by Leslie Gould
She hesitated. Their eyes met. Her gaze was resigned. Nothing like it had been on Monday. “It’s no use,” she said.
“Eve . . .” He swallowed. He couldn’t say more than her name.
She shook her head. “Years ago, before I joined the church, I became friends with an Englisch man. We ended up dating, for quite a while. We became—too serious. No good came from it.” She shook her head. “The consequences would be even greater now.”
“I don’t intend—” Charlie stopped. That wasn’t entirely true. He wasn’t sure what he intended. When Nikki broke up with him, he’d responded in an email, telling her that was it. He wouldn’t give her a second chance. It had been a stupid thing to write, but he’d meant it.
He felt different with Eve. He’d give her as many chances as she needed. Even if it was just to be friends.
“I heard you saw your old girlfriend this week,” Eve said.
Charlie looked past Eve, out into the field. Shani must have told her.
“Are you getting back together with her?”
He shrugged but then answered, “No.”
Eve nodded. He got the feeling she saw right through him.
“I’d really like to be your friend.” He couldn’t hope for anything more than that.
Eve looked down at the top of the baby’s head. “We really can’t,” she said. “Friendly, jah, but not friends.”
He’d wanted more than that but he’d have to take what he could for now. He stuck out his hand to her. “Friendly, then?”
She smiled, balanced the baby with one arm, and took his hand. Hers wasn’t soft—how could it be after all the hard work she did? But it was warm and strong. And tender.
“Do you mind holding the baby again?” she asked, her voice softer. “Then I think I can make it home. Shani carried her over.”
As she slid Trudy into his arms, Charlie’s heart contracted at the loss of what might have been. He swallowed hard. He’d still try to be Eve’s friend, but respect her boundaries.
As they started to walk up the lane again, the voices of the children grew loud. Rose squealed, and Zane yelled, “To the creek!”
Eve called out to her nieces and nephews, telling them it was time to get home and do the chores. They came running.
“We’ll walk them home,” Charlie said to Zane, “and then go back and chop wood.”
Rose skipped along and took Charlie’s free hand. Ahead Zane walked between Simon and Daniel, while Lila fell into step beside Eve, but after a minute Zane slowed until Lila caught up with him.
“You run along, Rose,” Eve said to her niece. “See if you can catch up with Lila.”
As soon as the girl skipped ahead a few paces, Eve sighed. “Life is much calmer with Tim working away from home some days.” He expected her to say more, but she didn’t.
The baby snuggled against him. “So does Tim work tomorrow?” Charlie asked.
“Jah,” Eve said.
“Will you be around?”
“I’m going on an outing.”
“With the bishop?”
Rose stopped and spun around as Eve nodded. “Is the bishop coming to take you away?” the little girl asked.
Eve shook her head. “No.”
“I don’t like the bishop.” Rose’s lips curled into a pout.
“You liked him earlier this week, when he brought the lumber,” Eve said.
Rose shook her head. “I like Charlie.”
Charlie grimaced.
Rose, the pout still on her face, spun around and started jogging. “Lila, wait,” she wailed. The older girl and Zane both slowed down until Rose caught up with them.
“The children are going with us,” Eve said. Again, Charlie waited for Eve to say more, but she didn’t.
Gideon Byler seemed like a man who knew what he wanted—most likely he wouldn’t want to court for long. No wonder Eve had said it was no use for the two of them to become friends. Charlie didn’t realize he’d stopped walking until the baby started to fuss. He started again, catching up with Eve in just a few steps.
They shuffled the rest of the way in silence. He should have stayed in Philly and taken Nikki up on her offer of dinner.
“Sunday’s a no-church day, right?” He wouldn’t have wanted to attend their service again, even it wasn’t.
“Jah,” Eve said. “I’m going to take the children to see their grandparents.”
“Your parents?” Charlie asked. No one had mentioned them before.
“No, they’ve both passed. Abra’s parents. Simon saw them in the hospital, but the other children haven’t seen them in months.”
“Oh.” After a long pause Charlie managed to ask, “How come?”
“Tim—he’s been against it. But Gideon convinced him it’s important.” Each time she repeated Gideon’s name, it seemed she said it with more respect. Charlie doubted if he’d be able to even be friendly with Eve for much longer. No doubt she’d be married soon.
The next morning, as Charlie flipped the last of the pancakes, Shani said, “There’s a farm auction this morning, out on the highway.”
“That’s nice.” Joel stuffed a sticky forkful into his mouth.
“We already have a farm,” Zane said.
“They auction off what it takes to run a farm,” Shani replied. “Equipment. Supplies. Livestock.”
“Cool.” Zane pushed back his chair and headed to the fridge with his cup.
Joel swallowed and groaned. “What are you thinking?”
She pushed up the sleeves of the oversized shirt—most likely Joel’s—she wore. “Not anything big. Chickens. Rabbits. Maybe a couple of goats that Zane can milk. We have the small pasture we can use.”
Joel shook his head. “You have no idea . . .”
“Of course I don’t, but you do.” Shani nodded toward Zane as he poured more milk. “It would be good for him.”
“Goats are a pain in the—”
“Hinaendt?” Charlie asked.
“Jah,” Joel said. “What he said.” Everyone laughed.
Shani ignored him. “Then we can go into Strasburg for ice cream.”
“It’s too cold for that.” Joel cut into the last half of his stack of pancakes.
“It’s never too cold for ice cream,” Shani said. Joel used to love the stuff. “We can drive by Zane’s school too.”
It was Zane’s turn to groan. “Ach, are you trying to ruin my weekend?” Charlie couldn’t help but marvel at the way Shani coordinated everything. And she was right, even if Joel thought it would be too much, having a few chores closer to home would be good for Zane.
A half hour later, as Charlie wheeled Joel down the ramp, Shani tossed her keys at him as she said, “How about if you drive?”
Charlie caught the keys with a backhanded grab, unsure of what she was up to. But he figured it out once she and Joel were in the back and Zane was up front with him. Joel had been the kind of guy who always drove his family around—until he got injured. He hadn’t driven since. Having Charlie drive didn’t make it all so obvious.
And that way Shani could ride in the back with Joel.
As they passed the Lehmans’ driveway, Zane peered down it.
“Do you see anyone?” Charlie asked.
Zane shook his head. “I bet the boys will be down by the creek later . . .”
Charlie nodded. It was a beautiful early November day. A perfect day to play down by the creek. It made him wish he were twelve again. Shani told him to turn left on the highway and then to turn right after the willow tree.
“Take another right at the stop sign,” Shani instructed a few minutes later.
Next she said, “Now a left.”
Ahead was a field full of cars, pickups, and buggies. Off to one side was a canopy with tables underneath. One row seemed to be food booths, and behind it were tables and chairs.
A banner hanging from the canopy read: School Auction.
“I thought you said this was a farm auction.” Joel’s voice
fell flat.
“I thought it was,” Shani responded.
“Looks like it’s for an Amish school,” Zane said, and then, his voice rose, “I wonder if the kids are here.”
It was pretty obvious whom he meant by the kids.
“Probably not,” Charlie said. “Eve”—he couldn’t seem to manage to say and the bishop—“was taking them somewhere today.” He frowned. Maybe she was taking them to the auction, with the bishop.
He looked in the rearview mirror at Shani. Had Eve told her they’d be here? Was that why Shani suggested it?
Charlie wanted to groan, but he stifled it. Better to go along as if he hadn’t put any of it together.
“I’ll pull up by the sidewalk over there,” Charlie said. Concrete ran in front of the food tent and along a graveled area where more booths were. Beyond that, in the next field, were buggies and farm equipment. In the opposite direction was the barn with a homemade banner hanging over the doorway that read: Livestock.
The ground was dry and solid, thanks to the cold nights. It wouldn’t be a problem to push Joel’s chair all the way to the barn. Charlie wasn’t sure if he wanted to be along if Joel and Shani got into a dispute about what constituted “livestock” though.
Charlie put the van in Park and jumped out to retrieve the wheelchair. By the time he had it opened and in position, Shani was trying to help Joel but he was brushing her away. Charlie stepped forward and took his friend’s elbow to help him pivot to the chair and sit. By the time he pushed him onto the sidewalk a group of kids was staring. One of them, an Englisch girl, waved at Zane, who still sat in the front seat, but he didn’t seem to see her. His eyes were on a group of Amish people standing a few yards behind the Englisch girl. Lila waved at Zane, and he waved back. Then he opened the door and jumped down.
Next to Lila was Eve. She wasn’t waving. In fact, the look on her face didn’t appear to be welcoming at all. Gideon stood beside her. The expression on his face was pure confusion, but then he started toward Joel and Shani, his hand extended.
Charlie continued on toward the driver’s side. If it were up to him, he’d walk back to the farm, but Zane was urging Charlie to hurry and park the van and join them.
21
Alarm filled Eve as Charlie parked Shani’s van and then started toward their group. Gideon was shaking Joel’s hand, though Shani’s husband looked as if he’d rather be just about anyplace except the auction.
Lila pulled on her arm. “Come on.”
Eve, holding Trudy, allowed herself to be dragged along, limping as she walked. She was happy to see Shani and Joel. They weren’t the problem. Neither was Zane.
“Hi, Eve.” Shani gave her a hug, pulling her and the baby close. “I thought this was a farm auction—I didn’t realize it was for a school until we pulled up. Is it for your school?”
Eve nodded.
Shani placed her hand on Joel’s shoulder. “That’s all the more reason to buy something, right?”
Joel shook his head but then smiled, just a little. Trudy finally noticed her friend and let out a squeal, reaching for Joel. He put up his arms, and Eve eased the little girl into them. Joel settled her on his lap.
“How’s the leg?” Gideon asked.
“Better, I hope.” Joel held on to the baby with both hands.
“I’ll keep praying,” Gideon said.
“Thank you,” Joel responded.
Eve was touched that Gideon would pray for Joel.
Eve turned toward Shani. “What are you wanting to bid on? Quilts? Furniture? Plants?”
“Livestock,” Shani said as Charlie approached.
Eve stepped back, bumping into Gideon. “Cows? Horses?”
Joel shook his head. “We’re thinking smaller.”
“Goats,” Zane said. “And chickens. Maybe some rabbits.”
“Do you plan on eating rabbit?” Gideon asked.
Charlie, without glancing at Eve, tousled Zane’s head. “Maybe not rabbits.”
“But chickens for sure,” Zane said.
Joel exhaled.
“We’ll walk over to the barn with you,” Gideon said.
“Here,” Eve said to Joel, “I’ll take Trudy back.”
“She’s fine,” he said. “I’ll hold on to her.”
Gideon led the way. Zane caught up with Lila. The boy hadn’t asked about Daniel or Simon—who were off mucking out stalls. Charlie put his hands on the back of the wheelchair and began to push, glancing at Eve as he did.
“You shouldn’t have come,” Eve whispered.
“I didn’t know you’d be here,” he said softly.
“I told you yesterday.”
He shook his head. “You just said ‘an outing.’ I didn’t ask where, and you didn’t say.”
Joel looked over his shoulder. “Could you two speak a little louder? I’m having a hard time eavesdropping.”
Shani gave him one of her looks. Eve hoped Gideon hadn’t heard. Without replying to Charlie, Eve increased her stride as best she could and walked with Shani for a moment and then continued on to catch up with Gideon. Charlie was probably right—chances were she hadn’t said where they were going. She shouldn’t have thought the worst of him.
“Come on,” Eve looked over her shoulder and said to Shani. “I want to introduce you to the wife of one of our deacons.” The two women branched off while the others continued toward the barn. After Eve introduced Monika, she added, “She’s known me since I was Trudy’s age.”
“Jah,” Monika said, “and I couldn’t help but think how happy your Mamm would be today to see you and Gideon and the children together. God works in amazing ways.” Monika’s eyes teared as she spoke.
Eve stepped to the side of the table and put her arm around the woman.
“What went on before . . . ” Monika swatted away the past with her hand. “That was too much for your sweet mother.”
Eve’s face began to grow warm.
“But this . . . ” The woman paused for a moment and then rushed on. “It’s God’s redemption. You’ve proven yourself these last years.”
Eve let go of Monika as the old shame returned. She knew Monika meant to be positive—but bringing up the past always hurt.
“To see you with Gideon and the children—I haven’t seen anything so reassuring in . . . I don’t know how long. He is a good man, Eve Lehman. Don’t you forget it.”
Shani stirred, and when Eve glanced at her she smiled.
Monika dabbed at her eyes. “It won’t be long until you’re married.”
Eve shook her head, wanting her friend to stop. It felt especially awkward in front of Shani.
Monika seemed to get the hint, because she said, “Well, we’ll just take it a step at a time.”
A baby’s crying made all of them turn. Gideon traipsed toward them with Trudy.
“Ach,” Monika said. “She can’t stand to be away from you.” The baby had tears rolling down her face. Eve stepped forward and took Trudy in her arms.
“She was fine,” Gideon said, “until she realized you weren’t with us.” He smiled.
“You’ve lost the touch,” Monika said, her hands on her hips.
“I’m not sure I ever had the touch.” Gideon grinned. He and his wife had had six children, two still at home. He stepped backward and turned to rejoin the others.
Trudy hiccupped. Monika reached for the baby as her husband approached, but Trudy clung to Eve. Deacon King nodded at Eve and smiled at Trudy. Eve introduced Shani and then said they needed to catch up with the rest of their group. Eve glanced over her shoulder as the deacon wrapped his arm around Monika and pulled her close. Most Amish weren’t very affectionate, but the Kings were. Monika patted his cheek. Both were short and a little plump. And they had to be the cutest couple Eve had ever seen.
She sighed, pulling Trudy close. Monika didn’t mean any harm in what she’d said. As they turned back toward the barn, Shani said, “Monika really likes Gideon, doesn’t she?”
Eve n
odded. “Everyone likes Gideon.” She did too and had for years. When he was on the school board and she applied for the teaching job after she joined the church, he was the only who wanted to give it to her. He’d been willing to give her a second chance long before anyone else was. Of course, back then he was a married older man—not anyone she’d ever consider as a husband.
Shani slowed, and Eve matched her pace. “Are you two as serious as Monika makes it sound?”
“No,” Eve said. “We haven’t talked about anything, not seriously. But . . .” Eve stopped.
Shani did too. “But what?”
Eve pulled Trudy even closer. “Some things aren’t talked about much. They’re just expected.”
The others had all stopped at the door to the barn. As Shani and Eve approached, Gideon and Charlie each took a side of the wheelchair and lifted Joel over the lip of the doorway.
By the time Eve and Shani reached the others, Zane hung over the railing of a pen with three ewes. “Can we get them?” Zane asked.
“No,” Joel replied.
Eve chimed in, “They’d be easier than goats.”
“But what purpose would they serve?” Joel asked.
“Responsibility,” Shani answered.
“They’ve most likely been bred,” Eve chimed in. “You’d have lambs in late winter.”
“Ahh,” Shani said. “Not too long after I have the baby.”
Joel didn’t respond and instead turned his head toward Gideon. “What do people do with sheep around here?”
“Sell the wool. Sell the meat. But if you want to make any money, you need a flock.”
Joel crossed his arms.
“We could bid and see what happens,” Shani said. She patted Joel’s shoulder. “Let’s go look at the chickens.”
As the group moved on, Charlie bumped Eve’s shoulder with his arm. “Sorry,” he mumbled.
A tingly sensation crept up her spine. She stopped. Why did the briefest touch from Charlie send her reeling? Shani glanced over her shoulder and gave Eve a puzzled look.
Eve followed the others.
“These are Rhode Island Reds,” Gideon said, pointing to a small coop. “They’re young and will make good laying hens.”
“Where would we keep them?” Joel asked.