Chapter Five
That afternoon, at Old Sam’s flower bed, Jessica was more determined than ever to find what the key opened and what Old Sam had made for Esther for their sixtieth wedding anniversary.
As she took in the black-eyed Susans and coneflowers, she frowned. You need water. Now. As she removed the garden hose from its hook on the foundation and turned the spigot, she could hear Eli talk with Wayne and Chuck while the threesome finished the countertop.
A buzzing overhead prompted her to look for the source. She frowned at the family of wasps around a roof corner. She continued away from the buzzing insects and considered how to get rid of them. She wasn’t sure. But she would find out.
She was sure that Eli would know, and she considered asking him. The last thing she wanted was to bug her handsome carpenter about everything; he was already working so hard on her house. Maybe she could just ask him who to hire to take care of the problem.
The hose slipped from her grip, and water hit the kitchen window. She saw Chuck jump at the sound of the spray against the glass.
“Sorry!” She hollered so they could hear her. At the same time, she offered a friendly, apologetic wave. But as she focused back on what she was doing, she realized something very interesting. In fact, the more she contemplated what was happening, the tighter she gripped the hose.
The truth was, she currently worried about things she’d never even thought of in the city! And to her astonishment, she’d begun focusing more on how to get rid of wasps, eternal life, and the unusual-looking key and what it unlocked, and less about the sale of this home and her stressful drive to work. And surprisingly, in the process, she’d become much more relaxed than she’d ever been. As a pleasant result, the ugliness of her past seemed far, far away.
A clicking sound prompted her to look at the door where Eli stepped outside, holding a screwdriver.
He eyed her with amusement. “Miss Beachy, I can see I’ll have to be wary of you as long as you’ve got that in your hand.” He motioned to the hose.
As she turned to water the base of a coneflower, a fly buzzed in front of her nose, and she started to swat it away. A strong yet gentle hand came down on hers.
“Easy does it. I didn’t bring a change of clothes. Speaking of which, there’s a rod in the bedroom closet to hang your clothes on.”
“Thanks. And sorry.” She looked down.
He chuckled. “You can’t blame me for being wary with that”—he pointed to the hose—“in your hand.”
He lowered his gaze to her fingers.
A few steps took him to the spigot, where he turned off the water.
“There. Now I don’t have to worry. Besides, a rainstorm’s supposed to hit tonight.” He glanced at the flowers. “They’ll have more than enough water.”
As she looked at him, she wasn’t sure what to say. She found herself lost in the soft gray flecks that danced in his eyes. She wanted to break the deep connection she felt with him at that moment, but to her dismay, she couldn’t look away. What was odd was that he didn’t, either. Instead, they continued to lock gazes until she forgot the hose was in her hand and let it drop.
For a moment, she lost her voice. She was fully aware that her chest rose and fell more quickly than usual, but she couldn’t slow her breathing.
He obviously didn’t trust her with the hose, but she didn’t trust herself when he was so close. Finally, he looked away when the buzzing started up again. They looked up at where wasps swirled around a nest.
She looked at Eli. “The last thing I wanted to do was to burden you with something else, but are they difficult to get rid of? There must be something to spray on that?”
“Jah. Kerosene will make fast work of them. But in the meantime . . .”
Without saying anything, he pointed to the water. “I suggest that you stay away from that. That hose in your hand scares me, and if water hits the nest, you could be in big trouble.”
She eyed him in amusement. “I guess I’ve given you reason to be concerned.”
He winked at her.
They glanced at the flower bed. After a lengthy, thoughtful silence, he resumed their conversation. “It was always important to Sam to keep Esther’s flowers alive. On Esther’s birthdays, after she passed on, he added flowers in her memory.”
“Really?”
Eli nodded.
His gaze drifted to the plant that struggled. He shook his head and said gently, “After her death, Old Sam continued to work on this beautiful flower bed.” Eli let out an emotional breath. “This was Sam’s favorite.”
She frowned. “The dead one?”
Eli nodded and offered a gentle lift of his shoulders. “Jah.”
Jessica considered what Eli had just said and lifted a curious brow.
Eli nodded. “Such a shame. It looks like it’s a gonner.”
Jessica bent to touch the stem between two thorns. “So this little guy was my great-uncle’s favorite?”
Eli nodded. “I guess it just finally gave up.” He turned toward the barn.
She quickly stepped behind him. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to grab a shovel and dig it up. No use keeping a dead plant.”
She stopped and hugged her hands to her hips. “No!”
He pivoted to face her. “What?”
“We can’t give up on it.”
A stunned expression crossed his face as he looked at her to continue.
“Eli, don’t you see?” Before he could respond, she went on. “If this was Old Sam’s favorite”—she extended her arms to the garden—“I won’t get rid of it until I’ve done everything I can to save it.”
He waved a defeated hand and frowned. “But it’s dead.”
She lifted her chin in determination. “Maybe not.”
Eli chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“I didn’t know you had a heart for green things.”
She smiled. “I always root for the underdog.”
A few seconds later, he nodded approval. “There’s nothing wrong with that. How ’bout we leave the little guy alone for now? But I’ll still check for kerosene.”
A light click prompted them to turn to the door where Chuck stepped out. The driver rubbed his back and eyed some of the refinished cabinets to be installed. “Mr. Conrad sure did a fine job on these. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were brand-spankin’-new. Why, it’s gonna be a different-looking room when we’re all finished.”
As Eli and Chuck stepped to the pickup, Jessica followed. Eli turned to her and waved. She repeated the gesture.
As she listened to the tailgate slam shut and the click of the door handles that followed, Jessica’s mind returned to Old Sam’s key and the gift he’d made Esther. I have to find it.
* * *
As soon as they left, Jessica made her way into town for cleaning supplies and food. It was good to get out of the house. Tomorrow, she’d get to see the new cabinets back in place.
Given the condition of her home and the cleanup she tried to keep up with, she wore jeans, T-shirt, and tennis shoes. She’d weeded the flower bed. Jessica rolled her shoulders and admitted that what she had on was way more comfortable than her usual attire.
She rolled down her front windows to enjoy the country smells. Since coming to the Midwest, she’d realized that sometimes she enjoyed the natural feel of the outside air more than the cold air conditioning.
She took in the fields on both sides. The horse-drawn operation still intrigued her. She pulled over and stopped the car long enough to eye the unique picture through the photo lens on her phone and clicked a picture. She took a backup image before checking her mirror for traffic and pulling back onto the blacktop.
The corn was almost knee-high. Corn and beans. That’s what they grow here. She was fully aware that her friends from St. Louis wouldn’t believe how the Amish farmed.
As she slowed the car and looked around, she couldn’t rid the key and the note from her thoughts. The more she contemplated Old Sam and Esther and their undying love for each other, the more determined she became to see what he’d made her. Without a doubt, whatever it was, it would be wonderful; Jessica was certain.
Two things had become crystal clear to her since she’d moved to Arthur: One, Old Sam had done everything to perfection. Secondly, his love for Esther was the type of love that Jessica had read about in romance novels. A solid relationship that could never have been broken.
In fact, their love had been stronger than any couple’s she’d ever known. Deciding she’d better pay attention to the road, she stopped at the first sign as she came into town, and considered where to park. While she did so, she admitted that the scene around her was much more interesting than what she’d normally see in the city.
She glimpsed the queue of horses tied at the Welcome Center. Empty buggies. People entering and exiting the one-story building with flyers in their hands. A parking lot full of cars.
Pedestrians walked the sidewalks. In her rearview mirror, she noticed a horse and buggy coming her way. She looked again in the mirror for a second take. Amusement lifted the corners of her lips.
She was fully aware that the simple mode of transportation wasn’t rocket science. Still, it definitely piqued her interest. She wasn’t sure why she was so fascinated. What she was certain of, though, was that she couldn’t wait to ride in a horse-drawn buggy.
Here, there weren’t crowds of people. It was much quieter. She arched a thoughtful brow as she acknowledged that this way of life wasn’t all bad.
In fact, she liked it. There. She’d admitted it. She’d only been here a short time, but already there was more to spark her interest here than in St. Louis. At the top of the list was the key and Old Sam’s love note to his wife. Eternal life. Buggies. Horses.
She drew in an appreciative breath. There was one more thing, or person, rather, that attracted her interest. Eli Miller. Her pulse sped up. He was so good-looking. She even liked the light scar near his right ear.
But most of all, she loved his protective nature. The way she knew she was safe when she was with him. And she wasn’t sure why, but she respected his steadfast faith, even though she didn’t have it.
All her life, she’d sought security. Strangely, she’d never felt it until now. It didn’t make sense; she wasn’t even home, in familiar surroundings. And she barely knew Eli. How can I be so comfortable when I’m in an unfamiliar place?
She recalled the warmth of Eli’s touch on her shoulder when the slamming barn door had frightened her. She closed her eyes a moment in bliss. The she opened them. And frowned.
Stop. Don’t even go there. He wouldn’t even think of dating you. You’re as different as day and night. He drives a buggy; you own a car. You’re a city girl. He’s a country boy. Besides, soon you’ll be going home. And there’s no way he’ll be moving to the city in the near future. Or ever.
A certain conversation swept through her thoughts to make her fully realize their differences. Besides, he believes in God. You’ve never even been inside of a church.
As she took in the scene in front of her, she relaxed. A few women wore long dresses and coverings on their hair. There were regular folks, too. Like her. People sporting jeans, T-shirts, and tennis shoes.
She’d learned from Sandy that Arthur was a combination of Amish, Mennonites, and regular folks like her. And despite their different faiths, they combined to make one friendly, happy town.
Arthur was considered a tourist attraction. Brochures in the Welcome Center attracted spectators to everything Amish, from custom-made cabinets to real Amish dining.
St. Louis was a mélange of different races, backgrounds, and languages. But unlike this little town, not everyone got along. And some areas were safer than others.
Most people she knew and worked with were like her, just average folk who followed the rules. But unfortunately, the city also had its share of crime. As a precautionary measure, she carried mace in her handbag. Her apartment wasn’t in the safest area. But she was there because of finances.
But not for long. She smiled at the thought of moving across town. Then she’d be safer. And closer to work. That reality prompted her to relax, and she pulled her key from the ignition. She glanced in the mirror to make sure her eyeliner was even. Satisfied, she stepped out and closed her door.
Inside the local store, two Amish girls smiled at her, so she politely introduced herself.
They did the same. Afterwards, Hannah and Miriam looked at each other with shy expressions and giggled. The young girls both wore kapps on their heads. Their faces were void of makeup, even lipstick. And aprons covered their long dresses. Everything about their appearance seemed so . . . innocent. Coming from a troubled family, that was something she’d never felt.
Jessica pulled her purse strap over her shoulder and began to enjoy the surroundings. The air smelled of spices. As she proceeded slowly down the first aisle, she checked out the herbs in baggies with their contents typed on a white label. Egg noodles had labels that said they were handmade by the Amish.
A circular platter displayed bite-sized pieces of cheese, and she sampled one, nodding satisfaction. Several steps behind her, a mother scolded her child for touching an item.
As Jessica proceeded down another aisle, a woman with a wide smile, also with a head covering, a long dress with an apron, and sturdy black shoes, met her gaze and stopped. Jessica couldn’t help but smile back. She didn’t mean to stare, but the eyes looked familiar.
The lady stepped closer and their gazes locked as she spoke with a soft voice edged with curiosity and excitement. She asked, “Jessica Beachy?”
As Jessica nodded, the woman continued with enthusiasm. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you introduce yourself.”
She extended her hand in a friendly gesture. “I’m Annie Miller. As a very close friend of your late uncle’s, I want to extend my warmest welcome.” She swallowed and continued in a more serious tone, “And also my sympathies for your loss. I’m so sorry.”
Jessica slowly released the warm fingers. “Thank you, Annie.” Before continuing, Jessica paused. “I thought I recognized those eyes. You’re Eli’s and Wayne’s mother?”
Annie responded with a nod and a huge smile. “Jah. I have another son, John, too. He’s a welder. People tell me the boys resemble me. Fortunately, they’re much taller!”
Annie clasped Jessica’s hands in hers and pressed firmly. “I’m glad to meet you, Jessica. I can’t even begin to tell you how much we loved Old Sam . . . We were so close, and he did so much for us.”
Annie closed her eyes a moment as if gathering her strength. When she opened them, her eyes sparkled with moisture. Because of the woman’s obvious love for Jessica’s great-uncle, Jessica immediately bonded with her.
“He was dear to my heart. And I’m sure you’ve got a lot to do right now. But know this. I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
Jessica considered the generous offer. Right now, what she really needed was to find out what Old Sam had made Esther for their sixtieth wedding anniversary. And where he’d hidden it. As she started to speak, she caught herself and stopped the words that were about to leave her mouth. Although Annie Miller was obviously very easy to talk to, they’d just met. But maybe after some time, she could broach the subject of the gift and where Old Sam and Esther had agreed to spend the rest of their lives together. It wasn’t the right time to ask.
“I’m just a call away, and I do mean that sincerely. We’ve got a phone in our barn, and we check messages often.”
Jessica smiled and said sincerely, “I’m so appreciative, Annie.”
Annie winked. “We’re already friends.”
Jessica nodded in agreement. After a slight pause, she went on. “We’re practically neighbors. Actually, we’re the first house south of yours.”
Annie’s grin widened. “Eli told me. I’m so glad you’re close by. I’ll bring you an official welcome batch of my sponge cakes. And don’t forget”—she paused to put a hand on her hip—“you’re welcome anytime. Old Sam would want me to make you feel at home, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. In fact, Jessica, if you don’t have plans for Saturday dinner, we’d love to have you. Will you come?”
* * *
That evening, Jessica unloaded the last of her supplies and food that she’d purchased in town. With the kitchen under construction, she decided to keep her new items on the table. It was as good a place as any. It would be nice having dinner with the Millers tomorrow. But tonight, there was supposed to be a bad storm.
As she organized the table, her thoughts turned to Annie Miller, and she smiled. Eli’s mother seemed so easy to talk to and understanding.
So much that Jessica had wanted to ask Annie about Old Sam’s and Esther’s favorite place, to tell her all about the key and the note. But talking about Old Sam should occur in a quiet place. Where appropriate attention could be given to the wise hope-chest maker.
But that didn’t mean that Jessica couldn’t search for Old Sam’s gift. It has to be somewhere. She leaned forward on the countertop and acknowledged that there was enough daylight left to search the very place that had inspired Old Sam to create his works of art.
I’m ready to look.
In the old barn, Jessica eyed the ladder hanging on the wall. Then she turned to look up at the hayloft, let out a determined breath, and crossed her arms over her chest. Eli said there’s a large window at the top that overlooks Pebble Creek. Old Sam’s and Esther’s favorite spot could be up there. If that’s the case, I could find the gift he made for her today.
As she stepped toward the hayloft, a squirrel scurried in front of her and came to her tennis shoes, where he sat on his hind legs and looked up at her.
She laughed. “I know I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I wouldn’t be a relative of Old Sam’s if I didn’t take care of you.” Quick steps took her to the side wall, where she unfolded the bag of pecans.
Taking a handful, she closed the top of the container. As she began to return to where the animal had begged, she looked down and stopped.
“You followed me. Okay, I know you were Old Sam’s pet, but I still don’t want you to bite me, so I’ll put these snacks down here.”
She took a couple of steps back and placed the pecans a few feet away from the animal. She was fully aware that in St. Louis, this squirrel’s life would be in danger. Here, he might be looked at as a friendly creature, but she knew people who trapped them and killed them because the long-tailed mammals were considered pests.
When the brown-furred creature scurried away through the large open doors, Jessica proceeded back to the wall and stepped to the ladder, placing one hand over one long board and the other underneath. Pressing her lips together, she leaned forward and lifted the ladder enough to remove it from its hooks.
Gripping the ladder, she carefully stepped back so it wouldn’t hit her feet when she laid it down on the floor. After dusting off her hands, she gripped it again and pulled it to the front of the hayloft, where she lifted it and rested it against the edge of the loft.
Making sure the legs of the ladder were planted firmly against the cement and checking to ensure that it was steady and balanced, she glanced up. For a moment, she closed her eyes, pressed her lips together in a determined line, and forced herself to go on.
She’d never liked heights, and this loft wasn’t an exception, but the drive to find her great-uncle’s gift prompted her to continue her mission.
With great care, she planted her right tennis shoe on the bottom rung, careful to keep her feet in the middle, and started up the steps. On the third step, she stopped. When she was satisfied that it was safe, she continued the climb with slow, steady motions. She was glad she’d changed to jeans and a T-shirt.
She didn’t look down. As she neared the top, she blinked at the bright light streaming in through a window. For a moment, she stopped at the sting of tears in her eyes. Letting out a breath, she looked up, careful to keep balanced. I’m almost there.
As she reached for a support beam that extended down from the vaulted ceiling, a cracking sound made her startle. The ladder moved, and she gripped the beam and used her knee to push herself forward onto the floor of the loft.
But before she was able to get her entire body up, the ladder gave way beneath her. The sound of the heavy ladder hitting the cement prompted realization that she was lucky she hadn’t gone down with it.
But she wasn’t entirely safe yet. She leaned forward, moving as much of her body onto the floor of the loft as she could. Her heart thumped against her chest in urgency and fright. Hay stuck to her arms and to her hands. By this time, she’d managed to slide most of her body onto the level floorboards while her feet and lower legs dangled in the air.
You can do it.
As she struggled to swing the remainder of her body to safety, she accidentally looked down. Her pulse zoomed into high gear. She gritted her teeth so hard, she accidentally bit her tongue.
Her lungs pumped hard for air. Finally, she managed to move her feet onto the loft. Heaving a sigh of relief, she rolled onto her back and closed her eyes. When she opened them, she turned to face Pebble Creek.
As she looked out the large window, the pace of her heart started to calm. She drew in a deep breath and let it out, realizing again how fortunate it was that she hadn’t gone down with the ladder.
Brushing hay off her face and neck, she recalled her purpose, and smiled a little as she continued to gaze at the beautiful creek and the out-of-place hill.
As she turned to the hay stacked neatly in rows, she glimpsed a cabinet at the end of the bales. She straightened and observed the drawer handles with great hope and great nervousness.
But she quickly returned her attention to the window and the fairy-tale-like view. An emotional knot in her throat almost choked her. She swallowed it while tears of amazement blurred her vision.
She’d never seen Pebble Creek from this angle. She couldn’t look away as she imagined Levi and Annie Miller falling in love as they tossed pebbles into the creek to see who could make the bigger splash.
She realized that she, too, was mesmerized by Pebble Creek. She broke the happy reverie when she stepped to the cabinet and began pulling the drawers open.
The view of the property is gorgeous from this window. This loft could have easily been their favorite spot. Bending, she squinted, shuffling the contents. But to her dismay, she didn’t spot anything that closely resembled a gift. Frowning, she revisited the drawers, beginning at the top.
Finally, she stopped, crossed her arms over her chest, and shoved out a defeated sigh. Her gaze swept the floor and the broken ladder and landed on her cell phone, which she’d put down on the cement.
She looked around for another means to get down. She checked her watch. Unfortunately, Eli and Wayne wouldn’t return till tomorrow afternoon. And she couldn’t call for help, either.
After trying to come up with options, she bit her lip and frowned. There were none.
* * *
That evening, in the Millers’ barn, Eli could hear footsteps outside of the entrance. He peeked out the door.
“Daed?”
His father joined him. “The clouds are coming in.” As he laid a bucket next to the wall, he went on. “They’re callin’ for a thunderstorm tonight. Let’s make sure everything’s closed up good.”
In silence they went about their jobs. All the while, Eli’s mind was on Jessica and how to make her believe in God. The more he toyed with ideas, the more uncertain he became.
He didn’t even hear his father when he joined him in the horse stalls. Levi snapped his fingers, and Eli looked up. “I finally got your attention.” The stern look on his father’s face stopped Eli.
“What’s goin’ on? You’re caught up in what to do about Old Sam’s great-niece?”
Not wanting to discuss what bothered him, Eli pretended a sudden interest in the pile of dirty straw. He looked down at his work and responded with disinterest as he continued raking. How was it that his father knew something was wrong?
“Ah, come on. I can read you like a book. Did you know that whenever you’re worried about something, you got this crease that appears on your forehead?”
Eli smiled a little, running a finger over his brows. “I wasn’t aware of that.”
“No use trying to hide something. And I’m guessin’ you’re preoccupied with Jessica Beachy and how to save her.”
Eli considered the issue and gave a firm nod. “Jah. Of course I am. But we’ve already talked about it. And you told me you weren’t sure what to do.”
“I said to pray.”
Eli offered a slight lift of his shoulders. “I’m definitely doing that.” He breathed in and forced a smile. “To be honest, I’m realistic. I know we can’t live without problems. It’s just the way it is. But Daed, this trumps anything I’ve ever had to deal with. And I don’t know what to do next.”
Eli turned his attention back to the pile of dirty straw. When his daed didn’t leave, Eli looked. “I’m glad you’re here for me. Thanks for trying to help.”
Eli wanted to drop the subject. But the elder Miller didn’t let that happen. Instead, he nudged Eli’s shoulder and motioned to the nearest bale of straw. Before Eli could get a word in, his father said, “What’s the worst that could happen? That I can’t help, right?”
Eli considered the logical question and offered a gentle shrug.
“Aww, come on, Sohn. Now you got me worrying about you. Let’s get this out in the open.”
They both sat on the bale. Eli contemplated how to broach what was on his mind. His father was right. What was the harm in talking about it? A conversation wasn’t going to hurt.
“Daed, she’s only gonna be here a couple more weeks. Until we finish Sam’s house. I feel like God has put her here with me for a reason. But how can I make her believe? I mean, when you think about it, belief has a lot to do with faith. It’s not like I can personally introduce her to the Creator of the universe and watch them shake hands.”
Eli pushed out a sigh and crossed his arms over his waist. Why were they talking about this again? They’d already been through it once. And his own father didn’t even know what to do.
When his father didn’t respond, Eli lowered his voice to a more serious tone. “See?” He rolled his eyes. “We didn’t come up with a solution before, and unfortunately, this time’s no different.”
The senior Miller finally responded with a firm shake of his head. When he turned to Eli, his eyes reflected both sadness and hopefulness. “I’ve been praying about this. And the more I think about it, the more it’s hard to believe a relative of someone so strong in their faith, like Sam, doesn’t believe.”
“But Daed, you’ve got to remember: she never met him.” Eli gave a gentle shrug. “When I think back on the conversation with her in the barn, I’m glad I said what I did. That Sam’s in heaven. Maybe she’ll think on that. Who knows?” After a slight hesitation, he went on. “The problem was when she asked me how I knew.”
“And?”
“I wasn’t sure what to say. If she’s looking for tangible proof, I don’t have it.” He gave a helpless lift of his palms and frowned. “I know I should’ve said something, but the question took me off guard. I’ve never witnessed to anyone. Now it’s my mission to make sure that she knows the Lord. For her sake and for Old Sam’s. But how do I do it?”
When his daed glanced at him in silence, he said, “There’s one thing for sure, that my window of opportunity to do something important is short.”
As they sat in silence, Eli couldn’t help but consider the complexity of eternal life. It was something he’d always believed. But when it came right down to it, he’d never questioned it.
“This is by far the most important challenge I’ve ever faced, Daed. I was wondering . . .”
Levi looked at him to continue.
“Have you ever told anyone about our Savior? Tried to convince them He’s real?” After a slight pause, Eli went on. “We go to church. We pray. But really . . . we haven’t done what’s most important, and that’s to tell others.”
Levi Miller let out a low whistle. “You’re right, Sohn. Unfortunately, I have to say no to that question.” The only sounds were from the pigeons perched on the windowsill and a squirrel that scurried behind them.
When Levi spoke again, he gestured with his hands. “Here’s what I think, for all that it’s worth. It’s our responsibility to make sure she knows that we believe in God and why we do. Tell her the Easter story. About the stone. That Jesus’s body was no longer in the tomb. That they found it empty.”
He paused to adjust his hips on the bale. “As far as making her believe it really happened?” He shook his head slowly. “Sohn, that’s something that only God can do. You can’t expect to convince her of what she has to decide on her own.”
He looked off in the distance before lowering his voice. “Believing is a choice. To us, there’s never been any doubt. It’s important that what you say comes out in the right way. The last thing you want to do is to shove Christianity down her throat. That could turn her off. At the same time, this is something we can’t ignore.”
“When did you know, Daed?”
“What? That I believe?”
Eli nodded.
The expression on his father’s face reflected deep concentration. His lips were pressed together. Tiny wrinkles outlined the corners of his eyes. His jaw was set.
“I’m not sure that there was a special moment. I just always did. But you’ve got to admit that we’re fortunate. The two of us, we were raised in Christian homes, and that’s a great blessing.” Eli’s father bent to stare down at the floor.
When he sat up, he glanced at Eli before proceeding to stand. As he looked down, he squared his shoulders, as if a sudden confidence swept through him. “Sohn, this is something you can’t do alone.”
Before Eli could question the statement, his father had his hands on his hips. “Give this one to God.” After a long pause, he added, “And I hope you got everything bundled up at the Beachy place. The storm’s comin’.”