Love Inspired March 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: A Wife for Jacob\The Forest Ranger's Rescue\Alaskan Homecoming (9 page)

“There are other available men within our church community. All hope isn't gone yet,” her mother assured her.

Annie raised her eyebrows. “I never thought it was.” She frowned. “
Ya
think I'm so awful that no man would ask to court me on his own?”

“
Nay
, daughter. But you can't live in the past. You're getting older, and I'd like to see you settled with a husband and children.”

“Miriam!” Joe called from the other room.

“Coming!”
Mam
touched her cheek. “Things will work out for the best, Annie. They always do.” And she left Annie wiping the countertop, wondering what she would do if she didn't find a man with whom she could be content.

Levi Stoltzfus was definitely a better choice than Joseph Byler.

Please, Lord, give me the courage to accept Thy will and be happy.

* * *

The church community put on another fund-raiser for Horseshoe Joe, this one a breakfast. Jacob stood along one wall, looking for the best way to lend a hand. Today, the breakfast was to be held in the firehouse. Jed's boss, the firefighter who had arranged the use of tables and chairs for the dinner, had come to the bishop and offered the use of the large hall. Seeing the merit in the size of the room and the location, Bishop John accepted the offer. With the breakfast announced on the sign outside, Jacob knew the fund-raiser would be a success.

This morning the tables were lined with rolls of paper. It was 7:00 a.m., and soon people would arrive to eat.

Jacob saw his two sister-in-laws and Annie setting up. The cans of cooking fuel beneath the stainless-steel chafing dishes were lit and ready to go. His
mam
, Mae King and Miriam Zook were cooking scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon and ham. Jacob made his way to the kitchen. The scents coming from the room were wonderful. They made his mouth water.

“Need any help?” he asked.

“Jacob! I'm glad you're here.” His mother gestured toward a large metal pan on the worktable. “Would you take the sausage to the food table?”

“Ja, Mam.”
He lifted a metal lid to inspect the contents. He hadn't eaten yet this morning, and the delicious aroma wafting up from the breakfast sausage patties made his stomach rumble.

“When you're done with that, there'll be a dish of pancakes ready,” Mae King asked.

“I'll be back soon.” Jacob picked up the chafing dish and carried it out to the dining area. He passed Annie as he made his way out.

“Jacob,” she said. “What do you have there?”

“Sausage.” He enjoyed taking stock of her.

Her cheeks were flushed from rushing about, preparing for the event. “Rachel will tell you where to put it.”

Jacob inclined his head. At the food table, he set the full serving dish into a rack, as instructed, and as he headed back to the kitchen, he experienced an awareness of Annie across the room.

* * *

Annie watched Jacob chat briefly with Rachel before he set down the breakfast meat and left. With lingering mixed feelings, she scrutinized the food table. Everything was as it should be. She went to the kitchen and picked up the scrambled egg pan. She hurried toward the dining room and stumbled against Joseph Byler. “Joseph, you startled me!” she gasped, stepping back.

“Let me carry that for you,” he said.

Annie kept a firm grip on the dish. “It's not heavy. I can manage.”

“I insist.” Joseph observed her with gleaming eyes as he started a tug-of-war with her over the metal pan.

Annie inhaled sharply and released it. “Take it to Rachel, please.” She hurried back to the kitchen, eager to be away from the young man. “Are the pancakes ready?” she asked Mae as she entered the room.

“Ja.”
Mae wiped her hands on her cooking apron. “Dish is almost to the brim.”

“I'll take these out to keep warm,” Annie stated as she picked up the pan of pancakes. She hesitated then sighed. “Here comes Joseph Byler.”

“He is a nice young man,”
Mam
insisted.

“I'm not interested.”

Joseph made a beeline in her direction as soon as he saw her. Annie managed a weak smile. “Next to the sausage,” she instructed as she handed him the pan.

“I'll take care of it.” He looked serious before he turned and left.

Annie watched him walk away, then sighing, she went to the drink table where she checked the large container of iced tea. She set out plastic cups and placed a hot mat where she would put out a thermal coffee decanter later. Another would be used for hot water for tea or hot chocolate. She eyed the area to decide what needed to be brought out now and what should wait until later.

As she turned, she saw Joseph Byler heading her way. She closed her eyes briefly and prayed.
Dear Lord, please grant me wisdom, patience and understanding so that I may deal kindly with Joseph Byler.
When she opened her eyes, Jacob Lapp was in her line of vision. She sent him a pleading look as she glanced pointedly toward Joseph. Jacob grinned and followed the young man as he approached.

“Annie, how else may I help?” Joseph asked.

“You can give Isaac and Eli a hand as they set up the last of the chairs.” Jacob gestured toward the other side of the room. “I'll stay and help Annie.”

Joseph opened his mouth as if to object, but then he nodded politely and left.

“May I carry something?” Jacob teased, his golden eyes twinkling.

Annie made a face at him and then laughed. “Would you like to?” she asked seriously.

“
Ja
, but I don't want to seem overeager like Joseph.” Jacob glanced in the other man's direction.

“You're
not
Joseph,” she said and felt her face heat. “I can use the help.” She felt an odd sensation along her spine as he took her measure.

“What do
ya
want me to do?” he asked.

“We have several more food dishes in the kitchen. You can help me carry them out to the dining room.” She examined the buffet tables. “More breakfast meat,” she decided. “And fried eggs, if they're ready.”

“Lead the way, Annie, and I will be happy to carry them for you.”

Annie felt a tingling at her nape, overly aware of his strong presence behind her, as she preceded him into the kitchen.

“Back so soon?” Mae King asked.

“Came for the fried eggs,” he said. He picked up the large metal dish.

“
Mam
, are there more muffins and sweet rolls?” Annie asked.

“
Ja
, in the backroom.”

Katie wiped her hands on her cooking apron as she moved from the stove. “After you take those out, Jacob, would you help Annie by carrying the jams and jellies for the breadbaskets?”

“
Ja, Mam.
Anything else?”

“You can make sure the girl eats breakfast before we open the doors to our guests,” Mae said.

Annie felt the warmth of Jacob's regard. “I will,” he promised, and Annie looked into his twinkling golden eyes and blushed before she quickly headed into the other room for the breadbaskets.

“I don't see Joseph,” Jacob said a short time afterward as they reentered the large dining area together. “Would
ya
like me to find him for you?”

Halting, Annie shot him a look. “Not funny.” He shrugged and then chuckled. She responded to his good humor and joined in the laughter. “Come, Jacob, we need to put these on the other buffet table.”

“May I sneak a muffin?” he said as he set down the jam and jelly tray next to the two large baskets that Annie had carried in. “I haven't eaten breakfast.”

“You're not sneaking if you ask permission,” she teased.

“
Gut
point.” He snatched a chocolate-chip muffin and glanced about slyly, then took a small bite. He looked so comical that Annie grinned.

“Well?” she said. “Is it worth getting in trouble over?”

He feigned a frown. She couldn't miss the amusement in his golden eyes. “Am I in trouble?”

She smirked. “You
are
trouble.” And as they shared laughter, Annie found great enjoyment in his company. As she turned to head back to the kitchen, she caught sight of her sister standing several feet away, staring at them. She met Barbara's glance and, to her dismay, watched as her sibling made an about-face and rushed toward the kitchen.

“Ach, nay,”
Annie murmured.

“What's wrong?” Jacob asked, moving to her side.

“I'm afraid you'll be in the hot seat next. My sister saw us laughing, and now she's run to tell my
mudder
.” She paused, gave him a worried look. “Be careful or you'll find yourself invited to dinner.”

“Not a chance.” Jacob glanced toward the kitchen doorway. “Your
mam
doesn't consider me as a potential
husband for you. I have no job and no prospects.” He smiled slightly. “See? So there's no need to worry. Just remind her that I'm too young for you.”

Annie tilted her head at him. “Too young?” she murmured.

“
Ja
, I'm not your type at all, an older member of our church community.” He grinned. “Coming?” He gestured toward the kitchen, and she inclined her head.

Annie followed slowly as Jacob went on ahead.
He's right
, she thought. That was exactly what
Mam
would think—that he was a young man without means. And Jacob was everything she wanted to avoid in a man. She closed her eyes, felt a rush of pain. Why did she suddenly feel so sad?

Chapter Nine

A
nnie was in the yard, feeding chickens, when Jacob exited the shop and approached. “
Gut
morning!” she greeted with a smile.

“
Gut
morning. You are out early.” He reached her side, dipped his fingers into her bucket and scattered a handful of feed.

She was conscious of him beside her, looking handsome in his maroon shirt and
triblend
-denim trousers. “
Mam's
gone into town with
Dat
. He has a doctor's appointment. Barbara and Josiah left for the Amos Kings' earlier this morning.” She smiled. “Me? I've got a full day's chores.” She threw another fistful. “You?”

“Ike King is bringing in his gelding. When I'm done in the shop, I'll head to Noah's.” He captured her glance, causing warmth to rise up from her nape. “Jed is out with a construction crew, and Noah needs help with deliveries.”

Annie broke eye contact with him until she could regain her balance. “What time will Ike be here?” She knew that Noah Lapp's furniture shop did well. Noah was an excellent cabinetmaker and the demand for his work had increased since he'd opened his business.

“Any minute now. I've come to watch for him.”

“Do you have time for coffee?” she asked.

“
Nay
, but I appreciate the offer.”

A buggy on the dirt drive drew Annie's attention. Beside her, Jacob called out a greeting and waved to Ike, who drove the vehicle.

Ike parked his buggy close to the shop entrance. He smiled as he climbed out. “Mornin'!” he greeted. “Fine day today.” He was a man in his late thirties with a beard along his jawline. All Amish men grew beards after they married. Only Ike was a widower.

“Great weather to be out and about,” Jacob agreed as he walked toward the horse and rubbed the gelding's nose. “I don't imagine we'll see many days like this before the cold rushes in.”

The older man nodded. Studying him, Annie knew that Ike had left Indiana and returned home to Lancaster County after his young wife's death. Ike resembled his older brother Amos about the eyes and in the shape of his chin, but Amos's beard had streaks of gray while Ike's was reddish brown.

“Where do you want him?” Ike asked Jacob, referring to the animal.

“Inside.” Jacob worked to help Ike unhitch the horse and then he instructed the other man to follow him into the blacksmith shop. “See you later, Annie.”

“
Ja
, Jacob.” She smiled at Ike, who didn't immediately follow. “Are you waiting? You can come in for coffee or tea.”

“That is kind of
ya
, Annie, but Amos is coming to fetch me. I'll be back later when Jacob has finished shoeing young Abraham here.”

“
Gut
day to
ya
then, Ike. I must get back to work. I'll see you on Sunday.” Annie watched him as he joined Jacob, and the two men stood outside the shop, talking for a time.

“Annie!” Levi Stoltzfus approached from the direction of her grandparents' house, drawing her attention. The handsome preacher wore a spring-green shirt, black suspenders and black pants.

“Levi!” Annie grinned as he drew near. “I didn't expect to see you today.”

“I thought I'd stop and visit with your
grosseldre
this morning.” He appeared pleased as he reached her side.

“I'm sure they appreciated the company.” Annie regarded him with warmth. “
Mam
sees the changes in them as they age, and since
Grossmudder's
last illness and hospital stay, she worries about them.”

The preacher nodded. “
Ja.
They seem to be getting around well now, though.” He took off his black-banded straw hat and held it in his hands.

“
Ja
, thank the Lord.” Annie scattered the last of the chicken feed, then chatted with Levi about the weather, the farm and the upcoming winter.

“I should be getting back,” Levi finally said. “I've got chores to do.”

“As do I.” A warm breeze stirred the air, and Annie closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. She heard a sharp inhalation of breath, and she quickly opened her eyes to catch an odd look on Levi's face.

“Annie, before I go...” He suddenly looked uncomfortable. “I was wondering—”

Annie regarded him with concern. “Is something wrong, Levi?”

“Nay.”
His expression cleared. “I... Would you consider going for a buggy ride?”

She felt her breath hitch. “You want me to go for a ride with you?”

He nodded, looking very much like a young schoolboy. “I'll understand if you—”

“I'd like that,” she said hurriedly, and the idea of spending time with Levi seemed a sudden answer to her prayers. Jacob had told her to consider what she wanted. She wanted an older husband like Levi. Didn't she?

“Friday evening, then?” he said. “Or do
ya
have plans?”

Annie smiled as she shook his head. “
Nay.
Friday would be fine.”

Levi looked relieved and genuinely happy. Annie felt a moment's doubt but pushed it away.

“We can talk about it tomorrow night,” he said.

“So, you still plan to come to dinner?” she teased.

“I wouldn't miss your cooking, Annie,” he said seriously.

“Roast beef?” Annie noted his expression and felt only slightly uneasy. The feeling passed as she reminded herself that this was Levi Stoltzfus, a man who had been coming to dinner every week for months.

“
Ja.
Sounds delicious.” He put on his hat. “I will see
ya
tomorrow, Annie.”

She had always felt at ease in Levi's presence. Why should that change just because he wanted to take her for a buggy ride? Because he realized that he liked her? She smiled and waved as he walked away. Annie turned toward the barn and saw Jacob Lapp standing near the shop entrance. Jacob gave her a look that made her feel uncomfortable before he and Ike disappeared into the shop.

Heart thumping hard, she hurried to store the feed, then shooed the chickens into a fenced area and secured the gate. With thoughts of Jacob and Levi swirling in her mind, Annie headed toward her grandparents' house. She had work to do.

As she approached, she spied her grandmother in the yard, watching a robin.

“It won't be long before they'll be gone for the winter,” she said of the bird. “
Grossmudder
, did you and
G
rossdaddi
have breakfast?”

“
Nay
,
I wasn't hungry earlier.”

“You had a visitor,” Annie said. “Preacher Levi.”

Grossmudder
nodded. “
Ja
, he is a
gut
boy, that Levi.” She fixed Annie with a look. “A fine preacher. He would be perfect for you.”

Annie laughed, although her heart wasn't in it. She couldn't forget the strange look Jacob had given her. Why should he disapprove?

* * *

Her sister was back when Annie returned home. “You weren't gone long.”

“Nay,”
Barbara said. “I'd planned to do the laundry, but I see you already put in a load.” She tightened the strings of her white apron, making sure the cape was neatly tucked inside.

“Is Josiah back?”

“
Ja
, he is in the barn seeing to the horses.”

“Would
ya
help hang the sheets to dry? I put them on before I went over to
Grossmudder's
.”

“
Ja
, I'll be glad to help. 'Tis too nice a day to be indoors.”

“I'll meet
ya
outside,” Annie said. She gathered the clothes from the propane washing machine and set them in the laundry basket. Then she headed outside and saw Barbara hanging the clothespin bag on the line within easy reach. Annie set down the clothes.

Barbara reached in to grab a sheet while Annie hurried to catch hold of the other end. With a snap of the wet fabric between them, they pinned the fabric on the line and then reached down for another.

“How are the Kings?” Annie asked conversationally.

“They are well. While I was there, Amos's brother Ike came to visit.”

Annie secured a pillowcase. “Ike was here, too. Jacob made shoes for one of his horses this morning.”

“Ike is a nice man,” Barbara commented.

Annie reached up to swat away a bug. “
Ja
, he is pleasant.”

“He is a widower,” Barbara said casually.

“
Ja
, I heard.” Annie fastened a bath towel to the clothes rope.

Barbara pulled a white prayer
kapp
from the basket, pegged it to the line by its strings. “He would make a
gut
husband.”

“Ja.”
Annie smiled. “Are
ya
interested?”

“Me?” Barbara looked stunned. “
Nay
, I'm thinking of you.”

Annie stared at her. “Why would
ya
think that Ike and I should be man and wife?”

“
Ya
want an older man, don't
ya
?”

Annie frowned. “How do you know that?” Had Jacob said something to Barbara? She felt a burning in her stomach.

“
Mam
told me,” Barbara said. “It is a
gut
plan, Annie.”

Annie was aghast. “You didn't say anything to Ike, did you?”

“
Nay.
I would not do that.”

Relieved, Annie continued to hang clothes. “Thanks be to God,” she murmured beneath her breath. To her sister, she said, “You don't need to be looking for a husband for me. It will happen in the Lord's time.” She hesitated, then confided, “Levi has asked me to go for a buggy ride with him.”

“I see.” Barbara hung up a blue dress. “Then you like him.”

“He is a
gut
man.” Annie wondered if she was trying to convince herself.

“'Tis true.” Barbara handed her one end of a sheet, and the sisters worked together to secure it on the line.

As they hung the laundry, Annie noticed that her sister had become suddenly quiet. “Barbara, is everything all right?”

Barbara looked at her and nodded.
“Ja.”
Her smile didn't reach her eyes. “Come. We have a lot to do yet.”

Later, as she prepared supper in the kitchen with her mother and sister, Annie wondered about her sister's sudden change in behavior. Why? Because of Levi's invitation to go for a buggy ride? Barbara had made a big fuss over Levi the last time he'd come to dinner. Was Barbara sweet on Levi?
If so, what should she do about her outing with the preacher? She couldn't back out now. Could she?

Annie was thoughtful as she took the ham, green beans and potatoes out of the oven. She'd think of something. She didn't want to hurt her sister.

* * *

“Annie,” a masculine voice said.

“Reuben!” She smiled. “Come in and sit. Where's your sister?”

Reuben hesitated. “She didn't come.”

“How is Rebekkah?” Barbara asked as she entered the room. She didn't seem surprised to discover him there.

“She is
fine
. She is with our
grossmudder
this evening.”

“Is she all right—your
grossmudder
? The rest of the family?” Annie asked. “It's been a while since we've seen all of you.”

He nodded. “It's been months, and
ja
, they are all doing well.”

“You are just in time.” Annie pulled the tray of yeast rolls out of the oven and turned with a smile. “I hope you brought your appetite.” She set the tray on pot holders on the countertop.

“Reuben.”
Dat
entered the kitchen on crutches. Annie automatically pulled out a chair for him, and he maneuvered himself to the table and sat down. Peter, Josiah and the
grosseldre
came to the table.

“I heard about your accident, Joe.” Reuben eyed her
dat
with concern. “It looks like you're getting around.”

“
Ja
, although my progress is slower than I'd like it to be.”

“Things will improve, and soon it will be just a story to tell your grandchildren.” Reuben accepted his plate from Barbara, who had added meat, potatoes and succotash. “My
vadder
does well after his injury.”

Annie saw her
dat
nod. “That must have been bad, injuring himself in the corn binder.”

Reuben agreed. “I was just a boy
at the time, but I'll never forget how tore up his arm was. He nearly lost it. The doctors at the hospital were able to do surgery and now years later
Dat
has
gut
use of the arm.”

Annie thought of Reuben's father and recalled his scarred arm. It was a blessing that Jonas Miller was left-handed. Still, his concern over how he would manage long term must have been worrisome to him.

“The Lord gives us the strength to handle what we must and the courage to continue in times of great worry,” Annie said.

“Amen,”
Mam
murmured with a quick glance at her parents. Suddenly, she grinned. “Everyone hungry?” she asked as she ensured that everyone—the men especially—had their food.

After saying a prayer of thanks, they ate and talked and ate some more. In preparation for dessert, Annie stood and collected the dinner plates.

“I heard Rebekkah is seeing someone,”
Mam
said.

“Ja,”
Reuben said. “She's being courted by Caleb Yoder. They plan to marry, and the banns will be posted this Sunday.”

“How wonderful!”
Mam
exclaimed. After a short pause, she'd then asked, “And you? Are you courting anyone?”

“
Nay.
I haven't found the right woman yet.”

Mam
had risen from the table, gone to the counter and picked up a rich chocolate cake. “You should try a piece of cake.” She'd set it in the center of the table. “Annie made it.”