An unusual amish winter.., p.19
An Unusual Amish Winter Match, page 19
But a part of her mind was thinking about how she had ended up here. Becca and Bethany’s difficult pregnancies had been blessings hidden under wrapping paper. The thing with a gift was, you never knew what was inside until you opened it. Ada hadn’t known that she would fall in love with Ethan. She might have never acknowledged her true feelings for him if it hadn’t been for the fact that she’d had to face him each morning and each evening. She hadn’t been able to run away from her feelings as she had been in the habit of doing.
She suddenly realized that Ezekiel was looking at her expectantly and Ethan had already said yes. What was it he’d asked? Something about sickness...
“Ya, for sure and certain, even if Aaron’s as sick as a goat, I’ll be there for him.”
That caused everyone to laugh.
Ada loved that sound.
Ezekiel placed his hand on top of theirs. He gave their hands a warm squeeze that felt like a hug then gently turned them to face their friends and family. “All assembled here, including myself, wish for you the blessing and mercy of Gotte. Go forth in the Lord’s name. You are now man and wife.”
The next few moments were a blur. Sarah was wiping away tears, and her dat was blinking rapidly. Becca was trying to catch Mary, who had taken off at a fast crawl toward the house. Bethany was holding Lydia, who was adamantly demanding, “Down.” Eunice and Gideon and Aaron were laughing at something.
Ginger and Snap began to bay. Matilda reached over and pulled one of the flowers off the table nearest her. Pogo jumped on top of one of the chairs and attempted to tug a woman’s purse out of her hands. Patches, the calico cat, sat grooming herself in a shaft of morning sunlight, determined to look bored with the entire proceeding, but then the cat glanced up at Ada and blinked solemnly. Oh, the wisdom of a cat...
Ada stepped closer to Ethan. As friends and family congratulated them, she kept her hand in his. She wasn’t sure what the life in front of them held in store, but she was sure that with Ethan, she’d be ready to greet it. They’d tied the shoestrings and now they were ready for anything.
* * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from Bonding over the Amish Baby by Pamela Desmond Wright.
Dear Reader,
Sometimes the things we are passionate about can lead us to the people who love us the most.
Ada Yoder loves animals. She wants to take every animal she sees home. She wants to rescue them. She’s a bit young and naïve, but her heart is in the right place. When she takes a job in the Amish Market’s auction barn, it puts her on a collision course with Ethan King. Ethan’s one goal is to provide for his family, for his brother’s family, and he’s not going to let Ada stand in the way of that.
There is one thing that these two very different people have in common. They care about their family, and it’s through that lens of love that they discover they also care for one another.
I hope you enjoyed reading An Unusual Amish Winter Match. I welcome comments and letters at vannettachapman@gmail.com.
May we continue “Giving thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
Blessings,
Vannetta
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Bonding over the Amish Baby
by Pamela Desmond Wright
Chapter One
Rebecca Schroder tightened her grip on the reins guiding her horse as a large vehicle sped past her buggy. As he zipped by, the driver swerved dangerously close on the narrow two-lane strip. Frightened by the revving engine, the startled mare whinnied, shifting from a slow walk to a spirited gallop. The wheels clattered.
Stomach twisting, her heart thudded. The clip-clopping of iron shoes striking asphalt echoed in her ears. Close to panic, she swallowed past the icy fingers squeezing her throat. If she lost control, the horse could veer off the road, galloping into a ditch.
Fearful of overturning, she pulled back hard. “Bebe, mind yourself!” The mare slowed.
Pulse returning to normal, she huffed. Englisch drivers were so careless. Instead of minding the safety of slower-moving farm and ranch vehicles, drivers often roared by without thinking.
Ach, why are people in such a hurry?
Content to continue at a slower pace, she readjusted her bonnet to cut off the sun. Now that noon was at hand, the orb was rising into the center of the sky. Up at dawn, her entire morning had disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Horse calmed, Rebecca set her gaze toward the sprawling ranch in the distance. The land purchased by her grossdaadi had been in her familie for generations. The acreage was grazing land for cattle, specifically Texas Longhorns. Famous for the massive span of their horns and ornery nature, the bovines were in high demand. Pasture grazed on the nutritious wild grasses covering the plains, the meat they produced was all-natural and organic.
Moisture rimmed her eyes. It was a gut way of life. But she wouldn’t be staying much longer. In another two weeks, she’d be moving into town.
Closing one door, the Lord had opened another, leading her down a fresh path. Her broken engagement to Noel Yoast had left her without many prospects to support herself. Having resigned from her teaching position, she’d turned an eye toward babysitting. She’d already decided to rent the old dawdy haus belonging to Elva Schrock’s elderly eltern. He’d recently passed away and the place was sitting empty. Renovated and updated with propane appliances, the location made it perfect for the home daycare she planned to open.
It wasn’t the way she’d envisioned her life unfolding. But it was a satisfactory solution to her dilemma. Her hard work in the wake of heartbreak was paying off.
“‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find,’” she murmured, quoting a favorite passage. She felt at peace with her decision to walk her path without an ehmann. She might not be a married woman, but someday she would have youngies to care for.
I’m getting there, Lord. Just have patience.
She snapped the reins with a practiced hand. “Giddyup.”
Releasing a snort, the mare shifted into a brisk trot. A mile disappeared then another.
Rounding a steep curve, Rebecca gasped in horror. A wreck loomed ahead.
“Whoa, Bebe! Whoa!” The mare whinnied in disapproval but obeyed. The buggy rolled to a stop on the side of the road.
Rebecca pulled the handbrake, abandoned her seat and jumped to the ground. Breaking into a run, she headed toward the stunned driver. She recognized the SUV as the same one that had passed her at a dangerous speed. Though the highway looked straight, the gently sloping landscape was a deceptive one. Twisty curves often appeared out of nowhere—a danger to drivers who weren’t familiar with the area.
By the look of things, the driver had abruptly swerved off the asphalt and into the gravel lining the side of the road. Skid marks indicated the vehicle had plunged through a shallow ditch before going straight through several feet of fencing. Traveling at a high speed, the SUV had taken out at least half a dozen heavy wooden posts. Tangled in barbed wire, the hood was crumpled in.
Cell in hand, a man stood near the edge of the road. Dressed in casual slacks and loafers, he wore his white shirt open at the neck and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Sunglasses pushed atop his head, he ruefully surveyed the wreckage.
“Are you all right?” Gaze scraping the man’s tall figure, Rebecca searched for signs of injury.
He lowered his cell. “I’m fine,” he said, brushing his palm across his chest. “Wasn’t expecting that bend in the road.”
Relieved he was able to walk away, Rebecca cocked her head toward the nearby sign. “There is a reason the speed limit is a low one through here. You were going way too fast when you passed me a few miles back.”
“Entirely my fault.” He winced. “I had a lot of things on my mind, and I just wasn’t paying attention. I should know better.”
“We all make mistakes. Thank Gott only your car and some fencing were damaged.”
Walking toward the wreck, the driver surveyed the mess he’d made. “Looks like I’m going to owe someone for the mess I made. And it looks like I’ll need a new front end.” Raising his hand, he gave his cell a shake. “I can’t seem to pick up a signal.”
“Cell service is spotty out here. We rely on ourselves when accidents happen.”
Giving his smartphone a forlorn look, the driver tucked it into his hip pocket. “I hate to ask, but could you give me a ride into town? I need to arrange for a tow to come and pick up my car and find out who owns the fence I took down. I do have insurance, so it will be repaired.”
Shading her eyes, Rebecca glanced toward the sky. The sun was a bright yellow ball of pure, unrelenting light, scorching everything beneath its unblinking eye. The heat, too, was taking on a sweltering weight. She couldn’t leave the stranger stranded on the side of the road.
“Ja,” she agreed with a nod. “I can take you. It’s not far. Just another twelve miles.”
The corners of his mouth lifted. “Thanks. I appreciate it. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“It’s not a problem.” Stepping forward, she offered her hand. “I’m Rebecca Schroder.”
Accepting her gesture, his big hand closed around hers. His grip was firm, almost intimate. “Caleb Sutter.”
Breath catching on a gasp, a ribbon of warmth swirled through Rebecca. Not only was Caleb Sutter a personable fellow, but he was also a handsome one. Tall and muscular, his tanned complexion was complemented by a mane of dark curls brushing his chiseled jawline. A few wisps curtained a portion of his brow. His nose and mouth fit perfectly between his wide cheekbones. By the wisps of silver threading his temples, he appeared to be nearing forty. His eyes were a stormy shade of gray.
Heat crept into her cheeks. It wouldn’t have bothered her to stand and look at him all day.
He’s Englisch. Not one of your own.
Embarrassed by her reaction, she stepped back. “Nice to meet you.”
He let his hand drop. “Excuse my ignorance, but you’re Amish, right?”
Rebecca glanced down at her simple clothes. With her long, knee-length dress, ankle-high black boots and heavy bonnet, no one could mistake her for anything but Amish. Travelers passing through Burr Oak for the first time were often surprised to learn that Anabaptists of the Old Order had founded the town and that a robust population of Plain folks lived there.
“Ja.” She paused, clearing her throat. “I mean, yes. I am.”
He cocked his head. “German, right?”
“A derivative of the Deitsch. Though the dialects vary by region.”
“It’s a nice language. Very melodic to the ear.”
Her stomach fluttered again. She liked his engaging manner. “Danke.”
Returning his attention to the damages from the wreck, he winced. “I hope the owner won’t be too mad about their fencing.” He shaded his eyes from the sun, and surveyed the wide-open landscape. “Don’t guess you’d know their name?”
“I do. The land belongs to my familie.” She pointed toward an unpaved county road just off the bend. “Our ranch is just down that road.”
“Sorry. Destruction of property isn’t the best way to introduce myself.”
“You’re not the first one to miss that turn. And there are no cattle grazing that land right now, so we don’t have to worry about strays.” Fanning a hand in front of her face, she cocked her head toward her buggy. “Come with me. I know a mechanic you can talk to.”
“Sounds good. Any place I can rent a car?”
“You can rent a cargo van at U-Move-It.”
“Is that the best I’m going to get?”
“Ja. They’re quite popular. A lot of Amish rent them and a driver for the day.”
“I suppose that will do. Once I get some wheels, I’ll come back and settle on the fence.”
“Levi will be fair, I’m sure. He’ll want nothing more than the cost of materials.”
“Sounds like a plan. I promise I’m good for it.” Walking toward the buggy, he eyed the unwieldy conveyance. “I’ve never ridden in one.”
“Just grab on and step up.” Holding on to the side of the buckboard, Rebecca hefted herself onto the seat. It wasn’t ladylike, but it got the job done.
Caleb copied her. His movements were clumsy, but he made the climb without falling. “Whoa, that takes some agility.” Settling down beside her, his leg and elbow brushed hers.
Rebecca subtly scooted over.
Noticing her discomfort, Caleb tucked in his knees and folded his hands in his lap. “Pardon me, please. Didn’t mean to crowd you.”
“You’re fine.” Claiming the reins, she released the handbrake. “Hang on. It’s a bumpy ride.” Flicking the mare’s rear end, she urged the horse to get moving. “Giddyup, Bebe. Let’s go.”
Trotting at a brisk pace, the mare headed down the road. The clattering of the wagon permitted the conversation to drift into silence.
Acutely aware of her passenger’s proximity, Rebecca kept her spine straight and her eyes on the road. No one would say a word about giving an Englischer a ride into town. Still, there was no reason to invite folks to wag their tongues. Her breakup with Noel had already given people enough fodder to gossip about.
The sooner I drop off Caleb, the sooner he can take care of business and be on his way.
* * *
“You did a good job tearing it up,” the mechanic commented behind a wry grimace. “By the look of those pictures, the entire front end is goin’ to have to be replaced.”
Nodding, Caleb lowered his cell. Having snapped pictures from every angle for his insurance company, he’d suspected the vehicle was in sorry shape. Approaching the curve too fast, he’d overcorrected, going off the road and straight into the breakdown lane. Instead of riding it out, he’d panicked and hit the brakes. Sliding hard on the gravel lining the side of the road, he’d fishtailed through a shallow ditch before striking a line of heavy wooden posts strung with thick barbed wire.
He glanced around the busy shop. The property was on the shabby side, littered with vehicles in various stages of repair. Some were in so many pieces it didn’t look as if they ever had a chance of being rebuilt. “Can you do the work?”
Wiping his hands on a greasy rag, the man rocked back on his heels. Balding, tanned and clad in worn coveralls, he’d put in a lot of years under the hood. “I can.”
“I know it’s short notice, but can you fit me in?”
The man flagged a hand toward the cars filling his shop. “Kinda on the busy side.”
Standing nearby, Rebecca Schroder lifted her gaze. “I’m sure Mr. Sutter would appreciate it if you could nudge him to the front of the line, Jim.”
The mechanic scratched his stubbled chin. “Suppose I could for you, Miss Rebecca. Your pop was one of my best friends. And I sure do like those tomatoes Miss Gail sends from her garden.”
“The tomatoes are overloading the vines this year, so I’m sure I could manage to bring in a sack or two next time I come to town.”
A wide grin lit Jim’s expression. “I’d appreciate that. And some cucumbers, if you got ’em.”
“Oh, we got plenty. Zucchini, too. You’ll have all you can eat. I promise.”
Satisfied with the deal, the mechanic nodded. “I’m sure somethin’ can be arranged.”
Relieved to have moved a step forward, Caleb asked, “How long does something like this take?”
A shrug rolled off the grizzled old man’s shoulders. “If I were you, I’d count on a month. Maybe longer. Depends on how long it takes to get the parts.”
Great. Just great.
Caleb did a few mental calculations. He’d planned to make the trip in three days.
The best-laid plans frequently go awry.
Having come to a crossroads, he mulled his options. If he rented the cargo van, he could leave later in the afternoon. Proceeding with his trip, he could arrange to have his vehicle delivered to Los Angeles once repairs were done.
It wasn’t an ideal solution, but it was workable. Once he rented some new wheels, he could follow Rebecca back to her family ranch, settle on the damaged fence and be on his way.
“Sounds good. I’ll pay my deductible directly, and you can file with my insurance to cover the rest,” he said and sealed the deal with a handshake.
“Guess I’ll send one of the boys to tow it in,” Jim said. “Where’d you wreck it?”
Caleb blanked. He wasn’t familiar with the area and had relied on his GPS for driving directions. “Uh, I—I’m not sure.”
“It’s the twisty curve off Rabbit Road, Jim. Just down from the ranch,” Rebecca added helpfully.
Jim nodded knowingly. “Ain’t the first time we’ve gone an’ got a wreck out there.” He sucked in on the chaw packed in his lower lip. “By the look of those pictures, you lost a bit of fencing, too.”
“It probably won’t be the last either,” she said.
Jim tucked his greasy rag back into his hip pocket. “Need to slow down and mind the signs,” he said to no one in particular.
Caleb raised his hands. “It was entirely my fault. I had my mind on other things and wasn’t paying attention.”
“Praise Gott no one was hurt.”
Feeling foolish, he nodded. As a physician who’d tended to many victims of wrecks in the ER, he should have known better. But he’d let his thoughts wander while driving. Now, he was paying the price for his inattentiveness. The two-lane highway he’d driven on was close to deserted. Aside from miles of barbed wire fencing, there wasn’t much to look at except cows. Texas was cattle country. Behind barbed wire fences, the free-range bovines spread out as far as the eye could see.
