Redemption in Amish Country, page 20
Josh’s expression was somber. “I will.”
Letting her hand drop, he turned and walked away. There was a confidence in his stride as he returned to mingle with customers browsing in the market.
Relieved that she’d found a social outlet for Josh, Maddie placed the groceries in the back seat before buckling him into his booster seat. The clock on the dash read ten after twelve. There was enough time to get home and finish unpacking.
Looking forward to a relaxing evening visiting with other parents, Maddie slipped behind the wheel. A twist of the ignition bought the engine stuttering to life. Painted a patchy blue and rusty in spots, the Chevy probably should have been retired at least a decade ago. Still, the engine ran, the brakes worked and the tires weren’t too bad. The old vehicle tended to overheat in high temperatures, but if the radiator was full of water, it kept chugging down the road.
She was grateful to have it. Not only did it keep her mobile, but it had also given her the ability to pack up and leave Pennsylvania behind. After learning Josh’s father was due to be released from prison, she’d decided it would be safer to disappear before he showed up on their doorstep.
Reaching up to adjust the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of her pale, pinched features. The last five years had taken their toll on her, mentally, physically and emotionally. And now, the man who’d caused all the angst in her life wanted custody of his son.
Fingers circling the steering wheel, Maddie felt the specter of panic rise in her chest. A tight, squeezing sensation wrapped itself around her lungs. A chilly grip seized her spine, digging sharp claws deep into the marrow of her bones. So warm a moment ago, she was suddenly freezing cold. The blood in her veins felt as frozen as an arctic glacier.
She’d learned that even if a person had a kind face, goodness wasn’t always abundant in their hearts. Some people, cruel in spirit and black in their souls, set out to deliberately hurt others.
Cash Harper was a prime candidate.
Unbidden, his image reared up in her mind. He’d been everything her twin sister, Margaret, had believed she wanted in a boyfriend. Good-looking. Puppy-brown eyes under a mop of hair that perfectly complemented his tanned physique. Despite the warning signs, Margaret had fallen head over heels in love with the Englischer before discovering Cash had a very dark side.
Liar. Bully. Thief. There wasn’t an ounce of good in him, and he’d pushed her sister to the breaking point time and time again. When Margaret had finally had enough and tried to walk away from the relationship, Cash Harper had taken her life.
Brutally and without remorse.
Chest heaving, Maddie gulped in a mouthful of welcome air. Her vision misted, but she refused to let a single tear fall. She’d never thought she’d be on the run, hiding her nephew from the man who had ended her twin’s life. Josh had been so young when his mother died that he believed she was his mother. She’d never had the heart to correct him. The truth would just be another burden on his small shoulders.
She hated the deception she’d created but felt it was necessary. As far as she was concerned, Cash had lost his parental rights when he’d killed her sister. After he was put behind bars, she’d promised herself that she’d keep him from ever getting custody of Josh.
“Are you okay, Mom?”
Blinking hard, Maddie nodded. “I’m fine, honey.” She swiped at her eyes. “Sometimes I just get sad.”
“I’m sorry I made you mad.”
“I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed. We’ve talked about you taking things that aren’t yours. Stealing is wrong, and you have to stop.”
Shame clouded his features a second time. “I won’t do it again,” he promised, crossing his heart. “I’ll be good.”
Maddie reached back through the gap in the seats to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. It was their own secret signal, one she and her sister used to share when they were growing up. It meant everything was going to be okay.
“I’m going to hold you to your word, sport.”
“Sure.” His tone held no enthusiasm, only resignation.
“It’ll get better. I promise.”
“I guess.” Restless, he kicked at the passenger seat in front of him, scuffing it with his tennis shoe.
She forced a smile, injecting a bit of cheer into her voice. “Mr. Mueller has invited us to the community games this evening. Aren’t you excited about meeting new people?”
Another shrug. “Not really.” Turning his face away, Josh stared out the window.
Refusing to be discouraged, Maddie decided to leave the subject alone. Shifting the car into Drive, she moved through the parking lot. A few minutes later, she turned into the street, following the traffic.
Putting her focus into her driving, she followed a twisty asphalt road, enjoying the pastoral beauty of the Wisconsin landscape. Fields thick with corn and other late-summer crops were broken up by trees and quaint houses with white fences. Signs placed in driveways advertised items for sale—fresh eggs, baked goods and vegetables, along with other handmade items. Humble was a popular tourist destination for those seeking out handmade products and homegrown produce.
Speeding wasn’t an option. The horses and buggies sharing the road moved exceedingly slowly, clopping at a leisurely pace. With nary a sign of electrical wires and old-fashioned equipment in the fields, it was easy to imagine living life in past times. In Amish country, a simpler, gentler time was reflected in the landscape and the people who’d settled it.
Twenty minutes later, Maddie pulled into the driveway of the house where she’d rented a small attic loft. The neighborhood was an older one. Perched on a piece of property bracketed by trees and fencing covered with grapevines, a rambling three-story house sat like a jewel amid a lush green lawn and gardens. Painted white with blue trim, it was picture-perfect.
Safely parked, Maddie unbuckled Josh before claiming the groceries. Walking up the cobblestone path, she bypassed the front porch and headed around to the side entrance that would take them into the kitchen. The door was wide-open.
“We’re here,” she called, pausing to let Josh pull open the screen door.
Busy with her two-year-old grandchild, Wanetta Graff glanced up. “I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding your way around,” she said, settling the toddler into a highchair.
Maddie lifted the bag she carried. “Nope. Found the market and picked up a few things.”
She frowned as Josh rushed past her. Rather than stopping to say hello, he ran up a narrow set of stairs leading to the third level.
Watching him go, she sighed. Josh wasn’t happy with the small apartment, but the rent was reasonable and included laundry facilities. For an extra twenty dollars, Mrs. Graff would also look after Josh while Maddie searched for work.
“Gut.” Giving the little girl a rattle, Wanetta returned to her baking, peeking inside the propane stove to check the sweet breads she baked from scratch every day. “You do know meals are provided with your rent. Just come down and eat.”
“I know. But it seems like so much extra work for you.”
Wanetta chuckled. “No extra work, dear. There’s always room for a few more at the table.” Slipping on a pair of heavy mitts, she opened the oven door and retrieved two pans. Spatula in hand, she transferred the pastries to a wire rack to cool.
“We’ll be going out this evening. One of the shopkeepers said there is a community gathering in the park on Saturdays for the kids to play games.”
Sliding another pan of cinnamon rolls into the oven, Wanetta wiped a hand across her brow. Clad in a crisply ironed dress, she had a white apron tied around her waist. Long hair threaded with gray strands was neatly tucked beneath a prim white kapp.
“Ja, that’s so. You and Josh should have a fine time.”
“I’m glad Mr. Mueller invited us. I’d worried there wouldn’t be much for Josh to do.”
“Let me guess. You must have talked to Abram. He’s a gut man. I’ve known him since he was a little one. His mamm and I were friends.”
“He was very kind and welcoming.”
“Shame he’s still unmarried,” Wanetta continued matter-of-factly. “Lot of women just can’t see past those scars.”
“That’s too bad.” Truth be told, she hadn’t really noticed his disfigurement. She’d been more taken with his gaze, so gentle and concerned, and his smile, which shone with sincerity.
A sudden clattering sound interrupted conversation.
“Oh, Jessa,” Wanetta exclaimed with a laugh. “Have a care.”
The sweet-faced little girl reached out for her toy. Dressed in a pair of pink footie pajamas, her wispy curls were askew. “G’amma,” she cooed.
Maddie retrieved the toy. “Oh, she’s such a darling.”
Jessa’s expression brightened, a grin splitting her face. “Ta,” she said, giving her rattle a furious shake.
Wanetta covered her ears. “Looks like I’m going to have to listen to that thing all day.”
Gazing at the pair, Maddie felt regret burrow deeper. When she was younger, she’d hoped to have a daughter of her own someday. But after watching her sister endure such terrible abuse in her relationship, she’d determined to steer clear of men.
Tucking away her private lament, she offered the pair a nod. “I should run these upstairs and check on Josh.”
“Sounds fine, dear.”
Leaving the pair behind, she trekked up the narrow stairs, entering a small antechamber at the top. Passing over the threshold, she stepped into the loft. Far from being dark and cramped, the attic space was bright, open and airy.
Setting the groceries on the counter, she glanced around. Her missing wallet sat on the kitchen table amid a few boxes yet to be unpacked.
Despite her somber mood, she smiled. For the time being, the loft was perfect for her and Josh. The living space had a kitchenette, a dining table and a couch that folded out into a bed. A second bed was behind a privacy screen, as were an armoire and a couple of cedar trunks for extra storage. A door near the rear of the attic concealed a small bathroom. Three bay windows facing the morning sun provided ample light and warmth. A lot of skill and craftsmanship had gone into the design.
The loft already felt comfortable—far different from the cramped low-income apartment they’d left behind. Its dingy, cracked walls, dated fixtures, a heater that barely worked and loud neighbors weren’t the best, but it was all she could afford in Pennsylvania.
She glanced at Josh. He sat sprawled on the couch with his tablet. Staring at a blank screen, frustration shadowed his features.
“What’s the matter?”
He gave the electronic device an aggravated shake. “I can’t make it work. Nothing will come on.”
Maddie hesitated. One thing Josh would have to get used to while living in an Amish community was the lack of some modern conveniences, such as internet. Even though the Amish in Humble were up-to-date when it came to using propane or solar-powered appliances in their homes and businesses, the boardinghouse wasn’t wired for any phone, television or internet services.
“There’s no Wi-Fi here.”
Josh’s face crumpled. “But how am I going to watch my shows?”
“You’re going to have to give them up for now.”
Mouth setting into a tight line, Josh tightened his grip on his tablet. “That’s not fair!” Hands flying over his head, he threw it across the room. When it struck the floor, the fragile glass and plastic shattered into pieces.
Appalled by his behavior, Maddie clenched her teeth. Count to ten, she reminded herself. Don’t lash out in anger.
Closing the distance between them, she said, “You know that’s not acceptable. You’re going into time-out to think about what you’ve done.” Grabbing a kitchen chair, she turned it to face a nearby corner and pointed. “Sit. Now!”
Clenching his fists, Josh poked out his bottom lip. “No!”
Maddie pointed again. “It’s not up for discussion.”
Face puffy and red, Josh slid off the couch. Stomping with every step, he threw himself into the chair. “I hate you! You’re mean. And I hate this place!”
Feeling a twinge behind her eyes, Maddie rubbed her fingers against her temples. “You can sit there and cry all you want,” she said, forcing patience into her voice. “Nothing’s going to change.”
Josh wailed louder.
Letting him bawl, Maddie headed to the bathroom. Shutting the door, she leaned against the narrow vanity. A glimpse of her pale reflection gave her pause. Never in a thousand years would she have dreamed she’d take on the care of a child that wasn’t hers.
Emotion squeezed her heart. Of course, she’d had no choice. Her sister was gone, and there was no one else to raise Josh. She was doing the best she could. Nevertheless, she felt like a failure.
Oh, Lord. How do I do this on my own?
* * *
“You’re awfully quiet today. Is something wrong?”
Giving his eldest brother a glance, Abram struggled to keep his expression neutral. “I’ve just got a few things on my mind, is all.”
Flipping open the lid of a paper cup, Rolf took a quick sip. “Oh? And what might that be?”
Abram shyly brushed off the question. Since meeting Maddie Baum, he’d thought about nothing else. He’d spent the entire afternoon hoping she would accept his invitation. Now that work was done for the day, folks had begun to gather in the city park for a fun evening of games and socializing. People buzzed around, their voices filling the air as games were arranged.
Even though he’d searched the crowd time and time again, there was no sign of Maddie or her son.
He tamped down his disappointment. He felt silly he’d already confided in his younger sister, Lavinia. He’d told her everything. Rolf would get the details soon enough.
It was foolish of me to think she’d come. No sensible woman would accept a stranger’s invitation, even if the event was open to the public.
Reluctant to admit what was really on his mind, he let a shrug roll off his shoulders. “Nothing really important. Just stuff.”
Rolf shifted on the hard bench to make himself more comfortable. His ample belly jiggled. He took a bite of the doughnut he’d sneaked out the picnic basket his wife had packed.
“I see,” he prompted between bites. “So, have you given any thought to asking Edith Albrecht to the church social next month?”
Abram kept his reply short, clipping off his words. “She said no.”
Rolf’s lips puckered. “Ah. That’s too bad.”
“It is what it is.” No reason to show his disappointment. By now he was used to women turning him down. He didn’t even know why he bothered.
To distract himself, he glanced around the park. Trees and neatly clipped hedges bordered the town’s park and recreational area. Several men had commandeered the barbecue grills, preparing to grill the hamburgers and hot dogs everyone enjoyed. Soon the scent of sizzling meat would fill the air. To wash it all down, the women had prepared pitchers filled with icy sweet tea and tart lemonade.
Spreading a blanket in a shady spot, his younger sister, Lavinia, sat feeding her infant from a bottle. A few other fraus who also had kinder to care for visited with her. Gathered like hens, the women all enjoyed catching up on the week’s gossip.
“Then ask another fraulein,” Rolf urged before wiping a bit of Bavarian cream off the corner of his mouth. “A wife isn’t just going to drop from the sky. You have court a woman.”
Here it was again. The talk.
“I know what you’re all expecting. You never let me forget it. But—”
“But what?”
Leaning forward, Abram propped his elbows on his knees and laced his fingers together. A painful sensation nipped at the bridge of his nose. “You might not have noticed, but women aren’t exactly attracted to my face. And a lot of people still hold my past against me. Memories are long, and no one’s forgotten what I did.”
He certainly hadn’t. Near twenty years had passed since he and his friends had set Old Man Zook’s barn on fire.
Rolf’s expression softened. “You were just ten when that happened. We all know it was an accident.”
Abram tipped his head, showing his left profile. “Doesn’t matter what the truth is. No woman wants a man with half a face.”
Even as he said the words, his guts twisted into painful knots. He’d never forget the flames scorching his skin. He’d also never forget the devastation of seeing two of his friends perish.
The event haunted his every waking moment, as did the guilt. Even though others had forgiven him, he couldn’t forgive himself. Through the years, he’d spent many a sleepless night praying to the Lord to ease his burden. But the peace he sought continued to elude him.
Brow furrowing, a short burst of air escaped Rolf’s nostrils. “The scars aren’t as bad as you’ve made them out to be in your mind. And I know a lot of girls who would say yes if you asked them out. But you never do.”
Abram pinned him under a stare. “Who?”
Rolf returned a straightforward gaze. “What about Alva Blek? I know you’ve always had a little bit of a crush on her.”
Abram waved a hand to cut him off. “I heard Alva got engaged to Peter Stutz last week.”
Rolf’s brows lifted. “Well, I must have missed that news.”
“She wasn’t my type, anyway.” He pretended disinterest. “Besides, I’ve got more than enough work to keep me busy.”
“Methinks you doth protest too much.” Eyes crinkling around the corners, Rolf looked at him levelly. “You’re living, but you’re not enjoying it.”
Rather than argue, Abram shut down. He wasn’t in the mood to argue. The subject never found any resolution, no matter how many times they discussed it.
