The Drifter (Amish Country Brides)

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  “So, do those kinner come with a father and husband?”

  “They did. Andy passed on two years ago.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. Are you thinking of remarrying, then?” It was quite common for widows and widowers to remarry within the Amish communities he knew of.

  “Not really. I mean, I might if the right person were to come along. But there are only so many options for a widowed woman, if you know what I mean. I don’t want to marry anybody just because I need someone to help me raise my children.”

  “I’m sure that trying to fill the shoes of another is a difficult task.”

  She nodded. “Andy was a good husband and father, for the most part.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. How did he die?”

  “It was a freak accident. He was working for one of our Englisch neighbors, driving one of those large pieces of machinery. He was on a hill and the thing flipped over. It landed on top of him and killed him instantly.” She brushed away a tear.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “How terrible.”

  “Jah. I was sad for myself, but telling the kinner was the hardest part.”

  “I can imagine.”

  She loosened her hand from under his and pointed. “It’s just up ahead on the left there.” Had her cheeks been this rosy before?

  He turned into the driveway of a simple but adequate white farmhouse. The breeze kicked up and Josiah spotted blue curtains fluttering just inside the screened windows. For a moment, he pondered the absurdity that some Amish districts didn’t allow for screens on the windows. How on earth did they keep the insects out? At any rate, he was glad Michael’s district apparently was not one of them.

  As his vehicle rolled to a stop in front of the house, his eyes meandered to a large barn that towered several hundred yards away. Beyond it, horses grazed in the pasture. It all looked so serene—and foreign to the city life he’d lived for the past decade.

  He stepped out of the vehicle, stared up at the bright blue expanse dotted with cottony clouds over his head, and inhaled deeply. Nothing like the smells of the farm—fresh cut grass, alfalfa hay, wildflowers of all kinds, and, of course, manure. He couldn’t say that he’d missed that part.

  “Josiah Beachy. I never thought I’d see the day.” Michael practically careened into him, engulfing him in a bear hug. “It’s been a long time.”

  “I still can’t believe that you’re Amish. You said you were never going back.” He cuffed his arm with a loose fist.

  “Like you, right?”

  Josiah nodded.

  “Well, God sometimes has a way of making us eat our words.” He pulled a pretty Amish woman to his side. “Meet my wife, Miriam. I call her Miri. And our kids are around here somewhere.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Josiah offered a hand, which she shook.

  Michael continued, “And I see you’ve met Nora.”

  His eyes widened. “Oh, Elnora. Yes. She was kind enough to show me the way.” He briefly locked eyes with her.

  “My friends call me Nora,” she said.

  “Well, then. I hope you’ll come to consider me a friend.” His smile was easy around her for some reason. “Nora.”

  Josiah noticed that Nora exchanged a look with Michael’s wife, Miri.

  “Well, we’ll let you two catch up.” Miri linked her arm through Nora’s, pulling her toward the house. Their heads tilted together as whispers and a giggle floated through the air before reaching Josiah’s ears.

  Michael chuckled. “It looks like they have a lot to talk about.”

  “Yeah, it appears that way.” Josiah smiled.

  A boy in his mid-to-early teens, Josiah guessed, approached. His shirt and pants were dirty, as if he’d been working since sunup. He looked to Michael, then at Josiah’s sportscar, and lifted a brow.

  “This is my oldest son, Mikey.” Michael said. “Mikey, this is one of my old friends from school, Josiah.”

  Josiah smiled. The boy was the spitting image of his father. “Nice to meet you, Mikey.”

  His eyes lit up. “Can we go for a drive in that thing?”

  Michael chuckled. “I think your grossdawdi would have something to say about that.”

  “Ah, you’re right.” He sighed. “I know, it’s verboten.”

  “It’s only verboten for you to own it and drive it yourself. I’ll see if I can’t convince Grossdawdi.” Michael winked at his son. “And your mudder.”

  “For reals, Dat?” He threw his arms around Michael. “Thanks!”

  “You go wash up now. I’m sure your mamm will be putting supper on the table soon.”

  Mikey nodded and practically sprinted to the house.

  Josiah chuckled. “I remember when I had that kind of energy.”

  “I know, right?”

  A horse and buggy drove into the lane and headed for the large barn. “Looks like Dawdi Sammy is back.”

  Michael moved to the back of Josiah’s vehicle. “You have a bag in here? We better get you settled.”

  Josiah popped the trunk open with his key fob. “I can get it.”

  “Nah, let me.” Michael smiled. “Miri would have a fit. She’s been training me in hospitality for almost a decade.”

  Josiah looked back to the house, where Michael’s son had just disappeared a moment ago. His brow furrowed. “Only a decade? But I thought…I mean, your son…how old is he?”

  “Almost fourteen.” Michael grimaced. “You’re not the only one who had a boppli out of wedlock.”

  “Ah.” Josiah cupped his shoulder. “I guess that would make us the rebellious ones.”

  Michael shook his head. “We used to be the rebellious ones. I’ve changed my ways. I’m hoping you have too.”

  Josiah blew out a breath. “Let’s just say I’m working on it. That’s why I’m here.”

  Michael nodded. “Have you seen her yet?”

  “No.” He exhaled, then stared out into the field, hoping he wouldn’t tear up in front of his friend. He swallowed down his emotion. “Tomorrow.”

  “It looks like we might have some praying to do then.”

  Praying? Yeah, Michael had surely changed.

  The older man walked up to them, a shopping bag dangling from his hand.

  “Meet my grossdawdi, Sammy.” Michael smiled and lifted Josiah’s luggage. “I’ll take these bags inside.”

  Josiah watched Michael disappear into the house, leaving him to introduce himself to his grandfather. So much for hospitality. He chuckled to himself.

  He reached his hand out. “I’m Josiah.”

  Sammy’s eyes narrowed as he took in Josiah’s clothing, his grip strong. “You haven’t come to tempt Michael in Englisch ways, have you?”

  Josiah’s smile faded. He got the feeling Michael’s grossdawdi was a force to be reckoned with. “No, sir.”

  Sammy eyed his sportscar. “Let’s keep it that way. He has a family now.”

  “I completely understand. That’s actually why I’m in the area. I have a daughter that lives not far from here. I’ve come to see her.”

  “We’ll see about that.” He led the way into the house and held the door open for Josiah to enter first.

  This was going to be an interesting visit.

  NINE

  “Okay, tell me everything.” Miriam sat across the table as she and Nora enjoyed a little quiet time. The younger children napped, while the older ones played outside on the swing set Michael and Sammy had constructed.

  Nora didn’t miss the excitement in Miriam’s voice. She shrugged. “There’s nothing to tell.”

  “Oh, no. There’s definitely something to tell. I saw the way you and Josiah were smiling at each other as you got out of his fancy car.”

  “We were just talking.”

  Miriam tapped her fingers on the table. “About what?”

  “I don’t know. Everything, I guess.”

  “Like what?”

  “How we both know you and Michael.
Where he’s from. Andy’s passing.”

  “You talked to him about Andy?” Miriam gasped. “This is better than I thought.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You don’t hardly talk about Andy, to anyone.”

  “Well, he asked if I was married.”

  Miriam’s eyes practically jumped out of their sockets. “He asked if you were married?” Did her voice just screech?

  “Shh…you’re going to wake the kinner.”

  “Ach, I’m sorry,” she whispered. “But seriously? He asked if you were married? He has to be interested.”

  Nora sighed. “No one is going to be interested in me.”

  “Why would you say that? What about Marlin King?”

  “You are making my point.”

  “So, he’s two decades older. I’m just saying that there are people interested.”

  “Jah, because they want a fraa to look after them and provide for their needs.”

  “Is that so bad?”

  “When that’s all they’re looking for, jah.”

  “You’re right. But Josiah doesn’t strike me as that type. I mean, he’s Michael’s age and still single.”

  “Which means he’s likely set in his ways. And he has secrets.” She stared at her friend.

  “But a man of mystery is intriguing, ain’t not?” Miriam winked. “I guess it’s okay to tell you what I know. You’ll likely find out anyhow.”

  “What?”

  “Michael said the reason he’s here is to visit his daughter.”

  “Wait. He has a daughter?”

  “She’s seventeen.”

  “Seventeen?” She counted on her fingers. “Which means he would have been…?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe nineteen or so when…” Miriam let her voice trail off.

  “Oh wow. That’s younger than Michael was when you, well, you know.”

  “Jah.”

  “So, he never married, then?”

  “Not that I know of. Doesn’t sound like it. I really don’t know the whole story.”

  “Has he been Englisch ever since then?”

  “I’m not sure.” Miriam shrugged. “I’ll see if I can find out more from Michael tonight.”

  “Ach, so he is a man of mystery.”

  “Seems so.”

  ~

  The trip had gone pretty well so far, Josiah decided. Especially now, as he sat at the supper table with a small army of what he would consider friends—Michael and his family, along with Nora and her daughters. It had been too long since he’d enjoyed this kind of fellowship. He’d been too busy to realize how lonely and boring his life had actually become.

  His mouth watered as he forked another bite of the pot pie. The flaky buttery crust practically melted in Josiah’s mouth.

  “Gut, ain’t so? Makes your tongue wanna slap your brains out.” Sammy grinned.

  Josiah guffawed. “I guess that’s one way to put it.”

  “I’m afraid I’m addicted to Kayla’s pot pies.”

  Kayla? “I could see how one could get addicted to these things.” He turned to face Sammy. “Who did you say makes them?”

  “Kayla Miller. Lives not too far from here. Rexville area. Married to Silas Miller.”

  Have mercy, Lord.

  Josiah suddenly felt Michael’s gaze boring into him, and he turned his way. Their eyes connected and silent communication passed.

  “Josiah knows Silas. We were all friends once.” Michael chimed in.

  Sammy’s brow jumped. “Once?”

  “It’s a complicated story.” Josiah hung his head.

  “Ooh.” Sammy rubbed his hands together like a child about to receive a birthday gift. “The best kind.”

  “Let’s save that conversation for another day. I’m sure Josiah is tired and he’d probably like to relax.” Michael smiled. Bless him for saving him from what would surely be an awkward conversation. “Am I right?”

  “Actually, a bed sounds really good. I’m beat.” He stretched his arms, the motion causing his short sleeve shirt to strain against his biceps. He looked over to find Nora glancing his way.

  “We should get going soon too,” Nora said, dipping her head. She and Miriam had shared several looks when he and Michael had been conversing, but she’d only graced him with a glance a time or two during supper. Why was he disappointed by that?

  Maybe because he’d enjoyed their previous conversation in his car. Or because he wanted to get to know her better? But why? She was plainly Amish. And he was not.

  After Sammy finished the final meal prayer, Michael stood from the table. “I’ll hitch up the buggy to take you home.”

  Josiah shot up. “I can drive them.”

  Sammy chuckled. “They won’t fit in that tiny contraption of yours.”

  “I wanna ride in the car!” Mikey said.

  “I meant in the buggy.” He glanced at Sammy, then Michael, then Nora. “If that’s okay?”

  Mikey’s excitement deflated.

  Nora and Miriam exchanged another look. “Uh, jah, that’s fine. I guess,” Nora said.

  Well, it wasn’t exactly jumping for joy, but at least she hadn’t refused his offer.

  “Thought you said you were tired.” Sammy chuckled again.

  “A slow buggy ride will be relaxing. Especially in these parts.” His gaze connected with Nora’s. “The perfect way to end the day.”

  A shy smile lifted before she looked away. “I’ll gather the girls.”

  TEN

  Nora’s gazed flickered to Josiah as he held the reins in his hand. She couldn’t help but notice the muscles that rippled in his forearms at the motion—and when he’d stretched after supper. Josiah Beachy was a very good-looking man. Englisch man, she reminded herself.

  He seemed like a really nice, easy-going guy. One that, if he were Amish, would make good husband material. But, of course, she wasn’t in the market for a husband—Amish or not.

  “That was some delicious dinner.”

  “Jah. Kayla’s pot pies are famous in these parts. And you should try Jenny’s cinnamon rolls.”

  “Jenny?”

  “She’s Kayla’s sister-in-law. She and her husband Paul, Silas’s brother, live next door to Silas and Kayla. She runs the bakery in their shop.”

  “It sounds like I need to stop by there.” He glanced her way and smiled.

  “Miriam said you were needing some Amish clothes.”

  He nodded. “Although, I don’t think Michael’s pants are going to fit me.” He chuckled. “I’ll look like I’m waiting for a flood if I wear his broadfalls.”

  She laughed. “I imagine so. My…uh…Andy was about the same size as you are. You’re welcome to try on his clothing if you’d like.”

  His gaze softened as he stared at her. “That’s…very thoughtful of you, Nora.”

  “I really have no use for them. I don’t even know why I still have them.”

  “Maybe you were keeping them for me.” Ach, had he just winked at her?

  “I suppose that could have been Der Herr’s plan, since he knows the future.” What was to be her future, she wondered.

  He glanced behind them. “It looks like the girls have conked out.”

  “It’s later than what they’re used to.” She gestured up ahead. “Pull into the next driveway. This is our place.”

  He did as instructed. He maneuvered the horse to a hitching post, just off to the side of the front of the house. “Nice place.”

  “Denki. Andy built it.”

  “Looks like he did a fine job. So he was a carpenter?”

  “No, not really. He actually worked in an RV plant up north.”

  “You mean, like Middlebury?”

  She nodded.

  “That’s quite a ways to drive.”

  “He and some other guys would hire a driver. They’d stay up there all week, then return home on Friday.” She frowned.

  “Oh, wow. So you didn’t really see him much then.”

  Wa
s that why she didn’t feel like she missed him as much as she should have after he passed? Because she’d been used to him being gone? “Not as often as I would have liked to. He wanted to move up there, but I didn’t. I like where we live. And we hardly ever get snowed in. They get a lot more snow up north.”

  He hopped down and tethered the horse. “I’ll help carry the little ones in so you don’t have to awaken them,” he offered.

  “Denki. You may as well come in and try on those trousers.”

  “That sounds gut.” He lifted her youngest dochder out of the carriage.

  “Gut?” Her brow hitched.

  He chuckled. “I guess you all are rubbing off on me.”

  Since her oldest dochder had woken up, Nora guided her out of the carriage and took her hand, as they walked to the house.

  She opened the door, allowing Josiah to walk inside her dark home first. “Ach, let me light the lantern.”

  “I appreciate that. I’d hate to trip with this little one in my arms.”

  A soft glow penetrated the room once she turned up the wick. “Their bedroom is just over here.” She walked across the living area, then entered her daughters’ room. “The small bed is hers.”

  She whispered in her oldest daughter’s ear and she climbed into bed.

  He lowered the small child onto her bed, then bent down and kissed her cheek. He pulled the top blanket over her tiny sleeping body.

  “I hope that was okay,” he whispered. “I couldn’t seem to help myself.”

  She stood by the doorway and he joined her. She pulled the door, leaving it cracked open like always. “It’s fine.”

  “I just…” He shook his head and blew out a breath. “I’m sorry.”

  “Are you…”

  “I’m fine. That just hit me right here.” He put his fist over his heart. “My daughter…she’s all grown up. I never had the chance to tuck her into bed like that. To kiss her cheek.” He swept his hand over his eyes.

  “Miriam mentioned that you had a daughter.”

  “I’m sorry. I never thought it would affect me this way, you know?”

  She nodded. “Would you…I could put on some water for coffee or tea.”

  “That would be nice. Thank you.”

  She gestured to the kitchen table as she filled the kettle with water. “You may take a seat, then I’ll fetch those pants for you.”