Kitabı oku: «Finding Her Amish Love»

Chapter Four

Emma gazed at the kind couple who owned the house she’d be living in for the next five weeks. “I’m a stranger, yet you’ve taken me in.”

Arlin studied her with warmth. “Missy explained the situation. The best place for you is here.” He smiled at her. “And we could use the help if you’re up to it.”

“I’d be happy to help. I don’t mind work.” Relief hit her hard as she gazed at Leah’s parents with gratitude.

“Then ’tis the ideal arrangement,” Arlin said.

Missy eyed Jess with a frown. “’Tis chilly in the morning. If you’re to help with morning chores, you’ll need a jacket and a sweater.” She narrowed her gaze as she studied her. “I have a sweater that should fit you. You can wear Charlie’s old jacket until I can make you a new one.”

Emma opened and closed her mouth. “You’re going to make me a jacket?”

“Ja. It will be getting colder outside in the coming weeks, and I don’t want you to get sick.” The woman eyed her with affection.

“I have a jacket.” She cringed. “It’s not in the best shape, but if you have a needle and thread, I could fix it.”

“I’d rather make you a new one,” the woman said.

Arlin caught and held Emma’s gaze when Missy turned to put a kettle of water to heat on the stove. “No sense arguing with her,” he said. “She’ll do what she wants, and you’ll not be stopping her.” The twinkle in his eyes showed amusement. “We have grandchildren, but she misses having a daughter in the haus. You being here means the world to her,” he whispered. “She’s going to want to spoil you.”

“I heard that, husband,” she said sharply, but there was a smile on her lips as she faced him. Her smile remained in place as she turned to Emma. “He’s right. I’m happy to have you here.”

Overcome with emotion, Emma blinked rapidly. “Danki.”

“We don’t say thank you often. We show our gratitude in other ways. With a smile or a nod or by doing something special for someone,” Arlin told her.

Emma nodded. It had been a long time since she lived among the Amish. It wasn’t surprising that she’d forgotten a few things. “I guess I have a lot to learn.”

“And you’ll do well.”

“I—ah—does it bother you that I’m pretending to be a cousin? I know it’s wrong, but—”

“’Tis the only way to keep you hidden and safe. We are fine with it,” Missy assured her.

“Arlin, where’s Jeremiah?”

“I left him in the barn.”

Missy frowned. “Why?”

“I didn’t want to frighten Emma.”

“Jeremiah?” Emma asked. “Your dog?”

“Ja. We had him at our other haus and brought him with us,” Missy said.

“Is he black and white? A little fluffy thing?”

Arlin studied her thoughtfully. “He is. How do you know that?”

She blushed. “I slept in your barn when you lived in the other house. He kept me company during the night. I was afraid something had happened to him.”

“Something happened to him, oll recht. He’s captured the heart of my husband. Arlin, go get him and bring him inside before he chews something he shouldn’t.”

The man rose stiffly and headed toward the door. “Ja, wife.”

After he left, Missy laughed. “Don’t think he’s downtrodden. That man does nothing he doesn’t want to do.”

Emma felt her lips curve. “I see.”

Missy’s eyes twinkled. “I’m sure you do. We are going to get along just fine, you and I. Let me show you to your room before Arlin returns and you get reacquainted with Jeremiah.”

The bedroom was small but lovely with a beautiful brightly colored homemade Amish quilt on the double bed. There was a nightstand on one side and a tall dresser against the wall next to the doorway. The sun shone through the window, brightening the room. Emma had never stayed in such a nice room. The warm feeling from being in Missy’s presence was the best Emma had felt in a long time.

Emma felt hope well up and surround her. God had led her here, and she would thank Him every day for what He’d given her. She smiled as she sat on the bed while Missy looked on. “Perfect.”

A loud bark from downstairs had Missy gesturing for Emma to follow her. “Jeremiah is back. Come and say hallo.”

Emma followed Missy downstairs. The little dog saw her, and as if recognizing her, he sprang forward and placed his paws on her legs. She laughed, scooping him up to cuddle. Aware of being watched, she caught Arlin studying her and suddenly felt self-conscious. “I’m sorry.” She bent to put him down.

“Nay,” Arlin said. “He likes you. You can hold him whenever you want.”

She grinned and straightened with the little dog in her arms. “Do you want me to take him for a walk?”

Arlin nodded. “Ja, I’m sure he would like that.”

Emma saw the leash hanging from a wall peg in the kitchen. “Does he sleep in the barn?”

The man shook his head. “Nay, we usually keep him in the kitchen. I had him outside with me since earlier when I was working in the barn.” He exchanged looks with his wife, who gave a nod. “If you’d like to take him into your room tonight, I’m sure he’ll like that.”

Emma felt misty. “I’d love that.” She smiled her thanks, then grabbed the leash and clipped it onto the dog’s collar. “When I get back, can we talk about my chores?”

“Ja, we can talk about them,” Missy assured her. “Hold on a minute.” The woman left, returning in a moment with a sweater. “Put this on. ’Tis too chilly today to be without.”

She immediately obeyed, pleased that someone cared enough to worry about her.

The air was nippy, but the day was beautiful. She allowed Jeremiah to run, and she laughed as she followed his rapid pace. She walked toward the back of the property, noting the farm fields and the way the leaves were starting to change on the trees on the property. She made sure Jeremiah was ready to go back inside before she started back. She felt different in her Amish clothing, like she’d stepped back in time to when she was six years old and had visited with her grandparents. When she’d gone to school in Maryland, she’d stuck out like a sore thumb in the awful garments the Turners had insisted she wear. But here? She felt more at home than any other place except Indiana, where she’d lived so many years ago.

She wondered if the Turners were unhappy she left. Or had her foster father realized what she’d seen? She hadn’t stayed long enough to see him after witnessing that drug deal and altercation behind the small shopping center in the center of town. Bryce would probably file a missing persons report again. But this time he wouldn’t find her. Not living here among the Amish. He would be unhappy with her. Taking her in had ensured he received eight hundred dollars a month from the state of Maryland. He’d look for her for that reason alone. But if he had pegged her for an eyewitness to his and his son’s crime? Then she was in danger. If she thought for one moment that he would find her here and hurt anyone who had hidden her, she would leave now. And she would do so if she learned that someone was in the area searching for her. These kind people didn’t deserve to be harmed for taking her in. But after what she’d seen, she knew it was a possibility, so she would stay as long as she could and hope that it would be enough time. Right now, the police would be on the Turners’ side. But once she was eighteen, they would stay out of it, for she would legally be an adult and no longer be anyone’s responsibility. She’d be free to come and go wherever she pleased.

Emma refused to think about Bryce Turner and his son any longer. She was safe among the Amish. She’d live and be happy until the time came for her to go. A sensation of sadness filtered through her joy as she recalled that her life here was only temporary. The Stoltzfuses were doing so much for her. She wouldn’t take advantage of them. She’d make herself useful, starting right away.

The sound of buggy wheels caught her attention as she led the dog toward the house. She blinked as Daniel Lapp parked near the house and got out as she reached the grass before the walkway to the side door.

“Daniel,” she greeted, suddenly wary. “Is something wrong?”

He approached with a large paper bag. “Nay, I left Ellie’s and am heading into work. I saw Leah again earlier and she wanted you to have this.”

Curious, she approached, took the bag and looked inside. “Clothes?”

Daniel nodded. “Just until she can get you new ones.”

“I don’t need new clothes.” The garments she’d been given were way better than anything she’d owned at the Turners’.

His expression softened. “Need them or not. You’ll be getting new garments if Leah has anything to say about it.”

Emma laughed. “That’s what Missy said, and it sounds like her daughter is just as determined.” Her amusement faded. “You think I’m taking advantage of them. Your family. I wouldn’t have come, but I have nowhere else to go.”

“I wasn’t thinking that at all,” he replied quietly. “Everyone needs help on occasion. We are always willing to help others. It’s the Lord’s way.”

She nodded. “Will you come in?”

“Just for a minute.” He followed her and Jeremiah into the house. “I see you have a new friend,” he said.

“Jeremiah and I have met before, and I think he remembers me.” She opened the door and held it for him. “This little guy kept me company and warm the first time I fell asleep in that barn.” She stepped inside and he followed her. “Look who’s stopped by.”

“Daniel,” Arlin greeted with warmth.

His wife smiled. “What brings you back?”

“Your dochter’s need to see that Emma has enough garments to last her until spring.”

“Leah shouldn’t worry about me,” Emma replied.

“Just accept it,” Missy suggested. “’Tis Leah’s nature to be concerned.” She addressed Daniel. “Tell her that I’ll take care of anything else Emma needs.”

Emma’s gaze locked with Daniel’s, but she couldn’t read his expression.

She unclipped Jeremiah’s leash, then unbuttoned her sweater and hung both on a wall hook. She would take her sweater upstairs later. After Daniel left, she’d have to ask Missy and Arlin about her chores. She’d always loved feeding the animals at her grandparents’ farm. Doing chores for the kind couple was the least she could do to repay them for their generosity.

“Would you like anything?” Missy asked him, ever the welcoming hostess. “Tea? Cookies?”

“Nay, Endie Missy. I’ll be heading over to the construction site. I have to work today.”

“Is Reuben still set on building on to the great room?” Arlin asked.

“Nay, I convinced him an addition isn’t necessary. It helped that Ellie wholeheartedly agrees with me. Your son-in-law accepted the truth with gut grace.”

“How’s little Ethan?”

“He’s fine. Hard to believe he’s standing and taking steps. Ellie is gut with him.”

“Ja, he took to her right away. Ellie is happy to have such a wonderful family.”

“Not as happy as Reuben, I imagine,” Daniel said with a smile.

He left minutes later after promising to pick up Emma to take her to work. “I’ll be by at eight thirty tomorrow morning,” he reminded Emma.

“I’ll be ready,” she promised, and then watched as he drove away. There was something about the man that drew her. What, she didn’t know.

Emma awoke before dawn and went downstairs. She was shocked to see Missy and Arlin already up and seated at the table with Daniel Lapp. He looked nice in a green shirt, black suspenders and navy pants. His hat sat on the chair beside him. His brown gaze slammed into hers, and her eyes widened until she managed to control her surprise.

“You’re all up early,” she greeted. “Daniel, I thought you were coming by at eight thirty?”

He nodded. “I woke up, got a few chores done and decided to stop by for breakfast with my favorite aunt and uncle.” He grinned at Arlin and Missy.

“And we love having him,” Missy said with an affectionate smile. “’Tis not the first time he’s come to break his fast with us.”

“I thought I’d get a head start on my chores before I eat,” Emma said. She had her borrowed jacket draped over her arm.

“Why not have something to eat first?” Missy said. “There’s plenty of time to feed the animals.”

Emma hesitated, then, not wanting to disappoint the woman, she pulled out the chair across from Daniel and sat down. Missy pushed a plate of muffins in her direction, then poured her a cup of coffee. “I can do that, Missy,” she said. “You don’t have to wait on me.”

“I told you she’ll want to spoil you, Emma,” Arlin murmured with a grin.

She sighed and accepted the coffee before she sweetened it the way she liked it. Watching her, Daniel slid a pitcher of milk closer to her. Emma added a dash of the thick liquid, stirred it in, then took a sip. The coffee tasted wonderful. She closed her eyes and enjoyed another sip before she opened them to find Daniel staring at her. Suddenly feeling flustered, she blushed. “What else would you like me to do this morning besides feed the animals?” she asked as she buttered her muffin.

“Not a thing,” Missy assured her.

“Can I help with the wash? I can wash and hang clothes with the best of them.”

“We’ll do laundry tomorrow.”

The room grew quiet as the four of them drank their coffee and ate buttered muffins. Emma couldn’t remember tasting anything so good since she’d eaten in her grandmother’s kitchen. When she was done, she rose and put her dishes in the sink. She grabbed a flashlight from a kitchen drawer. “I’ll feed the animals and come back to do the dishes,” she said.

Daniel stood. “I’ll go with you.”

Emma felt her breath hitch as she locked gazes with him. “Oll recht,” she murmured, easily slipping into the language she’d learned as a young girl. She felt his presence strongly as she left the house and headed toward the barn.

“You learn our words quickly,” he said.

She tensed, pausing before she entered the outbuilding. “Why are you really here so early?” she asked.

There was barely a hint of light in the sky. But it was enough illumination to see Daniel’s face.

He gazed at her a long time. “To enjoy breakfast with my aunt and uncle.” He paused. “And to see if I could help you with chores this morning, being your first day here.”

She felt herself soften toward him. “That’s kind of you.”

He didn’t say anything. Something odd shifted in his expression before Daniel reached past her to open the door.

Emma entered and switched on the flashlight. She waited as Daniel headed toward the back of the barn. She followed. She knew what to do but was willing to take his direction first.

“We’ll let the horses out to graze,” he said.

She opened her mouth to object, then shut it as their gazes locked. Was he expecting her to argue? Instead, Emma went to the barn’s rear door that opened directly into a fenced pasture. Emma started to pull the door but then Daniel was there tugging it with her. It slid open, and she went back to let the first of three horses out into the paddock.

Daniel followed her and led the other two horses together. Emma sighed. She knew how to do this. She’d learned as a child while helping her grandfather. Of course, Daniel didn’t know that. Once the horses were outside. She went over to check the horse water trough and saw that it needed to be refilled. As she turned to head back, Daniel stood waiting for her. “The water trough needs to be refilled.”

He nodded at her and waved her to follow him. They found buckets inside the barn and left through the front door. Daniel showed her where there was an outside water pump. He pumped the handle after she set a bucket under the spigot. When pail was full, she moved it out of the way and replaced it with the empty one. When both were filled, Emma grabbed a bucket while Daniel picked up the other. She felt sure he had planned to carry them both, but these were her chores, and she wasn’t about to allow him to believe that she didn’t have the gumption or the strength to carry them out.

They emptied the buckets into the trough. After that, Emma looked to Daniel to see what he wanted to do next.

“Chickens?” she asked.

He nodded. This time she didn’t wait for him but went inside and filled a pail with chicken feed. “Can I let them out before I feed them?” she asked, knowing that she’d done it when she was a young girl.

A flicker of surprise in Daniel’s brown eyes as he nodded gave her a feeling of satisfaction. She opened the fence around the chicken coop and threw down feed in the yard. Emma watched with a smile as the hens and one rooster gobbled it up. When she was ready for them to go back inside, she tossed some grain into the fenced enclosure and watched as they headed back in.

“You’ve done that before,” Daniel said after she’d closed the gate and faced him.

Emma nodded. “When I was little, my grandparents lived on a farm.” They most probably still did, but she didn’t know for sure whether or not they were even alive. A sharp pang in her heart hit her hard as she remembered how much she’d loved her mother’s parents. Had they missed her at all? According to her mother, her grosseldre would have pushed thoughts of their shunned relatives from their mind. That leaving the community had made them shunned sinners hurt Emma. She’d had a hard time adjusting to the English life as a young child. Eventually, she’d gotten used to it. But she’d still missed her Amish family and friends.

You can never go back. Her parents had drilled it into her over and over, especially when she’d begged to visit her grandparents. After her parents died, she’d felt more alone than ever before. No mother or father. No aunts or uncles. No grandparents or cousins. No one.

“Emma?” Daniel’s concerned voice drew her attention, and she realized that he’d called her name several times before she’d looked at him.

“Ja?”

He eyed her with a gentle expression. “Are you oll recht?”

She managed a smile. “I’m fine,” she lied. “What next?” she asked, trying to distract him from asking any questions.

“We can let the goats out with the horses, then we should be finished.”

“That doesn’t seem like enough work for me to do,” she murmured.

Daniel regarded her with a smile. “I’m sure Missy will think of something else for you to do eventually. ’Tis your first morning. Enjoy it while you can.”

Emma chuckled. “I will.”

When they were done, they headed toward the house. Emma was conscious of Daniel beside her. Had he come early just to help her get acquainted with her chores? She realized that she should have asked Arlin the night before how he liked the animals cared for, but she’d taken care of farm animals in the past. She didn’t think she’d have any trouble. Still, having Daniel beside her as she worked this morning helped. She hadn’t given a thought that Arlin and Missy might do things differently here. Emma knew she wouldn’t be quick to assume they did anything the same in the future.

“Do you have some time for another cup of coffee?” Missy asked as Emma, followed by Daniel, entered the kitchen.

Emma glanced at Daniel, saw him nod. “That would be wunderbor,” he said.

A quick note of the time on the kitchen wall clock showed her that it was only seven. Daniel originally hadn’t been due to arrive for another hour and a half yet.

“Sit,” Missy ordered when Emma hovered, wanting to help.

She took a seat, and this time Daniel sat next to her.

“Did you get the animals fed?” Arlin asked as he cradled his coffee mug.

“Ja,” Emma said. She felt self-conscious. “’Tis still early. Surely there is something else you’d like me to do.”

Missy smiled as she set down two mugs of coffee. “Did you make your bed?”

Emma nodded. “Of course.” She’d made her bed since she’d been old enough to learn how.

“Then relax. Keep my nephew company. You can help with the laundry tomorrow if you’d like.”

After flashing a quick, shy look in Daniel’s direction, Emma took a small sip from her coffee. “I can do laundry.” She could feel Daniel’s gaze on her. She avoided looking at him but couldn’t ignore his scent—of soap and outdoors.

“Do you need help getting your corn in?” Daniel asked Arlin after a moment of silence.

“Are you offering?”

“I’d be happy to help. There isn’t much. With a little help, we could get it done in a morning.”

“I could ask my sons-in-law.”

“You’ve got other nephews, too,” Daniel pointed out.

“True. James will be busy at his vet clinic, and Henry will be helping Leah at the store.”

“I’ll be there to help Leah,” Emma pointed out.

Daniel captured her attention. His brown eyes warmed as he studied her. “That would work.” He turned his gaze on Arlin. “Joseph could use the experience. Not that he hasn’t had any, but he’ll be taking over the farm someday, so the more experience he gets the better.”

“I’ll ask Reuben,” Arlin said. “He’ll want to help.”

Emma immediately pictured the man who was married to Leah’s sister Ellie. The woman and her husband were both blond-haired and had blue eyes. They will have beautiful children. She felt a longing for something she most probably would never have. A husband and children. What man would want a runaway foster child with no extended family? She thought longingly again of her mother’s Amish family, and her chest hurt. Even after all these years, she still felt the loss.

She sat listening quietly to Arlin and Daniel’s discussion. At first tense, Emma soon relaxed and enjoyed sitting at a kitchen table with people who obviously cared about one another. Whenever someone asked her a question or her opinion, she felt included, something she hadn’t experienced in years. Feeling accepted. Although her time in Happiness would be short, she knew that once she left she’d never forget everyone’s kindness.

She enjoyed hearing the conversation among Daniel and his aunt and uncle. She learned about his siblings, especially his sister Hannah, the youngest and only girl, who had seven older brothers. Daniel expressed concern about the fact that it was time for Hannah to go on rumspringa. Apparently, Hannah had always been bold, and he was afraid she’d get into trouble in the English world.

Emma was amazed by Daniel’s concern for his family. She wished she had siblings to enjoy. A brother or a sister. Either one would have made her childhood less lonely. Her first foster family had grown children who didn’t live at home. The Turners’ children, Kent and Melanie, didn’t want her as a sibling. In fact, they hadn’t wanted her at the house at all.

“I guess we should go.” Daniel stood abruptly, drawing her glance.

She was surprised that it was just after eight thirty. Emma was startled that the time had gone so fast. “Are you done with your coffee?’ she asked Arlin and Missy.

“Nay,” the older bearded man said. “I think I’ll sit a while longer with my wife.”

Emma smiled as she stood and picked up her and Daniel’s mugs. She took the dishes to the sink and washed and dried them. After putting them away in the cabinet, she reached for her sweater, which she’d hung on a wall hook, then met Daniel’s gaze. “I’m ready.”

“Wait!” Missy said. She got up and pulled two paper bags from the refrigerator. “Lunch for each of you.” She handed her and Daniel their lunches. “Fresh roast beef on homemade bread. I put a bag of potato chips in there as well.” She smiled. “And an apple. You need to get your nourishment.” Her eyes crinkled with warmth. “Have a gut day. Emma, enjoy your first day at work.”

Emma stared down at the paper lunch bag and was overcome with emotion. “Danki,” she whispered. She heard Daniel talking with the Stoltzfuses as she headed outside to regain control of her emotions. Daniel stepped outside moments later. She followed him to his buggy and waited, knowing that he would insist upon helping her get in.

“Are you ready for your first day at work?” Daniel asked after she was seated.

“I’m a bit nervous, but I’ll learn quickly. I’ll make sure that Leah is never sorry she hired me.”

Daniel didn’t say anything, but she could tell he was worried.

Emma sighed silently. No doubt worried about Leah and Henry, she thought. He’d been reluctant to trust her from the first. I’ll prove to him that I’m a good worker.

Fifteen minutes later the store loomed ahead and to the right. Emma was quiet as Daniel pulled in front of the building and waited for her to get out.

“Danki, Daniel.”

“I’ll be back for you at four thirty. Leah said you’ll be done working by then.”

His sudden cool, detached tone made her want to refuse the ride home. “I can walk home.”

“Nay, it will be nearly dark by then. I’ll be here when you’re ready to leave.”

She frowned. If she couldn’t walk to work, how could she get to the store without inconveniencing anyone, especially Daniel? Emma thought of the times her grandfather had briefly allowed her to take the reins of his buggy. She’d been fearless and grossdaddi had been pleased with her. Could she drive herself?

Daniel was at her side of the buggy before she could move. He helped her out.

“I’ll see you at four thirty,” he told her again before he climbed back in, then drove away.

“Not if I find another way home first,” she muttered as she watched his vehicle disappear from sight. The man confused her. She liked him. How could she not? But yet she knew he saw her as an inconvenience.

She scowled as she headed toward the door in the storefront. Did he come to help with the animals because he hadn’t trusted her to handle the job?

Emma briefly closed her eyes as she recalled Daniel’s kindness since she had told him about her foster family.

Or had he come because he cared?