A Place of Their Own

When handsome stranger Jedidiah Lapp saves her twin brothers’ lives, Sarah Mast offers him her heartfelt thanks. And a cherry pie! But she never expects to see him again. When they meet once more at Sunday services, Sarah begins to feel something special for him. Jedidiah is eager to know the blushing beauty, and asks permission to court her. Soon, he can see Sarah as part of his future. But her family is in Delaware, his in Pennsylvania. Dare he ask her to leave all she knows behind for him and build a life in Happiness, Pennsylvania?

“And so you are stuck with me.”

“Nay, I am not stuck, Jedidiah Lapp.”

Her answer delighted him, and he studied her fondly. He would like the memory of the evening to take home to Happiness with him.

He held out his hand, and Sarah looked at it a moment before their fingers touched as she accepted his help onto the wagon seat.

“All set?” he asked, and she nodded. “Are you cold?” She shook her head. “Are you going to be silent during the entire ride?”

“Nay,” she said with what sounded like horror.

He laughed. “I am teasing you, Sarah Mast.”

He saw her lips curve before her laughter joined his.

“Shall we take the long way home?” he asked, expecting her to decline.

To his surprise, she said, “You are the driver.”

He drove at the slowest pace he could manage. He would enjoy this time with her; having her on the seat next to him was enough to keep him happy.

He didn’t like the thought of leaving her, of never seeing her again, but what could he do?

REBECCA KERTZ

has lived in rural Delaware since she was a young newlywed. First introduced into the Amish world when her husband took a job with an Amish construction crew, she took joy in watching the Amish job-foreman’s children at play and in swapping recipes with his wife. Rebecca resides happily with her husband and dog. She has a strong faith in God and feels blessed to have family nearby. She enjoys visiting Lancaster County, the setting for her Amish stories. When not writing or vacationing with her extended family, she enjoys reading and doing crafts.

Jedidiah’s Bride

Rebecca Kertz

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.

—Job 37:14

For Evan…for believing.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Excerpt

Chapter One

Late May, Kent County, Delaware

“Sarah! Are all the baked goods in the buggy?”

“Ja, Mam. I put them carefully on the backseat.” Sarah returned to the large white farmhouse where Ruth Mast stood inside the front screen door. “Everything is ready to go.”

“Gut,” Ruth said. “Iva will keep me company today. Mary Alice will help you at the Sale.”

Sarah nodded without argument although she knew that the day would be eventful with two wild boys to mind at the Sale. She worried about her mother, who had been feeling unwell for some time. Her mam hadn’t been out of the house except for Sunday services for months. Aunt Iva had taken Mam to the doctor’s last week, but Mam’s refusal to share the results of that visit frightened Sarah.

A black buggy drew up and parked in the barnyard, and Iva Troyer and her daughter Mary Alice stepped out of the vehicle.

Sarah waved a greeting to her aunt and cousin as she searched for signs of her brothers. “Timothy! Thomas! Time to go to Spence’s!”

“Coming!” a young voice cried.

The boys came barreling around the house. Their straw hats flew off as they bolted toward the buggy, revealing twin mops of bright red hair. Her brothers looked disheveled as they halted before Sarah, out of breath.

“Boys! Your hats! Get them and quickly!” Sarah narrowed her gaze as her brothers obeyed and then approached. “You clean enough for town?” she asked, examining each with a critical eye.

“Ja,” Timothy said as he jammed his hat back onto his head.

“Only our hands are a little dirty,” Thomas added, “but they don’t look it.”

“Nay, they are clean,” Timothy insisted. “We washed them in the pond.”

“Let me see.” The twins stuck out their palms for her inspection. “You’ve been playing with frogs again,” she guessed, and saw Timothy nod. “Go wash your hands with soap.” She kept her smile hidden as they scampered toward the house. “And comb your hair!”

The boys weren’t gone for long. “Bye, Mam!” they cried in unison as they raced by their mother and out of the house.

“In the buggy, boys!” Sarah instructed. “And don’t touch the baked goods.” She turned to lock gazes with her mother. “I’ll make them behave.”

Her mother managed a slight smile as she opened the screen door and stepped outside. “I know you will, daughter,” Ruth replied as she watched her youngest sons scurry into the buggy.

Sarah hesitated as she eyed her mother with concern. Mam wore a royal-blue dress. The dark color emphasized Ruth’s sickly pallor. The white kapp on her head hid the gray in her dark hair.

“She’ll be fine,” Iva assured her. Iva Troyer, Mam’s sister, was a large, strong woman with a big, booming voice.

Sarah nodded. As she hugged her overly thin mother, she gave up a silent prayer. Please, Lord, make Mam well again. She caught her aunt’s glance and relayed her silent gratitude. Iva gave her a slight smile as she steered her inside the house to rest.

“My mam will take gut care of yours,” Mary Alice said as she climbed into the Mast family buggy.

“I know she will.” Sarah joined her cousin in the front seat. Mary Alice was tall but thinner than Iva. She wore a green dress without an apron, and a white kapp over her sandy-brown hair. “I appreciate your help today.”

Mary Alice shrugged. “I like going to the Sale. I’m getting a barbecued-pork sandwich for lunch.”

Sarah smiled, grabbed hold of the leathers and then steered the horse toward Dover. “Sounds gut to me.”

* * *

Early morning at Spence’s Bazaar was a beehive of activity as vendors and folks set up tables with their items for sale and prepared for the crowd that the warm spring day would bring.

Jedidiah Lapp arranged brightly painted birdhouses, stained and varnished shelves and other well-crafted wooden items on his uncle’s rented table. He set some of the larger things, such as side tables, trash boxes and potato bins, on the ground where potential customers could readily see them. Finished, he turned to review his handiwork.

“Looks fine, Jed.” Arlin Stoltzfus joined him after a visit to the Farmers’ Market building across the lot. “Here.” The older, bearded man smiled as he handed his nephew a cup of coffee, and Jed nodded his thanks. “You finish unloading the wagon?”

“Ja,” Jedidiah said. “Almost everything you brought today is out and ready to be sold.” He reached into a cardboard box beneath the table to pull out two cloth nail bags. “Dat gave us these to hold the money.” He handed one to his uncle.

“Your vadder is a wise man,” Arlin said as he stuffed dollar bills and coins into the bag’s sewn compartments. “Where are all of your mudder’s plants? I don’t see many.”

Jedidiah shrugged before he adjusted his straw hat. “I put the rest under the table. I can put out more later after we sell these.”

“Nay,” Arlin said. “We’ll put more out now.” He shifted things about to make more room for his sister’s plants. “Your mam will be hurt if we don’t sell everything she gave us.”

Jed smiled. “We’ll sell them.” He helped his uncle rearrange the plants before he reached beneath the table to withdraw more of his mother’s plants. “The sage look healthy.”

“Ja, and the vegetable plants are thriving.” Arlin looked pleased by the new display.

“Mam’s kept busy in her greenhouse ever since Dat and Noah built it for her.”

Arlin grinned. “Ja.” He lifted a hand to rub his bearded chin. “She gave me ten tomato seedlings and four green-pepper plants,” he admitted. “And she says she’ll have more for our vegetable garden next week.”

“You’ve got a fine selection of wooden items.” Jed admired his uncle’s wares.

“Enough, I think.” The older man moved a trinket box to the front of the display.

Jed agreed. Arlin had crafted enough items to stock several shops back home in the Lancaster area, including Whittier’s and Yoder’s Stores. He’d spent weeks building birdhouses out of scrap lumber donated by the Fisher wood mill. Besides trinket boxes, he’d built hanging shelves that he’d carved and painted, vegetable bins, side tables and fancy jewelry boxes that would appeal to Englischers. Arlin had hospital bills to pay; his daughter Meg had suffered from some health issues. His Amish community in Ohio had held fund-raisers to help with Meg’s medical expenses. Once Meg was well, Arlin moved his family to Happiness, where his sister lived. While he was grateful for his new community’s help, Jed’s uncle felt it was his responsibility to pay off the remainder of his debt. Someone had told him that he’d sell a lot of his handiwork at Spence’s Bazaar Auction in Dover, Delaware.

Jed set down his coffee cup. “We’re all glad you decided to move back to Happiness, Arlin.” Their village of Happiness was in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Arlin’s stern face warmed with a smile. “I’m glad, too. Missy’s mudder and vadder can’t understand why their daughter converted to Old Order Amish. They are gut people, but they expected us to go against our beliefs and have electricity and a phone.” He looked sad as he shook his head. “They wanted to buy us a car. I couldn’t stay there any longer, and your aunt Missy understood. I prayed for the Lord’s guidance and decided to come home. Missy and the girls love Happiness, and Meg is thriving.”

“They are happy to live in a community who readily accepts them.” Jed thought of his cousins and grinned.

Arlin frowned. “Still, I worry about my girls. Who is going to keep a watchful eye on them while we’re away?”

“Your sister. You know Mam will be there to help Aunt Missy. She may not have teenage daughters, but she has enough experience with her sons to handle any boys who come looking to spend time with my cousins.”

A middle-aged woman came to their table, her arms laden with her purchases, and bought several of Mam’s herb and vegetable plants. Jed offered to carry them to her car. “Thank you,” she said with a smile. Jed followed her to her vehicle and set the bags carefully inside before closing the trunk.

A dog barked, followed by a horn blast. He heard someone scream with alarm and then the rumble of tires spinning against gravel. Jed turned in time to see two young boys bolt out into the parking lot after a dog, into the path of an oncoming car.

“Schtupp!” he cried as, reacting quickly, he snatched the two boys, one in each arm, out of harm’s way. Heart thundering in his chest, Jed set them down. He studied them carefully, noting the startled look on identical twin faces beneath their black-banded straw hats. “Are you all right?” he asked. They nodded, and Jed released a relieved breath. “Come with me.”

“Are they hurt?” Arlin asked with concern as Jed steered the boys closer to their table.

“Nay. Where’s your mam?” He searched the area for their mother. The youngsters appeared too frightened by their experience to answer. Suddenly, he saw her, rushing toward them.

The young mother had bright red-gold hair beneath her white prayer kapp. Her eyes were the vivid blue of a clear sky on a cloudless day. She wore a dress the same blue color as her eyes with a white cape and apron. Judging by her horrified expression, Jed realized that it was her scream that he’d heard.

* * *

Sarah gave each of the twins a fierce hug before she released them. “You know better than to run out into the parking lot!” she scolded. “You could have been killed!” She grabbed each boy by the hand. “You’re to stay here next to me,” she stated firmly. “Don’t move. Do you understand?” They nodded silently and cast their eyes downward. Obviously, they were too upset by the near-accident to say a word. She then took several deep calming breaths before turning a grateful gaze toward the man who’d saved them. “Danki,” she said softly, studying the rescuer for the first time. “They escaped so fast, I didn’t know where they’d gone.”

“We just wanted to pet the puppy,” Thomas explained and his brother nodded in agreement.

“Still, you know better than to run into the parking lot,” Sarah reminded them firmly. “And to leave without permission.”

“They are young boys eager to explore,” the man said quietly.

“Ja,” she replied, “and they are a handful on their best behavior.” She closed her eyes briefly and shuddered. “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t been nearby.”

“The Lord planned for me to help.” His soft answer touched a chord in her. “The boys learned a lesson and won’t run into the road or parking lot without looking again...or without permission again. Will you, boys?” They looked up at their rescuer and nodded their agreement with their eyes wide.

Sarah smiled. It must be true. The Lord watched over her brothers and sent this man to help the boys when they were in trouble. She studied the man closely. “You don’t live here in Delaware.” The Amish man’s clean-shaven face told her he was still single. “Pennsylvania,” she guessed. At his nod, she asked, “Lancaster County?”

“Ja,” he said. He studied her, his look making her feel warm inside. “But you live not far from here.”

She blinked. “Ja, ’tis true...but what gave it away?”

“Your prayer kapp.”

Sarah smiled. “Ja, ours are shaped differently than the women from your area.” The back of their kapps was round, while the women in Lancaster wore kapps with a back that resembled a seamed heart.

She had relatives in Pennsylvania, although it had been many years since she’d visited them. Lancaster County was home to the largest Amish population in the country. Lancaster Amish returned each week to run the shops at Spence’s Bazaar Auction and Flea Market in the Farmers’ Market building.

“You have a table,” Sarah said.

“Ja. I came with my uncle to sell plants and his woodcrafts.”

“Do you know anyone who runs a Farmers’ Market shop?” She pointed toward a building that housed several mini shops.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I haven’t been inside the building yet.”

“You should take the time to go inside,” Sarah urged. “They have the best food. My cousin and I like the pork sandwiches from the meat shop.” Her heart skipped a beat as cinnamon-brown eyes met hers. “This is your first time here.”

“Ja. That is my uncle and this is our table.” He gestured behind him to where an older man stood helping an Englischer buy a jewelry box. “Arlin made all the wooden items. I brought plants from my mother’s greenhouse.” He introduced his uncle as Arlin Stoltzfus.

“You both should do well here,” she said after she and Arlin had greeted each other. “Englischers love to buy plants for their flower and vegetable gardens at Spence’s.” She glanced toward the man’s table and spied a potato bin among the items for sale. She turned back to smile at the man. “I’ll have to come back later to shop.”

The man studied her with an intentness that made her nape prickle. His dark hair under his straw hat was cut in the style of Amish men. His bright brown eyes, square, firm jaw and ready smile made her tingle and glance away briefly.

Her gaze settled on his shirt. She couldn’t help noticing the way his maroon broadfall shirt fit under his dark suspenders and the long length of his tri-blend denim pants legs. She had to look up to meet his gaze. He stood at least eight inches above her five-foot-one height. His arms looked firm and muscled from hard work. Sarah felt her face warm and she quickly averted her gaze.

Thomas tugged on her arm. “Can we go back to our table now?”

“We promise to be gut and sit nicely in the chairs,” Timothy added.

Sarah studied them a moment, until she realized that they were sincere. “Go ahead. Make sure you listen to Mary Alice...and sit and behave!”

With a whoop of joy, the boys scampered back to their table. Sarah watched with relief as they kept their word and sat in their chairs. Mary Alice was busy selling baked goods. There were several people waiting in line to make a purchase. “I should get back—my cousin needs help selling our cakes and pies.” She also didn’t trust her brothers to behave for much longer. “Danki for rescuing the boys—”

He smiled. “Jedidiah Lapp.”

“And I am Sarah Mast.” She returned his smile. The intensity of his regard made her face heat. “I hope you sell everything you brought today, Jedidiah Lapp.”

“I hope all of your cakes and pies sell quickly,” he replied.

She was conscious of the man’s gaze on her as she hurried back to her table. A pie, she mused. She’d bring him a cherry pie in appreciation. Perhaps purchase some plants from him for their vegetable garden.

She chanced a quick look toward his table, watching as he helped a customer make a purchase. Jedidiah Lapp, she thought, intrigued. He remained in her thoughts as she worked with her cousin to sell the rest of her baked goods.

As the day went on, Sarah couldn’t help the occasional glance toward his table to see how Jedidiah was doing. Normal curiosity about the man who saved my bruders, she told herself when she caught herself looking toward him often. Or is it?

* * *

Later that afternoon, when she’d sold all of her baked goods but one, Sarah picked up the cherry pie she’d saved for Jedidiah and headed toward his table.

“I see you sold most of your items,” Sarah said with a smile as she approached.

With an answering grin, Jedidiah came out from behind the stand. “Most, but not all. What we don’t sell today, we’ll sell tomorrow,” he said. “Will you return?”

“Nay,” Sarah said, feeling suddenly disappointed. “We had a gut day, too. Sold everything we intended.” She handed him the pie. “I saved this for you. I hope you like cherry.”

Jedidiah looked startled. “It’s my favorite. How did you know?”

“I didn’t,” Sarah said, pleased by his reaction. “I’m glad to hear it.” The man’s eyes suddenly focused on something behind her. She turned and saw her young brothers as they approached.

“They don’t seem too upset by the experience,” Jedidiah said as he met her gaze.

“Not a bit,” she agreed with a half smile. “But I can’t say the same for you or me.”

“When are we going for ice cream?” Thomas asked.

Timothy jerked a nod. “Ja, when can we go?”

“Is that any way to greet Jedidiah?” Sarah scolded.

They looked at Jedidiah and grinned. “Hallo, Jedidiah. Have you seen the puppy?”

“Timothy!” Sarah exclaimed, embarrassed.

The man laughed. “I’m sure my brothers and I were just like them.” He tugged on the brim of the boy’s hat. “Afraid I haven’t seen the puppy, but don’t worry—I’m sure he’s all right.”

Both brothers looked relieved. “We don’t have a dog,” Thomas said. “We want one, but Dat said it wouldn’t be gut for Mam.”

Jedidiah studied her with a curious frown. Sarah looked away, unwilling to satisfy his curiosity. She wasn’t going to tell him about her ill mother. She’d come not only to give him the pie but also to make a purchase. “I’d like four pepper and three tomato plants.” She drew money from her apron pocket. “And that wooden bin.”

He quickly placed the plants in a plastic bag. After the exchange of money, Jedidiah picked up the vegetable bin. “May I carry this to your buggy?”

Sarah nodded, pleased. “That would be helpful.” She gestured to her brothers to follow and led Jedidiah to her family’s buggy, where Mary Alice stood outside waiting.

“Jedidiah, this is my cousin Mary Alice Troyer. Mary Alice, this is Jedidiah Lapp from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.”

“Jed,” Jedidiah invited, meeting Sarah’s gaze with a warm smile before turning toward her cousin. “Jed is fine.”

After her cousin and he greeted each other, Jedidiah leaned inside to place the bin toward the rear interior of the vehicle and straightened. “There you go.”

Sarah nodded her thanks. “Gut sales tomorrow.” She climbed into the buggy and took up the reins.

“Behave and keep out of trouble,” Jedidiah said with a smile to the twins, who assured them they would try. “You should mind your mam.”

“We will!” the boys said simultaneously.

Sarah urged the horse on and with a wave she steered the buggy out of the Spence’s lot, then left onto the paved road. She glanced back once to see Jedidiah—Jed, she thought—still standing in the same spot. She hesitated and then waved a second time. She saw Jed lift a hand again in a silent farewell before he returned to his stand.

As she steered the horse toward home, Sarah thought of Jedidiah and sighed with regret. Too bad I’ll never get to see him again.

Chapter Two

Saturday, after a day spent at the Sale, Jed and Arlin returned to their cousin’s house and pitched in to ready the Miller property for tomorrow’s church services. The bench wagon had been pulled up to the barn. Services would be held in a large open area in the new building. Jed grabbed a bench, carried it inside and set it down. “This in the right place?” he asked their cousin and host, Pete Miller.

“Ja, that is gut,” Pete said. “We’ll need all of the benches in the wagon and some of the chairs from inside the house. We have guests coming from another district. I hope we have enough room.”

Jedidiah studied the huge barn that had been cleared for tomorrow’s use and nodded. “Looks to me like you’ll seat fifty to sixty easily. Will there be more than sixty coming?”

“Nay.” Pete took off his straw hat and wiped his brow with his shirtsleeve. “Maybe just under fifty.”

“No need to worry, then,” Arlin said. “You’ll have plenty of room without the chairs.”

Jedidiah, Arlin and Pete made several trips with benches. Pete’s two eldest sons pitched in to help finish the job, as did two other churchmen who arrived a half hour after they had. It wasn’t long before the room was set up with benches on three sides facing the area where the appointed preacher would stand and speak. The women would sit on one side, the men on the other. Women with their children would remain together, listening and singing the hymns sung every church Sunday. After services, the church community would gather outside to enjoy the midday meal. The women had prepared food prior to Sunday, and cold meat, salads, vegetables and desserts would be shared among the families. The men usually ate first, with the women and children taking their meal afterward, but tomorrow would be different. The church elders had decided that families would be allowed to eat together this church Sunday.

After they’d finished with the benches and brought in the Ausbund hymnals, the men lingered outside and enjoyed glasses of lemonade from the pitcher that Pete’s daughter Lydia had brought them. As they quenched their thirst, they chatted about Sunday services, the weather and the crops they’d planted this year.

“Pete! Arlin! You bring Jed and the others in for supper!” Pete’s wife, Mary, called out to them in the yard. She stood inside the screen door and redirected her attention to Ned Troyer as he climbed onto the bench wagon and took up the leathers. “Ned, come inside to eat.” She stepped out into the yard and approached.

“I appreciate the offer, Mary,” Ned said, “but Sally is waiting for me at home.” He leaned over the side of the wagon and lowered his voice. “She’s made some gut strawberry jam.” He grinned. “I convinced her to make tarts for tomorrow.”

Mary smiled. “Tell her we look forward to tasting her tarts. The berries are extra sweet this year. I haven’t made jam yet—we’ve been too busy eating the fresh berries.”

“Ja,” Ned said. “Strawberry shortcake...fresh strawberries and cream. A gut year for Delaware strawberries!” He clicked his tongue and steered the horse toward the road. “See ya tomorrow.”

“Ja,” Pete said. He turned toward his cousins as Ned headed home. “Jed, there will be a singing here tomorrow night. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Jed nodded. He enjoyed singings. Back home in Happiness, Pennsylvania, he’d been the one to lead the first hymn. He liked gathering with friends, spending time with the young people in his community and those nearby. He was now older than many who attended. His brother Noah married last year. He was twenty-two and should be wed himself by now, but he hadn’t found the right woman. He’d thought for a time that she might be Annie Zook, but there seemed to be something missing between them. Annie would make a wonderful wife, but she wouldn’t be his. When they discussed their relationship, he and Annie had reached the conclusion that they would be better friends than sweethearts. There were other girls who watched him as if interested, but Jed didn’t have strong feelings for any of them. He wanted to find a love like his brother Noah had. He longed to find a woman who fully captured his heart and loved him completely in return.

Someone is out there waiting for me. He knew it. He hoped he’d find her sooner than later. He wasn’t getting any younger. He was the eldest son of Katie and Samuel Lapp, and he wondered if he’d ever find love...a love like Noah and Rachel’s...a love like his dat and mam’s. He wasn’t going to settle for anyone just to wed, even though he knew that many who married eventually came to love his or her spouse. It wouldn’t be fair to marry any woman unless he truly loved her.

* * *

Sunday morning, Sarah sat in the back of the family buggy, a pie and a cake cradled on her lap. “You all right, Mam?” she asked as she leaned toward the front seat.

Her mother turned to smile at her. “Ja, I’m fine, Sarah. Stop your worrying.”

Her dat glanced back briefly to meet Sarah’s gaze before turning his attention toward the road. Sarah knew Dat was as concerned as she. It had been too long that her mother felt poorly. Mam was pale and constantly tired. She prayed that God would make her well soon.

“It’s a lovely day for church services,” Sarah said to fill the silence.

“Ja,” her mother agreed. “It’s nice to get out and about. I look forward to visiting with our friends after church.”

Sarah felt the same way. She was glad Mam was feeling well enough today to visit. She never missed a Sunday church service, but Dat usually took her home immediately afterward.

The only sound for a time was the clip-clop of their mare Jennie’s hooves on the paved road as they headed toward the Millers’ farm, the location for this Sunday’s church services. Sarah’s young twin brothers were surprisingly silent beside her. She glanced over and realized why. Just that quickly the boys had fallen asleep. Each child looked nice in his white shirt, black vest and black pants. They had managed to keep their clothes clean this morning and their usual wild mop of red hair beneath their black Sunday-best hat neatly combed. She smiled; they were miniature versions of their father. They were gut boys and they did listen and obey her, but still, she didn’t always know what to expect from them.

There was a shift in the direction of the vehicle as Daniel Mast steered the horse onto the dirt lane that led to the Miller farm. Suddenly, Mam turned toward Sarah. “I don’t want you to fuss over me,” she said, holding her daughter’s glance before shifting to send the same message silently to her husband.

“You will tell us if you’re tired?” her father asked softly.

“Ja,” she said. “I will come to you or send someone to find you.”

“Fair enough, then,” Sarah’s dat replied as he pulled the horse into the Millers’ barnyard and parked the vehicle within the row of family buggies on the left side of the dirt drive.

* * *

Dressed in his black Sunday best, Jedidiah stood on the Millers’ front porch and watched as buggies rolled down the dirt lane to the farmhouse and parked in the barnyard.

“Do you know anyone?” Jed asked his uncle, who stood beside him.

“A few,” Arlin said. He ran a hand over his bearded chin. “I recognize the Samuel Yoders. That’s Samuel getting out of that buggy near the barn. He has five sons and a baby on the way. He lives on the neighboring farm.”

“Is that his oldest son?” Jedidiah asked, studying a lad of about twelve years old.

Arlin rubbed his beard as he followed the direction of Jed’s gaze. “Ja, that’s young Abe.”

Jedidiah instantly thought of his mother and wondered how she’d coped when he’d been that young age with four brothers not long behind him. It couldn’t have been easy for Katie Lapp, but his mam had taken joy in raising her sons. It had never occurred to him how much work Mam had endured as a mother to five sons. And since then, she’d given birth to two more sons and a daughter.

Another vehicle pulled into the yard. Jedidiah watched casually as the driver stopped the buggy and climbed down from the carriage. The bearded older man went around to the other side to help someone out of the vehicle, while a young woman climbed from the backseat on the driver’s side, a dish in each hand.

He felt his heart give a lurch, then pound rapidly as he noted the shock of red-gold hair peeking out from beneath her black bonnet. Sarah Mast, he thought. The young mother stood with her hands full near the buggy while her sons Thomas and Timothy scurried out after her. He saw her bend to speak briefly with the twins, watched as the boys nodded before racing toward a group of youngsters who stood waiting outside the barn for church services. He saw the driver—Sarah’s husband? Nay, her dat, he suspected—had helped someone out of the carriage. Sarah’s mother?

Jed frowned. Where is Sarah’s husband?

He watched Sarah pause to wait for the other woman to catch up before they headed toward the Miller farmhouse together. The older woman carried a basket. Jedidiah didn’t know what possessed him to move in her direction, but within seconds, he was reaching out to relieve the frail older woman of her burden. “Let me,” he said with a smile. The basket wasn’t heavy.

Sarah’s mother looked up at him and responded in kind. “’Tis nice of you,” the woman gasped, out of breath.

Jed turned toward her daughter. “Sarah,” he greeted. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Jedidiah.” Sarah looked surprised to see him. Her voice was soft and slightly breathless. “I thought you would have gone home by now.”

“Nay. We leave tomorrow.” He could sense Sarah’s mam’s curiosity. He nodded at the woman respectfully.

Sarah made introductions. “Mam, this is Jedidiah—” She paused a second. “Jed—”

“Lapp,” he supplied, amused.

“Ja.” Sarah nodded and Jed saw her blush as she looked away. “We met at the Sale. He’s from Lancaster. Jed was the man I told you about—the one who grabbed the twins before they got hit by a car.” She turned to Jed. “Jed, this is Ruth Mast, my mam.”

Jed took off his hat. “Nice to meet you.”

Her mother stopped to study him more closely, making Jed slightly uncomfortable under the intensity of her regard. And then the woman smiled, and Jed relaxed. “Thank the Lord that you were there to save my sons,” she said. Unlike Sarah’s red-gold hair, Ruth’s hair was dark brown with streaks of soft gray. Sarah had inherited her mother’s features—nose, chin, smile, but not her hair or eye color. Ruth’s eyes were green, while Sarah’s gaze was a vivid shade of bright blue.

Jed glanced over to check on Ruth’s progress. Satisfied that she was managing, he held out a hand for Sarah’s cake plate. With Ruth’s basket in one arm and Sarah’s cake plate in the other, he escorted the two women to the Miller house. Mary Miller came to the door as they climbed the porch steps.

“Ruth! Sarah!” Mary greeted as she came forward to accept the family’s food offerings.

“Ruth’s,” Jed explained as he handed his cousin the basket and gave Edna Byler, a neighbor who’d followed closely behind Mary, Sarah’s cake. “I will talk with you later,” he told the two women.

“Will you sit at our table for the midday meal?” Ruth asked.

Jed smiled. “I would like that.”

“We will see you then,” Sarah’s mother said as she carefully climbed the porch steps.

Sarah nodded as Jed met her gaze before she followed her mother into the house. Jed looked back to see her standing at the screen door. She quickly moved inside and disappeared from sight.

Sons? He suddenly realized what Ruth had said.

Thank the Lord that you were there to save my sons. The twins weren’t Ruth’s grandsons, nor were they Sarah’s sons, Jed realized. They were Ruth’s sons...and Sarah’s brothers!

And now he understood why there was no husband in sight for Sarah. She wasn’t married and didn’t have children! Jed suddenly felt elated.

I’ll be eating at Sarah’s table. Jed was pleased at Ruth’s invitation. He was leaving tomorrow, but until then, he could enjoy the day, learning more about Sarah Mast. He grinned happily, buoyed by the prospect.

Soon, the community and their guests gathered for church inside the Millers’ new barn. The service began with a hymn from the Ausbund. Jed realized that his community back in Happiness, Pennsylvania, sang the same hymn during services, but the melody was different. Still, Jed was able to catch on quickly, and he sang the hymn with confidence with the rest of the congregation.

Jed saw Sarah, who was seated beside her mother and twin brothers, listen intently as Preacher Byler addressed the church members. He couldn’t help look her way from time to time until he saw her glance in his direction and then back over her shoulder as if she could tell someone was watching her.

He focused his full attention on the preacher and didn’t gaze in Sarah’s direction again...although he was conscious of her for the rest of the service.

* * *

Sarah tried not to look in Jedidiah’s direction, but a prickling along the back of her neck made her wonder if he’d been watching her. Several times she glanced his way only to see that he paid strict attention to Sunday services. Sarah realized that she must have imagined his stare. But then the feeling of being watched came back so strongly that she took a quick look behind her. If Jed wasn’t studying her, then who was?

Jed stood outside the barn door as Sarah left with her twin brothers. “May I help carry out the food?” he asked.

Sarah shook her head. “We can manage. You’d best join the men. There’s my dat. You can sit at that table. The rest of us will join you shortly.” She watched as her two older brothers sat down near her father. “There is Toby and Ervin. They are older than me.”

Jed studied the two young men who sat across from their father. “How many siblings do you have?”

“Besides the twins and the two eldest?” she asked. He nodded. “I have an older sister. Emma married and moved to Ohio with her husband, James.”

“I see.” Jed seemed thoughtful as he looked away briefly. “Then you are the only daughter at home.” He focused his eyes on her.

“Ja,” Sarah admitted. Jed’s intense regard made her quickly look away.

“Your mam...she is unwell?”

Taken off guard, Sarah flashed him a look. “She says she is fine.”

“But you don’t believe it.” His voice was soft.

Sarah sighed as she felt the warmth of his concern. “Nay. She has been tired and sick for weeks now.”

His expression filled with sympathy. “Is there anything I can do?”

His response surprised her. “I appreciate your kindness. Ja, there is something you can do...pray for her.”

“I shall keep her in my prayers,” Jed said quietly.

Sarah blinked back tears. “Danki.” She took a deep breath and pulled herself together. “I must go inside. Please...feel free to sit at our family table. I can introduce you first if you’d like.”

Jed suddenly grinned, and Sarah felt her face warm. “Go help inside. I can introduce myself.” He turned and headed toward the table.

Sarah stood a moment as she saw Jed speak with her father and brothers, watched as her father gestured for Jed to sit across from him. Her brothers shifted on the bench to make room for Jed, who then sat next to her eldest brother, Ervin. Relieved at how well her family appeared to receive him, Sarah headed toward the Miller farmhouse.

Sarah felt a lurch in her chest as she entered the house with thoughts of Jedidiah. Women filled Mary’s kitchen, working to unwrap food that had been prepared previously. She attempted to force Jed from her mind. “What can I do to help?” she asked as Mary set a casserole dish on the counter.

“You can start with those,” her mother said, gesturing toward platters of meat and bowls of salads. She uncovered a bowl of potato salad and moved to place it next to the casserole dish.

Mary gestured for her mother to sit. “Ruth Mast, don’t you overdo!” She smiled at Sarah’s mother. “We like having you here.”

Sarah was happy to see her mother take a seat. “I’ll be careful,” Mam said.

Pleased that her mother was able to join the day’s meal, Sarah made numerous trips outside as she carried platters of cold meat, bowls of homemade potato salad and coleslaw, and dried corn casserole to the food tables. She was glad that Mary refused to let her mother carry anything, happier yet to note that Ruth Mast didn’t object but remained seated in the kitchen until all of the food had been uncovered or unearthed from the gas refrigerator and brought outside. After the meal, they would take the leftovers inside and return to put out the desserts.

Men, women and children mingled, enjoying the food. Sarah set down the last dish on the food table. Where was Jed? She didn’t immediately see him at her family table. She searched the grounds until she found him standing by a tree not far from the table as if he was waiting for her. His eyes brightened as Jed watched her approach. He nodded as she drew closer.

“Hungry?” he asked.

Sarah inclined her head. “You?” His answer was a slow smile that did odd things to her insides.

The food was set up as a buffet for folks to fill their plates. Should I ask him what he wants to eat? she wondered. She needed to fix a plate for Mam. Then her thoughts centered on the brush of his hand on her arm, the touch of his arm against hers, as they walked side by side toward the buffet tables. Sarah felt her heart pumping hard and she had trouble concentrating as she followed behind Jed and they each filled plates. She was puzzled at first when she saw Jed fix a second plate, asking her opinion as he chose food. It was then that she realized that he was filling a plate for her mother. Touched by his thoughtfulness, she blinked back tears.

They went back to the table to find two seats vacant across from each other. When Jed set the plate before Mam, then took his seat, Sarah’s mother seemed as moved by Jed’s kindness as Sarah had been.

Sarah enjoyed the cold roast beef, dried-corn casserole and potato salad, while Jed, she noted, had chosen a slice of ham, sweetened green beans and a huge helping of macaroni salad. They looked at each other’s plates, saw the differences and chuckled.

“I like it all,” Jed said.

Sarah nodded, but she realized that he had chosen carefully for her mother. “I love those beans, but I get them whenever I want, since I made them using Mam’s recipe.”

Jed’s eyes flickered. “You bake and cook.”

Sarah nodded. “Ja, of course.” She didn’t want to tell him that she’d been doing all of the cooking these past few months, that Mam was too tired and feeling poorly to do much more than peel potatoes or snap the ends off store-bought fresh green beans. She saw that he’d guessed the truth by the way he studied her.

Everyone enjoyed the meal. Sarah was pleased to see how at ease Jed seemed in the company of her family, and she smiled and laughed as her father told stories of her twin brothers’ antics on their farm. For Sarah, the meal passed too quickly.

Chapter Three

“I’ll be going home tomorrow,” Jedidiah said to her family as they lingered over the remainder of their meal. “Arlin and I came to Spence’s Bazaar—the Sale, you call it?” Sarah nodded. “We had many things to sell—and we sold everything we had. My uncle is eager to head back to his family. He has five daughters, and he worries about them.”

Sarah silently wished he could stay longer.

“I understand that Arlin made Ruth’s new vegetable bin,” Daniel Mast said.

Jed paused in the act of eating potato salad. “Ja. Arlin works well with wood. Just like my vadder and my brother Noah.”

“How many brothers and sisters do you have?” her mother inquired.

“Six brothers and a little sister. My mam keeps busy but she enjoys all of us. Mam grew the vegetable plants Sarah purchased in her greenhouse.”

Sarah checked her mother’s reaction. She smiled as if she enjoyed hearing about Jed’s life in Pennsylvania. Sarah didn’t like the thought of him leaving.

“There is Arlin by the barn talking with Ned Troyer.” Jed flashed her a grin, and Sarah blushed.

“I’d better help bring out the desserts.” She stood and resisted the urge to straighten her bonnet.

“I’m eager for a slice of your pie, Sarah,” her dat said.

“Me, too.” Jed’s soft voice vibrated down her spine.

Sarah hesitated when Arlin stopped by to chat. Jed introduced Arlin to her family. “Mam likes the vegetable bin I bought for her,” she told Jed’s uncle with a smile. “Hers needed replacing, and yours is well made.”

Arlin looked pleased. “I hope it gives you many year’s of gut use.”

“I’m sure it will,” Mam said.

Soon, Arlin left to rejoin his cousin Pete at another table, and Sarah grabbed leftovers from the food table to carry inside. After the desserts were put out, she returned to her family...and Jed.

“Dessert!” Timothy exclaimed, climbing over the bench and running toward the food. Thomas jumped up and raced after him, eager to get there first.

Ervin stood and straddled the bench, watching his young brothers choose sweets from the dessert table. “Mam, Dat, want anything in particular?”

“I’d like to try one of Sally Troyer’s strawberry tarts,” her mam said.

Sarah started to rise. “I’ll get it.”

She shook her head. “Sit. Your brother will get it for me.” She flashed Ervin a smile.

Ervin rose and Toby followed. “I’m thinking of chocolate cake,” Toby said, and his older brother grinned.

Feeling Jed’s gaze, Sarah shifted uncomfortably on the bench. “Mam, can I get you some lemonade?” She wasn’t used to sitting. It made her feel guilty when she knew how much her mam needed her.

Timothy and Thomas returned to the table, each carrying plates that threatened to tip and spill. “Jedidiah!” they cried in unison, “we got cake!”

“Looks good!” Teasingly, Jed reached out as if to grab Thomas’s plate. “What is that? Carrot cake?” he asked.

Thomas nodded and cradled his plate protectively. “It tastes good. Want me to get you some?”

“It looks delicious, but I’ll go over and get some myself—when your sister Sarah is ready for dessert.”

The boys turned to Sarah. “There are lots of cakes and pies, Sissy,” Timothy said.

Hearing her name on Jed’s lips infused her with pleasure. “I’m thinking about chocolate-cream pie,” she said. She could feel Jed’s regard, and although feeling a bit shaky, she managed to smile at him. “I’m ready for dessert. Shall we go?” She stood and smoothed out her apron.

Jed grinned and rose. “Chocolate-cream pie?” he asked as they headed toward the dessert table.

“Maybe,” Sarah said with amusement, “or maybe not. I won’t know what I want until I see it.”

He chuckled. “I’m thinking I’ll have more than one thing.”

“I may, too,” she replied with a sudden feeling of gladness. The day was bright and sunny, and life was good.

The lingering memory of Jed’s answering laughter did strange things to her insides as Sarah selected a slice of chocolate-cream pie and a piece of peanut-butter fudge.

Jed, she saw, chose peach cobbler and a piece of her cherry pie. His favorite kind of pie, she remembered, pleased.

Sarah enjoyed spending the day in Jed’s company. She liked seeing him with her family. She knew her parents well enough to know when they liked someone, and they liked Jedidiah. It was too bad that he lived in Pennsylvania. She reminded herself that this was simply a day to remember. Tomorrow Jed would leave and Sarah would never see him again. It was just as well, since she needed to be near for Mam.

Soon it was afternoon and the women had begun to clean the tables and collect the leftovers. Sarah rose. “Time to help Mary in the kitchen.” And it was time to check on her mother, who had gone inside moments earlier.

“I enjoyed spending time with your family,” Jed said, his brown eyes glowing.

Sarah averted her glance from the warmth in his gaze. “It was a nice day.”

“Sarah!” Mam stood at the screen door. “Would you please bring in the rest of the desserts?”

She smiled in her mother’s direction. “Ja, Mam.”

“Please see me before you leave,” Jed said. “There is something I’d like to talk with you about.”

Warmth curled in her belly as she nodded. “Is everything all right?”

“Ja, of course. I want to talk with you about the singing here this evening.”

A singing, she thought. It had been a long time since she’d attended a singing. But thoughts of her mother’s health tamped down her joy. How could she leave Mam? She heard Jed talking with her older brothers as she headed toward the house. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend a few more hours with him before he left for home?

Later, after the women had cleaned up after the meal and put away the food, Sarah came out of the Miller house and spied Jed seated in a chair on the front porch.

He stood when he saw her. “I spoke with your brothers. They are attending the singing tonight. Will you come?”

“I don’t know if I can.... Mam...”

Jed nodded as if he understood.

“I’d like to come,” she was quick to add. “I’ll be sorry to see the day end.” Then she glanced away as she wondered how he might have interpreted her words.

“The day is not over,” he said softly. “Your mother seems well today.”

“Ja, ’tis true.” Sarah wanted nothing more than to stay. “I’ll check with Mam to see if she needs me.”

“Your brothers will be there,” he told her. His voice dropped. “I’d like to take you home afterward.”

Sarah’s heart started to race. Wouldn’t it be exciting to go to the singing and be driven home by Jedidiah Lapp! “I’ll check,” she said and fled back into the house to ask her mother. Her heart beat wildly as she entered the kitchen and searched for Mam. It had been a long time since she’d gone to a singing. For months now, concern for her mam had kept her home.

But Mam had done surprisingly well this day. Was it possible that her mother would be fine and that she could attend?

She caught sight of her mother seated in a chair in the Millers’ great room. “Mam.” She approached, almost afraid to ask; she didn’t want to be disappointed. “There is a singing tonight—”

“Ja!” Mary Miller said. “It will be gut for you to go.”

Sarah didn’t want to miss it, but she wouldn’t put her wishes above her mother’s needs.

“Sarah,” her mam said with a smile, “you should stay.” She frowned as if it had just occurred to her how much her youngest daughter had missed during these past months. “It’s been a long time for you.”

“It’s all right,” Sarah assured her. “I’ll come home with you and Dat, but if you are feeling well enough, I’d like to return. Ervin and Toby are going. I can ride back with them.”

“Or you could stay and one of my sons can take you home,” Mary Miller said. “I’m sure P.J. would be happy to see you home.”

“I’d be happy to bring her home,” Jed said as he stepped into the room.

Sarah felt his presence immediately. It vibrated in the room, making her fully aware of him. She watched her mother study the young man and nod. “As long as you get home safely,” Ruth directed toward her daughter. “Where is your dat?” She stood, wobbling a little on unsteady legs before righting herself.

“Daniel is outside near the barn with Pete, Arlin and Ned Troyer,” Jedidiah offered. Someone called him from outside. “Arlin,” he explained with a smile before he left to return to the men who were gathered out in the yard. Sarah felt the loss of his presence.

“And what of the twins?” her mother asked. As if exhausted, she sat down again. “Have you seen them?”

“They are outside with my two youngest.” Sally Troyer reached back to retie her apron strings. “They are getting along just fine. Perhaps your boys would like to spend the night with my Joseph and John.”

Her heart gave a little lurch. Without the twins to wreak havoc on the house, Sarah could attend the singing, leaving her mother to rest quietly with her dat nearby.

“I think Timothy and Thomas would like that,” Mam said. She focused her gaze on Sarah. “You’d like to go?”

Sarah nodded. “Ja, but I can stay home if you need me.”

“Nay,” she said, “there is no reason for you to stay. I will be fine. Now, where did you say Daniel is?” Her eyes lit up as she spied her husband out the window. “Ah, there he is!”

“I’ll tell him we are ready to go,” Sarah said with quiet joy.

Mam frowned. “I thought you’d stay.”

Sarah shook her head. “I will see you settled before I return with Ervin and Toby.”

Her mam’s expression grew soft. “You are a gut daughter.” She stood a bit wobbly but managed to right herself without help. “I will come with you to get your vadder.”

“I can bring back clean clothes for the twins,” Sarah offered as she helped her mother across the room.

“No need,” Sally assured her. “They will be fine.” She grinned, apparently pleased with the turn of events. “I’ll tell them they’ll be staying with us tonight.”

Sarah could hear her young brothers’ whoops of happiness as she and her mother joined her father outside. “Sounds like they are excited to be spending the night with the Troyers.”

Daniel grinned. “It will be a nice quiet evening for us,” he said.

Her mother’s smile was weak but genuine. “I did well today,” she declared. With help, she climbed into the buggy and sat down.

“Ja, Mam.” Sarah set a blanket about her mother’s legs. “Time to go home and rest.”

Once Mam was situated comfortably, Sarah climbed into the back and then gazed out the window as Dat pulled the buggy away from the farmhouse down the dirt lane toward the main road. She thought she’d caught a glimpse of Jed watching them as they drove away.

This evening, she would be spending more time with Jedidiah Lapp. Heart thumping, she thought of the evening ahead with barely controlled excitement.

* * *

Jed stood on the Millers’ front porch and watched as buggies and wagons arrived with young people who had come for the evening’s singing. There was still no sign of either Sarah or her brothers. Would she come or did her mother need her?

Why should I care if she stays home? It wasn’t as if he’d ever see her again. Still, the memory of her smiling face and blue eyes lingered in his thoughts. He had enjoyed his time with her family. The afternoon had passed quickly—too quickly.

He shouldn’t think of Sarah. He was too old for her. What was she? Seventeen? Eighteen? He’d thought he’d found someone he might love in Annie Zook, but he’d been wrong. If he’d hurt her, Annie hadn’t shown it. Sarah was vulnerable. She’d spent a long time caring for her mother. She hadn’t been to a singing in months. He had no right to monopolize her time, but he couldn’t help himself.

If she comes, then I’ll enjoy the evening with her and then say goodbye. She would find someone else here in Delaware to love. She would want to stay near her family, and he needed to be home in Happiness.

It was growing late and still there was no sign of any of the Masts. Jed stepped down from the porch and crossed the yard, more than mildly disappointed.

Suddenly, a buggy came barreling down the dirt drive to pull up quickly behind the line of vehicles. Jed saw Ervin and Toby jump down from the vehicle, but no sign of Sarah. He waited for the brothers to join him before entering the barn.

Just as he had given up hope of seeing her again, Jed watched Sarah climb out carefully after her brothers, balancing a plate in one hand. Ervin helped his sister, grabbing the plate from her hand. The siblings turned and spied Jed standing in the yard. Ervin waved, and Toby followed his eldest brother, while Sarah came slowly behind.

Jed felt a sudden lightening of spirit. Sarah was here, and he would get to spend more time with her, if only for a few hours.

He grinned at Sarah’s brothers, and then he waited with a soft smile as Sarah caught up to them. “Nice night for a singing,” he said, noting her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.

“Ja,” she said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had the joy.” She gestured toward the plate Ervin held out to her. “I brought cookies—chocolate chip.”

“This will be a gut night, Sarah,” he whispered as the brothers went into the barn ahead of them.

She gave a barely perceptible nod as they followed. Then, there were greetings from the others who had come. Jed noticed that his cousin P.J. seemed particularly happy to see Sarah. P.J., Pete’s eldest son, was closer in age to Sarah than he. He tried not to be upset by the fact that once he left, it could be P.J. who would eventually keep company with Sarah and perhaps win her heart.

Don’t let it bother you tonight, he thought. They had this one night together, and he planned to enjoy every single moment of it.

Chapter Four

Sarah felt gladdened by the greetings of her friends and neighbors as she entered the barn and took a seat across from Jedidiah. She was conscious of Jed’s presence as she smiled and returned Miriam Yost’s wave. She hadn’t seen Miriam in a long time. She liked the young woman. Sarah suddenly realized how much she’d missed socializing with her friends since her mother had become ill.

“Sarah,” Pete and Mary Miller’s oldest son, P.J., greeted her. “It is gut to have you with us again.”

She smiled at him. “It is nice to be here.” She sensed Jed watching her, and she flashed him a glance.

His eyes warmed as their gazes met. He smiled, and Sarah felt her breath catch. His attention was focused on her, and she felt the touch of his brown gaze as if he’d brushed her arm or captured her hand with his fingers.

But there was nothing untoward in his regard of her, she realized. The thoughts—the feelings—were all hers, and she pulled herself together, prepared to enjoy the events of the night’s singing.

To her surprise, P.J., also known as Pete Jr., began the singing with his choice of hymn from the Ausbund. He sang the first verse before everyone joined in. As Jed joined in, Sarah heard his pleasant, vibrant tone. She was pleased when he began the second hymn, the Loblied, his voice rising in praise of the Lord. She could feel his conviction, his passion for God, and Sarah knew that her thoughts of him were accurate. He was a gut man with a kind heart and true love for the Lord. She sang out happily, her voice rising with the others as they finished the hymn they had all sung that morning during church services.

After a third hymn, Miriam Yost’s brother Joseph suggested they stop for some refreshment.

“You are always wanting to eat,” his sister teased.

Joseph shrugged. “We can sing another hymn, if you’d prefer.”

“I could use one of Sarah’s cookies,” Jed said.

Sarah flushed as everyone turned to look at her. Jed’s smile put her at ease, and she sent him a silent message of thanks.

As it was, the majority decided light refreshments were in order before they continued with hymns and games.

Lydia Miller, Mary and Pete’s only daughter, had made lemonade and iced tea for all to enjoy. Sarah helped Lydia to distribute drinks, before she grabbed her plate of cookies and a platter of lemon bars that Miriam Yost had made for the occasion.

Jed, Sarah noticed, was quick to choose one of her cookies. He took a bite and flashed her an appreciative smile. Everyone had left their seat to mingle in the open area of the large barn.

Jed took another bite of the cookie. “You will let me take you home tonight, won’t you?” he asked.

“My brothers are here—”

Jed gestured toward where Ervin was deep in conversation with Elizabeth Yoder. Not far from Ervin, Toby chatted with Elizabeth’s older sister Alice. “I think Ervin and Toby have plans to take those two home. Wouldn’t you rather ride with me?”

Sarah hesitated. She knew she’d rather have Jedidiah take her home, but she didn’t know if she should go with him. Yet, how would she feel riding along with her brothers and the Yoder sisters?

“I will ride home with you,” she said quietly so that no one but Jed would hear.

Jed grinned. “Gut! I will look forward to taking you,” he said as the others began to head back to their seats.

Sarah was conscious that Jed allowed her to precede him, and as she sat down, she tried not to look at him, but she couldn’t help herself.

She found him studying her with an intensity that made her feel odd inside. She couldn’t say that she disliked the feeling. Being the focus of this kind man’s attention was not unwelcome. He leaves tomorrow, she reminded herself. I will never see him again.

Will he write? she wondered. She wasn’t going to ask him; it wouldn’t be right unless he mentioned it first.

As her friend Miriam chose and began the next hymn, Sarah decided to forget tomorrow and simply enjoy the evening...and the ride home with Jedidiah Lapp. Riding home with a young man from a singing was a rare treat, and she savored the thought of it.

The singing flew by quickly, filled with song and games, and delicious food.

Sarah went to search for her brothers afterward to tell them that Jed would be taking her home. There was an awkward moment when P.J. Miller offered to bring her home. Sarah had to tell him that she already had a ride.

“Jedidiah is taking me,” she said. She felt badly when she saw the young man’s face fall. “Maybe another time?”

His quick look of gladness made her slightly uncomfortable. She shouldn’t have said anything, but she hadn’t wanted him to feel bad.

“Jed will bring me home tonight,” she told Ervin.

Ervin didn’t seem surprised. “That’s nice, Sissy. We will be home as soon as we can.” He glanced over to where Toby and the two Yoder sisters stood. “We will be making a stop on the way.”

Sarah nodded, then teased, “Do not take the long way to the Yoder farm, Ervin Mast.”

Ervin looked stunned at first by her teasing, but then he grinned, obviously pleased. “We don’t appreciate you enough...what you do for Mam.”

“I am the daughter, and I love Mam. Emma isn’t here, so it is up to me.”

Ervin leaned closer to whisper in Sarah’s ear, “You must take time to enjoy your life, Sarah. I know your hard work is not merely a duty to you, but an expression of love. I will try to help more.”

Sarah’s eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know what to say.”

Ervin grinned. “There is Jed. He’s brought the wagon around, and he is waiting for you. Keep your words for your ride home.”

As she headed toward the wagon by which Jedidiah stood patiently waiting for her with his hat in his hands, Sarah thought of her brother’s words and wondered what he meant by taking the time to enjoy her life more. She prayed to the Lord and did what she could to live life the way He would want it. She couldn’t take time away from Mam, not until it was certain that she was well again.

* * *

Jed studied her expression as Sarah approached. She seemed upset. Why? He had seen her talking with his cousin P.J. Would she rather he was taking her home? His concern vanished as Sarah offered him a genuine smile as she reached him. He lifted his black felt hat, then set it back onto his head.

“Ja. I let Ervin know that I would not be riding home with him.”

“And did he mind?” he asked.

The corners of her blue eyes crinkled. “Nay. As you suspected, my brothers will not be going directly home. They have plans that include stopping by the Yoder farm.”

“And so you are stuck with me.”

“Nay, I am not stuck, Jedidiah Lapp.”

Her answer delighted him, and he studied her fondly. “Gut,” he said as his spirits rose with the prospect of spending a little more time with her. He would like the memory of the evening to take home to Happiness with him. He would like to see her farm, to picture her out in the yard or in the farmhouse, going about her chores, caring for the twins and her family.

He held out his hand, and Sarah looked at it a moment before their fingers touched as she accepted his help onto the wagon seat.

The night was a typical late-spring evening. The temperature was cool, but not cold. There was a full moon, which lit up the dark sky and shed a beam of brightness onto the yard. Jed felt sorry to release her hand as he climbed up onto the wagon seat beside her.

“All set?” he asked, and she nodded. “Are you cold?” She shook her head. “Are you going to be silent during the entire ride?”

“Nay,” she said with what sounded like horror.

He laughed. “I am teasing you, Sarah Mast.” Then with a click of his tongue and a flick of the leathers, he steered the horse down the long dirt lane and then turned right onto the main road. He glanced at Sarah and saw her look back as if seeking her brothers. “They will linger awhile before they leave,” he said.

She nodded. “I didn’t know that both of them are sweet on the Yoder sisters.”

Jed shrugged. “Why would any sister know? Unless she can read her brothers’ thoughts.”

“Praise the Lord that I can’t,” Sarah said with such feeling that Jed laughed out loud.

He saw her lips curve before her laughter joined his.

“Shall we take the long way home?” he asked, expecting her to decline.

To his surprise, she said, “You are the driver.” She frowned. “Do you know where I live?”

“Ja, I asked directions and realized that Arlin and I drove by on our way back from the Sale.”

She seemed content with his answer, and he drove at the slowest pace he could manage with the horse. He wouldn’t take the long way home; it wouldn’t be fair to her when he was leaving tomorrow. He would enjoy this time with her, even if in silence. Having her on the seat next to him was enough to keep him happy.

He didn’t like the thought of leaving her, of never seeing her again, but what could he do? They both had responsibilities and family in two communities a long distance from each other. If only she lived in Lancaster, or his family resided here in Kent County, Delaware.

But the Lord had granted him the pleasure of knowing her if only for a brief time, and he would pray to the Lord to help him when he was home again...to get on with his life...and find a woman to love and become his bride.

* * *

All too soon for Sarah, Jed was steering the wagon onto the driveway that led to her family farmhouse.

They had chatted easily, sharing stories of their siblings. As time passed and the Mast farm drew nearer, silence had reigned between them. Sarah wanted to say something, admit how much she’d enjoyed his company, but she was reluctant to do so. He knew her situation. Perhaps he was just being kind.

She was conscious of the sound of the wagon wheels over dirt and gravel as Jed steered closer to her house.

Soon, too soon, Sarah thought, the wagon was in her yard, at her front door.

Jed jumped down and rounded the vehicle to help her. He didn’t extend his hand as he had before. He simply reached up and grabbed her waist. She blushed, feeling the heat in her neck and cheeks, the tingling of his hands on her waist, as he promptly released her and stepped back. The action took only seconds, but Sarah knew she’d remember the moment for a lifetime.

“Home,” he announced. It was the first time Sarah thought that he looked uncomfortable.

“I appreciate the ride,” she offered shyly. “I hope God grants you a safe journey home tomorrow.”

He hesitated a few seconds. “I will remember this night, Sarah Mast.”

“As will I,” she admitted, her heart beating wildly.

Neither spoke as they looked out into the yard as if studying the way the moonlight played on the barn and property. Sarah chanced a look at Jed. His handsome features were clearly visible under the bright moonbeam. She saw that he looked troubled.

“Is anything wrong?” she asked, knowing that she shouldn’t ask.

Jed turned, then smiled, and suddenly it was as if she had only imagined his sadness.

The sound of a buggy coming down the dirt lane toward the house heralded the arrival of her brothers. She didn’t want her last moments with Jed to be witnessed by her older siblings.

“Jed...” she began.

“I will miss you, Sarah,” he said.

She blinked back tears. “And I will miss you.” She bit her lip. “I had fun today and this evening. I will thank the Lord for the moment when you stepped in to save my brothers.”

His smile was warm. “Did you know I first thought you were their mother?”

She looked stunned. “You did?”

“Ja. And I was disappointed, for I knew you must be wed.”

Her brothers’ buggy pulled into the barnyard. He glanced their way and seemed to feel the same urgency that she did. “I am glad you weren’t wed or I would not have had this time with you.” He grew quiet and then said, “I regret that the Lapp family farm is not in Kent County, Delaware.”

Ervin and Toby had climbed out of their wagon and approached them.

“Farewell, Sarah Mast,” Jed said, sending her a look that she would never forget.

“Farewell and safe journey, Jedidiah Lapp. Give my regards to Arlin.”

He nodded and then spoke briefly to her brothers before he climbed back onto the wagon and turned the horse for the Miller home.

* * *

Sarah stood, watching as the wagon headed down the lane, overwhelmed by a bittersweet mixture of sadness and pleasure.

Ervin came to stand next to her. “You like him.”

“Ja.”

“He lives far from Delaware.”

“I know,” she whispered, then managed to grin at her brother. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for bed.”

Ervin studied her a moment and seemed satisfied by what he saw. “I could use something to eat.”

Sarah laughed. “What?”

“Pie?”

“There may be a slice of apple or chocolate cream left.”

Ervin grinned. “Singing makes me hungry,” he said as they headed into the house.

Toby had already gone inside. Apparently, the singing had made him hungry as well, for he was already in the kitchen, delving into the extra cookies she’d made yesterday afternoon.

Later that night, as she lay in bed unable to sleep, Sarah thought of Jedidiah Lapp and the time she’d spent with him. As she chose to remember the warmth of his cinnamon-brown eyes and quick, ready smile instead of the fact that tomorrow he would be gone, Sarah finally fell asleep with a pleased smile on her face.

But when she woke the next morning, she thought of him leaving...then she tried not to think of him any more as she went about her daily chores and checked to see if her mother needed anything.

Still, she couldn’t get him out of her mind.

Chapter Five

Jedidiah Lapp had left Kent County a month ago, yet Sarah couldn’t stop thinking about him. She recalled the warmth in his brown gaze, the dark brown hair beneath his wide-brimmed banded hat, his grin. She knew she should forget him, but spending time with him had been a wonderful experience. She had enjoyed his company, his smile...the way he’d made her laugh...his pleasant voice lifted in song when they’d attended the singing that evening. She and Jed had talked during the buggy ride home. She had loved every second she’d spent with him.

It was late morning and Sarah was upstairs making the beds in the twins’ room. The sun shone brightly through the window and streamed golden against the sheets as she tucked them beneath the mattress. She picked up Thomas’s blue shirt and hung it on a wall hook near his bed. Spying a straw hat, she bent to retrieve it. As she set the hat on Timothy’s bed, she thought of her parents. Mam and Dat were sleeping downstairs now. Her mother’s strength was weakening, and Sarah knew she’d have to discuss her health with Dat soon.

“Sarah!” Her older brother Tobias stood at the bottom of the stairs as Sarah came out of the twins’ bedroom to the top landing. Toby had been working on the farm. He’d pushed back his straw hat and there was a streak of dirt across his forehead and on his left cheek.

“Ja, Toby?” Sarah descended the stairs.

Toby tugged on his suspenders. “Mam needs you.” He readjusted his hat, pulling the brim low.

Sarah hurried down the rest of the steps. “Is she all right?”

Her brother shrugged. “Seems to be. Except for being tired all the time.”

Sarah sighed as she left him, shaking her head as she crossed the family gathering area toward the small room where her parents now slept. At times she didn’t know what to make of her older brother. Didn’t Tobias realize their mother was ill? Their eldest brother, Ervin, understood the situation better than she’d expected, certainly better than Tobias did. Lately, she’d caught Ervin watching their mudder with an intentness that was telling. Last evening, he had discussed his concerns with her, and she’d been surprised that Ervin was worried about her as much as he was for Mam.

“Mam?” Sarah entered the bedroom, saw Ruth seated in a chair by the window. “Are you all right?”

She turned toward her with barely a smile and gestured for Sarah to sit on the bed. “Come in, Sarah. I need to talk with you.”

Sarah felt her insides lurch as she nodded and sat on the patchwork quilt. “Is it about your recent doctor’s visit?”

“Ja.” Ruth turned to fully face her daughter and reached to clasp Sarah’s hands. “There is something I need to tell you.” The daylight emphasized the tired lines in Mam’s face. She looked exhausted and much older than her forty-three years. “I need heart surgery. The doctor believes he can fix it, but it will take me a while to recover.”

“Surgery?” Sarah breathed. She could feel the weakness in her mother’s grip. She fought to stifle her fear, to keep her thoughts hidden. “That is something,” she murmured, “and I’ll be here to help.”

“Nay,” Ruth said. “We’re sending you with the twins to our cousins William and Josie in Pennsylvania.”

“But Mam—what if you need me?” Send her away? No, she didn’t want to go. How could she leave Mam? “Can’t I stay?”

“Nay. It’s best if you take the boys. I love Timothy and Thomas dearly, but they are a handful. Josie has boys near the same age. Your brothers will enjoy staying with them. I need you to go to make sure they behave.”

“What about Emma?” she asked. “Can’t she take the boys?” Her older sister was married but had no children. If Emma took the twins, Sarah could stay behind to care for Mam.

Her mother rubbed the back of her neck as if it pained her. Catching Sarah’s concerned look, she smiled weakly and dropped her hand. “Your sister hasn’t been married a full year. I don’t want her to worry about your brothers. Soon, she’ll have a brood of her own. And Ohio is too far. I want you and the boys nearby, in case...”

“Nay, Mam! The Lord will heal you. We just have to pray.” Sarah felt a weight settle in her stomach at the thought that her mother might not fight to get better. “You’ll have the surgery, and you will get well. I’ll do as you say and take the twins to William and Josie’s until you call for us to come home.” She bit her lip. “But you must have faith.”

Her mother reached out to touch Sarah’s cheek. “You are a gut and kind daughter, Sarah.”

Tears filled Sarah’s eyes as she reached up to cover her mother’s hand, pressing it lightly against her cheek. “I wish I could stay,” she whispered.

“I know you do,” Mam said. “But your dat and I have discussed this, and we believe this is for the best.”

Dat felt the same way? Sarah sighed inwardly as she resigned herself to the trip. She was a dutiful daughter; she wouldn’t argue with her parents. “When do we leave?”

“The day after tomorrow. We’ve hired Mr. Colter to drive you.”

Mr. Colter was their neighbor and an Englischer.

“So soon?” Sarah’s spirits plummeted when her mother nodded. “We’ll be ready,” she assured her. “I’d better see that the twins’ clothes are laundered for the trip.” Sarah had to swallow against a painful lump as she rose to her feet. She bent to hug her mother. “I love you, Mam.”

She gave her a genuine smile. “I love you, Sarah.”

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Jedidiah pulled the family buggy to the front of the farmhouse and waited for his family to exit the residence.

His mother came to the door holding his baby sister. Little Hannah wore a lavender dress and white prayer kapp, and she was barefoot. “Have you seen Joseph?” his mother called.

“Not since breakfast,” Jed replied. He wondered if he should get out of the vehicle and help search. He had just made up his mind to go when his dat left the house, followed by his twin brothers, Jacob and Eli, and their younger brothers Isaac and Daniel.

“Did you find Joseph?” Jed asked as his father approached the buggy.

“Ja, but he’s managed to get his pants dirty. Your mam is making him change his clothes.”

Jed’s brothers Jacob and Eli climbed into the buggy’s backseat. Samuel Lapp hoisted young Daniel into the buggy, urged him to sit between Eli and Jacob, and then offered his hand to Isaac.

“I can manage, Dat,” Isaac said as his father helped him into the backseat.

“Ja, I suppose you can, Isaac,” Samuel said kindly, “but we’re late leaving, and I’m expecting you’ll have to find a quick seat and make room for Joseph. Hannah can sit on Mam’s lap.”

Katie Lapp locked the house and approached with Hannah in her arms and holding five-year-old Joseph’s hand. Joseph didn’t look happy, but he was neat, clean and dressed properly, and his mudder was content.

“How nice you look, Joseph,” Samuel said with a wink at his wife.

He hefted Joseph to sit between Isaac and Eli. The boys moved to accommodate their youngest brother. Samuel then took Hannah from his wife until Katie was comfortable in the front seat, then he handed back their daughter.

Jedidiah shifted to make room for his dat. “Visiting Sunday,” he said with a smile as he picked up the leathers and spurred the horse on.

“Wait!” Katie cried, startling all of them. “The food!”

Jed laughed. “Not to worry, Mam. I took the salad and cake over to the Kings early this morning. They’re going to bring them for us. I figured it’d be easier, and Mae offered yesterday.”

Katie released a sigh of relief. “Mae does have the room since Charlotte married and Nancy left to visit relatives in North Carolina.”

Hannah squirmed on Katie’s lap, and automatically Katie shifted her daughter toward the window opening so that the little girl could look out.

“What kind of cake did you make?” Daniel asked his mother.

Katie straightened her kapp. “Upside-down chocolate.”

“That’s Noah’s favorite,” Isaac complained.

“It’s my favorite, too,” his father said, glancing back to meet Isaac’s gaze.

“And mine,” Daniel added.

“And mine,” Eli said and Jacob agreed that it was his favorite, too.

His mother turned to eye her thirteen-year-old son. “You don’t like chocolate upside-down cake?”

Isaac looked sheepish. “Ja, I love it.” His cheeks turned pink beneath his black hat, and he squirmed uncomfortably in his seat.

Jacob scowled and reached over Eli to jostle Isaac with his elbow. “Then why all the fuss?”

Isaac shrugged. “I was just saying that chocolate upside-down cake is Noah’s favorite.”

“And the favorite of most of us,” Eli pointed out with a shake of his head and a small smile.

My favorite is cherry pie, Jed thought, and immediately an image of a young woman with red-gold hair and blue eyes came to mind. He frowned, forcing the memory away.

Conversation came to a standstill as Jedidiah drove toward the Mast farmstead. He enjoyed visiting Sundays. He wondered who’d be attending today. The number of families who came varied from Sunday to visiting Sunday. It was a perfect day for an outdoor meal. He’d tossed a ball into the rear of the buggy with the thought that there’d be someone willing to play catch on the lawn behind William and Josie’s farmhouse.

The Masts’ driveway loomed ahead and Jedidiah turned on the battery-operated turn signal before maneuvering the vehicle left onto the dirt path. Rosebushes lined the side of the driveway as they drew closer to the house. The scent of the pink rose-blossoms permeated the air.

Gravel mixed with dirt crunched beneath the buggy’s wheels as they approached the house and pulled into the barnyard. The side lawn was filled with neighbors. Tables had been set up and covered with white-paper table liners.

“Looks like this will be a fine gathering,” Samuel said as Jed noted the line of buggies parked on the grass and the folks in the yard. There were eight buggies. Theirs made nine. Nine families with numerous children. Plenty to play catch with or toss yard darts or any other game someone wanted to play, Jed thought.

“Look, there’s Mae!” Katie said. “Jacob, would you please help her with the food? Take the cake and salad from her. It looks like she has enough to carry inside.”

The King buggy was parked two vehicles down the row from them. Mae and Amos had gotten out of the carriage, followed by their sons John and young Joshua, who spied the Lapps and waved at them with excitement. Mae waved and grinned at Katie. Mae was Katie’s closest friend and lived on the other side of the road from the Lapp farm.

“I’ll go, Mam,” Eli offered. He got out of the buggy and headed toward Mae.

“Me, too,” Jacob said as he followed closely on his brother’s heels.

“Why don’t you both go?” Jed suggested loudly with barely concealed amusement. There were no girls in the King family buggy. Why the hurry to help out?

Jed climbed down from the front seat and took Hannah from his mother. Dat got out after him and then assisted his wife.

“Jed-ah,” Hannah said as she patted Jed’s cheeks.

“Ja, Hannah banana?”

She laughed, a babylike chuckle that warmed his insides and made him smile. “I’m not Hannah-nana. I’m Hannah Yapp.”

Jed kissed her baby-smooth cheek. “That you are, little one. Let’s go, shall we? And see if we can find one of your little friends for you to play with.”

“Morning, Jed, Samuel,” Amos King greeted, and Jed saw that Samuel had caught up with him.

“Perfect day for a picnic,” Jed said, smiling at his father’s closest friend.

“Mae brought her famous sweet-and-vinegar green beans.”

The Lapp men grinned in appreciation. “Katie made chocolate upside-down cake and ambrosia salad with extra coconut and marshmallows,” Samuel said.

All three exclaimed with delight and then laughed. “You’d think we didn’t often get such gut food, but we do all the time,” Amos said. “Mae and Katie are the best cooks.”

“Josie is a great cook, too,” Samuel said. “I wonder what she’s made for us today.” The three men chuckled and continued on.

* * *

“Timothy, Thomas, I want you to behave today, do you hear?” Sarah stood over her young brothers, examining them with a critical eye. “We’ve only arrived at cousins Josie and William’s two days ago. Don’t make them sorry that we’ve come.”

“We won’t, Sissy,” Thomas promised, and Timothy nodded in solemn agreement.

“Where are Will and Elam?” she asked, referring to Josie’s six-and seven-year-old sons.

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