by Mindy Steele
“Belinda?” His anger vanished instantly. Had she been to see him? He wanted to ask but didn’t dare. Mamm would assume he was inquiring because he was worried about his bees, not because he thought about little else but their neighbor.
“She came by a couple times, but you were resting.” Mamm was a smart woman.
“Those pills make me sleepy and dizzy. She’s probably upset with me, getting myself hurt and all. I’ve let a lot of people down,” he muttered.
“You have done no such thing. And why would you think that of our sweet Belinda?” Mamm’s sharp blue eyes narrowed in disappointment.
“I cannot deliver her flowers like this,” Adam slapped the bed and winced. He could barely take an able breath and here he was getting riled, which would only set him back.
Ada grinned and used her apron to wipe his bedside stand clear of dust. “So much dust in here. I think you best worry about healing and not flowers or honey. Belinda has everything under control.”
“What do you mean?” Adam studied her smirk, suspicion blossoming inside him.
“I just mean you need not worry. She has been working hard since she heard about the accident.”
Adam closed his eyes and clenched his jaw so hard his teeth ached. “Please tell me she isn’t letting someone else help her sell her flowers.” The thought that someone else—another man perhaps—was helping her only fueled his rotten temper.
“Trust that all is well, and rest.” She bent toward him. “Where is my sohn’s faith? Is it here?” She lifted the sheet over his feet.
“Funny,” Adam said. “You haven’t answered my question.”
“You finish your meal and rest and I might answer one question. Now drink all that water and don’t let that cobbler go to waste.” She was clever and not one to cave when he wanted. Adam looked down at the cobbler, Belinda’s cobbler, and shook his head in surrender.
“Never.” Adam pushed the sandwich aside and dug straight into the purple sugary delight. He had no choice but to trust and it infuriated him, but blackberry cobbler did have a strangely uplifting effect on a man’s mood.
Chapter Twenty-Three
How had she managed to live all her years and not come to the Amish market before? It all seemed so silly, so immature, now that she stood in the midst of it. Adam was right, the only thing holding her back was herself. Cradling the blue box from the bakery, she peered across the aisle of tables and booths just ahead. There were a few dozen souls milling about, but none seemed to care she was here among them.
Tabitha had spoken of her view near the courthouse clock, the same one Adam had mentioned weeks ago. She lifted her gaze and searched out the brick tower, then aimed herself toward it.
She was barely four booths into the maze of chaos when she found her heart melting at the sight of four fuzzy puppies. Just as Adam had told her. She lowered herself, gave all four a pat on their fluffy little heads. To her left were the two food trucks he had also described. A strong scent of grease mingled with the hot summer air. Not a very pleasant scent, she discovered, but still interesting and new. Looking right, there was the Amish man from the next district selling chairs and other outdoor furniture. Beside him were the secluded tables under three tall oaks, all crowded with lunchers at this noontime hour. Adam had mapped out every detail, which left her feeling strangely at home. She moved on, knowing Tabitha’s stand wasn’t far now.
“Belinda Graber,” a voice called out, causing Belinda to turn abruptly. Her surprise kicked up her heart rate as a tall, dark figure stepped out of the crowd. Recognizing Abner Lapp, she felt a rock drop into the pit of her stomach. He jogged toward her, and she struggled against the urge to run and hide. She had confronted a lot this day, and one man wasn’t about to make her become that frightened little girl again.
“I thought that was you. I’ve been hoping to see you again. I saw Tabitha this morning,” he told her. He looked darker than she remembered, hair and thick brows the color of night. His face was darkly tanned, as if he stood in the sun for hours and hours a day. He was tall and practical. A nice-looking man, if she was being honest. And yet, she felt uneasy with him, struggling to forge a welcoming smile.
“You look nice today,” he complimented, eyes once more trailing the length of her. “I planned to come out and see Mica soon, once I’m settled.” He removed his hat, ran his fingers through damp dark hair, and then placed it back on his head.
“He would like that,” she replied, and took a step back.
“Are you here to see your sister?” Abner asked, his wandering gaze attempting to hold her still.
“I was hoping to share a treat with her, jah. It’s good to see you, but I must be going.” Belinda started walking.
“Well, your family’s table is over this way,” he pointed out. “Right next to my cousin Joshua’s. Let me walk you.” Before she could decline, Abner had gripped her elbow and began weaving her through the crowd that had suddenly doubled in size. She let Abner guide her, keeping her head down.
“It’s not so crowded today, Joshua says, but I’m glad to see how much the market has grown since I lived here before. I should do well selling my goods here. Here she is.” Abner lifted an arm, finally releasing his captive. At least that was how the last full minute had felt. Adam never made her feel so uncomfortable when he offered her a hand.
“Belinda. What are you doing here?” Tabitha’s green eyes went wide in surprise. She rounded the table and wrapped Belinda into a tight hold. It was the milestone of Belinda coming out here by herself that Tabitha was pleased with, but Belinda hoped her sister didn’t address it in front of Abner. She pulled away.
“I brought a treat.” She lifted the box, gave a shrug.
“Well,” Abner said, “I’ll let you two have your lunch. It was really nice to see you again, Belinda. Maybe when you’re done, I can walk you back to your buggy?” He looked hopeful. Absolutely not. She couldn’t let Abner, a man she barely remembered, walk her anywhere. Were all men this pushy?
“This is so kind of you, Abner.” Tabitha turned to Belinda. “Belinda, isn’t that kind that Abner doesn’t want you walking all the way back alone?” Belinda felt her tongue thicken. She lowered her head.
“It is,” she muttered. “Danki.” Abner smiled like someone had just handed him a whole cake. Why hadn’t she just spoken up, said no? Why did her sister insist on pushing her toward things that made her uncomfortable? Wasn’t being here enough to please her for now?
Tabitha led her behind the table. “I’m almost sold out. Just beans and potatoes left. Your flowers are selling even better than I expected.” Belinda noticed only a few limp sunflowers remained. “So what did you bring?”
“Muffins, or cupcakes, the baker calls them.” Belinda lifted the lid.
“They look too pretty to eat. Is that one lemon?” Tabitha poked a long, delicate finger toward it.
“That one is for someone else. Mia said so.” Her voice hitched possessively. She might not have been able to stop her sister from pushing Abner on her, but Tabitha certainly wasn’t going to eat Adam’s special dessert. “But you can pick any of the others, or all. I don’t mind.”
“Do I look like I need three cupcakes? I’ll try the one with green icing.”
“Matches your eyes,” Belinda said affectionately. Tabitha collected her recent quilting project, and set it aside to clear a spot for Belinda to sit.
They sat under the green Graber’s Greenhouse canopy as the noonday sun bore down hot and heavy. Belinda shared her morning with her sister as they each had a cupcake and split another one that tasted like strawberry angel food cake.
“I should go. I’ve had enough adventure for one day, and need to help Mammi with the laundry.” Belinda got to her feet.
“I’m so happy you came. I know this wasn’t easy for you, especially going alone to the stores. I hope you can come and work
a day with me here soon. We always made a good team.” Tabitha smiled.
“Perhaps I will.” Belinda hugged her sister farewell and turned to leave. Before she knew it, Abner was by her side, as if he had been waiting for the moment she stood. Had he been watching her and her sister for the past hour, invading their privacy? She was glad she’d come, experienced everything firsthand, but she couldn’t get back home and away from this man soon enough to suit her.
“Ready to go?” He put both hands in his pockets, indicating he would at least be proper and not touch her arm again. The look of joy and satisfaction on Tabitha’s face made walking with Abner tolerable. It wasn’t far to her buggy and Tabitha’s approval meant a lot, especially since she was the one who often reported the daily comings and goings back to Mamm. Still, a growing swarm gathered in Belinda’s belly as Abner led her forward. She should have never have eaten so many sweets in this July heat.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I asked around about you.” If he had, then why did he insist on walking her to her buggy? “I hear you sell flowers all over town. I always knew you had a green thumb like your parents. I still can’t see Mica potting daisies and petunias.” Abner chuckled.
“He does, and does it well,” she argued. “What do you do again?” They turned the corner by the food stands. Abner steered her toward the outer grasses to avoid the crowd lined up to place their orders.
“I raise horses and work with leather.” He sounded proud of that. She didn’t know if working leather meant making saddles and harnesses or maybe those tourist keychains, but she didn’t dare inquire further. The smell of grease and French fries grew heavier in the air.
“Like I mentioned before, at the auction, I came home to start my own shop here. I hope to do well with it.” She picked up her pace now that they had reached the large parking area.
“I pray you do.”
“Do you come to the market often?” He leaned closer, flirting. Even she recognized it.
“Nee. I don’t have time.” She hoped maybe she would share a lunch with her sister again after visiting the shops as she had today, but he didn’t need to know that.
“There is a gathering tomorrow. I haven’t been to one in years, but if you’re going, I really would consider attending.” Belinda flinched. Was Abner asking her to join him, at a gathering?
“I don’t go to gatherings.” This was not being brave, but at the moment, she couldn’t bring herself to care.
“What do you usually do, then?” She picked up her pace and refused to answer him. Where was Benny? She searched the long rectangular lot, now full with a mix of vehicles and buggies. “I know you’re not dating anyone,” he continued. “I would really like to see you again, Belinda.” He was as straightforward as Adam, but unlike Adam’s harsh honesty about having no plans to marry, Abner was laying his intentions out there in invitation.
“Here’s Benny, my horse.” She patted the horse’s head and quickly moved toward the buggy. “Danki for walking me over.” Belinda awkwardly scrambling up into the seat, dropping the cupcake box onto the floorboard beside her.
Abner unleashed Benny from the post. Belinda gave herself a mental slap for forgetting she needed the lines to drive home. His smirk wasn’t masked under his hat and she felt a shiver skid up her spine as he handed over the reins. She reached to accept them and he closed his hand over hers and held tight. “I know you never liked crowds. A walk perhaps? Mica and I are old friends and he will invite me to dinner. If I came, would you take a walk with me, Belinda?” She could see her reflection in those dark eyes, her wide eyes looking back at her. His smile improved what was already a handsome face, but she didn’t have that ease about him.
“I don’t know,” she stuttered as fear began wreaking havoc on her nerves. Just when she thought she had overcome her childishness, here it was, returned in full force. She jerked her hand and the reins free.
“I think I also remember you being fond of fishing.” He ducked his head and gave her a wry grin. Fishing meant they would be alone with not a soul in sight.
“I really must go.” She didn’t want to upset him, but the “No” sitting there on the tip of her tongue was literally stuck. She had tackled enough for one day.
He grinned. “I will see you soon, Belinda Graber,” he said with an irritating confidence, and slowly backed away.
Belinda sorted out her belly full of bees as the distance grew between her and the market. Eventually, she decided that she would simply speak to Mica, tell him about today’s encounter, and he would see to it that Abner didn’t make a pest of himself. With that thought, she relaxed. She could always depend on Mica. Except once, she recalled and smiled. When he sent their neighbor to seek her out for help.
She’d had a huge day and here it was not even two o’clock. She had accomplished meeting her customers and going to the market. Adam would be happy for her. A milestone—that’s what today felt like. She had to tell him all about it. He’d told her to have an adventure, and she had. He was right. Nothing was so scary that she couldn’t overcome it, and no one had stared at her cheek. If he was sleeping again, she would go back again tomorrow, but after three days apart, she really hoped he wasn’t this time.
When Belinda reached the farm, she observed the familiar white truck pulling in across the road. She climbed down from the buggy, tethered the horse, and then went to greet Steve, who was currently making his way toward the Hostetlers’ front door.
“Can I help you?” Belinda hurried toward him. If Adam was sleeping, then the bee inspector’s knocking might wake him. Adam needed all the rest he could get. Besides, she was sure she could answer any questions the inspector had, even if she felt a little foolish, running toward him like a crazy person. That was obviously the reason for the goofy smile that greeted her.
“Hey there, darlin’,” Steve said. Belinda came to a halt, collecting a few breaths. He looked different in shorts and a shirt with no clutch of pens in his pocket.
“I came to speak to Adam about a few things. Is he home?” He turned and looked at the Hostetlers’ front door.
“I can help you. He can’t be bothered right now.” Steve grinned and stepped down from the porch.
“I need to do a quick inspection, have another look at Adam’s hives. Seems we have a mite problem in the area. It’s the worst I’ve ever seen. I’m hoping Adam got lucky, but I have to check. Is he at work?”
Belinda explained about the accident and led the inspector to all three apiaries. Luckily Adam’s twice-a-year application of Apiguard had done its job. “I’ve never seen someone work around bees like that without some form of protection.” Steve sounded in awe, not like Adam had sounded at all. Adam hated when she went without protective wear, but needs must, especially since she had just returned home when the inspector arrived.
“I’ve worked around them for years, tending my gardens.” Belinda pointed across the road as they descended the hill behind Adam’s property.
“I don’t want to offend you by offering advice you didn’t ask for. But if he’s laid up for a spell, I’ll pass on anything I can to help. I’m not sure what all you know about keeping healthy hives and all, but I recommend monthly checks of all the hives. And soon, you should see to housekeeping and bee stores,” Stephen said.
“Housekeeping?”
“This time of year, things are slowing down. We’ve had a dry summer, less to forage on. Most beekeepers clean away any dead bees that haven’t been carried off. They can sometimes collect in the bottom of hives. You also need to check for overcrowding. This is a time when you have to decide whether to help feed them if they can’t find plenty for themselves. If they don’t have enough stored up for winter, a hive won’t make it. Adam has a lot of hives here, and that takes a lot of food.”
“I know that part. Actually, we are doing so well thanks to my family’s farm over there, which is mainly plants and
flowers. I plan to do a small harvest mid-August.”
“That’s good.”
“What do I do for overcrowding?” Belinda asked, noting that this might be an issue even if mites weren’t.
“Add more supers.” Sounded easy enough. “I know the hives here near the house have plenty of water sources, but that spot with the apple trees, not so much.”
“Can I just place water beside them without buying those fancy bottles you see in beekeeping books?”
Steven laughed. “Yes. As long as you keep water in them; maybe add some sugar,” he winked. “Don’t want unhappy bees swarming off.”
“A swarm in July ain’t worth a fly,” Belinda spouted absentmindedly. “My dawdi, my grandfather, used to say that.”
“Exactly. I tell that one to the newbies all the time.” Steve laughed. “You know, July is also a good time to split colonies, since broods are bigger.”
“Split colonies?” Belinda knew nothing about that, and immediately bit her bottom lip.
“Oh yeah. Watch your step,” Steve pointed to a dip in the earth as they crested the hill. “Adam could add more profit selling nucs.”
“Nucs?”
Stephen chuckled. “Nucleous hives. Lots of people want to take up beekeeping and you can ship them practically anywhere in the world.” Belinda couldn’t imagine the mail service would be happy about handling bees, packaged or not. “I don’t offer this advice to many, but you two have the makings of the best apiary I have ever seen. Everything is well-maintained, your bees are healthy, even when those close by have problems. I think this would be a good next step for Adam to consider.”
When they reached his truck, Belinda replied, “I will mention it to him.” She needed to talk to Mica, ask how hard splitting colonies would be, how much profit it could generate. She imagined that the income would help Adam’s family tremendously.
“I have some information here in the truck, pamphlets and such.” He sifted through a small box in the back seat until he had a good selection.
