The promise, p.16
The Promise, page 16
“How are you keeping that thing charged?” Levi asked, knowing there was no electricity on the farm.
“I use the battery in the tractor. A friend gave me an adapter,” Isaac said.
Sarah nodded. “That’s what I used, too, when I had my phone.”
Levi got to his feet. “Have they been in there a long time?” The waiting room had no clock on the pale gray walls.
Isaac glanced at his cell phone. “Twenty minutes is all.”
“Your mamm seems stronger to me. Don’t you think so?” Sarah asked.
“A little.” Levi hoped he wasn’t imagining it because that was what he wanted to see. If Sarah had noticed, she must be doing better.
Isaac sat in the chair beside her. “I think so, too. At least she’s eating better, even if it’s not that much yet. She seems to like your cooking, Sarah. It is goot.”
She blushed at his praise. “I’m glad you think so.”
If his brother suspected Sarah was being dangled in front of him, he didn’t seem to mind.
A nurse came out from a short hallway that led to the exam rooms. “Dr. Black would like to speak with all of you.”
Levi shared a worried glance with his brother as they followed her. Inside the room the two men stood against the wall. Sarah sat on a chair beside the doctor. Their mother was sitting on the exam table looking annoyed.
The doctor took a seat at a small desk with a chart open in front of her. She turned to look at Levi and Isaac. “I understand your mother refused a home health nurse.”
Their mother crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t need one. It’s a frivolous expense.”
“It’s important that I have accurate information in order to adjust your medications. I will have the nurse teach both of you how to take her blood pressure and check her pulse twice a day. If she is having any symptoms of A-fib, such as shortness of breath, a fluttering sensation in her chest or a fainting episode, I need to know about it right away.”
“I know how to check her blood pressure and pulse,” Sarah said. “I don’t have a blood pressure cuff, but I know that we can get one at the pharmacy.”
The doctor looked mollified. “Excellent. Are you a daughter or daughter-in-law?”
“A temporary helper, but I’m there every day except Sunday.”
Henrietta lifted her chin. “See, I didn’t need a nurse.”
“How is she?” Levi asked the doctor.
“She’s getting better. Her blood pressure and pulse are both normal today. She has gained five pounds, which is a good start. I won’t have the results of her lab work until tomorrow, but all in all, I’m pleased.”
Levi felt a weight lift off his chest. He hadn’t realized how worried he was until now.
They left the doctor’s office a short time later. Isaac walked ahead, pushing their mother in a wheelchair. Levi walked beside Sarah. He’d never known a woman as resourceful as she seemed to be. “How do you happen to know how to take a blood pressure reading?”
“My sister’s first husband was ill for many weeks. He had a visiting hospice nurse, and I learned from her.”
“That must’ve been a difficult time for you.”
“You learn to do what you have to do. A person never really knows what they are capable of doing until the need arises.”
“I think having you in the house has made a wonderful difference for her.”
“I try to keep her busy doing little things, so she has less time to fret about her situation. I think I will have Laura Beth bring Caleb over to visit. His antics will entertain anyone.”
Levi left the doctor’s office feeling more hopeful than he had expected. His mother was making progress and Sarah seemed happy to help. Her kindness toward his mother touched him deeply. He held the car door open for her. “I appreciate all you have done,” he said softly.
“So do I,” Isaac added as he got in beside her.
* * *
SARAH SUFFERED A pang of guilt as she sat between Levi and Isaac in the back seat of Julie’s car. Her motive in taking the job had been a selfish one. She wanted to spend time with Isaac and perhaps impress him with her wifely skills. Caring for his mother had almost been an afterthought. Now she was being praised for it and that left her feeling uncomfortable. She kept her head down and avoided talking to either brother.
The ride back to the farm seemed to take forever, but Julie finally turned in the drive. “Look, Ernest is here. I do enjoy that man,” she said.
Sarah tried to gauge Henrietta’s reaction, but she was sitting up front and Sarah couldn’t see her face.
“I wonder what he wants.” Henrietta’s sour tone proved she was displeased.
Julie chuckled as she stopped the car. “Unless I miss my guess, he’s here to share some new fishing story.”
Sarah saw Ernest was on a stepladder at the end of the porch. There were two long chains hanging down from the ceiling. On the floor by his feet was a red porch swing with thick slats and bright cushions piled on it. As soon as they all got out of the car, Ernest waved them over. “Isaac, Levi, give me a hand here.”
Sarah met Levi’s gaze. “I’ll take your mother inside.”
“Not so fast. I want to see what that old speckled toad is doing.”
“I’m putting up your porch swing, you dried-up old hen. What does it look like I’m doing?”
“It’s red, you fool. That’s not a color for an Amish home. How dare you.”
“I know what color it is.” He pointed his finger at her. “And you know exactly why I painted it like this, you old bat.”
“There’s no reason to insult each other,” Sarah said firmly, giving each of them a stern look.
“Ha! Do you feel insulted, you old hunk of fish bait?” Henrietta demanded.
He got down off the stepladder. “Not in the least. Sarah, we’re only sharing a bit of baby talk between...nonfriends.”
Julie looked from Ernest to Sarah. “Am I missing something?”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “We’re all missing something, but these two won’t fill us in.”
Julie shrugged. “Alrighty, then. I guess I’ll go home. Ernest, I cooked the last piece of fish in my freezer.”
“I’ll try to bring ya some on Saturday.”
“Appreciate it.” Julie waved as she got in her car and drove away.
Henrietta moved toward the front door of the house. Ernest scurried to open it for her. She walked by him with her nose in the air. “Don’t let the flies in.”
He winked at Sarah. “She still got it. What did the doctor say?”
“She’s getting better.”
He let the screen door slam shut. “I don’t reckon we’ll get to bury her anytime soon, then.” He shouted to make sure that she heard him. Somewhere in the house, another door slammed.
He walked to where Isaac and Levi were hanging the swing from the chains. Levi pushed the swing back and forth. It made a faint creaking sound.
Ernest leaned toward Levi. “If I had a swing like that...”
“I’d paint it red and hang it on my front porch.” The two men burst out laughing.
Sarah was still at a loss. “What are you two talking about?”
Isaac shook his head. “Don’t look at me.”
Levi folded up the stepladder. “It was something Daed used to say.”
Ernest hooked his thumbs through his suspenders and rocked back on his heels. “I said it first, but we were both right. I just wanted to remind Henrietta of that. She ain’t dead yet, and neither am I.”
Sarah pointed to the swing. “Levi, are you going to explain this?”
He looked like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “As long as you don’t get mad at me.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “We’ll see.”
“It’s not something an Amish fellow should say about his girl, but I’ve heard a few Englisch fellows say it. It means the girl has a nice...sway to her hips when she walks.”
Sarah’s mouth dropped open. “What? Are you joking?”
He held up both hands. “You asked... I’m only explaining.”
She glared at each of them in turn. “You men should be ashamed of yourselves. What matters is what’s on the inside of a woman, not her outside appearance.”
Sarah spun around and marched away with her back ramrod straight. She wasn’t about to give them the satisfaction of judging her sway.
* * *
LEVI WATCHED SARAH leave showing her outrage in every step. She would be more upset if she knew that was one of the first things he’d noticed about her. He turned to Ernest. “I think we have fallen into Sarah’s bad graces.” He nodded toward the swing. “You were taking a big chance bringing that thing here.”
“I was aiming to remind Henrietta that I’m a long way from calling it quits on life.”
“I hope I have as much gumption as you do when I’m your age,” Isaac said. He sat down in the swing and gave himself a push.
“At a certain age, a fellow feels it’s easier to speak his mind and not worry what other folks think.”
Levi settled beside Isaac and scooted over to let Ernest sit in between them. “What age would that be?”
“A couple of decades older than the two of you.”
“Are you going to tell us why you and Mamm are still at odds?” Isaac asked.
“Nope.”
Isaac sighed. “I didn’t figure you would. Just thought I’d ask. How’s the fishing been?”
“I’ve never had a bad day fishing.”
Isaac leaned forward to look at Ernest’s face. “Do you mean to tell us that you have never gotten skunked?”
“Oh, there have been days when I never caught so much as a nibble, but that’s not why I go fishing. There’s nothing better than enjoying the splendor of God’s creations while you’re waiting for the next bite.”
Levi heard a buzzing sound and realized it was Isaac’s phone set on vibrate. His brother took it out of his boot and walked away to answer it.
Ernest watched him go. “That youngster is having a hard time giving up the Englisch ways.”
“He is, but now I have some hope that he’ll stay with us.”
“A pretty Amish girl or Englisch girl is often how a fellow makes up his mind about what faith to follow.”
“Don’t you think that’s a poor way for a man to decide his religion?”
“Of course I do. But then again, it’s hard to argue that God doesn’t use women to His advantage when it comes to getting a man into church. Once he’s in the church with a helpmate by his side, the Lord may find it easier to steer him along the path of righteousness.”
“I never looked at it that way.”
“You haven’t been fishing often enough. It gives you lots of time to contemplate the ways of the world and the workings of Gott. I might have it all wrong, but women do seem to be what makes the world go round.”
“Coming from a man who never married, that’s a bold statement.”
Ernest laughed and slapped Levi’s knee. “You got me there. So why haven’t you brought home a bride? Haven’t met the right one?”
“Catching a wife is a lot like fishing, Ernest.”
“How so?”
“If you don’t put your hook in the water, you’re not going to catch anything.”
“You make a good point. So you haven’t been looking for a wife.”
“The business Daed and I ran didn’t leave me much time to think about courting. It didn’t bring many women, Amish or otherwise, into my circle. Once I get Wing into the racing circuit and start winning, I hope to earn enough money with what I have saved to buy back our farm. Then I’ll think about having a family.”
“Getting the farm back is important to you, isn’t it?”
“Very important. Daed poured his blood, sweat and tears into bettering the land and animals his father left him. I want to do the same. I know that’s what he would want me to do.”
Ernest rose to his feet. “You have to be mighty careful living a life to please someone else. You might miss out on what’s best for yourself. I’ll be around after Henny has had time to cool down.”
“That might take a while. Shall we rig up a signal? I can tie a red rag around the fence post at the end of the lane if she’s still mad and a white one if she’s over it.”
Ernest contemplated Levi’s offer for a few seconds. “That’s a fine idea but don’t bother. I’ll take my chances. I like a little spat now and again.”
Ernest walked away as Isaac returned and sat down on the swing. His glum expression made Levi suspect that it hadn’t been a friendly phone call.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“About what?”
“About what seems to ruin your day every time you get a phone call. Was it Brittany? I know it’s none of my business, but I do worry about you.”
“I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”
“You’re not very convincing but I’ll leave you be. Between Ernest, Mamm and you, everyone has secrets around here.”
“What would you say if I told you I want to go back to Lancaster?”
Levi turned to look at his brother. Isaac was serious. If his brother went back, Levi never would. His mother wouldn’t leave Kansas. He’d be stuck here. He’d never fulfill his promise to recover his father’s legacy. “Have you thought it through? How would you earn a living? Where would you stay? Since you asked, I’d say it sounds like a rash decision on your part.”
“It probably wouldn’t do any good anyway.”
“It would worry Mamm, and she doesn’t need that right now,” Levi added for good measure.
Isaac nodded slowly. “I reckon you’re right. I think I’ll see if Sarah wants to go for a walk.”
Levi gave a silent sigh of relief. “Okay. I can sit with Mamm for a while.”
“Great.” Isaac got up and went to the house.
Levi continued rocking in the swing until Isaac and Sarah came out of the house. Sarah looked his way, but then turned her back to him. “Your mother is lying down.”
Was the swing making her uncomfortable? He almost laughed at the idea, but he got up and went to stand beside her. The rosy color of her cheeks proved she was embarrassed. “I’ll go in and sit with her in case she needs anything.”
“We won’t be long,” she said. She walked down the steps, turned around suddenly to glare at him and then walked stiffly toward the lane.
“You’re right, Sarah. It’s what’s on the inside of a person that counts,” he called out. “Mostly,” he said softly to himself.
* * *
LEVI WAS LAUGHING at her again. Sometimes he could be very annoying.
“Is something wrong?” Isaac asked.
Sarah glanced at him sheepishly. She wasn’t about to admit she was thinking about Levi when she had Isaac by her side. “Of course not. Go on with what you were saying.”
“You know what I like about you, Sarah? You’re uncomplicated.”
“If that’s a compliment, danki.” Her life was getting more complicated by the day, but if it didn’t show, that meant she was doing a good job at hiding it.
“Some women say one thing and mean another. They make a fellow guess what they want and then they change their minds. You aren’t like that. It’s refreshing.”
“You need to hang around more Amish women. I’m not that special. What has you upset?”
He shot her a quick glance. “What makes you think I’m upset?”
“I don’t know. This scowl on your face is one hint.”
“Sorry. I didn’t realize I was doing that. How is this?” He beamed a smile her way.
“Better. But why don’t you tell me what’s wrong and maybe we can figure out a way to fix it.”
“I’d rather not talk about it. Let’s just enjoy the day.”
“Okay. Have you noticed that the wheat is heading out?”
He looked toward the waving green field on his left. “I had not, but you’re right. The grain heads are forming.”
“It won’t be long before you’ll have to start combining. A month, maybe, if the weather turns hot.”
“I remember cutting wheat with my grandfather. I know everyone thought it was hard work, but I just thought it was fun.”
“I remember.” She smiled at the wistful expression on his face.
He blew out a slow breath. “It seems like a very long time ago.”
She tipped her head to look at his face. “And yet sometimes it feels like it was only yesterday. A couple of my friends are planning a get-together at the lake later this week. Would you be interested in going?”
He managed to look interested. “Sure.”
“We’ll meet at Connor’s Cove. Don’t worry about bringing food. We’re going to cook hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.”
“Should I bring my fishing pole?” he asked.
“You can if you like. Lots of times we simply end up sitting around a campfire and telling stories. They’ll be excited to have you there.”
He looked skeptical. “Why is that?”
“Because you haven’t heard any of our stories and we haven’t heard any of yours. That makes you the perfect guest.”
He chuckled. “I like that you can make me laugh.”
She blushed and looked down. “I’m glad.”
“I’ve never really had a girl as a friend before. I’ve had a lot of girlfriends, but that’s not quite the same.”
Sarah wasn’t quite sure how to take that. She was glad he considered her a friend, but she was hoping to slip into the girlfriend category. She looked back at Levi standing on the porch watching them. Getting closer to Isaac was the reason she had taken this job, so why wasn’t she happier that he was finally showing an interest in her?
Because she was starting to like Levi. A man who didn’t want to live in Cedar Grove. One who was doing everything in his power to get back to Pennsylvania, including pretending to be interested in her. She had to remember that.
