“You can follow me if it will make you feel better.” Mose hoped she would follow him, but all he got was a sigh.
“I’ll see if my car starts.” She walked over and flipped the switch.
Nothing.
Mose popped the hood. She tried to turn it over again, with no luck. “I don’t know much about cars, but it might be your battery.”
“Well, that’s just great.” She pulled her hair back with frustration. “Can I ride with you?”
Mose hesitated. It wasn’t proper for them to be alone together, but he had to admit it would be nice to ride with her. He couldn’t say no. Bishop Omar may frown on it, but if it was for a good reason, Mose thought he’d understand.
Mose didn’t blame Abby for wanting to see where her horse was going to be, so he made an exception, but he wondered how her daed would feel about it. “Your daed didn’t seem too happy to see me the other day. I’d hate to upset him.”
Her jaw twitched. “He didn’t tell me you were here.”
Her angry reaction made him wish he wouldn’t have mentioned anything, but Mose wanted her to know that he didn’t think her daed was too happy about his being around. He was glad to know that might be why she didn’t respond to his visit, though.
“Daeds and their daughters.” Mose smiled to minimize it.
She looked down the dirt road leading to her house before getting into the buggy. Her concern about Jim bothered him, and he wondered what she would be like if she was away from him and the worry that went with him.
“How long will it take to get there?”
“An hour or so. When do you need to be back home?”
“I don’t. Jim’s gone for the day and won’t be back until late.”
“Then why do you keep on the lookout?” He’d never seen a person so tense, worrying about what one person was thinking and doing all the time. He couldn’t imagine what had happened between the two of them that she would be so worried or scared of her own daed.
She stared at him long and hard before answering. “Sometimes he surprises me.”
He thought it was a fair question, but her reaction told him differently so he left it at that.
A couple miles down the road she let out a long breath and sank down into the seat. “So who let you borrow their trailer?”
“An Englishman who lives nearby. We do some farrier work for him in return.”
“You’re a blacksmith?” She raised her eyebrows. “I thought you were a carpenter.”
“I do both. Everyone’s a blacksmith in my family.” Except for his older brother, Jake, but she didn’t need to hear about that.
“How many are in your family?” She kept her eyes on him as he continued to drive.
“Three boys, my daed, and Mamm.” He said it like it was no big deal, but he wondered how it sounded to her. That many guys around to shoe horses and tend to them if they were sick must sound like heaven.
“No girls?”
“Just my mamm, and my mammi lives in the dawdihaus.” He smiled over at her. “Almost there.”
Abby turned to see the entrance. She looked up at the sign with the community name as they entered, MEADOWLARK VALLEY.
“That’s a little ironic, isn’t it?” She finally smiled, and was even prettier.
Mose appreciated her recognizing the humor. He wondered whether many Englishers would understand it. Texas was primarily flat land, but because of the small hills on either side, they had called their land a valley.
The Yoders’ bed-and-breakfast was the first building they passed by, and then the Bylers’ store. The farms sprawled out north, west, and south of the community, going back far and wide.
“What is across from the store?” An area of land was dug up, with stakes creating four corners.
“We’re building a school.”
“Really? Will all of the kids go to this school?”
“Up until eighth grade.” He looked over at her. “You seem surprised.”
“I’m interested, because I’m a teacher.”
“Now I’m the one surprised. I thought you were a horse trader. I guess I shouldn’t have assumed.”
“I do that because that’s what I know, but I like to teach.” She beamed when she talked about her job. “The state usually comes down pretty hard on schools that aren’t government funded.”
“The Amish used to have a difficult time, but a law was passed letting us off of some of the secular school requirements.”
“What do you mean, ‘a difficult time’?”
“If the kids didn’t go to the public schools, they’d lock up their daeds until they would comply. They didn’t think the Amish were educating the children.”
“That’s terrible. I hadn’t heard about it. Did it happen awhile ago?”
“Jah, back in the seventies.”
“Well, it’s not that bad now, but you should be prepared, in case they start asking a lot of questions.”
He grinned, enjoying her passion.
“Why are you smiling?”
“It’s important to like what you do.” Mose couldn’t think of any better lifestyle than working a farm, and he was thankful that was what he was born into.
“These farms are so…nice.” Abby looked closely at each field, windmill, and fence, commenting about each one and how well kept they were. “I knew you all moved here a couple years ago, but I didn’t know how much the community had grown.”
“Slow growth, but it’s best that way.” When they reached his farm, he clucked to the Clydesdales and they slowed to a halt. A barn and another large building for their blacksmith business stood opposite their large house. Mose pointed to a young man in one of the many fields. “That’s my bruder. I’ll try to spare you from his razzing.”
“Where are your folks?” Abby squirmed a little, which made him grin. She was probably curious to meet them but not sure how comfortable she would feel, being an Englisher.
“Mamm’s quilting, and my daed is probably keeping after my bruder.”
As she stepped out and went to the back of the trailer to fetch Ginger and Blackie, she wondered if she was keeping him from helping with the farm. He got to the ramp and pulled it down for the filly. “She’s putting a little weight on it.” Abby urged her to move forward and smiled.
“She’ll get there.” He nodded toward Ginger with a confident smile. “I’ll show you where she’s staying while she’s here.” He went around the back of the barn, taking slow and steady steps so the horse could keep up with him. The covered corral was deep with wood shavings for the filly’s comfort and sheltered from the other horses, with plenty of room for her to roam. The best part was the huge pasture Ginger could look out on.
“She might get a little jealous of the other horses out there running wild, but at least she has a gut view.”
“She’s in good hands here. Thanks.” She wrapped her arms around her waist as if she felt vulnerable. “Mind showing me around?”
He contemplated the request. He had a sudden feeling she liked the farm more than most Englishers did. She understood the country way of life and lived it. She wasn’t just a tourist curious about the Amish.
“There’s not much to see, but sure, if you like.” He threw the lead rope onto a hook on the wall and walked toward the barn door.
She followed him, listening as he described all of the crops they grew, horses they raised, and blacksmithing they provided for the community. Not only did Abby understand their ways, but also her comments told him she appreciated it. When he took her to the San Antonio River, she stopped and smiled. The wind blew her hair around her face as she looked from one horizon of the flowing water to the other. “This is a nice spot. I’d come here all the time, if I had the chance.”
Mose stuck his hands in his pockets and took a little more time than usual to watch the water quietly flow downstream. “Guess I didn’t think about enjoying it just to look at. I just think of it as a much-needed water source.”
“I
bet you grow good crops here because of it.” When she turned his way, he enjoyed the smile that was still on her face. He liked seeing her grin, and he noticed again how attractive she was when she did.
“The water tables are pretty gut here.”
“Do you miss living in Virginia?” She turned to him.
“I used to, but Texas has grown on me.” He squinted his eyes, wondering how much he could ask her without her crawling back into her shell. “What about you? Have you been here long?”
“All my life. I don’t have anything to compare it to.” She took in a breath and closed her eyes. “Except here.”
As he stood there with Abby, Mose tried to keep his thoughts centered. He’d been curious about her from the first time they met at the accident, and now Ginger had created a bond between them. He’d felt a tug from the Lord to help her, but whether He had an objective beyond that, Mose was uncertain. He hated to take her away from this small hill that showed the big countryside. It was nice to see her somewhat happy for a change.
“You’re welcome to stay for the noon meal.” He averted his eyes, not wanting to put pressure on her but wanting her to stay.
Her face went back into the frozen expression, the mask she used to protect herself. “I should get back.”
Mose was torn. He wanted her to stay, but he knew he should keep his distance. He was unsure of what his role was and didn’t want to get in over his head. “Maybe another time.”
“I would like to see that blacksmith shop.” She lifted her brows in question.
He grinned. He’d never known of a girl to be so interested in the trade, but he sort of liked the idea.
“What’s funny?” She had that skeptical look on her face and seemed very curious as to why he enjoyed her comment.
“You don’t always act like a girl.” The minute he said it, he wanted to take it back. Thinking it was one thing, but saying it was another.
She folded her arms across her chest and squinted. “What does that mean?”
“I mean, you’re interested in the same things I am.” He could see the steam rising and waited for her to blow.
“Maybe it’s strange to the Amish, but not in the real world.” She started walking down the hill and over to the buggy.
Mose stood and watched her go. He thought about catching up to her and trying to get her to simmer down, but then he remembered who he was dealing with.
Why am I drawn to such a stubborn person? Then he chuckled as he followed at a safe distance. After all, he needed to drive her home. She was just as stubborn as he was, if not more.
Chapter Seven
AFTER HER VISIT the day before, Abby found herself looking forward to going back to the Amish community. There was a certain calm there that she didn’t have in her own home. If Mose wasn’t such a chauvinist, it might be a bearable place to live. He was probably raised that way, so she had to take him as is, but leaving no doubt she wouldn’t conform to any of their sexist ways, even as a visitor. If that didn’t work for him, she’d bring the filly home. But after that long silence of the drive home, she wouldn’t blame him if she didn’t hear from him again.
Abby got ready for the day and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. Jim sat at the table with a cup of coffee in hand as he did every morning and read the paper.
“Where’s the filly?”
Abby stopped just for a second and then flipped a pancake. She calmed her breath before answering. “Her leg was getting worse, so I took her to a horse doc.” She hoped that would be enough, but she wasn’t counting on it.
“Can’t afford a vet.” He glided his eyes over to her and waited.
“It won’t cost us anything.”
She didn’t know what his reaction would be if he knew Ginger was with the Amish, but he seemed to be okay with Mose, so she thought maybe she could tell him.
“People always want something, Abby.”
That made her pause. Was Mose just being helpful because of his passion for horses, or was there an underlying reason for offering his help?
“Don’t know how you paid for her in the first place. Now she needs a vet?” He was still staring at her. She could feel it, even though she had her back to him.
“She’s with Mose.”
His chair screeched as he turned in his seat. “The Amish fella?”
She turned to him so she could see his face, because she couldn’t read his tone. “Yeah, he asked to board her so he could tend to her better.” She walked over to the table and set the plate of pancakes in front of him.
“May as well have given him the papers to go along with her.”
Abby felt herself ready to defend Mose. She hardly knew the guy, but what she did know, he wouldn’t double-cross her. She grabbed a towel. “He’s not like that.” Now she sounded naïve, but it didn’t really matter what she said.
“Fool child.” He pushed off the seat and walked out. The screen door slapped shut behind him, and she heard his boots crunch against the gravel driveway as he walked to his truck.
Abby threw the towel over her shoulder and slid the plate closer before taking a bite of pancake. She’d become quite the cook, once her mom had become too weak to do much around the house and Abby had taken over. When she stood to clear the table, Jim’s handkerchief fell to the floor. It was speckled with blood.
She stared, remembering her mother’s symptoms when she was ill. This wasn’t one of them. Abby tried to remember if she’d ever had this happen to her. Once when she was sick…drainage somehow damaged the membranes…she couldn’t remember the particulars. It wasn’t a worry, as long as it went away.
Abby cleared the table, feeling sudden regret for talking to Mose the way she had. Looking over that sparkling river had been the most enjoyable moment she’d had for a long time. The bitterness had come due to various reasons, but it was more than that. She had let it consume her. Abby wasn’t the same person. She wanted to go back to what she once was.
She walked to her car and, thankful it started, made her way to Mose’s community. Abby decided she would make every effort to drop her defenses, but she wouldn’t be taken advantage of, either. She would prove Jim wrong about Mose, and maybe even the Amish.
As soon as she drove under the Meadowlark Valley sign, she relaxed a little, taking in the green fields of corn and cotton. Abby took her time and drove slowly up to the Fishers’ place. She got out of her car, and with each step she took, Abby felt a little more anxiety. She hadn’t met his family, and she thought it would be awkward if Mose wasn’t there to introduce them. Then she heard his voice as he came up behind her.
“I didn’t think it would take you this long.” He jumped up onto the porch and sat down in a rocker.
Abby blinked twice, trying to be patient. She didn’t want to sit down; she wanted to see Ginger. She let the air seep through her lips and sat with him. “How is she?”
“I’ve had a very gut morning.” He paused, which she knew was just to test her patience. “With your horse.”
“Really?” She turned toward him. “What happened?”
He rocked slowly. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up too high, but her leg isn’t as swollen, and she’s putting more weight on it.”
Abby leaned back, finally letting go of the tension. “So what do you think? Will she completely heal?”
“I can’t promise you that, Abby. I don’t think a vet could, either. She still has healing to do.” His smooth and calm rocking was peaceful, and soon Abby was rocking in time with him. It made it easier to talk to him when their chairs were in sync. She felt like a little kid again.
“Why are you grinning?” Mose furrowed his brows.
“Am I? Well, Ginger, of course.” She wanted to go see her, but she was content sitting on the porch for another few minutes. “So what now?”
“That’s for you to decide. How is your daed with all of this?”
“He’s not happy, but he isn’t about most things.” She didn’t mean to share
that much, but it was probably obvious.
“I’m sorry about that. Does he miss your mamm?”
Abby appreciated that he didn’t look straight at her. It was getting personal, and she wasn’t sure how far she wanted this conversation to go.
“My mom? Yeah. So do I.” She’d lost the desire to share anything more and wanted to stop talking about her parents.
“I can’t imagine what that’s like for both of you.” He said it like he was her best friend, knew the questions to ask, and let her talk.
“We’ll be all right.” Her protective armor was back on—safe, but a very lonely place to be. She stopped rocking, and he stayed put for a second before standing to lead the way.
“I think you’ll see an improvement.” He walked across the dirt driveway and to the barn where Ginger stood, nostrils flared, sniffing the scents around her. “Take a look.” He bent over and touched the leg. Ginger didn’t flinch or lift it up, a good sign.
Abby was pleased. She hadn’t expected results this quickly. “What did you do?”
“Got her circulation going every few hours, walked her off and on during the day. And a few other tricks my mammi gave me.”
Emotions of relief bubbled up and into Abby’s chest. “It couldn’t be that easy.”
He shrugged. “You could probably take her home in a couple days, if you like.”
As much as she wanted the filly home, Ginger seemed to be doing so well. She’d hate to see her relapse. “Maybe a few more days, if you don’t mind me coming around all the time.”
Mose looked down at the ground for a moment and then slowly lifted his head. “You’re the one I’m doing this for. The horse just got lucky.” He only looked at her for a second before shutting the gate behind him.
Abby was speechless and frustrated that she was so touched by what he’d just said. She couldn’t remember the last time she had heard a kind word, probably from her mother. She realized she had no idea how to respond. But then, she didn’t know how he meant it. Abby had come to loathe pity, and she definitely didn’t need it from him. So she pretended he’d never said the words. “I don’t need any favors. I can pay you for your time.”
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