by Marta Perry
“I’m sorry to hear you say that.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Why?”
“I have been thinking about another sort of adventure you might like to consider.”
She gave him a puzzled glance. “What kind do you mean?”
“The kind where I pick you up in my buggy and we go for rides in the evenings and after church services. Maybe even a picnic or two when the weather gets warm again.”
Ruby looked from Lena to her father. “That’s what courting couples do. Are you going to court Lena? ’Cause if you are, I think that’s great. I like her a lot.”
He smiled indulgently at his daughter. “It’s up to Lena more than it’s up to me.”
Taking Lena’s hand in his, Isaac gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “What about it, Lena Troyer? Are you up for another adventure?”
She smiled and squeezed his hand in return. “Ja, that sounds like an adventure I would love.”
EPILOGUE
THE FOLLOWING WEEKS WERE busy ones for Lena. The day after the gunmen came to the school, Isaac took Lena to visit John Miller at his home. When John learned it was Lena’s quick thinking and bravery that had saved his cousin’s life and kept the children safe, he happily restored her position as teacher for as long as she might want it.
He called a special school board meeting for Friday evening and stood before everyone as he shared his decision. Grateful parents and grandparents came forward to thank Lena, Isaac and Ruby for their part in preventing a tragedy. Lena was overwhelmed by the gratitude of her community. The experience was truly humbling.
Her students came to school excited and happy to learn she wasn’t leaving. It took far more discipline than she normally used to get the boisterous pupils to settle down and return to their lessons. Luckily, it was time to start planning for the school Christmas program. Everyone looked forward to the event and wanted to be included.
In her letter to her cousins, Lena downplayed her part in the events, but Abby and Sarah quickly wrote back asking for more details about the chilling episode and about Isaac Bowman.
Seated at her desk in the empty schoolhouse, Lena brought out the last circle letter to read again while she waited for Isaac to pick her up. She had such good news to share with him.
When the schoolhouse door opened, she looked up and knew she would never tire of seeing his large frame filling the doorway. He had won her heart and she would never let him forget how much she loved him.
He rushed inside. “Are you ready? Our driver is anxious to get going. He says the forecast is calling for snow tonight.”
“Isaac Bowman, that is no way to enter the school building. First, you must come and greet me properly.”
“My apologies, teacher.” He strode forward, leaned over the desk and kissed her.
When he straightened, she smiled. “That is much better.”
He sat on the corner of her desk. “School was never this much fun when I was young. What have you got there?” He pointed at the papers in her hand.
“A circle letter from my cousins. They wish to hear more about you.”
“About me? What have you told them already?”
“That you are kind and a gifted carver and a great kisser.”
He frowned. “You didn’t!”
“No, silly. But I may.”
Standing, he took her hand. “Leave the letter here and come along. Wilfred is expecting us.”
“Poor man, he has no one else to visit him.” Wilfred Cummings had been moved to a nursing home outside Millersburg. It was doubtful he would ever go home again. Lena visited him weekly, but found him saddened by the events and his family’s part in them.
Lena stood, but slipped the letter in her pocket. Isaac waited impatiently as she got her coat. When they were in the car at last and on their way, he relaxed.
Lena leaned forward to speak to the driver Isaac hired for her weekly trips. “Mr. Johnson, would you be able to drive us to Spring Township in Pennsylvania the first Thursday of December?”
“I would. What’s the occasion?”
“My cousin Sarah Weaver is getting married to Jacob Mast and I’d like Isaac to meet them.”
Isaac looked at Lena with a bright grin. “That’s wonderful news.”
“I think so. Mr. Johnson, would you be able to drive us to Homestead, Ohio, on the second Thursday in January?”
“I reckon so. Another wedding?”
“Yes, my cousin Abigail Baughman is marrying Ben Kline. I’m dying to meet the man who won her heart.”
Isaac whispered in her ear. “With all these weddings in the works, it’s giving me ideas.”
She sat back and looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. “What ideas?”
“Why don’t we follow these visits with a wedding trip of our own?”
Her mouth dropped open. “Isaac Bowman, that is no way to propose to a girl.”
“I’m not proposing to a girl. I’m proposing to a sensible, loving woman who has the chance to make my life and Ruby’s life complete by saying yes.”
The driver suddenly slammed on his brakes. Lena had a glimpse of a deer leaping across the road in front of them as the car skidded to a halt. Mr. Johnson let out a low whistle. “Do you see the size of that buck? Where were you during hunting season, fella?”
Lena and Isaac looked toward the forest. At the edge of the woods, Goliath stood with his head held high. A light snow was beginning to fall. He gave one shake of his majestic antlers and vanished among the trees.
Turning to Isaac, Lena leaned toward him and whispered one word in his ear. “Yes.”
* * * * *
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ISBN: 9781459234017
Copyright © 2012 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
THE COVERED BRIDGE
Copyright © 2012 by Karen Harper
FALLEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Copyright © 2012 by Martha Johnson
OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE
Copyright © 2012 by Patricia MacDonald
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