His brothers would spend most of the day visiting with their friends. After the noon meal, games of volleyball, horseshoes or other diversions would get underway since the weather was nice. Tonight, there would be a singing, a get-together for the teenagers and unmarried young adults. Levi was happy to consider himself past the age of joining such pursuits. He hadn’t enjoyed them even when he was younger. He never felt as if he fit in.
He rejoined the men and listened to the conversation with half an ear. His thoughts kept turning back to Sarah. It wasn’t long before she approached him again.
“Levi, would you do me a favor? Leah Belier thinks there is something wrong with her buggy. Would you mind taking a look at it for her?”
He gave Sarah a funny look. This was definitely odd. She seemed determined to see that he stayed busy. “Can’t she bring it by the shop tomorrow?”
“No, silly, she has to teach school, and it’s too far for her to walk in this weather.”
Since the day was bright and sunny he raised an eyebrow. Sarah clasped her hands together and smiled at him. He decided to let her comment slide. “All right. I’ll take a look.”
“Goot. Wait here, and I’ll get Leah.”
She entered the house and came out a few moments later with Leah in tow. She smiled at the schoolteacher as she said, “Levi would like to take a look at your buggy.”
“My buggy? Why?” Leah stared at him in surprise.
“Because you told me it didn’t feel right when you were driving it.”
“I said it doesn’t drive like it did when it was new.”
Sarah beamed at her. “Well, Levi’s the perfect person to examine it. You don’t want to break down on the road, do you?”
“Of course not.”
Sarah stopped beside Levi so Leah stopped, too. Sarah took a step back and shooed her along with her hands. “Go on. Levi will check out your carriage and then we can have lunch together when it’s our turn to eat.”
Levi and Leah exchanged puzzled glances. Levi started walking toward the buggies lined up on the hillside, and Leah fell into step beside him. She said, “Thank you for doing this.”
“Sure.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “Is it just me, or is Sarah acting a bit strange today?”
“It’s not just you.”
“I heard that the fabric shop is closed for the winter. Maybe she’s feeling lost without her job. I know I would.”
“But you must give it up someday.”
“Only if I marry. I don’t expect that will happen anytime soon.”
“Why do you say that?” He studied her intently, wondering why she, like Sarah, seemed to have no interest in marriage.
She blushed and said, “There are many younger and prettier girls in Hope Springs for the men to choose from. I have accepted the fact that I won’t have children of my own, so I will continue to teach and love each of my students. I didn’t see Grace this morning. I hope she isn’t ill?”
“She’s gone to visit our grandmother in Pennsylvania.”
“Oh, how nice.”
Nice for Grace, not for him.
Leah said, “I would love to travel. I’ve always had a desire to go out West and see the Rocky Mountains.”
He looked at her in surprise. “So have I.”
“Really?” Her smile brightened.
“I have second cousins who live near Mont Vista, Colorado.”
“I’ve read about the Amish settlements out there. I think it must be wonderful and yet frightening to move so far away. I might like to visit, but I’m not sure I would like to stay. What about you?”
“I plan to move there one day.”
“Do you? I’m sure many people in Hope Springs will be sorry to see you go.”
Not that many, he thought. Not as long as there was a carriage maker and wheelwright to take his place.
By this time they had reached her buggy. He checked it over carefully. Leah stood with her arms crossed beneath the black shawl she wore over her dark blue dress. She finally broke the growing silence. “Is there anything seriously wrong with it?”
“Your back axle is bent.”
“Will it be expensive to replace? Can you straighten it?” she asked.
“It would be better to replace it. I can’t tell what it needs until I spend some time under there. Bring it by the shop this week.”
“Danki, Levi. Is it safe to drive until school lets out Friday afternoon? That way I can leave it overnight.”
“Can’t say for sure. Have someone follow you home today.”
“I will, but I must get to school on Monday and someone can’t follow me all week.”
She’d done so much for the community over the years. Here was his chance to do something in return. “I’ll come by and give you a ride to school and look at your buggy while you’re teaching. If it isn’t safe, I’ll leave one of my used buggies for you to drive until I can fix it.”
“That would be much appreciated. I’m glad Sarah thought of this because I wouldn’t have had it looked at until it broke down.”
“Even a well-built carriage needs maintenance.”
“I expect that’s true. How are the twins? There was never a dull day when they were my students. I haven’t had to check my lunchbox for frogs in two years.”
“I’m sorry they were such trouble.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’ve always wanted to know how they got that skunk into the coatroom without getting sprayed themselves. The school smelled for weeks.”
Levi ducked his head. He’d had plenty of notes from Leah about his brothers’ behavior over the years. His talks with them hadn’t improved their actions. He often wondered how his parents would have handled the boys. He was a sorry replacement for their father.
Leah said, “I’m sure the boys will straighten out.”
“Do you think so?”
“It may take a few years. Most rowdy boys get their come-uppance when they become fathers and are blessed with children just like themselves.”
“Those boys as parents? God help us all.”
Leah smiled. “It is a prayer I utter often. Thank you for checking my buggy.”
He said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She left and returned to the house.
Levi rejoined the group of men beside the barn. When it was his turn to eat, he entered the house and filled his plate. Sarah was at the serving table. With a bright smile, she dished him a large slice of the peach pie.
“Sally Yoder made this one. It’s absolutely delicious. She is one woman who knows her way around the kitchen.”
Levi accepted Sarah’s offering and moved away. He spared one backward glance. She was watching him intently. Something was definitely not right. He didn’t have long to think about it because Bishop Zook sought him out.
The bishop said, “I didn’t see Grace this morning. I hope she’s okay.”
“She has gone to visit a relative in Pennsylvania.”
Bishop Zook chuckled. “That explains why my son has been moping around the house these past few days.”
Levi had no idea what to say so he kept silent.
“I think it will be a good match, don’t you?” The bishop looked at him hopefully.
“Haven’t given it much thought. Grace is mighty young.”
“Ah, but she is old enough to know her own mind. I just wanted you to know that I approve of my son’s choice.” The bishop winked and walked away.
Levi’s appetite deserted him. Was he the only one who hadn’t seen how serious Henry and Grace were becoming? He wasn’t prepared for his sister to marry and leave home. He wasn’t sure he could manage without her.
“Is something the matter, Levi?” Sarah asked.
He hadn’t been aware of her approach. “Nee, why do you ask?”
“I saw you talking with Bishop Zook. Was it about Grace?”
“Ja. He said he approved of the match.”
“That is good to know.”
“She’s too young.”
“There are younger wives and mothers here. Why don’t you join me for lunch?”
He normally ate with his family, but since the twins were nowhere in sight, he nodded his acceptance.
“Wonderful. Sally and Leah have saved us a place outside.”
His spirits dropped a notch. He should’ve known she didn’t want to eat with him alone. That might have started baseless gossip about them.
Leah and Sally were sitting on the open tailgate of a farm wagon. They scooted over to make room for Sarah. Levi held her plate until she got settled. Instead of making them crowd together, he chose to stand beside the wagon.
Leah said, “I was just telling Sally about your plans, Levi.”
“What plans?” Sarah glanced between Levi and the schoolteacher.
“Levi is planning to move to Colorado. I think it sounds like a wonderful adventure.”
For an instant, Levi was sorry he’d mentioned his desire to Leah, but he reconsidered that thought as he studied Sarah’s face. She would have to find out some day. What did she think of the idea?
* * *
Sarah managed to swallow the fried chicken she was chewing without choking. She stared at Levi in disbelief. “I didn’t know you planned to leave Hope Springs.”
“It’s nothing definite, but I’ll do it one day. Don’t worry. You’ll be able to rent the business to someone else. Perhaps for more money.”
Leah began chatting about the Colorado settlement and its proximity to a wildlife refuge where whooping cranes gathered on their annual migration. Sally was full of questions about the place. Leah tried to include Levi, but to Sarah’s chagrin, he kept his focus on his plate.
Sarah gave up trying to listen. She had no idea Levi planned to move away. He was as much a part of her life as the house she lived in and the business Jonas had built.
Levi had always been there. She need only mention to Grace that she was low on firewood and the next morning Levi was stacking a cord of wood along the side of her house. If her horse began limping, Levi showed up to check the animal’s shoes and feet for problems. If the business needed upgrades, he came to her with a list of what was needed, how much it would cost and where she could buy what they needed. She had taken his presence for granted. It was hard to imagine life without Levi next door.
“What do you think of the idea, Sarah?” Leah asked.
Sarah realized everyone was looking at her. “I’m sure it doesn’t make any difference to Levi what I think.”
Leah frowned. “I was asking what you think about having a winter picnic out at my place?”
Sarah felt a blush heat her cheeks. “Sorry, I guess I wasn’t listening.”
Sally said, “We can have a bonfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. We would have to make sure there is plenty of hot chocolate to keep everyone warm.”
“I think it sounds like a wonderful idea,” Sarah agreed.
“When will it take place? Can we make it a Christmas party on the fifteenth?” Sally asked.
Leah shook her head. “I’ll be busy with the school Christmas program until the nineteenth. Let’s make it Saturday the twenty-second. I’ll need help getting things ready the day before. Levi, would you be able to help me set up some straw bales for seats and boards for tables?”
“I reckon I could.”
“Wonderful.” Leah beamed at him.
Sarah sat back with a self-satisfied smile. She couldn’t have planned that better if it had been her own idea. She took a bite of the mashed potatoes on her plate. If Levi took a wife, he might be much more reluctant to move away.
Sally asked, “Sarah, are you coming to the quilting bee for Ina Stultz? It will be at our home.”
“Ja, I told Grace I would come in her place.”
“We should have a good turn out. Her mamm has so much to do with two weddings this year that I offered to host the bee.”
“That was very kind of you, Sally. Wasn’t it, Levi?” Sarah glanced from Sally to Levi. This was his chance to say something flattering to the girl about her thoughtfulness. He nodded and kept eating. Sarah rolled her eyes.
For the rest of the meal, Sarah studied Levi’s reaction to her two friends. His polite response to their questions was usually a monosyllable reply, but neither of the women let that stop them from including him in the conversation. Sarah couldn’t detect any interest on Levi’s part for either woman. He finished his plate and made his escape, much to Sarah’s dismay.
Sally said, “He doesn’t say much, does he?”
“He’s the strong, silent type,” Leah answered.
Sarah quickly added, “He’s a hard worker, he’s a kind neighbor and a nice-looking man. A woman could do much worse for a husband.”
Leah grinned. “Sarah, I didn’t know you were on the look out for a mann. Levi would be a fine choice for you.”
“For me?” Sarah squeaked. She shook her head violently. “I’m not looking for a husband. I was talking about some other woman.”
“Sure.” Sally winked at Leah.
Sarah saw her plans blowing up in her face. If these women thought she had her eye on Levi, they wouldn’t go out with him.
She lowered her gaze and spoke with quiet sincerity. “Levi is a fine man and would make a wonderful husband, but I’m not planning to marry again. No one could replace Jonas. I was simply making conversation.”
Sally laid a hand on her arm. “We’re sorry to tease you.”
Sarah smiled. “I forgive you, but I must ask a favor in return.”
“Ask away,” Sally replied.
“I need help. I’m taking Grace’s place at the carriage shop while she is gone. I’m supposed to do the inventory this week. I simply can’t do it alone. Levi and the twins are much too busy to help me. Could you spare a day or two to give me a hand?”
Sally grinned. “Absolutely. We aren’t that busy at Elam’s shop now that the tourist season is over. I’m sure he can spare me for a few days.”
“I would be more grateful than you know.” Sarah took a bite of the peach pie on her plate, satisfied that things were back on the right track. Sally really did make a good pie. Surely, Levi had noticed that.
* * *
Levi stayed at the Nissley farm until late afternoon. He enjoyed watching Atlee and Moses play several games of volleyball. Unlike their older brother, the twins were outgoing and well-liked by their peers. They never had trouble fitting in.
When it grew late, Levi helped Eli Imhoff and a few others load the seats back inside the bench wagon. When he finished, he went looking for his brothers. He found the twins waiting for him by the front porch. He said, “It’s time to go.”
“We were thinking of staying for the singing. We’ll walk home later,” Atlee said.
Both boys had their eyes focused on a group of young people gathered at the side of the barn. Levi noticed the pretty Miller sisters glancing frequently in his brothers’ direction. The girls were twins and the same age as his brothers. Levi accepted that he was on his own for the short drive home.
He fetched his horse from among the few still remaining and backed Homer between the shafts of his buggy. When he finished harnessing the gelding, he turned to get in and found Sarah once again at his side.
“I hate to be a bother, Levi, but is there any way you can give me a lift home? I walked this morning, but it feels like I have a blister forming on my heel. I really would appreciate a ride.”
Sarah had never gone out of her way to spend time with him. What was going
on? “Ja, I can give you a lift.”
She got in without waiting for him. He climbed in after her. The inside of his vehicle had never felt so small. Their knees were almost touching.
He swallowed hard and slapped the reins to get the horse moving. As they rolled down the lane, he wondered what he should say.
Sarah had no difficulty talking. “It was a very nice sermon today. Bishop Zook has a way with words that makes you feel that God is speaking through him.”
“I reckon He is.”
“You’re right. Did you enjoy Sally Yoder’s peach pie?”
“Ja.”
“I knew you would. Peach is your favorite, isn’t it?”
“Ja.”
“I remember that because it’s my favorite as well. Sally is a very nice girl, isn’t she? Not a girl really, she’s a young woman. Certainly old enough to be courting.”
“Nice enough, I reckon.”
“Leah Belier is another nice woman. Did you enjoy your conversation with her?”
He slanted a glance at Sarah. “She wanted to know how the twins got the skunk into the coatroom at the school without getting sprayed themselves.”
Sarah laughed out loud. It was a delightful sound and made him smile, too. She said, “It was a mean trick, but it was pretty funny. I doubt anyone will be able to top that anytime soon.”
“For Leah’s sake, I hope not.”
“I have to wonder if she isn’t ready to give up teaching and get married. She would certainly make a good wife. We all know she has a way with children. Don’t you think she would make someone a fine wife?”
“I reckon.”
After a long moment, she asked, “Have you thought about it?”
“Thought about what?”
“Honestly, Levi, what have we been talking about?”
“Peach pies and skunks?”
“You are being deliberately obtuse.”
“You’ve been talking about Sally and Leah.”
“And if Leah might be ready to wed. Have you thought about marriage?”
Patricia Davids Christmas Brides of Amish Country: An Amish ChristmasThe Christmas QuiltA Hope Springs Christmas Page 44