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Levi stopped pacing and went to the window to check the barn once again. “Nothing.” The failure hissed through his lips. The sun would come up in half an hour or so, but the thieves never showed.
He knew Asher would stay hidden in case they were watching. Levi was anxious to wake Miriam and tell her what happened. More than likely they would do this again tonight. If thieves failed to show again, Levi was not sure what to do next.
Miriam was angry with him and refused to go over to Wayne and Anna’s place, another night would not help the situation.
He would ask her to stay upstairs tonight, at least she would not be downstairs. He didn’t want her to be so upset because it was not right in her condition.
Levi smiled, remembering how big she had become this last month. He wondered about the possibility of twins. Excitement filled him at the thought, but it could also be as simple as a missed count on how far along she was. They both agreed she could plausibly have the boppli in a few months.
It made Levi think about planting. The ground was nearly thawed. A couple of warm evenings like the last few and they could be planting by next week. He needed to get his acres planted for the grains and hays he required for next winter. All the men in their district took days to help each other plow and at times, plant. Their individual success came about from the help of many. Then the vast vegetable garden for the home, he and Miriam both decided to plant twice as much than last year so all the new people will have enough food as well. Both Anna and Miriam gave Wayne and himself a list for planting.
Once it was done, he would help Wayne finish up the farm planting.
Levi laughed to himself. Anna and Miriam were quite a team. They already figured out what and how much canning they could do this year, and they had a lot of help to get it all done.
One request made both Wayne and him stutter a bit...Lambs. Neither he nor his brother ever remembered having any sheep, though Miriam did say they should really investigate alpacas. As Miriam told him the fleece is much better, and it could become a cash crop for the farms. She already researched them, as she knew exactly how many acres they needed for the alpacas or the sheep. To be honest, Levi liked the idea of the alpaca.
He stopped pacing when he heard the backdoor open and shut.
“Levi? It is Asher.”
“I am here.”
Asher turned to face him, and Levi could see his friend was frustrated.
“Ash, I will be okay if you want to try it for a couple more nights.”
“I think we should.”
“Yes, maybe they have moved on, but we won’t know unless we keep trying.”
“You’re right, Levi. How is Miriam going to handle the news, though?”
Levi gave a huff, “I am already bracing myself.”
“It should be safe enough, Levi.”
“Yes, better than letting her get all worked up.”
“When is she due?”
“We figure June, but only the boppli will know for sure.”
“The men are gone. Do you need some help with the animals? I will stay, I don’t want to leave the place unguarded.”
“Jah, it would be good.”
Together they left the house to go to the barn.
Levi took the time to feed his new stud. Radar needed to become used to him for all his care. Of course, Miriam and Radar were bonding. The big guy practically walked on eggs around her. Levi concluded the horse knew she was carrying a child,