Finding Her Amish Love

by Rebecca Kertz

  He nodded. “Because I scared her, and I’m sorry for that.” Then he explained what happened, watching as his cousin’s expression went from horror to understanding to pleasure as he said, “She told me she ran from her foster family. And that she would never go back. I don’t know what happened to her, but it must have been something bad.”

  Leah nodded. “I think it was.” His cousin smiled. “She trusts you.”

  “You think so?”

  “Ja. I’m surprised that she told you anything. She must feel safe with you.”

  Daniel swelled up with emotion. “Now tell me what she told you.”

  Leah frowned. “I can’t. I’m sorry, but I promised I’d keep her secrets.”

  “What kind of secrets?” He stared at her, hoping that she’d give them up.

  “I promised. You know I don’t like secrets. And while I don’t like pretending that Emma is my cousin, I will do it to protect her. She’s afraid of her foster father, and I’ll do what I can to make sure she is safe until she won’t be forced to go back after she’s eighteen.”

  He understood, but he was still bothered by the girl’s secrets. What if she wasn’t telling the truth? Doubts about her slid in to disturb him as he drove back to see Reuben.

  Emma had been so distraught when he threatened a call to the police that he sympathized with Emma once she’d told him why she was afraid. He sighed. He didn’t need the complication of her in his community right now. He needed to concentrate on work and his ultimate goal of opening his harness shop. He’d been saving for some time, and he nearly had enough money to look for rental property. Daniel knew that Elijah would give him space in his carriage shop for his business, but he didn’t want to take help from his brother. He wanted to be self-sufficient in his business. His brothers had made it on their own. He would, too.

  The time spent with Leah after dropping off Emma gave him little left to talk with Reuben before he had to head to the construction site to work. He and the crew he worked with were starting a new job this afternoon. A number of subcontractors were working the site this morning. They would take over at noon.

  It was late September. Soon the temperatures would drop, and work would ease up. He wanted to get in as many hours as possible. A few weeks working for the construction company should net him enough to quit.

  Emma’s vulnerable features swam in his memory. He didn’t know what to believe about the Englisher, and until he knew he could trust her for certain, he would have to put his family first before his business...even if it meant his plans would be delayed a little longer.

  Daniel scowled. He didn’t want to put off his plans, but how could he not? The Yoders and Stoltzfuses were family, and if he learned that Emma was a liar and a thief, he’d do everything he could to protect them. Even if it meant doing something he didn’t want to do—like call the police.

  Chapter Four

  Emma gazed at the kind couple who owned the house she’d be living in for the next five weeks. “I’m a stranger, yet you’ve taken me in.”

  Arlin studied her with warmth. “Missy explained the situation. The best place for you is here.” He smiled at her. “And we could use the help if you’re up to it.”

  “I’d be happy to help. I don’t mind work.” Relief hit her hard as she gazed at Leah’s parents with gratitude.

  “Then ’tis the ideal arrangement,” Arlin said.

  Missy eyed Jess with a frown. “’Tis chilly in the morning. If you’re to help with morning chores, you’ll need a jacket and a sweater.” She narrowed her gaze as she studied her. “I have a sweater that should fit you. You can wear Charlie’s old jacket until I can make you a new one.”

  Emma opened and closed her mouth. “You’re going to make me a jacket?”

  “Ja. It will be getting colder outside in the coming weeks, and I don’t want you to get sick.” The woman eyed her with affection.

  “I have a jacket.” She cringed. “It’s not in the best shape, but if you have a needle and thread, I could fix it.”

  “I’d rather make you a new one,” the woman said.

  Arlin caught and held Emma’s gaze when Missy turned to put a kettle of water to heat on the stove. “No sense arguing with her,” he said. “She’ll do what she wants, and you’ll not be stopping her.” The twinkle in his eyes showed amusement. “We have grandchildren, but she misses having a daughter in the haus. You being here means the world to her,” he whispered. “She’s going to want to spoil you.”

  “I heard that, husband,” she said sharply, but there was a smile on her lips as she faced him. Her smile remained in place as she turned to Emma. “He’s right. I’m happy to have you here.”

  Overcome with emotion, Emma blinked rapidly. “Danki.”

  “We don’t say thank you often. We show our gratitude in other ways. With a smile or a nod or by doing something special for someone,” Arlin told her.

  Emma nodded. It had been a long time since she lived among the Amish. It wasn’t surprising that she’d forgotten a few things. “I guess I have a lot to learn.”

  “And you’ll do well.”

  “I—ah—does it bother you that I’m pretending to be a cousin? I know it’s wrong, but—”

  “’Tis the only way to keep you hidden and safe. We are fine with it,” Missy assured her.

  “Arlin, where’s Jeremiah?”

  “I left him in the barn.”

  Missy frowned. “Why?”

  “I didn’t want to frighten Emma.”

  “Jeremiah?” Emma asked. “Your dog?”

  “Ja. We had him at our other haus and brought him with us,” Missy said.

  “Is he black and white? A little fluffy thing?”

  Arlin studied her thoughtfully. “He is. How do you know that?”

  She blushed. “I slept in your barn when you lived in the other house. He kept me company during the night. I was afraid something had happened to him.”

  “Something happened to him, oll recht. He’s captured the heart of my husband. Arlin, go get him and bring him inside before he chews something he shouldn’t.”

  The man rose stiffly and headed toward the door. “Ja, wife.”

  After he left, Missy laughed. “Don’t think he’s downtrodden. That man does nothing he doesn’t want to do.”

  Emma felt her lips curve. “I see.”

  Missy’s eyes twinkled. “I’m sure you do. We are going to get along just fine, you and I. Let me show you to your room before Arlin returns and you get reacquainted with Jeremiah.”

  The bedroom was small but lovely with a beautiful brightly colored homemade Amish quilt on the double bed. There was a nightstand on one side and a tall dresser against the wall next to the doorway. The sun shone through the window, brightening the room. Emma had never stayed in such a nice room. The warm feeling from being in Missy’s presence was the best Emma had felt in a long time.

  Emma felt hope well up and surround her. God had led her here, and she would thank Him every day for what He’d given her. She smiled as she sat on the bed while Missy looked on. “Perfect.”

  A loud bark from downstairs had Missy gesturing for Emma to follow her. “Jeremiah is back. Come and say hallo.”

  Emma followed Missy downstairs. The little dog saw her, and as if recognizing her, he sprang forward and placed his paws on her legs. She laughed, scooping him up to cuddle. Aware of being watched, she caught Arlin studying her and suddenly felt self-conscious. “I’m sorry.” She bent to put him down.

  “Nay,” Arlin said. “He likes you. You can hold him whenever you want.”

  She grinned and straightened with the little dog in her arms. “Do you want me to take him for a walk?”

  Arlin nodded. “Ja, I’m sure he would like that.”

  Emma saw the leash hanging from a wall peg in the kitchen. “Does he sleep in the barn
?”

  The man shook his head. “Nay, we usually keep him in the kitchen. I had him outside with me since earlier when I was working in the barn.” He exchanged looks with his wife, who gave a nod. “If you’d like to take him into your room tonight, I’m sure he’ll like that.”

  Emma felt misty. “I’d love that.” She smiled her thanks, then grabbed the leash and clipped it onto the dog’s collar. “When I get back, can we talk about my chores?”

  “Ja, we can talk about them,” Missy assured her. “Hold on a minute.” The woman left, returning in a moment with a sweater. “Put this on. ’Tis too chilly today to be without.”

  She immediately obeyed, pleased that someone cared enough to worry about her.

  The air was nippy, but the day was beautiful. She allowed Jeremiah to run, and she laughed as she followed his rapid pace. She walked toward the back of the property, noting the farm fields and the way the leaves were starting to change on the trees on the property. She made sure Jeremiah was ready to go back inside before she started back. She felt different in her Amish clothing, like she’d stepped back in time to when she was six years old and had visited with her grandparents. When she’d gone to school in Maryland, she’d stuck out like a sore thumb in the awful garments the Turners had insisted she wear. But here? She felt more at home than any other place except Indiana, where she’d lived so many years ago.

  She wondered if the Turners were unhappy she left. Or had her foster father realized what she’d seen? She hadn’t stayed long enough to see him after witnessing that drug deal and altercation behind the small shopping center in the center of town. Bryce would probably file a missing persons report again. But this time he wouldn’t find her. Not living here among the Amish. He would be unhappy with her. Taking her in had ensured he received eight hundred dollars a month from the state of Maryland. He’d look for her for that reason alone. But if he had pegged her for an eyewitness to his and his son’s crime? Then she was in danger. If she thought for one moment that he would find her here and hurt anyone who had hidden her, she would leave now. And she would do so if she learned that someone was in the area searching for her. These kind people didn’t deserve to be harmed for taking her in. But after what she’d seen, she knew it was a possibility, so she would stay as long as she could and hope that it would be enough time. Right now, the police would be on the Turners’ side. But once she was eighteen, they would stay out of it, for she would legally be an adult and no longer be anyone’s responsibility. She’d be free to come and go wherever she pleased.

  Emma refused to think about Bryce Turner and his son any longer. She was safe among the Amish. She’d live and be happy until the time came for her to go. A sensation of sadness filtered through her joy as she recalled that her life here was only temporary. The Stoltzfuses were doing so much for her. She wouldn’t take advantage of them. She’d make herself useful, starting right away.

  The sound of buggy wheels caught her attention as she led the dog toward the house. She blinked as Daniel Lapp parked near the house and got out as she reached the grass before the walkway to the side door.

  “Daniel,” she greeted, suddenly wary. “Is something wrong?”

  He approached with a large paper bag. “Nay, I left Ellie’s and am heading into work. I saw Leah again earlier and she wanted you to have this.”

  Curious, she approached, took the bag and looked inside. “Clothes?”

  Daniel nodded. “Just until she can get you new ones.”

  “I don’t need new clothes.” The garments she’d been given were way better than anything she’d owned at the Turners’.

  His expression softened. “Need them or not. You’ll be getting new garments if Leah has anything to say about it.”

  Emma laughed. “That’s what Missy said, and it sounds like her daughter is just as determined.” Her amusement faded. “You think I’m taking advantage of them. Your family. I wouldn’t have come, but I have nowhere else to go.”

  “I wasn’t thinking that at all,” he replied quietly. “Everyone needs help on occasion. We are always willing to help others. It’s the Lord’s way.”

  She nodded. “Will you come in?”

  “Just for a minute.” He followed her and Jeremiah into the house. “I see you have a new friend,” he said.

  “Jeremiah and I have met before, and I think he remembers me.” She opened the door and held it for him. “This little guy kept me company and warm the first time I fell asleep in that barn.” She stepped inside and he followed her. “Look who’s stopped by.”

  “Daniel,” Arlin greeted with warmth.

  His wife smiled. “What brings you back?”

  “Your dochter’s need to see that Emma has enough garments to last her until spring.”

  “Leah shouldn’t worry about me,” Emma replied.

  “Just accept it,” Missy suggested. “’Tis Leah’s nature to be concerned.” She addressed Daniel. “Tell her that I’ll take care of anything else Emma needs.”

  Emma’s gaze locked with Daniel’s, but she couldn’t read his expression.

  She unclipped Jeremiah’s leash, then unbuttoned her sweater and hung both on a wall hook. She would take her sweater upstairs later. After Daniel left, she’d have to ask Missy and Arlin about her chores. She’d always loved feeding the animals at her grandparents’ farm. Doing chores for the kind couple was the least she could do to repay them for their generosity.

  “Would you like anything?” Missy asked him, ever the welcoming hostess. “Tea? Cookies?”

  “Nay, Endie Missy. I’ll be heading over to the construction site. I have to work today.”

  “Is Reuben still set on building on to the great room?” Arlin asked.

  “Nay, I convinced him an addition isn’t necessary. It helped that Ellie wholeheartedly agrees with me. Your son-in-law accepted the truth with gut grace.”

  “How’s little Ethan?”

  “He’s fine. Hard to believe he’s standing and taking steps. Ellie is gut with him.”

  “Ja, he took to her right away. Ellie is happy to have such a wonderful family.”

  “Not as happy as Reuben, I imagine,” Daniel said with a smile.

  He left minutes later after promising to pick up Emma to take her to work. “I’ll be by at eight thirty tomorrow morning,” he reminded Emma.

  “I’ll be ready,” she promised, and then watched as he drove away. There was something about the man that drew her. What, she didn’t know.

  * * *

  Emma awoke before dawn and went downstairs. She was shocked to see Missy and Arlin already up and seated at the table with Daniel Lapp. He looked nice in a green shirt, black suspenders and navy pants. His hat sat on the chair beside him. His brown gaze slammed into hers, and her eyes widened until she managed to control her surprise.

  “You’re all up early,” she greeted. “Daniel, I thought you were coming by at eight thirty?”

  He nodded. “I woke up, got a few chores done and decided to stop by for breakfast with my favorite aunt and uncle.” He grinned at Arlin and Missy.

  “And we love having him,” Missy said with an affectionate smile. “’Tis not the first time he’s come to break his fast with us.”

  “I thought I’d get a head start on my chores before I eat,” Emma said. She had her borrowed jacket draped over her arm.

  “Why not have something to eat first?” Missy said. “There’s plenty of time to feed the animals.”

  Emma hesitated, then, not wanting to disappoint the woman, she pulled out the chair across from Daniel and sat down. Missy pushed a plate of muffins in her direction, then poured her a cup of coffee. “I can do that, Missy,” she said. “You don’t have to wait on me.”

  “I told you she’ll want to spoil you, Emma,” Arlin murmured with a grin.

  She sighed and accepted the coffee before she sweetened it
the way she liked it. Watching her, Daniel slid a pitcher of milk closer to her. Emma added a dash of the thick liquid, stirred it in, then took a sip. The coffee tasted wonderful. She closed her eyes and enjoyed another sip before she opened them to find Daniel staring at her. Suddenly feeling flustered, she blushed. “What else would you like me to do this morning besides feed the animals?” she asked as she buttered her muffin.

  “Not a thing,” Missy assured her.

  “Can I help with the wash? I can wash and hang clothes with the best of them.”

  “We’ll do laundry tomorrow.”

  The room grew quiet as the four of them drank their coffee and ate buttered muffins. Emma couldn’t remember tasting anything so good since she’d eaten in her grandmother’s kitchen. When she was done, she rose and put her dishes in the sink. She grabbed a flashlight from a kitchen drawer. “I’ll feed the animals and come back to do the dishes,” she said.

  Daniel stood. “I’ll go with you.”

  Emma felt her breath hitch as she locked gazes with him. “Oll recht,” she murmured, easily slipping into the language she’d learned as a young girl. She felt his presence strongly as she left the house and headed toward the barn.

  “You learn our words quickly,” he said.

  She tensed, pausing before she entered the outbuilding. “Why are you really here so early?” she asked.

  There was barely a hint of light in the sky. But it was enough illumination to see Daniel’s face.

  He gazed at her a long time. “To enjoy breakfast with my aunt and uncle.” He paused. “And to see if I could help you with chores this morning, being your first day here.”

  She felt herself soften toward him. “That’s kind of you.”

  He didn’t say anything. Something odd shifted in his expression before Daniel reached past her to open the door.

  Emma entered and switched on the flashlight. She waited as Daniel headed toward the back of the barn. She followed. She knew what to do but was willing to take his direction first.

  “We’ll let the horses out to graze,” he said.