Rebecca laid her hand on his forearm. “It’s going to be okay, Samuel. No matter what troubles come into our lives, our Lord is always with us. With His love in our hearts we can bear all things.”
Her gentle touch brought him a sense of comfort and something more. Her voice was soothing and yet stirring. Her palm lay warm against his skin. The scent of lavender enveloped him now that the buggy wasn’t moving. A flush of heat traveled up his arms and pooled in his chest, making his heart beat faster.
“You smell nice.”
He heard her quick indrawn breath. She pulled her hand away. “I was cutting up sprigs of lavender last evening to make another sachet. Some of them fell into the pocket of my apron. I meant to shake them out and I forgot.”
She sounded flustered and a little breathless. The sensation of warmth faded from where she had touched him. He missed it and wanted the comfort of her touch again. He wished he knew what she was thinking.
“We should go in.” She got out, and the breeze dispelled the faint fragrance along with the odd fog in his brain.
It wasn’t possible that he was attracted to her, was it? Nee. Surely not. She was stubborn, willful and brash. She could be kind, but more often than not, she was poking fun at him. He wouldn’t be attracted to her. He wasn’t.
Besides, he had far more important things to consider.
* * *
Rebecca was thankful there wasn’t anyone close enough to see her face. She knew by the heat in her cheeks that she was blushing. You smell nice. Three simple words were all it took to send her pulse skittering wildly.
Three simple words in his gravelly voice underlined by faint wonder. She shivered again just thinking of it. She would remember to shake out her pockets from now on. She had touched him to offer comfort. Instead, the feeling of his strong muscles and the sight of her pale hand against his dark tanned skin unleashed a surge of emotion she wasn’t ready to face.
Samuel required her help. He required her compassionate care. To consider there was anything else between them was unacceptable.
She came around to his side of the buggy. He stepped down without her assistance before she reached him. She took his arm above his elbow making sure she touched only his sleeve and gently guided him into the doctor’s office.
After checking Samuel in, Rebecca led him to one of the blue upholstered waiting room chairs that lined the walls. A television was playing in the corner of the room. Three Englischers were watching a news channel. Rebecca ignored the distraction and focused on Samuel. Leaning closer, she spoke softly in Pennsylvania Dutch. “How is your stomach?”
“Better now that I’m not moving. I wish they would get this over with.”
“Do you think your father should expand the gift shop to include hardware items?”
“Are you talking about Luke’s harebrained scheme?”
“What is harebrained about it?”
“Tourists don’t want to see nuts and bolts. They want to see Amish-made jams and jellies, Amish-made cookies and cakes. They want to buy Amish-made furniture and hand-stitched quilts.”
“That is true, but having a handy place to buy essentials locally could bring in a fair amount of business. I know John has complained that he has to travel all the way to Berlin when he needs new hoof picks or rasps. A lot of farmers take care of their own horses. You said yourself that Noah normally shoes yours. Where does he get his tools when he needs new ones?”
“The hardware store in Berlin.”
“It is something to think about. Luke makes very pretty birdhouses. Did you know that?”
“I knew he carved holes in a few dried gourds.”
“Oh, it’s much more than that. He has a talent for decorating them. I purchased two. I know several of my Englisch friends who would love to have them hanging in their yards and even give them as gifts. I see no reason why Luke couldn’t sell dozens of them.”
“You think so?”
“I do. It’s a shame he doesn’t have a way to advertise them.”
The nurse came to the waiting room door and called Samuel’s name. Rebecca’s heart went out to him when she saw how he tensed. He knew it was going to be painful.
* * *
Samuel allowed the nurse to lead him into the exam room. When he was settled on the padded table, she left the room. He braced himself for the coming torment. The last dressing change had been less painful than the ones he endured in the hospital, but it was still excruciating. The minutes ticked by as he sat by himself. Where was everyone? He hated being left alone.
He heard the door open. “How are you doing, Samuel?” Dr. Marksman asked.
“I’ve been better.”
The young doctor had only recently opened a practice in their rural community. Samuel had never been to a doctor until his accident.
“I’m sure you have been better. How is the pain? Are you getting any sleep?”
“The pain is less, but I don’t sleep much.”
“All right, let’s take a look.” He felt the doctor begin to unwrap the bandages over his eyes. He had been told not to expect too much, but he prayed he would see a glimmer of light, if nothing else.
When the last wrap fell away, the doctor removed the pads covering Samuel’s eyes. “Open your eyes slowly. I’ll dim the lights if it is too bright in here for you.”
Samuel let his lids flutter briefly, then opened his eyes fully. The room was pitch-dark. “I can’t see anything. Turn up the lights.”
He felt the doctor’s fingers under his chin. He turned Samuel’s face in one direction and back again. “The inflammation I first observed is better. The lights are on, Samuel.”
“Then why can’t I see?” Samuel’s heart began hammering in his chest. His palms grew sweaty.
“Let me try something.” The doctor stepped away and came back a few seconds later. “What about now?”
“Nothing. I’m still blind. Why can’t I see?”
Still blind.
Blind for life. Forever.
The words tumbled over and over in Samuel’s mind. He had trouble listening to the doctor. Dizziness made his head swim. He couldn’t catch his breath.
Dr. Marksman laid a soothing hand on Samuel’s shoulder. “It’s going to take a little more time, that’s all. I would still like you to see a specialist.”
Samuel forced himself to slow his breathing. He shoved the fear to the back of his mind. This was what God had planned for him. He would accept it. “We can’t afford to see a specialist. What would he do for me that you aren’t doing?”
“That’s a valid question. I’m treating your burns and letting your eyes rest and recover on their own, but I’m not familiar with this type of eye injury. A specialist might have other ideas about treatment. At least let me consult with one.”
“There is no harm in that if it doesn’t cost me anything.”
The doctor applied ointment to Samuel’s eyes and covered his face with new bandages. “Are your parents with you today?”
“Nee, my father is harvesting corn. Rebecca Miller brought me.”
“Ah, I know Rebecca. She would have made an excellent nurse if she hadn’t chosen the Amish way of life. She knows how to follow instructions and what to look for.”
Samuel heard the door open. The doctor spoke to someone in the hallway outside. “Nurse, will you have Rebecca Miller step in, please.”
Great. “Does she have to be in here?”
“No, but I definitely need to know someone understands how to take care of you. You aren’t in a position to see what’s going on. Will you allow me to discuss your condition with her present?”
“I reckon.”
“Nurse, bring an information consent form, too. You and I will have to sign it as verbal witnesses to Mr. Bowman’s wishes.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
A few minutes later, the door opened. Samuel caught a whiff of lavender and knew Rebecca had come in.
“Hello, Dr. Marksman. It’s good to see you again.”
“You, too, Rebecca. Mrs. Stulzman and her new baby are getting along fine. I thought you’d want to know.”
“How nice.”
“Samuel, you are blessed to have this woman looking after you.”
He pressed his lips closed. Rebecca laughed softly. “I’m afraid Samuel doesn’t see me as a blessing.”
“Well, he should. I want you to take a close look at his injuries. You should put on a pair of gloves when changing his bandages just to keep things clean.” The doctor began unwrapping Samuel’s left hand.
When the air hit his tender skin, Samuel sucked in a sharp breath. Rebecca did the same. “That looks so painful.”
“It is,” Samuel said through gritted teeth.
The doctor removed the last of the dressings. “Samuel had mostly second-degree burns, but some of them are very deep and may be third-degree. The blisters that are broken are second-degree burns for sure. Those that continue to fill and ooze are most likely third-degree. They will produce some scarring. The burn can go one of two ways. The blisters will dry up or break, then the outer layer of damaged skin will also dry and peel off. At this stage, a new outer layer of skin develops. Peeling usually starts several days after the blisters pop. Normally, it takes three to five days for the peeling to run its course. The sensation should shift from pain to itching within a few days after the blisters break, but it can take longer.”
That was good news. Samuel was ready for something other than pain.
“The new skin will be very sensitive so even a mild bump will still cause discomfort.”
“What are the signs of infection?” she asked.
“If the burn gets infected, the blisters won’t dry up. Instead, they’ll develop crusty, yellowish scabs that continue to cause pain. If that happens, the crust needs to be softened and removed by applying a washcloth soaked in warm soapy water. Just let it rest on the site until the stuff is soft enough to come away easily. Don’t scrub. After the extremity dries, apply an antibiotic cream and cover with a nonstick gauze. If an infection is present and doesn’t show signs of improvement within two or three days of using an antibiotic cream, get back here. I’ll have to put him on a stronger oral antibiotic.”
“I understand.”
“I’ll show you how to redress these. Make sure his fingers are well separated. We don’t want them sticking together.”
When they finished both hands twenty minutes later, Rebecca could see the ordeal had taken its toll on Samuel. His lips were pressed into a thin line with a pale ring around them. She took his arm as he stood and noticed he swayed slightly on his feet.
The young doctor handed Rebecca a slip of paper. “I want to see him again in a week. This is a prescription for more pain medication. Make sure he takes it before he comes in next time.”
Rebecca frowned at Samuel. “Was he supposed to take some today?”
“Yes. The dressing changes can be very painful. You are doing well, Mr. Bowman. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of rest. Come in sooner if you experience a fever or signs of infection.”
“What about his vision?” Rebecca asked.
“It’s too soon to tell,” Samuel muttered.
The doctor sighed. “I still feel that Mr. Bowman should see an eye specialist.”
Samuel shook his head. “It’s too far to travel, and it’s too expensive. If God wishes my sight restored, it will be so.”
“I respect your beliefs, Mr. Bowman, and I pray for your healing.” Dr. Marksman smiled sadly at Rebecca and left the room.
“Get me home,” Samuel said through gritted teeth.
Rebecca led him out to the buggy and got him settled. “You rest here. I’m going to have this prescription filled. It should only take a few minutes. The pharmacy is right next door.”
“Rebecca, I don’t need pain pills,” he snapped.
“I may need them if you’re going to bite my head off all the way home.”
“Suit yourself. You always do what you want, anyway. You have no demut.”
“You’re right.” It was useless to point out that he was lacking in humility, as well. He was clearly in pain and determined to endure it. Without another word, she walked away and left him to stew while she had his prescription filled. For the next ten minutes, she kept an eye on him through the drugstore window. When she had his medication in hand, she returned to the buggy.
Sitting on the seat beside him, she withdrew a jar of ginger tea from her bag. “I can’t bear to see you in such misery, Samuel. Please take one of your pills and some tea. It will help. You do yourself no favor by suffering needlessly.”
“All right. Anything. Just take me home.”
Relief let her draw a deep breath. “Danki.”
She gave him the medicine and when he was ready, she backed away from the hitching rail and headed the horse toward Bowmans Crossing.
* * *
Samuel was resting in bed when Luke came in with his supper later that evening. “Would you like something to eat?”
“I am a little hungry.” Samuel sat up on the edge of the bed.
Luke pulled a small table over and sat in the chair beside him. “Are you in a lot of pain?”
“Some. It’s better than it was earlier today. As much as I dislike Rebecca bossing me around, she was right about the pain medicine. She’s not in here, is she?”
“It’s just you and me.”
“Goot. She has a way of sneaking in that’s unnerving.” And yet he missed her when she wasn’t around. She had avoided him all afternoon, leaving his mother to sit with him after they returned. He could hardly blame her. He hadn’t been good company. At least the pain meds allowed him to nap briefly. He would have a hard time sleeping later.
“I like her.” Luke fed him a bite of mashed potatoes and meat loaf.
Samuel swallowed his mouthful. “You would. She’s not a normal Amish woman.”
Luke chuckled. “That’s for sure. She speaks her mind.”
“It’s strange, but I can’t recall exactly what she looks like. I guess I never paid much attention to her before.”
“No reason why you should. She was another man’s wife. Our families weren’t close. She and her husband lived almost ten miles from here. I don’t know about you, but I’m always checking out the single girls, not the married ones.”
Samuel ate in silence for the rest of the meal. When he was finished, Luke asked, “Would you like some coffee? I have some right here.”
“Maybe half a cup. Is she pretty?”
Luke held the mug to Samuel’s lips. “Is who pretty?”
“Rebecca. Who else have we been talking about?”
“Pretty enough, I guess. She has a trim figure, good teeth—she seems strong enough.”
“You sound like you are describing a horse.”
“Okay, her eyes are a deep violet-blue. Very pretty. She has a direct stare that proves she is listening to you. Her hair is blond. She’s very fair skinned. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles, and she smiles a lot.”
“Even when she is browbeating me?”
Luke chuckled. “I think you can take it.”
Samuel frowned. It almost sounded as if Luke was becoming infatuated with Rebecca. Was he?
Chapter Six
The idea that his brother might be falling for Rebecca didn’t sit well with Samuel, but he wasn’t sure why. “She tells me you have made some birdhouses out of the gourds from Mamm’s garden.”
“I’ve made a few. Rebecca liked them.” Luke’s tone turned cool.
&n
bsp; “She thinks they’ll sell well if we can find a way to advertise them. Any ideas?” Was he really going to give credence to her notion?
Even when she wasn’t in the room, Rebecca was a hard woman to ignore. The things she said stuck in Samuel’s mind as if she had nailed them there. For the past hour, he had been thinking about the sound of her voice and mulling over her praise of Luke’s work. Was there something between the two of them? He shifted uncomfortably on the bed.
Samuel heard Luke walk away from the bed. “I haven’t thought about ways to advertise. I guess I just hoped someone who stopped in for something else would buy one of my gourds.”
“I’ve been doing some thinking. There’s not much else to do up here. You know that big tree on the north side of the road at the stop sign.”
“Sure.”
“If you were to hang a few of your birdhouses on that tree within easy reach for folks, you could bolt an honor payment box to the tree and sell them that way.”
“That’s not a bad idea, Samuel. I could even put out unpainted gourds for folks who would like to decorate their own.”
“You could.”
“We could add an arrow that points the way to our store in case folks wanted more Amish crafts.”
Samuel listened in amazement to Luke’s growing eagerness. “What do you think a fair price would be?”
The two men discussed costs and settled on a figure for painted and plain gourds. Samuel remembered Rebecca’s comments that Luke needed and wanted his approval. He wasn’t used to praising his brothers. It felt odd, but maybe she was right.
“Luke, I appreciate how much you have stepped up to help the family. I know you, Timothy and Noah are shouldering my share of the work along with your own.”
“You would do the same. I don’t know why you’re surprised that I would,” Luke said with a hint of resentment.
So much for Rebecca’s idea. Even when Samuel tried to be nice, Luke’s bad attitude reared its head.
An Amish Harvest Page 7
