The Widow's Hidden Past, page 11
“Alta?” Jonas softened his expression as he saw Alta struggle with how to answer. “Say ja.”
She locked gazes with him. The air seemed charged until Alta glanced away briefly. “Ja,” she said quietly as she looked at him.
Jonas grinned. “We can eat at Fannie’s for lunch.”
Alta blinked, wariness in her green eyes. “Lovina, do you need me to do anything? Wash? Clean house?”
“Nay,” Lovina said. “I think we’re caught up right now. Esther can do any housework that may need to be done. She cleans houses to earn money now.”
“Gut!” Jonas announced, feeling like a young boy who had been offered ice cream on a hot summer’s day. Sensing that she was nervous, he sat back to leisurely drink his coffee, his gaze on pretty, silent Alta Hershberger, the woman he would like to spend time with and get to know.
Chapter Eleven
Snow glistened along the roadside. The plowed paved streets were clear, the sun already warm enough to melt the rest of the ice and snow mixture. Alta sat on the bench seat next to Jonas, thoughts whirling through her head. Why did he come to visit? Does he need my help with something? Or is it because he wants to see me? What will I do if he likes me as more than a friend?
She worried about how Jonas saw her. Alta liked him more than a lot, but she doubted there could ever be a long-term relationship between them. Because if he learned the truth, she was afraid that he’d want nothing to do with her. And she couldn’t bear to endure his rejection. If her daughters believed the worst of her, why should Jonas be any different?
“I thought we’d make a stop at Kings General Store first,” Jonas said, interrupting her chaotic musings. “Fannie needs a few groceries for her eatery.” His quick grin toward her made her catch her breath. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind assisting me.”
Relieved, Alta smiled. She was here because he needed her help, not because he was interested in her. Her relief turned to disappointment that Jonas didn’t simply want to spend time with her. “Not at all. I’ll be happy to shop with you. Do you have a list?”
“Ja, Fannie was most specific. She usually does the shopping herself, but with the fundraiser and then the snow...”
Jonas came to the end of the road that her sister lived on, then made a left toward Kings General Store. In the three weeks that she’d been in New Berne, Alta had yet to shop there. She was eager to see inside. Was it as good as the one in Happiness? Not that she could afford much shopping with the money she’d brought with her.
It didn’t take long to get there, and Alta was glad that the lot beside the store had been plowed, the sun quickly melting what was left of the snow. There were already other buggies parked there.
“If you wait a moment, I’ll come around to help you get out,” Jonas said, ever the thoughtful, kind man. Something shifted in her chest. She knew she liked him, but there were times like now when she wished she was free to have more than friendship. Wanting was one thing, she thought, but having was another.
Soon, Alta and Jonas entered the building. There was a counter with a cash register up front, to the right of the door. Straight ahead were shelves of every kind of food and other household merchandise, the like of what she’d never seen before. Kings had a section for medicinal items such as menthol cream used for sore muscles and joints, although her people often made use of vinegar water first. There were boxes of Goody’s headache powder and small bottles of ibuprofen.
“Morning, Jed,” Jonas greeted the man behind the register. “Snow affecting business?”
Jed smiled. “Gut to see you, Jonas. At first, the store was slow, but it’s picked up some with the roads clear again.” His gaze went to Alta. “Who do we have here?” He blinked. “Wait, you’re Alta Hershberger, Lovina’s sister, ja?”
Alta nodded. “I am. Sorry I haven’t been in sooner.”
“You’re here now,” Jed pointed out.
“Fannie gave Jonas a shopping list,” she explained pleasantly. “I’m here to help him shop for her.” She sensed Jonas’s frown before she met his gaze.
“Alta...”
“May I have the list?” she asked, wondering what he was going to say but afraid at the same time to find out he didn’t want to shop as much as he wanted her company. She liked Jonas a lot but it was better that they remained friends and nothing more.
Jonas took a folded piece of paper from under his woolen hat then handed it to her. He waited patiently for her to look over it.
There were five things on the list. Nothing that would take up much of anyone’s time to find, and Alta knew for a fact that Jonas had shopped alone for groceries the day she’d met him. Puzzled, she eyed him with raised eyebrows before she started to look for the five simple items that Fannie needed.
Jonas fell into step with her. Fannie needed flour, so Alta saw the sign and went down the baking aisle. “What kind should we get?” he asked. “Is one brand any better than the other?”
Alta shook her head. “The list has flour on it, but not how much. Did she tell you what she wanted?”
“Nay. Maybe if we buy her three five-pound bags?”
She grinned. “That sounds like a fine idea. She can open them up as she needs them. You can always buy more for her later.”
He looked relieved. “Now what?” he asked since she held the list.
“Sugar.”
After placing the same amount of sugar as flour in a cart, Jonas and she found the other things on the list. Soon, they stood near the register as Jed rang up their purchase.
The bells on the front entrance door jingled. Alta turned and froze, recognizing the man who entered the store. She started to tremble, wanting to escape before he saw her.
“Are you ready to go?” Jonas asked.
She nodded and hurried out of the store, waiting near the buggy as Jonas carried the groceries out to the vehicle and set them on the back seat. Alta hugged herself and began to shake uncontrollably.
He faced her. “What’s wrong?” Jonas asked with concern.
“I’m fine.” She managed to smile at him although she wanted nothing more than to leave and get home.
“You’re not fine. You’re shaking like a leaf.” He stepped closer and placed his hand on her shoulder.
Alta jerked, her gaze flying to the door, afraid that Abner would see her before she had a chance to get away. “Can we leave?”
Jonas frowned. “Ja. Alta—”
“I’m okey, Jonas.” She moved to get in. Jonas captured her by the waist and lifted her, setting her carefully on the bench seat, startling her. He remained standing by her door as she got comfortable. When she looked up, she saw his concern for her. “Are you oll recht?” she asked softly.
He didn’t answer. His eyes continued to hold hers. “That should be my question for you.” He didn’t move away. “What happened? You look like you saw something or someone who upset you.”
“Jonas—” She sighed. “I’m just ready to leave.”
Without demanding an answer to his question, he climbed into the driver’s side. Her relief was so great that she managed a genuine smile for him.
He beamed at her, warmth, good humor and relief softening his features. He made her feel safe when moments before she’d been terrified. Jonas looked so handsome in his black coat and dark pants. A glimpse of his royal blue shirt could be seen where the top of his coat was unbuttoned. She had the strongest urge to touch his beard to see if it was as soft as it appeared. Brown interlaced with a couple of barely noticeable strands of gray hair. Alta only noticed them because she had spent time observing Jonas from up close.
“Danki for your help,” he said, sounding cautious, as if the memory of her fear still bothered him. “I could have shopped alone, but it’s much more enjoyable when you’re with me.”
Alta felt warmed by his admission. “So, you didn’t stop by just to ask for my help shopping?” she dared. She saw the smile in his eyes and the softness in his expression which made her wish desperately that she could be permanently in his life.
Jonas chuckled. “Nay. I intended to take you for a meal at Fannie’s, but since we’d be going that way and I had Fannie’s list, I thought it would only make sense to buy what she needs.” He turned in his seat to face her. “I hope you are oll recht with that.”
“I don’t know,” she began, trying to sound serious while hiding her amusement. “Depends on what’s on the menu at Fannie’s today.” Alta grinned at him, and he laughed loudly.
“I guess we’ll find out,” he replied, his warm brown eyes dancing in merriment.
As Jonas steered the horse-drawn buggy onto the lot next to Fannie’s restaurant, Alta had the sudden fear that the man they’d left behind at Kings General Store might stop for a meal. She had no idea what she’d do if she saw him again. Please, Lord, keep Abner away from me. Did Abner Renno live in New Berne? She hadn’t seen him for years before today. Was he a member of her sister’s church community? If he was, Alta knew it was time to think about going home, because she refused to be intimidated and terrorized by the man again.
* * *
Jonas found himself smiling as he drove the distance from Kings General Store toward his daughter’s luncheonette. He loved seeing Alta grin and hearing her tease him. She was a beautiful soul, bright and caring, always ready to step in to help. But then she had changed in an instant. What happened outside the store? Alta had been more than a little afraid. Would she tell him why she’d been shaking?
He longed to see the return of her pleasant, unworried self. Until a few moments ago, she’d seemed less tense, lighter. Jonas decided he would ask her directly when he found the right time.
He didn’t want to scare her off. Jonas was glad she’d come into his life. With the church elders pressing him to marry, he couldn’t help but see Alta in his house, as his wife. He had the feeling she wouldn’t welcome the idea. At least, not yet. He needed to spend time with her to convince her to trust him, to make her see that she and he were a good fit.
The street had been plowed, but there was still slushy snow along the shoulder. When a car came from behind, just missing them, the horse bolted and the buggy swerved, threatening to go off the road. Alta cried out, but Jonas managed to get control of the horse and carriage.
Alarmed and worried about Alta, Jonas drove until he reached the parking lot of a small strip shopping center and parked. He turned to the woman beside him. “Are you oll recht? You’re not hurt?”
“I’m okey,” she said, but she was trembling. Her green eyes filled with fear. The look on her face was different than what he’d seen outside the general store.
“We’re fine,” he said as he gently rubbed his hand over her shoulder.
“I...” She burst into tears, and he didn’t care if it was proper or not, he pulled her into his arms. Jonas couldn’t stand to see her cry and wanted only to comfort her.
She cried for a time, then as if realizing the situation, she gasped and pulled away. Her eyes were red but her cheeks were redder. “I’m sorry.”
Jonas studied her with concern. “For what?”
Alta inhaled sharply. “For acting the way I did.”
“Alta,” he murmured, “you had every right to be afraid. That fool driver nearly hit us, but we’re fine, so let’s concentrate on that, ja?”
He softened his expression as he held her gaze. “Fannie’s is up ahead,” he said. “Let’s head there and have some coffee or tea and a bite to eat.”
Jonas fought the urge to touch her cheek. Her skin looked silky and smooth, but she was no teenager. He wondered how old she was and would make it a point to ask her sister when he had the chance. “Alta?”
“Okey,” she said, her voice unsteady.
Jonas gave her a nod and a smile. He drove his buggy out of the parking lot and continued down the road. His daughter’s restaurant wasn’t far. After feeling Alta’s tension, he was happy to see her relax as they reached Fannie’s and he parked in the back.
When he and Alta entered the luncheonette, there were three tables of customers close to the front window, leaving only one unoccupied there. He caught Alta searching the room, looking nervous, but she soon relaxed and waited with him for his daughter.
“Dat! I’ll be right with you,” Fannie called while she waited on a table.
Nodding, Jonas put the grocery items he’d purchased for her back in the kitchen. When he came out, he saw Fannie talking with Alta, who sat at a table, her coat draped over the back of her chair, in the rear section of the room and away from the window where they’d sat during their last visit. That day something outside had upset Alta and she’d been anxious to leave. Just like at Kings, he realized. Only she’d seemed more terrified when she’d wanted to leave the store.
Jonas approached Alta’s table, hung his coat over his chair back and took the seat across from her.
Jonas studied her expressive features, the worry in her big green eyes as she looked about the room. “Do you mind if we just have some coffee and come back later for lunch?” he said gently as he pulled off his hat and set it toward the edge of the table closest to the wall. “I’d like to show you something.”
Alta locked gazes with him. “Okey.”
He ordered two coffees, which Fannie brought quickly. Jonas sipped from his mug then smiled at Alta. “Are you oll recht now?” he asked.
She lowered her eyes and stared at her lap. “Ja, I’m fine.”
“I’ll describe the car to the New Berne police department.”
Eyes widening, Alta inhaled sharply. “You remember things about the car? It happened so fast—I never gave the vehicle a moment’s thought.”
“I tend to remember things,” Jonas admitted, watching the play of emotion on Alta’s face. “Sometimes I don’t like that I can, but in times like this, I’m grateful.”
“You remember things...” She cradled her coffee mug. “Like what else?”
“After I’ve read a passage from the Bible once, I can recite it exactly as it’s written.” Jonas drank from his coffee.
“You have a long memory?” she pushed.
He shrugged. “Some might say so.” Jonas frowned. “It’s hard when it comes to losing a loved one. I must fight to keep certain things out of my mind.”
Alta appeared alarmed. “Certain things?”
“Like the day I lost my...”
“Wife,” she finished. “I can still remember the day I lost John. I wasn’t with him when the car rear-ended him during a snowstorm.”
Fannie came to their table. “A little something to hold you over until you come back.” She set down plates with a donut on each one. “I made them myself this morning.”
With a nod of thanks, Jonas eyed his daughter with affection. He grinned at Alta. “She makes wunderbor donuts. Enjoy one.”
Jonas paid the bill when they were finished with their coffee and snacks. “Are you ready to go?” He stood and picked up his hat from another chair at their table.
Alta inclined her head and followed him quietly through the back entrance. “Where are we going?” she asked once they were outside.
“I need to check on one of my cows. While there, I thought I’d show you my dairy operation if you’re interested. It’s nothing exciting, mind you, but I hope you’ll want to come along.” He watched her reaction and was pleased when her lips curved upward.
“My dat used to run a dairy farm,” Alta told him. “He worked for the owner and oversaw milking and ensuring that the animals had feed during the harsh winter months and were let out into the pasture to graze when the weather cooperated.”
After helping her into his vehicle, Jonas got in and drove out of the lot toward home. He was pleased to see the melting snow had disappeared, leaving wet roads and driveways. Alta relaxed beside him, the incident with the passing car put behind her. Within minutes, he had pulled onto his property and parked his buggy close to the barn. Before he got out, he turned to her. “If you’d prefer to stay here, that’s oll recht,” he said, not wanting to push her to go inside.
“I’d like to see it.” Alta beamed at him. “I’m sure yours is a vast improvement over my dat’s.”
Within minutes, Jonas had opened the barn door and reached for Alta’s hand to lead her inside. He looked down the row of milk cows, pleased with how well his business was doing because of his hard work during his early tough years of being a dairy farmer.
“You have automatic milking machines!” Alta exclaimed.
Jonas led her down the long line of livestock. “Ja. Amish dairy farmers have been allowed to use them since 1992. I use a generator to run them. We also use bucket milkers and have refrigerated milk tanks. I imagine that your vadder and your family had to do all the milking by hand.” He saw her nod and loved how her green eyes brightened as she took in his operations. “I still get up at five to milk and feed them, especially when the weather is poor. Fortunately, it looks like the snow will be gone by the end of the day, then I can release my livestock into my pasture. It’s best for our cows, as I’m sure you’re aware. The cows get exercise and can graze to their hearts’ content.”
“Ja. Seeing this,” Alta said as she continued with him down the line of cows, “brings back a lot of memories.”
“I can imagine.” He moved to the one animal, who concerned him, which he kept near the far end of the building. “I’ve been keeping my eye on this one. Her name is Mable. I noticed she had been eating less than usual, and she wouldn’t eat this morning.”
“Milk fever?” Alta bent to examine Mable more closely.
“I hope not. I make sure she is kept dry. I still clean the stalls by hand, although I hear there is an automatic stall clearing system that some communities use.” He grinned at her astonished expression.
