She quickly hurried to the door that led to the back room. “I’ll manage.”
The man started to object.
“If it’s canned goods or jars, you can carry them for me. But I’ll start with the lighter items.” Emma brought out a number of boxes and set them in the corner to grab when she needed them.
The morning passed quickly. Henry left with Leah for the doctor’s appointment at noon, and with them gone Emma chose that time to pay for the garments Leah had given her. She opened the register drawer and put in a hundred dollars. The rest she would need if she didn’t want to find herself living on the streets again.
The front door opened with a tinkling of bells as Joseph Lapp stepped into the store. Flushing with guilt, Emma slammed shut the drawer and smiled at him. “Joseph, is it that time already?”
“Ja.” He didn’t return her smile. “Are you ready to go?”
She stared at him. Something felt wrong. She looked away. “Let me lock the doors and we can slip out the back.” Emma brushed by him on the way to lock the front door.
“Where are Leah and Henry?”
“Leah had a doctor’s appointment.”
Joseph nodded. He watched her lock the front door, then waited while she grabbed her wallet from under the counter. He followed her out through the back of the store. After ensuring that the rear door was locked, she faced Daniel’s brother.
“You didn’t have to come to take me home.”
He narrowed his gaze. “Why not?” He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something else, then promptly shut it.
Emma followed him to his buggy, then climbed in. Joseph got situated in the seat next to her and picked up the leathers. He sat a moment without moving. Finally, he turned and met her gaze. “Tell me that you didn’t take money out of the register.”
Emma gaped at him in shock. “I didn’t take money out of the register.”
“Then why did you open it? There were no customers in the store.”
She blinked back tears. “I didn’t take money from the register,” she insisted.
He stared at her. She faced him with glistening eyes. “I put money in the drawer,” she admitted hoarsely, her throat tight. “Leah won’t take any payment for the dresses she gave me. I needed to repay her, so I thought I’d—”
“Slip it in the register when she wasn’t here?” Joseph said softly.
“Ja.”
She braced herself for his response, but he just smiled at her. “Let’s go. I’m sure you’re tired and ready to go home.” He believed her, she realized.
Emma nodded. She wished the Stoltzfus residence was truly her home. But it wasn’t, and it never would be. So she would leave tonight. She settled her wallet in her lap and hugged herself. Despite her sweater, she was cold. The temperature had cooled, and there was a hint of dampness in the air. The distant sky was dark, as if threatening rain.
Joseph noticed the change in temperature and the dark sky as well. “I need to get you home before it pours.”
“Will you be oll recht?” she asked with concern. “Or will you stay with us until the rain passes?”
“I don’t live too far. I’m sure I’ll make it home before the storm hits.”
It had started to drizzle by the time Joseph drove his wagon onto his uncle’s property.
“Are you sure you won’t stay?” Emma asked.
He gave her a genuine smile that warmed her inside. His willingness to believe her about the register meant a lot to her.
Emma climbed out of his vehicle and waved to him as he drove away before she ran to the house. She burst into the kitchen. “A storm’s coming.”
“I saw,” Missy said. “Thank the Lord you’re home.” The woman eyed her damp garments. “You’re shivering, child. Take off your sweater. Tea? It will warm you up.”
“Ja.” She would miss these moments with Missy. She would miss her and Arlin and their married daughters and family. And the Lapps. But she’d miss Daniel most of all.
As she spooned sugar into her tea, Emma thought about leaving. Should she leave at night? Or in the morning? She wouldn’t go in the rain. She’d get sick if she did. If she became ill and out of sorts, the police would have a better chance of finding her.
She’d have to plan her departure wisely. She was safe here until someone learned the truth about her identity and her past. Then she’d be shunned and tossed out of Happiness. She wished there were a way to work at the Yoders’ store for a little longer so she could save a bit more money for food and shelter until she could figure out what to do next.
“Emma.” Missy’s urgent calling of her name alerted her to the woman’s concern that she’d said Emma’s name several times without a response. “What’s wrong?”
Emma shook her head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
The older woman looked as if she didn’t believe her, which made Emma feel all the more guilty. Emma remembered well the ideals of her Amish community, and she knew that she rarely thought much about going against them. Until now. Because of Missy and Arlin and Leah and the others. Until Daniel.
“May I help you prepare supper?” Emma asked, hoping to distract her.
“We’re having leftovers. You can help me make a dessert if you’d like.”
Emma grinned. “What will we have?”
“I thought we’d make custard.”
“Sounds delicious.” Emma put thoughts of leaving from her mind for now and concentrated on spending the rest of the day with the woman who had come to mean so much to her. Her thoughts continually remained on all she’d be leaving behind when she left.
* * *
Daniel and his construction crew stopped work early because of the rain. He climbed into his buggy and headed home. Joseph would have taken Emma home by now. He thought of her too often lately. Why? It wasn’t as if he could wed her. The fact that she looked as if she fit into his Amish community didn’t negate the knowledge that she was an Englisher who would soon leave.
He’d had a good week at work. Next week would prove to be better, moneywise. He had saved a lot of his pay. It was time for him to look for a place to rent for his upcoming business. What if all the places he liked were more expensive than he’d anticipated?
Instead of going straight home, he decided to drive through the area to see if there were any locations that might work for him. The ideal spot would have a house and a decent outbuilding he could use as his harness shop. He thought of Emma again as he passed by some houses with outbuildings. What would she think of the homes in the area? Would she come with him to look at places if he asked? He wasn’t sure what was for sale. He would have to ask around or contact a real estate agent. He might have to rent first, but he really wanted to buy a place.
He gave up after a half hour and steered his horse toward home.
Daniel drove onto his father’s property and pulled the buggy close to the barn. He undid the horse and took him to his stall. After he fed and watered him, he took care of the rest of the animals before he headed in.
His mam was in the kitchen making supper. His father sat at the kitchen table with a steaming cup of coffee before him. They both looked over as he came in. “Hallo.”
“Daniel,” his mother greeted.
Then he turned his attention to his father. “Did you get what you wanted done today, Dat?”
Samuel Lapp nodded. “Ja, Joseph and I worked on the new outbuilding we started.”
“Do you want to work on it tonight?” He couldn’t take off from his job, but he could work on it after hours.
“No need. Another day’s work is all we need.”
“I took care of the animals,” Daniel said. “What’s for supper?”
“Can’t you smell it?” his mother teased.
“Fried chicken.” Daniel loved fried chicken. Did Emma know how to make it? he won
dered.
“With mashed potatoes and green beans.”
He grinned. “My favorite. Any coffee left?” When his mother nodded, he took a mug from the cabinet and filled it. He sat next to his father and fixed his coffee. “Where’s Joseph?”
“Upstairs washing up.”
“Did he take Emma home?”
Samuel shrugged. “He said he did.”
As if on cue, Joseph entered the kitchen, his hair wet and in freshly laundered clothes. “Said he did what?” he asked.
“Take Emma home.”
Joseph nodded. “Ja. Got her there before the rain hit hard.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Did she give you any trouble?”
“Nay, but—” His brother’s brow furrowed. “Would you come outside with me for a minute?” He shot his parents a quick look.”
Daniel frowned. “Is something wrong?”
“Not really, but there is something I’d like to discuss.”
He followed Joseph onto the covered front porch. “What’s so important that we can’t talk about it in front of Mam and Dat?”
“’Tis about Emma.”
Daniel chest tightened. “What about her?”
“When I went to get her, I caught her in the cash drawer.” Joseph paused. “There were no customers in the store. I asked her if she had taken anything.”
“If she was stealing money?”
Joseph nodded. “Ja. She denied it. Said she was putting money in the drawer because Leah and Henry won’t let her pay for the garments Leah gave her. Daniel, I believe she’s telling the truth, but I wanted you to know.” There was concern for Emma in his expression. “I feel terrible for questioning her like she was a thief. I don’t really know her so I had to ask.” He met Daniel’s gaze directly. “She had tears in her eyes, Daniel. She was hurt that I doubted her innocence.”
Daniel listened, unsure what to think. “I appreciate that you told me.” Daniel wanted to trust Emma, but like his bruder, he would have questioned her. Still, he wanted to believe her, so he would until she proved herself a liar.
“I think she’ll tell you. She was really upset.”
Daniel could only nod. “We’d better go in before Dat comes looking for us.” He managed to smile. “I’m hungry.”
Joseph grinned. “I’m starving.”
Daniel’s mind was on Emma as they went back into the house. He hated the idea that she might have stolen from Leah and Henry. It made more sense that she’d tried to pay for the clothes that Leah gave her. It probably bothered Emma not to give back what she felt she owed the Yoders.
The young woman fit in well with his community. What if it was all an act on her part? She was English, and Englishers could be deceitful. Everyone is human and capable of deceit. He was upset at the thought that Emma could deceive any of them.
After dinner, he could go to see his onkel and endie and visit for a spell. Arlin was like a second father to him, so it wasn’t unusual for him to drop by uninvited.
He’d also get to visit with Emma, too. Daniel felt a burst of happiness as he pictured her living in his community, in his home, having his children...
She’s an Englisher. She will never stay.
Daniel sighed. He had to confront her, make her tell the truth about whether or not she’d taken money from the store register. And what if she didn’t? I’ll have to apologize for asking.
He didn’t want her to be guilty of stealing. He appreciated how hard she worked for his aunt and uncle, and for Leah and Henry. She has no family. Is she happy here?
He didn’t need the distraction of his growing feelings for her. He needed to concentrate on getting his harness shop up and running.
“Soohn, you seem pensive. Are you oll recht?” his mother asked as he sat at the kitchen table.
“Just thinking about work,” he said.
“Work?” his father teased. “Or the business you want to open?”
Daniel smiled. “The business,” he confessed.
“I have some money set aside,” Dat began.
“Nay, Dat, I need to do this on my own.”
“There is no shame in accepting a little help when you need it,” Samuel insisted. “You can pay me back once you’re established and earning a good living.”
Daniel regarded his father thoughtfully. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
His father nodded approvingly. “Gut.”
Joseph took the seat across from him. The only one missing from the table was his sister. “Where is Hannah?” Daniel asked.
“She’s visiting Rose Ann,” his mam said. “But I expected her back by now.”
Samuel frowned. “I should look for her.”
“I’ll look for her after supper,” Daniel said.
“She’s old enough for rumspringa,” Joseph pointed out.
Though Daniel knew that, he was as concerned as his mam and dat.
A sound at the door drew their attention, then Hannah bounced in, smiling. Her eyes widened as she saw that her family was already seated for supper. “I’m sorry I’m late. I lost track of time.”
“We just sat down,” his mother said, looking relieved.
“Gut.” Hannah seemed reassured.
“Come and eat.” Daniel motioned to the empty chair.
“I’ll wash my hands first.” She walked over to the kitchen sink. “What’s for dinner?”
“If you’d been here—” her father growled.
“Samuel,” Katie said gently. “Would you pass the fried chicken, please?”
Hannah dried her hands with a kitchen towel, then sat in her usual seat, on Daniel’s right. “Smells delicious. You’re right, Mam. I should have been here to help,” she said sincerely. “I won’t be late again.”
“’Tis fine, dochter,” their mudder said. “You can help me with tomorrow night’s supper.”
Daniel observed his family while he ate. He felt warm and comfortable with them. Emma didn’t have a family who made her feel that way. Had she ever? he wondered. He silently groaned. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?
He thought of postponing his visit, but he wanted to see Emma this evening. To see Emma? Or Arlin and Missy? He’d visit with his relatives and Emma, he decided.
Chapter Ten
The scent of vanilla wafted in the air, teasing her taste buds, as Emma learned to make custard. “It smells delicious.”
“’Tis one of my favorite desserts,” Missy admitted.
“What else can I help with?”
“You can take the ham and the sweet-and-sour green beans out of the refrigerator,” the older woman said. “Then would you check on Arlin? He’s been in his workshop for most the day.”
“Okay. Should I set the table first?”
Missy smiled. “Ja, danki.”
Emma put out plates, then placed the food in the center of the table. When she was done, she walked to the barn to where Arlin kept a small workshop in the far back corner. He liked to build birdhouses and other small wooden items. Missy had told her earlier that Arlin had started his woodworking to earn extra money to pay off medical bills after their daughter Meg had been hospitalized with a serious illness. Their Amish community, which was in Ohio at the time, had given them financial help, but Arlin had been determined to do what he could to pay off some of the bills himself. While doing so, he’d discovered he enjoyed making things, so now he did it for the joy of it rather than necessity.
Emma entered the barn and approached Arlin at his workbench. He was sawing a block of wood with a handsaw. The scent of slightly burnt wood lingered in the air. As she studied Arlin before he knew she was there, she blinked back tears. She would miss him and Missy. She had to go, but she would be leaving a huge section of her heart behind.
Arlin set down his saw and picked up a pie
ce of sandpaper. As he sanded the newly cut wooden edges, Emma shifted closer. “Busy, I see,” she said softly so she wouldn’t startle him.
He smiled at her. He didn’t seem in the least surprised to see her, as if he knew she’d been there all along. “Come and take a look at what I’ve been making.”
Emma leaned closer to see a small wooden box, which was beautifully handcrafted. She saw that the lid opened and closed on tiny brass hinges. “It’s lovely.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Arlin said. “I made it for you.”
She gasped. “For me?”
“Ja.” The man had affection in his gaze as he handed it to her.
“’Tis the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen,” she breathed as she cradled the box lovingly in her hands. “I’ve never had anything this nice before.” She swallowed against a tight throat. “Danki.”
“You are most willkomm, dochter.”
Her eyes filled with tears. He had called her daughter. She turned away before he could see them. “Missy said to tell you that supper’s ready.”
“I’ll be in shortly,” he promised, his voice soft.
She nodded, then quickly headed to the house, holding her precious gift. She let out a sob halfway there and paused to wipe her tears and get control of her emotions. She was leaving. She didn’t want to go, but she knew she couldn’t stay. This Amish community practiced shunning, and the knowledge urged her to leave town before they learned the truth about her.
She’d have to write a note to soften the blow and thank them. She would confess that her time with them, as short as it was, had been the best time of her life. She would go, and she would take this handmade box with her, a memory of when she’d been regarded as a daughter by a kind man and his wife.
Emma entered the kitchen, showed Missy what Arlin had made for her, then took it to her room, where it would stay for only a few hours more. Then she went downstairs and joined Missy and Arlin at the supper table, where she pretended that everything was fine. Her heart was breaking as she smiled and ate supper, and then as she helped Missy clean the dishes and put them away afterward. She was about to plead tiredness and head up to her room when a knock on the side door stopped her. Seconds later, Daniel greeted them as he let himself in.
Finding Her Amish Love Page 10
