Love Inspired March 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: A Wife for JacobThe Forest Ranger's RescueAlaskan Homecoming

by Rebecca Kertz

  “Annie.”

  She was startled. “Ja?” She blushed, realizing that Reuben must have called her name several times before she’d heard him.

  “Did ya want coffee while ya wait?” she asked politely. “I can bring it to the shop.” Then she would have a chance to see Jacob and bring him a cup, as well.

  “Nay, I’m not much of a coffee drinker.”

  “Tea, then?”

  He moved in too closely, and she shifted away as she continued to hang clothes. “Nay,” he said after a brief moment of hesitation. “I’ll be heading back to the shop. Jacob’s almost done with Aggie. You have a nice day.”

  Relieved, Annie gave him a genuine smile. “You, too, Reuben.” He hadn’t mentioned the singing again, and Annie was grateful.

  By the time she’d hung all the clothes on the line, Annie saw Reuben leave the shop, leading his father’s mare. Her heart gave a thump as Jacob exited the building behind him. She watched them talk a moment before Reuben hitched Aggie on to his buggy. He looked over, saw her watching him and waved before he climbed into the vehicle.

  Jacob had briefly gone back into the shop, returning outside in time to see Reuben’s wave. Jacob stared at her, and she felt suddenly awkward. She had yet to tell him about her conversation with Levi or about Reuben’s presence at dinner last night. She studied Jacob for a long moment while trying to decide if she should approach him now or talk with him later. He took the decision out of her hands when he reentered the shop without a wave or a smile.

  Annie fought the urge to cry. You’ve got work to do, Annie, she told herself, trying her best to put Jacob from her mind. He was probably too busy. He didn’t have time to talk, not with the increase in work.

  As she crossed the yard and climbed the front porch, she heard the approach of another vehicle, a wagon with a team of two horses. Jacob would most definitely be busy today, she realized, and she took heart that he wasn’t ignoring her. His mind was simply focused on business matters.

  Chapter Ten

  Friday evening, Levi arrived in his open courting buggy. He came to the door, and her mother let him in. “I’ve come for Annie,” he said.

  “I’m here,” Annie announced as she came from the back of the house, and the two went outside. It was a pleasant and clear evening. Annie had told her mother about the buggy ride once the preacher had left after his usual supper visit. Her mother hadn’t said much, but the happy gleam in her eyes had spoken volumes.

  Mam stepped out onto the porch as Levi helped Annie into the vehicle. Barbara came out and approached cautiously. Seconds later, Levi assisted Barbara, who looked embarrassed as she climbed up. “Mam says I’m to be your chaperone,” she said solemnly as Levi got in. “Peter wanted to go, but—”

  “’Tis fine, Barbara,” Annie interrupted before her sister could say more. She had made the suggestion to Mam that Barbara come with them.

  Levi nodded as if he understood. Preacher or not, they were not betrothed and needed someone to accompany the two of them. He smiled at her as he reached for the reins. “Where shall we go?”

  “Wherever you wish,” Annie said softly.

  With a click of his tongue, he flicked the reins and drove the horse out onto the paved main road. Annie sat back, prepared to enjoy the ride.

  * * *

  Monday morning Joe sat in his wheelchair, watching as the younger man put shoes on Janey, one of the Lapps’ horses. “You’re doing well, Jacob. I am grateful for all the work you’ve done for me and my family.”

  Jacob stopped and flashed Joe a glance. “I’ve not done anything another man wouldn’t have done.”

  “Nay, son,” Joe insisted. “No one else has the skill or the knowledge.”

  Jacob had been surprised to see the older man wheel himself inside the shop earlier this morning. Horseshoe Joe had been getting around with a wooden crutch with his leg brace. Joe’s leg must be causing him great pain, he thought with sympathy.

  “’Tis nothing,” Jacob said. “I’ve enjoyed the work. I was always fascinated watching you when I was younger.” The horse shifted restlessly, and Jacob took a moment to soothe the animal. The sound of his familiar voice did the trick, and the mare settled.

  Jacob carefully worked on Janey’s right front foot, removing the old shoe and then preparing her hoof before he picked up the new one to compare it with the other. After examining them, he was satisfied with the result. He lifted the animal’s hoof, set the shoe and then carefully nailed it into place.

  “There you go, girl,” he murmured before he started the same process on the left side.

  Joe was unusually quiet as Jacob worked. Jacob paused. “Joe, are you all right? I can take you back to the haus.”

  The older man smiled. “I’m fine, Jake. Just a bit tired is all. My eldest stopped in to visit last night.”

  Jacob raised an eyebrow. “Joan?”

  Joe nodded, his expression softening. “Haven’t seen her, Adam or the kinner in months. It was gut to see them.”

  “Are they still here?” Jacob asked as he went back to the task at hand.

  “Nay. They stayed the night and left early this morning. They’re traveling to Delaware, said they wanted to stop and see us before they moved on. They plan to return for a longer visit on their way back.”

  Jacob smiled as, after finishing the front hooves, he returned to double-check each shoe on Janey’s rear hooves. He had replaced them over a month ago, his first attempt since he was a young boy. He’d been grateful that she’d belonged to his family; the animal’s trust in him had allowed Jacob to get the job done. His success with the mare had given him the confidence to continue the work. After remembering to lean in to brace the animal, he found the job easier than he’d recalled.

  “I’m going to put Janey outside, Joe,” he said. “I’ll be right back. Did ya need me to get you something from the haus?”

  “Coffee would be gut.”

  Jacob smiled. “I could use a cup myself. I’ll see if Miriam can put a pot on.”

  “If she’s busy,” Joe said, “ask Annie. She makes a gut cup of coffee.”

  Jacob felt a flutter within his chest at the mention of Annie. She did make a good cup of coffee. It had been some time since he’d spoken with her. The memory of her and Reuben, talking outside while Annie hung clothes, still stung. Reuben and Annie? He didn’t believe Reuben was the right man for her.

  “I’ll be right back,” he said as he led the animal toward the door.

  “Ask Annie about her outing with the preacher,” Joe called out as Jacob reached the door.

  “Levi Stoltzfus?” he asked, experiencing discomfort.

  “Ja, he came for her Friday evening. Can’t say if she’s seen him again, but he’s due to come by for another meal next week.”

  Jacob felt his heart ache as he stepped out into the sunny autumn day and glanced toward the house. There was no sign of life outside. He tied Janey to a hitching post and then headed slowly toward the residence, his thoughts in a whirl. He knew Reuben had taken supper with the Zooks, but he hadn’t known about Annie and Levi.

  I shouldn’t be surprised. I did see them talking together. Annie hadn’t visited him in the shop lately. He had no idea what Annie was thinking or feeling, and it bothered him.

  He went to the back entrance that led into the kitchen. The inside door was open, allowing in the fresh air through the screen. Soon, it would be too cold to enjoy raised windows and open doors. He could smell the delicious scent of baking. His mouth watered. He peered inside and saw Annie opening the oven. She reached in with pot holders and removed what looked to be a breakfast cake, then set it on top of the stove. He didn’t want to startle her, so he waited a minute until she moved away from the stove. He lifted his hand and knocked softly.

  She turned quickly, saw who it was
and smiled. “Jacob! Come in, come in.”

  “Hallo, Annie. Your vadder wants coffee.”

  “Just made a fresh pot.” She pulled out two cups and placed them on the counter, before she reached for the vessel on the stove.

  Jacob came farther into the kitchen. He enjoyed what he saw. Everything about the room—the warmth and feeling of home, the aromas of fresh coffee, vanilla and cinnamon—spoke of Annie. He swallowed. He promised himself that he would protect his heart, but he’d failed. There were too many wonderful things about her to resist loving her.

  He studied her back. The royal blue dress, which brightened her eyes, looked wonderful on her. She wore a cooking apron tied about her neck and waist. He noted the tiny tendrils of golden-blond hair at her nape. He noted every little thing about Horseshoe Joe’s daughter. She turned and flashed him a smile that lit up her face. He felt his heart give a little jump before it picked up again at a faster pace.

  “I’ve poured you a cup, as well,” she said as she set two on the kitchen table.

  He nodded his thanks. “How does your vadder like his coffee?”

  “Black, lots of sugar. His is the one on the right.”

  Jacob reached to pull the cups closer. He saw with delight that she had fixed his just the way he preferred, just as she’d made it for him previously. He took a quick sip. As expected, it was delicious.

  “Cake?” She placed a hot mat on the table and transferred a baking pan from the counter to the pad. “Fresh out of the oven. Cinnamon-streusel coffee cake.”

  He sniffed appreciatively. “It smells wonderful.”

  “I think you’ll like it,” she said with a smile. “Do you want some?”

  He grinned. “Ja.” He watched as she cut a piece. “And make sure you have a slice for your vadder. I don’t think he’ll like watching me enjoy your cake without his own.” He observed as she prepared two generous helpings.

  “I’ll take these out and come back for the rest.” With cups in hand, he turned to leave.

  “Jacob.”

  He halted and glanced back.

  “I can carry this out for you. There is something I want to tell you—”

  Peter entered the kitchen. “Cake! Can I have a piece?”

  “Nay.” Annie grinned to show that she was teasing and offered a piece to her brother.

  “Hallo, Jake,” the boy said as he spied him in the room. “’Tis gut to see ya. Is my vadder in the shop?”

  “Ja, I’m heading back there now.” Jacob smiled. He liked Annie’s younger brother. He was a nice boy, who worked hard on his father’s farm. “Annie.” He nodded toward the plates Annie had wanted to carry for him. “I’ll be back for those.” She was busy. There was no need for her to come out to the shop. She opened her mouth as if to say something, glanced quickly at her brother and kept silent.

  “I’ll bring them out to the shop for you,” Peter said.

  “I’d appreciate it.” Jacob flashed Annie one last glance, then left. As he headed back toward the shop, he was afraid he knew what Annie wished to tell him. About her outing with the preacher.

  He couldn’t fault Annie’s choice; Levi Stoltzfus was a fine man. But he wasn’t him. He wanted to be the one taking buggy rides with Annie. He forced a smile as he entered the shop. He couldn’t let Joe see how upset he was. The idea of Annie with another man was painful to him.

  “Joe,” he greeted cheerfully as he stepped into the shop, “I’ve brought your coffee. Peter is bringing us coffee cake.”

  “Did you visit with Annie?” Joe asked.

  Jacob shook his head. “She was too busy to talk.”

  * * *

  While she cleaned up the kitchen, Annie thought of Jacob. He’d seemed quiet...too quiet. What was wrong? Their conversation had begun friendly, then suddenly Jacob had seemed in a hurry to get back to the shop. She sighed. She wanted badly to tell him about Levi and Reuben, just as she had with all of the other men her mother had tried to match her with.

  She’d done the right thing in asking Barbara to accompany her and Levi as their chaperone. Annie had been silent during the ride, while Levi and Barbara had kept up a steady stream of conversation. They had driven through the country roads, enjoying the scenery and the fall weather. She had observed the preacher with her sister, noting each time Barbara blushed at something Levi said. When the sun had begun to set, Levi had driven the buggy back to the farmhouse. Annie had climbed down from the vehicle and waited to talk with Levi after her sister was done chatting with him. Barbara had ended the conversation and looked sheepish as she passed Annie on her way toward the house.

  Levi had approached, his brow furrowed. “Annie—”

  “I know, Levi. You don’t have to say it. I appreciated the ride, but I think you and my sister are better suited.”

  “You’re not angry?” he asked, looking apologetic.

  “Nay, why should I be angry? It was a buggy ride. If you like Barbara, ask her to go next time. If you don’t,” she said softly, “please keep your distance. I don’t want my sister hurt.”

  “I would never hurt Barbara.”

  “Gut.” Annie smiled. “Next time, Mam may ask Peter to be your chaperone,” she warned.

  Levi nodded and then glanced toward the house, where Barbara waited inside the screen door. “May I talk with her before I go?”

  Annie had nodded. “I’ll send her out.”

  Now, as she finished tidying the kitchen, her thoughts went to Jacob. She wanted to tell him about her mother’s continued matchmaking attempts. She wanted to tell him about Levi and Barbara. She wrapped up some of the cinnamon-streusel cake to take to her grandparents. She thought of her daily chores and knew she had a lot to accomplish. She picked up a broom to sweep the floor and then headed into the gathering room. She heard the kitchen screen door slam against the side of the house.

  “Annie!”

  Annie returned to the kitchen. “Peter?” She saw his frightened face and felt her chest tighten. “What’s happened? What’s wrong?”

  “’Tis Jacob! He burned himself!”

  “How?” she asked. She saw the odd look on her brother’s face as he glanced away and then down at his feet. “How bad?” she rephrased the question.

  Peter lifted his head, looked at her. “Bad enough,” he admitted. “The burn is on the back of his hand, and it’s bright red.”

  Her heart kicked into high gear. “I’ll bring ointment.” Annie ran to the medicine cabinet for a tube of B & W Ointment. She returned to the kitchen to find that Peter had disappeared.

  Annie paused to consider what else she needed in order to dress Jacob’s burn. After grabbing a bowl, she ran to the back room freezer for ice, then hurried to the kitchen for water and a towel before she raced across the yard.

  * * *

  Hissing at the pain, Jacob examined the burn on his hand. “It’s red and swelling.” And it hurt like fire.

  “It looks awful.” Peter hovered nearby, alternately pacing and stopping to inspect Jacob’s burn. “This is my fault,” he cried.

  “Nay, Peter, I was clumsy.”

  “But you wouldn’t have taken off your gloves if not for me,” Peter cried.

  “Come away from the anvil, Jacob, and sit down over here,” Joe urged. He gestured toward a chair near the worktable. “Annie is on her way. She’ll know what to do to help you.”

  Jacob obeyed and took a seat. Water blisters were forming on the burn. He flexed his hand and hissed at the growing intensity of the nonstop fiery pain. He’d been careless, his thoughts on Annie with Levi Stoltzfus.

  Annie burst into the shop, carrying several items. “Jacob! Let me see.” Her prayer kapp was slightly askew on her head, no doubt the result of her wild dash across the yard. She still wore her quilted cooking apron, and he immediately de
tected the mingled scents of fresh cinnamon and pure vanilla as she drew near.

  Jacob sat and extended his arm. The last thing he needed was for Annie to play nursemaid. He felt a tingling awareness when she took hold of his hand. “It looks worse than it is,” he assured her.

  “Nay, Jacob. You’ve got a second-degree burn. It is as bad as it looks.” Annie studied him with concern. She suddenly took charge in a no-nonsense manner. “I’ve brought cold water and burn cream.” She set a bowl on the table beside him. “Put your hand in this,” she said. “More water than ice, but it will help numb the pain.”

  When he didn’t immediately move, she gently took his wrist and eased his burned hand into the dish. Jacob inhaled sharply. The harsh chill felt good against his throbbing, tender skin. He shuddered. But it was the sensation of her fingers about his wrist that most affected him.

  Her blue eyes filled with compassion. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I know it hurts, but the water is gut for it. And it will help clean out the burn.” She glanced down, made a sound of dismay and removed her cooking apron.

  Jacob kept his hand submerged and watched her. His heart beat a wild tattoo at Annie’s closeness. Her scent of home and baked goods was a heady combination for his lovesick heart.

  Annie stood patiently while he soaked his hand. She then laid a clean tea towel on the worktable and reached to gently lift his hand from the bowl. “You should come up to the haus,” she urged as she carefully placed his hand on the towel, palm side down, burn side up. “I can take better care of your injury there.”

  “I will be fine,” he said gruffly.

  “After I put on this ointment,” she argued, “I’ll need to cover the burn with gauze.” She unscrewed the lid off the jar and dipped her finger into the B & W Ointment, which she spread gently over his blistered skin. “I’ll need to bandage it.”