As she steered the horse-drawn wagon toward the Lapp farm, Annie was anxiously aware of Jacob’s silence. “Your hand hurts.”
He appeared startled and then his expression turned wry. “Ja, it’s throbbing. I’ll live.”
She turned her attention back to the road. “I’m sorry this happened.” She hesitated. “Was it Peter’s fault?”
“Nay. I became distracted.”
“Peter says it’s his fault.”
“Nay, I took off my work glove before he accidentally knocked a table peg off the anvil. I didn’t think, and I brushed the back of my hand against the hot metal as I leaned to pick it up.”
“Table peg?” She flashed him another glance.
“Ja. Rick Martin bought a table from a used furniture dealer. The legs are secured with metal pegs. One was bent and another missing. Rick asked me to make replacements for him.” He offered her a pain-filled smile. “It was my fault, not Peter’s.”
She looked skeptical. “You are a kind man, Jacob Lapp.”
He was silent as he stared out of his side of the vehicle. “I don’t feel kind.”
She frowned. Not kind? She wanted to ask why he felt this way. He obviously didn’t know himself well. He was thoughtful, generous and had a good heart. Annie steered the conversation in another direction to distract him from his pain. “I wanted to tell you earlier—before Peter came into the kitchen—Reuben Miller came to dinner the other night.”
“I saw him talking with you in the yard,” he said quietly.
“He said he came for new horseshoes.” Annie waited for his response.
“Ja, he did,” he said. “The job didn’t take long. I replaced the mare’s front shoes. Your vadder changed out the others last summer.”
Annie gave him a look. “My mudder’s been playing matchmaker again. Reuben was invited to the house as the next in line as my potential husband.” She sighed. “I wish she would stop interfering.”
“You don’t like Reuben?” he asked.
“He is nice enough, but he isn’t what I’m looking for.”
“Ja, you want to marry a church elder.”
Annie nodded but kept her eyes on the road ahead of her.
“Levi,” he guessed.
“Nay,” she murmured. “He likes Barbara.”
“Barbara?” He sounded surprised. “I thought you went on an outing with him.”
She nodded, surprised that he’d known. “Ja, I did, with Barbara as our chaperone.” She smiled crookedly. “They had a wonderful time together. It was I who felt like the chaperone.”
“I’m sorry,” Jacob said.
Annie shrugged. “I’m not. There are other older men in our community.”
“Why do you want only an older man?” Jacob asked. “Don’t ya want someone who’ll cherish you?”
She flashed him a look, startled by the intensity of his golden gaze. Cherish? She was hoping for someone who would simply be happy to have her to wife. She would feel blessed to be cherished by her husband, but she doubted that would ever happen.
“Younger men don’t want me.” Annie felt her face heat. “I can trust an older man.”
“What about me?” Jacob asked.
“You?” She became flustered. “What about you?”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“I trust you,” she hedged, wondering where the conversation was leading. “We are friends—” He shifted in his seat and Annie saw him wince. “I’m sorry. Your hand is hurting you.”
“I’m fine,” he insisted, but his pale features said otherwise.
The Samuel Lapp farm was several yards ahead. Annie flipped on the buggy’s battery-operated turn signal as the vehicle approached the dirt road. She waited for two cars to pass, then when the path was clear, she carefully steered the horse onto the lane that led to their farmhouse. She was glad that conversation had ended. She didn’t know why he’d started it.
“I’ll ask Eli to take you home,” Jacob said as she parked in the barnyard.
“Danki.” She glanced his way as he shifted to get out. “Jacob—”
He turned, his brow furrowed. “I’m fine, Annie.”
She touched his arm, felt the muscle tighten. “I’m sorry this happened.”
One corner of his mouth curved upward as he shrugged. “You don’t have to apologize.” He held up his bandaged hand. “You’re not responsible.”
“You will see a doctor?”
“I’ll see how it is in the morning. If it looks worse, then, ja, I’ll see a doctor.”
She nodded, satisfied. It was all she could ask of him. “Until then, if you need anything—” She bit her lip. “You’ll tell me?” She leaned closer and stared into his eyes. “Please?”
He stared back at her, his good hand cradling his injured one. Finally, he broke eye contact. “I’ll get my brother Eli.” He walked a few feet and then stopped and faced her. “Annie, you said you trust me. I want you to consider something carefully...me.”
As Jacob headed toward the house again, Annie climbed out of the vehicle, skirted the buggy and waited outside in the yard. Him? Was Jacob actually suggesting that she consider him as someone who could be more than a friend? Had he been serious? Or just teasing her? Now that he had put the idea in her mind, she had trouble dismissing it. They were friends, she reminded herself. Then why did she feel flustered whenever Jacob was near?
She stared at the house, waiting for Eli. Within minutes, Katie Lapp appeared. “Annie!” Jacob’s mother called out to her. “Come inside while you wait.”
Annie smiled shyly as she climbed the porch steps and entered through the door Katie held open.
“I did the best I could for him,” Annie said as she moved into the warmth of Katie’s kitchen, “but you may want to check his hand yourself. I’m afraid he’ll be stubborn about seeing a doctor.”
“I’m sure you did fine, Annie, but if it makes you feel better, I’ll examine the burn later.” Katie smiled at her as she gestured for Annie to sit down. “Our men can be stubborn creatures.”
“Ja, and Jacob, I fear, is more stubborn than my vadder, who is stubborn as a mule.” Annie gasped and covered her mouth, realizing what she’d said, but Jacob’s mother chuckled. “I can walk home. ’Tis no trouble, and the day is pleasant outside.”
Katie shook her head. “Eli will take you. Jacob went upstairs to get him.”
“Ach, I don’t want to impose.”
Katie turned on the stove and put on a kettle. “Will ya have tea?”
Annie thought a moment. Dat had told her to take her time. “Ja, I’d like that.”
“Gut.” As the water heated on the stove, Jacob’s mother reached into the cabinet for cups.
Jacob and Eli entered the kitchen as their mother brewed the tea. “Annie is going to enjoy refreshments before you take her home, Eli. I made you each a cup.”
“If ya don’t mind, Mam, I would prefer something cold.” Jacob held up his bandaged hand. Annie was conscious that he avoided her gaze. She wanted to pull him aside and ask him if he’d been teasing earlier about considering him as a potential husband instead of someone older.
“How about a root beer?” his mother asked.
“That would be gut.” Jacob pulled out a chair and saw Eli smile at Annie as he took the seat next to her.
“Hallo, Annie,” his twin said.
She smiled. “Eli. You have time to take me home?”
“Ja. After we enjoy our tea.”
“Annie.” Katie handed Annie a cup and then extended one toward Eli.
After accepting it from her, Eli prepared the tea the way he liked it. “How is Joe?” he asked.
“Dat is fine. Doing better.” Annie frowned as she watched Jacob. She had noticed that he’d winced a time or two, although he’d tried hard to hide it. “Dat is worried about your brother,” she told Eli.
She saw Eli glance at Jacob before returning his attention back to her with a funny look on his face.
Katie took a chilled bottle of root beer out of the refrigerator and handed it to Jacob.
“Where’s Hannah?” Annie asked of Katie’s youngest child and only daughter.
“She’s over at Charlotte’s.” Katie sat down at the table. “Playing with Ruth Ann.”
Jacob lifted his drink with his uninjured hand.
Annie couldn’t seem to take her eyes off him as he took a sip and set the glass down on the table. “Jacob—”
He turned and fixed her with a look. “I’m fine, Annie.”
Eli raised his eyebrows. “She saw the burn, Jake. Maybe she knows better than you.”
“Ja, Eli,” Annie said. “I think he should see a doctor. He says he is fine, but he’s not.” She paused. “You said you’d go if your hand appeared worse. Will you go if your mam says you should though you may think differently?” she asked him with a quick glance toward his mother.
Jacob sighed. “You’ll not rest unless I agree?”
Annie nodded. “If you agree, I won’t mention it again.”
“Then I agree.”
“And I will take a look at it and decide.” Katie pushed a plate of lemon squares in Annie’s direction.
Annie smiled with satisfaction as she chose one before sliding the plate toward Eli, who sat next to her. Eli took a square and nudged the plate toward Jacob.
Jacob declined the treat and finished his soda. As he set down the empty bottle, he rose. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to head upstairs.” He addressed Annie. “Danki for dressing my burn and bringing me home.”
“Even though you didn’t want me to drive?” she challenged.
Jacob’s cheeks flushed. “Ja, even though.” He grabbed the empty soda bottle and set it on the counter near the sink. “Eli, I’ll talk with you after you take Annie home.”
Eli nodded. “I’ll see you later.”
Annie finished her tea. “I will talk with you again soon, Jacob,” she murmured.
Eli put down his empty cup and stood. “Would you like another?”
“Nay. I’m ready to go whenever you are.”
Katie rose and gathered the teacups. “Let me help wash those,” Annie said as Eli went outside to check on the horse.
“Nay, you get home to your dat. If I know Joe, he’ll be worrying about Jacob.” She smiled. “I appreciate the way you took care of him today.”
“Jacob is a gut man. I’m glad I could help him.”
“Jacob may seem too serious at times, but he has a pure heart.” Katie tied a work apron about her waist.
“He’s been kind to my family, helping me after Dat’s accident, working in the shop to help my vadder.” She paused. “He is a gut friend.”
“Annie?” Eli appeared in the doorway. “Ready?”
She nodded. “The tea and lemon squares were delicious.”
Katie smiled. “Say hallo to your mudder and vadder.”
Annie nodded and then left, following Eli out of the house and into the buggy. Soon, Eli had steered Janey out onto the main road in the direction of Annie’s home.
“You’re quiet,” Eli said after a time.
“Just thoughtful,” she answered.
“He’ll be fine, Jacob.” He exchanged looks with her. “His hand will heal.”
Annie inclined her head. “It shouldn’t have happened. He said that no one was at fault, but I wonder...”
Eli raised his eyebrows. “Does it matter?”
She sighed. “Nay, I suppose not.”
Eli drew up on the leathers as a car passed too swiftly. He frowned. “Careless Englishers are going to hurt someone seriously one day.”
“Ja. Lately, it seems that there are more than the usual tourists in Lancaster County.”
“Come to enjoy the fall foliage?” Eli asked.
Annie smiled. “Or to get a gut look at us Plain folk.”
They chatted easily as Eli drove onto the Zooks’ dirt lane and into the barnyard.
“I appreciate the ride, Eli,” Annie said with a smile before she climbed out of the buggy.
“I’ll see you on Sunday, Annie. Danki for taking care of Jacob.”
Annie felt her face warm at the mention of Jacob’s name. “Will you take him to the doctor if he needs it?”
“Ja.” Eli tilted his head, then suddenly widened his eyes. “You like him!”
Her heart skipped a beat. “He’s my friend.”
Eli smiled. “Jacob’s a lucky man to have you as his friend.”
She felt as if she needed to get away before she said something she shouldn’t. “I will see you on Sunday. Will ya be going to the youth singing?”
Eli nodded. “Ja, I wouldn’t miss it.” He shifted to face her. “You?”
“I’m thinking about it. I haven’t been since before Dat’s accident.” Annie leaned in while she talked with Eli. “It should be fun.” She started to walk away, then promptly spun back around. “Did ya hear that Rebekkah Miller is betrothed? The banns are being posted today.”
“She is?” Eli looked thoughtful. “To whom, do you know?”
“Caleb Yoder.”
“The new doctor?” he asked, and Annie nodded. “How did you find out?”
She stood back and brushed something off her apron. “I spoke with Reuben the other day.”
Eli looked out the front buggy window before turning to give her a twisted smile. “I used to be sweet on her.”
“Ach, I’m sorry, Eli,” Annie said. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
He waved it off as if it were of no consequence. “Nay, ’tis fine. It was a long time ago. I haven’t seen or spoken with Rebekkah in over a year.”
Annie inclined her head. “I should get inside. I appreciate the ride.” She stepped away from the vehicle. “I’ll see you soon.” Then she waved and watched as Eli drove away from the house. Images of Jacob intermingled while his brother Eli’s words spun in her head.
Jacob Lapp. He was different than his brother but also the same.
She climbed the front stoop and onto the covered porch. Annie froze as emotion hit her with sudden clarity. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about Jacob Lapp? Jacob was a gut and caring friend, but he was young and handsome, and she didn’t want young and handsome. She wanted—needed—calm, peace and an easy affection. She scowled. By suggesting that she consider him, he had made it impossible for her to ignore him.
* * *
Four days after his burn accident, Jacob stood on his front porch, gazing out at the landscape. His hand throbbed, causing him pain. As expected, a huge water blister had risen to cover the injured area. It was only after the blister burst that his mother had suggested that he seek medical help from Jonah Troyer, who gave medical aid to the less serious injuries among the members of their Amish community. Jonah had taken one look at Jacob’s hand and frowned.
“You’d best go and see that English doc, Dr. Jamieson,” he had told Jacob. “I think you need a prescription. Dr. Jamieson can write you one.” And so Jacob had made an appointment with Dr. Jamieson for the next day.
Dr. Jamieson had examined the burn and agreed. “Jonah is right. I’ll prescribe an antibiotic cream. Spread it gently over the open burn wound and then keep the burn covered with gauze. Continue to use both until the burn heals.”
“When can I go back to work?” Jacob had asked.
Dr. Jamieson had shaken his head. “Stay away from the shop for at least a week. You’re going to feel uncomfortable going back too soon. You mustn’t do anything to jeopardize the sterile environment of the wound. In other words, Jacob, don’t do anything that may cause infection.”
Waiting for his family to depart for Sunday church service, Jacob wondered what he was going to do during the coming week. He needed to keep busy. He wasn’t allowed to help on the farm, although at this time of year, most of the work was in preparation for next spring’s planting. He couldn’t work with the animals. He couldn’t work in Noah’s furniture shop or with Jed for the construction company. Suddenly, the chores he never particularly enjoyed seemed inviting. He wasn’t used to being idle, and it didn’t sit well with him. In fact, it gave him way too much time to think about Annie and his feelings for her.
Friends, he thought. She said they were friends. If only he were older and had a permanent position...then he’d have a chance with Annie. Think about me, Annie. Consider me. I can make you happy if only you’ll let me.
Jacob adjusted his Sunday-best black felt hat as he stepped out onto the lawn. He had to decide on his life’s path. What were his options? He could work on a farm but not his father’s. All monies earned from the Samuel Lapp farm went to provide for his mother and the remaining five siblings, besides him, still living at home.
There was always Noah’s furniture shop, but he didn’t have his older brother’s talent for crafting furniture, and while he could make deliveries for Noah, he couldn’t earn a living at it.
He would do anything to show Annie that they were meant to be together. But what if she didn’t ever consider him seriously? What if she remained determined to marry a church elder? Someone like Ike King?
His younger brother Daniel burst out of the house and flew down the porch steps. “We’re going to be late for Sunday services!”
“I’m ready. I’ve been ready,” Isaac insisted as he joined them.
“We’re all ready,” his mother said as she exited the house with their youngest brother, Joseph, and Hannah, their little sister.
“Where’s Dat?” Eli asked as he came up from the yard. He’d brought around the family buggy.
“He’s coming,” Mam said.
“I’m here,” their father said as he pulled the front door shut and locked it. “Let’s go.” He nodded toward the buggy, parked only a few yards away.
“Aren’t you coming, Jacob?” Hannah beamed up at him as she approached and then tugged on his arm.
Jacob smiled at her. Dressed in her Sunday best, she looked adorable. “Ja, Hannah. I’m coming.”
“Mam?” Isaac said. “What about the food?”
“I took it over to Mae’s yesterday.”
“Let’s go,” Samuel urged. “We don’t want to be late.”
They rode in the buggy because they were running behind, and the vehicle was quicker. If they’d left earlier, they could have easily walked. And Jacob’s father had heard that it was going to rain this afternoon.
Samuel drove the short distance down their lane and across the road, onto the Amos King property. Several gray family buggies were already parked in the yard when Jacob’s father drove in and halted their vehicle.
Were the Zooks here? Jacob glanced about, longing for a glimpse of Annie. As if the Lord had heard his thoughts, Josiah drove the Zook family into the barnyard and pulled up directly next to the Lapps’ vehicle.
Jacob spied Annie as she exited the buggy, and his spirits rose. She didn’t see him as she skirted the vehicle to help her father. Annie pulled out Joe’s crutches and set them against the buggy’s side before she extended a hand toward her father. Josiah came around to help his sister with Joe. Annie handed the crutches to Joe and then reached into the buggy for the food she’d prepared.
Jacob’s family had climbed out of their buggy and headed toward the Amos King farmhouse. With eyes for only Annie, Jacob was slow to follow. Annie turned and caught sight of him.
“Jacob.” She smiled at him, and heart pumping hard, he waited for her. “How is your hand?” she asked. She sounded breathless.
“Let me carry this for you.” He reached for her plate before she had a chance to refuse, and he held it against him with his good hand. They fell into step together as they approached the house. “My hand is healing well.” He flashed her glance. “Because of you.” He smiled as he caressed her with his gaze. “How is Joe?”
She blinked as if taken aback. “Dat’s fine.” Annie looked pretty in her Sunday-best dark green dress with white cape and apron. Her white head covering, or prayer kapp, revealed a glimpse of her golden-blond hair.
“No more buggy rides with any older men?” he asked, watching her carefully.
“Nay and no new, prospective husband candidates. Thanks be to God.”
“Did you think about what I said?” He watched her carefully.
She grew still. “Said?”
He nodded. “About me.”
“Jacob—”
“Jake!” Eli interrupted from inside the house. “Are you coming?”
“Ja, in a minute! I’m helping Annie.” As they reached the steps, Jacob gestured for Annie to precede him. He saw that she was blushing. He handed her the covered dish. “Annie—” He stopped, looked at her. She looked awkward, dismayed. Now wasn’t the time to talk seriously with her. “What did you make?” he asked with a smile. “Whatever is in there smells wonderful.”
“You’ll have to wait until after Sunday service to find out,” she replied. He watched her visibly relax.
“But I carried it all the way up here for you.” He pretended to be sad.
“And ya handled the weight well,” she quipped.
Jacob laughed outright. He couldn’t help it; Annie looked so cute with that determined expression on her face and the teasing twinkle in her blue eyes. He felt hopeful. He quieted his laugh to a soft chuckle. Folks were gathering inside the house for church service. He didn’t want to draw unwanted attention to himself or Annie.
“I hope that whatever you made is worth waiting for,” he said.
“Worth is entirely your opinion and of no consequence to me,” she replied crisply. She turned abruptly and marched across the lawn toward the kitchen area of the house.
Amused by her attitude, Jacob watched her stalk off. He grinned.
Anger was better than indifference.