Ammon chuckled. “A goot morning to you, and to you, Ruth.” Ammon gave her a friendly smile. “I’m Ammon Lapp, but I won’t be in charge of the farm. I’m just here for the week to get things up and running for my daughter, Phoebe. She and Ruth’s brother David will run the place.”
“I see,” Ethan said. “Shall we begin with the barn and the horses?”
“We’d best wait for Phoebe,” Ammon told him. “But here she comes now.”
Ruth turned to see Phoebe hurrying down from the house with her white apron aflutter.
“What have we here? Amish Heidi?” Ethan muttered.
Ruth gave Ethan a quick glare, but Ammon didn’t appear to have heard.
“Just teasing,” Ethan said out of the corner of his mouth.
Ammon made the introductions. “This is Phoebe, my daughter. And this is Ethan Thompson, who is in charge of the inspection.”
“Howdy.” Ethan offered Phoebe a broad smile. “So you’re the boss of this outfit—the Lapp Family Farm?”
Phoebe nodded her head. “Yah, I suppose so. That’s what we all decided was the best name for it.”
“Works for me.” Ethan smiled again. “Shall we begin?” He motioned toward the barn. “Your father was about to lead the way before you made your appearance.”
Phoebe took a deep breath. “We don’t have everything ready yet, but I can show you what we do have. There are the ponies, and the barn, and…” She led the way through the barn door listing off all of the physical details around her. Ruth followed the group. Thankfully, Ethan seemed impressed so far—at least from what she could tell. This was what she had grown up with, so it was nothing new to her. Ethan, on the other hand, had been raised in New York City, and even after several years of living in a rural area, he still thought the country a little strange. Doubtless this was why Mrs. Broman had trusted him with the inspection. If he was impressed with the farm, he would present a glowing report, and Grandma Lapp’s place would be approved.
Ruth hoped Ethan’s opinion of her might also grow right along with his respect for her people. Here she planned to jump the fence, all while she used her past to make the leap. If Ethan thought her flawed because she was a country bumpkin, he would never give her a chance beyond the sporadic dates they had been on, when he had taken her out to eat at local restaurants.
Ethan was from another world, but in matters of the heart they were the same. She had to believe that. She could be a credit to him. She could love him as well as—and perhaps better than—any woman from his world. No doubt Ethan had plenty of girlfriends when he attended college. A handsome man like him would have girls gathered thick around him, though there was no girlfriend at present. At least, not that she knew of. Ethan simply took his time, which gave her the opportunity to demonstrate that she could be that special person in his life. Special enough to say wedding vows with him someday.
Ruth hugged herself as all three ponies trotted up to the back barn door. “Meet Snow Cloud, Lady, and Aladdin,” Phoebe told Ethan. “They are as friendly as can be, and fully tame and gentle.” Phoebe demonstrated by stroking each pony’s neck in turn. They tossed their heads about and nuzzled her arm.
Ethan chuckled nervously. “They do seem friendly enough.”
“Here, see for yourself.”
Ruth held her breath as Ethan stroked the nearest pony’s mane. All she needed was some fiasco right at this crucial moment to scare Ethan, and this adventure would be over. For example, an Amish person would understand a nip on the arm from a horse as an expression of playfulness or even affection, but Ethan probably wouldn’t arrive at such a conclusion.
Why did she pursue an impossible future with him? Was it because she had no options in the community? The question stung painfully. She never tried to win the attentions of unmarried Amish men before they settled down with a girlfriend. The effort was hopeless. That’s what she told herself. She was Leroy Fisher’s daughter, and no one wanted such a woman as his frau.
Ethan was a fresh start, and in his world she could be transformed. He pulled at her heartstrings in a way that no man in the community ever had. That was the truth, and furthermore, no one would be overly surprised if she jumped the fence. They would nod their heads and say, “Well, she’s Leroy Fisher’s daughter.”
Maybe she should show them how wrong they were and capture the affections of a community man. But who? They all had girlfriends at present. She should have explored that option earlier, but going back in time was impossible. In comparison, Ethan appeared an easy conquest. He was reasonable, kind, handsome, well educated, and charming. He took her breath away, all while her heart pounded furiously. She hid most of her feelings for him. Ethan had best be played with a gentle hand. That she had extracted a few dates out of him was already quite the accomplishment. She could tell by the looks on the faces of Mrs. Broman and Ethan’s coworkers when she had stopped by the office a few times.
Several of the younger women had appeared downright jealous. That she, an Amish girl, could evoke such an emotion from an Englisha woman was an amazement of the highest order, especially considering her family’s reputation.
Ruth focused on the inspection as the party moved away from the ponies and toured the rest of the barn. She kept close enough to hear Ethan’s responses to Phoebe’s explanations. There was still no disapproval in his voice, and Phoebe did quite well with her descriptions.
“He seems like a nice man,” Ammon said, startling Ruth out of her thoughts. “How long have you known this Ethan?”
“Oh, for some time.” Ruth smiled brightly. “David and I met him at a…” Ruth paused. She was not about to mention the rock concert they had been to. “We were on our rumspringa. I still am.”
“I see. But aren’t you old enough to think about coming back?”
“Maybe old enough, but the heart has its reasons.” She glanced meaningfully at Ethan.
“Him?” Ammon didn’t appear surprised. “He is handsome enough, and smart and a goot catch, no doubt—for an Englisha frau!” Ammon regarded her for a moment. “You really should come back, Ruth. This is a chance you may not get twice in a row.”
“What chance?”
Ammon didn’t answer for a moment, as they watched Phoebe lead Ethan up to the hayloft. Ammon finally continued. “I know how difficult things have been for you and David in your growing-up years. I also know what my mamm did for the two of you. I have spoken to my brothers about this. How things were handled wasn’t right in the past. We feel bad, and Phoebe is taking this risk now.” Ammon smiled again. “My brothers and I thought it might be the time to offer you something a little risky, but we think it might work out for the best. Would you consider teaching school for the community this fall?”
“What?” Ruth jerked her head around. “But I’m not baptized.”
“Yah, we know. And that’s the risk, but Mamm invested a lot of time in David and you, and we trust her prayers a lot. Which I am sure you do too. Mamm was a praying woman who had the Lord’s ear. There is no question there.”
“But…but…” Ruth’s head spun. They were outside the barn now, but it wasn’t the fresh air that made her dizzy. “That would mean…” Well, it would mean a lot of things.
“You would be expected to join the baptismal class this fall,” Ammon continued. “I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem for you, as it is high time you made the choice to come back. People would understand if you made your intentions known beforehand.”
“You would hire me on as the community’s schoolteacher?” Ruth rubbed her face with both hands.
Ammon chuckled. “I am glad to see that you are pleased, but I wouldn’t exactly be the one hiring you. My brother Homer is on the school board.”
“And he wants me as the community’s schoolteacher?”
“Ruth, I know it hasn’t always been easy growing up in your family, but the community doesn’t hold you or David responsible for your daett’s reputation. Your brother is making a fresh start with
this venture.” Ammon paused at the pasture gate while Phoebe led Ethan farther down the dirt lane toward the back of the farm. “Why can’t you do the same?”
“Because I…” The protest died on Ruth’s lips.
“Do you really think this Englisha man will ask you to be his frau someday?” Ammon gave her a quick glance.
“Sooner than one of the community men.” The words slipped out with all their bitterness.
Ammon sighed. “The Lord’s ways are the Lord’s ways, and a single life among the community’s people is not a thing of dishonor. That’s better than jumping the fence, Ruth. We had expected Phoebe to take the schoolteaching offer before the farm venture came up. Yet you are not being offered second best. You are being given a great honor. And beyond that, many of our schoolteachers eventually find decent husbands. Perhaps some widower, if no one else, will set his affections on you once he sees how well you run the schoolhouse. We believe you can do it.”
“Teach school!” The words burst out. “Why, it’s just that…”
“You will think about this, yah?” Ammon patted Ruth on the hand. “There is no rush, and things of value can’t be rushed anyway. Homer is willing to speak with you whenever you are ready.”
Ruth kept her gaze fixed on the distance horizon. Why didn’t she turn this offer down on the spot? If she accepted it, she and Ethan would never be together. But could she just walk away? Could she give up her hopes of capturing Ethan’s heart and settle down to a life as the community’s schoolteacher, even with the honor such a position would bring?
Ammon gave her a kind smile as Phoebe and Ethan came back up the pasture lane. “This would be the Lord’s best choice, Ruth. Think about that.”
Ruth looked away and didn’t answer. She would be respected as she had never been before. The job would change her life completely. Maybe she could give up Ethan for something real. But still…she loved him. How could one give up love?
“Sometimes the things of the world are only a mirage,” Ammon added, as if reading her thoughts. “The things among the people of God are sure.” Ammon fell silent as Phoebe and Ethan walked up to the gate.
“So what do you think?” Ruth forced herself to ask Ethan.
He grinned from ear to ear. “I’m impressed, to say the least. Phoebe answered all my questions, and her plan is well thought-out. Now for a quick walk through the house, and I think we’ll be done.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Ruth told him, but he had already moved on with Phoebe in the lead.
“I think you’ll do very well as the community’s schoolteacher,” Ammon told her, as if his words sealed the deal.
Ruth pressed her lips together and followed Phoebe and Ethan while Ammon returned to the barn. This was a once-in-a-lifetime offer, and Ammon must understand her shock. That she even considered a return from her rumspringa took her breath away, but Ammon spoke the truth.
Ethan was no sure thing.
THIRTEEN
On Friday evening the sunset stretched along the horizon in a long blaze of orange and yellows, with higher streaks of blue and green rising skyward. Phoebe stood with Daett in the barnyard as they gazed at the sight in silence, the ponies circling around them. The all-white horse, Snow Cloud, walked up beside her and lifted her head to whinny loudly toward the beauty splashed across the heavens.
Phoebe wrapped her hand around his neck and leaned against him. She wanted to cry and laugh all at the same time. This evening was a little too much, with such glory written in the heavens and things going so well with the farm. But now Daett and Mamm were leaving tomorrow for Lancaster. Did happiness and sadness always walk so close together?
Phoebe buried her face in the pony’s mane, and Daett reached over to brush the long white hair. “Even the horses seem to praise the Lord tonight,” he said.
“It is so beautiful.” Phoebe let out a long breath. “This week has been so wunderbah. Having you and Mamm here, and passing the inspection yesterday. My classes are completed, and our license has been issued…”
“I agree. This has been a blessed week, and a clear sign of the Lord’s goot favor on the venture, if you ask me.”
“I still can’t believe it at times,” Phoebe told him. “I think I’m going to wake up and find myself in a dream, and I’ll be my little old self again, hiding away from who knows what because I’m so scared.”
“You were never hiding,” Daett assured her. “The Lord was guiding you the whole time. That’s what I’m thinking.”
“Your blessing is so appreciated. That’s all I can say.” Phoebe took Daett’s hand and leaned against his shoulder. “Thank you.”
“You are more than welcome.” Daett glanced toward the barn. “And here comes David to enjoy this moment with us.”
Phoebe stepped away from her father to greet David with a smile. “Isn’t this sight just wunderbah?” She motioned toward the horizon.
He grinned. “Yah. I saw the sunset from the barn window and had to come out.”
“I appreciate your help this week, David,” Daett told him. “I’m comforted that I can leave my daughter in such goot hands.”
“Daett,” Phoebe scolded. “You make me sound downright helpless.”
“Oh, you’re quite capable, daughter. But David takes care of things you don’t know much about.”
“I’m sure that is true.”
“I think Phoebe could handle everything if she set her mind to it,” David said. “But I am honored to be included. I never thought I would have the chance to work on a project that will be so interesting and rewarding, to say the least.”
“Yah, there’s much potential for goot and for bad,” Daett agreed. “That’s why we will have to keep praying for the Lord’s grace. With that granted, I’m sure things will be all right.”
“I agree,” David seconded. He leaned against the fence to gaze at the last of the lingering sunset.
Phoebe remained with him while Daett’s footsteps faded away into the distance.
“You’re staying for supper?” Phoebe finally asked.
“I would love to. Thanks for being my friend, Phoebe.”
“I…well, it’s that…” She stopped. “I guess Grandma was right, but I honestly didn’t have any grudge against you, David. I never thought less of you. It’s just that with…” She paused again.
“Our family’s history,” he finished. “But you didn’t let that stop you from befriending me.”
Phoebe hung her head. “I guess I trusted Grandma, but now I see for myself. You know I couldn’t have gotten to the place we are without your help.”
“I suppose so. But I also couldn’t have done this without you. In fact, the farm never would have happened without your input.”
“Come on, David. You don’t have to say all these nice things about me.”
“Maybe I want to,” he said with a grin. “But really, Phoebe, I do appreciate what your family has done for me and for Ruth. Your daett’s offer yesterday was most kind.”
“Yesterday? Kind?” Phoebe glanced toward him. “Is Ruth helping on the farm too?”
“No, but the school board is offering Ruth the teaching job this fall. Your daett broke the news to her during the tour yesterday.”
“Really? That is so wunderbah. I can’t believe it. Then Ruth is staying in the community? Grandma’s prayers have been answered again?”
“I don’t know about that.” He hung his head over the fence. “Ruth hasn’t made her mind up yet, but I hope she accepts.”
Phoebe hugged herself and laughed. “Oh, what more blessings could be thrown upon our heads? The Lord is making things right, isn’t He?” Phoebe looked toward David and sobered. “I’m sorry about your daett. It must have been difficult growing up under him, and being associated with his surly behavior when you didn’t deserve that at all.”
“We made it,” he said, attempting to smile.
“But barely. I can’t imagine how that must have been for you. He’s so unreasonable, Davi
d. Throwing things together that don’t belong, like presuming you and I would be…” Her arm fluttered in the air but stopped when she saw the look on his face. “Oh, David, I’m so sorry. I hope you know that I never thought poorly of you. The times I was around you while Grandma still lived, you were nothing but decent and kind to me. Your daett was so wrong to accuse you of—”
“It’s okay, Phoebe,” he interrupted, but his face was quite pained.
“I know that I am…I’m not much of a catch, David. I’m sorry your daett thought you’d settle for something so—”
“Phoebe, that’s not—”
“You don’t have to defend me. The facts are the facts. I am what I am, and I’m almost twenty-five and unmarried. I mean, I’ve been on a few dates, yah.” Phoebe looked away at the now-darkened sky. “I’m not complaining. You are the one who has everything to complain about after what you suffered from the community.”
“You undersell yourself, Phoebe, by an awful lot. You are—”
“Stop, David. You don’t have to lift my spirits. I will think on this no more and be thankful for all the goot things I have. I want to enjoy this last evening before Daett and Mamm leave for home.” Phoebe took a step toward the barn.
“Any man who could win your heart would have won a great treasure,” David told her, his voice low.
Phoebe stopped and laughed. “With a tongue like that, you should be able to win the heart of any girl you choose to pursue.”
“You don’t see me with a girl, so that must not be true.”
“And you don’t see any man seeking to unlock my great treasure!” she retorted. “So we’re even.”
“I suppose so,” he allowed, falling in behind her.
She turned to face him by the barn door. “Things have changed for you now. Have you got someone in mind? Maybe I can drop a bug in her ear that starts buzzing?”
He laughed. “I doubt that. I’m a hopeless case, Phoebe.”
She pushed open the barn door. “You know that’s not true. Look how efficient you’ve been these past weeks with the Englisha forms and with arranging that tour.”
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