The Peacemaker, page 17
Taking a shopping buggy, she started down the first aisle. She’d only gone a short way when an Amish man walking in front of her reached for a box of cereal and dropped his cane in the process.
She left her shopping cart where it was, rushed over to the man, and bent down to pick up the cane. At the same time, the man reached for the apparatus, and they nearly bumped heads.
“Well, for goodness’ sake!” He offered her a wide grin. “When I left my son’s home this morning, I never expected to run into a kind, helpful lady today.” With a smirk on his lips, he accepted the cane. “Danki—it’s Sarah Peight, right?”
She drew in a sharp intake of breath, unable to break eye contact with him. “Jah, that’s right, and as I recall, your name is Josiah Weaver.”
He tipped his straw hat just a bit and nodded. “How have you been?”
“I’m fine. And you?”
“Can’t complain.”
The man’s irises appeared even more aqua than Sarah remembered. She cleared her throat and dropped her gaze. “How’s your katz? She hasn’t made another escape, I hope.”
“No, but that’s because I’ve been keeping her in my son’s house.”
Not wanting to appear disinterested, Sarah forced herself to look at Josiah again. What was there about this charming man that made her face feel so warm? It wasn’t exceptionally hot outside or too warm in the store.
Maybe I’m still going through my change of life, Sarah thought. Jah, that’s probably it all right. I’m just having an unexpected hot flash. She touched her cheeks, which had grown warmer by the minute. It is strange, though, because I haven’t had one of those in a good long while. Why now, all of a sudden? Unless … do I find Josiah, a man I barely know, appealing?
“Well, I—uh—should get busy and do my shopping,” Sarah stammered as her musings scattered. “It was nice seeing you again, Josiah.”
“Likewise, Miss Sarah.”
She’d begun pushing her shopping cart down the aisle, when he called out to her. “Wait up a minute, okay?”
She halted, wondering what he wanted and why her heart felt like it had lurched toward him.
Josiah put the cane inside his cart and rolled it up next to hers. “I’m feeling kind of hungerich right now and figured I ought to get some lunch when I finish shopping. Would you have time to join me?”
Goose bumps erupted and slid along the back of Sarah’s neck, causing her to shiver. First I was hot, and now I’m cold. Maybe it’s not a hot flash after all. It can’t be because I like him, can it? Maybe I’m coming down with something. Although Sarah barely knew the man, she had to admit that she was fascinated with him.
“Sarah, did you hear the question I asked?”
She rubbed her arms while nodding.
“So how about it? Are you free to eat lunch with me?”
An unexpected “yes” came out of Sarah’s mouth before she had time to even think about it.
“Very well,” Josiah replied, cracking another broad smile. “When we finish our shopping, we can meet by the front door. Then we’ll put your groceries into my buggy, which is behind my horse at the hitching rail. From there, we’ll head down the street to Taste of the Valley Restaurant for some food and a chance to get to know each other better.”
Sarah’s thoughts spun faster than a windmill on a blustery day. She would have to let her driver, who was no doubt waiting for her in the parking lot, know what her plans were.
And perhaps I should invite Mary to join us for lunch, Sarah thought. She’s probably feeling hungry about now and would like to eat too.
Closing her eyes, Ada sat in the front seat of her driver’s van and attempted to steady her breath. She’d had an uneasy feeling ever since meeting Ephraim’s grandmother at the fabric shop. Ada still couldn’t believe that his grandma had asked her to try and convince Ephraim to remain in Mifflin County once she returned to her own home.
Why would she think I could influence Ephraim to do anything? I have no reason whatsoever to believe that he would listen to me. Ada clenched her fingers into the palms of her hands. If I were Ephraim’s girlfriend, maybe I could encourage him to stay, and he might listen. Then again, if Ephraim truly felt that his grandmother needed him, he’d probably set his feelings for me aside and go live with her in Bird-in-Hand anyway. After all, Sarah Peight is part of his family, and I’m no relation to him at all.
Ada opened her eyes and focused on the road ahead as they drew closer to her parents’ home. I did promise Sarah I would speak to Ephraim if he decides to go with her when she’s ready to go home. Ada had always been a person to keep her word, and she wouldn’t go back on it this time.
Taste of the Valley was busier than usual today, and Sarah stood in line with Josiah, waiting to order. Soon after they’d entered the building, he’d managed to drop his cane once more, and she worried that it might happen again.
“Why don’t you take a seat at one of the tables, and let me put in both of our orders?” Sarah suggested.
“No way,” Josiah replied with a firm set of his jaw. “I invited you to lunch, and I’m going to pay for both of our meals, which I can’t do if I sit at a table while you place the orders.”
Stubborn man. Sarah held back a chuckle. He reminds me of my dear Henry in some ways. At least his determined attitude. Of course, I don’t know Josiah well enough to really compare the two men.
“I’ll tell you what,” Sarah said. “If you’ll be seated while I place the orders, I’ll pay for our meals, and then you can refund my money. Would that be agreeable to you?” Sarah hoped she didn’t sound pushy. After being married for a good many years, if there was one thing she’d learned, it was that men—at least her man—did not appreciate a persistent or argumentative woman.
“Very well then,” he conceded. “I’ll do it your way.”
“What would you like?”
“I’ll have the Saddler’s Run turkey sandwich on wheat bread and a strawberry-banana smoothie.”
“That sounds good. Think I’ll have the same.”
He grinned. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Using his cane for support, he made his way over to a table near the window.
Sarah remained in line, not wanting to lose her place. While waiting, she thought about her driver and how Mary had declined the offer to join them for lunch, stating that she had a few errands to run and would come to the restaurant in an hour to pick Sarah up. Before Sarah had a chance to respond, Josiah had spoken up, saying that he didn’t live far from Sarah’s son’s place and he would see that she got home.
Sarah had to admit she did feel a bit nervous about letting Josiah escort her to Lewis’ place. She barely knew the man, but it would be a chance for them to get better acquainted.
A short time later, Sarah sat across from Josiah with their food. They’d prayed and begun eating.
Between bites of her delicious sandwich stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced turkey, Sarah studied Josiah, trying not to make it obvious. His face and arms were nicely tanned from the sun. There was no doubt that he spent a good deal of time outdoors. Doing what, she didn’t know. In fact, Sarah knew very little about Josiah, other than the fact that he was a widower, lived down the road from her son’s place, and owned a black cat with white paws named Mittens. Sarah was also curious about the cane Josiah used, and she wondered what kind of disability he had. Did he have knee problems? A bad back? Or perhaps he’d suffered an injury in the past that had left him in need of extra support when he walked. She wanted to ask but thought it might be too personal, and the last thing Sarah wanted was to say something Josiah might take offense to.
I wonder if he likes to fish. Sarah nibbled on the other half of her sandwich as she continued to observe him. Better yet, what did he do for a living before he came to live with his son?
“What are your plans for the future?” he asked, pushing Sarah’s thoughts aside.
She picked up her strawberry-banana smoothie and took a drink before answering his question. “I try not to look down life’s road too far,” she responded after setting her glass down. “For now, and until my son is fully recuperated, the only plan I have is to take care of him and make sure he follows the doctor’s orders and doesn’t do anything foolish, like return to work too soon.”
“What type of work does your son do?” Josiah leaned slightly forward, resting both arms on the table.
“He owns the harness shop in Allensville.”
“I assume he’s not working there right now?”
“No, my grandson Ephraim has taken over his daed’s duties.”
“Do you plan to remain here in Mifflin County?”
Sarah flinched. “For now, but when I’m sure that my son’s health has returned, I’ll go back to my home in Bird-in-Hand,” she replied.
“That’s too bad. I was hoping we might have a chance to get to know each other better.”
Picking up her glass again, Sarah was at a loss for words. Could this man possibly be interested in me? Oh, surely not. I barely know Josiah, and he knows very little about me. Besides, she reminded herself, I’m still in love with my husband, and there’s no room in my heart for another man.
“How is your son doing since his heart attack?” Josiah questioned, interrupting Sarah’s contemplations.
“He’s getting along okay,” she blurted. “But Lewis is growing restless. It’s not in his nature to sit around or be unable to do all the things he loves and has become accustomed to doing.”
Josiah scowled at his cane propped against the table. “I understand that completely. Before my accident, I used to do a lot of hiking and hunting. Now, I can’t get around without the aid of my cane, and hiking is definitely out.”
“What kind of accident were you involved in?” Since he’d brought up the topic, Sarah figured he might not mind if she asked.
“My fraa, Rebekah, and I were heading home from church one afternoon, and a truck hit us from behind. The driver said the glare of the sun was in his eyes, and he didn’t see our horse and buggy.” Josiah paused and stared out the window for a few moments before continuing. “I woke up in the hospital with a leg that had been badly crushed, but my dear wife lost her life.”
Sarah felt an increasing tightness in her throat. “Oh, Josiah, I am so sorry. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you.”
“Jah.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I still have unsettling dreams about the accident. It should have been me who died, not sweet Rebekah.”
“You shouldn’t say that,” she consoled. “I’ll admit, I have felt the same way concerning my Henry’s passing, but it wasn’t my time to die. It was difficult to accept at first, but I’ve come to believe that God has kept me here on this earth for a purpose.”
“Guess we both need to look to the future and make the best of the time we have here on earth.” Josiah used a napkin to blot the sweat that had beaded up on his forehead. “I refuse to give in to my sorrowful circumstances, which I cannot change. I can only learn and move forward.”
Sarah had to admit that he was right about that. The thing that puzzled her, though, was in what direction did God want her to go? Sometimes it was not easy to tell, and Sarah could only pray that He would give her the ability to sense where she was being guided.
CHAPTER 19
Allensville
WHILE SHE AND JOSIAH TRAVELED down the country road in his open buggy toward her son’s home, Sarah was impressed with the way he handled his horse. Even when a good-sized delivery truck whizzed past on the right, going much too fast in Sarah’s opinion, the horse held steady with no signs of spooking at all.
She glanced over at Josiah, pleased that ever since they’d left Belleville, he’d kept his focus on the road. Sarah wondered if the serious expression on his bearded face had to do with the accident that had taken his wife’s life. No doubt he’d been extra cautious while driving a horse and carriage ever since that tragic day.
As they continued their jaunt down the road, Sarah chose to remain quiet so as not to distract Josiah.
“My son’s place is coming up on the right,” she said as they approached the driveway leading to Lewis and Dorothy’s home.
“Jah, I recognize it from the day I was out looking for my katz.” Josiah guided the horse and buggy onto the driveway and stopped at the hitching rail, not far from the house. “I’ll come around and help you down.” His words were spoken kindly as he looked over at her with a pleasant smile.
Sarah was on the verge of saying that she didn’t want to trouble him and could manage on her own, but she changed her mind when he handed her the reins and climbed out of the buggy. She waited until his horse had been secured before letting go of the reins.
Using his cane, Josiah went around to the left of the buggy and offered her assistance. She felt the warmth of his calloused hand as it clutched hers. No man had held Sarah’s hand since Henry died, and to her surprise, it was quite comforting.
“I’ll get your groceries from the cooler in the back of my buggy and help you take them inside,” he said once both of Sarah’s feet were firmly set on the ground.
“Oh, there’s no need for that. I’ll ask my daughter-in-law to help me haul everything into the house. Besides, there are only a few sacks.”
“I don’t mind, really,” he assured. “Your canvas shopping bags have long straps, so I can easily carry one in my left hand. Then I’ll put another sack over my left shoulder and still be able to walk with my cane.”
Sarah heard the determination in Josiah’s voice and didn’t think he would change his mind. Is there no end to this man’s good manners? she wondered. Even with his disability, he seems eager to lend a hand.
She considered turning down his offer, but it might hurt his feelings if she didn’t accept the help.
“Very well,” she said, following him around to the back of his buggy. “But I can put my purse straps over my shoulder and carry two bags with my hands, and then the only thing you’ll have to carry is my sack full of sewing purchases, which isn’t heavy at all.”
Josiah put one hand on his hip and peered at her through squinted eyes. “Do you think I’m too weak to carry the heavier sacks?”
Sarah winced. Open mouth, insert foot. I should not have said what I did. I’m sure I hurt his feelings.
“I’m sorry for saying that,” she apologized. “I don’t think you’re weak. You’ve been so kind, and I’ve taken up enough of your time today. I’m sure you must be eager to be on your way.”
“Not at all,” he said with a firm shake of his head. “No doubt my son is still at work, and his wife had a chiropractor’s appointment this afternoon, so there’s no hurry in me getting back to their house.”
Sarah was at a loss for words, which didn’t happen very often. All she could manage was a brief shrug.
Josiah must have taken that as her way of agreeing to his offer, for he opened the cooler, pulled out one of her grocery bags, and slung the straps over his shoulder. Next, Josiah grabbed the other sack and set it down while he closed the lid on the cooler. Without waiting, he picked it up, and using his cane for support, he started for the house.
Holding her purse in one hand and the sack full of sewing supplies in the other, Sarah followed. She’d never met such a determined man in his older years. Well, at least not since Henry had passed.
When they stepped onto the front porch, she told Josiah that he could set the bags on the bench near the front door and that she would take them into the house.
His shoulders drooped like a wilting flower. “I’d be happy to carry them inside for you, Sarah. It would give me an opportunity to meet your family.”
“Actually, I forgot about it until this minute, but no one is here,” she was quick to say. “Lewis had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon, and his wife planned to go along.”
Josiah hesitated a moment, but he finally set the packages on the bench. “Maybe some other time?”
Sarah smiled. “Yes, that would be nice. I’m sure they would enjoy meeting you as well.”
“All right then. Perhaps I’ll come by some evening after supper. Would that be okay with you?”
Sarah bobbed her head. What else could she do? It would be rude and hurtful to tell Josiah that she would prefer he not meet her family. They might get the idea that he was interested in her. Or worse yet, that she was interested in him.
Sarah said goodbye and thanked Josiah for lunch and the ride home. Then she put the straps from one sack over her shoulder, picked up the other bag, and went inside.
“Whew!” She gulped in some air and blew it out gradually. “This day sure turned out different than I ever expected.”
Belleville
Susan had finished washing the front windows in her father’s Meat and Cheese Store and was about to put the cleaning products away when she spotted Ben pulling up to the hitching rail out front with his horse and buggy. Her pulse quickened. I hope he’s coming here to see me and not to buy cheese or meat. She was glad her thoughts could not be heard, because neither Dad nor Norman would be pleased to know that Susan cared more about seeing her boyfriend than making a sale.
Susan stood near the front counter, breathless, as she watched the main entrance. When the door scraped against the entryway rug as it opened, Ben sauntered into the building, hands in his trouser pockets.
“Good afternoon, Ben,” she greeted. “Did you get off work a little early today?”
“Jah, I sure did.” He moved over to stand beside her, bent down, and whispered, “I came here just to see you.”
A pleasant rush of heat spread across Susan’s cheeks. Being with Ben made her feel giddy, and she loved it when he said nice things to her. “So you’re not here to buy any meat or cheese?” Like a deer mouse, the question resounded in a squeak.
