“What is it?”
“A box Rebecca found in the gift shop. They’re toys that Timothy cut out before the fire but didn’t have time to finish.”
Samuel frowned. “What does she want me to do with them?”
Luke took Samuel’s hand and laid a sanding block in it. “I think she wants you to finish them. I’m on my way to bale hay with Timothy. I’ll call the doctor from the community phone booth.”
Leaning back, Samuel folded his arms over his chest. “Why don’t you use the cell phone you keep tucked in your boot?”
“Rebecca squealed on me? I don’t believe it.”
“I heard the low battery alarm beeping while you were washing up last night.”
“Oh. I only use it for emergencies.”
“I don’t care. You aren’t a baptized member of our church so you aren’t breaking any rules, but don’t let Mamm find out. Where is Rebecca?” He hadn’t seen her all morning. The day seemed incomplete until she was giving him grief about something.
“She’s coming this way. I’d better get going.”
“Bless you for carrying that box up here, Luke. Samuel, Hannah would like to see how we make our wooden toys. I told her you could show her how it’s done. I put a pair of gloves in the box for you to use. The sandpaper will be too rough on your skin. I must get back to the orchard and fetch Anna another half bushel of Red Delicious. Have fun.”
He heard her footsteps fade away, and then he heard a tiny sigh from beside him. He hid a grin. “Did you really want to know how these are made or is Rebecca just trying to entertain me?”
He felt Hannah crawl onto the swing beside him. “She’s trying to keep you busy so you don’t mope.”
“She said I mope?”
“Yup.”
“She’s bossy.”
“Yup.”
“Which toy do you want to make?”
“Do you have a dog? I miss mine. Her name is Bella, and she lives with Mammi Ada.”
“You’ll have to look and see if there is a dog shape in the box.”
“I found one. Now what?”
“We use our sandpaper to rub away the rough wooden edges and make the wood smooth so it looks more like the animal it needs to be.”
He heard her start working and before long, he was engrossed in the task of improving a wooden horse and showing Hannah how to do the same with her dog.
* * *
Rebecca glanced out the open window to check on Samuel and Hannah a half hour later. They were both working away. She heard them talking but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Occasionally, she heard Samuel’s deep laugh. She loved that sound.
“How are they getting along?” Mary asked as she mashed cooked apples through a strainer.
“Hannah is fine company for anyone.”
“It was a good idea.”
“I know he would rather be in the fields with the men, or in his workshop, but this is as close to woodworking as he can do at the moment.”
“I understand the workshop is being rebuilt soon. Joshua is excited for me to meet all the neighbors and the family members. I know he wishes we could stay here, but I’m happy we are going back to Hope Springs. That reminds me, I finished the letter to my adoptive mother this morning and I told her about your interest in furthering your education. Hopefully, I will have an answer soon and I can tell you when she is coming to visit.”
“What is this about more education?” Samuel stood in the doorway. Rebecca hadn’t heard him come in. She bit her lower lip, unsure of how he would react. Amish children only went to school until the eighth grade. Additional education was forbidden. The only way a student could go on was to refrain from joining the church.
“Mary’s adoptive mother is an Englisch nurse. She is looking for Amish women who want to become lay nurses at a clinic for special needs children. She has obtained permission from several of the bishops in the area to train the women. Isn’t that a wonderful idea?”
He crossed to the refrigerator and opened it. Pulling out a soda, he popped the top and took a drink. “Is this something you want to do, Rebecca?”
“I’m certainly interested in learning more about it.”
He nodded but didn’t make another comment. Hannah came in with two wooden toys in her hand. One was clearly a trotting horse; the other, Rebecca wasn’t sure what it was.
Hannah carried it to her mother. “See? It looks just like Bella?”
Mary held the toy up and struggled to keep a straight face. “It does look a lot like Bella. You did a great job. Are you finished?”
“Yup. Can I help you now?”
“You can. Bring a chair over here and stand beside me. I’ll show you how to make applesauce. Do you want to make plain or cinnamon?”
“Cinnamon.”
Samuel went to the broom closet and pulled out his mother’s broom. When he went outside, Rebecca followed him. He brushed the sawdust and wood shavings off the swing and then began to sweep the floor. She watched him for a moment.
“Am I missing a lot?”
“Nee, you are doing a fine job. Are you upset to learn I wish to further my education?”
“Surprised, but not upset. I see that what you do is important and that you wish to do it well.”
“Then why were you surprised?”
“I assumed that you would wish to marry rather than remain single.”
“I had considered marrying again so that I might know the joy of my own children, but I don’t know if it would be fair to bring kinder into a marriage not blessed with a deep love between the parents.”
“I understand why you’d feel that way, but respect and friendship can grow into love over time. My mother tells me it’s true.”
“She told me the same thing. Is your headache better?”
He touched his forehead. “It is. Don’t worry about me.”
“Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?” She struggled unsuccessfully to keep from smiling.
He held up one hand. “Nee, nee, I would not dare. I never know if you have a glass of water handy or not.”
“You grow wiser as well as stronger, Samuel. I’m pleased with your progress.” She went back in the house with the sound of his laughter raising her spirits.
* * *
The next day, Rebecca and Samuel were left at home when all the rest of the family went out to gather hay. Even Hannah was allowed to go along and help. The forecast for pending rain forced Isaac to put everyone to work in the fields. The apples could wait.
Rebecca felt guilty about not helping, but she was still worried about Samuel. She often saw him rubbing his forehead or knuckling his eyes as if they burned. Anytime she asked, he denied having a problem. With everyone gone, she was looking forward to a quiet afternoon of reading to him.
That hope evaporated before she had time to enjoy it. The sound of a horse and buggy pulling up outside drew her to the window. Her heart fell.
“Who is it?” Samuel asked, laying aside his work. He was adding a carved mane and tail to another toy horse with a small penknife.
“It’s John Miller.”
“No one mentioned that we had more work for him. I wonder what he wants?” Samuel started to rise, but Rebecca forestalled him.
“I’ll go see.”
She went into the kitchen and opened the door. “Good afternoon, John. What brings you out this way?”
He pulled his hat from his head and bowed slightly. “I thought I would see how Samuel is getting along and perhaps have a private word with you.”
That didn’t sound good. “Do come in. Samuel is in the other room. I’m sure he will be glad of your company. Everyone else is working in the hay fields.”
“A wise move. The paper says it will rain.” He smiled
tentatively, stepped inside and stood in front of her. He turned his hat around in his hand several times, and then seemed to realize what he was doing. Abruptly, he hung it on one of the pegs beside the door.
She led the way to the living room and he took a seat on the sofa. He looked so ill at ease that she worried he had bad news to share. He ran a finger around his collar. “It’s a warm day for this time of year.”
“Would you like to sit outside?” Samuel asked. “The breeze off the river is cooling.”
John popped up. “That would be fine.”
“Why don’t you two go out on the back porch and I’ll fix some refreshments for you.”
John shot out the door like a startled rabbit. What was going on?
* * *
Samuel settled on a picnic table bench against the back wall of the house. There was a good breeze, and it was cooler coming off the river. John paced across the porch and back several times.
“Is something troubling you, John?”
“Nee, I’m fine. Why do you ask?” He sounded as nervous as a new preacher on his first Sunday.
“You seem restless today.”
“I reckon there’s no disguising it. I’m nervous as can be. This is a big step for me, but it’s the right one I’m sure.”
“What is this big step, and how does it involve me?”
“Not you. Nee. I’ve come to ask for Rebecca’s hand in marriage. I know these things aren’t usually spoken of, but since she is living here, I see no reason to keep it a secret. We are not teenagers sneaking around at night during our rumspringa. We’ve both been wed before.”
John’s announcement hit Samuel like a fist to the stomach. Was Rebecca interested in John? She had loved Walter. Who better to take his place than his own brother? There wouldn’t be any objections from the church.”
“I didn’t know that you and Rebecca had been courting?”
“We’ve seen a lot of each other since my brother died. She is well aware of my feelings. I have been led to believe that she returns them.”
“Then you are a blessed man. Rebecca is a wonderful woman.” Wonderful and about to fall out of Samuel’s reach forever. He cared for Rebecca, but until this moment, he hadn’t examined those feelings close enough to realize that he was falling in love with her.
Should he have spoken? Would his blindness matter to her? It wouldn’t—he knew that. Not if she loved him. But it mattered to him. John was a good, strong man. He was the better choice for her, but Samuel couldn’t imagine how he would feel if she wanted John.
She brought out coffee and cinnamon rolls and sat at the small table beside him, but he had no interest in the food. Fortunately, John had little interest in prolonging the visit. He rose and said, “It was nice talking to you, Samuel. I hope you continue to mend. I’ll be back for the workshop raising next week. Rebecca, could you walk me out?”
“Of course.”
She sounded puzzled, not like a woman who was eager to hear what the man had to say to her.
Standing, Samuel held out his hand, and John shook it before leaving. Would Rebecca refuse him? Samuel prayed she would, and then he prayed to be forgiven for such a thought.
A headache sprang full-blown behind his eyes. He pulled off his dark glasses and dropped them as he pressed the heels of his hands to his brow to stem the pain. It didn’t work. He tipped his head back and opened his eyes. Blue sky and white clouds arched over him. A second later, intense pain dropped him to his knees and he fell forward.
* * *
Rebecca walked with John to his buggy. He didn’t get in. Instead, he turned around and surprised her by taking her hand. She tried to pull away, but he held on. “Would you like to go for a buggy ride with me?” he asked with a stiff grin.
“That’s very nice of you, but I must stay here with Samuel. No one else is at home.” She pulled at her hand again. He finally released her.
“I reckon there’s no need for that romantic stuff. I’ll say what I have to say, and you can give me your answer.” He pulled off his hat and clapped it to his chest.
A sinking feeling settled in her midsection.
“Rebecca Miller, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
She folded her hands below her chin and pressed them together tightly. “This is rather sudden, John.”
“No point in beating around the bush. We rub along well together. You’ll not want for anything as my wife. God willing, we will have many children to give us comfort in our old age.”
With absolute clarity, she saw what her answer had to be. “I like you John, but not enough to marry you. You are fine man, and you deserve a woman who loves you for who you are.”
He frowned. “You don’t want to marry me?”
She hated hurting his feelings. “I’m sorry. I don’t.”
He sighed heavily, and then slowly smiled. “Well, that is a relief.”
Growing more confused by the moment, she raised both eyebrows. “It is a relief that I won’t marry you?”
“It is. My folks are all for it. They have been pushing me for close to six months to wed you. I said yes so they would leave me alone. To think what I put up with when all I had to do was get the right answer from you.”
It wasn’t very flattering, but she was relieved she’d given him the answer he wanted. “I hope we can still be friends.”
“No problem with that. That’s all I ever wanted to be. You were Walter’s girl.”
“And you are his brother. You will always be dear to me.”
“I loved my Katie Ann, and I haven’t met a woman who could replace her in my heart. I know my folks wanted me and you to be happy together, but this sure wasn’t the way.”
“Apparently not.”
He slapped his hat on his head. “Good day to you. Is it okay if I still take you and your mother to church on Sundays?”
“Of course.” How was her mother going to take this news?
“Much obliged. It doesn’t feel right traveling to church alone. I’ll pick you up at seven sharp tomorrow. The meeting is at Verna Yoder’s place.”
“You’re welcome to stay for supper afterward, too. Anytime.”
“Danki. That’s real nice. I’m glad we had this talk.”
He drove away, and it was as if a heavy blanket had been lifted off Rebecca. Shaking her head at the oddity of the whole conversation, she walked through the house headed for the back porch. She pushed open the door. Samuel lay crumpled in a heap beside the table.
Chapter Twelve
Something cold and wet covered his face.
Samuel reached up to pull it down, but someone stopped him. “Leave it on for a few more minutes.”
It was Rebecca trying to boss him around again. He was done with that. He yanked the cloth off and threw it aside. He kept his eyes closed tight. He didn’t want a repeat of his earlier experience. “I don’t need another few minutes.”
Had he seen the sky or had he been dreaming? He was afraid to try again. “Where are my glasses?”
“Right here.” She laid them on his chest. Fumbling, he managed to get them on and sit up.
“Samuel what happened?”
“I had a dizzy spell.”
“Have they happened before?” She had that tone in her voice. The one she used when she was digging for medical information.
“A few times.”
“I knew you were keeping something from me.”
“How long was I out?”
“Not more than three minutes after I found you. Do you remember anything that might have triggered this?”
Like finding out another man wanted to marry her? “No. Can I get up off the floor now?”
“I don’t know if you can, but you may.”
�
��Don’t be funny. It’s not working at the moment.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. Should I go get your mother or one of your brothers?”
He heaved himself to his feet, a little surprised to find he was quite steady. “I don’t think they can do anything you haven’t done.”
“Samuel, I don’t think you are being honest with me.” He wasn’t even being honest with himself. The concern in her voice was genuine. He had no right to worry her.
“This is the third time it’s happened, but it’s the first time I blacked out.”
“You are going to the doctor straightaway.”
“Luke has already made an appointment for me. I see the doctor on Monday.”
“I guess that will have to do. How are you feeling now?”
“Foolish.”
“I don’t know why. Very few people have control over their ability to faint.”
What about their ability to fall head over heels for a bossy, caring, infuriating widow?
“You haven’t been exactly honest with me, either.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“John shared his reason for his visit today.”
“He didn’t.”
“Are you going to keep me in suspense until the banns are read in church?”
She slapped the wet towel on the back of his neck. It felt good, actually. “I am not going to marry John or anyone else.”
His heart gave a happy leap. “You aren’t? You turned him down?”
“John and I will continue to be friends. Nothing more.”
Relief made him dizzy all over again. He still had a chance. He might have seen blue sky. He might have imagined it. He needed to know for sure before he spoke about his feelings.
He reached out and she took his hand. “I’m sorry that John wasn’t the one for you. You deserve to be happy.”
She pulled her hand away. “I am happy, but thank you. We need to tell your family about what happened today.”
“Really? You want everyone to know you refused John?”
“Don’t be funny. It’s not working at the moment.”
He wanted to make her laugh. It didn’t work, but he thought he detected a smile in her voice. He would settle for that. “I don’t want to alarm my family.”
An Amish Harvest Page 15
