CHAPTER 27
Sawyer paced the length of the Ottos’ front porch. Laura watched him, worried. He hadn’t said anything since he’d arrived a few minutes ago to pick her up and take her to work. Whatever was going on with him, she knew it had to do with Cora.
Finally he slowed his steps. Turned to her and grabbed her hand, still without speaking. Then he ran his thumb across her face, touching the raised ridges of her scars. She resisted the urge to turn away, knowing he would protest. He had told her not to be ashamed of them, and she wasn’t, for the most part. But they were a reminder of her mistakes, of trying to take control of her life instead of letting God be in control. Her skin had healed from the cuts Mark had inflicted. But they would never fully disappear.
Sawyer leaned forward and kissed the raised ridge on her right cheek. His feathery touch made her smile. She brushed her hand over his homespun shirt, one Anna had made for him. One day she would be making his shirts.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” she asked, stepping away.
“You have to ask?”
“It’s Cora.”
He sighed and sat down in the wooden rocker on the porch. He squinted at the rising sun. “It’s always Cora. A couple days ago I took her for a drive around Middlefield. When she got home she didn’t say much, but at least she didn’t ask me to call the airport. But this morning she wanted to go to the call box. She didn’t tell me who she was calling, but I knew.” He looked at her. “She’s leaving.”
“And you feel guilty about that.”
“Yes. She’s just now to the point where she doesn’t need her crutches anymore. But she’s frail. She’s ill.” He glanced away. “I can’t force her to stay.”
“Just like she can’t force you to geh.”
He nodded. “I’m worried about her. I’ll keep worrying about her. I know I’m supposed to give this over to God—”
“But not overnight.” She sat down next to him. Brushed a strand of his long brown hair from his forehead. “I’d like to talk to her.”
“You won’t change her mind.”
“I know.” But she had a debt to repay. She wasn’t sure how she was going to do it with her meager salary at Byler and Sons. But she couldn’t let Cora leave without promising to pay her back. And she wanted to reassure her that she and Sawyer wouldn’t abandon her. Her mother had even liked the woman. “She’s too fancy for her own gut,” she’d said. “But she wants what’s best for Sawyer. Anyone can see that, even if they don’t agree with her.”
“Do you mind if we go now?” Sawyer asked. “I can drop you off to visit with her on my way to work. Anna can bring you to the shop when you’re done.”
She smiled. “It’s gut to be back at work.”
He gave her a small smile. “Yes, it is.”
A short while later Sawyer dropped Laura off at the Bylers’. She waved to him as he left for work and gave him a confident smile. Yet it wasn’t long before she could feel the dread building in her stomach. The last time she saw Cora, the woman had tried to pay her to leave Sawyer. Laura figured she would try the same thing again. But she was Sawyer’s grandmother, and she was struggling. If there was anything Laura could do to help, she would try.
After greeting Anna with a hug, she went back to Cora’s room. She knocked on the door, softly at first. No answer. Maybe Cora was asleep. She knocked again, a bit louder.
“Yes?”
Laura opened the door, smiling. “Hello, Cora.”
“Laura.”
Cora was lying in the bed, her ankle propped up on pillows. She looked fatigued. Yet the glance she gave Laura was as cool as ever.
“Why are you here?” Cora asked.
“Sawyer told me about your ankle.” She linked her fingers together, still standing by the doorway.
“And the Parkinson’s, I’m sure.”
“I came by to see how you were doing.”
“I’m managing.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed. She was dressed in light blue slacks and a long-sleeved white shirt with a wide collar.
“I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.”
“I don’t need your sympathy. Or your pity.”
The words stung, but Laura pressed on. “I know things didn’t turn out the way you planned when you gave me that check. I’m not going to apologize for loving your grandson. I do apologize for taking your money, however. And I will pay you back.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Ya, I do—”
“Laura.”
Cora’s tone softened, surprising Laura. “I won’t accept your money. I have all the money I need.”
“I know. But I always repay my debts.”
“An admirable quality.” Cora sighed. “I’ll be returning to New York soon. You and Sawyer can get on with your lives.”
“But we want you to be a part of ours.”
“I don’t see how that’s possible.”
“There are letters—”
“Letters. Of course. I guess I’ll have to be satisfied with that. If he remembers to write.”
“He won’t forget you.” She sat down next to Cora. “We won’t forget you. We care about you.”
She looked at Laura. “You care about each other more.”
Laura didn’t know how to answer that. But she could tell Cora what was on her heart. “I understand how important Sawyer is to you. Even after we’re married, he can visit. And you’re always welcome to stay with us.”
“Thank you for your generosity.” Cora looked away.
Laura stood. She could see why Sawyer was worried. “The wedding is in November. I hope you will come.”
Cora didn’t say anything. Laura turned and walked toward the door. She was almost through the doorway when Cora’s voice stopped her.
“If Sawyer had to marry an Amish woman, I’m glad it’s you.”
Laura smiled. It was as close to Cora’s acceptance as she would get, and she was thankful for it.
Katherine returned from her first full day at Mary Yoder’s tired but happy. She was glad to be back into a routine again. Instead of resenting what she didn’t have, she was thankful for her job, and now the good health she had. Her friends at work were happy to see her, as were some of her regular customers. She had spent years seeking happiness and fulfillment from Johnny, and in the process had neglected to see that it was all around her.
As she pulled into the driveway, she saw an unfamiliar buggy. When she drew closer, a man about her age with blond hair got out. She pulled up beside him.
“Can I help you?”
He gave her a puzzled look. “Hi, Katherine.” Then he smiled, revealing a dimple in his left cheek.
Her eyes widened. How did he know her? Then she suddenly realized who he was—not from memory, but from his letters. “Isaac.”
His grin widened. “For a minute there I thought you forgot who I was.”
She put on a smile. “Let me take care of mei buggy and horse. I’ll meet you on the porch.”
“That’s all right. I can help you.”
“You don’t have to.”
But he was already leading the horse to the barn. Katherine got out of the buggy as Isaac unhitched the horse. She jumped out and took the reins. “I can get this. Really.”
He gave her a doubtful look. “Okay.”
He followed her into the barn. She put Chestnut into his stall, made sure he still had hay and water, then closed the stall door. Isaac stood right in front of her.
“I have to admit, I thought you’d be a little happier to see me.” His smile faded. “Maybe I should have gotten the hint when you didn’t write me back.”
Katherine winced. “I’m sorry, Isaac. I didn’t write you back because I was sick.” She explained the meningitis and her memory problems.
That seemed to give him renewed hope. “Now it all makes sense.” His blue eyes brightened. “I’m sorry you were ill. I didn’t know meningitis could cause memory problems.”
“Not always. In my case I can’t remember the three weeks before I became ill.”
“Then we should start over.” He held out his hand. “I’m Isaac Troyer. Would you like to get a cup of kaffee somewhere?” She looked at his hand, hesitating to accept it. Knots twisted in her stomach. “Isaac, a lot has happened while you were gone. There was a reason I didn’t write you back. And it wasn’t just because of my illness.” She turned away from him. “I’m sorry, but we can’t see each other.”
“What?”
Katherine spun around at the frustration in his voice. His blue eyes, sparkling just a moment ago, now filled with emotional storm clouds. “I’m sorry, but—”
“You’re sorry?” He glared at her. “I’ve spent the past five weeks on the road with mei daed, thinking about you, writing to you.” The muscle in his jaw pulsed. “I even forgave you for not writing back. I couldn’t wait to get back to see you, and now you’re turning me down?”
Katherine took a step back. She hadn’t expected him to get this angry. Was there more between them than his letters showed? “Isaac, were we dating before you left?”
“You said you’d geh to a singing with me.” He folded his arms over his chest. “I consider that dating.”
She considered it jumping to conclusions.
“Did you find someone else?” he asked. “Like that guy who was talking to you at Mary Yoder’s?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“It doesn’t matter.” He unfolded his arms. “I thought you were a nice maedel. I didn’t expect you to lead me on like this.”
Her chin dipped to her chest. “I didn’t mean to. Isaac, there’s no one else. I’m not ready to date anyone right now.”
“So when do you think you’ll be ready?”
She shrank at his penetrating gaze. “I—I don’t know. I’m leaving it up to God.”
“And what if God is telling you to date me?”
“He will let me know.”
Isaac flailed his arms. “So I’m just supposed to wait around for you to make up your mind?”
“Nee.” She went to him. “You have to live your life.” She paused. “This sounds strange, but I know how you feel.”
“You have nee idea how I feel.” He walked away from her. “You wasted my time, Katherine. I won’t be sticking around.” He sneered. “You’re not worth it.”
Her cheeks heated from his insult. Moments later she heard him leave. Her father walked into the barn carrying a post-hole digger. “Who was that?”
“Isaac,” she said weakly.
“Ah. He seemed to leave here in a huff.”
“Ya. I hurt his feelings.”
“I can’t imagine you doing that, Katherine.” Her father leaned the digger against the wall.
“Oh, I did.”
“Seems the shoe’s on the other foot now, ya?”
How right he was. She’d let Isaac down, even though she hadn’t meant to. She not only understood his anger, but also realized how Johnny must have felt when he apologized to her. She could see both sides now, and she didn’t like being on either one of them. She only hoped Isaac would be able to forgive her someday.
“I take it you told him the same thing you told Johnny?” her father asked.
“Not in so many words, but ya. I did. He wasn’t too happy.”
Her father put his arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’re doing the right thing, waiting on God. The right mann will understand that. And he will love you for it.”
Katherine nodded. She didn’t doubt her decision, but that didn’t mean it was an easy one. “I hope so.”
After work Laura, Sawyer, and Lukas headed home. Laura relaxed into the comfortable conversation, realizing that although she treasured her time in Ethridge, she had been right about Middlefield. It was her home.
“Will you stay for supper?” Lukas asked. “Sawyer can take you home later. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”
Laura chuckled at Sawyer’s mischievous grin. “I don’t think I’d mind either.”
As they approached the Bylers’, Laura saw a sleek black car parked in the driveway.
“That’s weird,” Sawyer said. “Wonder who’s here?”
“Geh ahead inside,” Lukas said. “I’ll take care of the buggy.”
When Sawyer and Laura entered the living room, they were surprised to see not only Cora sitting on the couch but a man seated next to her. Anna was nowhere in sight.
“Ah, Sawyer.” Cora looked at him . . . and smiled.
Sawyer froze, and Laura understood why. Cora was smiling? She never smiled.
“You remember my attorney, Kenneth Jones?” Cora said.
Kenneth stood, smoothing his bright purple tie as he extended his hand to Sawyer. “Nice to see you again.” He switched his gaze. “This must be Laura.”
Sawyer nodded and moved closer to Laura. “My fiancée.”
“I told him all about her,” Cora said. “Your timing is perfect. Please, sit down.”
“Where’s Anna?”
“In the kitchen, working on supper. Smells delicious, don’t you think?” She turned to her lawyer. “Now, Kenneth, where were we?”
“I should see if she needs help,” Laura said.
“No, you should be here. This involves both you and Sawyer.” She motioned to the two chairs near the couch. “Sit.”
Sawyer and Laura exchanged a bewildered look and sat down.
“Kenneth and I were just discussing restructuring.”
“Restructuring?” Sawyer asked.
“Yes.” She looked at Laura, then at Sawyer. “I’ve realized something in my time here. I know you’re resolute in your decision to stay. To become Amish. Nothing I can do or say can change your mind.”
“Finally.” Sawyer blew out a breath. “I’m glad you understand.”
“I didn’t say I understood. Just that I’ve accepted it.” She paused, averting her gaze for a brief second. “I know your family is here.”
“And you also have to know that you are part of that family now.”
“Peripherally. And I . . . appreciate the inclusion. It’s very unexpected.”
“I’ll say,” Kenneth added. “I certainly didn’t expect it.”
“So what does this mean for your company?” Sawyer asked.
“Before I came to visit, I put Kenneth to work liquidating my assets.”
Sawyer frowned. “Everything?”
Laura had no idea what liquidating assets meant, but Sawyer seemed to understand. “Once my shares of the company were sold,” Cora continued, “along with my other investments, I had them put in a trust. For you,” she said, looking at Sawyer.
“I can’t take all that money,” Sawyer said.
“I know. Even if you did, you’d probably give it all away. So I phoned Kenneth and changed my request. He will not only be managing my estate, he will also be the executor of my will.” She looked at Kenneth. “He’s the next best thing I have to family.”
Kenneth cleared his throat. “Thank you, Cora. I’ll do my best to manage your trust with integrity.”
“I know you will.” She turned back to Sawyer. “There’s also a provision in the trust that if you change your mind, you will have access to the money.”
“But what about you?” He leaned forward, casting a quick glance at Kenneth. “You have your own . . . expenses.”
“Kenneth knows about the Parkinson’s.” She smiled again. Laura was surprised at how lovely it was. “But I appreciate your attempt at respecting my privacy. I will retain the penthouse and have an adequate monthly allowance that will cover all my expenses.”
“Including travel,” Kenneth added.
“Travel?”
“I will be visiting Middlefield from time to time.” She looked at Sawyer. “I need to be with my family. And if my family won’t come to me, I’ll have to go to them.”
“We’ve already talked about it,” Anna said, walking into the living room. She
handed Kenneth a glass of iced tea. “I told her she is welcome to stay here as long as she wants to.”
“But I’m not living here,” Cora quickly added. “I need my comforts. Electricity, to start with.”
Sawyer looked at Laura. They both smiled. “There are apartments here.”
“An apartment?” She scoffed. “I’d rather build. I noticed during your little tour, Sawyer, that there were several parcels of land available.”
“Like Johnny’s?” he asked.
“Among others. I’m still in the process of finalizing decisions. Kenneth will be assisting me.”
Sawyer grinned. “So you’ll be here for the wedding?”
Cora sighed, but it didn’t hold its usual disdain. “Yes. I’ll be here for the wedding.”
Laura jumped up from her chair and hugged Cora’s thin shoulders. “Thank you,” she whispered in her ear. “You’ve made Sawyer very happy.” When she pulled away, she could see tears forming in Cora’s eyes.
“It’s time I made someone else happy for a change,” Cora said. “It won’t make up for Kerry—”
Sawyer nodded. “But it’s a start.”
Two days later Kenneth loaded Cora’s bags into a taxi. She was finally leaving Middlefield. But instead of being thrilled at putting this backwater town behind her, she had mixed emotions. She was eager to be going back home. And she’d made an appointment to see Dr. Clemens again. If she would be traveling between New York and Middlefield, she’d have to keep up her health.
Her pity party was over.
Lukas had already gone to work. Laura and Leona had stopped over last night and said their good-byes. Only Anna and Sawyer were left.
“I’ll wait in the car,” Kenneth said.
Cora nodded, keeping her gaze on her grandson. Next time she saw him, he would be Amish. She still found that hard to comprehend, yet she now respected his choice.
Anna approached carrying a small plastic bag with a zipper seal. Inside were several half sheets of plain paper, a pen, envelopes, and stamps. “We’d like to hear from you often,” she said, handing the homemade stationery to Cora.
Cora hadn’t written a letter in years, not when she had secretaries to do it. Now there was e-mail and texting. Letter writing seemed so old-fashioned. But it was necessary. And strangely, she looked forward to it.
The Middlefield Family Collection Page 65