“I plan to sell everything.” Naomi’s eyes met hers. They’d already sold off most of the farm equipment and animals. She couldn’t mean…
Tears sprung to Ruth’s eyes. “What about Timber?”
“We’ll need to sell him too. We need all the money we can get and it would cost too much to transport a horse. We have no men to support us now.”
“But I can work. I don’t mind.”
“Even so. We will need to sell Timber.” Naomi had spoken and there was no sense in trying to change her mind. “I’ll call Nelson Harper and ask him to find a buyer or take him to auction.”
“Okay.” Ruthie reluctantly forfeited her will. She left Naomi alone in the house. She need to flee this place for a while. She needed to be alone. Losing Timber would be like losing a piece of Mahlon all over again.
She walked to the pasture and Timber met her at the fence line. She rubbed his neck like she had nearly every day since Mahlon had gone, as her tears fell. Why did it feel like she was betraying a friend? “I’m sorry, Timber. I’ll miss you more than you know.”
TWENTY-TWO
Ruth stared out the window of their hired van as the scenery seemed to fly by. She could hardly believe she’d said goodbye to her home state and her former life.
There would be many things that she missed, but it was Mahlon’s memory that she cherished the most. And those memories would go with her wherever she went, along with the beloved gift Mahlon had given her so many years ago—her carved horse named after Timber. Yes, Mahlon had given her much in the ten years they’d been together.
“Are you sure I can’t persuade you to go back to your family? It’s not too late, you know.” Naomi squeezed her hand. “You can ride back with the driver.”
“Naomi, you are my family now. I can’t even imagine moving back under my parents’ roof. And I already told you that I won’t let you take this journey alone. I want you to be in my life. I want to be in your life. You may not realize it, but we need each other.”
“Do you plan to become fully Amish then?”
“Yes. That’s what I intend to do.”
“I don’t think you realize what you are asking, dochder. It is not as simple as becoming a member of an Englisch church.”
“I wouldn’t know what that’s like either.”
“We will speak with the bishop then and see what he has to say. He will tell you what is required.”
“Well, what did you have to do?”
“It will be different for you. You are an Englischer. I was born Amish and have been my entire life. I grew up knowing our language and our customs.”
“Do you think that I will be required to learn Amish?”
“Deitsch. Jah, most likely.”
“I tried learning Spanish in school, but I wasn’t very good at it.” Ruth frowned. “What if I have trouble learning the language?”
“These are questions you’ll have to ask the bishop.”
“What else will I need to know?”
“You’ll probably be required to learn the Articles of Faith. I had to memorize one of the Articles and quote it for the leaders before I could be baptized.”
“Where can I find them?”
“It’s called the Dordrecht Confession of Faith. I have a copy of it that you may read over.”
Ruth thought of all the challenges ahead. Life sure would be different in this foreign land, but she was determined to make it work. If not for her own sake, then for Naomi’s.
~
“Look at all that corn! Doesn’t it look delicious?” Ruth couldn’t quell the enthusiasm in her voice. Pennsylvania had been much more beautiful than she expected.
Naomi gently slapped the reins to urge the pony on. “Much of the corn is already picked. That was only left for the needy. Many farmers leave the rows around their property so those who are less fortunate can go and pick as much as they want.”
“Oh, that’s so kind of them.” Ruth had never heard of this practice before. “So they just let anyone go and pick corn?”
“Or strawberries, or grapes, or whatever they have planted at the time.”
“What a blessing to those in need. I can’t believe the kindness of some people.”
“Well, not everyone does it. It’s best to ask to make sure that the farm has this policy. One wouldn’t want to steal.”
“No, of course, not. Do you think I could go and pick some corn for us?”
“You would want to do that?”
“I’m not afraid of a little hard work. And we’d have plenty to eat.” Excitement bubbled in the pit of Ruth’s stomach. She could almost taste the corn on the cob.
“I’m so glad you have come with me. I didn’t realize it, but you are a blessing to me.”
“You are a blessing to me. You are not only Mahlon’s mother, but you’ve also been a dear friend. How could I not love you? You and Eli raised such a wonderful son and I was blessed to call him my husband.” A tear formed at the corner of her eye. “I just wish I could have given you a grandchild.”
Ruth thought of the empty ache in her arms and in her heart. Oh, to have a child from her and Mahlon’s love. But it wasn’t meant to be.
But maybe someday… Ach, it was better not to think that way. Mahlon had been blessing enough. It was too much to ask God for another man to love and to possibly bear his children. No, she’d be content just as she was.
After all, at least she wasn’t all alone. She had Naomi and she couldn’t ask for a better mother-in-law. She just wished that she could somehow bring a smile to Naomi’s face. Her heart ached for Mahlon’s mother. Would she ever know joy again?
TWENTY-THREE
Bo King stood on the balcony and noticed a young woman at the edge of his field. Was she a newcomer to the area? How had he missed seeing her before? She appeared Amish in dress, but something about her betrayed her identity. It must’ve been in the way she carried herself, as though she were an Englischer.
He moved down to the main dining area of the house and fetched a snack for himself. Thankfully, his housekeeper had prepared something.
Bo saw one of his workers walk near the front door. “Hey, Mose. Did you see a young woman gathering corn at the edge of the east field?”
“I did.”
“Do you know who she is or where she came from?”
“They say she is Naomi Stutzman’s daughter-in-law, the widow of Mahlon.”
“I see.” Bo nodded. He’d been young when his cousin Eli left the area with his family, but he did remember Mahlon. They’d been about ten years apart in age, give or take. “Has she been here many days?”
“Today and yesterday.”
Bo frowned. The woman and her mother-in-law must be in need if she was gathering corn in his field. “Mose, I’d like some of the workers to pick a few extra bushels and leave them in piles where she’s gathering. Let her know that she’s free to take it.”
“For sure, Bo.”
~
As Ruth dumped the baskets of corn into the back of the pony cart, a smile spread wide across her face. What good fortune she’d had today! She couldn’t wait to get home and tell Naomi all about it.
She hurried the pony down the road as fast as the little guy would trot and tied him up to the hitching post the moment she arrived. She practically ran to the back entrance of the small house she and Naomi were renting.
“Naomi! Naomi!”
“Goodness, dochder. What is it?” Her hands were covered in white flour.
“Come see!” Ruth pulled her mother-in-law to the pony cart. “Just look.”
“Where did you find all this corn?”
“The farm down the road. I’d been picking most of the day, then I came across several piles just sitting there between the rows. When I enquired about them, the workers said they were free to take.”
“How generous. Which farm did you say you were gathering at?”
“It’s a couple miles down the road. The large farm with the twin silos
.”
Naomi nodded with a smile. “That is a cousin of Eli. His name is Bo. He is a kind man to let you take so much.”
“I didn’t even meet him.”
“Well, if he’s out there the next time you go, be sure to thank him for his generosity.”
“I will, for sure.” Ruth smiled. “See how the Lord has blessed us already? I’m certain we made the right decision in coming back here.”
“Well, it doesn’t look like we’re going to starve.” Naomi smiled. “We better get that cart emptied out so Cookie can chomp on some grass. It looks like we’ll be shucking and canning corn for days.”
“It’s great, isn’t it?” Ruth tempered her excitement.
“Jah, Der Herr has granted us favor.”
“I enjoy working out there. You know, it seems to help take my mind off losing Mahlon. It’s almost like therapy for my soul.”
“Jah, work can do that, but it doesn’t change reality.” Naomi’s bitter tone stung and threatened to damper some of Ruth’s enthusiasm. She refused to dwell on the negative, though. God had been good to them.
As Ruth rested her head on her pillow that night, she couldn’t get over the farm owner’s generosity. A smile played on her lips at the thought of meeting him. Naomi had said that he was Eli’s cousin. Was it possible that he was single? If so, maybe he could marry Naomi and they could have a real home again. And just maybe it would lift her mother-in-law’s unpleasant disposition. She’d pray for that.
TWENTY-FOUR
Ruth wiped the sweat off her brow as heat caressed her face. The morning sun was hot and it only stood to get hotter. She should go up to the house and get a drink of water. She set down the bushel of corn she’d collected and made her way toward the house.
A man stepped into the row she was walking through and she instantly knew he must be Eli’s cousin, whom Naomi had spoken of. Although, he seemed to be a little younger than Eli. Perhaps in his mid-forties?
“Hello, sister. I’d like to introduce myself. I am Bo King, and these are my fields.” Kindness lit his eyes.
She smiled. “I am Ruth Stutzman. My friends call me Ruthie. I am Naomi’s daughter-in-law. I want to thank you for allowing me to glean in your fields. Naomi and I really appreciate it.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ruthie. I’d be pleased if you’d do all your gleaning here. There’s no need for you to go into others’ fields. I have plenty and a good variety. You and Naomi are welcome to take all that you need.” He gestured toward the house. “And if there’s anything else you’re in need of, please come to the house and let me know. Make sure you drink plenty out in this heat and be sure to rest once in a while. I would not want you to get dehydrated.”
“Thank you. Your kindness means a lot.”
“I’ve asked the young men not to bother you. You will be safe here. You can work alongside my female workers if you wish.”
“Denki. I…” She felt like crying. The Lord had been so good to her. “This is a wonderful blessing, Bo King.”
“You may call me Bo.” He nodded. “God has blessed me greatly. I cannot help but share those blessings.” He pointed toward the fields. “I was on my way to check on the work my employees have done.”
“I was going to get a drink of water.”
“Then don’t let me keep you. Have a gut day, Ruthie.” He tipped his hat and continued walking in the direction he’d been headed.
Ruth felt like she could give this man a hug. But that wouldn’t be appropriate. She learned some things since becoming Amish and had found that public displays of affection were frowned upon. Mahlon was a bit more affectionate than most Plain folk, but even he had been subdued in the presence of others.
She turned and stared after Bo until he walked out of sight. What kind of man was he? She didn’t think she’d ever met anyone quite like him. His eyes held a depth to them that one could get lost in. He seemed content, yet she sensed a subtle sadness somehow. How many layers did he possess underneath his handsome exterior?
Handsome?
Yes, she supposed he was, in a rugged sort of way, for a man of his age and experience. The gentle greying of hair near his ears reminded her of a popular actor she’d seen on TV many years ago. His beard only showed minimal signs of age but somehow it enhanced his attractiveness. But even considering all those positive outward qualities, the most attractive thing to her was him.
Bo. The man. His soul.
It seemed as though he could be an easy best friend—a trusted friend. His tone was so gentle and soothing, like he could put one’s mind at ease just by conversing with them.
She blinked, realizing she’d been standing there daydreaming for far too long. She chided herself for being so foolish and hurried to fetch her drink of water before eventide rolled in.
What on earth had possessed her to be thinking on another man like that? No one could ever replace Mahlon. No one.
~
“I met Bo today and thanked him.” Ruth looked over her supper plate at Naomi.
“He’s a generous man, ain’t so?”
Yes, that was one word to describe him. What other qualities did this man possess? “Do you know much about him?”
“Not really, just that he has a very good reputation. Whenever Eli had mentioned him in the past, he always spoke highly of him.”
“He seemed very kind.”
“That, he is.”
TWENTY-FIVE
Ruth looked to the west where the sun was rapidly making its descent. It was about time to begin heading in the direction of home.
“Ruthie, Bo said there is an extra box of fruit for you up at the house. He said to be sure to stop by and get it before you leave.”
“Denki, Mose.” She watched as Bo’s employee walked off.
Ruth finished up the task at hand and set off toward the main house. She spotted Bo as she stepped onto the porch.
“I see you’ve found your way. Your box is in the basement, where it is cool. I will get it for you.” She couldn’t deny Bo’s attractive smile. He seemed to have some type of inner joy that touched everything he said and did.
Ruth’s heart filled with gratitude. “Why are you being so kind to me? I don’t deserve any of this.”
“Ruthie, I only give because of what’s been given to me. Because of that gift, my heart overflows.” His eyes pierced hers, as though he could see into her soul. “Have you met the Saviour?”
“The Saviour?”
Bo smiled. “Jesus Christ, the gift giver.”
She shook her head.
“Would you like to?”
“I…don’t know. I think so.” She nodded. “But how can I? Isn’t Jesus dead?”
He chuckled. “Oh, no. He is very much alive! He speaks to me every day. And I talk to Him every day.”
She frowned. Maybe this was why he wasn’t married. Was he delusional? No, there had been no other outward indication of that. He’d only been kind.
She’d give him the benefit of the doubt. “But how? I don’t understand.”
“Come with me.” He held out his hand. She took it and let him lead her into his house. His easy demeanor set her mind at ease and she knew she had nothing to fear.
She looked around to see if anyone was nearby. Was this proper behavior for an Amish woman? She didn’t want to do anything wrong or anything that might cast doubt on Bo’s character. But he didn’t seem to be worried at all.
“Come, sit here.” He gestured to the small table in the breakfast nook.
She looked out the windows of the octagonal room. “You have a great view here. Your place is very nice.”
He nodded and joined her at the table, Bible in hand. “God has been very gracious to me.”
“Who lives here, besides you?”
“It’s just me.”
“Have you…? I know it’s really not my place to ask…” She let her words trail off.
“You may ask whatever you’d like. I have nothing to hide.”
&nbs
p; “Have you ever been married?”
His gaze sobered and he stared out one of the windows. The hint of sadness she’d detected earlier returned to his eyes. “When I built this place, I dreamed of one day filling it with children—with a family of my own.” He frowned. “But the Lord has never seen fit to bless me with a wife.”
Ruth mulled over that thought in her mind. There was no reason, that she could see, why Bo shouldn’t be married. He was kind, handsome, generous, wealthy, and who knows how many other great qualities he possessed that she knew nothing about. A man of his caliber would no doubt have a laundry list of wonderful traits. She’d never heard anyone speak ill of him, not that she’d been here all that long. The thought baffled her.
“I…lost my husband.” She shared.
Bo nodded. “Mahlon, Eli’s son.” His hand briefly covered hers and he gently squeezed. “I know. I’m sorry for your loss.” His eyes conveyed understanding, compassion.
In that moment, she felt like she could share anything with this man. He could be trusted. She could share her deepest hopes, her darkest secrets, her most daring dreams, and he would understand.
“Denki.”
TWENTY-SIX
Bo thought about what he’d said to Ruthie. He’d wanted to tell her that his mother had been an Englischer too, just as she. But he didn’t wish to tell her all that was on his mind—that his bachelorhood was most likely due to the fact that his mother had been Englisch. Because everyone knew that jumping the fence was the worst thing that could happen to an Amish person. He may have been well-respected, but he often wondered if those in the community truly trusted him.
He gestured for her to take the seat across the table from him and she did as told.
He opened the Bible in front of him and turned to a passage and read. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.
An Amish Blessing Page 10