A Plain Man (25 page)

“
Danki,
but this shade is called mauve, not purple.” Josie clasped her hands behind her back.

“Going to be one of those afternoons,
jah
?” Caleb winked.

“Yep. After spending five days with Yoder females, I'm in rare form.”

“In that case, where would you like to go? We could get pizza in Shreve, or try that tourist buffet, or maybe go for ice cream? We probably shouldn't attempt the movies unless we want to end up on your
daed'
s bad side.” Laughing, he ducked his head with embarrassment.

“No, we don't need to spend money to have fun.”

Caleb's head snapped up. “I'm not broke, Josie. I've got last week's paycheck, plus extra put aside from the previous week.”

“Don't get your dander up. I only meant I prefer a picnic down by the gristmill. It's cool by the river, and without horses around we won't be bothered by flies.” She scratched the gelding's muzzle.

“In that case, I'll turn this old swayback into the paddock and wash up at the pump. Your plan sounds better than mine.”

“I'll get our lunch and meet you behind the barn.” Josie ran to the house and quickly loaded the food into a hamper. When she spotted her
father cutting the strawberry pie she'd baked for Caleb, she refrained from pulling the plate from his hand. Going dessert-less would be better than not going at all...or with one of her sisters along to chaperone.

Caleb stood waiting on the path, hat in hand. “I was afraid you'd changed your mind.”

“It's only been ten minutes. You need to slow your expectations to Amish time.” As soon as she spoke, she regretted her thoughtlessness. Caleb didn't need to be reminded of his former estrangement.

But Caleb didn't seem to mind. “You're not kidding. I'm learning how long repairs take without an
Englischer
with power tools nearby and with only unskilled helpers.”

Josie fell into an easy stride at his side. “Are you referring to work at the Sidleys'? How's that going?”

“It's going better than I figured. According to Albert, the foundation and walls of the house are sound, but I've yet to step inside.”

“He doesn't want you to see how they live.” Josie shuddered involuntarily. Having been to a frolic there a long time ago, she preferred never to return.

“Maybe, but eventually he'll have to let me in. We've already repaired the fence around the entire farm with posts I found out back and an extra roll of barbed wire from
Daed.
The pasture will need to be disked and reseeded in the fall, but grass will have to wait. First we'll install a new roof on the barn with rubber leftover from the Millersburg warehouse. Like my father, Bob has saved all kinds of stuff in his pole barn. He dropped off roofing materials yesterday, and said he will bring more as needed.”

“Very generous of him. Does Albert help, or are you doing all the labor yourself?”

Caleb shrugged. “Albert works very hard and he has some good ideas. Lately, his brother Elijah has also started pitching in.”

“That surprises me. None of the Sidleys worked at the frolic I attended. They stood on the porch steps, scowling.” Josie shivered a second time, remembering the scruffy condition of the youngest boy.

“It's different with only me there.” Caleb reached for her hand once they were beyond view of the house. “I've noticed a change in all of them within five days.”

“How so?” She loved the strong feel of his callused hand around hers.

“Elijah took a bath and put on clean clothes.”

Josie burst out laughing.

“It's not funny. That family needs our prayers, not our ridicule.” Caleb's admonishment was soft as a baby's breath.

“
Mir leid
, forgive my reaction. I will pray for the Sidleys tonight. And request a dose of sensitivity for me.”

“You're already a sensitive woman.” Caleb kissed the back of her fingers. “But it's hard dealing with folks so long away from the Amish flock.”

“Why do you suppose they live like hermits? Does John still grieve for his late wife?”

As the historic gristmill loomed into view, Caleb paused on the path to admire. “I think there's more to his separation than grief. John has had a drinking problem for years. Now alcohol has damaged his health.” Caleb's hand tightened around hers. “That information isn't to be repeated. I don't want my friend's family subject to cruel gossip.”

Josie squeezed his fingers in return. “You have my word, Caleb. I'm glad you called Albert your friend—sounds like he sure could use one.”

“You've got no idea.” Caleb snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her close. “He told me about his father firing pellets at district members. John doesn't want people to see how bad things are.”

Josie thought for a moment and then spoke frankly. “You can't help people without their cooperation. And where on earth did John Sidley buy alcohol? He would have to take his buggy to Wooster or to Millersburg. I can't imagine him traveling so far very often. People would find out.”

Caleb also reflected before replying. “He had a still up in the woods.”

“The wild, wild West, right here in Fredericksburg?”

“This isn't funny.”

“I'm not poking fun, but you must admit this is an unbelievable situation that apparently went on behind the bishop's back.”

“True enough. I doubt my
daed
knows. He thinks Sidley is still depressed about losing his
fraa
in childbirth. And if John found a new wife, all would be well.”

“Not for the new wife in that kitchen,” Josie muttered, and then
held up her palms. “I'm sorry. I promised not to poke fun, but that house scares me. During the frolic I used their outhouse because it was the lesser of two evils.”

“That's what I aim to fix.” Caleb steadied her arm as they picked their way down to the gristmill. Tall grass and tumbled stones had turned the trail treacherous. “Tell me this place doesn't inspire awe, even without a roof.” Caleb cleverly changed the subject from the Sidleys.

“It's my favorite spot in three counties.” Josie ducked her head to enter the low doorway. “This piece of history warms my heart on even the coldest winter day.”

He led her to a low wall where she spread her small quilt. “Mine too. It's a good spot to clear your head of cobwebs.” Caleb sat and dangled his legs over the edge.

“Are you certain John Sidley is ill?” Josie pulled a thermos of tea from the hamper.

Caleb nodded. “According to Albert, he's very sick. He sleeps most of the day and can barely sit up to eat his meals.”

Dropping her chin, Josie uttered a prayer for the man she had so recently mocked.
Please, Lord, I pray for John's recovered health or his painless passing to the life yet to come.
When she opened her eyes, she saw Caleb was also in prayer. “Will you talk to your father about how the district could help him?”

“No, I will not.” Caleb locked eyes with her. “John Sidley fears being taken from his house. It might not meet our standards, but it is his home.”

“He probably needs to see a doctor and be put on medication. Without proper care, he might die.” Josie handed him a drink.

Caleb kicked a clump of debris on the plank floor. “
Jah,
he probably will.”

Josie reached for his hand. “When your dog was sick, you took Shep to the vet. Would you do any less for a human being?”

Every ounce of color drained from Caleb's face, while a vein bulged from the side of his neck.

“Forgive me. I've said too much and overstepped the boundaries of friendship.”

“Nein
, you have every right to voice your opinion…even if you weren't my girl.” His lips curled into a smile. “And since you are my girl, feel free to overstep the boundaries left and right.” He drained the contents of his glass as she spread the containers of food across the quilt.

“Did you speak to him?” Josie spread the containers of food across the quilt.

“No, we've had plenty to keep us busy outdoors, but soon I will speak to John. Albert thinks if a doctor or someone from the county comes, they will cart his father away in an ambulance. Who knows what laws
Englischers
have invented regarding old people? John would surely die of sorrow in a hospital. Albert doesn't want this on his conscience and neither do I.”

She nodded. “I trust you will do the right thing.”

“As long as God shows me what that is. If given the chance, I'll try to convince John to seek medical help. You can rest assured of that.”

Josie wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him in an improper fashion for two people who hadn't announced their engagement. “You're a good man, Cal Beachy.”

“So are you, Josie Yoder. Although I recently noticed you're not a man at all.” His laughter lifted the somber mood in the ancient mill.

“I'll not talk about this to anyone and I will keep the Sidleys in my prayers. In the meantime, let's eat. This is a picnic, no?”

“It is.” Caleb took a chicken breast and picked off the breading piece by piece. “This tastes
gut.
Who made this, your
mamm
?”

“No, not my
mamm.
”

“One of your sisters then?”

“It was me! Put it back if you think I've poisoned you.” Jumping up, Josie attempted an indignant pose.

“Afraid for my life? Nope. I wanted to make sure the correct Yoder received the highest compliment I can pay someone.” Caleb wiggled his eyebrows. “This chicken is even better than my
mamm
's.”

Gasping, Josie pressed her palm against her chest. “Even better than Elizabeth Beachy's?”

“I tell no lies.” He took a huge bite.

“In that case I have decided to kiss you, so put down that chicken.” Josie scooted along the stone wall.

“Can't this wait until after lunch?” Caleb licked the tips of his fingers.

Josie grabbed the piece of chicken, dropped it back into the container, and planted a kiss firmly on his mouth. It was short, sweet, and rather chicken-y. “How was that?” she asked, but didn't need a verbal answer. Caleb's expression said it all.

“Now I know you do
two
things better than anyone else in Wayne County,” said Caleb with a grin. “Should we forget about the picnic and just kiss until it's time to walk home?”

Josie returned to her original spot on the wall. “Absolutely not. My parents trust me to behave properly, so we're going to eat.” Reaching into the tub, she grabbed a wing and handed him the half-eaten breast.

For the rest of the afternoon they strolled under leafy willows along the river. They talked and laughed with no more kissing, but Josie had never enjoyed herself so much. Caleb asked questions and actually listened to her answers instead of thinking about what to say next. He was so unlike other men she'd met. Now that he'd found work he truly enjoyed, the relationship was starting to look better and better.

It might be the one she'd been waiting for all her life.

12

Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me

I cannot proclaim it well.

C
aleb pulled into the Sidleys' driveway at nine o'clock as he had for the previous three weeks. The July sun already warmed his neck and soaked his hatband with sweat. But Caleb didn't mind the heat. With no foreman or boss lurking nearby, the three of them could take coffee or water breaks whenever they chose. Yesterday Albert decided it was time for a swim midway through the afternoon, so into the creek they went. After all, who was he to argue? As he parked his buggy under the barn's overhang, Elijah appeared out of nowhere.

“I'll rub him down and turn him into the pasture,” said Elijah in
Deutsch.
He seldom uttered a word of English.

“
Danki,
I'll get a bucket of water.” Caleb smiled at the boy's improved appearance. Elijah wore coveralls that were frayed at the knees and bleached to the color of a robin's egg, but he and his clothes were clean. Apparently, Elijah had found a suitable shovel for the hog pen.

“Gonna be another hot one.” Albert walked around the corner with two cups of coffee. Sipping one, he handed the other to Caleb.

“Just thinking the same thing.” Caleb swabbed his forehead and neck with a handkerchief.

“What's on your task list for us today?” Swallowing a deep gulp of coffee, Albert rubbed his smooth jaw with the back of his hand.

Caleb noticed Albert had started shaving each morning, as required of single men by their
Ordnung.
“We have repaired the fences, replaced your barn roof, and built an outdoor paddock for Elijah's brood sow
to sun herself. We jacked up the corner of the porch and put in a new flat rock foundation. Bob told me his neighbor owns a SkidSteer. The neighbor agreed to grade your driveway after the next rain in exchange for some sweet corn next month.”

“Much obliged. Now our buggy won't throw a wheel in one of those potholes.” Albert drained the contents of his chipped mug, his expression souring. “Does that mean you're almost finished here? Because if you are, I'm grateful for your help.”

Caleb met Albert's pale grey gaze. “I'm not done by a long shot. It's time to sweep out the barn and swab the loft with bleach water. The Troyers have cut and dried more hay than they can store. They only need so much covered with plastic out in the fields. Adam doesn't want leftover hay turning moldy after the next rain. Once he finishes baling, he plans to bring over a wagonload.”

“Is this the Adam that will wed your
schwester
?”

“It is. He's a
gut
man. The hay might be enough to see your livestock through winter. Let's go get your loft ready.”