She stopped and took a slow deep breath. That man would be the death of her yet.
“I’m in the kitchen, Dat,” she finally answered, working mightily to keep her voice steady.
“Get in here.”
Her shoulders went stiff as she walked out to the front room. Raymond Glick was clenching both arms of the rocking chair where he sat. “What were you doing?” he demanded.
“Putting the food away. Redding up the kitchen.” She stood stoically, as if daring him to make a fuss.
He took the dare. “Used to take your mamm mere minutes to clear away a meal. What’s the matter with you, girl? Huh? What’s goin’ on in that thick head of yours?”
Greta swallowed. Her father had always been difficult. She’d secretly labeled him mean more times than she cared to admit. But lately? The term mean didn’t seem to cover it. Something had happened to him, and he had slithered down into a miry hole where nothing could soften him. As Greta stood there, searching her heart for another measure of patience and compassion, she determined once again to go see Old Mae. Perhaps the local healing woman would have some herbs or some sort of concoction that could tame her father’s ill temper.
In truth, Greta didn’t know how much more of him she could take.
“Answer me!” Raymond said, wiping the spittle from his lower lip with the back of his hand. He tugged on his long thin beard. “What’s the matter with you lately?”
Greta stared at a spot on the wall behind her father. It looked to be some sort of a grease smudge. She’d have to get on it later in the day. A bit of vinegar should cut right through it.
“Well?”
She blew out her breath. “Nothing’s the matter with me, Dat.” She lowered her shoulders and forced herself to relax. “Is there something you need?”
“Did you check on that Fisher boy? See what he’s up to?”
“Todd Fisher is hardly a boy. He’s a man. And from what I can tell, he works hard and solid out in the fields.”
“That’s what I pay him for,” Raymond countered. “Don’t expect nothin’ less. I’ll be headin’ out to the barn in a minute. Gotta check on things, you know.”
“I know,” she murmured, feeling sorry for Todd Fisher. With any luck, he’d still be out in the fields and wouldn’t have to face her father.
“Strange boy, that Fisher lad,” Raymond continued. “What’s he doin’ with no land of his own anyway? You say he’s a man? Huh. Hardly. Ain’t even married.”
Please be out in the fields, Greta thought. Watching her father badger Todd was unbearable. Truth was, she wondered why Todd put up with it. For the love of farming, she guessed.
“Where’s your cane?” Greta asked, scanning the room.
“Don’t need any fool cane to walk on my own property.”
“But Dat, remember last time? You fell—”
“I didn’t fall,” he cut in. “I wobbled a bit. That’s all.”
Which wasn’t true at all. Her father had fallen hard when he’d stumbled over some loose pebbles in the drive. Greta had worked hard to wash the bloody scratches clean on his face and hands. It was only the blessing of the Lord God that her father hadn’t broken a bone or two.
“I’ll go out with you,” she offered. He’d lean on her before he’d be seen leaning on the cane. She hardly knew what difference it made, but to him, it seemed to matter greatly.
“Then, let’s go now.” He gripped the arms of the chair and heaved his body to an upright position. “Get over here,” he directed. “You say you don’t want me to fall. Now, give me your arm.”
Greta stepped close, trying not to make a face at the putrid smell coming from his mouth. She knew he brushed his teeth, well, at least she thought he did. Maybe she should start monitoring that a bit more closely, too.
He grabbed her elbow with his thin bony fingers, and they moved toward the wash room and the side door. They were more shuffling than walking, but Greta didn’t mind. It was safer at a slow pace.
Except of course, that it kept her away from her chores longer.
She sighed. Now that she didn’t have to watch little James for her best friend, Betty, she had more time for chores. She pinched her lips together. She missed Betty. It made no sense to her why Betty had to die so young. And of cancer, of all things. Now poor James had no mama. And Isaac had no wife.
Her heart clenched with the thought of Isaac. She still hurt when she remembered the abject grief that permeated every part of him. She couldn’t blame him, of course. He’d adored Betty. But his heaviness, his drooping shoulders, the look of pain and loneliness on his face… Well, it broke her heart.
And the deathbed promise they’d both made to Betty hadn’t helped. Both she and Isaac had given her their word. They’d told Betty that they would marry each other. That way, James would have a new mother, and Isaac, a new wife. But how could Greta hold Isaac to such a promise?
It was absurd. Impossible.
Even if Greta did favor him. Which she did.
But Isaac? The poor man hardly knew which way was up.
How could Greta even consider such a thing when Betty had only been gone two months? It didn’t matter anyway. Right after the funeral, Isaac and James had packed up and gone back to Ohio to stay with Isaac’s family for a while.
A while? Greta had no idea how long a while was. Nor did she really know if he’d ever come back.
But she wished he would. She missed James.
Her cheeks grew hot. She missed Isaac, too. She had to admit it, at least to herself. It was a dangerous thing, that promise she made. It had opened up a possibility in her heart that she couldn’t quite close up again.
Isaac’s image filled her mind too often. Much too often for comfort.
Yet for all she knew, he never thought of her. And why would he? She’d made it abundantly clear that he was in no way obligated to fulfill that promise. She couldn’t bear the thought that a man would be forced to marry her out of obligation. She’d practically scoffed at the idea to Isaac.
Which she now regretted. Because part of her—in truth, a large part of her—was interested in fulfilling that promise.
“Greta!” her father scolded. “Watch where you’re goin’. Your head’s in them clouds again.”
Greta flinched and steered her father’s steps more carefully. This time, her father was right. Her head had been in the clouds. Another thought pressed itself into her mind. A thought that she was ashamed to think, but there it was.
If Isaac returned, and if he fulfilled his promise to his late wife and married her, she could get out of her father’s house. She could leave him just like her sisters had. She could be free of his constant criticism and whining…
Her face grew hot because much to her shame, she would like nothing better.
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Rhoda’s Story #1: The Amish Beekeeper!
People consider Rhoda Hilty an established spinster, which never bothered her—until Aaron Raber comes to town. When he approaches her to rent her beehives for his struggling orchard, Rhoda’s world turns upside down. But how can she be interested in him when she’s so busy caring for her aging senile mother? Besides … Aaron’s interest in her is strictly business. Isn’t it?
Rhoda’s Story #2: The Accident!
Rhoda Hi
lty struggles to keep her promise to her elderly mother. But when a tragic accident occurs, Rhoda is forced to break her promise. In addition, Rhoda has to care for her sister’s family as well as her mother. When will it be Rhoda’s turn? How will her handsome neighbor Aaron Raber ever see her as more than a spinster daughter and sister?
Rhoda’s Story #3: Coming Home!
Rhoda Hilty’s heart cries out as she watches her mother refuse food. Winnie is wasting away, and Rhoda feels helpless. And now Rhoda’s sweetheart, Aaron Raber, is gone. Writing letters to him is better than nothing, but Rhoda yearns for him. Aaron has promised that when he returns, they will court. But will he ever be free to come back to Hollybrook? It doesn’t appear so.
Faith’s Story #1: The Adoption!
Faith Baldwin’s birth mother is Amish and lives somewhere in Indiana, and she’s determined to find her. Pretending she’s a tourist, she digs around for clues. While there, she becomes enchanted with the Amish and their way of life. But things don’t go as smoothly as she hopes. Her boyfriend unexpectedly shows up; every lead goes dead; and the one old woman who might have answers for her won’t talk.
Faith’s Story #2: Changing Her Mind!
Her birth mother had written. With trembling hands, Faith Baldwin rips open the flap. Her eyes fly over the words until she finds the closing. Your mother, Nancy… Faith and her birth mother begin a correspondence that brings them both blissful joy. However, Nancy’s husband discovers her secret child, and his anger and sense of betrayal build an insurmountable wall between them. And if the truth is made public, how could Nancy explain a grown daughter to her children or her community?
Faith’s Story #3: Home at Last!
Faith Baldwin has her wish. She is sitting face-to-face with her Amish birth mother. As Faith struggles to fit in with her new Amish family, the hole in her heart begins to heal. But she yearns to truly belong, to truly be Amish. But that would mean closing down everything about her former life. It would mean starting over.
Mellie’s Story #1: Mellie’s Sweet Shop!
Mellie Fisher is in love with her sister’s beau. Striving to keep it a secret, she suffers in silence. When her sister makes a rash decision, Mellie prays that her chance with the handsome, kind Caleb Glick has finally come. But with her brother’s family moving into their already crowded house, and her mother’s illness creating chaos, Mellie worries that she will never have her chance at love. Will she forever be known as the single Amish girl who bakes sweets? Or is there something more for her?
Mellie’s Story #2: Leaving Hollybrook!
Beth Fisher spurns her steady beau to follow her dream of teaching. Leaving her family, she travels to Meadow Lark to become their new teacher. When school begins, it’s as wonderful as she expected. What she doesn’t expect, however, is to meet Timothy Plank, a widower with three children. She refuses to hear her heart where Timothy is concerned, and she rejects his love for her. But is teaching truly enough to fulfill her forever? Is she willing to give it up to find love?
Mellie’s Story #3: The Fire!
Mellie Fisher is weary of pining over her sister’s former beau. How long must she wait for his affection? Despairing, she agrees to be courted by Obadiah Westman. But things don’t go as planned, and she quickly regrets her decision. Her mother’s catastrophic fall, a disaster at her Sweet Shop, and her sister-in-law’s accident all conspire to derail Mellie’s happiness and plans for the future. How can it ever be good again? And will she ever gain Caleb’s love?
Naomi’s Story #1: Byler’s Bed and Breakfast!
Still reeling from her husband’s death, Naomi Byler struggles to support herself and her two children. A chance meeting with a handsome Englischer gives her the opportunity to open a Bed and Breakfast. Naomi meets resistance from Zachariah King, the young Amish farmer who leases her land. Is Zachariah interested in her? And if he is, why doesn’t he say anything? And is the handsome Englischer wanting more than room and board? Are the two men now in competition?
Naomi’s Story #2: The Englischer Stayed Twice!
The widow Naomi Byler struggles to forget the handsome Englischer who stayed at her Bed and Breakfast. With time, his effect on her fades, and life resumes. Naomi’s relationship with Zach King grows as Naomi’s grief over her husband’s death heals. But when the Englischer suddenly returns with a gift, disruption reigns. Naomi is thrown into a tailspin, and Zach is at first angry then grows distant. Is Naomi about to lose her hard-won peace? Is she about to enter a place where there’s no hope of forgiveness?
Naomi’s Story #3: Naomi’s Choice!
The Englischer is gone. While Naomi mourns his leaving, she hopes that Zach King will now declare his feelings for her. But Zach remains painfully quiet. When Naomi’s brother comes to Hollybrook and insists that she and her children move back to Pennsylvania, she panics. Not wanting to leave her Bed and Breakfast, her friends, or Zach, she makes one final last-ditch effort. But will it have any effect at all? Or will she have to leave everything she’s worked so hard to build?
Annie’s Story #1: The Forbidden Baby!
Not wanting to burden others, Annie Braus works to maintain a pleasant attitude. But lurking beneath, she harbors deep sorrow. Wondering if things will ever change, she fights against feelings of anger toward God. When her sister dives off the deep end during rumspringa and ends up in serious trouble, Annie wonders whether this might be God’s answer for her. But how can her sister’s mistake become Annie’s blessing? And will Annie’s husband go along with her father’s daring plan?
Annie’s Story #2: Escaping Acre’s Corner!
Refusing to give in to her father’s plan, Sarah Clapper plots her escape carefully. Her Englisch boyfriend joins her, whisking her away from her cousin’s Amish home. Sarah thought marriage would solve her problem, but it only makes things worse. She is stunned to find herself yearning for home. Her Amish home. But certain things in life that cannot be reversed. Has Sarah trapped herself? Is there any way for her to get out of the mess she’s made?
Annie’s Story #3: Sarah’s Return!
Annie Braus goes numb with relief when her pregnant runaway sister returns. But when Sarah reveals that she secretly married an Englisch boy, Annie fears the worst.
Now how can she and Amos claim Sarah’s baby as their own? And if Sarah is married, where is her husband? Annie struggles to take care of her sister, through a harrowing late-night scare, an unwelcome visitor, and a shocking revelation of her own.
Josie’s Story #1: The Schoolteacher’s Baby
All John Beiler wants is to escape his grief. He bundles up his baby daughter and flees to Hollybrook. With a numb heart, he engages Josie Bontrager to care for his baby. When he starts to fall for Josie, he resists. How can he risk loving again? And wouldn’t it dishonor his deceased wife to have feelings for another?
Josie’s Story #2: A Desperate Act!
Secret meetings behind closed doors. Furtive looks. Strange, unexplained behavior. What is John Beiler involved in? Josie is desperate to find out, but her beau remains stubbornly silent. Does it have anything to do with Amanda Crabill and her son?
Sally’s Story #1: The Decision
For Sally, leaving the Amish would mean leaving Zeke. Can she ignore her feelings for him and turn her back on her dreams? And all for a brother who doesn’t want her around?
Sally’s Story #2: Second Thoughts
“It wouldn’t work. It couldn’t work. We are from two different worlds, you and me.” Zeke gazed at her, his eyes filled with infinite sadness.
Sally won’t give up. But will she burn all the bridges she’s worked so hard to build?
Sally’s Story #3: The Stranger
Who is this stranger? And does he have the legal right to take her away as he claims? How can Sally convince the stranger to let her go? And how will she ever get back to Zeke?
Amish Days 1: Missing Abram
Are Hope’s dreams of Abram only a fantasy? Will his cousin Josiah try to step in?
Amish Days 2: Abram’s Plan
Mysterious relatives force Hope to leave her Amish home. While gone, her fiancé Abram is hurt. Will he heal? Can she ever go back?
Amish Days 3: Abram’s Bride
Why is Abram refusing to marry Hope? Hadn’t he promised her a November wedding? Was she to be a jilted bride?
Amish Days: The Runaway!
Caught in a cocoon of cold and desperation, will Mary admit her feelings for Josiah? Will Josiah confirm Mary’s suspicions that it’s really her sister that he loves?
Amish Days: A Loving Stranger
After a full year of professing his love, Ezra Ebersol dumps Sadie and becomes engaged to another girl. Sadie reels with her pain and confusion for weeks. Hiding out, she encounters a stranger. She tries to evade him, but newcomer Joshua Graber isn’t so easily dissuaded. When Sadie discovers the reason for her broken relationship with Ezra, her eyes are opened. Was Joshua sent to help her heal? Or is he just another person who can’t be trusted?
Marian’s Story #1: The Amish Blogger
Marian Yoder befriends an Englisch girl—never dreaming it will lead her to a blog of her own. Nor that it would catch the eye of the handsome Englisch guy, Roger Young. Marian gets sucked into their exciting world. But her mother’s frightening behavior brings turmoil and danger. When Thomas Groft turns his eye toward Marian, she’s caught in the middle.
Marian’s Story #2: Missing Mama
Marian Yoder can’t wait to marry Thomas Groft. But when her mother is admitted to a sanitarium, Marian is forced to become caretaker to her baby sister. Marian can’t leave her father or baby sister to marry Thomas. When she learns her mother has run away, her faith is tested to the near breaking point. Will there ever be a way for Marian to marry Thomas?
Marian’s Story #3: The Big Freeze
Marian marries her sweetheart and dreams of a loving future. But reality steps in to destroy her vision. Her mother-in-law’s resentment threatens to poison the very love Marian holds for her new husband. When Marian discovers the shocking reason behind her mother-in-law’s nasty treatment, she’s horrified. Tragedy strikes, and the whole family is plunged into fear and turmoil. Marian has the chance to save the day, but will it do any good?
Amish Days: Replacement Wife: Hollybrook Amish Romance (Greta's Story Book 1) Page 8