Rachael's Decision, page 17
“She’s doing you a favor. You’ll realize it soon enough.” Frannie batted her eyelashes and raised her chin.
Caleb considered her arrogant and loathed her. He shouldn’t have told her why he and Rachael were no longer courting. He was upset with himself for doing so. She’d caught him off guard. But he wouldn’t have any further conversation with her about it.
They strolled to the porch, and he chose the swing. Frannie sat next to him and Lily. Too close for his liking. Why didn’t she sit in the rocker? He resisted the urge to scoot away or get up and sit in the chair. He wouldn’t move because she might make a smart remark about it in front of the bishop. Her mere presence had his stomach in knots.
“Caleb, with Rachael out of the way, you should reconsider marrying me. I need you, and Stephen wouldn’t be pleased with you leaving Lily and me alone. Don’t you feel bad about letting your bruder and us down?”
“Frannie, I’ve made myself clear, and I’m firm in my decision.”
“I’m hurt you don’t want to marry me and appalled you’re not fulfilling Stephen’s wishes.” She had been manipulative with Stephen. Why was he surprised she would try to manipulate him?
A buggy approached the haus. He stood, holding a sleeping Lily. Who was this stranger? He was glad for the interruption. He was done with this conversation with Frannie.
The average-height man he guessed was a little older than himself tied his reins to the hitching post and approached them. He tipped his hat. “I’m sorry to intrude. My name’s Luke Kilmer. I’m here about the advertisement you posted in the general store for a farmhand. I’m from Winesburg, Ohio. I’m twenty-five and in good health. I have no family, and I previously worked for an Englischer who had a farm. I lived in the outside world for two years, but I’d like to return to the life. The farmer died not long ago. I’ve visited Charm before and liked it. Would you consider hiring me?”
Caleb rocked Lily in the swing. “Have a seat. This is Frannie Yutzy. She’s my late bruder’s fraa, and this is her dochder, Lily. The job is to care for her farm.”
He nodded to Frannie. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am.”
She blushed. “There’s no need for you to be formal. Call me Frannie. Have you cared for a boppli before?”
Caleb gritted his teeth. The man would run out of here any moment with that kind of question. But it was better he’d find out now what he was getting himself into.
“Yes. I adore kinner. The man I worked for, Harold Sanders, had six grosskinner who lived close and visited often. We played hide-and-seek and board games and tossed a ball. I’ll miss them. I’d have no objection to caring for Lily when you need me to.”
“Didn’t his kinner want the place and need you to still manage the property?” Caleb quirked his brows.
“They sold it to a family with older kinner who supplied plenty of help to run the place,” Luke said.
Caleb raised his brows. This was good news. The opposite of what he’d expected the man to say.
Frannie grinned. “How wonderful. Do you cook, clean, and wash and hang clothes to dry?”
“Sure. I used to help out with all those chores when Patricia, Harold’s fraa, needed an extra hand. I had more time in the winter for such tasks.”
Caleb stifled his chuckle. Frannie and Luke couldn’t stop smiling at each other, and they acted as if he wasn’t there. He wouldn’t get his hopes up. The man might quit after one day with his demanding schweschder-in-law.
“Have you been married before? Do you have kinner?” Frannie balanced her elbow on the chair arm and rested her chin in the palm of her hand.
“I was married for six months to Beverly, until she died four years ago. I don’t have kinner.” Luke stared at his finger-laced hands.
“I’m sorry that happened to you.” Fannie gave him a sympathetic smile.
“Danki for your understanding.” He raised his gaze to meet hers.
Caleb stayed quiet and enjoyed the conversation between the two. He was sure Frannie would scare the man off before the interview was over. Maybe not, considering the way Luke seemed smitten with her.
“Caleb, do you have any questions for Luke?” She gestured to the man.
“Do you consider yourself a handyman?” Caleb needed a farmhand who could mend fences and stalls, among other things.
“Yes. There isn’t anything I can’t do when it kummes to managing a farm. I’m good with animals, the garden, and crops.” Luke seemed confident, but he didn’t kumme across as arrogant.
“Do you have any questions?” Caleb rubbed Lily’s back.
“Does room and board kumme with the job?” Luke sucked in his upper lip.
“There’s an empty shed with a hardwood floor and stove you can move into. It came with the haus, but we haven’t used it. It has a bed, a nightstand, a small table and a chair inside it. I had planned on moving into it, but my bruder insisted I live inside the haus, and it was easier for me.” Caleb discussed his wages.
Frannie grinned. “Luke, will you accept the job?”
“Yes. Danki. When may I start?” Luke stood.
Frannie rose. “Now?”
Luke relaxed. “I’d love to. May I stay in the shed you’ve prepared?”
“Of course. I’ll bring you a clean set of sheets and towels soon after we get home. I’ll provide your meals.” Frannie gave him a shy grin.
He smiled and tipped his hat. “How kind of you.”
Caleb blinked a couple of times. He was sure this was a dream. Frannie flirting with Luke? He would be happy if they fell in love if this man turned out to be genuine and a suitable daed for Lily.
Caleb held out his hand. “If you have questions, you know where to find me. I’ll stop over now and then to check in with you. Frannie will inform you when our next Sunday service is, and where.”
Frannie grinned. “Yes. Luke can accompany Lily and me. Caleb, I’ll take Lily, and Luke can follow me home.”
She’d just met the man and she trusted him already. She should be more cautious. Caleb wasn’t sure it was a good idea to be so trusting without taking the time to observe him and his work ethic. Talk was cheap. Results were important.
Luke straightened his hat. “You don’t know me, and you must be wary, leaving me alone with Frannie and Lily. I assure you, they are safe with me.”
So he said. Caleb wanted to believe the man was genuine, and he hoped he was right. “We haven’t had but this single meeting together. I may be Amish and taught to avoid conflict, but if anything should happen to them, I will find you.”
Frannie batted the air. “Don’t be silly, Caleb. We’ll be fine.”
Luke looked him in the eye. “I understand. I’m a God-fearing man who has never had any trouble with the law, nor will I disobey Amish rules. I promise you.”
Caleb believed him. Frannie was comfortable with Luke, so he’d take a chance on the man. “Take good care of them.”
Luke nodded, and Caleb had peace about Luke.
Frannie waited at her buggy with Lily.
Caleb walked halfway to them and stopped.
Luke met her and held Lily while she got in the buggy and passed her back to her.
Lily rubbed her eyes and waved to Luke. “Bye-bye.”
They left, and Caleb prayed Luke would be the perfect match for Frannie, as a farmhand and a husband. He laughed at himself. It hadn’t even been a day since he’d met Luke. These expectations were unrealistic. He would be surprised if the man lasted a week.
Chapter 10
Friday midmorning, Rachael baked a double-layer white cake, frosted it, and squeezed red frosting from her makeshift cone to create red roses on top. This cake would be perfect for a couple celebrating their anniversary. Her eyes pooled with tears. She blinked them away. Caleb and she should be planning their wedding, but she’d been dishonest and ruined any chance of marrying him or celebrating milestones with him. She didn’t deserve him. Her punishment would be loving him at a distance for the rest of her life.
She gasped. “Caleb, how long have you been in the doorway?”
“A minute or two. You look lost in thought. Care to share what’s heavy on your mind? I hope it was me.” He crossed the room and faced her. “I stopped in here yesterday. I understand you went on a trip with your mamm and Joseph. How was it?”
“I met Adelaide, his niece. I’m baffled she’s happy working there, serving food and drinks to strange men. We were all shocked when she said she’d married a man who was unfaithful to her. Their marriage was short, and she kept it from Joseph. Her husband divorced her and left when she told him she was with child. She still wants to maintain her lifestyle. I pray Joseph will get through to her someday and she’ll return with him to Charm.”
“I’ll pray for her. Did you like New Philadelphia?”
“Yes. I wish you’d been there with us. The canal was busy with boats kumming and going, and the whoosh of the train and its whistle were loud. The hustle and bustle of the city, and the shops along the boardwalk were fun to tour, but I wouldn’t want to live there. It’s a little too much activity for me. They have five school buildings, and they manufacture steel and mine coal. Joseph schooled us on the facts about the city. We had a wonderful time.” She shouldn’t have said she wished he’d been there. It hadn’t been appropriate. She was sending him mixed messages. She’d have to be more careful.
“We could travel there together if you’d marry me. We could take a short train or boat ride. Don’t rob us of these experiences.” Caleb took the cone from her and set it on the baking table. He held her hands. “Please, Rachael. I don’t want kinner if it means not having you.”
Rachael closed her eyes tight. “What about Frannie? You may have to marry her to fulfill your promise to Stephen. And she can give you what I can’t.” It pained her to say the words. The picture of them in her mind made her stomach churn.
“Luke Kilmer may be my answer to caring for Frannie and Lily.” He recounted the story of Luke’s visit to his haus, Frannie’s questions to Luke, and ultimately hiring him. “He’s worked with Frannie for less than a day, but, so far, he hasn’t quit. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d lasted but two hours.”
“I’m shocked.” Rachael didn’t take her hands from his. “Tell me more about him.”
“He’s of average build and I’d guess around the same age as us, twenty-five. He has a likable personality, and he seems genuine, sincere, and humble. I can understand why Frannie may find him attractive, with his wide shoulders and muscular arms tight beneath his shirt. He didn’t take his gaze off her for long. I’m confident they had a connection when they met, like us. I’m curious if anything will kumme of it.”
“I’m sure she meant to make you jealous. Does he have family or a fraa?” Rachael had reservations about Luke. How could Frannie and Caleb be comfortable with him staying on her property knowing so little about him?
“Her plan didn’t work if her flirting with Luke was to make me jealous. No. His fraa died, and he doesn’t have kinner. I had my doubts about letting him stay with Frannie and Lily so soon after meeting him, but Frannie was for it. The man was to start work at her place sometime. May as well be now.” Caleb shrugged. “I’ll stop over there this week to make sure all is well.”
“I hope it works out for both of them and you.” She hadn’t wanted Frannie to make him feel guilty for marrying her. He should have a woman who would treat him better than his schweschder-in-law. The thought of any woman being Caleb’s fraa other than herself triggered waves of nausea.
“I need to ask a favor.” He gave her an impish grin.
“What?” She would help him any way she could. She couldn’t tell him no. She loved him too much.
“I have two shirts with small rips in them. Would you fix them for me?”
“Yes. Bring them over tonight and I’ll fix them on the spot.”
“Danki.” He kissed her hand, winked, and bid her farewell.
Two different couples visited the bakery, and they each bought one of the cakes she’d made earlier. She was thrilled they liked the red roses she’d made on each one. She baked pies, breads, and cookies the rest of the afternoon until quitting time and drove home. Half of her baked goods would go to the restaurant at the Inn. She was glad the restaurant owner paid them well for their desserts.
Nathan met her. He helped her out of the buggy. “I hope you don’t mind me calling on you.”
“Not at all. Where are Joy and Thad? I’ve missed them.” She would always cherish her time with them. They’d given her a glimpse of what being a mamm would’ve been like.
He motioned for her to sit under the old willow tree by the pond on a bench there. “Let’s stay outside where we can have a discussion in private. It’s why I didn’t bring the kinner.”
“Is something wrong? You’re making me nervous.” She didn’t understand why Nathan was here.
“I’ll be frank. Frannie stopped by my haus today and told me your courtship has ended with Caleb. Is that the truth? May I ask why?”
She bristled at his question. Caleb must’ve told her why they ended their courtship. Frannie should’ve kept her mouth shut. There was no need to alert the community about where she stood with Caleb. Frannie was clever and knew who the gossips were, and no doubt went straight to them with her story. She might as well tell Nathan why. He had been a good friend, and she should’ve told him when he asked her to marry him. “Yes. I’m barren.” It hurt to say the words. Frannie was despicable for running to tell Nathan.
“I’m sorry, Rachael. I don’t know Frannie, and I wasn’t sure I could trust what she said was true. I’ll get right to the point. You should know I would’ve wanted to have more kinner with you if we’d married, but I’m content with raising Joy and Thad. Now you’re free, please consider my proposal again. I need a fraa and a mamm for my kinner. Given time, we may fall in love.”
She raised her brows. Her stomach rolled with nerves.
“I’m proposing we consider arranged marriage again. This way you can be a mamm.”
She sat silent. Thoughts raced in her mind. Caleb was persistent. He’d never consider another woman as long as she remained alone. The only way he’d be forced to accept their parting was if she wed another man. Nathan offered her what she thought she could never have, and that was kinner. Joy and Thad had filled the void in this dream in her life before. But Caleb would always be the man she loved.
Nathan caressed her cheek. “Please, Rachael. There’s no reason not to marry me. I’ve healed from losing Katherine. I’ll always remember her, but I want to begin life anew with you. After this, if you decline, I’ll leave you alone. I had to try one more time, knowing the change in your circumstances. I feel in my heart it is God’s will for us.”
“I’m in love with Caleb. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop loving him. I can’t accept your proposal under these circumstances. You deserve to fall in love again, Nathan, and have your fraa feel the same.”
He kissed her palm. “Please, Rachael. I’m confident we’ll fall in love over time. I promise we’ll have a good life together.”
She trembled. This was a big decision. Would she regret declining Nathan’s proposal? It was her chance to be a mamm. Most Amish men passed her by since she had a limp, and there were plenty of available and prettier Amish women in their community. She knew in her heart marrying Nathan was wrong. She would rather remain a spinster than agree to an arranged marriage. “Nathan, we should remain friends. Jumping from one man to another wouldn’t be right, and I can’t upset the kinner again. I hope you understand.”
He helped her stand. “You can’t blame me for trying. You would be such a wonderful mamm for Joy and Thad.”
She squeezed his hands. “You’re a good man, Nathan, but I must decline.”
“I should go home. I asked Mrs. Yoder to watch the kinner for me. I told her I wouldn’t be gone long. I’m disappointed, Rachael, but I’m glad we can part friends.”
“Of course. Give Joy and Thad a hug for me.”
“Give your mamm and Joseph my best.”
Rachael bid him farewell and waited until his buggy was out of sight before going inside the haus.
Mamm and Joseph were washing and drying dishes at the kitchen sink.
“I noticed Nathan was out front. Is everything all right with Joy and Thad? We didn’t want to interrupt and thought you’d invite him to kumme in.” Mamm picked up a plate and set it on the table. “We have pot roast and potatoes left over. Here’s a plate for you.” She set the plate on the table and removed the cover. “Why the sad eyes?”
“Danki.” Rachael breathed in the aroma. “This beef looks delicious.” She sighed. “Frannie told Nathan my courtship with Caleb has ended. He proposed again.”
“Rachael, I wouldn’t have given my blessing if you had agreed to marry Nathan. You need time to ponder your future and to pray and ask God what you should do about Caleb.” Mamm placed her hand on Rachael’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry. I agree with you.” She hadn’t lost the knot in her stomach since she let Caleb go.
Joseph kissed her cheek. “Your mamm is giving you good advice. You don’t want to throw away a lifetime with the one you love. You need to reconsider Caleb’s proposal.”
Minutes later, a knock at the door startled her. She opened the door. “Caleb, kumme in.” She was glad he hadn’t kumme at the same time Nathan had been there.
He passed her two shirts and pointed out the rips in both. “Danki for repairing them for me.”
Rachael’s cheeks heated. “I’m glad you asked me.”
His smile faded. “I passed Nathan leaving your lane. It isn’t any of my business, but I have to ask. Did you invite him here and why?”
Her cheeks heated. She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “He was here when I got home from work. He had something he wanted to discuss.” She didn’t want to cause any more animosity between the two men. He didn’t need to know Nathan had proposed again.
