The Healing

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  He gave a nod. “I’ll look forward to that.”

  “You know, Dad, since I’ve been living in Kentucky, I’ve gotten to know several Amish families there. They’re family-oriented, and they’ve taught me a lot about putting God first and then the needs of family and friends.”

  “Guess that’s something I’ve never really done,” he said with a tone of regret. “I sure didn’t put your needs first after your mother died, and when I forced you to give up your baby, I thought you might hate me for the rest of your life.”

  She shook her head as tears gathered in her eyes. “After I became a Christian, I forgave you for that. And looking back on it now, I’m sure that you did what you thought was right.”

  “Would you pray with me, Bonnie?” he asked as his own eyes filled with tears. “I need to ask God to forgive me for the ill feelings I harbored toward my folks, and I need His forgiveness for all the times I yelled at your mom.” He took Bonnie’s hand and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry for everything I’ve ever done to hurt you as well.”

  Bonnie swallowed around the lump in her throat. “I forgive you, Dad. Now let’s pray so you can seek God’s forgiveness and find a peace in your heart that only He can give.”

  Pembroke, Kentucky

  Samuel had just dropped the kids off at the Zooks’ home so they could play with Ethan Zook’s younger siblings and was heading over to the B&B to pick up Marla’s sneakers, which she’d left there last night. It seemed like his oldest daughter had become forgetful lately. This was the second time in less than a week that she’d left something at the B&B. He was beginning to wonder if she was doing it on purpose so he’d have to go after her forgotten items.

  But why would she do that? he reasoned. She sure can’t enjoy watching me inconvenience myself.

  When Samuel pulled into Bonnie’s yard sometime later, he was surprised to see Allen sleeping in the hammock. He was even more surprised to see Esther sitting on a blanket near the hammock, with a glass in her hand. They looked very cozy.

  I wonder why Allen’s here and why he’s sleeping in the hammock. Could there be something going on between Esther and Allen? Samuel frowned. Come to think of it, while he and Allen had worked together a few times, Allen had mentioned that he thought Esther was very nice and would make a good wife for some lucky man. Could he have been talking about himself?

  Samuel had never admitted it until now, but in the last few weeks, he’d begun to realize that his heart was beginning to heal. He still missed Elsie, of course, but the raw ache he’d felt for the first several months after her death had finally faded, and he felt like he might be ready to open his heart to love again. He’d even thought Esther might be the one. But if Esther was interested in Allen, then there was no hope for the two of them. Should he make his feelings known or keep quiet and see what happened between Esther and Allen? If Allen wanted Esther, then he’d most likely expect her to leave the Amish faith, because Samuel was sure Allen would never give up his modern way of life to become Amish. Or would he?

  CHAPTER 39

  The tail of Samuel’s horse switched back and forth, letting Samuel know the impatient animal was tired of standing in the driveway.

  “Okay. Okay.” Samuel pulled up to the hitching rail, climbed out of his buggy, and secured his horse. “Be good now, Socks,” he said, patting the horse’s flanks. “I won’t be gone long.”

  Samuel sprinted across the lawn and stopped in front the blanket where Esther sat. “Sorry to disturb you,” he said, “but I came to get Marla’s sneakers. She told me this morning that she forgot to bring ‘em home when I picked the kinner up last night.”

  Esther nodded. “They played in the sprinkler yesterday, and their shoes got wet, so we set them on the back porch to dry. I spotted the sneakers this morning and realized that Marla was the only one who didn’t take hers home.”

  Samuel grunted. “That’s because she’s become so vergesslich lately.”

  “She’s not the only one who’s forgetful,” Esther said. “I got so relaxed sitting here in the sun that I forgot about the rest of the produce I’d planned to pick in the garden today.” She glanced over at Allen, who appeared to be asleep. “I think this warm weather made him drowsy, too.”

  Samuel was tempted to ask why Allen was in the hammock and not working today, but he figured it was none of his business—although he was quite curious.

  Esther rose to her feet. “I’ll get Marla’s shoes now. Would you like me to bring you a glass of lemonade or some iced tea?”

  Samuel shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I should get back to the house. The kinner are over at the Zooks’, playing with their youngest kinner, so I’m going to use this time by myself to get the laundry and a few other things done.”

  She nodded with a look of understanding. “I’ll be right back.”

  When Esther went to the house, Samuel seated himself on the blanket where she’d been sitting. He’d only been there a few minutes when Allen’s eyes snapped open. As he swung his legs over the hammock and sat up, he looked at Samuel and blinked. “Wh–where’s Esther, and how long have you been here?”

  “Esther’s in the house, getting Marla’s sneakers, and I got here a few minutes ago. I’m surprised you didn’t hear my horse and buggy pull in,” Samuel said. “For that matter, with Esther and me standing just a few feet from the hammock, I’m surprised you didn’t wake up sooner.”

  Allen yawned and stretched his arms over his head. “Guess I was more tired than I thought, ‘cause I never heard a thing.”

  “How’s the pain in your back?” Samuel asked, instead of posing the question uppermost on his mind.

  “Much better. In fact, I’m feeling so good that I picked some beans from Bonnie’s garden. Esther’s had a heavy load since Bonnie went to Oregon to take care of her dad, and I figured she could use a little extra help.”

  “Oh, I see.” Samuel leaned back on his elbows and studied Allen. He was a successful businessman, nice looking, and seemed to be real smart about a lot of things. He was sure Allen could have any woman he wanted. The question was—did he want Esther?

  “How come you’re looking at me so strangely?” Allen asked. “Have I got dirt on my face or something?”

  Samuel’s face heated. “There’s no dirt on your face, but I do have a question I’d like to ask.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Are you interested in Esther?”

  Allen tipped his head. “Interested in what way?”

  Samuel scrubbed his hand down the side of his face. “Are you planning to court her?”

  Allen’s jaw dropped, and he nearly jumped out of the hammock. “Now what made you ask something like that?”

  “Well, you’re always saying what a good cook she is, and you’ve mentioned a few times that she’d make a good wife. So I figured …”

  Allen grinned and thumped Samuel’s back. “A good wife for you, my friend, not for me. It doesn’t take a genius to see that you care for her. Every time I’ve seen the two of you together, it’s written all over your face.”

  Samuel sat, dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe how wrong he’d been. But even if Allen was out of the picture, there was still Ethan Zook to be concerned about. Samuel had noticed Ethan hanging around Esther after their last church service, and he’d seen Ethan talking to Esther several other times, too. Samuel was afraid if he didn’t move fast he might lose Esther. But if he moved too fast, he might scare her away. Besides, what would his family back home think about him choosing another wife so soon? It hadn’t even been a year since Elsie died.

  “So what do you have to say?” Allen thumped Samuel’s back again. “Are you in love with Esther or not?”

  “I—I do care for her,” Samuel admitted, “but I’m afraid it might be too soon for me to make a commitment to another woman. Besides, I don’t know if Esther has feelings for me.”

  “Well, if the look I’ve seen on her face whenever you’re around
is any indication, then I’d say she definitely has feelings for you.”

  “You really think so?”

  “If I was a betting man, I’d place a large bet on it. And if I was you, I’d take action soon, because any woman as sweet, pretty, and capable as Esther is bound to turn some fellow’s head, and I think that fellow ought to be you.”

  Samuel pondered that a few seconds, then nodded. “I’ll give it some serious thought.”

  Allen grinned. “Glad to hear it. Well, I have a couple of jobs I need to bid, so I’d better head out. Do think about what I said.” He thumped Samuel’s back one more time and headed for his truck.

  As Allen’s rig pulled out, Samuel glanced up at the house, wondering what was taking Esther so long. Just at that moment, she stepped out the door and headed his way, carrying Marla’s shoes.

  “I’m sorry for taking so long,” Esther said, “but I got a phone call from someone wanting to make a reservation at the B&B, and it took awhile to discuss the details.”

  “No problem. I was visiting with Allen.”

  She glanced at the spot where Allen’s truck had been parked. “I see that he’s gone.”

  “Jah. Said he had some jobs to bid.”

  “That’s right. He mentioned it earlier, before he took his nap.” Esther handed Marla’s shoes to Samuel. “Guess I’d better get back to work in the garden, or it’ll never get done.” She smiled. “I’ll see you and the kinner at church tomorrow.”

  Feeling as if he had a wad of sticky chewing gum in his mouth, all Samuel could do was nod. He wanted to ask if Esther would join him and the kids for supper this evening, but the words seemed to be stuck in his mouth.

  Esther started walking toward the garden, and he moved in the direction of his horse and buggy. Maybe some other time would be better to ask Esther out.

  Samuel had just untied his horse from the hitching rail, when Bonnie’s dog darted out of the barn, barking and nipping at the horse’s heels. Socks whinnied and kicked up his back feet, just missing the terrier’s head. Not to be dissuaded, Cody kept barking and nipping at Socks’s tail. Samuel tried to calm the horse, but the more the dog carried on, the more agitated Socks became.

  “Cody, come here!” Esther clapped her hands as she raced across the yard. She was almost to the buggy, when Samuel’s horse whipped his head around and knocked her to the ground.

  Samuel gasped and raced to Esther’s side.

  CHAPTER 40

  I’m fine, Samuel,” Esther said after Samuel had carried her into the house and placed her gently on the sofa.

  “Are you sure?” The deep wrinkles in Samuel’s forehead let Esther know he was truly concerned.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Nothing’s broken, and the only thing hurt was my pride when I ended up face-down in the dirt.”

  He knelt on the floor beside her, and as he pushed a wayward piece of her hair back under the black scarf she wore as a head covering, a pained expression crossed his face. “It scared me real bad when my horse knocked you down. You should have stayed back, Esther. With those crazy animals carrying on like that, you could have been seriously hurt.”

  Esther was surprised at Samuel’s concern and tenderness toward her. Was she imagining it, or was it possible that he cared about her in the same way as she did him? Oh, how she wished it were true. She’d give anything if …

  “Esther, I—” Samuel looked away, as though unable to make eye contact with her.

  “What is it, Samuel? What were you going to say?”

  He lifted his gaze and said in a near whisper, “I’ve been thinking that it might be time for me to start courting again.”

  “You—you have?” Esther’s heart hammered in her chest, and her mouth went dry as she waited for his answer.

  “Jah, and I … uh … am planning to take the kinner out to supper in Hopkinsville this evening, and … well, I was wondering if you’d like to go along.”

  Esther smiled. Even though having the children with them certainly wouldn’t be considered a real date, Samuel had asked her to go with them, and she was grateful for that. He must not have feelings for Bonnie, after all. It really was my silly imagination.

  “I’d be happy to go out to supper with you this evening,” she murmured, fighting back tears of joy.

  He grinned. “That’s good. Jah, that’s a very good thing. I think the kinner will be happy about this ‘cause they really do like you, Esther.”

  “I like them, too.” And you as well, Esther silently added. In fact, I’m sure I’m in love with you. Esther knew that Samuel probably wasn’t ready to make such a confession yet, but maybe in time he would come to love her, too.

  They sat for several seconds, looking at each other and smiling, until loud barking, followed by a shrill—Yipe! Yipe!—pulled their gazes apart.

  Samuel leaped to his feet and raced out the door.

  Esther clambered off the sofa and quickly followed him across the yard, where Cody lay on the ground near Socks, whining.

  “Ach! Looks like the dog’s been hurt!” Samuel knelt beside Cody and did a quick examination. “I’m almost sure the poor critter has a broken leg. I’m guessin’ Socks must have kicked him pretty hard.” He grimaced. “Guess I’d better forget about doing any laundry today and call for a driver, ‘cause I think we’d better take this poor little dog to the vet’s.”

  Elkton, Kentucky

  When Esther and Samuel entered the vet’s office, she was surprised to see Suzanne sitting in the waiting room. “What are you doing here?” she and Suzanne both asked at the same time.

  “I brought Samson in to have him neutered yesterday, and I’m here to pick him up.” Suzanne looked at Samuel, who was holding Cody. “Isn’t that Bonnie’s little terrier?”

  He gave a nod. “He was nipping at my horse and ended up getting kicked. I’m pretty sure his leg is broken.”

  “Oh, that’s a shame.” Suzanne looked at Esther. “Does Bonnie know about this?”

  Esther shook her head. “I’ll call her once I know something definite.”

  Samuel walked up to the receptionist’s desk, and after she told him to bring the dog back to the examining room, he turned to Esther and said, “Why don’t you wait here and visit with Suzanne while I take Cody in?”

  “Okay.” Esther was thankful Samuel was willing to do that, because she didn’t relish the idea of watching while the doctor examined Cody. It hurt her to see anyone in pain—even an animal.

  Suzanne motioned to the chair beside her. “Why don’t you take a seat?”

  Once Esther was seated, she told Suzanne how she’d been knocked to the ground by Samuel’s horse and how Samuel had carried her into the house. “He had such a look of concern on his face,” she said. “He even invited me to join him and his kinner for supper in Hopkinsville this evening.”

  “I knew it!” Suzanne’s face broke into a wide smile. “And I’ll have to say this—it’s about time.”

  “You knew Samuel was going to invite me to join them for supper?”

  “No, but I knew he’d get around to inviting you somewhere soon.”

  “How’d you know that?”

  “I’ve seen the way Samuel looks at you whenever he thinks you’re not looking. He’s come to care for you, Esther. I’m sure of it.” Suzanne squeezed Esther’s hand. “I think the two of you are perfect for each other, and I believe Samuel realizes that, too.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Esther said, “but I guess I won’t really know unless he asks me to go someplace with him again.” It was strange, but she’d never seen Samuel look at her in a special way. Usually when he was around, he looked the other way. But he had invited her out and seemed real happy about it, so maybe he did have strong feelings for her.

  “Why wait for Samuel to ask you to go someplace else? Why don’t you invite Samuel and the kinner over to the B&B for supper sometime soon?”

  “I had them over not long ago when it rained and we couldn’t go on a picnic, but if I ask them ag
ain, Samuel might think I’m being pushy, and I sure don’t want that.”

  “I doubt that he would think that. Besides, what man in his right mind would turn down one of your delicious meals?”

  “So you think I should try to win Samuel’s heart with my cooking?”

  “I think you’ve already won his heart.” Suzanne chuckled. “But a little taste of your cooking from time to time wouldn’t hurt either.”

  “Do you think Samuel’s really ready to start courting again?” Esther asked, needing some reassurance. “I mean, do you think his heart has healed enough after losing his wife that he might actually consider marriage again?”

  “I believe it has, but from what I know of Samuel, I don’t think he’ll rush into anything.”

  “No, and I wouldn’t want him to.”

  “I have some news of my own,” Suzanne said. “Titus and I have decided on the second Thursday in October as the date we’ll get married.”

  “That’s wunderbaar. Do both of your families know?”

  “Mine know, and Titus was supposed to call his folks and give them the news this morning.” Suzanne touched Esther’s arm. “I’d like you to be one of my attendants at the wedding.”

  Esther smiled and nodded. “I’d be honored.”

  “Maybe by next fall it’ll be you and Samuel getting married,” Suzanne said, gently nudging Esther’s arm.

  Before Esther could reply, Samuel entered the waiting room, this time without Cody.

  “What’d the doctor say?” Esther asked, rising from her seat.

  “Said the dog’s leg is definitely broken, and it’s a bad break, so he’ll have to do surgery on it.” Samuel slowly shook his head. “Guess Cody will have to stay here at the vet’s for a few days.”

  Esther frowned. “Oh dear. I sure dread telling Bonnie this news.”

  Paradise, Pennsylvania

  “How are things going with you and Hannah these days?” Fannie asked Timothy when he and Abraham took a break from the fields and came to the house for lunch.