She scowled at him. “Whose side are you on?”
“I’m on your side, but I can see both sides. I would do it if the bishop agreed.”
Her face brightened. “You would?”
“Unfortunately, he said it wouldn’t be proper, as I’m a single fellow.”
“I’m grateful that you asked. What’s the use? I might as well see if Connie can get some of her money back for the entry fees she had to pay. I feel like such a failure.”
“You can’t take the whole blame upon yourself. Perhaps this is Gott’s will for Connie.”
“I know, but it makes me angry.”
“Does being angry at Gott help?”
She had the grace to look ashamed. “Nee, it does not.”
“Then don’t let bitterness into your heart. It’s hard to weed out when it takes hold.”
“I was so sure I could do this.”
“Did you get your sister off to Florida?”
“We did, and I miss her already. Which is funny because we were always fighting.”
“It was the same with me when my brothers moved out. Now that I don’t have to share a room with anyone, it’s lonely at times. Timothy and I became a lot closer when it was just the two of us.”
“Where are he and Lillian going for their wedding trip?”
“They were going to stay with her folks in Wisconsin, but they have decided to postpone the trip until the spring.”
He suddenly straightened. “Have you asked Timothy and Lillian if they would chaperone your group?”
“Nee, I didn’t think they would be here.”
“They’re the perfect couple to do this. They’re married and respected teachers. No one could object to their supervision.”
“Let’s go ask them.”
“Now?”
“Have you got something better to do?”
“I don’t, but aren’t you supposed to be exercising Connie’s horses?”
“I have one more to ride after I’m done with Benny, but why don’t I saddle the other one for you and we’ll exercise them by riding to Timothy’s place. Connie won’t mind if we can secure a chaperone.”
Noah had ridden astride many times as a boy, but it had been a while. “I wish Timothy hadn’t given up his cell phone. It would have been so much easier to call him. Which horse is it?”
“Joker. He’s in stall number six. Do you think Timothy might agree? I’m afraid to hope.”
“Never be afraid to hope. First Corinthians, chapter thirteen—‘and now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three...’”
“‘But the greatest of these is charity,’” she finished, and he smiled.
* * *
Fannie found herself smiling back at Noah. He was willing to help her and her team. He genuinely seemed to care about her efforts to help Connie. If he had been trying to endear himself to her, he couldn’t have gone about it in a better way. It felt wonderful to have his support.
Ten minutes later, they were cantering along the edge of the river toward the covered bridge at Bowmans Crossing. Timothy and Lillian lived on the other side of the ridge, beyond the river. Both horses were eager to run, but Noah held his mount beside Fannie’s mare.
They passed by his house before they reached the bridge. His mother was in her garden. She raised a hand and called a cheerful greeting. Fannie waved back.
“It makes me feel rotten,” Noah said under his breath.
“What does?”
“Mamm is so happy we are dating. I’m sure going to hate to tell her we’ve broken up when the time comes.”
“I know what you mean. My mother is happy about us, too.”
Fannie slowed her mount to a walk as they entered the covered bridge, alert for oncoming traffic. Cars sometimes sped through without slowing. Once they were on the other side, Fannie urged her horse to a faster pace, eager to find out if Timothy would become their manager. The road curved around the hillside where the school was located and then zigzagged back and forth up a steep ridge through the dense woods.
At the top of the ridge, Fannie pulled her horse to a stop. “Let’s rest them a minute. I love this spot.”
A natural clearing off to one side of the road presented a breathtaking view through a break in the trees. The farmland spread out below was a colorful patchwork of fields and woodlands laid out like a giant crazy quilt. The clearing also provided a secluded spot for young couples, Amish and English, looking to be alone.
She glanced at Noah. Had he come here with any of the girls he’d dated before? She couldn’t bring herself to ask.
He swung out of the saddle, and walked back and forth. “My legs aren’t used to straddling a horse. I should have driven my buggy and tied these horses on behind. It would have been the same amount of exercise for them.”
“Take a hot bath tonight, that will help any sore muscles. Connie likes her mature horses to be ridden three or four times a week. It helps them behave well for her riding classes. If someone comes looking to buy a horse, she can let them ride with confidence, knowing the horse won’t buck or balk.”
“Makes sense, but that’s a lot of horseback riding each week. How many does she have?”
“Forty, but only twenty-five of them are for sale.”
“Forty? That’s a lot of hay and oats as well as saddle blisters. I can see why she needs to broaden her market.”
“The breed is gaining in popularity. We just need to show more people what they can do.”
“I admit I’ve always thought of them as little draft horses.”
“That’s what they were bred for in Europe. They came from the mountainous areas of Austria and northern Italy. A stallion known as 249 Folie was born in 1874. He is considered the foundation sire. Modern Haflingers can trace their lineage back to Folie through one of seven bloodlines.”
“You really are taken with the breed, aren’t you?”
“Because they try hard to do whatever we ask of them.”
He mounted Joker again. “Let’s hope Timothy can save The Amish Girls team.” He groaned as he swung up into the saddle. “I haven’t ridden astride in ages. I’m rusty.”
“You ride well.”
“The horse has a smooth gait.”
“It’s a breed characteristic. They are gentle and willing to please. They make wonderful pets for children.”
“Will your father be raising them instead of Standardbreds anytime soon?” he asked with a grin.
She laughed. “I doubt it. He loves a high stepper as much as you do.”
“I like it when you laugh.”
She blushed. “It’s not like it’s a rare thing.”
“Rare enough. You worry too much.”
“I know that to worry is to doubt Gott’s mercy and love, but I can’t help it. Don’t you worry that you will lose a game or not be invited to the state tournament?”
“I play my best, and if it is Gott’s will that we lose, I accept that.”
“When I lose I think it’s because I didn’t try hard enough.”
“You’ll be more content if you learn to let go of your fear of failure.”
“I’m not afraid of failing.”
“Aren’t you?”
Maybe she was afraid of failing, but she was more afraid of disappointing her friend. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “Why did you come with me today?”
“Why did you ask me?”
“Timothy is your brother.”
“Lillian is your friend. You didn’t need me to come along. Maybe you like my company,” he suggested.
“You can be fun sometimes. When you are being nice.”
“A compliment from karotte oben. Things really have changed.”
“I’m perf
ectly willing to scold you if you feel you need it.”
“Nee, I prefer you this way.”
“What way is that?”
“Not throwing things at me or kicking my shins.”
She tipped her head. “Some of those were accidents, some you deserved. What are you going to do when baseball season is over?” she asked to change the subject.
“I’m not sure.” He grew somber. “A lot depends on if we make it into the tournament.”
“How so?”
He hesitated for a long moment. “My coach, the guys on my team, they tell me I’m really good. Good enough to play professional ball.”
She couldn’t have been more surprised if he’d said he wanted to fly airplanes. “Are you considering that? I confess I never imagined you living a worldly life. You seem so happy among us.”
“Gott has given me a mighty gift. If I’m to use it to honor Him, I don’t see how I can accomplish that here.”
“‘Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.’ Matthew 5:15.” She understood his dilemma.
“Exactly. I’m not like Luke was when he left. He hated all things Amish, hated the restrictions and rules. I see their purpose. I love my family and they would be disappointed if I left, but perhaps that is Gott’s plan for me. I will know by the end of the tournament.”
“How?”
“If I get an offer from a professional scout, then I will know my place is elsewhere.”
“Does your family know this?”
“I’m not ready to tell them.”
“No wonder you agreed to my proposal. I had no idea how important playing ball is to you.”
He chuckled. “Who would have thought that you and your Haflingers would ride to my rescue? The Lord moves in mysterious ways. Let’s go see if Timothy can ride to the rescue of The Amish Girls.”
They headed down the winding road on the far side of the ridge. Fannie had plenty of time to think about the confidence Noah had shared with her.
It had never entered her mind that he would leave the community. The thought of just how much she would miss him was sobering. And all the more reason to keep a tight rein on her feelings for him.
It didn’t take them long to reach Timothy’s home. They found the newlyweds together in the garden.
“Noah, this is a surprise.” Timothy stopped working and leaned on his hoe.
“A pleasant one,” Lillian said, rising to her feet with her apron full of new potatoes. “Come inside. I have a fresh pot of coffee on the stove.”
“Have you bought yourself a new pony?” Timothy asked, taking the reins as Noah stepped down.
“Just exercising this one for a friend. You own a Haflinger, don’t you, Lillian?” Noah asked.
“I do. Goldie is a wonderful cart horse. What can we do for the two of you?”
Fannie followed Lillian into the house. “I have something to ask you and your husband.”
“Let’s sit. I’ll get the coffee.” Lillian dumped her load of potatoes in the sink and washed her hands before getting out mugs.
When everyone had a cup, Fannie glanced from Lillian to Timothy. “My riding club has been preparing a drill team program at Connie Stroud’s horse farm.”
“Noah has told us the bishop won’t let you continue there,” Lillian said.
“Not unless we can find someone to chaperone us. I was wondering if you might take on the task, Timothy?”
“Me? I don’t know anything about equine drill teams.”
Noah leaned forward. “You don’t have to. Fannie can manage the team. What she needs is someone respectable to make sure the girls are not unduly influenced by their Englisch surroundings.”
“Have there been undue influences?” Timothy asked.
“No,” Fannie said quickly.
“Yes,” Noah said a second later.
Fannie took a deep breath and nodded. “Some of the girls were made uncomfortable by the attention of Connie’s hired man and his music.”
“Then the bishop was wise in his decision,” Lillian said softly.
“Connie has said it won’t happen again,” Fannie stressed.
“She may mean well, but few Englisch understand our ways well enough to judge what is acceptable and what isn’t.” Timothy took a sip of his coffee.
“How much time would this involve?” Lillian asked.
“Four hours a week and travel to several local shows before we go to the Horse Expo next month.”
Timothy scratched the new beard darkening his cheeks. “That’s a big commitment, Fannie.”
“I know it is.” She folded her hands on the table and waited. If God wanted her plan to continue, He would move Timothy to accept. Noah had told her to have faith and she was trying.
“I’ll help all I can,” Noah said. “I can take care of chores here for you, if need be.”
Lillian took a sip of her coffee and put her cup down. “I would be interested in watching the girls from our school perform.”
Timothy nodded slowly. “I reckon it might be considered an educational opportunity for them. Horses supply our transportation and help us till our fields. Everyone should have an understanding of how to train and handle them.”
“The girls learn cooperation, not just between horse and rider, but between each other. It takes practice and commitment. To do it well takes a team effort.” Noah glanced at Fannie, and she smiled her thanks.
“Kind of like baseball,” Timothy said.
“Kind of,” Fannie agreed.
“If it is educational and does not conflict with our teachings, I believe it to be a worthwhile project.” Timothy sat back and winked at his wife.
“Then you’ll do it?” Fannie pressed her palms together.
“Ja, we will do it.” He reached for his wife’s hand across the table.
“In fact, we were hoping to be asked,” Lillian said with a smile. “I belonged to a riding club when I was a girl. I made some lifelong friends and wonderful memories.”
“I must speak to the bishop first, but I’m sure he won’t object. When do we start?” Timothy looked to Fannie.
“Tuesday at six o’clock in Connie Stroud’s riding arena.”
Timothy nodded. “We will see you there.”
Noah stood and held out his hand. “Danki, bruder. You have made a whole gaggle of girls happy.”
“Ja, danki, Timothy. This is wunderbar. I can’t wait to tell everyone.” Fannie jumped to her feet, too, almost knocking over her mug in her haste. Lillian caught it before the contents spilled into Noah’s lap.
Feeling foolish, but still excited, Fannie left the house. Outside, she spun in a circle and threw her arms around Noah. “I’m so happy!”
He slipped his arms around her waist. “I’m happy that you’re happy.”
“Are you?” She stared into his eyes, amazed at the way they darkened.
“I said so, didn’t I?” Slowly, he bent his head toward her, and she knew he was going to kiss her.
Chapter Eight
Noah waited, expecting Fannie to turn away from him, but she didn’t. He should stop, but he wanted to taste her sweet lips, feel them pressed against his. The strength of those desires shook him to his core. Unsure of her reaction, he lifted her chin with his hand. “I would like to kiss you, Fannie.”
“Then why are you talking?” She closed her eyes.
Because he was a fool and because he didn’t want to take advantage of her innocence. She was excited that her drill team could continue. He was only her pretend beau. She deserved a real one. Someone who was sure of his place in her life. God had not yet shown Noah if he belonged in the Amish world or the outside world. Until that chang
ed, he didn’t have the right to kiss her. “I don’t think this is the time or place.”
She stepped back, a hurt expression filling her eyes. “Let me know when you think the right time might be and I’ll see if I’m busy or not.”
Sweeping around him, she headed to her horse.
“Fannie, let me explain.”
She didn’t slow down. Mounting her horse, she slipped Joker’s reins loose and took off at a gallop with both horses, leaving Noah behind.
He heard the door of Timothy’s house open and his brother came out. “I couldn’t help noticing Fannie looked out of sorts just now. Is something amiss between you?”
“She drives me narrisch.” This whole masquerade was insane. It was tying him up in knots. Did she like him or not? One minute he was sure she did. The next minute she was furious with him and he didn’t understand why.
“My wife can drive me crazy, too. Gott designed women that way. It keeps us men humble.”
“The moment something isn’t going right, Fannie’s temper takes over and she flies off the handle instead of listening to reason.”
“Noah, I’ve seen you gentle a skittish filly that no one could handle. It took time and effort, but you never gave up. Now Ginger is the sweetest horse on the farm and the one Daed trusts to take Mamm where she needs to go. You must put some of that effort into understanding Fannie.”
“Horses are different than people.”
“Are they? Don’t we respond to patience and kindness? Don’t we want someone to understand our fears, to reward us when we have done well? The biggest mistake you can make in a relationship is to guess at what the other person is feeling. You have to ask and you have to listen. Honesty is the only way two people can live their lives together in harmony.”
Honesty was something sorely lacking in his relationship with Fannie. “I’ll have a talk with her when she cools down.”
“Goot. Can I give you a lift home?”
“Can you take me to the Stroud farm? Willy is there.”
“Sure. If we hurry, maybe we can reach the farm before Fannie leaves.”
“No need to rush. I think it’s going to be a while before her temper cools.”
Their Pretend Amish Courtship Page 9
