“Oh, Ivan, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
It wasn’t okay but Bethany didn’t know how to deal with it. Her brother had built himself a bad reputation. Repairing it would take time. Time he might not have. The bishop would be at the dinner tomorrow. Could she convince him that Ivan had seen the error of his ways after the bishop had heard Jedidiah’s tale?
Michael’s input might sway the bishop if he could be convinced to attend the dinner. He knew Ivan was chopping wood each day and doing his chores and doing better in school.
She pushed the chicken casserole around on her plate as her appetite vanished. The bishop wouldn’t hear Michael’s observations if Michael didn’t speak to him. She was going to have to apologize to Michael and then ask him to speak on Ivan’s behalf as a favor.
Her chicken casserole might as well have been crow. That was what was on the menu for later.
“Ivan, I’ll invite Michael to the Thanksgiving dinner at the Lapps’ tomorrow. I want you to help your sister practice her lines for the Christmas program.”
He looked ready to object but nodded instead. “Okay. I will.”
She rose from her chair. “Danki. The two of you clear the table. I’m going to speak with Michael.”
“Invite Sadie Sue, too,” Jenny said.
“Nee, I will not invite the dog. If you wish to do something special for her you will have to do it here.”
“Can I bake her some cookies?”
“Learn your lines for the Christmas program first.”
“All right,” Jenny said, but she didn’t look happy about it.
Bethany checked the workshop first. The light was off. He must’ve gone home. She trudged up the hill, bemoaning how quickly it got dark this time of year. As she drew near the cabin she saw Michael was filling a pair of pails at the pump in the yard. His dog sat by his side. She woofed several times, causing him to look around. He caught sight of Bethany and stopped. He watched her with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. She couldn’t blame him.
She forged ahead. “It seems like I am apologizing every time I see you.”
He just stared at her.
He wasn’t making it easy.
“I wanted to say that I’m sorry for the way I behaved the other day. Although it isn’t really an excuse, I am very concerned about my brother. I do not want to send him to live with our uncle. Onkel Harvey is a good man, don’t get me wrong. He has a fine family. My reason for wanting to keep Ivan with me is a selfish one. I love my brother. I promised my mother as she lay dying that I would take care of Ivan and Jenny. I don’t want to break that promise.”
“That’s understandable. You are forgiven. There was no need for you to come and apologize.”
She pressed a hand to her chest. “I needed to apologize.”
He picked up one bucket of water and started toward the barn. Bethany picked up the second bucket and followed him. He frowned as he glanced at her. “I can manage this.”
“Many hands make light work. Did you find everything you need in my grandfather’s workshop today?”
“I did, plus I have many of my own tools.”
“I guess that makes sense.” In the barn she put the bucket down as he poured the first one into a small tank in the pony’s stall. He handed her the empty pail, picked up the full one and poured it into the tank, as well.
He walked out of the barn and Bethany followed him. It appeared that he wasn’t in the mood to talk. She followed him anyway.
“I don’t know if Jesse mentioned it but our church community is having a Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. I wanted to make sure you knew you were invited.”
“I’ll be working.”
“It will be a great opportunity to get to know the other Amish families here.”
“I’ll meet them in time.”
“Why wait?” She tried to sound cheerful not desperate.
“Because I’m working tomorrow.”
She had hoped she wouldn’t have to beg but he left her no choice. “All right, I have a favor to ask of you.”
A slight smile curved his lips. “Really? I can’t wait to hear this. Has Clarabelle given you the name of a new marriage prospect that you want me to check out?”
“I wish you would forget about the cow.”
“I’ve tried but I can’t. It’s stuck in my brain.”
“Oh, never mind.” She turned to go. She’d only taken a few steps when he spoke again.
“Wait. What is it that you need?”
She stayed where she was with her hands pushed deep into the pockets of her coat, so he couldn’t see how tightly clenched her fingers were. “The bishop will be there. I need your help convincing him that Ivan has had a change of heart. That he’s doing better.” She stared at the ground, afraid to see him refuse. “Will you do that? Please?”
* * *
Michael groaned inwardly. She had no idea what she was asking. A dinner with dozens of strangers in an unfamiliar house. A crowd. The noise. He grew tense just thinking about it.
Why did she have to look so dejected? So vulnerable? Why was she pinning her hopes on him? It would be amazing if he didn’t end the dinner as a babbling ball of fear hiding under the table. He couldn’t do it.
She glanced at him from beneath lowered lashes.
How could he not do it?
She wanted to keep her family together. He prayed for strength for the first time in months. Sadie Sue whined as she gazed up at him. “I know, I know. It’s a bad idea.”
He crossed the few steps between them and stopped inches from Bethany. He lifted her chin so she would look at him. “Okay, I’ll do it, but you must understand that my words may not carry much weight. I’m new here. I’m not even a member of your congregation yet.”
He would speak to the man and then leave. He didn’t have to stay for the meal. He would come home and work in peace.
The joy on Bethany’s face was almost worth the discomfort he knew he was going to endure. Beneath his fingers her skin was soft as the silk cloths he used to polish his work. Her beautiful eyes were damp with unshed tears. Her lips were red because she had been biting them. He wanted to soothe them with a kiss.
As sure as the sun would rise again tomorrow, he knew one kiss would not be enough.
He stepped away from her. She blinked rapidly and swiped at her unshed tears with both hands. “Danki.”
“Please tell me I don’t have to cook something and take it to eat.”
Her laugh was shaky. “I’ll make enough for both of us.”
“Where is this party taking place?”
“At the Lapp farm. It’s about a half mile from here. You met Gemma the other night. The farm belongs to her parents. We might as well ride together, don’t you think? I have to take some tables and chairs for them to use. I’ll pick you up at noon. That should give you plenty of time to meet people before they start serving at two o’clock.”
A half mile wasn’t too far. He could walk that distance home alone.
Bethany grabbed his hand. “Bless you. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Bless you and the good you are doing for my family.”
“I’m doing it for Ivan. The kid deserves a break.”
She let go of him and pushed her hands deep into her coat pockets. “Of course. He may not realize it yet, but you are a true friend.”
As she hurried away he shook his head. Thanksgiving Day would end in disaster for him. He looked down at Sadie Sue. “I am an idiot. Did you know that? You’ve adopted an idiot for a master.”
* * *
Michael waited on the porch with his back against the side of the cabin as Bethany drove up in a large wagon the next morning. The children were sitting beside her. His nerves had been on edge since he woke well before dawn. Sadie Sue was shut inside the cabin. He wished h
e could take her with him.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” Bethany called out. The children echoed her greeting. They were staring at him.
All he had to do was walk down the steps and get in her wagon. His palms were damp; his heart was racing. He counted to three and pushed away from the wall. Bethany had Ivan and Jenny get in the back, giving him more room. Getting up onto the seat was easier said than done. The wagon seat was much higher than a buggy. It wasn’t graceful but he finally hauled himself up and onto the padded wooden bench.
“All set,” he muttered between his clenched teeth.
“Thank you again for doing this.”
“Sure, no problem.” He hoped.
“I don’t see Sadie,” Jenny said.
“I locked her in the house.” He couldn’t believe how much he’d come to rely on the dog. She alerted him when someone was near. When she was at ease, he was at ease.
Bethany spoke to the team and the wagon lurched forward, jarring his leg. Out on the roadway the going was smoother. He let go of his death grip on the side of the seat.
Bethany glanced his way. “Is your leg paining you?”
“Some. I think there’s a change in weather coming.”
“The newspaper this morning said we could expect a significant snowstorm over the next three days.”
“What is ‘significant’ to the people of Maine?”
“Two, maybe three, in places.”
“Inches?”
“Feet,” she said with a smile. “Don’t worry. Jesse plows our lanes open with his big team but you should invest in some snowshoes before long.”
Snowshoes and a cane. How was that going to work? Maybe moving here had been a mistake.
It didn’t take long to reach the Lapp farm. Bethany drew the horse to a stop by the front door. The children jumped off the back of the wagon and ran inside. Bethany turned to him. “Can I help you get down?”
He shook his head. “I don’t need help. Besides, if I fall I only want one person to get hurt.”
She ignored him, jumped down and came around to his side. “I won’t let you fall.”
“I should believe a woman who talks to cows? Stand aside.” He grimaced as he swung his bad leg over the side.
“Nope. Keep one hand on the seat and put your other hand on my shoulder and lower your weight slowly.”
“I’m not getting down until you’re out of the way.”
“You will get very cold sitting here when the sun goes down.”
“Stubborn woman.”
“I’ve been called that before.”
“Why am I not surprised.” He searched for a way to get down without help. It was a long drop. “Okay, I hate to admit it, but your idea looks like my best option.”
He gave her his cane and she leaned it against the wagon wheel. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he scooted over the edge of the seat and started to lower himself to the ground.
One horse took a step forward. The cane fell, clattering against the wheel spokes. The other horse tossed her head and took a step, jerking the wagon. Michael lost his grip on the seat and pulled Bethany off balance.
The second he started to fall Bethany wrapped her arms around him and threw herself over backward, trying to take the brunt of his weight. Her head struck the ground with a painful-sounding thump. She didn’t make a sound.
“Are you okay? Bethany, are you okay? Speak to me.” Michael was holding himself above her on his forearms. His face was inches from hers. Her lids fluttered up. She looked at him and blinked twice.
“You have pretty eyes.” Her voice was a bare whisper.
“What?”
She closed her eyes. “Nothing. I’m okay. Are you hurt?”
At least she was talking. “My pride has a big dent in it, but I don’t think anything is broken.”
“Then could you get off me? You’re very heavy.” She winced in pain.
“What is going on here?”
Michael looked up to see an older Amish man with a graying beard glaring at him. Jesse stood at his side.
“Hi, Jesse.” Michael rolled off Bethany and lay sprawled beside her. His bad leg was on fire, his shoulders ached, and he had skinned both hands trying to keep his full weight from crashing down on her.
“Michael?” Jesse’s eyebrows rose until they touched the brim of his black hat.
“It’s me. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“What are you doing on the ground?”
Michael laughed even though it hurt. “I put my trust in a woman who has conversations with her cow. Big mistake.” He turned his head to gaze at Bethany. “Are you sure you aren’t hurt?”
“I’m still checking.” She pressed a hand to the back of her head.
Her friend Gemma came out of the house. “What has happened? Bethany, is that you?”
Bethany pushed herself into a sitting position. “Hello, Gemma. Happy Thanksgiving.”
Jesse was still frowning at Michael. “I don’t understand what you are doing on the ground.”
“Bethany kindly gave me a ride here, and when I was trying to get out of her wagon, I fell on her. It was an accident. I think she hit her head pretty hard.”
Gemma helped Bethany to her feet. “You poor thing. Are you injured?”
Bethany managed a half-hearted smile. “Only bumps and bruises. I’m afraid Michael is the one who is hurt.”
Michael struggled to his feet with Jesse’s assistance and leaned against the wagon. “I’m fine. Where’s my cane?”
The elderly Amish man beside Jesse picked it up and handed it to Michael with a scowl on his face. “I am Bishop Schultz.”
“Just the man I wanted to see. I’m Michael Shetler. I’m a newcomer to the area.”
The bishop stroked his beard as he stared at Michael. “Jesse has told me about you.”
“I need to unpack the tables and chairs,” Bethany said.
“Someone else can take care of that. You need a few minutes’ rest to regain your wits,” Michael told her in a stern tone.
She scowled at him. “My wits are not scattered.”
“That’s open to debate. You hit your head pretty hard. You could have a concussion. Gemma, make her go inside and rest.”
Michael caught the sidelong glare Bethany shot at him. She wasn’t happy to have him telling her what to do. Too bad. In his opinion, she was too pale. He didn’t want her keeling over and spoiling the party. That was his job.
Gemma smiled kindly at Michael as she took Bethany’s arm. “He is right. Come in. I have some fresh brewed sweet tea and my special lemon cookies, and I’m going to fix an ice pack for your head.”
“I would speak with you, Bethany, when you are recovered,” Bishop Schultz said. Bethany grew a shade paler.
Inside the house the mouthwatering smells of roasting turkey, fresh baked breads and pumpkin pies filled the air. Michael saw Ivan seated beside two teenage boys looking through a hunting magazine. He beckoned to the boy. “Ivan, can I see you a minute?”
Ivan came over. “What’s up?”
“Ask your friends to help you bring in the tables and chairs from the back of the wagon and take care of the horses.”
“Sure.” He went back to the boys and they all walked outside. A few minutes later they came in carrying the extra seating. Gemma’s mother directed them where to set up. Another family arrived with baskets of food, and a festive air began to fill the room as happy chatter and laughter grew in volume.
Michael stayed beside Bethany, who was seated in a wingback chair near the fireplace. She soon had a plate of cookies on her lap and a glass of tea in her hand. Her color was already better when Gemma brought her the ice pack. Michael knew Bethany had taken the brunt of the fall trying to protect him. It should have been the other way around.
His gaze was constantly
drawn to her. Her color returned to normal, but the longer he watched her the more flushed she became. Every time he caught her eye she looked away.
After ten minutes, Bethany set her empty glass aside. “I should be helping in the kitchen.”
* * *
Bethany couldn’t take Michael staring at her another minute. Didn’t he realize everyone was noticing his attention? She blushed at being the recipient of so many speculative looks. She was about to get up when the bishop approached her with Jedidiah a few steps behind him.
The bishop settled himself in a nearby chair. “Are you feeling recovered, Bethany?”
“I have a headache that I’m sure will get better quickly. Jedidiah, did you get my letter and the check?”
“I did. It was a fair price, though the cost was not the issue. I trust Ivan will repay you?”
She clasped her hands together. “I want you both to know that my brother has improved his attitude one hundred percent since that incident.”
“Even if that is true, it is too little too late.” The bishop’s stern look chilled her.
She gestured to Michael. “This is Michael Shetler. He has taken over Grandfather’s watch repair business. He can attest to Ivan’s improvements. He has seen it firsthand.”
“In what way?” Jedidiah asked.
“The boy broke a window in the cabin I rented from Bethany. I had a talk with him. We settled on his punishment. He has split wood for me every morning, has taken over many of Bethany’s outdoor chores, and he has improved his grades at school. I believe his friend has been the instigator of much of the trouble Ivan has been in.”
The bishop folded his arms over his chest. “If that is true, the boy has shown bad judgment in his choice of friends.”
Jedidiah shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I spoke with his teacher yesterday evening. We happened to be in the grocery store at the same time. She tells me some of the Englisch children have accused Ivan of stealing money.”
“One child did. She searched his desk and didn’t find anything. It wasn’t Ivan,” Bethany insisted.
The bishop’s face grew somber. “I wish I could give him the benefit of the doubt, but there have been too many instances where he has been involved. Jedidiah has offered to take the boy until his uncle arrives. He feels he can give Ivan the supervision he needs. I have agreed to this.”
An Amish Wife for Christmas Page 9