An Amish Reward

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  “We need to pray for him, jah?”

  “Jah, for sure. But it wonders me if maybe he should take his fraa to Pennsylvania for a visit. She might just like it there and want to move.”

  “If they love each other, I don’t understand why she wouldn’t want to move to be with him.”

  “Not everyone is as willing as my sweet Becky.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her palm.

  “But he will be the leader of the home.”

  “Perhaps her family is there and she cannot abide the thought of leaving them.”

  “Jah, I guess you are right.”

  “I will write him back and suggest that. I would suggest the same for your folks, but I’m thinking Montana might be too cold for them in the winter.”

  “Jah, you are right. Sometimes they think Pennsylvania is too cold.”

  “You will like it here, my sweet Becky. It is nice pretty much all year round. We do get some nasty storms and tornadoes occasionally, though.”

  “Tornadoes? I don’t know if I like the sound of that.”

  “That is why we have a nice basement. Don’t worry, lieb, I will hold you in my arms if a tornado comes.”

  She reached up and caressed his cheek. “I think I would like that.”

  THIRTY

  “Becky, I’m leaving for a while and I might not be back until supper.” Isaac placed his hat on his head.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I need to know what Dat is doing. It makes me anxious to know that he disappears for hours but doesn’t let me know where he is.”

  “You want to spy on him?”

  He shrugged. “I need to know, Becky.”

  “How do you plan to follow him without him noticing?”

  “I will go on horseback and hang way back. There are plenty of curves to hide behind.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Jah. Don’t worry about me. Just pray for Dat and that it’s nothing serious. I’m worried, Becky.”

  “Ach, okay. I will pray that you find answers.”

  ~

  Isaac had been careful to not be seen out in the country, but now that they were in town, staying incognito was a little more tricky. He didn’t want to lose Dat’s location by hanging back too much, yet he couldn’t let Dat see him either.

  Isaac half-expected Dat to turn into the doctor’s office, but he’d passed it by. Perhaps his appointment wasn’t until later. Dat continued on, then turned into the bank’s parking lot.

  Isaac watched as Dat got out of the buggy, tied old Henry to the hitching post, then walked inside. A few moments later, Dat emerged, then continued all the motions Isaac had just watched, in reverse.

  Dat moved back onto the road, then stopped across the street at the diner. What was he doing at the diner? They’d just finished their late breakfast not even an hour ago.

  Isaac sighed and hung back. He glanced at the time on the bank’s clock. Nine fifteen.

  Isaac waited and watched from across the street while his father stayed in the diner. Perhaps Dat had wanted another cup of coffee. He wished he could see what was going on inside, but there was a glare on the diner’s window.

  He glanced up at the clock. Nine forty. Goodness, how long did it take a person to chug down a cup of joe?

  Isaac waited. And waited. And waited.

  Eventually, after about two hours, Dat finally emerged from the diner.

  Isaac followed Dat. But instead of stopping at the doctor, he continued on toward home. Isaac frowned. What peculiar behavior.

  Instead of following Dat home, Isaac turned around and went back to the diner. After tying his horse to the hitching post outside the diner, he went in.

  He looked around. The place was practically empty. Strange.

  He waited until a waitress came out and took his order. He ordered a cup of coffee, although he really didn’t need it. Nee, he needed answers.

  He eyed the woman who’d taken his order. She was Amish, by her style of dress, but he didn’t recognize her from their district. She was probably in her late sixties, he guessed. Maybe she would have some answers.

  She brought his coffee to the table and he noted her name.

  “Uh, Keturah?” He called as she was about to turn and go into the back.

  “That’s me.” She offered a pleasant smile.

  “I was wondering. Uh, that Amish man that was just in here. Do you know him?”

  She frowned, then glanced out the window as though looking down the road. “Jah, that’s Abe. I know him pretty well.”

  Abe? Isaac nodded slowly.

  “Did you need something from him? He does own a large horse ranch.”

  “Jah, I know.”

  “I’m confused. What do you need?”

  “Why was he here?”

  “To enjoy a cup of coffee?” She shook her head. “I really don’t know if I should be giving out information about Abe without his consent.”

  Isaac huffed. “I’m his son,” he admitted.

  Her eyes lit up. “Isaac, right?”

  She knew his name?

  “Jah. I am concerned about my father. I’ve been wondering what he’s been doing lately, coming into town all the time. I thought it was to go to the doctor, yet, he came here.”

  She took a seat across from him. “He comes here often. He has coffee and we talk.”

  “And that’s it?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Okay.” Isaac stood and took a five out of his pocket. He placed it on the table. “Denki for your time.”

  He started to walk away, then turned back. “Please do not let my father know I stopped by here.”

  She consented with a nod.

  THIRTY-ONE

  Isaac urged his horse toward home. He thought following Dat would give him the answers he sought, but instead it had only raised more questions.

  For the life of him, he could not figure out what was going on. Maybe Becky could help him with the pieces to this puzzle, because it was certainly a mystery to him. She was good at helping him see things through a different perspective.

  Dat was already out working with Ezekiel and the horses when Isaac returned home. “Becky?”

  “Doing laundry,” she called from the basement.

  He clomped down the stairs, taking in the familiar musty smell.

  “Your father has been back for a half hour. Where have you been?”

  “Did he say anything?”

  “Nee, just asked where you were. I told him you went to town.”

  “I’ve been trying to find answers.”

  “And?” She took a wet towel out of the basin and sent it through the ringer.

  “I think I’m even more confused now.” He shook his head.

  “Why?”

  He frowned. “Do you know where he went? Where he’s been going?”

  “Nee.”

  “To the diner.”

  “The diner?”

  “Jah. I know, right? I don’t get it. We had breakfast like an hour before.”

  “Maybe he’s extra hungry nowadays and I’m not making enough?”

  “Nee. He just has coffee.”

  “But we have coffee here.” She pressed her lips together. “How do you know this? Did you watch him?”

  “Nee, I went back and talk to the waitress. She was an Amish woman. Keturah.”

  Becky’s brow shot up. “Amish? How old was she?”

  He shrugged. “About ten or fifteen years younger than Dat, I suppose.”

  “Ah…” Becky smiled and nodded. “I think I know what’s going on.”

  “What?”

  “I think your father has an aldi.”

  “An aldi?” His words were nearly a shout.

  “Shh…” Becky laughed. “Think about it. We just got hitched. Ezekiel and Aunt Lucy are married now. He’s probably feeling a little lonely.”

  Isaac rubbed his stubble. Ach, he hadn’t been very successful in the beard-growing department yet. �
��She did seem familiar with our family. She called him Abe and she knew my name.”

  “Jah, that does sound familiar.”

  “Mamm called him Abe.” He pressed his lips together and shook his head. “I don’t know, Becky. I’m…” Ach, he hated when tears pricked his eyes. “I’m…I don’t think I’m ready for Dat to give Mamm up yet.”

  She took his hand. “I know it’s hard. But he’s not really giving her up. He needs someone.”

  “He has me.”

  “Ach, Isaac. You are not the same as a fraa. “

  He half-chuckled. “Jah, I guess you are right.”

  “Well, at least it’s not some major health problem, ain’t so?”

  “Ach, you’re right. I should be thankful. It could have been something a lot worse.”

  “So, what do you plan to do now?”

  “I think I’ll confront him. If he is getting serious, we should know.”

  ~

  “This supper is real gut, Becky.” Abraham smiled and took a bite of his squash casserole.

  “Denki.” She nodded demurely.

  “The zucchini is from her garden,” Isaac couldn’t seem to hold back his proud tone. He reached over and briefly squeezed her fingers.

  “Der Herr has blessed us with plenty of vegetables this year,” Becky said, giving credit to Whom it was due.

  “Jah, for sure.” Abraham nodded.

  “I trust that you will be here for breakfast tomorrow?” Isaac asked.

  Abraham looked at his son. “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

  Isaac’s brow raised. “And coffee too?”

  “I always take coffee with you. Is something the matter, sohn?”

  “You take coffee with us, jah. But with who else?” He stared at his father.

  “I see you have been discovering my secrets.” Abraham frowned.

  “Jah, I met Keturah,” Isaac admitted.

  Becky wondered if she should get up and do something else while the two men conversed, but decided to stay put.

  “And?” Abraham asked.

  “You tell me. What’s going on, Dat?”

  Abraham sighed. “I guess there is no keeping anything from my sohn.”

  Isaac crossed his arms over his chest. “Nee, there isn’t. So spill it.”

  “We are friends.”

  “Friends? Am I to believe this is a special friendship?”

  “You may.”

  “When were you going to tell me, Dat?”

  “Nothing is set in stone, Isaac. Calm down.”

  “Jah, but what about Mamm?”

  Ach, Becky could see that Isaac was hurting and she longed to comfort him. She reached over and grasped his hand for support.

  “Mamm is gone,” Abraham said quietly.

  “I know.” Isaac swallowed and tears surfaced in his eyes. “But will you just forget her?”

  “I could never forget your mother, Isaac. I will love her till the day I die. Chust the same as you would love Becky, if she were to pass.”

  He squeezed her hand. “Ach, I hope that never happens. I could not bear it.” His voice shook.

  “Will you allow me this happiness, Isaac?” His father reached over and touched his forearm.

  Isaac hung his head for a moment, then looked into his father’s eyes. “Jah, Dat. I will. Mamm would want you to be happy.”

  “Denki, sohn. That means a lot.”

  Abraham stood up and reached for his son. They embraced for several seconds, then brushed away their silent grief and continued on as though nothing had ever been said.

  Becky couldn’t help but shed a few tears herself. Gott, please be with Isaac and give him peace. Help me to give him the comfort he needs.

  ~

  Isaac looked around the living room, then at Becky. He sighed. “It will be strange when Dat moves out next week. I never thought he’d want to.”

  “I suppose a new fraa will make you do things you never thought you would do.” She smiled.

  He moved close and grasped her hand. “Jah, you got that right.”

  “I think he wants time alone with his fraa. And he likely wants to give us some privacy too.”

  “Jah, you are right.” He shook his head. “Ach, this house will feel empty without him.”

  Dat walked in. “If I don’t leave, the two of you may never fill this house with kinner.” He winked at Becky. “Then it won’t feel so empty.”

  “Trust me, Dat. You being here has nothing to do with that. We have plenty of opportunity.” The side of his mouth quirked and he met his fraa’s gaze.

  “Well, now you’ll have even more.”

  “Ach, I can still hardly believe you are remarrying.”

  “But you like Keturah, ain’t so?”

  “Jah, Dat. We like her. She will be gut for you. I do not doubt that.”

  Dat reached an arm around Isaac’s shoulders and briefly squeezed. “Gut.”

  Ach, but Isaac was glad to see Dat’s smile finally reach his eyes again.

  Once more, Der Herr had provided for their needs. Denki, Gott.

  THIRTY-TWO

  Isaac burst through the door, looking more excited than Becky had seen him in a while. He rushed to the kitchen and pulled her into his arms and kissed her firmly.

  “Goodness, what was that for?” She giggled.

  “For mei fraa, of course.”

  “What are you so excited about?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” He grinned and kissed her again.

  “Ach, it must be something gut.”

  “Okay, before you say anything, just hear me out.”

  “O…kay.”

  “We will likely be starting a family soon, ain’t so?”

  “Jah…”

  “And we’ll need transportation, ain’t so?”

  “We have transportation.”

  “The family carriage belongs to Dat. I only own the spring buggy.”

  She nodded.

  “What do you say if we take a trip up north to look at some family buggies?”

  “You mean like a little vacation?”

  “Jah, just a couple of days, probably. Ezekiel can handle the ranch and Dat can help out if he needs him to.”

  Becky shrugged. “Sounds gut to me. Do you have family up north that we could stay with?”

  “Nee. Do you?”

  She shook her head.

  “Then we will stay at a hotel.”

  “Ach, a real hotel?”

  “Jah. A fancy one with a swimming pool inside.”

  “But you would not want to go swimming there.”

  “Why not?”

  “With other folks around?” Her eyes widened.

  “They will be strangers. We will likely never see them again.”

  “Maybe. But still…”

  “I’ll tell you what. How about if I look for one with a jacuzzi in the room?”

  She frowned. “I don’t think I know what that is.”

  “Ach, you will love it. It is like a big bathtub and hot water shoots out of the holes.”

  Her lips twisted and she chuckled. “That sounds like a mess.”

  “Ach, I am not describing it right. You will see.” He frowned. “It is kind of like a very small swimming pool that you cannot swim in.”

  “A swimming pool but we can’t swim in it?” She giggled.

  “Ach, never mind. You will just have to experience it, that’s all.” He smiled. “We will go next week.”

  ~

  “Well, what do you think?” The carriage dealer looked at Isaac and Becky.

  “Ach, they are very nice.” Isaac knew he was coveting, but he couldn’t help it.

  “It is a little expensive yet, ain’t so?” Becky’s soft voice said next to him.

  “Jah.” He did have the money, but he couldn’t see himself paying that much for a carriage. An eight-thousand-dollar price tag seemed outlandish considering his friend bought a decent car for a thousand dollars in rumspringa.

 
“You can’t put a price on a gut family surrey. This one is about as well-made as they come,” the salesman pitched.

  “Ach, it is a little more than what we were thinking.”

  “What price range were you looking at? I have several lower- priced models. They aren’t as fancy as this one, but they will certainly get you from point A to point B.”

  The thing was, now that he’d seen the top-of-the-line surreys, he couldn’t imagine buying something inferior. Perhaps he would pray that Der Herr would bring a gut deal along. Jah, that is what he would do.

  “I think we’re going to just hold off on buying something for now. We don’t need it just yet, anyhow. Thank you for your time.”

  “Well, you know where we’re at when you’re ready to buy. You folks have a nice day.”

  “Jah, you too.” Isaac nodded and they walked back toward their waiting vehicle. “I don’t know about you, Schatzi, but I’m ready to go try out that jacuzzi in our hotel room.”

  “You mean the swimming pool that’s too small to swim in?” she teased.

  “Jah, that’s the one.” He winked. “Just wait. You are going to love it.”

  THIRTY-THREE

  Isaac took a bite of his venison stew. Ach, he was so glad Becky had learned to make it. He and Ezekiel would have to go hunting again soon to stock up for the coming year. But if he and Becky weren’t here for the winter…ach.

  He’d been anxious to share his plans with Becky, but he was unsure how she would respond. “I have a plan to get us a gut family buggy at a great price. It’s like the fancy ones we looked at on our vacation.”

  “Our jacuzzi vacation?” Her brow shot up and she quirked a half-smile.

  “Mm…hmm. You’d want me to put one of those in our house if we were allowed electric, wouldn’t you?”

  “Ach, it was wunderbaar, Isaac.”

  “Nee, fraa. I’m afraid you’d get too spoiled.” He winked.

  “Jah, you are probably right about that.”

  “Anyway, about the buggy… Do you remember when you went with Ezekiel and me to drop off those horses a while back?”

  “Is that where you found a buggy?”

  “Jah, it’s over in Millers’ district up in Indiana. Ach, it’s perfect, Becky.” He frowned. “But Nathan Yoder didn’t really sound like he wanted to sell it to me.”