Zach took a step closer, and her whole being seemed to be filled with waiting. His gaze was penetrating, and she found that she couldn’t look away.
“Mamm!” Ben hollered from the front porch. “Mamm, Katy’s wanting you!”
Naomi flinched and blinked rapidly. “All right!” she called back, her eyes still on Zach.
Zach stepped away and looked at the ground, but not before she saw a flush in his cheeks. “I need to go,” she said. There was a quiver in her voice.
“Of course,” he muttered. He ran his hands down his sides.
She hurried toward the porch, her heart still beating rapidly.
“Naomi?” Zach called after her.
She stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. He studied her face, the laundry fluttering in the breeze at his side. “I never write her back.”
Naomi hesitated, feeling relief whoosh through her stomach. She gave him a slight nod and then disappeared inside the house, wondering why she should care so much.
Chapter Four
Katy helped immensely with getting supper on the table that evening for their guests. Naomi was pleased to note the happy way her daughter bustled about the kitchen. If Naomi didn’t know better, she’d say Katy was downright giddy about cooking for company.
“What are they like, Mamm?” Katy asked as Naomi arranged raw vegetables on a platter.
“Hmm. Interesting,” Naomi replied. “You’ll see soon enough.”
As soon as the words escaped her lips, she heard a commotion at the front door. She threw down her dishtowel and rushed to attend to her guests.
“Harv, for pity’s sake, quit crowding me!” Clara fussed, as they both tumbled in the door.
“Good evening,” Naomi said, opening the door even wider. “Come right in.”
“I was trying, but this one,” Clara jerked her head toward Harv, “wants to walk on my toes.”
Harv rolled his eyes and smiled at Naomi. “You’ve got a beautiful place here.”
Naomi returned his smile. “Thank you.”
“My, what smells so good?” Clara walked past Naomi toward the dining area. When she caught sight the table, where Katy had already set out half the food, she gave an appreciative whistle. “This looks fit for a king!”
The woman climbed over the bench and tucked herself in. “Can’t hardly wait to eat a real live Amish-cooked meal.”
Harv followed Naomi. She offered him a seat at the end of the table, instead of next to his wife. Actually, Clara was sitting in Ben’s spot, which Naomi was quite certain her son wouldn’t like. Right then, Ben came skidding into the room, stopping short when he saw Clara.
“Ben,” Naomi said, hurrying to him. She put her hands on his shoulder and squeezed. “I thought you could sit next to Katy this evening.” She gave him a pointed look.
He peered around her at Clara, and Naomi saw his look of dismay. “All right, Mamm.”
When everyone got situated, Naomi spoke. “Shall we say the silent blessing?”
She wondered how Clara and Harv would react, but like her first guest Justin Moore, the two of them bowed their heads without a word. She sent up her prayer to God.
Gott, thank You for sending two more guests to us this night. Help them to be blessed and to rest well. Guide me as I tend to their needs. Thank You for my children and for the food You have given us. Amen.
Naomi cleared her throat and everyone looked up. “Katy, would you like to start the potatoes around?”
The meal went smoothly. Clara was so busy eating second and third helpings that she didn’t have time to talk. Surprisingly, she barely said a word. As Naomi watched the woman eat, she began to wonder whether she should charge extra for meals. However, Harv didn’t eat as much as Clara. All he had was one full plate and a generous helping of Katy’s pie.
After finishing his food, Harv put down his fork, stood, and stretched. “Thank you, Ms. Byler. I think I’ll turn in now.”
“You’re welcome. You know where the lanterns are, jah?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Clara dabbed at the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “It’ll be just like camping again, won’t it, Harv?” She extricated herself from the bench. She moved her head this way and that as if stretching her neck. “Driving for hours on end really does put an ol’ crick in the neck, doesn’t it?”
“I’m sure it must,” Naomi replied.
“Let’s leave these fine people alone now.” Harv glanced at both Katy and Ben. “Nice to meet you young folks. We’ll see you in the morning. Clara, you coming?” He looked at her expectantly.
Clara scowled but followed him to the door. “What time is breakfast?” she asked.
“I can serve it at seven-thirty, if that suits.”
“That will be fine,” Harv said before his wife could respond.
“I guess he’s doing all the talking for me tonight,” Clara said with a grunt.
As they went out the door, Naomi heard Clara scolding Harv about what a big mouth he had. Naomi shook her head. She would never get used to hearing a wife speak to her husband like that. Why, it would create total anarchy in the home. She snickered. She wished Isaac could be there to witness it. He’d be shocked beyond words.
Naomi saw her guests off after breakfast. Clara seemed quite excited about their stay, saying she would recommend Byler’s Bed and Breakfast to all her friends. Naomi groaned inwardly. Would Clara’s friends have the same sort of personality as Clara? And then she admonished herself. It wasn’t her place to judge. Besides, the one hundred dollars she’d received didn’t depend on personalities, now, did it?
During the early afternoon, Naomi took a break from her cleaning and walked out to the mailbox to fetch any letters that might have been delivered. Her eldest brother in Pennsylvania had taken to writing her nearly every week. Mostly to urge her return, but he often included a tidbit of news about the family. Naomi had gotten in the practice of skimming the first part of his letters where he chastised her for remaining in Indiana and focusing in on the news. She enjoyed hearing how the kinner were doing, and she liked hearing about the district happenings.
Naomi was grateful that her children never mentioned wanting to move back to Pennsylvania. She had thought they’d be yearning for their old home, but they hadn’t said more than a word or two, causing her to think that her decision to stay put after the accident had been the right one.
She paused for a moment to look at her Bed and Breakfast sign before grabbing the mail. It was still standing upright, so evidently cement hadn’t been necessary after all. Nestled there next to a young poplar tree didn’t help the beauty of the sign’s design, but even so, it had been effective, getting them guests. Still, someday, she’d like to have something nicer-looking. She opened the metal door of the mailbox and reached inside. There was only one letter, and when she pulled it out, she quickly saw it wasn’t from her brother. When she noted the return address, her knees went weak, and she nearly stumbled right there on the road.
Texas!
Naomi only knew one person from Texas. One.
She stuffed the letter into her pocket and rushed back to the house. Why was he writing her? And so soon? Had something happened? And if it had, why would he tell her about it?
She headed straight upstairs to her room, and sank onto her bed. Her hand shook as she retrieved the letter from her pocket. With a quick movement, she ripped it open. Her breathing turned shallow as she unfolded the paper and began to read.
Dear Naomi Byler,
You must think it odd to be receiving another letter from me so soon. You haven’t responded to my first letter yet, but I felt the need to write again. I hope you’ll forgive my eagerness.
Naomi took an unsteady breath and forced herself to calm down. There was no call for her to be so nervous about a letter. Nervous or … excited? Which was it? She shuddered and focused again on Justin’s words.
Upon my return to Texas, I plunged right into my work. As I told you befor
e, life here is hectic, fast, and often impersonal. When I go home at night to my apartment, to my electricity, to my every convenience, I find my heart is still in Amish country. I find my thoughts are still on you. What is Naomi doing right now? I wonder. Is Ben finding any more frogs in the trees? Has Katy made more pies?
It’s silly, really. I was there for a mere five days, but I can’t shake it from my every waking thought. Soon, my boss will scold me for daydreaming! Ha!
Have you traveled much, Naomi? I wish you could see my home state. It’s beautiful. And vast. The land varies from region to region. I’ve seen most every inch, what with growing up here and my journalism assignments. You would like the wide open spaces, I’m thinking. You would like the agriculture here. And the ranches. Ever been to a dude ranch? Ha! I imagine you haven’t.
A dude ranch? Naomi had no idea what that was. Of course, she knew about ranches, but dudes? She squinted her eyes, pondering. Wasn’t dude the Englisch word for a friend or a boy? If so, dude ranch didn’t make much sense. She smiled and continued.
I’d love to take you to a dude ranch sometime. There’s a fine one close to my city. Actually, they’re scattered throughout the state. A good way to cash in on some major tourism dollars.
I hope you’re having guests at your Bed and Breakfast now. Of course, it hasn’t been so long since I left. You may not have gotten anyone yet. So am I your one and only so far?
Naomi blanched at his words. Her one and only? Uneasiness crept through her. Surely he didn’t mean that the way it sounded. Was he becoming brazen with her? She dropped the letter onto her lap. Perhaps she shouldn’t continue reading. She stood up and Justin’s letter fluttered to the floor. It landed right-side up, and she stared at it. With a start, she realized she was still trying to read his words, but she couldn’t from that distance.
She bent down and picked it up as guilt pinged through her mind. But in truth, it was a letter to her. She had an obligation to read it, didn’t she?
Zach had read the letters that came from Marcy.
She didn’t have to respond to Justin. Yet, he sure would be happy to know of her two guests. She sank back on the bed, and her hand trembled as she held the letter up once again.
I was thinking that perhaps I could help advertise your place. You mentioned the possibility of securing a phone for your business. Have you done that yet? Is it even allowed? If you had a phone, I could refer people to your number.
Please let me know. I would dearly love to be of assistance to you in any way I can. Well, I think this letter has been long enough. I find myself reluctant to stop writing, for this feels almost as if we’re talking to one another.
A one-sided conversation to be sure!
If you can, please write me back.
Sincerely,
Justin Moore
He’d written his phone number across the bottom of the letter. Why, she couldn’t call him even if she did have a phone. It would be completely frowned upon. More than that, it was forbidden. She folded his letter back up and stuck it in the envelope. She stood and walked to her dresser. Pulling open the top drawer, she felt under her clothing for his first letter. When her hand felt the edges of the paper, a tingling shot through her. She tucked the new letter under the old.
She pushed the drawer shut and went back to her bed to sit down. She glanced at her bedside table. She hadn’t written in her journal for a day or two, and she should get caught up on it. She could take a few more moments to herself. The children were playing out back and most of the supper meal was to be left-overs from the day before. Lying back on her pillow, she stared up at the ceiling.
Was Justin Moore sweet on her? Katy had accused him of that very thing a few days ago. Not to his face, of course. She’d shot the words at Naomi. But why would he be sweet on her when he knew full well that nothing could come of it.
So why am I even thinking about it? And why does my heart beat faster when I think of him?
Naomi closed her eyes and forced herself to take slow even breaths. She lay motionless, but her mind whirled with troubling thoughts. She felt tears gather in her eyes and slip down her cheeks, but still, she didn’t move.
If only Isaac was there. If only he hadn’t died. If only…
She squeezed her eyes shut. No. God was sovereign. He was not to be questioned. A sudden image of Zachariah on her barn roof filled her mind. She saw him on his haunches, nailing the new shingles into place. She saw him look down at her and smile.
Now, her barn wouldn’t leak, and the hay wouldn’t mold.
She turned to her side and drew her knees to her chest. What an odd thing to come to mind right then. What an odd thing, indeed.
The following week saw no guests at Byler’s Bed & Breakfast. Naomi walked out to the road each evening to make sure their sign was still in place.
“You have to advertise,” Mary admonished her one morning. “Customers don’t usually fall out of the sky.”
Naomi looked at her friend. “Do you advertise? For your road stand?”
Mary laughed. “Nee. Don’t have to.” She shook her head. “I guess customers do fall from the sky.”
Naomi sighed. Mary reached over and squeezed her arm. “Don’t fret. It will happen. Things take time, you know.”
“That I know,” Naomi answered. Her mind flitted to her children and how long it had taken them to smile again. She still wondered about Katy. The girl turned sour so easily these days.
“I’m glad you stopped by to visit. You do know about the quilting frolic this Saturday, don’t you?”
Naomi paced herself with Mary’s short legs as they returned from the chicken coop with Mary’s apron full of eggs.
“Nee, I didn’t know. Can I bring the children?”
“Naomi Byler! Of course, bring the children. There will be a flock of them. Lois Schrock is hosting, and she always has a table of goodies for them. My young ones love going to her house. Some of the older girls like caring for the young ones, too. Your Katy might like that.” She nudged Naomi. “The children are entertained so we women are left quite alone.”
Naomi grinned and knew the Amish grapevine would be in full swing that day.
“I’d better be getting back,” Naomi said. “Katy and Ben are weeding the garden, and they’ll be wanting a snack right soon.”
“Thank you again for taking the time to stop by,” Mary said. “I’ll see you Saturday around nine, then?”
“Jah, you’ll see me Saturday.”
Naomi hurried down Mary’s drive out to the road. She’d walked that morning, feeling the need to clear her head with the bright sun and a leisurely pace. She’d been stewing of late, more than usual. Trusting the Lord God with her finances was becoming more and more difficult. She’d thought she had found the answer with the Bed and Breakfast, but without guests, it was not helping at all. Thank goodness she hadn’t spent money on it yet. She’d been ready to get herself a cell phone, but she’d put it off. Now, she was glad she had.
Two sparrows chased each other in front of her, finally settling on a tree branch close to the road. She gazed at the two tiny creatures as they fluttered their wings and jerked their heads about.
“Looking for your next meal?” she asked them. “God speed to you.”
As she neared her house, she was surprised to see a red car parked in front of the house. She increased her pace. Guests? Katy was standing on the porch, talking with two women. When Katy spotted her mother, she waved her over even though Naomi was already on her way.
“Gut afternoon,” Naomi said with a wide smile. “Can we be helping you?”
The taller of the women turned to her. “We saw the sign. We’d like to stay the night.” She tipped her neatly coifed head toward Katy. “Your daughter here says you have a vacancy.”
Naomi gave Katy a grateful nod. “My daughter is correct. Will it just be the two of you? And how many nights would you like to stay?”
The short woman clapped her hands, and Naomi couldn�
��t help but notice how the flesh of her arms flapped when she did so. “This is marvelous!” the woman exclaimed, her voice high and animated. “I’ve told my husband for years that I wanted to know more about the Amish.” She leaned toward Naomi as if telling her a secret. “For years, mind you. He won’t believe our luck!”
“Neither will mine,” the tall woman said. “One night only. And yes, just the two of us. How much will this cost? And will we need to share a room?”
Naomi’s mind flitted to her old bedroom, the one where no one had stayed as of yet. “Nee,” she said, hiding her reluctance. “You can each have your own room. The cost is one hundred dollars, which includes meals if you choose. Please follow me.”
The two women scurried to get their bags and followed Naomi. She’d left the windows open in the daadi haus, and it smelled fresh and sweet when they entered.
“I do need to explain that we have no electricity. This is an authentic experience,” Naomi said, praying they wouldn’t change their minds.
“No electricity?” the short woman said, stopping. A doubtful look crept over her face.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Lynnette,” scolded the taller. “You can live without your precious television shows for one night!”
Lynnette scowled. “And what about you, Nadine? What are you going to do when your tablet battery goes dead?”
Nadine huffed. “I’m not going to complain, that’s what. Look, this is our chance. You going to spoil it because of no electricity?”
Naomi felt like an eavesdropper, standing there while they made up their minds.
Lynnette clucked her tongue and shook her head. “Of course, I’m not.” She looked at Naomi. “Please forgive me. I’m an old fool. This is perfect.”
The two women looked around the small house. Lynnette walked to the kitchen sink and peered out the window. “Is this one of those daddy houses?”
Amish Romance Box Set: Finding Home Page 28