That didn’t give him much time, but he couldn’t stay here indefinitely.
Tobias drained his coffee and hurried out to get to work before the Campton Center opened for business. People came and went here during official hours and he didn’t want to be in the way. At the center he’d met a lot of Amish going about their business.
Nodding to Jewel and the efficient lady lawyer who had an on-site office, Tobias went out the side door and started his walk to work. He took in the quaint town proper and noticed the park across from the creek. This was a nice place. Small but not too small, with a lot of Amish influence but the modern world out on the main highway.
He didn’t want to find an apartment away from the village, however. He needed to be near Josie.
The first thing on his list was to buy her a spring plant and have it delivered to the Bawell place. She could nurture the plant and watch it grow. But he went into the flower shop and didn’t see the kind of flowers Josie liked.
He’d have to figure something out and soon. When he saw a crop of wildflowers growing near the park fence, he had his answer. After taking the flowers he’d picked back to the Campton Center to put in water until he could have them delivered, he saw Jewel. Together, they picked more flowers from the garden.
“I’ll keep ’em fresh and I’ll even find someone to deliver them,” she told him. “I won’t tell who sent them.”
“I appreciate that. I think Josie will know.”
Just one of the many ways he could show her he cared.
Would she listen?
Would she hear?
He’d do anything to be able to talk to her.
I only want to talk to her, Lord. I pray for understanding and guidance.
Tobias needed Gott’s will to also be his will. He could not fail. If for no other reason than that Josie needed someone to love her.
Chapter Six
Tobias entered the furniture market and took in the scent of wood shavings. The smells of cedar and pine had always brought him comfort. If his hands were busy, his mind would follow, and maybe he’d figure something out while he did an honest day’s work. And maybe he’d sleep better tonight.
Abram greeted Tobias immediately. The man always had a smile. “Here is my new helper. Are you ready to get to work?”
“I am,” Tobias said, smiling. “I have missed having work to do.”
“That’s the attitude I like,” Abram said. “But before we get started, would you mind taking this list over to the general store?” He handed Tobias a small piece of notepaper. “Mr. Hartford ordered some of the special chemical-free adhesive I use, and it should have come in late yesterday but it didn’t. Would you mind checking on it?” Abram touched his left knee, rubbing his hand against it. “My gout is hurting something awful this morning.”
Tobias had noticed yesterday he walked with a limp. “I will go and check,” he said, familiar with nontoxic and chemical-free adhesive. Then he grew curious. “How do you manage all day on that bad leg?”
Abram tugged at his beard. “I don’t, most times. That’s why I need a good helper. My last two did not work out. I have good employees out in the work barn, but I need to train someone up, since I only have three girls and they are all married and have duties to their families. They each have gut husbands who prefer to farm instead of work with their hands. I need someone who sees furniture the way I do. Our furniture has always been an art form, made with pride here in the country we live in.”
“Do you think I could be that someone?” Tobias asked, hopeful. He liked nothing more than cutting, sanding and priming wood. He worked with the wood, not against it. The wood had integrity. He hoped his work would, too.
“We shall see,” Abram replied with a knowing grin. “Depends on how fast you can get to the store and back.”
“I am on my way,” Tobias said, laughing.
He hurried across the street, his heart lifting to know that he might have a chance to create beautiful, sustainable objects out of wood. He’d had so many plans for the home he and Josie would have shared if they’d married. Tables, rocking chairs, dressers and hutches, cabinets and wardrobes. Maybe a cradle one day, too.
Those plans would happen if he could win her over and they could finally get married. A big goal but one he was willing to work on.
He walked briskly, eager to get back and begin his training. When he reached the general store, he quickly pushed at the door and entered.
Only to find Josie standing at the counter with a paper bag in her hand. When she looked up and saw him, her face went pale.
She did not look happy to see him.
* * *
Mr. Hartford spoke to Josie again.
“Josie, you said you needed to return something that you bought yesterday?”
“Ja,” she managed to say barely above a whisper, wishing with all of her heart she hadn’t needed to come back here today. “I got the wrong yarn.” She swallowed, tried to breathe. “Raesha needs light blue. This is too dark.”
“Then we’d better remedy that,” Mr. Hartford said with a chuckle. Seeing Tobias standing there, he said, “I’ll be with you in a minute.” Then he went to find the yarn she needed.
Tobias lifted his chin in acknowledgment and took one step forward, his eyes wide with surprise. “It is good to see you, Josie.”
Josie looked down at the counter, unable to speak, her whole system shutting down. What should she do? Josiah had come with her today since he needed to pick up some feed out behind the store. This was only supposed to be a quick exchange.
Why had she gotten the wrong yarn? Probably because her mind was on the man now staring at her.
Josie looked everywhere but at Tobias. Her mind would never work the way others did. She’d been damaged, traumatized, shattered. Would she ever be put back together?
“You cannot even look at me?”
She lifted her head at those soft words. Tobias had moved closer. Close enough for her to see the pain in his eyes.
Swallowing, she closed her eyes. “I need to go. Would you tell Mr. Hartford I’ll kumm back later?”
She rushed past him even as he reached out a hand to her.
Josie needed air and sunshine. She hurried around the building and searched for her brother.
“Josie?”
Whirling, she saw Tobias behind her.
He held out a bag to her. “Here is the yarn you wanted. Mr. Hartford said it was an even s
wap.”
Josie took the bag, her hand briefly brushing Tobias’s. “Denke.” A shiver went down her spine. He smelled clean and fresh, and he looked healthy and muscular. “You seem well,” she managed to croak.
“I am gut,” he said, his eyes telling her he wanted to say more.
Before he could speak, Josiah hurried to them. “Josie?”
Josie spun toward her brother. “I have the yarn. I am ready.”
Josiah shot Tobias a long stare, but said nothing. “Then we should head home.”
Josie didn’t know what to say to Tobias, so she turned and headed toward the buggy.
But she heard her brother’s words. “Everything all right, Tobias?”
“Ja.”
She looked back and saw him turn toward the front of the building. He looked over his shoulder, his gaze holding hers, his smile soft and reassuring.
Her heart couldn’t be sure of anything except how much she missed him. When she got into the open buggy, Josie sank against the seat.
“Did you talk?” Josiah said, his tone hopeful.
“Briefly.” She wiped at her eyes. “Why is he still here?”
Josiah clicked the reins and started the docile horse toward home. “I heard he found work at the furniture market.”
Josie glanced toward the market. “Abram needs a strong worker.”
“So you are all right with that?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “If he is not buying our home, why is he still here?”
Her brother sent her a quick glance and then watched the road. “I think he came here for more than a house, Josephine.”
Josie gulped in air. Tobias wasn’t going away. Could there be some hope for them after all?
* * *
Josie couldn’t stop shaking.
After Josiah dropped her off, Josie hurried inside the grossmammi haus and dropped the bag of yarn onto the dining table. Then she rushed to her room and sat down in the rocking chair to stare out the window.
