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

  “Good morning, Ma’am. This is a nice shop you got here,” the man said.

  “Thank you,” she said, turning the key in the deadbolt. Linda hesitated a moment. “I usually start a pot of coffee in the mornings. I could bring you cup when it’s ready.”

  The man’s face lit up as though she’d just given him a bag of gold. “That would be wonderful.”

  The thought of leaving the man out in the cold pricked her conscience, but would it be safe to invite him inside? IF IT WERE ME, WOULD YOU INVITE HIM IN? The voice almost seemed audible. Linda blew out a breath. Okay, Lord, but I’m trusting You to keep me safe.

  “You can see the quilts better if you step inside,” Linda suggested.

  “Oh.” The man was clearly surprised. “All right. I – I won’t touch anything.”

  Linda disappeared into the back room to quickly set the coffee to percolate. A couple of moments later, she returned to find the man gazing upon the quilt Anna’s grandmother had made. “That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?”

  The man turned to face her, his eyes wide. “It looks so much like the one my gross – uh, my grandmother used to have on her bed. Did you make it?”

  Linda released a short chuckle. “Oh no, not me. Anna, the Amish girl I have working for me – her grandmother made it.”

  He fingered the price tag, but didn’t dare touch the quilt. “Why is this not priced higher?”

  It was a simple question, but Linda was intrigued that this homeless man would know the worth of a handmade Amish quilt. “We don’t have too many tourists coming through this area. They tend to pass us up for the more popular towns like Intercourse and Lancaster. Or they’ll wait for a mud sale or farmers’ market.”

  “That’s too bad. I’d say you could probably get twice this much.” The man scratched his scraggly beard. “Well, I better go now. My friend Harv will be wondering where I went. Thanks for the coffee.”

  “Would you like a refill before you go?”

  “All right. Thank you.”

  Linda soon returned with two cups. “Here’s one for your friend too.”

  The appreciation in the man’s face said more than “thank you.” Linda watched as he slipped out the door and back into the frigid air outside. He’d been the first homeless person she’d ever met, but she knew he’d made a lasting impression. Perhaps it was an angel in disguise.

  <><><>

  Joe sipped his coffee as he made his way back to the alley he and Harvey shared. So that’s where Anna works! He should’ve guessed.

  Her employer seemed really nice. She reminded him a little of his Aunt Martha, who’d owned her own bakery in Ohio. Oftentimes, he and his brothers would walk to town; or if Mamm would let them, they’d drive the pony cart. Aentie Martha would always greet them with a smile and a cookie of their choice. Of course, Joseph always chose a whoopie pie. The chocolate ones with peanut butter filling had always been his favorite. She hadn’t always made them. In fact, Joe was the one who’d given her the idea. They quickly became bestsellers when she made her offerings available to customers. Now she couldn’t seem to make enough.

  Looking back, Joe would have to say it was his aunt who made a profound impact on his life. It was her words of encouragement that provoked Joseph to eventually go to junior college. Of course, she had no idea he’d gone to college. And he was certain if she knew where her words had taken him, she wouldn’t have uttered them. But he was glad she did. Otherwise, he would’ve been even more lost than he had been after being put in the Bann.

  Going to school had given him a sense of purpose and a drive to become something more than a farmer. Not that there was anything wrong with farming. In fact, he loved it. But unfortunately it was the only thing he knew how to do. And you can’t farm without land. So when Joe became a shunned man, he realized he needed to learn a new trade.

  He had been faithful in his studies, but left college to work at a full-time job when he was offered a position by a colleague. His friend’s father had been very wealthy and owned several successful businesses. Joe enjoyed the job immensely and worked hard to do his utmost. His employer valued his work ethic and quickly promoted him to a top position within the company. Before he knew it, he was working as one of the most successful executives in the corporation. He was given an expensive company car to drive, his clothes were the best money could buy, and he dined at the most prestigious restaurants.

  Until one day his world came crashing down and he lost everything.

  Again.

  Joe’s self-esteem still hadn’t recovered. He supposed that was the real reason he was still on the streets.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  As a stream of cool air seeped through the flap of their buggy, Anna clenched the reins tightly. She discreetly surveyed Mammi’s grin over the brim of her black bonnet. At least one of them was excited about supper at the Gingerich home this evening. Evidently, Mammi had high hopes for her and Aaron. Anna, however, still doubted that she and Aaron were a good match. They were simply too different.

  Although Aaron had been thoughtful at their last meeting, Anna still sensed uneasiness. This kind, giving, selfless Aaron had been refreshingly different, but seemed out of character. Not that Aaron was all that bad or anything, really. It was just little things that Anna had picked up on here and there – kicking the cat away, practically forcing her to kiss him, and she’d never forget the incident with poor Joe.

  Joe.

  The thought of him and Harvey brought a smile to her lips.

  Mammi’s words quickly dashed her amusement. “Ah, I see. You’re finally gettin’ excited about seeing Aaron tonight. I wondered when your nervousness would wear off. We’re almost there.” Mammi practically sang the words, patting Anna’s hand.

  Ugh. What Anna really felt like doing is turning around. She’d love to be at home. If she were, she imagined she’d be climbing to the attic again in search of clothing she could offer to Joe and Harvey. Wouldn’t they look spiffy in Dat’s old broadfalls. She’d meant to have them delivered by now, but it seemed every time she set out to do it, something came up.

  As she maneuvered the buggy into the Gingeriches’ lane, Anna held her breath. Aaron stood near the hitching post waving, his pleased countenance evident. She managed a smile although she felt it was a falsehood. This whole courtship with Aaron seemed like a farce. So why did she agree to give Aaron another month? Eternity wouldn’t be enough time to convince him that they weren’t right for each other – or her that they were.

  “Hiya,” Aaron said, moving to help Mammi down from the buggy.

  Mammi patted his hand. “You are a kind young man.”

  Aaron smiled up at Anna, then glanced at her grandmother. “Denki, Lois. Welcome to our farm.”

  “I’ll just go on up to the house and leave you two to talk,” Mammi said, leaving Anna alone with Aaron.

  Anna promptly descended the carriage before Aaron found opportunity to assist her.

  “Ach, I coulda helped ya down. You should have waited.”

  “Denki, Aaron. But I’m perfectly capable of exiting the buggy on my own.” The less she allowed him to touch her, the better.

  “Well, let me at least unhitch the horse for ya. If you want, you may go into the house and say hello to my Mamm.” He grinned. “She’s been anxious to see ya. We all have.”

  Oh boy. This is going to be a long night. “All right, I’ll do that.”

  “I’ll be inside in just a bit,” Aaron said, leading her horse out to the pasture.

  <><><>

  Aaron glowed watching his aldi ascend the steps of his folks’ home. Hopefully, their home soon. She was finally here! And he hadn’t even done much to convince her to visit. She agreed willingly, which took him by surprise. Perhaps she was giving him the second chance he asked for. He just needed to make sure and certain he didn’t blow it.

  As the door closed behind her, he imagined Anna as his wife, walking in toting the laundry from the line. He could picture her
in the kitchen, preparing supper after he came in from working all day. Visions of them talking in the living room, then retiring for the evening together filled his mind. He wouldn’t allow his thoughts to linger any farther. It was difficult enough to contain himself while she was around, and indulging his thoughts only brought more temptation. If he admitted it to himself, that was one the main reasons he wanted to marry her.

  He hurried to finish up his outdoor tasks then sauntered into the house. Mamm had nearly prepared a feast for the five of them. Aaron washed his hands at the back sink and glanced over to see Anna examining the contents of the refrigerator. He sidled up to her and peered into the fridge as well.

  “What are we looking for?” he asked.

  “Ach, your Mamm asked me to find the peanut butter spread. I don’t –”

  “It’s right here,” he said, reaching around her into the door.

  “Have you two found it yet?” Aaron’s mother called from the table.

  Anna’s face heated when she noticed his arm around her waist and she abruptly stepped away.

  Aaron winked at Anna, then casually answered his mother. “Jah, we’ve got it now, Mamm. Anna didn’t see it. It was hiding in the door.”

  “Everything’s ready now,” Lois proclaimed.

  “Well, if the two love birds would like to sit down, we can begin,” Aaron’s father said with a knowing look.

  Blushing furiously, Anna took a seat next to Mammi. She glanced up at Aaron who winked again. She wished he would stop doing that. Mammi squeezed her hand and smiled before they bowed their heads in silent prayer. Dear Gott, please let this night pass quickly, Anna prayed.

  <><><>

  After a somewhat pleasant dinner, Aaron beckoned Anna outside. Reluctantly, she followed him to the expansive veranda which wrapped around the front of the house. By the tasteful furniture in their home, although still simple, Anna suspected the Gingerich family were well-off. She suspected good-looking Aaron wouldn’t have a difficult time finding a mate after they parted ways.

  “Come, sit here.” Aaron patted the space next to him on the oversized porch swing.

  Anna lowered herself onto the swing, purposely keeping her distance.

  “I’m glad you came tonight. I wasn’t sure if you would.”

  Anna bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. She didn’t wish to lead Aaron on, but neither did she desire to hurt his feelings. She wouldn’t tell him that she would have rather stayed home. “Denki for inviting us, Aaron. I know Mammi had a gut time.”

  Aaron’s face brightened, then suddenly dimmed a little. “About the comment my dat made, I hope it didn’t embarrass you. I…” His voice trailed off as he seemed to gather the courage to say what was next. “I hope you’ll come again.” His voice was almost pleading.

  “Aaron, I…” How could she say this? She stood from the swing and walked over to the porch railing. “I’m sorry, Aaron. This is just not going to work between us.”

  Aaron came behind her and gently grasped her upper arms. “Please, Anna, I’m trying,” he whispered over her shoulder. “You said you’d give me a chance. Unless…” He dropped his hands. “There’s someone else, isn’t there?”

  Anna turned to face him, looking into his disappointed gaze. “Nee, there isn’t, Aaron.”

  “Then why? Why am I not good enough for you?” Aaron gestured to the farm. “Look around you, Anna. All this can be yours – ours. You and Mammi will never have to worry about money again. We can sell your farm and –”

  “You’d want to sell our home?” Anna’s eyes widened. “Mammi grew up in that house, I would never ask her to give it up.”

  “But imagine the money we could get for it. In today’s market –”

  “See, Aaron, this is why it won’t work between us. We don’t see eye to eye.” Anna sighed and started toward the front door. “Mammi and I should go.”

  “Please don’t, Anna.”

  She turned back before entering. “I’m sorry, Aaron.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  With Thanksgiving approaching rapidly, Anna thought again of Harvey and Joe. Had they ever enjoyed a wonderful gut Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones all around? Did they have family somewhere? If they did have family, were their families aware they were living on the streets?

  She realized she didn’t know anything about the two men, nor did they know much about her. But how familiar did she want to get with perfect strangers? Yet, they didn’t seem like strangers to her; they felt more like old friends.

  Anna wondered what Mammi would say if she knew she’d been feeding strangers – two homeless men at that. She was certain Mammi would worry and put an abrupt stop to her activities. But how could she just walk on by and pretend Joe and Harvey didn’t exist? She could not. It seemed that her interaction with Joe and Harv had not only changed her thoughts, but her heart as well.

  She wished she could invite Harvey and Joe into her home for Thanksgiving, but was certain Mammi would not approve. Anna knew Mammi already worried about her enough. How much more anxious would she be if Anna brought home two scruffy male guests?

  Anna sighed, wondering what the Lord would have her do. She’d have to pray on it for sure and for certain.

  <><><>

  Joe had been toying with the idea for a while. Ever since he’d had that conversation with Linda, if fact. How could he help Anna out? She’d been so kind to him and Harv and he desired to pay her back somehow. If his idea worked, he’d be helping out both Anna and Linda at the same time, but he’d have to move fast. He determined to talk to Linda today to get her permission, then he’d set the wheels in motion as soon as possible.

  <><><>

  “Oh look, it’s snowing outside!” Anna smiled, remembering the fond times she and her siblings had growing up. The first snow of the season was always a welcome treat – at least it was for Anna. She’d always run outside and try to catch as many snowflakes in her mouth as possible. She was tempted to do it now, but it would have to wait for a more appropriate time. Still, the desire kindled inside her soul.

  Linda stood at her side and peered out the window. “It sure is. You’d better leave early tonight.”

  “I’ll be all right,” Anna assured. “The buggy usually does just fine in the snow. And I know Brazen likes the cold weather.”

  “You’re sure? Because I could give you a ride if it begins snowing too heavily.”

  “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I’ve driven in the snow many times.” Anna took her seat behind the counter again and picked up her knitting basket. “Do you think the snow will slow our sales?” She attempted to keep the concern out of her tone, but apparently Linda had picked up on it anyway.

  “Inevitably.” Linda shared an understanding glance with Anna.

  “I was hoping that at least one of Mammi’s quilts would sell.”

  “I really wish I could pay you more, Anna, but it’s just not feasible,” Linda said. “I’ll understand if you need to find a job elsewhere that brings in more income.”

  Anna had considered that option in the past, but she enjoyed working with Linda. Besides, there weren’t too many places that would hire a woman with only an eighth grade education. If there were, the pay wouldn’t be much different than working at Threads of Beauty. Perhaps she could take on a second job. But if she did, who would tend to all the chores on the farm?

  As Anna silently deliberated over these issues, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d made a mistake by dismissing Aaron’s proposal. What if she and Mammi couldn’t make ends meet and they lost the farm? Being married to Aaron and having a roof over her and Mammi’s heads was certainly better than the alternative. Not that she and Mammi would be out on the streets like Harvey and Joe. No, the Amish took care of their own. She knew she and Mammi would be welcomed into the home of another Amish family, if need be. But she just couldn’t wrap the thought of being married to Aaron around her mind – or her heart.

  <><><>

  If
Joe had known it was going to snow today, he wouldn’t have traveled so far from ‘home.’ But he had to make a trip to the library to see if his idea was even possible. Linda had been very accommodating and had even agreed to keep Anna oblivious to his clandestine activities. At first Linda had seemed skeptical, but she eventually consented to his proposition. After all, she wasn’t really in a position to decline something that could potentially grow her business by leaps and bounds – which is exactly what Joe had hoped would eventually happen.

  Up ahead, flashing lights from a buggy stranded on the side of the road brought back unwanted memories. An image of Mary lying in the ditch flashed in his mind. No!

  Without another thought, he rushed to the buggy. “Are you all right?” he blurted, out of breath from his mad dash to reach the buggy. He looked up and peered into familiar eyes. “Anna?”

  “Ach, Joe. I’m so thankful it’s you. I think my wheel is stuck.” She moved to get down from her seat, but Joe quickly halted her.

  “No. You stay there,” he insisted. “I’ll try to get it out. Keep hold of the reins.” He quickly moved to the back wheel and noticed snow had now covered over half of it. He tried pushing first, but it wouldn’t budge. He’d have to dig it out. It was times like this a shovel would come in handy.

  As though reading his thoughts, Anna called to him from the front and informed him that she kept a small shovel in the box in back of the buggy. He opened the back flap and found the shovel. With the snow falling fast, Joe knew he had to work quickly or they’d both be found frozen to death by morning. Of course, he’d never allow that to happen to sweet Anna.