Love Inspired June 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: The Cowboy's HomecomingThe Amish Widow's SecretSafe in the Fireman's Arms

by Carolyne Aarsen

  Chapter Nine

  “You’re being awfully quiet for a guy who’s got a lot of explaining to do.” Kurt lifted the girls’ bag of toys and threw it over his shoulder.

  Not sure what to say, Mose slowed his pace. He shifted the suitcase he was carrying from one hand to the other and repositioned the bulging dirty clothes bag slipping out from under his arm. Mose cleared his throat. “I really don’t know where to start.”

  “Start at the beginning. What made you propose to Sarah, and why does she look so ill?”

  “We really don’t have the time to dig into all this right now. The van’s just a few more rows over and the women will be wondering what happened to us. We’re supposed to be picking up the remaining luggage from the train, remember? Not having a friendly chit-chat like two old women.”

  Kurt stopped in his tracks and gave Mose a piercing look that spoke volumes. He seemed determined to get the facts, one way or another.

  “Do it now, or do it later, but tell me you will.”

  “All right. Sarah was in a deep depression over Joseph’s passing. She needed help. We got to know each other while she cared for the girls. I offered to marry her to get her out of a bind.”

  “A bind? Marriage is an awful lot of help, Mose. I know you’re a kind man, but people don’t up and marry a widow of less than six months just because she’s in a bind. Not even when they were best friends with the widow’s dead husband. There has to be more to this story than you’re telling me.”

  “I didn’t marry her just to help her out. I need help, too. She had to leave Lancaster and the girls were desperate for a mother. They fell in love with her while I helped rebuild the burned-out barn. Sarah’s a very loving woman and so good with the kinder. Her situation came up suddenly and we married out of convenience, nothing more. We have a clear understanding. Now, can you stop making more of this than there is, and let’s get going? We can talk later. These bags are heavy and it’s getting late.”

  Mose took off, his leather soles smacking against the parking lot pavement. He had enough on his mind without trying to satisfy his younger brother that he hadn’t completely lost his mind. He knew he hadn’t lost contact with reality and needed time to think, to talk to Sarah. This would all work out. He just prayed to Gott the rest of the family wasn’t going to be this inquisitive.

  * * *

  Sarah looked inside the big van, comparing it to the small Amish wagons she was so used to. This vehicle was amazing, plush and definitely not plain. Three rows of soft leather seats lined the back, enough room for at least eight people. The space amazed her beyond words. She stepped in, the carpet under her feet like walking on marshmallows. Weak as a kitten, she longed for a nap. A sigh of relief escaped her as she bent forward and lifted Mercy’s body into a child’s car seat. A few minutes of fiddling had the baby secure in the strange contraption. Jerking on each strap, she made sure everything snapped into the right slots and flopped down next to Mercy for a moment of rest.

  Linda slid Beatrice into the child seat at the front of the van with experienced ease, then gave her a box of animal cookies to quiet her.

  Linda patted the seat next to her and motioned Sarah deeper into the van. Both women slid into the third row. Linda grinned. “It’s really wonderful to see you, Sarah. I’ve been wondering how you were doing. I started to write when we first moved away, but figured your daed would just throw my letters away.”

  They laughed. Sarah enjoyed the moment of relaxation. “You know, he probably would have thrown them away.” Sarah grinned and hugged her friend. “You have to no idea how wonderful it was to see you standing there next to Kurt. Recognizing your smiling face was such a surprise and a blessing.” Sarah took Linda’s hand and squeezed. “I’ve missed our friendship so much.”

  Linda laid her hand on her protruding stomach and rubbed lovingly. “Did you notice I’m pregnant? I told Mose to tell you when he got to Lancaster, but knowing him, he probably didn’t.”

  “Sarah patted her friend’s hand and squeezed it with joy. “I’m so happy for you and Kurt. Having a bobbel is such a blessing from Gott. You must be so excited.”

  “I am, but it’s Kurt who’s behaving like a fool. He’s thrilled over the prospect of being a father.”

  Sarah listened as Linda laughed and continued to ramble on. But in the back of her mind, the words of the woman on the train came back to haunt her. Could I be pregnant, too? Was it possible all the nausea and lethargy she’d been experiencing were from an unexpected pregnancy? How could she possibly be pregnant and not know it? Wouldn’t I have suspected something by now?

  “Just listen to me. I’m rattling on about my life and I haven’t asked you if you’re doing okay.” Linda’s expression became somber. “I was so sorry to hear about Joseph’s death. I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through.”

  Sarah felt a warm tear slide down her face. “It was all so sudden. Joseph and I were so happy. Life was perfect for the first time in my life...and then he was gone and everyone kept saying his death was Gott’s will. I was told not to talk about him, to forget him. They expected me to act as if he never existed.” Sarah wanted to share how she’d blamed herself for his death. Linda deserved to understand why she’d married Mose so soon after Joseph’s death. A quick remarriage was completely out of line with their teachings. She’ll be wondering, thinking I’ve made a big mistake.

  What would Mose’s people think when they heard she had been threatened with being unchurched for helping the neighbor boys leave their abusive father? Her heart ached with regret, but not for helping the boys. She hoped her old friend would understand that her motives had been pure, but what about the other family members? Beads of sweat dampened her forehead.

  “You’re so pale. Have you been eating well and drinking enough water?” Linda handed Sarah a lacy handkerchief and watched her as she mopped her face.

  “I’m fine, really.” Sarah reassured her. “I’ve just been sick to my stomach lately. Probably just a bug.”

  “When did these stomach problems start?”

  “A while back. Nothing big, just off-and-on nausea and I’m tired all the time. But that could be from all the stress and chasing after the girls.” Sarah leaned over to cover Mercy’s bare legs with a lightweight blanket. She smiled as the tiny girl puckered up, as if she was nursing on a bottle.

  Linda’s hands pressed into her growing waistline. “Have you seen anyone about the stomach problems?”

  Sarah watched for Mose and Kurt. “Nee, I thought about it, but I’ve been so busy that I put it off. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a day or two.” Sarah fiddled with the dangling ribbon on her kapp as she turned back to Linda. “You’ll get a good laugh from this. A lady on the train saw me throw up and assumed I was pregnant. Can you believe it?” Sarah held her breath as she waited for Linda to laugh, to reassure her she had nothing to worry about.

  “Are you?”

  Sarah hadn’t expected her serious question. Linda wasn’t laughing. “I don’t see how. It’s been six months since Joseph died.”

  “Pregnancy can sneak up on you. One morning I smelled coffee brewing and threw up in front of Kurt’s mamm. She knew right off I was pregnant.”

  Sarah flashed back to her problems with the smell of food and began to tremble. “I’ve been having to eat crackers to calm my stomach and...”

  “What, Sarah?”

  “My breasts are tender. They have been for weeks. I thought it was from my period being late...it’s been months. I’ve been so wrapped up in Joseph’s death. I thought it was just the stress keeping it away.”

  “I think we’d better get a test.”

  “What do you mean, a test?” Sarah asked.

  “The Englisch have pregnancy tests. They cost a few dollars and within minutes you know if you’re pregnant or not. I took one, just to be sure. It was positive.”

  “Mose might not approve of such tests.”

  “Are you kidding? He’s the one who picked
one up for me. You aren’t in Lancaster anymore, Sarah.”

  Sarah began to cry. She was so confused and torn. She’d know for sure if she was pregnant and then how would she feel? Had Gott blessed her with a baby from Joseph? How would Mose react? He hadn’t bargained on raising another man’s child in the agreement they shared.

  “I didn’t mean to bring up Joseph and make you cry.” Linda leaned forward and smoothed a tear from Sarah’s cheek. “We’ll get a pregnancy test in a bit and you’ll take it. No more guessing and worrying. You hear?”

  Always a take-charge kind of person, Linda leaned back into the soft seat of the van. Her gaze cut back to Sarah. “How did you and Mose end up married, anyway? I know you, Sarah. There’s no way you’d marry again so soon after Joseph’s death. Not unless something was seriously wrong. What happened? How could you have fallen in love with Mose so soon?”

  The sound of the men approaching stopped Sarah’s response, but she knew there’d be time for explanations later and prayed Linda would understand.

  Linda greeted the men loading suitcases into the back of the van as if they’d been talking about the weather. “Listen to them huffing and puffing, Sarah. You’d think they’d been carrying luggage for a family of six.”

  “These bags are heavy. Sarah must have packed everything she owns in here,” Kurt teased.

  Mose smiled through the window at Sarah and waved, his expression friendly and calm. She put on a brave face, smiling and pretending everything was fine. If he did see her tears he’d think it was just her nervousness about her first van ride, not to mention her concerns about meeting his family. She willed her stomach to calm down.

  “Let’s hit the road before it gets dark. I want Sarah to be able to see some of Tampa’s sights before we head down to Sarasota.” Kurt slipped into the driver’s seat and waited for Mose to slide in and shut his door.

  Mose looked back at Sarah. She grinned, silently reassuring him she was fine. But I’m not fine. Her mind raced like a runaway train. Kurt started the big van’s motor and Sarah sucked in her breath.

  “Remember, this is Sarah’s first automobile ride,” Mose reminded Kurt. “You don’t want to scare her to death with some of your wild driving.”

  “As if I would,” Kurt teased and gunned the powerful motor seconds before the van roared off down the road.

  Sarah tucked her shaking hands under her legs and closed her eyes. It was going to be a long ride to Sarasota.

  * * *

  Florida was more beautiful than Sarah had imagined. Palm trees lined every street and the sky looked bluer than any sky she’d ever seen. Highway 275 quickly turned into HI 19 and the impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge came into view, amazing Sarah with its massive size and length that stretched out over the bay. She was fascinated and terrified at the same time.

  I can do this. She’d been through so many impossibly hard things the past few months. She looked back at Linda. Her friend seemed perfectly calm, as did everyone in the van. Digging her toes into the soles of her plain black shoes, she closed her eyes and prayed. Give me strength to get through this trip across what looks like a death bridge.

  Kurt spoke, “What’s wrong, Sarah?” His tone was playful but without mercy. She opened her eyes and met his gaze in the van’s mirror. “You’re not scared of heights, are you? It’s either the bridge or walk.”

  Mose turned toward Kurt and sliced him a cutting look. Anger built inside Sarah, a typical example of her shifting moods of late. She would not have her husband pitying her over something as silly as a fear of heights. “Would you like me to sit in the back with you while we cross?” Mose offered.

  Sarah looked back to the bridge and glared at Mose. He probably had no idea he’d just insulted her. “Danke, but I’m fine.” Sarah pulled at the strings of her prayer kapp. She squared her shoulders in determination. “I’m sure thousands of people go across this bridge every day. I’m fine.”

  The awkward moment evaporated when Beatrice woke from a sound sleep and chimed, “I’m hungry. Aren’t we there yet?”

  Chapter Ten

  Before leaving Lapp’s restaurant, located a few miles from the edge of Sarasota and the tiny town of Pinecraft, Sarah watched as Mose paid their bill and shifted Beatrice in his arms as he slipped the change into his pocket.

  Sarah’s hands shook as she placed Mercy’s empty formula bottle on top of the restaurant counter. She used a clean napkin to wipe the milk ring from Mercy’s lips and smiled when Mose glanced her way.

  “I want cookies,” Beatrice demanded. Determined to grab the plate of plastic-wrapped chocolate chip cookies on the counter, she began to squirm in her father’s arms, her arm stretching out.

  “You ate enough food for two.” Mose patted his daughter’s stomach. “No cookies for you this time, young one.” Her golden ringlets danced as she shook her head in disagreement. They headed out the door, following after Kurt and Linda.

  Dusk had fallen and Sarah marveled at the glorious sunset. She drew in a long breath, taking in the smell of the sea. She kissed Mercy on the crown of her head and followed close behind Mose.

  “Why don’t Sarah and I go over to the pharmacy across the street? I need to pick up a few things before we go home.” Linda told the lie with a big grin.

  Kurt smiled down at his petite wife, oblivious to the prearranged plan. “Sure. You ladies take your time. Mose and I will strap the kids in and enjoy the last of the sunset.”

  Sarah was surprised at how normal Linda’s voice had sounded as she’d lied and how easily she’d manipulated her husband.

  Mose looked Sarah’s way and dug into his pant pocket. “You might need some money.” She held out her hand and he slipped two twenty-dollar bills onto her palm. “Enjoy.” He smiled.

  Sarah pulled on her prayer kapp ribbon. “I will. Danke.” She waited until he turned toward the van before she picked up her long skirt and ran, finally catching up to Linda just as she opened the store’s glass door.

  “You could have waited for me,” Sarah scolded, and then became speechless as she took in the big, bright store with shelves full of things she’d never laid eyes on before. What do the Englisch need with all these things?

  “Over here.” Linda grabbed Sarah’s wrist. “I see makeup. The tests should be somewhere close to that section.”

  “Where are the tests?” Sarah glanced around. “I don’t see them.” These mood swings concerned her. She hadn’t meant to bark at Linda.

  “Don’t snap, liebling. You’re stressed out. It won’t take a moment to find them, and then we’ll know for sure if you’re with child.” Linda’s head twisted back and forth as she looked up and down the aisles.

  Sarah tapped her on the shoulder. “Shh. Someone might overhear you.”

  “And who would hear?” Linda snapped back. “Kurt and Mose are in the car.” She led Sarah in a different direction, then pointed to a brightly lit ceiling sign. “The pharmacist can tell us where the tests are located. Come on. Time’s wasting.”

  Linda rushed off and Sarah struggled to keep up. A large-boned woman with kind eyes and a friendly smile spoke to Linda in a quiet voice from behind the shiny counter. Linda handed the woman money and Sarah heard Linda say, “Danke.”

  The lady smiled. “Good luck. Hope you get the answer you want.”

  Sarah backed up as if the package Linda carried would jump out and bite her like a snake.

  “Come on. This way.” Linda grabbed Sarah’s wrist as she flew past.

  A shiver rippled through Sarah as she rushed forward, her feet heavy.

  Linda pulled the box out of the flimsy bag and extended it toward Sarah. “Read the back carefully and then pray before you...ah...you know. The lady said this test is a good one and only takes about thirty seconds to show results.”

  “But...”

  “You need to know, Sarah. This is no time to be stubborn. Take the test, find out if you are carrying Joseph’s baby or not. You have to get on with your life. Mose deser
ves more than a nervous woman for a wife.”

  Linda’s simple words reached her. The package in her hands felt light as a feather. This test kit would tell her all she needed to know. She had to take it. Heading toward the door marked Women, Sarah turned back. “I know you’re right. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  Moments later she held the plastic device out in front of her, waiting for something to happen. Sarah picked up the box off the edge of the sink and reread the instructions just to be sure she’d done everything right. Time seemed to stand still. The music playing overhead grew silent. A line formed. She was pregnant. She didn’t realize she was crying until tears began to hit the box in her hand.

  With a shove to the door she exited the bathroom and smiled at Linda, their secret a strong bond between the two women. She gushed, “I’m pregnant.”

  “How far along do you think you are?” Linda called out as they’d darted across the street.

  “I have to be at least six months. How can it be? Why didn’t I know, Linda? Am I simple-minded?”

  Stopping, she hugged Sarah. “Nee. It’s your first pregnancy, silly. You were in a state of shock after Joseph died. It’s no wonder you didn’t notice the changes in your body. You’ll have to go see the Englisch doctor for a sonogram.” Linda turned toward the parked van. “You didn’t take care of yourself or see a doctor. Something could be wrong and you wouldn’t know it.

  Sarah digested Linda’s words. She would have to see a proper doctor. She owed it to the baby and to Joseph. “I will go as soon as I tell Mose.”

  “Don’t take too long, Sarah.”

  “I promise I won’t.”

  Moments later Sarah and Linda entered the van and settled down for the short drive to Mose’s mother’s house. Nervous that Linda might blurt out something, Sarah pulled at her prayer kapp ribbons. A sign on the side of the highway declared Sarasota was just three miles ahead.