A Secret Encounter (Amish Secrets--Book 2) Read online

  “Well, well. Look what we've got here. You're right, Joe. She sure is a perty little thing.” Harvey's words caused Anna to blush. “Ah, and humble, too.”

  Joseph spoke up, attempting to save Anna from further embarrassment. “Harvey, this is Anna. Anna, Harvey,” he introduced.

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance, fair lady,” Harv said, removing his hat and dipping his head.

  “Gut to meet you too, Harvey,” Anna said, enjoying the old man's antics.

  Joseph frowned at Harvey and a look passed between the two of them.

  “I'm sorry, Joe. I couldn't help it. I was nervous about meeting the girl,” Harvey explained, then turned to Anna. “Joe's upset 'cause I took one of his smokes.”

  Anna eyed them both, choosing to change the subject to avoid conflict. “So, where do you eat? I've got lunch here if anyone's hungry.” She smiled.

  “Now there's a girl after my own heart,” Harv said. “Come with me, fair lady, and I will accompany you to our humble dining room.” Harvey held out his elbow.

  Anna glanced at Joe who shrugged with a smile, then looped her arm in Harvey's elbow. Harvey escorted Anna around the large dumpster to where two large wooden crates stood upright forming a small table. Two other crates were turned upside down on each side of the table and Harvey offered Anna a seat on one of them.

  “You may sit here, fair lady. And Joe and I will share the other. It ain't too often we get to entertain guests.”

  Anna eyed the crate warily, hesitant to sit down just yet. “There are no spiders under that, are there?”

  Joseph promptly picked up the crate and examined the inside. “Ah...just a couple of black widows and a few daddy longlegs.”

  Anna’s jaw dropped and her eyes widened in horror.

  “Just kidding, just kidding,” Joe held up his hands in surrender, laughing all the while.

  “Ach, you are terrible!” Anna playfully punched his arm.

  “Hey, I thought the Amish were supposed to be nonviolent,” Joseph said, rubbing the place she'd hit him as though it hurt.

  “Okay, you two, enough fighting. I don't know about y’all, but I'm ready to eat my lunch. What did our fair lady bring for us today?” Harvey eyed the small insulated chest Anna had set on the make-shift table. Joe sent him a disapproving look.

  A smile brightened Anna's face as they sat down. She and Mammi lived simply, jah, but they seemed fancy compared to her present company. “Let's see.” She removed a container from the box and both men licked their lips in anticipation. “This is meatloaf. There are mashed potatoes in this one. And some green beans in this.” She set everything out and opened the lids, and then pulled out a half loaf of bread as well.

  Harvey's eyes sparkled in addition to his silly grin. “Can I marry you?”

  Anna chuckled.

  Joseph kicked Harvey under the table and he let out a yelp.

  “Hey, Joe, what'd ya do that for? I was just kidding,” Harvey said.

  “Mind your manners, we got a lady here,” he warned, then turned to Anna. “Thank you for this, Anna. We really do appreciate it and all the other things you've been bringing us. You are very kind.”

  Anna caught the sincerity in his eyes and felt heat rise to her cheeks. “No need to thank me. I'm just doing my Christian duty. If you want to thank someone, thank God. He's the one that laid you on my heart,” she deflected.

  “Ah yes, but you are the willing servant,” he maintained.

  “Shall we eat?” Harvey spoke up unabashedly.

  “Yes,” Anna agreed, handing each man a paper plate and fork. “Joe, would you like to say the blessing?”

  Joseph's face reddened. “No, thank you.”

  “I will say grace,” Harv volunteered. “Let us bow our heads. Oh, gracious Heavenly Father above, we thank thee for this fine woman – Ow, come on, Joe,” Harvey grimaced and rubbed his leg where Joe had kicked him under the table again, then continued the prayer. “...Who has so unselfishly provided food for our nourishment. May you bless her and this food. Amen.” Harvey turned to Joseph. “What'd I say this time?”

  “I'll tell ya later,” Joe said.

  “Well, until then I'm going to have to stand up or buy some heavily insulated steel-toed boots to wear when Miss Anna comes to visit,” Harv said.

  Anna attempted to conceal a smile as she held out the meatloaf for the men to partake of first. She was certain this was the most interesting lunch she'd ever enjoyed.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Unsure of the time, Anna hurried back to the fabric shop. I hope I’m not late, she chided herself for not having paid attention to the time. Opening the door to the shop, she glanced up at the clock. Two minutes till one. Anna sighed in relief.

  She looked around the shop, but there was no trace of Linda. She’s probably in the back. Anna smiled, still picturing Joe and Harvey. Those two sure were an apronful of laughs. It’s amazing, given their circumstances, they can still have contentment, Anna mused.

  “You look happy. Must’ve had a good lunch.” Linda smiled knowingly.

  Anna hadn’t even realized she was still grinning. She dropped her purse on the counter in the back room. “Yes, it was nice.”

  “Did you meet Aaron someplace?”

  Anna flustered. “Ach, no. I just had lunch with some friends. You don’t know them.”

  Linda raised an eyebrow but said nothing, to Anna’s relief. Anna’s eyes roamed the shop in search of something to change the subject.

  “Should we begin putting up the Christmas decorations?” Anna asked. “Seems like most everyone else has started.”

  “I know. Why they put them up earlier every year is beyond me. I’d prefer to wait a few more days. At least till December.”

  “Do you suppose decorating early could bring in more sales?” Anna wondered aloud.

  “I don’t know, but I’d prefer to keep our focus on the Saviour and not on sales,” Linda said, carrying a bolt of fabric under her arm and walking past Anna into the main room. “God will provide for us.”

  Linda’s comment reminded Anna of God’s provision in her cousin Jacob’s upcoming visit. It would be nice having her cousin and his wife around to fellowship with and to help out. Jacob had always been a lot of fun, although he was a couple years older than Anna. She’d been closer to his sister Elisabeth in the past, who, to Anna’s disappointment, had jumped the fence to the Englisch world. Now she wondered if she’d ever see her Englisch cousin again. The thought dampened Anna’s spirits a bit, but she was thankful her cousin had left before she joined the church. If she’d been shunned, Anna would certainly never be able to fellowship with her again – unless she renounced her fancy ways and came under the authority of the Ordnung.

  <><><>

  Aaron patiently waited on Anna’s porch, sipping on a mug of hot coffee her grossmudder had offered him. She had invited him inside, but since Anna should be returning soon, he declined. He figured he’d better spend more time with her if he only had a month to convince her they belonged together. He pulled his pocket watch out of his trousers and checked the time again.

  When he heard the clip-clop of a horse’s hooves coming up the road, his eyes lit up. Anna’s home. He marched down the steps as the buggy rounded the corner and turned in to the Smuckers’ lane. When his eyes caught Anna’s, he raised his hand in greeting and she waved back. Soon Anna was maneuvering Brazen to the barn and Aaron unhitched the horse and led him to his stall.

  <><><>

  Oh no. Anna sighed when she spotted Aaron on the porch. Lord, help me to give Aaron a chance. I’m certain this is not the way a woman is supposed to feel when she comes home to the man she loves. If we’re not supposed to be together, please make it abundantly clear. She breathed the prayer silently.

  She was glad when Aaron took the reins and put Brazen up in his stall, and even more surprised when she noticed the barn had been cleaned. She looked to Aaron in wonder. “Did you do this?”

  Aaron shrugged. “J
ah. I thought that we could have more time together if I did it before ya got home.”

  “Denki, Aaron.” Anna blinked, still trying to register Aaron’s good deed.

  “Would you like to go for a walk after ya put your things in the house?” He eyed the large bag she carried with her. “Goodness, did ya take the whole house with you today?” He chuckled.

  She glanced down at her bag remembering the extra food she’d taken for Joe. “Ach, no. Uh…let me see if Mammi needs help with dinner.” She quickly made her way up the porch lest she be required to explain the contents of her bag.

  Aaron gallantly held the door open for her.

  “You may take a seat in the schtupp while I speak to Mammi,” Anna advised. After Aaron headed to the living room, she greeted her grossmudder in the kitchen. “How was your day?”

  Mammi’s face brightened. “Wunderbaar. I see Aaron’s come to see you again. Did you invite him to stay for supper yet?”

  “Nee. He asked me to go for a walk, but I’m a little tired,” Anna said. “Besides, I need to help you with dinner.”

  “Nonsense. Go spend time with your beau. Supper’s already in the oven and I don’t need any help.” Mammi shooed her out of the kitchen.

  Anna frowned, but left the kitchen anyway. Sooner or later she’d have to face Aaron. Might as well be sooner.

  Aaron’s face brightened when Anna walked in to the living room and he set down the magazine he’d been reading. He patted the cushion next to him on the sofa inviting Anna to sit by him.

  Reluctantly, Anna sat next to him on the couch. Aaron slipped his arm around her, but she scooted a little further away from him. “Relax, Anna. I said I wouldn’t try to kiss you again. I meant it.” He moved his arm back to his side. “Better?”

  Anna nodded, feeling the awkwardness dissipating some. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Nee. Your grossmudder gave me a cup of coffee before you got here.” He sat up taller and sniffed the air. “What is that I smell?”

  “Ach, Mammi’s making a roast for dinner. Would you like to stay?” she asked politely.

  He smiled. “Only if you want me to.”

  What has gotten into him? His answer caught her off guard. “Uh…jah. Of course, I want you to.”

  His entire countenance illuminated at her statement. “Then I’d love to.” He raised his eyebrows seeking permission before interlacing his fingers with hers.

  Anna looked down at their intertwined hands and began to relax. “How was your day?” she asked, knowing he loved to talk about his dogs.

  Aaron began to speak, but then seemed to think better of it. “I’d like to hear about yours first.”

  This definitely wasn’t the Aaron she knew. Maybe he really is trying to change. The thought comforted Anna. “It was fine. Business seems to be picking up a little bit now that Christmas is coming.”

  “That’s great. Have your grossmudder’s quilts been selling?”

  He’s asking about Mammi’s quilts? Unbelievable! “No, not really. I’m praying that they’ll sell soon though. We could really use the money.”

  Aaron reached into his pocket then put something in her hand. “I want you to have that.”

  Anna’s eyes widened when she glanced down at the hundred dollar bill in her hand. “Ach, Aaron. I couldn’t take this from you.” She shook her head, handing back the money.

  He closed her fingers around the money and held her hand in his. “I want you to have it, Anna. You said you need the money and I want to help. I sold two pups today, so I can afford it.” His penetrating gaze caught her off guard.

  Truly shocked, Anna said, “Denki, Aaron.” She placed the money into her apron pocket and sent up a quick prayer of thanks.

  Mammi’s voice called from the kitchen. “Supper’s ready!”

  Aaron held out a hand. “Shall we eat?” His eyes sparkled.

  Anna placed her hand in his, allowing him to help her up. “That sounds gut, Aaron.”

  <><><>

  All throughout the meal, Anna couldn’t believe the change in Aaron. He seemed so different, as if he’d do anything she wished. He’d been polite, helpful, and even served her and Mammi’s meals for them. He actually insisted on helping Anna wash dishes after the meal, which was uncharacteristic for any man she’d ever heard of. She began to wonder if maybe she really had misjudged Aaron.

  As Anna and Aaron sat out on the porch after the meal, he slipped his arm around her. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  “Ach, no. It is a little chilly out.” She rubbed her arms and pulled her shawl a little tighter.

  Aaron said nothing, but took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

  “Won’t you get cold without your jacket?”

  “Nah, I’m fine. Especially since I’m sitting next to you.” He grinned.

  “Denki.” She smiled up at Aaron, but looked away when she allowed her gaze to linger a little longer than she should. His broad frame and pleasant face were a little too easy on the eyes.

  “Anna, will you join my folks and me for supper one of these nights? I know we’re supposed to keep courtin’ a secret, but I’d like ya to get to know my Mamm some. Mammi’s welcome to come too, of course.” His eyes pleaded for a positive response.

  Anna tugged on her kapp string. “That might be nice. I’ll have to ask Mammi and see if she’d like to go.” She was almost certain her grandmother would approve. It seemed she’d taken a liking to Aaron. Anna was sure to get an earful when she went back in to the house.

  “Well, I guess I better go. Morning comes pretty quick.” He stood up from the wicker chair.

  Anna also stood up and handed his coat back to him. “Goodbye, Aaron.”

  Without even attempting an embrace, Aaron waltzed to his buggy, waved goodbye, and left Anna standing on the porch.

  Speechless.

  CHAPTER SIX

  A cold wind howled through the alleyway, blowing in a few leaves from the old maple trees that lined the now-vacant streets. As a passel of colorful foliage tumbled past Joe, the rustling awakened him from his contented slumber. Morning sun had just begun to illuminate the darkened sky as the last few stars faded into the dawn. He supposed, had he been home, the roosters would have begun singing in chorus. Another cluster of leaves rumbling on the pavement found their way to the corner reminding him of spring chicks huddled together to keep warm. How many times had he begged Mamm and Dat to sleep with the hatchlings in the barn?

  And how many times had he gathered leaves with Dat and his brieder, only to scatter them when jumping into the pile? An enormous mountain that sometimes stood taller than Joseph. His lips turned up momentarily at the memory of Dat jumping into the leaves. He hadn’t done it often, but on occasion Dat would surprise the boys by joining their play. One time he’d even hidden himself in the leaves and jumped out to scare the boys. Unfortunately, it wasn’t only the boys he had startled but also the kitten in Joe’s arms. He still had scars from its claw marks; even so, he didn’t harbor animosity toward the creature.

  Joe glanced over at Harvey next to him, lying between their wooden crates and the brick wall. His gray whiskers rubbed against his nose with each intake of breath. Joe guessed his friend slept well, other than an occasional cough. The crates served as a crude barrier against the wind but left much to be desired by way of warmth. He would need to find more blankets for them before the snow set in. It wouldn’t do for Harvey to get sick. Although Harv had been out on the streets a lot longer than he had, he still worried about his old friend.

  They’d met nearly two years ago when Joseph stumbled into the small town. It had been a lengthy walk from Philly, but thankfully he’d gotten a ride with a trucker part of the way. The man had said he was traveling all the way to California and for a second Joe contemplated going with him. What would it be like all the way over on the other side of the country? He’d only been to two of the fifty United States – Ohio and Pennsylvania. Yet California seemed too far away. Wh
at if he couldn’t find a ride back? Twenty-seven hundred miles was a long way to walk.

  Joe had in mind to visit some friends in Pennsylvania. He’d met them at different times during his rumspringa and it turned out they were both from the same town and knew each other. What a small world. Now, with his current circumstances the way they were, Joe was too ashamed to see his old friends. He wasn’t exactly the picture of a successful Amishman. As a matter of fact, his friends were probably already married with several kinner by now. Not only was he in the Bann, he was destitute. Even if his friends wanted to, the Ordnung forbid them to extend the right hand of fellowship to a shunned man.

  Amish life would never be considered an easy life. A content life for some, jah, but never an easy one. Joseph had been content with the Amish life until he got to know Mary. That’s when his nearly-Utopian world was turned upside down. Appearances could be deceiving. But Joe wouldn’t think about that right now. It was just too painful.

  <><><>

  Linda’s blue two-door sedan rolled to a stop in front of Threads of Beauty. She debated leaving the warm comfort of her vehicle to step out into the bitter cold. Reaching for her scarf and hat, she realized someone stood outside the shop. It appeared to be one of the few homeless men that sometimes wandered the streets. She regretted the thought of asking him to leave, but accommodating vagabonds just wasn’t good for business. And their business hadn’t been doing all that great.

  As Linda approached the door, she noticed the man gazing into the shop, his face nearly touching the glass. Why would a man be fascinated with a quilt shop? She was about to send him on his way when she noticed him blowing into his hands and rubbing them together. How could she turn the man away? What if he’s an angel in disguise like the Bible talks about? The thought sent an added chill up her arms.