Redemption in Amish Country, page 4
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Sometimes Zach wished it wasn’t second nature for him to see a piece of property and notice its imperfections right away. Which is what he found himself doing even before he hitched Sugar to a post outside Matthew’s house. Forcing himself to look away from the few items that needed fixing, he worked to concentrate on the peacefulness of his brother’s one-acre surroundings. Like the weeping willow tree rustling softly in the whispering breeze. The two cats curled up together on the porch. And the pleasant tinkling sound of a wind chime.
Taking it all in, he was happy that his brother’s family had such a blissful place to live. He was ready to tell that to Matthew, too, when he knocked on the door, and his brother opened it.
“Matthew, your new place is—”
“Samuel! Jonah! Be careful what you’re doing!”
Zach’s nephews didn’t appear to be doing much listening to their father, unlike their baby sister cuddled in Matthew’s arms who began wailing the moment she heard her father shout. The five-and three-year-old boys shot out the door with their arms spread like wings, almost knocking into Zach. Making sounds like—well, he wasn’t sure what they were imitating. Whatever it was, in a millisecond they managed to undo the tranquil atmosphere.
“They’re pretending to be hawks they’ve seen,” Matthew spoke up over the din as he stepped out onto the porch and the boys continued circling them.
“I didn’t realize Sugarcreek hawks sounded like that.” Zach laughed, watching the boys reroute their flights out into the yard.
“Oh, jah. You wouldn’t believe the noise Sugarcreek’s human hawks can make.” Matthew bounced up and down, trying to shush his daughter. “Anyway, willkumme back, bruder. It’s gut to see you. I’d give you a better greeting, but—”
“I’d say your hands are full with this little beauty. Hi, Lydia. Nice to meet you. I’m your onkel.” Zach ventured to soothe the baby by gently running the back of his hand along her cheek. However, that only incited more crying.
“I hope you’re not losing your touch with females,” Matthew’s frau clucked teasingly as she walked out the front door. Apparently, Anna had witnessed his failed attempt. “Haven’t you been getting enough practice?”
Growing up, he’d always been fond of Anna and was glad his brother had made such a wonderful woman his wife. “I suppose I need to work on that.”
“Well, I can help, for sure. It is about time you settled down. Don’t you think?” Her questioning eyes twinkled at him.
“Anna, you’re verra kind. But aren’t you rushing things? I’ve hardly been back in town any time at all, and already you’re trying to find me a wife?” Zach grinned at his sister-in-law.
“Or even a longtime crush on someone.” She smiled up at him. “Anything to get you to return to Sugarcreek for good. I thought that might be your plan last year when I read one of your letters to Matthew. Why, I even told some friends you were moving back.”
“You did what?” Zach blinked. “I never said that.”
However, he could easily recall the letter Anna was referring to. In it, he’d gotten carried away with memories of happier times in Sugarcreek flowing from his pen. But that was only because he did have a soft spot for the town that he’d grown up in. Yet he never intended to settle here for good.
“Well, we’ll see how things go.” Anna winked. “Maybe you won’t make a liar out of me yet.”
He was pretty sure he would, but he left that unsaid as he watched her remove the sobbing boppli from Matthew’s arms.
“It’s time for her bottle. Boys!” she called out. “Come give your Onkel Zach a hug. Then go inside for a snack while I feed your sister. Your dad and uncle need a few minutes’ peace to catch up.”
Anna seemed to have a better grip on the boys than his brother. Right away the boys heeded her words. His heart warmed as he bent down to receive their hugs, which were quick but sweet. After that, Anna ushered the children indoors, but not before promising Zach a future family dinner, and a lunch for Matthew to take to work.
“How’s your new position going?” Zach had noticed his brother looked tired. Why wouldn’t he with all he had going on? “Are you getting settled in?”
“Being promoted to manager is wunderbaar. I like the work and appreciate the opportunity. But when something goes wrong, I’m the one who needs to oversee the problem. And you can be sure something’s always going wrong.” His voice rose emphatically. “Yesterday, I put in a twelve-hour day. And today, I’m supposed to be off, but...”
“You have to go into work.”
Matthew nodded. “I feel bad because Anna’s doing more than she should lately. But you know her. She takes it all in stride. And, as much as I want to help at Daed’s, Zach, I can’t seem to find the time right now. I don’t know when I ever can, honestly. And I’m real thankful you came to help, but I’m guessing you can’t stay forever. You’ll be wanting to get back to Indiana, jah?”
“That’s my plan when things get settled here.”
“You know, I’ve never been sure exactly what you do.” His brother gave him a curious frown. “I know you started out in Shipshewana renovating homes and then some investor came along, and you started flipping houses together. That’s the term, right?”
“It is.”
“And then after that, you—I’m not sure what you did.”
His brother didn’t know because Zach had never shared how he’d used the profits from those house sales to become a silent investor in Amish tourist properties. He’d found Amish business owners were pleased to be in a financial relationship with other Amish folks. And although in his role he wasn’t involved in the daily operations of those businesses, he was humbled and grateful to Gott any time that he could be of assistance to them. Truth be told, his investments had paid off so handsomely he could purchase his father’s property a dozen times and still have plenty of money in the bank. Even so, he hadn’t come to Sugarcreek to outdo his father. He’d come for his daed.
“Sometimes I’m not sure either,” Zach jested, aiming to divert Matthew from the subject. “The thing is, we’re both busy, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to help our father. I’m just not sure that only patching things up for him is what’s best for his future.”
“Speaking of patching up things, how was it seeing Daed?”
On the few occasions that Zach had the opportunity to come to Sugarcreek on business, he’d dropped in at Matthew and Anna’s. Yet he’d promised himself he’d never intrude on his father until the day his father sought him out. Which was exactly what had happened this time—at least he’d thought so. The disappointing reminder caused Zach to draw in a deep breath.
“I guess if I hadn’t been hoping for the best, it wouldn’t have seemed like the worst. He doesn’t seem pleased about me being here. But even if I can’t change that, I’d like to try to change things for him for the better. I’m telling you, Matthew, yesterday when I saw how run-down Daed’s entire place is, I could tell it hasn’t been just since the accident that the farm has been going downhill.”
“I agree. So what are you thinking?” Matthew crossed his arms, and leaned against the porch railing, looking eager to listen.
“I’d say the first step is to get the farm back into tip-top shape. It’ll take a few weeks, but I can do that,” Zach assured him. “Then, instead of putting it up for sale, given the location of the farm, I’m thinking I’d like to call on some business contacts I’ve made over the years—property developers and business owners. I even may be able to get in touch with a prestigious racehorse trainer I know of.” He didn’t mention that the trainer Caleb King, back in Indiana, had offered to take care of Zach’s horse for as long as he’d be in Sugarcreek. “I can’t help but think one of those people would be interested in buying Daed’s property,” he added.
“How do you know people like them?”
“How do you know what you do about the brick-making industry? You just do,” he answered vaguely, then waited on his brother’s reaction. He felt a wave of relief when Matthew’s eyes lit up.
“It’s a blessing for Daed that you have those kinds of connections. And just think. When you get his place in shape and use your contacts to get a great price for it and secure a future for him, there’s nothing he can complain about you then.”
“Well, I don’t know about that.” Zach prayed with his entire being that his father would feel that way. But even if his father never did, at least Zach would’ve tried to express his love by doing the best he could for him. “Daed may have aged, but he’s still stubborn and spirited.”
“No doubt, but unbroken horses are that way too,” his brother countered. “And training them is a majorly physical job. Whether Daed will admit it or not, I don’t think it’s a job he can still manage to do. No wonder he got hurt. And his money must be dwindling. He hasn’t been training as many horses as he used to.”
“If everything goes as I’m thinking it can, there’d be no strain on his health or his pocketbook anymore.”
“I think it’s a great plan, Zach.”
“I’m really glad you do. So...” He paused. “I know you’ve got lots on your plate, Matthew, but could you set aside an hour? Just so we can sit down together with Daed and explain what I’m proposing to do?”
His brother’s sleep-deprived eyes shot wide open. “Zach, you can’t be serious. If you tell him—even if I tell him—if it’s coming from us, he’ll say no right away.”
Taking a moment to imagine the scene, Zach could feel his jaw tighten. His brother was probably right. “Oll recht. I’ll get everything back in shape, and I’ll start reaching out to my contacts. We’ll go from there to find a way to make things work for everyone.”
His brother’s shoulders slackened. He appeared more relaxed. “Thank you, Zach. Truly, danke.”
“You’ve been keeping a watch on our father for a long time, Matthew. It’s the least I can do.” Thinking of the other person in their father’s life, he smiled. “I’ll let Leah know that you and I talked and what we’re planning.”
“Ahh... I wouldn’t be so fast to do that either.”
“Nee?” Zach was puzzled.
“She may slip up and tell Daed. Like we just said, that wouldn’t be such a good idea until there’s a definite plan or offers on his property. Also, I doubt she’d feel comfortable keeping our plans from him.”
“I can see that about her for sure. I mean about her not wanting to be secretive. All right,” he said, as decisively as he could manage. “Leah wants to see things improve for Daed, so we’re all thinking along the same line in that respect.”
“And that will take a while to do. So, until then...”
Matthew’s voice trailed off in conclusion. However, Zach’s thoughts didn’t dwindle one bit after saying goodbye to his brother. As he rode to pick up Leah from the grocery, he continued mulling over everything Matthew had said. Once again, he had to admit his brother was probably right. Their father was their responsibility, not Leah’s. As kind a person as she was, she shouldn’t have to feel pressured to make their father’s future her life’s work. Why, she was already doing enough, he thought, as he pulled up to the store and saw her waiting for him with a full cart.
“How was your visit with Matthew’s family?” she asked once they got the groceries packed in the buggy and she slipped in beside him.
“Really good. I got to see him and Anna and sweet little Lydia. And my nephews too, of course, who are hoots.”
She chuckled. “I’m sure it’s fun for Anna and your brother but a lot of work too. I know Matthew was feeling badly that he couldn’t be of more help. But I hope he knows now that you and I can work together to get things back to the way they were for your daed. Ain’t so?”
She looked over at him with a reassuring smile, and he nodded in agreement. As he did, a twinge of guilt poked at him. He had a feeling if he even hinted about what he and Matthew had talked about, Leah would be put off. She’d be eyeing him just as skeptically as Bear had earlier that morning. He surely didn’t want Leah to be mad at him, but he also didn’t want to look too closely at the reason why.
Chapter Four
Leah wasn’t at all hesitant when Zach asked if they could make a quick stop before leaving town. She felt guilty admitting it to herself, but she wasn’t in a major rush to get back to the farm. She was enjoying watching Amish families and Englischers stroll along the sidewalks. And she had no worries that any groceries would go bad or melt in a matter of minutes.
“I’d like to check out something for Daed in the Med-Mart Supplies shop,” Zach explained as he pulled into the store’s parking lot.
“What are you thinking of getting?” she asked.
“I want to see if they have a knee scooter. They come in handy for a person with an ankle cast. It’s not like riding a horse, of course.” He gave a wan smile. “But it may be more to his liking. With his aching ribs and wrist, it could be easier on him than the crutches.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. Sugar and I will be happy to wait for you.”
As Zach hopped down from the buggy and hitched Sugar to the post, Leah felt hopeful. A scooter could be just the thing to get Ivan back on his feet, and she was thankful Zach had thought of it. But then, from everything she’d witnessed so far, Zach did seem to be a thoughtful man, looking for ways to help his father. Which left her stunned a moment later when she heard someone greet him loudly and somewhat sarcastically as he made his way over to the sidewalk.
“Why, if it isn’t Zachary! The Graber black sheep.”
Beyond curious, she inched over to Zach’s side of the buggy to get a better look at the man addressing him. The person appeared to be about the same age as Zach, though far stockier.
Seemingly caught off guard, Zach swayed slightly before digging in his heels. “Grabers don’t deal in sheep, Uri, only horses. You know that.”
“And did you know my sister Sarah, who you abandoned, is happily married with three kinner?”
Abandoned? Zach, who she’d just decided was caring and considerate, had deserted a woman?
Whatever the situation had been with the girl, she noticed Zach shifted uneasily on his feet.
“That’s wonderful news,” he said. “Please tell Sarah I’m happy for her.”
“No need for me to do that.” The man’s expression turned snarly. “Sarah’s happy enough on her own without your sentiments.”
“Again, that’s gut to hear, Uri. Take care.”
Zach started to walk around him, but the burly man made a point of leaning in and knocking Zach’s shoulder as Zach passed by. She could see Zach’s hands rapidly tighten into fists by his sides, but he loosened them just as quickly before ducking into the shop.
She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath, praying the two men wouldn’t get into a row. Until Uri finally walked away, and she let out an audible sigh. Apparently so loud that Sugar turned to look at her.
“Oh, Sugar, did you see that? That was mighty scary. Do you know the Sarah they were talking about?”
Of course, she wasn’t expecting an answer. She also wasn’t expecting her past in West Union to suddenly show its face in the present. But the talk of abandonment instantly brought her ex-fiancé Aaron Yoder to mind. In all the years they had courted, how had she let herself be so fooled by the kind of man he really was?
Upon hearing the entire story, Cat had said that Aaron had done Leah a favor.
But, was Gott ever going to bring the right person into her life? She sighed again, although more quietly this time. Then, forcing herself to sit up straight and look beyond herself, she began people watching again. Soon Zach came out of the shop, carrying a collapsible scooter in his arms. He looked pleased and at ease, as if the uncomfortable conversation with Sarah’s brother had never happened.
“I rented the scooter for two months,” he told her as he placed it in the back seat of the buggy. “But I can pay for additional weeks if Daed needs it.”
“I really think your daed will like it, Zach.”
“I sure hope so,” he replied as he went to unhitch Sugar.
Once they made their way through the main street of town and Zach steered the buggy onto the winding country road, Leah surreptitiously glanced at him. Already it felt comfortable to be sitting alongside the man from Indiana. Which, in a way, was strange and disturbing. After all, should she be trusting him? She’d just experienced proof that they didn’t know much of each other’s history. But then, should that even matter?
Oddly enough, they seemed to be getting along easily now. Which most likely had everything to do with having Ivan’s well-being as their common goal. Admittedly, she was thankful that he’d come to Sugarcreek and that they were climbing the proverbial mountain named Ivan together.
As soon as they arrived at the farm, it didn’t take much time to unload the groceries and for Zach to retrieve the scooter. Setting it aside, he politely began to help put away groceries. That is, until Leah placed a hand on his arm to stop him.
“Zach, I can do that later. I’m too excited about the scooter to wait.”
“Gut to hear. I am too.” He smiled. “But I think you should take the scooter into the bedroom for Daed.”
“Nee, Zach. Not again. That’s just like the morning you made your daed’s favorite breakfast and had me take the credit for it.”
“I know. But since you’re his caregiver, I believe you’ll get better results than me. And that’s what’s important. Right?”
