[Kentucky Brothers 01] - The Journey

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “This is great!” Titus exclaimed. “Makes me wonder how small we must look in God’s eyes when He looks down from heaven.”

  “Probably like little specks.” Allen laughed. “But God knows each of us by name—even the number of hairs on our head.”

  Connie frowned. “You two aren’t going to ruin the day by talking about a bunch of religious stuff, I hope.”

  “Talking about God shouldn’t ruin anyone’s day,” Allen said. “I started going to Sunday school when I was a boy, and by the time I became a teenager, I’d given my heart to the Lord.”

  Connie rolled her eyes, as she pulled her fingers through the ends of her curly hair. “Please keep your religious views to yourself, because I’m really not interested.”

  Allen opened his mouth, like he might say more, but he closed it and pulled a camera from his shirt pocket instead. “Think I’ll take a couple of pictures while we’re up here. It isn’t every day we get to see a sight such as this.” He smiled at Titus. “Maybe if I send a few pictures of the area to Zach, he’ll decide to pack up his family and move here, too.”

  Titus shook his head. “I doubt that. Zach seems content to stay in Pennsylvania with the rest of our family. Hopefully, he and the others will come here for a visit sometime, but I don’t think any of them will ever leave Lancaster County.”

  Suzanne had spent the morning helping Mom clean house, and by noon she was more than ready for a break.

  “Should we make some sandwiches for lunch and eat them outside on the picnic table?” Mom asked.

  Suzanne smiled. “That’s a good idea. I always enjoy eating outside.”

  “Would you like to make the sandwiches while I prepare some lemonade?” Mom asked.

  “Sure, that’s fine.”

  “Can I help, too?” Effie asked as she skipped into the kitchen. “I think it’s fun to squeeze lemons.”

  Mom smiled and patted Effie’s head. “You can squeeze the lemons while I add water and sugar.”

  While Suzanne started working on the ham and cheese sandwiches, she thought about Titus and the remark he’d made about whether she’d put vinegar on the sandwiches. She knew he’d only been teasing, but it had hurt nonetheless. Still, she couldn’t make herself spend time in the kitchen, trying to perfect her skills, when she’d rather be outside doing something else. Besides, with Mom being such a good cook, anything Suzanne ever made would pale by comparison. And since she didn’t have a boyfriend and had no hope of marriage, what was the point in learning to cook?

  When Suzanne finished the sandwiches, she placed them on a platter and set it on the table. “Is Grandpa in his room?” she asked Mom. “Should I tell him that lunch is ready and we’ll be eating in the yard today?”

  “I saw him go outside a little bit ago,” Mom said. “He said something about a wasp’s nest in the barn that needed to be knocked down.”

  “I’ll go out and let him know lunch is ready.”

  Suzanne left the house and hurried to the barn. When she stepped inside, she didn’t see any sign of Grandpa.

  “Grandpa, are you in here?” she called.

  All she heard was the nicker of the horses from their stalls on the other side of the barn.

  Suzanne moved toward the back of the barn, and when she came to a place where a ladder had been set, she halted. There lay Grandpa, facedown on the floor!

  CHAPTER 20

  Kumme, Nelson! Schnell!” Suzanne shouted as she hurried from the barn and cupped her hands around her mouth.

  Nelson dashed out the back door of the house. “What are you shouting about? Why do you need me to come quickly?”

  “It’s Grandpa! He’s passed out on the barn floor. I … I think he must have been trying to climb the ladder and fell.” Suzanne’s heart pounded, and her voice shook with emotion. “Where is he?” Nelson asked as he raced into the barn. “Over there.” Suzanne pointed to the spot where Grandpa lay. “I tried to wake him, but he didn’t respond.”

  Nelson tore across the room, and Suzanne followed. “Grandpa, can you hear me?” Nelson felt Grandpa’s pulse. “He’s alive, so that’s a relief.” He picked up Grandpa’s false teeth. “Looks like these got knocked out of his mouth when he fell.”

  Suzanne knelt beside Grandpa, gently patting his face. “Wake up, Grandpa. Please, wake up.”

  Grandpa’s eyes fluttered open. “Wh-what happened? How come you two are standin’ over me with such worried faces?”

  “I found you here, unconscious.” Suzanne motioned to the ladder. “Were you trying to climb that to get to the wasp’s nest?”

  “Jah. Didn’t want any of ‘em botherin’ the horses while they’re in their stalls.” Grandpa groaned as he tried to sit up. “Think I must’ve got the wind knocked out of me when I fell, ‘cause I hurt all over. Guess that’s what I get for thinkin’ my shaky old legs could carry me up the ladder.”

  “I think we’d better call our driver and take you to the hospital in Hopkinsville,” Nelson said.

  The wrinkles in Grandpa’s forehead deepened when he frowned. “What for?”

  “To check you over and make sure nothing’s broken.”

  “The only thing broke is my pride,” Grandpa muttered. “Seems like I can’t do much of anything these days.”

  “That’s not true,” Suzanne spoke up. “You’re still doing the bookwork in the shop.”

  “Bookwork’s nothin’ compared to what I used to do.”

  Suzanne knew how much Grandpa liked being in the shop, but she also knew it must cause him pain whenever he tried to use his hands.

  “We can talk about this later,” Nelson said. “Right now we need to make sure you’re okay.” He slipped his hands around Grandpa’s waist, helping him slowly to his feet, while Suzanne gently held on to Grandpa’s arm.

  Grandpa winced as he tried to stand. “Oh boy. Don’t think I’m gonna be able to walk. My right ankle’s sore, and it feels like it’s swollen. Same holds true for my wrist.”

  Nelson lowered Grandpa back to the floor. “I’ll go inside and get Russell and Chad. Then the three of us will carry you into the house.” He looked at Suzanne. “Run down to the phone shanty and call one of our drivers. Let ‘em know that we need a ride to the hospital right away.”

  Allen had just pulled his truck out of the parking lot at the monument site, when Titus’s cell phone rang. As soon as he removed it from his trouser’s pocket, Esther’s eyebrows furrowed.

  Ignoring her questioning look, he clicked the TALK button and held the phone up to his ear. “Hello.”

  “Hi, it’s me, Timothy.”

  “Hey! Guess where I just came from?”

  “Where?”

  “Went up inside the Jefferson Davis Monument. It’s so high you can see for miles around. If you ever come to visit, I’ll have to take you there.”

  “Did you go there alone?”

  “Went with Allen and his friend, Connie. Also brought a friend of mine—Esther Beiler.”

  “I knew it!” Timothy chuckled. “I knew when you moved to Kentucky that you’d find a girlfriend there. What’s she like, Titus? Tell me about her.”

  Titus’s face heated. “We’re … uh … we’re all just friends.” He couldn’t say much with Esther sitting right beside him, still wearing a curious expression.

  “How are things with you?” Titus asked. “Is Hannah feeling any better?”

  “A bit. Samuel and Elsie were here awhile ago, and talking with Elsie seemed to help her some.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “It’s good that you were able to get a cell phone,” Timothy said. “Makes it a lot easier to get a hold of you now.”

  “Jah.” Titus glanced at Esther again, but this time, she looked away.

  “Guess I’d better let you go. Just wanted to see how you were doing.”

  “I appreciate you calling. Be sure to tell Mom, Dad, and the rest of the family I said hello.”

  “I will. Talk to you later.”

  Afte
r Titus put the phone back in his pocket, Esther looked over at him and said, “I didn’t realize you had a cell phone. Did you bring it with you from Pennsylvania?”

  He shook his head. “Bought it in Hopkinsville so I’d be able to keep in touch with my family back home.”

  Her forehead wrinkled. “In case you didn’t know it, cell phones aren’t allowed in our church district. I’m sure our ministers would be upset if they knew you had one.”

  The disapproving look on Esther’s face made Titus wish he’d left his cell phone at home.

  “Since there’s an old phone shanty behind the trailer, I’ll see about getting the phone there connected,” Titus said. I’ll just keep the cell phone for emergency purposes and to call home whenever I need to talk directly to someone, he silently added.

  As Esther turned to stare out the window, Titus thought about her fear of heights. It had really put a damper on his day to have her stay below while he went up into the monument. He wasn’t really sure that he and Esther were suited for each other but figured he needed to give her a chance. Maybe after a few more dates he’d feel more comfortable with her and discover that they had a few things in common.

  CHAPTER 21

  Paradise, Pennsylvania

  How’s Hannah doing?” Fannie asked when she and Abraham entered Timothy’s yard and found him sitting on the porch, with Mindy playing on a blanket nearby.

  “She’s in our room taking a nap right now, but she’s feeling a little better.”

  “Emotionally or physically?” Fannie asked.

  “Both. Samuel and Elsie stopped by yesterday, and Elsie shared a few things with Hannah about the way she felt when she had a miscarriage a few years ago. I think it helped for Hannah to know that someone else understands how she feels.” Timothy reached over and patted the top of his daughter’s head. “Hannah realizes that Mindy and I both need her, and I think she found comfort when Elsie reminded her that the baby we lost is in heaven.”

  Fannie nodded and smiled. “I’m glad she’s feeling better.”

  “We wish none of our family ever had to suffer, but unfortunately, everyone must face some trials, Abraham said. “We just need to hold God’s hand and let Him lead us through the valleys whenever they come.”

  “You’re right about that,” Timothy agreed. “On a different note, I think there’s something you both should know.”

  “What’s that?” Fannie asked as she and Abraham took seats on either side of Timothy.

  “Titus has a new girlfriend.” He grinned.

  “Already?” Abraham asked before Fannie could respond. “That son of ours sure does move fast.” He nudged Fannie’s arm and chuckled. “I think he takes after his daed, at least in that regard.”

  “It’s not funny,” Fannie said with a huff. “I don’t think it’s good that Titus has found someone already.”

  “Why not?” Timothy asked.

  “It’s too soon after Phoebe.” Fannie frowned. “It’s not good to get involved with someone so quickly after breaking up. I think Titus needs to give himself some time to adjust to his new job and surroundings before he starts courting again.”

  “As I’m sure you recall, we fell in love pretty quickly,” Abraham reminded her.

  “That was different. We’d both been widowed awhile and weren’t on the rebound.”

  Abraham shrugged. “Maybe Titus needed to find someone right away to help him get over Phoebe.”

  “You could be right,” Timothy put in. “This new girl might be a better fit for Titus, too.”

  Fannie sighed deeply. “If Titus falls in love with a girl from Kentucky and marries her, he’ll never move back home.”

  Abraham patted her arm affectionately. “Let’s not worry about that until the time comes.”

  Pembroke, Kentucky

  “Guess it’s time to get my horse and buggy ready. Are you going to the young people’s singing with me?” Nelson asked Suzanne as the two of them sat at the kitchen table with Mom, having a glass of cold apple cider.

  She shook her head. “I’d better stay here and help Mom take care of Grandpa.”

  “I don’t need your help,” Mom said. “Grandpa’s sleeping right now, and the pain medication the doctor prescribed will probably keep him sleeping for several hours.”

  “Even so, I’d rather stay home.” Suzanne took a sip of cider and let it roll around in her mouth before swallowing. It was sweet, yet a bit tart—just the way she liked it. When the apples in their yard ripened in the fall, they’d take them to the Beilers’ and make more apple cider, using their press. She always looked forward to that.

  Mom tapped Suzanne’s shoulder. “You need to get out and have some fun. You’ll never find a husband if you don’t spend time with other young people your age.”

  Suzanne’s jaw clenched. Not this again. She didn’t know why Mom thought she had to get married. They knew several Amish women who’d either never been married or were widowed and had chosen not to marry again. Of course, she reminded herself, if I don’t care about getting married, then why do I feel envious when others I know find boyfriends and get married?

  “Suzanne, did you hear what I said?”

  “Jah, Mom, I heard.”

  “Are you going with Nelson to the singing or not?”

  Suzanne looked over at Nelson. “Won’t you be taking your girlfriend tonight?”

  He nodded. “I’ll be picking Lucy up on the way to the singing.”

  “Then I shouldn’t go. I’m sure you’d rather spend time with her alone than have your sister sitting in the backseat of your buggy, able to hear every word you’re saying.”

  “Won’t bother me any,” Nelson said with a shrug. “Besides, maybe there’ll be some fellow at the singing who’ll ask if he can give you a ride home.”

  “Puh!” Suzanne flapped her hand. “Like that’s going to happen.”

  “It might,” Mom put in with a hopeful expression.

  “Maybe I don’t want a ride home in some fellow’s buggy.”

  “Aw, sure you do,” Nelson said with a wink. “Every girl wants to be courted.”

  “Not me.” Suzanne shook her head.

  “You’re only saying that because you haven’t found the right man,” Mom said. “Someday, when the time is right, you’ll fall in love and get married.”

  Suzanne figured it was best not to argue. She’d stayed up late last night, waiting for Mom and Nelson to bring Grandpa home from the hospital. Truth was, she was tired and had hoped she could go to bed early. If she went to the singing that wouldn’t happen. Still, if she didn’t go, she’d have to hear about it from Mom all evening.

  Suzanne took another sip of cider and finally nodded. “Okay, I’ll go to the singing.”

  “I still can’t believe your grandpa was up on a ladder,” Esther said to Suzanne after the singing ended and everyone gathered around to visit. “Didn’t he know how dangerous that could be? Especially at his age and with his arthritis being so bad.”

  Suzanne moved closer to Esther on the bench they sat upon. “You’re right, he shouldn’t have been climbing a ladder, but you know how schtarrkeppich my grossdaadi can be.”

  Esther nodded. “Sometimes I think the older people get, the more stubborn they become. My grandma often says that Grandpa’s the most schtarrkeppich man she knows. He’s seventy-two years old and still thinks he can keep up with his sons.”

  “My grossdaadi is the same way,” Suzanne said. “Thanks to that fall, Grandpa’s right wrist and right ankle are severely sprained, and he has several bruised ribs. Since he’s right-handed, he won’t be able to do the bookwork at the shop for a while.”

  “Who’ll do it?”

  “I told Mom I would. She has enough to do in the house.”

  “But who’s going to sell your bedding plants? Will your mamm have to do that as well?”

  “Mom will take care of any customers who come to our place to buy plants, but I’ll be responsible for taking the plants to the produ
ce auction.”

  “Speaking of the auction, Titus and I were over that way when we went to see the Jefferson Davis Monument on Saturday.”

  “I’d heard you were going. How was it? Did you have a good time?”