A Secret Encounter (Amish Secrets--Book 2) Page 8

  “What are your plans for the day?”

  Joe scratched his head. “Well, I plan to go to the library.”

  Anna laughed. “Really?”

  “Why do you laugh?”

  Anna sensed a bit of offense. “Oh no, I didn’t mean…I guess you just don’t seem like the library type to me.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “The library type? I don’t think I get you.”

  “You know, nerdy and super smart…not that you’re dumb or anything. Oh boy, it seems nothing I say is coming out the right way. I’ll just close my mouth now. Forget about what I said.”

  “So, are you the library type?”

  “No comment. I said to forget the former conversation, remember?”

  “Only if you’ll have lunch with me.” He smiled. “Mammi packed us plenty.”

  “Deal. Where?”

  “That depends on how long you’ve got today.”

  “An hour.”

  “Well then it’ll be a surprise.”

  “But I –”

  “Don’t you like surprises?” He grinned.

  “Yes, but –”

  “It’s a surprise,” Joe stated firmly. Before she could answer again, he brought his fingers to her lips to silence her. “This is where you simply nod your head in compliance,” he teased.

  Anna opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it and closed her mouth again. She finally spoke up. “I can’t believe you told me to shut up.”

  “Well, I hoped to sound a little more polite.”

  “Of course, Joe. Everything you say is polite. I can’t picture you not speaking politely.”

  “You didn’t hear me with Aaron the other day after you kissed me.”

  “Oh no, don’t mention Aaron. Or the kiss.” She winced.

  “Why not? I liked the kiss.”

  Anna’s cheeks heated. “You did?”

  “In a disturbed, shocked, and slightly surprised kinda way.” He smiled.

  “What did you say to Aaron?”

  “Nothing. I was just teasing you.”

  Anna shook her head. “That’s just like you, Joe – taking the high road. I admire you.”

  Joseph’s face brightened. “You do?’

  Anna nodded.

  Joe placed his hand on Anna’s. “Thank you, Anna. No one’s ever said anything like that to me before.”

  Their eyes locked briefly, then Joseph removed his hand. Anna looked out at the Englischers in their cars. She figured they must look like a young courting couple to passersby, or perhaps even a young married couple.

  She glanced back at Joe and frowned. They’d never have a chance at love, which she was certain was what this was, because she was Amish and he was not. Tears pricked her eyes, but she quickly brushed them away. It wasn’t good for either of them to be spending this much time together. If they continued, Anna was certain she’d lose her heart for good.

  “Well, here we are,” Joe said, pulling up to Threads of Beauty. “I’ll be here at twelve then?” His eyes sparkled and Anna still couldn’t get over how handsome he was.

  “Uh, no. Joe, I think it’s better if we don’t have lunch together.” Anna hopped down from the buggy, then reached for the lunch container. She quickly opened it to retrieve her sandwich, doing her best not to meet Joe’s eyes.

  Joe set the brake on the buggy, then reached for Anna’s hand and clasped it tight. “Why, Anna?”

  She couldn’t help the tears that pricked her eyes once again. “You know why. It can never work between us.”

  “Yes, it can. You know we’re perfect for each other, Anna. Love can conquer anything.” His eyebrows lowered and Anna caught the desire in his eyes. Not a lustful desire, but a desire to make their relationship work, a desire to fight for her love. She heard his unspoken plea loud and clear.

  But he’d never understand. How could he? In some ways, it seemed things were simpler in the Englisch world. You could marry whomever you chose, as long as you promised to love your spouse. There were no extra rules you had to follow. You didn’t have to sacrifice romantic love for familial love and acceptance. You were free.

  But Anna wasn’t free. Being with Joe meant she would have to leave Mammi all alone, and she could never do that. Anna had never doubted her faith before, but now it seemed so constricting. Here was Joe, quite possibly the sweetest man she’d ever met, offering his love to her. How could she reject it?

  But she had to…there was no other way.

  “I’m so sorry, Joe,” Anna’s voice faltered. She rushed from the buggy and into the store as quickly as she could.

  <><><>

  Linda’s gaze lifted from her sewing project to Anna’s hasty entrance. She immediately noticed tears streaming down her cheeks. “Anna, what’s wrong?”

  Anna shook her head. “Will you let Joe know that you’re taking me home today?”

  “I am?”

  “Could you, please?”

  “Well, yes.” Linda nodded. “Okay, I’ll tell him.”

  Linda quickly made it out the door as Joe was pulling away. “Joe!” she hoped he’d heard over the sound of the horse’s hoof beats.

  The buggy’s abrupt stop indicated he had. Linda rushed to the carriage. “Anna said to tell you she doesn’t need a ride home today. You may go back anytime you’d like.”

  Joe nodded solemnly and Linda noticed his clean, youthful appearance. “You look nice, Joe. How’s Harvey doing?”

  His face brightened a little at the mention of Harv. “A lot better. Thank you for allowing him to recuperate in your store.”

  “It was no problem.” Linda remembered their private conversation the other day. “About our plans…are they still on?”

  Joe nodded. “Still on. I’m going back to the library today. Hopefully, that will set the wheels in motion. You haven’t said anything to Anna yet, have you?”

  “No.”

  “Good. I don’t want her to know.”

  Linda noticed Joe’s eyes misting. What is wrong with these two? She wanted to find out, but she wouldn’t ask Joe. Perhaps she could get something out of Anna. “I’ll let you go now.”

  Joe’s buggy disappeared into the light traffic and Linda hurried back into the shop.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Concentration proved difficult for Joseph, as he sat at a desk in the library. The computer screen in front of him blurred as he gathered his emotions. His heart hadn’t been in this much turmoil since Mary’s death, and of course, his excommunication.

  Why had he opened up his heart to Anna? It seemed like anytime he invested himself in someone, heartache eventually followed. First, it had been Mary. Then he’d lost his family and his community. Next, his co-workers turned their backs on him believing lies instead of the truth. And now Anna.

  This is why he’d turned his back on God. No matter how kind Joe was, no matter how much he poured his time, talents, and love into people, he still ended up losing. But he couldn’t live any other way. He’d tried being mean and selfish, but it only made him feel miserable inside. He had to be true to himself.

  And of course, that was why he was here at the library. He promised Linda he would try to help and he would keep that promise. No matter if what he was doing didn’t produce any fruit. No matter if it produced a lot of fruit and he didn’t receive any reward. People were counting on him.

  Joe swiped his eyes, gathered his resolve, and began typing away at the keyboard.

  <><><>

  Anna felt miserable as she, Mammi, and Harv sat at the supper table. Joe had chosen to stay in the dawdi haus. She hadn’t seen him since he dropped her off at work this morning. Anna wondered where he’d gone after he left. Mammi said he hadn’t returned home until late afternoon, so he must’ve gone somewhere.

  She was glad to see that Harvey was regaining his strength. No telling what kind of bitter herbal teas Mammi had made him drink throughout the day. She’d drank many throughout the years. They were difficult going down sometimes, bu
t they always worked.

  Tomorrow Jacob and Rachel were scheduled to arrive and Anna was looking forward to it. There was nothing like family and the little ones, especially, to lighten the heart. It seemed like lately hardship was all they knew, but Anna realized she still had plenty to be thankful for. God was always faithful. Always.

  <><><>

  Harv entered the dawdi haus and closed the door behind him. “When are you going to talk to her?”

  “I’m not,” Joe said.

  “You have to, Joe.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Well, then you’re a fool. That woman loves you,” Harvey stated.

  Joe grimaced. “Stay out of this, Harv. It doesn’t concern you.”

  “You’re saying that I shouldn’t be concerned about two of the best people I know. Two people that are miserable because neither one of them will speak to the other.” Tears formed in Harvey’s eyes. “Don’t let her slip out of your hands, Joe. It’s not worth it.” Harv swiped at his eyes. “I never told you this before, but I was once married.”

  Joseph sat up and stared at Harvey. “You were?”

  “Yep. Virginia. She was a perty little thing.”

  “What happened?”

  Harv explained, “It was 1967 when Virginia and I met. She was a waitress at a little coffee shop I frequented while in college. We spent a lot of time just getting to know each other and became good friends. After several months passed, we began dating and I took her home to meet my folks - that’s what we did back in those days, you know. Anyway, by the end of the year Virginia and I were married. By spring, we had a little one on the way. Boy, were we excited!

  “Got a letter in the mail from the President of the United States. Apparently, they needed a few good men to go off to Viet Nam and so I was drafted. My little one was born and buried while I was over there. I never got to see him or hold him in my arms. But Virginia said he was beautiful, she said he looked like me. I reckon I was handsome back then.

  “When I finished my tour of duty and service to my country, I’d heard the American people were not happy. I’d heard that all that awaited a soldier’s return was disgrace and humiliation. So instead of bringing shame upon my beautiful Virginia, I didn’t tell her that I’d returned home.

  “A couple of years later, I learned that she had cancer. I couldn’t help it; she needed me, and so I went to her. Boy, was she shocked to learn that I was still alive. I only got a few weeks with her before she passed. I could have had years. You see, Joe. She was never ashamed of me. She was here waiting for me with open arms. But I was a fool. I didn’t believe our love was strong enough to withstand the trials of life, but I was wrong.

  “So, don’t tell me that I have no right being concerned about you and Anna. You have a love that’s pure. Don’t make the same mistake I made. Don’t give up because of fear. And don’t ever give up on God.” Harvey wiped away his tears with shaky hands.

  Joe shook his head. “It’s too late, Harvey. I gave up on God a long time ago. He has forsaken me.”

  Harvey stood up, crossed his arms over his chest, and stared Joe in the face. “That is a lie straight from the devil! God promised to never leave or forsake His own. Others may have forsaken you, Joe, but God never has and He never will.”

  “Well, then tell me where He’s been all my life. I want to know. Because He sure hasn’t offered His hand to help me out,” Joe spat out bitterly.

  “Open your eyes and look around you, Joe. If this isn’t God’s providence, then I don’t know what is.”

  Joseph opened his mouth to protest, but he couldn’t form the words. He realized Harvey was right. For the first time in years, Joe bowed his head and gave a brief prayer of thanks for God’s provision.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Joe hadn’t found an opportune time to speak with Anna yet, but perhaps it was better to wait a while. Their company was scheduled to arrive today and Mammi had put him to work fixing odds and ends around the house. He wasn’t even sure of what he would say to Anna when he had the opportunity, but hoped the words would come. He continually wrestled with the idea of telling Anna the truth about his past, but the thing that he feared most was Anna’s rejection. He couldn’t decide if it was better that she continued to believe he was Englisch, or reveal that he’d been excommunicated from the Amish. Either way, he’d lose. There was no possible solution.

  He opened the back screen door of the house to a loud squeak. It would need to be fixed. He knew the main back door also needed attention. A minute later he returned from the barn with lubricant in his hand and quickly sprayed some on the screen door’s hinges. He opened the back door, which, to his surprise did not squeak, but he decided to spray it anyway. Joe stepped inside to shield himself from the cold.

  “When did this come?” Joe heard Anna’s distraught voice.

  “Just today,” Mammi said.

  “But we don’t have an extra twelve hundred dollars! They can’t expect us to pay this by next month,” Anna cried. “Oh Mammi, we’re going to lose the house.”

  Joe knew he shouldn’t be listening in on their conversation so he quickly stepped back outside. But he’d heard enough. Anna and Mammi were in trouble. Hopefully, God willing, he’d be able to provide the solution.

  <><><>

  “Joe?” Mammi called. “Will you come in here and help me with this thing?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.” Joe set his glass of water on the counter, then followed Mammi into one of the other rooms. When he stepped into the room, he immediately noticed several folded quilts tucked into clear plastic bags that sat on top of a bureau.

  “Will you help me move this quilting frame into the other room? This room’s bigger than the other and I’d like to let Jacob’s family use it,” Mammi said.

  “Sure,” Joe said, then pointed to the quilts. “What are those for?”

  “I’d planned to sell them.”

  “I saw the Christmas quilt that you made in Threads of Beauty. It was remarkable. One of the nicest I’ve ever seen.”

  reached over with her weathered hand and patted Joe’s hand. “Denki, child. It is kind of you to say so. Der Herr had blessed me with a wonderful grossmudder that taught me how to quilt when I was just a maed.”

  “She taught you well,” Joe said, then picked up his end of the quilting frame.

  Mammi picked up her side, then quickly set it down. “Ach, I better call Anna in to help with this. I don’t know if I should take my chances on this old back.”

  Joe watched as Mammi disappeared and Anna returned in her stead.

  “Mammi’s in the kitchen,” Anna explained.

  Joe again noticed a hint of pink in her cheeks. “We should talk.”

  “I’d rather not. I don’t know what good it will do.”

  Joseph frowned. “Would you rather that Harv and I leave?”

  “No. Of course not.”

  Voices and the pitter patter of little footsteps turned their attention to the kitchen. Anna poked her head out of the room, then quickly returned to lift her side of the quilting frame. “Looks like they’re here. We’d better hurry.”

  “Yeah. I should go check on Harv too.” Joe led the way out of the room and Anna directed him to where the quilt should go. After they finished, he abruptly stepped outside and headed for the dawdi haus. He didn’t want to interrupt family time as Mammi, Anna, and her cousins greeted one another.

  <><><>

  As Joseph and Harvey sat at their small table playing cards, Joe noted a knock at the door. He waited for Harv to answer the call, but his friend refused.

  “I ain’t got no callers. That’ll be for you,” Harvey insisted. “My guess is that pretty little lady.”

  Another knock prompted Joe to answer. Anna stood on the doorstep.

  “What did I tell ya?” Harv grinned.

  Anna smiled briefly at Harvey, then looked back to Joe. “Mammi wants you two to come for supper.”

  Harv shot Anna a knowing look. “Just
Mammi, huh?”

  Anna blushed.

  Joe scratched the stubbles on his chin. He’d need to shave soon, so as not to offend Mammi. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” he said hesitantly.

  “Well, my cousin Jacob is here and she thought it would be better if there were some other men that he could talk to. She’d be happy to have you,” Anna said, then ducked her head. “And, uh, I would too.”

  That’s all Joe needed to hear. “Come on, Harv, let’s go.”

  “Ah man, I was just about to beat you,” Harv said, folding his cards on the table.

  “That’s your version. We both know who was ahead.” Joe smiled, catching Anna’s eye. “That is, if you weren’t trying to cheat again.”

  “I told you that I don’t never cheat,” Harv protested.

  Joe raised his eyebrows, his doubtful expression evident.

  “Well, okay. There was that one time, but –”

  “We got people waitin’ on us, Harv.”

  Harvey lowered his head sheepishly and bundled up in the jacket and scarf Anna had given him.

  Joseph patiently waited for his old friend, then they followed Anna to the main house. When they arrived, Anna’s family was already seated at the supper table.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Anna quickly moved to introduce everybody. She looked from Harvey and Joe to her cousin and his wife. “Harvey, Joe, this is my cousin Jacob and his wife Rachel and their three kinner: Leah, Kate, and Faithy.”

  “Well, if those aren’t the three pertiest little girls I’ve ever seen!” Harvey gushed.

  Anna watched as the girls’ faces lit up. It seemed everyone loved Harv.

  Jacob’s eyes widened when he shook Joe’s hand, as a look of recognition registered. “Joseph? Joseph Bender? I can’t believe it’s you!” He reached for his old friend to embrace him. “Jake Schrock, remember?”