The Hope Jar Page 20

  Michelle sucked in her bottom lip. If they knew what I did, they’d probably turn their backs on me, and any trust they once had would evaporate like ice on a hot summer day.

  Michelle took one last look at the baby pigs and went back across the barn. If she had time to look at some of the notes in the prayer jar again, it might help her decide what to do. But Mary Ruth was waiting for her, so it would be better to get the jar down some other day when no one else was around. Right now, Michelle had no choice but to keep up her charade.

  Brad and Willis pulled into the drive at the same moment as Sara stepped out of the house to shake a tablecloth. Before Brad even got out of the truck, the wonderful aroma of fresh bread wafted from the home’s open windows.

  “Smells like the women have been doin’ some baking in there.” Willis grinned. “I know what I’ll be having for lunch today.”

  Brad smiled. “I’m heading to the barn to start on the chores you asked me to do.”

  “I’ll be out to help just as soon as I tell Mary Ruth I’m home and see if I can snitch a piece of bread. Ya want one too?”

  “Sure, if she can spare it I’d enjoy a piece.” Brad watched as Willis headed for the house just as Sara stepped back inside. Brad was disappointed that she hadn’t waved, but apparently Sara hadn’t seen him. Hopefully he could catch her sometime later.

  When Willis and Mary Ruth went to the living room to chat, Michelle began washing up the utensils and bread pans. Earlier, she and Mary Ruth had put on a pot of chicken-corn soup that still simmered. They’d also made two pies, several batches of cookies, and four loaves of bread.

  Michelle was tired and wondered where Mary Ruth got her stamina to do all this baking in one morning. The kitchen felt stifling, with no air coming through the windows on this muggy day.

  She paused from her chores to wipe the sweat on her brow as she looked out the window. The tree branches were still, suggesting there wasn’t a hint of air moving out there. As Michelle washed the next bread pan, she spotted Brad working in the corral on a fence board that had come loose.

  Her hands remained in the soapy water, but she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He had removed his shirt as he worked out under the blazing sun. Even from here, Michelle could see the sweat gleaming on his back. I’ll bet he could use a break and something cold to drink.

  Michelle dried her hands and took a tall mug from the cupboard, then filled it with iced tea. When she walked by the table, she grabbed a few cookies and wrapped them in a napkin, which she put in her apron pocket. She also draped a hand towel over her arm, in case Brad wanted to wash up, and then headed out the door.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but I brought you something,” Michelle called as she approached the corral.

  “No problem, I was done with this project anyway and am ready to move on to the next one Willis wants done.” He stopped his work and leaned against the fence post. “Is it a piece of bread? Willis said he might bring me one.”

  She shook her head and held out the cookies and mug of cold tea. “Willis—I mean Grandpa—popped into the kitchen for a minute, but then he and Grandma went to the living room to talk. Guess he must have forgotten about the bread.”

  Brad gave her a dimpled grin. “Well, I’m grateful for the break and appreciate the cookies and cold drink. This tea sure looks inviting.” Brad gulped down the icy cold drink.

  Michelle watched his Adams apple move each time he took a swallow. When some of the tea dribbled down his chin and over his throat, she resisted the temptation to wipe it off for him.

  Brad emptied the glass and used the back of his hand to wipe the moisture from his mouth. He drank the rest of the tea so quickly, Michelle wished she’d brought two mugs instead of one.

  “I brought you a towel so you can clean up when you’re finished with the fence.”

  “Thanks. That was thoughtful of you. I’ll wash my face and hands before I eat the cookies.” Brad took the towel, went over to the hose, and turned it on.

  Michelle watched as he rinsed off. She couldn’t help noticing the water trickle down his broad shoulders and corded stomach muscles just below his chest. For a fleeting moment, she wondered how it would feel to have his strong arms holding her close.

  She looked away, the heat of embarrassment flooding her face. I hope he didn’t notice me staring at him. The hard work Brad had been doing this summer had obviously given him this healthy physique.

  “Would you like some more ice tea?” Michelle asked, hoping her voice didn’t sound as shaky as she felt at the moment. “I can go in and bring out more.”

  “Maybe, before I start work on the next project, but let’s sit and visit a few minutes first.”

  Michelle took a seat at the picnic table while Brad grabbed his T-shirt from the fence post where he’d hung it earlier and pulled it on down over his head.

  “Okay.” Michelle sat quietly as Brad seated himself across from her and then she handed him the napkin and cookies.

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Brad had the prettiest blue eyes, and today they looked even bluer because his face had a healthy tan. For the moment, Michelle was at a loss for words.

  “What’s wrong? Do I have cookie crumbs on my face?”

  “Uh, no. I just can’t think of anything to say right now.” All thoughts of asking Brad more about the Bible vanished, like a thief in the night. There was no question about it—Brad was different than any man she’d ever known. And it wasn’t only his good looks.

  Brad was surprised at how quiet Sara had become. All the times he’d been with her before, she’d been quite talkative. “Maybe I will have some more iced tea,” he said to break the silence.

  “Sure, no problem.” Sara got up and made a dash for the house, leaving Brad’s empty mug on the picnic table. He watched her ponytail bounce as she approached the back porch.

  Brad had a hard time understanding Sara sometimes. One minute she seemed happy and chatty, and the next minute her mood turned sullen. He wondered if he’d said something to offend her; although he couldn’t think of what it could be.

  When she didn’t return right away, Brad went to the toolshed to get out what he needed to repair the corral gate, which was close to falling off. Poor Willis couldn’t keep up with all the work around this place. It was a shame some of his family didn’t live here on the farm with him and Mary Ruth. An elderly couple shouldn’t be by themselves with so many responsibilities. But then, maybe they enjoy the challenge of taking care of their home and property, he told himself. That’s what probably keeps them going.

  Brad’s concern for others was almost his downfall. He often worked too hard and didn’t spend enough time having fun, but he’d always been the compassionate sort—often putting other’s needs ahead of his own.

  He’d just gotten into position to begin working on the gate when Sara returned with another mug full of tea. “Sorry for taking so long.” She pushed a wayward piece of hair back in place. “I was helping Mary Ruth get lunch on the table, and they wanted me to extend an invitation for you to join them.”

  “That sounds good. Guess Willis doesn’t plan on helping me do any work till after he eats.” Brad rubbed the back of his neck where a mosquito had bit. Or is the elderly man getting forgetful?

  Sara flapped both hands in front of her face. “Whew! I believe the humidity has become even thicker. What I wouldn’t give to be in an air-conditioned room right now.”

  “I know what you mean. Say, before we go inside to eat, I’d like to ask you something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If you’re not busy Friday night, would you like to go out with me for an ice-cream cone or some other sweet treat?”

  “Sure, I’d love to.” Michelle gathered up the empty mug and headed back toward the house. Halfway there, she turned and called, “Are you coming, Brad?”

  “Yep. I’m right behind you.” He might not get the chance to see Sara too many more times be
fore he left for seminary in a few weeks, so he was glad she’d accepted his invitation to go out Friday night. He thumped his forehead. What am I doing? I need to stop thinking about that young woman all the time. Even though I enjoy being with Sara, she may not be the right girl for me.

  Chapter 27

  Friday afternoon, as Mary Ruth took clothes off the line, she reflected on the enjoyable time she and Willis had with Sara last evening. It had been another warm day, so they’d eaten supper outside on the picnic table. Willis cooked steaks on the barbecue grill, and Mary Ruth served potato salad, dilled green beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. For dessert, they’d enjoyed refreshing raspberry sherbet.

  After the meal, the three of them had sat on the porch and visited as they waited for the fireflies to make an appearance. The only downside was that Sara seemed quieter than usual. They’d be talking about something, and then Sara would stare off into space, as though her thoughts were someplace else. Mary Ruth wondered if their granddaughter might have grown tired of them by now and felt ready to return to her home. She debated about bringing up the topic, but decided it might be best to wait and see if Sara brought it up herself.

  Bringing her thoughts back in line, Mary Ruth looked to her right, watching as Sara stood on the porch, shaking the braided throw rugs that went inside the front and back doors. She was a hard worker and never complained when asked to do a task. With the exception of not wanting to gather eggs since she’d seen the snake, Sara seemed to have adapted well to farm life.

  Mary Ruth removed a kitchen towel from the line and dropped it into the wicker basket. Would Sara ever consider giving up her English life to become Amish? Is it too much to hope that she might want to stay here permanently? This topic had crossed Mary Ruth’s mind multiple times, and she’d also discussed it with Willis. Like her, Willis wanted their granddaughter to stay, but he’d reminded Mary Ruth often that it was Sara’s choice.

  If only Rhoda hadn’t run off, we could have known our granddaughter since she was a boppli. Mary Ruth shook her head. But if she’d stayed here, would she have married an Amish man, and if so, who would she have chosen? The man she had married was obviously English, since she hadn’t run off with any young Amish men in the area—at least no one they knew about. Who knew what secrets their daughter had kept from them during her time of running around?

  Life is full of choices. Mary Ruth stared up at the billowy clouds overhead. By choosing one direction, it takes us down a certain path, but a different direction would lead to another. She supposed it did no good to ponder the outcome of either.

  “Can I help you finish taking the laundry off the line?” Sara asked, stepping into the yard.

  Mary Ruth smiled. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m almost done.” She gestured to the few remaining clothes on the line.

  “Is there something else you would like me to do before we start supper?”

  “I can’t think of anything at the moment.” Mary Ruth turned at the sound of a horse and buggy approaching. She wasn’t surprised to see Ezekiel’s rig pulling in. He’d been coming around a lot lately. Mary Ruth was pleased that he’d been teaching Sara how to handle a horse and buggy. Although neither had admitted it—at least not to her—she had a feeling something more than friendship was developing between Ezekiel and Sara. This in itself might be enough to keep Sara in Lancaster County. Of course, Brad seemed to have taken an interest in her too, but he had no plans to stay in the area permanently. Once Brad got his minister’s license, he could be called to preach at a church in a different state.

  One more thing I shouldn’t worry about, Mary Ruth reprimanded herself. The man our granddaughter chooses will be up to her, and the same holds true about where she will live.

  Michelle went up to Ezekiel’s buggy as soon as he stepped down. He grinned at her. “Hey, I haven’t seen you for several days. How are you doing?”

  “Okay. How about you?”

  “I’m fine too. Came over to see if you have time to go for another buggy-driving lesson?”

  “You mean today?”

  He nodded. “Thought maybe we could take a ride in my truck too.”

  “I can’t today because it’ll be time to help my grandma with supper soon.”

  Ezekiel’s shoulders slumped. “I didn’t realize it was getting so late. Could we go after supper?”

  “Sorry, but I have plans this evening.”

  “Oh, I see.” Tilting his chin down, Ezekiel cleared his throat. “There’s something else I wanted to ask.”

  “What’s that?”

  “This Sunday evening there’s gonna be a young people’s singing. I was wondering if you’d like to go with me.”

  Michelle smiled. “Sure. I haven’t been to one before, and I think it would be fun.”

  He rubbed his hands together. “Sounds good. I don’t always go to the singings, but since you’ll be with me, I’ll look forward to going to this one.”

  Lancaster

  Friday night came, and the humidity had not lifted one bit. They drove with the windows down, and Brad couldn’t help noticing Sara’s auburn hair lifting off her shoulders as the breeze from the open windows cooled them. He could have turned on the air-conditioning, but sometimes, a breeze—even a warm one—felt nice when driving.

  “At least we are getting some air.” Sara pulled her hair back and wrapped a rubber band around it, making a long ponytail. Brad wished she had left it down.

  They pulled into the ice-cream store’s parking lot. “Well, here we are.” He grinned at her. “Should we order at the window instead of going inside?”

  “Sure, that’s fine with me.”

  They got out of Brad’s van, walked up to the window, and ordered two strawberry ice-cream cones. Then they sat at an outside table, away from the others, to enjoy the refreshing, cool treat.

  If Brad didn’t know any better, he’d swear this was couple’s night as he glanced at the other patrons who’d also chosen to sit outside. For an ice-cream store, it was kind of odd not to see any children with their families milling around. But all the tables were occupied by couples. Most of them looked to be about the same age as he and Sara, but Brad also noticed another couple—an elderly man and woman, both with silver hair. While eating their dishes of ice cream, the older couple laughed and enjoyed a conversation together as if they were the only two people in the world. I hope someday I’ll find my soul mate—someone I’m madly in love with—and we can spend the rest of our lives growing old together.

  Brad took a long look at Sara. Could she be that person? He certainly enjoyed Sara’s company, but he needed to know more about her.

  “This is a nice way to spend the evening. I’m glad you invited me.” Sara wiped a dribble of ice cream off her chin.

  Brad nodded. “There’s nothing like a frozen treat to help cool down in this heat.”

  “True.”

  When Sara finished her cone, he asked if she would like another.

  She shook her head. “That was good, but one’s enough for me. You go ahead and get another cone if you want to though.”

  “No, I’m good too. If you’re not in a hurry to go, let’s stay here and talk for a while.”

  “Okay.” Sara settled against her chair. “Tell me more about your schooling.”

  “What would you like to know?”

  “How long will it be before you start preaching at a church?”

  “It’ll be a few years yet.” Brad leaned his elbows on the table, looking at her intently. “I’ll be leaving for seminary on September 2nd, and then it will be an intense couple of years as I train for the ministry.”

  “Won’t you miss Lancaster County after you’re gone?”

  “I’ll admit, I’ve enjoyed driving for some of the Amish in the area and working on the local farms during the summer, so yeah, I most likely will miss it. The jobs I’ve done gave me a chance to do something physical, not to mention clear my head after all my studies, which can be mentally exhausting.�
� Brad smiled. “But my goal is to be a minister, and it’s what I need to do.” He pointed at Sara. “What about you? What goals have you set for yourself?”

  Sara dropped her gaze. “I have no goals.”

  “Nothing at all?”

  “Nope.”

  His brows furrowed. “What about your grandparents? Surely you have some goals that involve spending time with them in the future.”

  She pulled in her bottom lip. “Well, I don’t know. You see, the truth is …” Sara’s voice trailed off. “Oh, never mind. I just live from moment to moment, that’s all.”

  Brad had the feeling there was something she wasn’t telling him. Should he press to find out what is was, or let it drop? He didn’t want Sara to think he was being pushy.

  A knot formed in Michelle’s stomach. She had been caught off guard when Brad asked about her future goals, and she’d almost blurted out the truth of her deception. Thankfully, she had caught herself in time. Brad was a good person—maybe even righteous. He would look down on her and probably insist she come clean with the Lapps. Any good feelings he may have had for Michelle, who he believed was Sara, would be tossed out like yesterday’s garbage. She wouldn’t blame him either. These last few months, as much as Michelle had enjoyed having Mary Ruth and Willis as her pretend grandparents, she’d begun to loath herself for lying to them. It was wrong to take advantage of those good people, and the only way to resolve the situation was for her to go. Maybe I could ask Brad to drop me off somewhere when it’s time for him to leave for seminary.

  She shifted in her chair, wondering how she would explain her reason for going at that particular time. It might be best if I don’t involve Brad. My problem is not his, and when he goes off to finish his schooling, I’ll never see him again.