Amish Dreams (Amish Romance)

by Hannah Schrock

  “You cut yourself on a blade?” Noah asked, concerned.

  “It happens, but Ruth’s a gut doctor,” Peter attempted a smile.

  Ruth returned with bandages, cotton, disinfectant and a tube of ointment. “Daed, honestly. You can’t keep being so careless. Last year you nearly lost your thumb and now this.”

  So much information in once sentence, Noah struggled to comprehend it all. Firstly Peter had cut himself before, and that was almost to be expected being that he was a carpenter. Had he imagined that Ruth had just called him daed?

  “My dochder is a wonderful nurse, even though she complains while she tends to me,” Peter laughed wryly, wincing as Ruth opened the blood-soaked white rag.

  He did hear right, Noah thought as a frown creased his brow. All this time he had thought they were married, not once had he bothered to ask, unwilling to offend them in case he was wrong. All this time he had chastened himself for the strong attraction he felt, feeling sorry for the sadness in her eyes and now suddenly it all made sense.

  The sadness in her eyes wasn’t because Peter was still in love with the memory of his wife; it was because Peter’s wife had been her mother. She had lost her mother and left the memories of her behind in Ohio.

  It was as if a whole new world of possibilities opened to Noah as he watched Ruth disinfect the wound. Just last night he had prayed for Gott to bring him a wife who would make him forget about the kind and pretty woman living just next door, and now that wouldn’t be necessary at all.

  She wasn’t Peter’s wife. The phrase kept repeating itself over and over in his mind. Ruth was Peter’s dochder. She was new and hadn’t attended a singing, so Noah was certain she wasn’t courting at the moment.

  A smile formed on his face as Noah winced again and he quickly suppressed the smile. If he’d only asked, he wouldn’t have been tormenting himself for weeks. But he hadn’t, for fear of embarrassing himself for liking Ruth.

  She carefully dabbed the wound with antiseptic until she was certain it was clean. Noah reached for the ointment and removed the cap before offering it to her. With the same tender touch, she applied the ointment before wrapping a piece of gauze over her father’s hand.

  “Noah, could you please pass me the bandage,” Ruth asked, looking at him. This time guilt didn’t flood his system as looked into her clear blue eyes, instead hope and dreams rushed to his mind. He picked up the bandage and handed it to her, relishing the heat of her brief touch.

  Barely an hour ago he had admonished himself for thinking how smooth her skin was. Noah sighed and Peter laughed.

  “Relax son, I’ll be all right,” Peter said, summoning a smile. “Might not be able to work for a few days, but I’ll be all right.”

  “You’ll stay out of the shed until I’m satisfied it’s healed enough,” Ruth said trying to sound stern.

  “Rules this haus with an iron hand, she does. Just like her mamm used to,” Peter said as Ruth finished bandaging his hand.

  “Denke for coming, Noah. I’m not sure how I would’ve gotten him into the haus otherwise. He always gets a little faint at the sight of blood. Weak constitution.”

  “I do not,” Peter argued fiercely.

  Ruth laughed, the sweet sound making Noah’s heart swell. “You do too. Remember this isn’t the first time I’ve tended to your cuts.”

  Even though her voice was stern, Noah could hear the love in it. The love he had mistaken at first for a wife for her husband.

  “I’ll be sure to get word out that we now have a nurse and a carpenter in town,” Noah teased, earning a laugh from the Yoders.

  “You’ll do no such thing,” Ruth argued.

  “Will you stay for kaffe, Noah?” Peter asked as Ruth put away the disinfectant and the ointment.

  Noah almost declined, wanting to keep his distance from Ruth before remembering that he had been wrong all along. “I’d love to.”

  Ruth smiled at him over her shoulder as she took out three cups. “Sugar and milk?”

  “Both please,” Noah said before turning to Peter. “Ruth was just telling me earlier that you decided to start your carpentry business again.”

  “That’s the plan,” Peter laughed. “Ach, I can kick myself for being so careless.”

  “Happens to the best of us.”

  Ruth set three cups on the table and joined them.

  They chatted for a short while over the kaffe before Noah bid them goodnight. After holding Ruth’s gaze for a moment, he felt his heart swell in his chest. This time when he crossed the field toward his home he didn’t ask Gott to help him not to covet his neighbor’s wife, instead he asked Gott to open his neighbor’s dochder’s heart to the love they could share if she was willing.

  Noah arrived home with a smile on his face, and his parents immediately asked where had disappeared to. After explaining about Peter’s accident, his mother frowned with concern, “Noah, if Peter got hurt, why do you seem in such high spirits?”

  Noah smiled and shrugged, “Because, even though it was an accident that brought me there, I enjoyed talking to them. They’re nice people.”

  “I’m sure she is,” his mamm smiled knowingly.

  Noah laughed as he headed to the bathroom to wash up before supper.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Blessings

  Ruth had climbed into bed the night before and prayed for Gott to guide her through the confusion Noah awakened in her. This morning when she woke, she felt calm and excited all at once. The next week would be the Sunday singing, and Ruth couldn’t help but wish that Noah would ask her to ride home with him.

  She had never been eager to court, and even now, she was uncertain that she was ready. Her father needed her now, especially after her mother’s death. But one buggy ride does not a wedding make, she reasoned with a smile as she packed a basket with homemade biscuits. She didn’t have work today and once the laundry and the chores were done, she wanted to take the basket to Noah.

  Ruth knew the biscuits were just an excuse to see him again, but she wanted to thank him for his help last night. Had it not been for him, she was not sure how she would have managed to get her father back into the haus.

  There was another reason for her visit, thanks to Uncle Eli. When her father had told Uncle Eli the morning before that he was starting his carpentry business again, Uncle Eli had managed to get word out faster than Ruth had imagined.

  He had come by early this morning with the good news. Her father had received his first commission. But with a hand in bandages, he wasn’t likely to be able to do much of the work himself. She had told her father to give her until this afternoon before he turned it down.

  It was late morning when Ruth started across the field. She could see Noah working outside the barn with his father and hoped she wasn’t interrupting, she also hoped she would have a private moment to ask her favor.

  Noah spotted her when she was in the middle of the field and waved to her, his smile making her heart skip a beat even from a distance. She forced herself not to hasten her pace as she walked towards him.

  “Good morning, Noah, Mr. Fischer,” Ruth clutched her hands tighter around the handle of the basket, suddenly feeling nervous.

  “Good morning, Ruth. How’s your daed? Noah tells me he had an accident?” Mr. Fischer asked, his smile reminding her of Noah’s smile.

  “He’s better, denke for asking. He just needs to rest that hand for a few days.”

  “Best thing for it,” Mr. Fischer agreed before turning to Noah. “I’m going to head inside for some kaffe. Goodbye Ruth, nice to see you again.”

  Ruth smiled, grateful for the moment alone with Noah.

  “Hullo, Ruth,” Noah smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

  “Hullo, Noah,” Ruth said feeling a smile spread across her face as well. “I made these to thank you for last night.”

  “It wasn’t necessary.”

  “Most gifts aren’t, but still it’s rude not to accept them.”

 
Noah laughed shaking his head. “You’re unlike any other girl I’ve ever met before. Thank you for the biscuits.”

  Ruth nodded, taking a deep breath, “I have another favor to ask actually.”

  “Did your father cut himself again?” Noah teased.

  “Not this time. You mentioned at the Fall barbeque that you enjoyed carpentry?”

  “Jah, I guess I did.”

  “Daed received his first commission this morning, Noah, but with his hand, he’s afraid he will have to turn it down.”

  “That won’t be gut,” Noah frowned, rubbing his clean-shaven chin between his thumb and index finger.

  “Nee, especially because it’s his first. Would it be possible for you to help him? Of course, just with the things he can’t do himself. He can sand… I think,” Ruth laughed. “I’m sorry, Noah, I know this is asking a lot. I know you have your hands full with everything at the dairy and it’s completely wrong of me to ask.” Ruth shook her head, realizing that her father would have to turn down the commission since her father would likely only be able to sand at this stage, and possibly varnish.

  Noah thought for another moment before a smile spread across his face. “It’s not too much and it’s not wrong of you to ask. We’re neighbors, we help each other.”

  “But where will you find the time?” Ruth asked disbelievingly. “He won’t be able to pay you.”

  “I’m not asking for wages, Ruth, I’ll make the time,” Noah hesitated before he continued. “I enjoy spending time with your father…” The words trailed off and Ruth wondered if he enjoyed spending time with her as well.

  “I’ll be very grateful. It’s a kist, so Daed says it isn’t that complicated. He’ll be able to tell you exactly what to do and help where he can.”

  “Stop trying to convince me, Ruth. I’ll do it. Tell your daed I’ll be by this afternoon, and then we can work out a schedule of sorts.”

  Ruth felt relief wash over her as she returned his smile, “Denke, Noah, it seems that’s all I’m saying today.” She sighed, shaking her head.

  “Then stop. You don’t have to thank me for anything, Ruth, ever. I do it with pleasure.”

  Ruth smiled and felt a blush crawl into her cheeks. Self-consciously she twirled the string of her prayer kapp around her finger. “I guess I’ll see you later then.”

  Noah laughed with a nod, “I’ll be looking forward to it.”

  “Ruth, before you go, I have one condition,” Noah sounded serious and Ruth hoped he wasn’t going to ask her to help milk the cows.

  With wide eyes she waited for him to name his condition. “Would you go on a buggy ride with me next Sunday after singing?”

  Ruth felt her heart fill with happiness as she lost herself in his hazel gaze. “That’s a tough condition.” Not wanting to sound too eager, Ruth found herself teasing him. It was the first time she had ever teased a mann and she wondered if she wouldn’t come across as childish.

  Noah laughed. “It’s a tough one, but one I can guarantee you won’t regret.”

  There was promise in his eyes and a little playfulness as Ruth pursed her lips. “All right. One buggy ride in exchange for your help.”

  “I’ll be looking forward to that as well,” Noah winked at her making her heart skip a beat.

  She had thought she had imaged the connection between them, but today, instead of trying to shy away from her, he was being even more charming than usual.

  Before she could stop them the words tumbled from her mouth, “I’ll be looking forward to it too.”

  She turned and started to walk home, her heart racing in her chest. She had just agreed to go on a buggy ride with the handsomest mann she had ever met. Ruth didn’t want her mind building dreams of the future on a single conversation, but she couldn’t help it.

  She crossed the field in record time, eager to tell her father the news. He was sitting in the shed, running his hand over a piece of wood that Ruth knew would turn into something amazing beneath his touch.

  “Daed, I’ve got gut news,” Ruth announced as she stepped into the shed.

  “What? Did you find a magic cure for my cut?” her father asked, matching her excitement with sarcasm.

  “Nee. I managed to find you an apprentice to help with the kist. Noah likes carpentry but has never had formal teaching. He’d be willing to help you if you guide him. That way you don’t have to refuse the commission.”

  “Noah? But he’s a dairy farmer?” her father asked, confused.

  “Just because it’s what he does, doesn’t mean it what he wants to do,” Ruth corrected. “He told me at the barbeque that he’s interested in carpentry and would love to learn more. This is the perfect opportunity. You can let him help you with the kist and he can learn by helping you.”

  “Ruth, I’m not sure. You know how I am when it comes to my work. I’m very firm on quality workmanship,” Peter shook his head.

  “Daed, you’ll be here to guide him the entire time. You can still help where you can. You need this and you need this first commission to go well. He’ll be by this afternoon to discuss it with you.”

  “It’s already been arranged?”

  “Jah,” Ruth said jutting her chin into the air. “It’s been arranged. If you turn him down now, you’ll offend him.”

  Her father sighed heavily before she recognized the beginning of smile on his mouth. “Denke, dochder. You truly are a blessing.”

  “Thank me when you deliver your first commission.”

  Ruth turned and headed to check whether the laundry was dry yet, the smile never leaving her face. Not only did she help her father this morning, but she had a buggy ride to look forward to.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Guide Me

  Noah was excited as he headed across the field to the Yoder’s home the following afternoon. He had explained to his parents that Peter had hurt himself and needed his help a few hours a day over the following days.

  Of course his parents had been reticent, but had agreed that if the chores were finished, he was welcome to help their new neighbor in the afternoons on condition he returned home in time for the evening milking.

  Noah couldn’t help but smile as he approached the work shed. Not only did helping Peter mean getting more experience as a carpenter, it also meant spending more time with Ruth. Something had awakened inside him since discovering she was Peter’s dochder and not his wife. He no longer looked at Peter with judgment but with awe, and at Ruth… well he looked at her with fresh eyes.

  “Hello, Noah,” Peter called, coming out of the shed. “Are you ready to work and learn at the speed of light?”

  Noah laughed nervously. He wasn’t sure exactly what Ruth had told her father and hoped she didn’t sell him as an experienced carpenter, because that he wasn’t. “I can promise you I’m ready to learn.”

  “That’s gut enough for me,” Peter smiled, heading back into the shed with Noah following behind. Most of the equipment Noah recognized, some he didn’t. But he did recognize the scent of sawdust and drew in a deep breath. Completely oblivious to the hard work that lay ahead, excitement buzzed through his veins. This was what he had wanted to do since he could remember. One day perhaps he would have the courage to tell his parents.

  He completely lost track of time as they cut the first pieces of lumber for the kist. When he started piecing them together, Peter quickly stopped him explaining that it was best to sand each piece individually first.

  They worked in silence side by side for the rest of the afternoon before Noah had to return home. He waved to Ruth when she arrived home but realized he didn’t have time to chat as evening milking was about to start in minutes.

  With a broad smile, Noah rushed across the field, loving the feel of the crisp breeze tugging at his hair. He believed Gott had a plan for everyone, for every single person in this world, but for the first time Noah had a feeling Gott was opening the door to reveal His plan for Noah’s life.

  The following day followed the same rout
ine. Peter was a patient and very adequate teacher. He taught Peter how to sand a piece of wood evenly until the grain was revealed to perfection. How to bond pieces of wood that Noah knew would last for decades to come. Three days later they started to assemble the kist. The work was hard, especially since Noah didn’t completely have the picture in mind of the finished product as Peter did.

  When the kist stood assembled before his eyes, Noah felt the pride wash over him. Hochmut was a sin according to the ordnung, but Noah couldn’t imagine that having pride in something that you created would be a sin. Even without the hinges and the final fittings, it was magnificent.

  Noah took a step back, surprised at what he had done. Peter slapped him lightly on the back with his left hand, “Gut feeling, isn’t it?”

  Noah laughed, “Jah, very gut feeling indeed. I can’t believe I did this…” he glanced at Peter. “Well, with your help of course, but… I didn’t think it would look this… professional.”

  “No use in wasting wood if it’s not going to look professional,” Peter laughed. “Kumm, let’s go have a cup of kaffe to celebrate. I can start varnishing it tomorrow, and then we can add the fittings in the late afternoon when you get here.”

  “Great. I can’t wait to see it completely finished.”

  Peter smiled, “Me neither.”

  They walked towards the kitchen and Noah felt his throat tighten at the sight of Ruth. “Hullo, Ruth.”

  “Hullo, Noah,” she said with a shy smile.

  This Sunday would be the singing and afterwards she would return her favor. Noah couldn’t decide what he was more excited about, finishing the kist or taking Ruth on a buggy ride.

  “Would you like some sun tea or kaffe?” Ruth offered.

  Peter glanced at Noah before turning to his dochder, “Kaffe would be great to warm up these cold hands.”

  Noah quickly drank his kaffe, wishing he didn’t have to rush home, but the cows were waiting. When he arrived, his father was just on his way to the barn, “Hullo, Noah.”