A Place To Heal

After suffering a broken engagement, teacher Rachel Hostetler is looking for a fresh start. When handsome Noah Lapp rescues her from a runaway buggy her first day in town, things seem hopeful. Then Rachel hears talk that Noah is expected to court her cousin, Charlotte. Yet Noah spends all his free time with Rachel. Will Rachel discover the truth without losing her heart? And find a happy-ever-after in Happiness, Pennsylvania?

Lancaster County Weddings: Binding two hearts as one in Amish country.

“Are you hurt?”

Sitting back, she shook her head. “Nay.”

“What happened to spook your horse?”

Noah watched her pull herself together enough to stiffen. “Not my horse,” she replied. “Not my buggy.”

She met his gaze head-on, and he felt a jolt. She had lovely warm brown eyes, but her pallor was sickly, and he saw that she trembled. “I’m sorry,” he said, not really knowing for what. “Are you cold?” He stood back and took off his coat, placing it over her shoulders and around her. “You are shaking.”

She released a solid breath. “I could have been killed. You saved me. Danki.” A shy smile lit up her face, and in that moment he felt his pulse quicken as he noticed every little detail about her, the warmth of her golden-brown eyes, the whiteness of her smooth skin, the glimpse of her white kapp.

“You’re Charlotte’s kin, Rachel?” Noah asked. “And you are a schoolteacher,” he said. “At our Happiness school?”

Rachel studied him and nodded. “Ja.”

“Welcome to Lancaster County.”

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.

Noah’s Sweetheart

Rebecca Kertz

www.millsandboon.co.uk

And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee.

—Psalms 39:7

For Judith, with love

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

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

Spring...Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Rachel Hostetler watched as Aaron Troyer took her small black valise and loaded it into the carriage.

“If you’ll wait in the buggy, Rachel, my sister Martha will soon join you.”

“Danki, Aaron.” Securing the ties of her Sunday-best black bonnet, Rachel nervously chewed on her lower lip.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Martha don’t take up much room.”

“I’m sure she doesn’t.” Rachel felt her stomach tighten with trepidation. It wasn’t the size of Martha that concerned her. It was the type of carriage. The only vehicle available to take her from Lancaster to Happiness was this small single bench-seat buggy, the same type used for courting by the Old Order Amish. Back in Ohio, she’d ridden frequently with Abraham Beiler in a similar buggy when he was walking out with her...until the accident over a year ago that had changed her life forever.

She hadn’t ridden in an open courting buggy since, preferring the safety of her family’s enclosed carriage. She didn’t want to ride in one now, but it seemed that she had no choice. It was the only way for her to get to the village of Happiness and her new position as schoolteacher there.

Without thought, she slipped her hand inside her black traveling cape to touch a protective hand to her midsection. Some things just couldn’t be forgotten, no matter how hard she tried. But scared or not, she’d just have to do it. It wouldn’t do to start off here in this new place being a coward.

The horse shifted restlessly; Rachel gasped and retreated a few steps. Don’t be a goose, she told herself. The bay looked like a perfectly sensible animal. But she couldn’t help offering a silent prayer.

“Please, Lord, protect me from all evil,” she whispered. No matter what form evil takes.

She stared at the buggy, took a deep breath, grabbed hold of the side and climbed on board.

* * *

“It’s nice of you to drive us to town, Noah.” Charlotte King smiled at her neighbor and childhood friend. “Mam needs more flour and cinnamon for tomorrow’s baking, and Dat is too busy repairing the windmill to take me.”

Noah nodded. “I know your dat is busy, Charlotte. I enjoy going to town. ’Tis no inconvenience to take you.”

“And me?” Charlotte’s little brother piped up.

“Ja, Joshua. Nice to have you along as well.” He reached back and tugged the boy’s straw hat down over his eyes, and Joshua giggled.

The spring sunshine felt warm against Noah’s face as he steered the wagon along the blacktop road toward Bird-in-Hand. The surrounding farmland was beautiful, with spring growth in various stages. Songbirds filled the air with nature’s music, and the scent of the earth permeated from the surrounding farms. Only once did the roar of a big truck that passed the buggy, blowing black from its exhaust pipes, drown out the quiet of the fields.

It was a good day for a drive; the fact that the day was to be spent in Charlotte’s company only made it better. They’d be running errands for his father as well as Charlotte’s mother. When Samuel Lapp had heard that Noah would be taking Charlotte to Miller’s Store, he’d provided his son with his own list. He would have made the trip in a day or two himself, Samuel Lapp had told Noah, but since Noah was going now...

The three young people chatted easily as they enjoyed the ride. Spying a familiar face behind a plow, Noah lifted a hand in greeting to Abram Peachy, a member of their church.

“Nice morning for plowing, Abram. See you got an early start.”

The man nodded. “Hope the weather holds out until we’re done planting.” His eyes focused briefly on Charlotte before shifting back to Noah beside her. “Morning, Charlotte,” he said.

“Morning, Abram,” Charlotte called. “How are the children?”

The widower’s gaze softened. “They are doing well. ’Tis nice of you to ask.”

“We’re going to town!” Joshua said. “We’re going to get ice cream!”

“Joshua!” Charlotte scolded with a quick look at Noah.

“I like ice cream,” the boy insisted.

“You’re not to pester Noah for ice cream every time we ride into town with him,” Charlotte warned. “Last time was a special treat.” And to Noah, she said, “You’ll spoil him rotten.”

Noah winked at Joshua. “We men have to stick together, ja?”

Joshua giggled again and slid back on the bench seat. “Ja.” With an impish grin at his sister, he began tapping his shoes against the floor.

“Sometimes I think you’re no older than he is,” Charlotte teased.

“But you like me anyway.” Noah grinned at Charlotte, who couldn’t help grinning back. “We’re going for ice cream,” he told Abram. “You have a gut day now.”

The older man waved and then slapped the reins over the horse’s back. The big Belgian walked on, and the plow cut a deep furrow in the rich, dark earth.

“A good farm, he has,” Charlotte said.

“And a good farmer. A pity Abram lost his wife so young.”

“God’s will is sometimes hard to understand,” Charlotte agreed.

It was easy to drive the wagon through the countryside. As they approached town, the number of cars on the road increased, and Noah had to handle the wagon more carefully. This area of Lancaster County invited tourists, who often didn’t realize the danger of passing a horse and carriage at a great rate of speed. Fortunately, on this day, the cars they encountered slowed down appropriately. Perhaps it was the warmth of the spring day that had captured everyone’s fancy on this Tuesday. Whatever the reason, Noah was able to relax and enjoy the ride and Charlotte and Joshua’s company.

They bought their supplies in several small shops and then drove along the stretch of road from Miller’s Store toward the village of Intercourse, where they would enjoy their ice cream. Joshua could barely contain himself; he was so excited to eat his favorite treat. Charlotte gently reprimanded her younger brother, instructing him to be still.

A dog barked ahead. A horse whinnied and then snorted. Noah heard a high-pitched scream as he saw a spooked horse rear back before bolting at a dead run in their direction. He caught sight of a woman’s pale face under a bonnet as the open four-wheeled buggy came barreling down the road. He felt a thundering in his chest as he immediately saw the danger she was in.

“Charlotte, take the reins!” he said as he pulled his wagon off the road.

“Noah!” Charlotte exclaimed with alarm as Noah bounded from the wagon. “Be careful!”

But he was already running out to try and stop the panicked horse before the buggy overturned. Fear lodged in his throat at the glimpse of the terrified young Amish woman who sat in the buggy, clutching one side with white-knuckled fingers.

The horse raced closer, its ironclad hooves pounding the road. Noah shifted right, out of its path, at the last moment and then jumped to grab the animal’s harness. He cried out with triumph as he got a firm handhold. Please, Lord, give me strength! He fought to hold on as the horse continued its runaway pace. Struggling not to become entangled in the gear, he levered himself onto the horse, gripping its sides with his legs to hold on to his seat.

The animal neighed in angry protest. Heart pounding, Noah leaned low against the horse’s neck to grab hold of the reins. Successful, he straightened, pulling back on the leather straps.

“Whoa!” he called. “Schtupp!” He applied pressure slowly but firmly. The horse jerked and fought before breaking into a trot and finally a walk as he continued to murmur soothingly. “Gently. Take it slow, now. Gut boy!”

At last, the carriage rolled to a stop, still upright, as the animal finally obeyed the command, and Noah felt a sudden rush of relief. Once the horse was calm, he turned to check on the buggy’s terrified passenger.

“Are you hurt?” he asked.

She gasped for breath, unable to answer. He saw only the top of her black bonnet as she bent forward, hugging herself with her arms.

He climbed down from the horse carefully, patting the animal’s neck, speaking to it softly, reassuringly.

“Noah, you could have been killed.” A man ran up to help Noah. He took hold of the horse’s bridle, freeing Noah from the task.

“Danki, William,” Noah said, recognizing a neighbor and fellow church member, William Mast. He didn’t want to think about what could have happened if things hadn’t gone his way.

With growing concern, he approached the occupant in the buggy, stopping at her side. “Are you hurt?” he repeated softly.

Sitting back, she shook her head. “Nay.”

“What happened to spook your horse?”

He watched her pull herself together enough to stiffen. “Not my horse,” she replied. “Not my buggy.”

She met his gaze head-on, and he felt a jolt. She had lovely dark eyes, but her pallor was sickly, and he saw that she trembled. “I’m sorry,” he said, not really knowing for what. “Are you cold?” He stood back and took off his coat, placing it over her shoulders and around her. “You are shaking.”

She released a solid breath. “I could have been killed. You saved me. Danki.” A shy smile lit up her face, and in that moment he felt his pulse quicken as he noticed every little detail about her...the warmth of her chocolate-brown gaze, the whiteness of her smooth skin, her small nose...the rosy pink of her lips...the glimpse of her white kapp beneath her black traveling bonnet. The sweep of hair from a center part across her forehead was dark. She wore a black cape over a dress of spring green.

“I was happy to help.” He offered his hand to help the woman alight from the buggy. He sensed her hesitation for only a moment, and then he felt the warmth of her fingertips as she accepted his assistance.

“Rachel!” Aaron Troyer approached at a run. He nodded at William, who gave possession of the horse’s bridle to its owner. The animal’s sides were caked with sweat, and it was trembling all over.

“Are you all right?” Aaron asked Rachel as he ran his hand over the horse’s neck and murmured soothingly to it.

“I am fine, Aaron. Thanks to—”

“Noah,” Noah supplied. “Noah Lapp.”

“Noah,” Aaron said, out of breath. “I’m grateful.” Then to the woman he said, “I didn’t realize that Josef would be so easily scared. My brother meant for you and Martha to take Daisy.”

“Is Josef all right?” She appeared concerned.

“Ja, with some care, he will be fine.”

“Noah! Noah! Are you hurt?” Charlotte called out from the wagon seat. “You could have been killed! When I saw you jump onto that horse, I was afraid you’d fall and be crushed—” She had steered the wagon to within yards from where the buggy had come to a full stop.

“You doubt my ability with horses?” he teased. Upon seeing her expression, he sobered. “I’m fine, Charlotte.”

Charlotte’s gaze settled on the woman standing next to the buggy and her eyes widened. “Rachel? Rachel Hostetler?”

The woman seemed to search her memory before her features brightened. “Charlotte!” she exclaimed. “I am surprised that you got my message so quickly.”

“We didn’t.” Charlotte climbed down from the wagon. “We were in town to pick up supplies for Mam and Noah’s vadder. We didn’t expect you to arrive until tomorrow.”

“The English driver my family hired had to leave a day earlier. He had a family emergency and apologized that he couldn’t drive me directly to Happiness. He left me at Troyers’ Buggy Excursions. I called the number your mam sent me from a payphone while I waited for a ride.”

“Ja.” Charlotte nodded. “Whittier’s Store. They take messages for us.”

Surprised, Noah watched and listened to the exchange with growing interest. The two women talked as if there was no one else around. “Charlotte?”

Charlotte looked startled as if she suddenly remembered there were others nearby, waiting for an introduction.

“Noah, this is Rachel Hostetler. She is our new schuul teacher—” Charlotte smiled “—and my cousin. Aaron—it seems that you have already met.”

“You’re Charlotte’s kin?” Noah asked, pleased to learn that he’d be seeing more of her. Rachel nodded. “And you are a schoolteacher,” he said. “At our Happiness school?”

Rachel studied him and nodded. “Ja.”

“Welcome to Lancaster County,” he said. “Come. We’ll take you home.”

* * *

The intensity of Noah’s regard captured her gaze. Feeling her cheeks heat, Rachel quickly looked away. She felt the warmth of his coat and, embarrassed, she removed it and handed it back to him.

“Rachel, let’s go,” Charlotte urged, drawing Rachel’s attention and saving her from acting foolish. “You will come with us—ja?”

“We’re going for ice cream,” Joshua said.

“I don’t know now, Joshua,” his sister said. “Rachel has had a terrible fright. She may want to go straight home.”

Rachel studied the young boy seated in the back of the wagon. “You’re Joshua—and such a big boy! I’m your cousin Rachel. We’ve never met. The last time I saw your sister was years ago, when we were eleven and twelve, I think.” She looked to Charlotte, who nodded.

“We’re not going for ice cream?” Young Joshua looked crestfallen.

“No, I think I’d like to have ice cream,” Rachel said, and then asked Joshua, “What kinds can we choose from?”

She did feel a bit shaky, she realized, as Joshua began to list the many flavors of ice cream available, but she didn’t mind stopping for the treat first. It might help to put away the thought of what could have happened if not for the sudden appearance of Noah Lapp.

Rachel sensed the intensity of her rescuer’s look, but refused to meet his gaze. She felt as though she was still wrapped in the warmth of his coat.

“Let’s go, then,” Noah said quietly. “I’ll get your bag.”

Only then did she glance his way. His soft, quick smile in her direction did odd things to her insides.

“Are you certain, Rachel?” Charlotte asked.

She nodded at her cousin. “I have the Lord to thank for my safety. The Lord and your friend Noah Lapp.”

“I’m so glad that Mam needed some things in town or we may not have been here when...”

Rachel shuddered.

“I’m sorry, Rachel,” Aaron Troyer said.

“No harm done,” Rachel assured him with a half smile. “I’m fine.”

“Here’s your money. Next time you need a ride, there will be no charge.” After Rachel thanked him properly, Aaron left, leaving her alone with her cousins. With Rachel’s bag in hand, Noah stopped to speak with Aaron.

“Are you truly all right, Rachel?” Charlotte asked. “I can’t believe this happened to you. I can only imagine how you must have felt with the memory of that awful accident last year.”

Rachel still felt shaken. “It was a terrible time.”

“Ja,” Charlotte agreed as they made their way toward the wagon on the side of the road. “Mam and Dat will be happy to see you. You’ll be staying at the house until the cottage near the schuulhaus is finished.”

“I will like that.” Rachel breathed deeply in an attempt to calm her fear as she climbed onto the wagon.

“You have nothing to be afraid of, Rachel,” Charlotte told her. “Noah is a gut driver.”

Rachel nodded. “I know.” She glanced in his direction.

The Lord was watching over her. He hadn’t abandoned her so far from home. He’d sent her help in the form of Noah Lapp...from Happiness, Pennsylvania. What more could she ask for?

Chapter Two

The aroma of baking bread drew Rachel from the bedroom, which she shared with her cousins Charlotte and Nancy. She had overslept. Last night her sleep had been fraught with memories of the buggy accident that she’d been involved in a year ago, the near accident yesterday...and her unforgettable first encounter with Noah Lapp.

She felt terrible that she hadn’t awakened earlier to help with the chores. Her relatives had been kind enough to provide a place for her; earning her keep was the least she could do.

The delicious smell grew stronger and mingled with the tantalizing scents of pies and biscuits as she descended the stairs and neared the kitchen. The warmth from the oven filled the room, surrounding her as she entered, making her feel instantly at ease, taking away some of the feeling of being far from home.

Charlotte, Nancy and Aunt Mae were gathered around the flour-dusted kitchen table, kneading dough and assembling pies. There was a streak of flour across Nancy’s cheek and a dusting down the front of Charlotte’s apron. Tendrils of hair had escaped from beneath their black kapps and their cheeks were flushed from the heat of the oven, but they didn’t seem to notice or care, so intent were they on the tasks at hand. Nancy looked a lot like her older sister, but her hair was brown whereas Charlotte’s was golden. Both had pretty blue eyes and ready grins.

Aunt Mae looked spotless. She wore a white kapp and her light brown hair in a bun from a center part that was drawn back more severely than Nancy’s and Charlotte’s. But there was a softness about Mae’s expression that told Rachel how much her aunt enjoyed working with her daughters. As the King women worked, they chatted happily, giggling at something Nancy and then Charlotte said.

Rachel felt her heart lighten at their laughter as she approached.

After setting a layer of crust on the bottom of a pie pan, Charlotte looked up and saw her. “Rachel. Gut morning.”

Rachel smiled. “Gut morning. May I help?” she asked.

“You’re up,” Aunt Mae said with satisfaction. “Ja, you can help.”

“You didn’t sleep well,” Charlotte said, her gaze sharp as she studied her cousin.

“I’m sorry I overslept.”

“You needed your rest,” her aunt said. “Would you like breakfast?”

“I’d rather help with the baking.”

Grinning, Charlotte and Nancy made room at the table for Rachel. “Here, Rachel,” Nancy invited. “You can work here.”

Rachel slid between her cousins, grabbed a bowl of dough, and without instruction began to roll and cut out strips to make lattice for a strawberry pie that Charlotte was assembling. Working in the kitchen, she felt instantly at home.

“It’s kind of you to have me.” She smiled at her cousins. “I appreciate your sharing.”

“We don’t mind,” Charlotte said. “We are family.”

“There is plenty of room,” Nancy agreed. “You are comfortable?”

“Ja. The bed is gut. Yesterday it was a long journey from Millersburg to Lancaster.”

“It is a long way. It has been many years since I have visited my brother’s family,” Aunt Mae agreed. “Your driver? He is a gut man?”

“Ja, Aunt Mae, he is from Ohio, too, and has family in Lancaster County. We had to leave early, as his brother-in-law is ill and his sister needed help.”

“Family is important. I am glad you had a driver who understands that.” She glanced at Rachel’s handiwork as she kneaded and rolled out pie dough. “Nice work. Your mudder, if I recall correctly, was a gut cook, but she does not enjoy it in the kitchen much. Who taught you to cook?”

“Grossmudder. She loved to bake and insisted I help whenever it was baking day.” Rachel had enjoyed cooking and baking with her grandmother. Grossmudder had been a perfectionist when it came to her cakes, biscuits and pies, and she had instilled that trait in her eldest granddaughter. And Aunt Mae was right: her mudder did not like to cook, but she took care of her family, as a good wife should. Rachel and her siblings always ate well. But it was Grossmudder who shared her love of cooking and baking with her granddaughter, imparting a sense of understanding that family and good food went hand in hand.

Rachel began to assemble the pie lattice, placing each dough strip carefully over the filling, spacing each evenly in a lovely woven pattern. When she was done, she stood back to eye her handiwork. “Bread, biscuits and pies,” she said with a smile. “Are we having company? Or are these all for family?”

Nancy spoke up. “Nay. We sell baked goods to a new shop in Kitchen Kettle Village. We bring them pies at least once or twice a week. Our pies sell well, and the owner is pleased to have them.”

“The bread, too? It smells delicious.”

Aunt Mae grinned. “The bread is for dinner this evening.”

Rachel grinned with pleasure. “I can almost taste it now.”

An hour later, Rachel had rolled out dough enough for three pies, made a filling for one crust, cut out biscuits and stirred the ingredients of an upside-down chocolate cake into a pan. The smell of all this good food made her stomach growl.

Charlotte chuckled. “I think you should take time for breakfast.”

Her stomach protesting loudly again, Rachel said, “Ja. I think you’re right.”

“Fresh biscuits out of the oven?” Aunt Mae asked.

Rachel’s mouth watered. “Ja. A fresh biscuit sounds gut!”

She ate her biscuit and sipped from her cup of tea.

“Would you like another, Rachel? Or would you like eggs and bacon?”

“Danki, but no, Aunt Mae. It’s too late for more than this.” She rose with plate in hand to wash it in the dish basin.

Aunt Mae left the house to take Uncle Amos something to drink. Rachel’s uncle was working in the fields. The day was again lovely but a little warmer, and Amos would want something to quench his thirst.

As she dried her clean plate, Rachel heard a knock resound loudly on the outside door. She couldn’t see who it was as she put away the dish and hung the dish towel over the drying rack.

“Noah!” she heard Nancy exclaim, and Rachel felt her stomach flutter.

“It’s nice to see you, Noah,” Charlotte said cheerfully. “Would you like a biscuit or piece of pie?”

“I appreciate the offer, but no, Charlotte. After helping Dat early in the fields, I ate a huge breakfast.”

Rachel heard every word spoken between her cousins and Noah Lapp, but she didn’t turn around. With the warmth she felt since Noah’s arrival, she knew her cheeks would be blazing red. Besides, he had come to visit with Charlotte, surely. Although both had behaved in the most appropriate manner in town, it seemed clear to Rachel that Charlotte and Noah were sweet on each other.

“Gut morning, Rachel.” Suddenly Noah was next to her, overwhelming her with his presence. “Are you settling in nicely?”

Forced to meet his regard, she nodded. “Ja. My uncle and his family have made me most welcome.” He smelled and looked nice, she thought as he turned to speak with Nancy. He must have bathed after working in the fields, for his shirt was clean, as were the dark triblend denim pants that he wore. She tried not to notice the way his suspenders fit over his shoulders. He had a firm jaw and a ready smile. His golden-brown eyes sparkled. His sandy-brown hair looked neatly combed beneath his banded straw hat.

She recalled suddenly how he’d looked yesterday after he’d rescued her: tall, thin but strong enough to leap onto the back of a galloping horse and hold on. He had lost his hat during his wild ride when he’d leaned low for the reins. His hair had become tousled and windswept during his efforts to take control of the runaway horse and buggy. She recalled how her heart had hammered and the relief she’d felt when he’d straightened, triumphant.

Watching him now, she felt the back of her neck tingle. What was wrong with her? Abraham Beiler. Noah Lapp. She frowned. Was one man any different from another? She was here as a schoolteacher. She would be content with teaching children other than her own.

Startled by her own thoughts, she glanced to see if anyone was watching her. Her gaze encountered her cousin Nancy, who rewarded her with a little smile.

“Rachel?” Noah’s voice brought her attention back to him.

“I can’t thank you enough for coming to my rescue.”

“It was my pleasure.” Noah smiled. Rachel looked well and content...and extremely appealing with flour on her nose and a dusting across the front of her apron. It was good to see that she suffered no lasting effects of her frightening experience the previous day.

“Noah!” Aunt Mae exclaimed as she came in from outside. “I thought I saw you from across the yard.”

He reluctantly drew his attention away from Rachel to grin at her aunt. “Gut morning, Aunt Mae. I thought to take Rachel over to see the new schuulhaus.”

“That is a wonderful idea, Noah.” Aunt Mae appeared delighted.

“What do you think, Rachel?” Noah asked. “Would you like to see your new schuul?”

“Noah and his brothers have worked hard to fix it up for you,” Charlotte said.

“That was nice of you, Noah,” Rachel said. “Ja, I would like to see the schuulhaus.”

“It is not far,” Nancy said. “It’s just off our property and down the road a little ways between our land and the farm belonging to Noah’s family.”

“Charlotte,” Aunt Mae said, “you can go with them. Nancy can finish these pies on her own.”

“Are you sure you do not want us to stay and finish?” Rachel asked.

Aunt Mae smiled. “We will be fine. Go and see where you’ll be spending a lot of your time soon.”

Rachel grinned. “I will enjoy this.” To Noah, she said, “I will be with you in a minute. Just let me get cleaned up.”

The relief he felt when she agreed to come made Noah realize just how eager he was to show her the schuul.

Charlotte and Rachel went upstairs to change their aprons and wash their hands and faces of baking dust. Rachel was the first one downstairs and out the door.

When she stepped outside, she noticed the buggy parked in the yard. It was an enclosed family buggy with a gray roof. Seeing it, she sighed with relief. Two mishaps in small open buggies had made her leery of riding in one again. She and Noah were alone, waiting for Charlotte to join them.

She grinned at Noah. “Nice carriage.”

Noah grinned back, pleased by her response. “I thought after that little accident yesterday that you’d prefer riding in this.” Her smile made him feel good inside.

“Danki,” she said.

Charlotte soon appeared, and she climbed into the front seat next to Noah, while Rachel climbed into the back.

“And I hitched old Janey. She’s twenty-five years old and you couldn’t get her out of a trot if you tried.” Noah clicked his tongue, slapped the reins, and the carriage took off down the dirt lane toward the main road.

Rachel sat behind Noah, aware of his straw-brimmed hat, his sandy-brown hair cut in the bowl-cap style that all the Old Order Amish men wore.

Charlotte turned around to smile at her. “I think you will like the schoolhouse. Samuel Lapp and his sons built a new one, large enough for all of the school-aged children in our church district. The Lapp men are good carpenters. Noah is the best, after his vadder.”

“How many brothers do you have, Noah?” Rachel asked.

“Six,” he said with his eyes still on the road. They had come to the end of the lane and he steered the buggy left onto the paved street. “Jedidiah is the eldest, then I am next.” He turned his head to flash her a quick smile before his gaze returned to the road.

“The Samuel Lapps include Samuel’s seven sons and one daughter,” Charlotte said. “Hannah is only six months old.”

“You will meet them all on Sunday,” Noah said. “It’s visiting Sunday, and some of our friends will meet at our family farm.”

The clip-clop of the horse’s hooves was the only sound in the buggy for a time, allowing Rachel to digest what she had learned. Noah pulled the carriage off the blacktop and onto a dirt drive that ran next to a white building with a front porch.

“The schuulhaus,” Charlotte announced.

Charlotte got out on the right side of the vehicle. Noah climbed down and offered his hand to Rachel. “Welcome to your new schuul.”

Conscious of Noah’s relationship with Charlotte, Rachel smiled as she ignored his hand and stepped out of the buggy on her own. She studied the building with excitement. This was her school! Soon, it would be filled with her students!

“It is very nice,” she said sincerely. “The nicest schuulhaus I’ve ever seen.”

Noah looked pleased. “Let’s go inside.”

They heard hammering as they approached. “Jedidiah or Dat is finishing up,” Noah said.

The door swung in easily, and Rachel and Charlotte followed Noah inside. An older man with hammer in hand was bent low over a floorboard. “Dat,” Noah greeted.

“Noah, you have brought our new schoolteacher.”

“Ja, this is Rachel Hostetler,” Noah introduced. “Rachel, my vadder—Samuel Lapp.”

Rachel nodded. “It is nice to meet you. You have done a gut job with this school. I am happy to see it.”

Samuel’s eyes sparkled in a face that was an older version of his son Noah’s, except for the beard that edged his chin. As in Rachel’s Ohio Amish community, married men wore beards along their chins, but not on their upper lips. “Come in. Come in and look about. There is much for you to see.”

The interior of the one-room schoolhouse was white and smelled of fresh paint and newly varnished wood. Someone had been thoughtful enough to hang posters of the alphabet printed on lines like those on primary writing paper. There were also numbers from one to ten. Beside the schoolroom door, there were built-in glass-fronted cabinets. The community or school board had been kind enough to fill the shelves with books.

Noah and Charlotte talked with Samuel while Rachel wandered about, studying her surroundings.

What captured her heart the most were the rows of student desks—five rows of eight, all newly crafted, stained and varnished and ready for use. Her heart gave a little leap as Rachel saw the teacher’s desk at the front of the class. It was a beautiful piece of furniture, made with care. She approached the desk and ran her fingers over the smooth, varnished surface.

“You like the desk?” Noah asked, suddenly beside her.

Rachel had sensed him instantly. She glanced over at him and nodded. “It is a wonderful desk.” Her gaze flashed briefly to the other side of the room and Charlotte, who was grinning at something Noah’s father had said. Her attention returned to Noah standing next to her. “It is beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it. I made it.”

“You did?” She was impressed. “You are not only a carpenter but a cabinetmaker as well?”

Noah shrugged, downplaying his enjoyment of creating something wonderful from a few blocks of wood, of running his fingers over the smooth, polished surface as he eyed the finished product. “I like making furniture. My grossdaddi makes wonderful furniture. Many come from miles around to buy his chairs and tables.”

“A fine craft he has—as do you.” She awarded him a smile. “I will enjoy the desk.”

Noah felt a rush of pleasure. He didn’t know what it was about Rachel, but he was feeling things he’d never felt before. He became aware of a sudden desire to confide in her, to tell her about his dream of opening his own furniture shop someday. “Rachel—” he began, but stopped at Charlotte’s approach.

“Do you like the new school?” Charlotte asked.

“Ja. It will be a good place to teach the children.” She eyed the number of desks. “Are there that many children who will attend school?”

Charlotte chuckled. “Not yet, but the bishop wanted to make sure that there would be room for more in the future.”

Rachel felt a sigh of relief. “There are forty desks.”

“Ja, but only thirty-one children,” Charlotte said and then laughed when she saw her cousin’s astonished expression.

“It is a good thing we have the room, then,” Rachel agreed. Thirty-one children! It was going to be an interesting school year, she thought.

“Rachel,” Noah said. “Let us show you where your house will be.”

She turned to Noah’s father. “It is a wonderful schuulhaus, Samuel. I appreciate all that you and your sons have done.”

Samuel graciously accepted Rachel’s thanks. “I will see you on Sunday, Rachel, if not before.”

“Ja,” she said with a nod. “I will see you on Sunday.”

Then she followed Noah and Charlotte outside and they headed farther down the dirt lane in the opposite direction from where they had parked the buggy.

Chapter Three

They walked in silence; the only sounds were the crunch of their shoes against dirt and gravel, the distant tapping of a hammer coming from inside the school, and the sweet chirping of a robin redbreast.

Rachel, pleased with the schoolhouse, could hardly wait to see where she would live as the teacher. She wasn’t expecting anything fancy. She needed only the basics to make a home. Whatever her family district provided, she’d be grateful for.

They’d not gone far when she’d spied the building. She gasped in wonder. It was a small cottage, slightly bigger than the schoolhouse with white siding, working dark blue window shutters and a matching blue door. She couldn’t help the silly grin that spread to her lips. “This is the teacher’s house?”

“Ja.” Noah gazed at her with a smile. “Do you like it?”

Rachel nodded, still grinning. “It is lovely.” It was unusual for the school board to build a house for the teacher. Usually the teacher was selected from among the members of the community, but Rachel was from Millersburg, Ohio, far away. Was that why she would have her own house as long as she continued to teach here? Lord, thank You for Your blessings.

“It will be the right size for you, ja?” Charlotte said. Rachel saw that her cousin looked happy for her.

“It is perfect,” Rachel agreed. She was eager to get a closer look. “Is it safe to go inside?”

“Ja, we can go in and look around,” Noah said, “but I don’t want you to be disappointed. The outside is finished, but the inside is not.”

As she stepped into the interior of the house, Rachel felt a sense of home. There were only wooden studs where the walls would be, but she could see the size of each room and the opening of each doorway. Her imagination finished the rest for her.

“I’m sorry it is not done yet,” Noah apologized.

Rachel met his gaze. “I’m not,” she said sincerely. “I will enjoy watching each stage of construction.” And she could help. She wasn’t afraid of hard work.

“Dat thought it would be best to get the schuulhaus finished first,” Noah said as he led the way to the back of the house and into a room that, Rachel decided after judging its size, must be the kitchen. “The old schuulhaus burned to the ground last summer.” He waited for Charlotte, who had stopped to gaze out a window, to catch up. Once she joined them, he continued on. “We will work on the house next. We have been busy planting, but we will do our best to get it done for you soon.”

“I’m grateful.” Rachel rewarded her cousin with a smile. “As long as Charlotte doesn’t mind sharing, I don’t mind waiting for the house. It is fun to spend time with my Lancaster County family.”

Charlotte grinned back. “And we like having our cousin stay with us.”

Noah gave the two cousins a guided tour and then showed them the yard out back. “You will be able to plant a vegetable garden here. There is plenty of room. I’ll be glad to come over and plow an area for you. And look—” He pointed to two spreading, flowering trees with white blossoms, not far from the back door. “You will have your own apple trees. They are Braeburn.”

“A gut all-around apple.” Rachel went to examine them more closely. “I will enjoy having apple trees. I can share fresh, crisp apples with the kinner. They can eat them during recess.”

“And you can make apple pies,” Charlotte said. “You make delicious pies.”

“I would like a piece of Rachel’s apple pie,” Noah told Charlotte in a low, teasing undertone.

“I heard that!” Rachel’s voice held a hint of laughter.

“You would keep pie from one of the builders of your new house?” Noah said, feigning sadness.

Rachel sighed...loudly. “All right. You can have a piece of my apple pie.” Noah’s face lit up with eagerness, and Rachel caught her breath at how handsome he looked. Fighting the feeling, she added, “As long as you get my house done before apple season.”

“It will be done in a month,” Noah promised.

“If he says it will be done, it will be done,” Charlotte said when Rachel was skeptical. “The Lapp men are good carpenters.”

“Men of many talents,” Rachel said softly, thinking of Noah, recalling his skill with her rescue and the desk he’d made for the teacher.

“It is getting late,” Noah said. “Aunt Mae will be wondering why I kept you so long.”

“Ja,” Charlotte said. “There is cooking to be done before we come on Sunday.”

Rachel had almost forgotten. They would be spending time at the Lapp farm on Sunday. She would meet not only Noah’s mother, but also all of his other kin. She was both terrified and excited by the prospect. Were all of the Lapp brothers as handsome as Noah?

They left the cottage, and it seemed a much shorter walk back to the buggy, where the old mare Janey waited patiently for their return. Rachel climbed into the back of the buggy, conscious of Noah waiting for her and Charlotte to be seated.

“I will be right back,” Noah said and he disappeared around to the rear of the schoolhouse. He was back within minutes with two handfuls of wildflowers. Without a word, he gave Charlotte and Rachel each a small bouquet of colorful, delicate blooms.

Rachel remained silent as Charlotte thanked him profusely. The gesture was sweet and thoughtful, and she didn’t know what to make of it. No doubt he’d wanted to give flowers to Charlotte but felt it’d be awkward not to give any to Rachel.

Whatever his reasons, Noah had pleased her, and Rachel tried to shut down her feelings. It wouldn’t do to like Noah, who was the man in her cousin’s life. It wouldn’t do to get involved with any man. She had learned a hard lesson from Abraham Beiler, and she should never, ever—could never, ever—forget how awful she’d felt.

* * *

Rachel went with the Amos King women to the Lapp farm on Friday. She hadn’t expected to visit so soon, but Katie Lapp had seven sons and only a baby daughter. Katie needed help getting ready for the five families who would come to visit on Sunday.

They had delivered pies to Kitchen Kettle Village on Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon they had baked two more cakes and four more pies. These treats were for the social.

Rachel had a pie on her lap as Aunt Mae drove the family buggy over to the Lapp farm. It didn’t take long to get there. As her aunt pulled the carriage into the Lapps’ barnyard, Rachel stared at the house. It was a big house, bigger than the Amos Kings’ and bigger than her home back in Ohio. White with a large front porch and many windows across the second and first floors, it was a plain but beautiful structure that displayed signs of a contented life.

Her aunt and cousins alighted, and as she climbed out, Rachel was conscious of chickens clucking and running about the yard. A low mooing from the barn could only have come from the family cow. Two young Amish boys of about six or seven ran about, chasing each other, while an older boy, who looked to be eleven or twelve, carried wood from the shed with his gaze on his two younger brothers. Noah’s brothers? Rachel wondered.

“John! Jacob!” Aunt Mae called. “Come say hello to your new schoolteacher.” She turned to Rachel. “John is mei kinskind. He is your cousin Sarah’s son. He is five.”

Rachel blinked. “Sarah? Sarah is here?”

Aunt Mae nodded. “She and Eli live on the other side of Bird-in-Hand. They have been away to Delaware. They were due back late yesterday.” She smiled as the boys approached slowly, eyeing Rachel with cautious curiosity.

Rachel hadn’t realized that Sarah had had children. Sarah was the eldest of the Amos Kings. She had married when Rachel and Charlotte were young children, so it was natural that she now had one or more daughters or sons. She studied John, Sarah’s son. He was a handsome boy with blond hair and brown eyes. Did he look like his vadder or Sarah? Rachel could barely remember what her cousin Sarah looked like.

“Rachel,” her aunt said, “these boys will be your students. John, Jacob, this is your new schoolteacher. John, Rachel is also your cousin. Jacob belongs to Abram Peachy. Abram is deacon.” And then to Rachel, she whispered, “and a widower.” The boys had started to turn away, ready to play again.

She called after them. “Boys! What do you say to your new schoolteacher?”

“Gut day to you, Rachel. We are pleased to meet you.” It was Jacob Peachy who spoke.

John stared at her. “What do I need school for? I like working on the farm.”

“You must learn English,” Rachel said, “so that you can do farm business in town.”

Jacob was nodding as if he understood. “Ja, John. You don’t want to be a bad farmer, do you?”

“I will be a gut farmer! I know a lot about plowing and planting...and harvesting!”

“I’m sure you do, John,” his grandmother said. “But Rachel is right, it is important for you to learn things to help you someday when you are big and can take over your father’s farm.”

“We will both come,” Jacob added.

Rachel gazed at his sweet face and thought how unfortunate it was that this poor boy had lost his mother. “I will see you in class in two months.”

The boys nodded before they ran off to finish their barnyard play.

Rachel became aware of several things at once as she entered the Lapp family home. First was that the house was filled with women she didn’t know. Then she saw Charlotte greet another woman warmly with a hug. She heard “Sarah” and she realized that this was the cousin she had met only once when she was barely old enough to remember.

Charlotte came back and grabbed Rachel’s hand, leading her toward her older sister. “Sarah, this is cousin Rachel.”

Sarah smiled. She looked so much like Aunt Mae that Rachel had to keep herself from staring. “You were young when we met.”

Rachel nodded. “Ja. You took me for a walk to see the barn animals.”

“That’s right.” Her eldest cousin looked surprised. “You were three.”

Rachel studied her cousin’s face carefully. “You have the look of your mudder.”

“We all do,” Sarah said, referring to her sisters. She turned to softly scold a little girl who was trying to put her fingers into a freshly baked chocolate-cream pie. It was one of Rachel’s pies brought from Aunt Mae’s, which hadn’t been put in a cool place yet. “Rose Ann!” she exclaimed. “You must not touch that pie.” Seeing the little girl’s face begin to crumple, Sarah bent to scoop up the child into her arms. “You can have a piece of pie when we get home.” She kissed her daughter’s forehead and turned back to Rachel. “This is my youngest—Rose Ann. She is three and she likes chocolate.”

Little Rose Ann nodded vigorously. “Chocolate.”

Rachel felt her heart melting as she stared into her little cousin’s hazel eyes. Rose Ann’s hair had a hint of red highlights. She was a beautiful child with an inner glow.

“Ah, pie!” Noah was suddenly near the pie, ready to do what little Rose Ann was forbidden to.

“Nay!” Rachel exclaimed. She had sensed immediately when he’d come in. “That is for Sunday. You must not touch it now—”

“Just a taste?” he asked with a look of boyish innocence, but Rachel could see the mischievous twinkle that spoiled his whole act.

“Ows!” Charlotte exclaimed. “Rachel is right. You should not be here. We are here to do women’s work. You don’t look like a woman to me.”

Noah’s face beamed. “I’m glad you noticed.”

“No-ah!” Katie Lapp’s sharp tone was like a shout across the room.

“Mam?” he said as his mother approached. Katie was a strikingly plain woman who would stand out no matter if she wore Amish clothing or a potato sack. Her white prayer kapp sat properly on her head, revealing a glimpse of sandy-brown hair, the same color as her son’s.

“Doesn’t Jedidiah need help moving the furniture?”

“We finished in the house, Mam.”

“Then go check with your vadder. I’m sure he has something for his wild son to do.” But Katie’s tone had become soft, affectionate. It was clear that she loved him.

“I only wanted a piece of pie.”

“Pie for Sunday,” little Rose Ann said firmly.

Noah flashed the little girl a bright smile. “Right you are, then, Rosie.” He lowered his voice. “We just wanted one little piece, didn’t we?”

Rose Ann grinned and nodded. “Just one piece.”

“I guess I had better find something to do before the pie begs me to grab a bite of it.” And Noah left, taking some of the fresh air that had come in with him.

“Charlotte, he will be a handful, that one,” Sarah said.

Charlotte nodded, but her eyes held warmth and something like affection...or more. “Noah Lapp is a man all to his own.”

Rachel, listening to the exchange, felt a little knot form in her stomach. She had to avoid him. He was Charlotte’s special friend—not hers. Something she couldn’t—mustn’t—forget.

She’d been amazed by Noah’s ability to make a small child feel special. She had seen him come in and pour himself a glass of water from a pitcher. The last thing he’d seemed to want was a piece of chocolate-cream pie, but he had heard the exchange between little Rose Ann and her mother.

He was a special man. No, I mustn’t think about him! She felt a twinge of guilt. There were reasons for her to forget Noah Lapp, and it was more than just his being her cousin Charlotte’s friend. They might not be courting yet, but no doubt they would be soon. And wasn’t that reason enough itself? The two were more than comfortable with each other. Just the way she and Abraham had been when they’d begun courting. She fought back mixed emotions. There were other reasons not to become involved with a man again—reasons she wasn’t ready to ponder too deeply.

The women began to disperse to different areas of the house, where they would work to give the rooms a thorough cleaning. Katie accepted their help with silent gratitude. Rachel approached to introduce herself, and Katie placed her arm around Rachel’s shoulder as she led her into the large front room.

“I have heard much about you, Rachel,” Noah’s mother said pleasantly. “You like the new school?”

Rachel beamed. “Ja. Samuel and your sons have done a gut job.”

“You will have a lot of children in class.” Katie walked through the room, checking that all was in order.

“Will I have some of your sons?”

“Ja. You will have Daniel and Joseph, my two youngest sons.”

“I look forward to having them in school.”

A baby cried from above, but was instantly silent. Katie’s expression was soft. “That is Hannah, my baby daughter. She has been napping. Someone must have picked her up.” She seemed unconcerned about who had seen to her daughter. Unlike the Englishers, the Amish cared for their neighbors and their community and were always willing to lend a hand.

Katie straightened a framed embroidered wall-hanging. On it, the Lapp family tree was depicted. Rachel saw Katie and Samuel and all their children: Jedidiah, Noah, Jacob, Elijah, Isaac, Daniel, Joseph, and little Hannah. It was a lovely piece of stitchery.

Noah’s mother studied the family tree for a moment before turning slowly to capture Rachel’s gaze. “Mae and I are close, almost as close as sisters.”

Rachel waited, sensing the woman had something to say.

“Rachel, I hope you can begin a new life in Happiness.” She glanced back at the frame on the wall. “It is sometimes difficult to start over,” she said. “Are you doing well?” Her brown eyes found and steadily held Rachel’s attention.

“Ja. Everyone has been welcoming.”

Katie smiled. “Gut. That is how it should be.” She seemed to hesitate a moment. “You are feeling well?”

Rachel frowned, uncertain of what Katie meant. “I am fine.”

“Your accident. I read about it in The Budget.”

She must have looked upset, because Katie patted her arm. “No one knows but you, me and your aunt Mae. It is my relationship with Mae that made me understand what happened.”

How much did she know? Rachel wondered fearfully.

“You spent weeks in the hospital.”

Rachel nodded. “I was walking out with Abraham Beiler. We were in his courting buggy with my brother Moses as chaperone. It was winter and the road was icy. We were managing fine until a car came speeding around the bend and forced us off the road. I was on the right side and I fell into an ice-water-filled ditch. The buggy fell on top of me. Abraham and Moses were injured only slightly. I was hurt the worst.”

Katie’s eyes softened with sympathy. “It must have been terrible.”

“Ja. It was a dark time, but I had the Lord to guide me until the darkness lifted.” If it hadn’t been for her faith in God, she would never have survived her injuries and the time that followed.

“And Abraham?” Katie waited as if she already knew but wanted to hear Rachel’s version.

“He decided that I was not the girl for him. He began courting Emma Mast, my best friend, before I even got out of the hospital. They were married in September.” Only six months after he’d asked to court her...and not Emma. They hadn’t even waited until the time most couples married in their Ohio Amish community.

“It must have been awful for you,” Katie said. “But I can see that you are well and doing fine. You are a schoolteacher and in our village of Happiness! I think you will like it here, Rachel. The Lord works in ways we can’t always understand, but I have a feeling that you were meant to come here...that Happiness was God’s plan for you all along.”

Rachel could only nod. “Katie—”

“I will tell no one of what happened to you in Millersburg, Rachel. Your secret is safe with me.” She gestured toward the door to the kitchen. “Let’s have a cup of tea. If we don’t stand watch, there may be no pies and cakes for Sunday. My sons are big eaters.”

Relieved at the change of subject, Rachel gladly accompanied Katie Lapp into the kitchen, where two neighbor women were rearranging Sunday’s desserts.

“Shall we put this in the refrigerator?” Agnes Troyer asked of Rachel’s chocolate-cream pie.

“Ja, it will keep better,” Katie said.

“I’ll take it,” Rachel offered, eager for a few moments alone after her heart-to-heart talk with her aunt’s friend Katie. She picked up the pie and went into the other room, where a gas refrigerator and separate gas freezer were located. She opened the refrigerator door, her hands shaking slightly as she rearranged a few items to make room for the pie. When the pie had its own place, she shut the refrigerator door and leaned against it. Her heart was beating rapidly. There was a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. She didn’t like to remember the accident that had changed her life and taken away her sweetheart.

Thank You, Lord. I praise You, Lord, for all Your goodness and grace. Thank You for not allowing anyone to realize just how much the accident changed me. Thank You for being there whenever I need You.

She stood for a moment, fighting tears, reining in her emotions. Upon hearing laughter from within the kitchen, Rachel straightened. She wiped her eyes, pulled herself together and went back to rejoin the others to ask what she could do to help.

Chapter Four

Noah stood on the front porch of the Lapp family farmhouse, watching as neighbors and friends drove their horses into the yard and parked in line with the other gray family buggies. All of the male Samuel Lapps—from their father Samuel to his youngest son, Joseph—were dressed in their black Sunday best. They stood, offering greetings and handshakes as the Amish men from other households joined them on the porch, while the women bustled into the house to join Katie in the kitchen.

The Kings’ gelding trotted down the lane and turned into the yard. Noah felt an odd sensation in the pit of his stomach as the family alighted from the buggy and crossed toward the house.

He nodded to Charlotte’s father as Amos climbed the porch steps and joined them. “Fair weather this day,” he said, and the man agreed. Conscious of the women, especially Rachel, who got out of the buggy last, he turned his attention first to little Joshua, who had run up to the house. “Have any ice cream lately?”

“Nay.” Joshua scowled. His eyes suddenly lit up. “Can we go this week?”

“If there is time for a trip into town.”

“Joshua!” Charlotte scolded as she climbed up the stairs. “What did I tell you about bothering Noah?”

“I wasn’t bothering him.” He looked up at Noah with big eyes. “Was I?”

“Nay, Joshua,” Noah replied and then grinned at Charlotte. “What’s that you’re carrying?” he asked her. “Could it be chocolate cake?”

Charlotte’s eyes twinkled. “Shoofly pie.”

Noah knew the exact moment when Rachel climbed the first step of his family home. She was wearing a blue dress with black apron and cape. This day her bonnet and the prayer kapp covering her dark hair were both black. She was lovely, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her sweet face. “And what do you have there?” he asked, casually, forcing himself to study the pie in her arms. “Another chocolate-cream pie?”

“Ja.” She met his gaze but then quickly glanced away.

“I think I’d like some of that pie,” he murmured softly for her ears only as she hurried past, following in her cousin’s footsteps.

“That was the new schoolteacher?” Jedidiah said.

Noah narrowed his gaze on his older brother. “I thought you saw her when she came to help Mam.”

Jedidiah, watching the arrival of another buggy, shook his head. “Dat and I were finishing up at the schuulhaus.” His attention fixed on Abram Peachy as he climbed out of his buggy and helped his five children to alight. “I heard you got your fields planted,” he called to Abram.

Abram waved his children into the house. “The weather held, thanks be to God.”

“You meet the new schoolteacher yet?” Jedidiah asked, and Noah glanced at his brother sharply before turning to gauge Abram’s response.

“Nay,” Abram said. “I hear she’s a King cousin from Ohio.” He seemed to exhibit only polite interest.

Noah felt himself relax. “Ja. Rachel Hostetler.”

“Nice girl,” Noah’s father said.

Jedidiah elbowed his brother. “I hear you were the great rescuer the other day.”

Noah shrugged. “’Twas nothing.”

“Not from what my daughter tells me,” Amos King said.

Abram suddenly looked interested. “Something happen in town?”

“Ja,” little Joshua piped up, as he returned from inside to stand with the men. “Aaron Troyer’s horse spooked, and Noah saved cousin Rachel from crashing.”

Abram smiled. “From crashing what?”

Joshua pulled himself up and tugged on the bottom of his small black coat. At seven, he was a miniature version of his father. “The buggy! The horse was galloping right down the middle of the road, and he took Rachel and the buggy with him. Noah had to jump onto the horse’s back while he was still running to stop him. The horse’s eyes were rolled back in his head, all big and white, and he was sweaty. Aaron Troyer came running up to take care of his horse Josef and to see if Rachel hurt herself!”

Noah felt himself the object of several male gazes. He was uncomfortable with this particular discussion and being the center of attention. “It wasn’t anything one of you wouldn’t do.”

“That’s not what cousin Rachel said,” Joshua replied. “She said she could have been killed if Noah hadn’t come to save her.”

“Ja.” Abram removed his hat, pushed his hair back, and then settled his wide-brimmed black-felt hat back on his head. “Could have been. One of Obadiah Fisher’s daughters out in Missouri—she got killed last summer when her horse ran away. Terrible thing for the family, and her just fifteen. Lucky for the new teacher you were there.”

The Zook family arrived at that moment, putting a temporary end to the topic of conversation. As he greeted “Horseshoe Joe” Zook’s wife, Miriam, Noah could feel Jedidiah watching him. He pretended not to notice, and soon Jedidiah’s attention turned to the middle Zook daughter, Annie.

Five families had come to visit. The men stayed outside while the women inside readied the midday meal. Moments of the men’s conversation intermingled with periods of silence, as the weather was good and there wasn’t a need for talking.

“The cousin was grateful,” Jedidiah said to Noah. “What does Charlotte think? Must have put a fright into her, seeing it.”

“Rachel is Charlotte’s first cousin. She’s glad I was there to help.”

Noah wondered how Rachel was getting along. She’d been here less than a week, and she must have feelings about their Happiness community.

“Charlotte is an understanding girl,” his brother persisted. “Good head on her shoulders. Make some man a mighty good wife.”

Noah glared at him, wondering where Jedidiah was headed with this conversation. “And why are you telling me? Charlotte and I have known each other a long time.”

“Ja,” Jedidiah said, “and well you should remember this.”

His older brother could be annoying at times, Noah thought. They were close in age—Jedidiah was only a year and a half older than he was. What was Jedidiah implying? That Charlotte was jealous? That he shouldn’t have saved Rachel because he and Charlotte were friends?

Noah shook his head. Sometimes Jedidiah made no sense.

“He did save her!” He suddenly heard Joshua shout from across the yard. “Ask him. Better you should ask cousin Rachel! Cousin Rachel!” the little boy called as he ran from the barn toward the house, followed closely by Jacob Peachy.

The boys rushed inside before Noah could stop either one of them. The last thing he needed was for Rachel to become embarrassed by all the attention—no matter how innocently it began.

“Cousin Rachel!” Joshua cried.

Noah cringed. All he did was stop a runaway buggy. Why couldn’t everyone just leave things be?

* * *

“...And the little Englisher was caught stealing a brownie from a pan cooling on Elisabeth Schrock’s windowsill,” Alta Hershberger was saying.

Miriam Zook’s eyes widened. “What did she do?”

Alta grinned. “She gave him a piece of her mind and then handed him another brownie.”

The women chuckled in response as they unwrapped the food they’d prepared previously.

“Abram’s children are growing fast, like weeds,” Mae commented as she sliced bread and arranged muffins. “Such a shame that those precious children have no mudder to guide them.”

“Abram’s doing the best he can, Mam,” Charlotte said.

“Ja, daughter. But the deacon can’t be all things to everyone. It’s hard when there are children to raise alone and a farm to run. It’s time he thought about marrying again.”

“I’m sure he will when he is ready,” Katie said gently. She unwrapped a plate and set it on the table. “A shame Sarah couldn’t come.”

“Ja,” Aunt Mae said. “I was sorry to hear David came down sick—”

Two young boys burst into the kitchen and stopped, the door slamming shut behind them. “Rachel! Cousin Rachel!”

“Son!” Aunt Mae scolded. “We walk, not run, into a room!”

Rachel grinned as Joshua searched the room and found her. “Little cousin, what’s wrong?” She tossed each boy an apple from a bowl on the counter.

“Jacob doesn’t believe that Noah saved you!” Joshua exclaimed before he took a big bite.

“Noah did save me, Jacob,” Rachel said, her breath catching at the mention of Noah’s name. “If he hadn’t stopped the horse, the buggy could have hit someone or something, and I could have been hurt or even killed.”

Jacob’s eyes went big as he listened to Rachel. “Noah saved her,” he said to Joshua. “And he kept Aaron Troyer’s horse from maybe breaking a leg and having to be shot.”

Joshua nodded vigorously, glad that his friend finally understood. “When are we going to eat?” he asked his sister, who’d been listening with amusement.

“Soon,” Charlotte said, handing each boy an apple-walnut muffin. “Go outside and be gut boys. We will call you when it is your time to eat.”

“Would you take this to the table?” Miriam asked.

Rachel nodded. She accepted the large bowl of potato salad and carried it into the front room, where she set it down on one of several makeshift tables that had been constructed for today’s visit. Her thoughts on Noah, she went to the window and peered outside. She couldn’t see him at first, and she started to turn away. Then his father moved and there he was, speaking with two men she hadn’t met. Noah nodded and then smiled at someone’s answer. He turned toward the house as he chatted, and his gaze locked with hers briefly through the glass. Rachel quickly retreated, embarrassed at being caught staring. She hurried back to the kitchen.

“The meal is ready,” Katie Lapp announced to the men outside.

The oldest men entered the house first. They sat down at a table, and then the younger men took their seats. The women had prepared the food earlier in the week. There was cold roast beef and chicken, potato salad, sweetened-and-vinegared green beans with bacon, frosted raisin bread, sweet-and-sour chow-chow, muffins, yeast rolls and coleslaw. There was an assortment of cakes and pies for dessert, including Charlotte’s shoofly pie and Rachel’s chocolate-cream pie.

The men ate without conversation, and when they were done, the women and children sat down to eat. Rachel enjoyed the meal, especially the sliced roast beef and potato salad with peas. Aunt Mae had made the green beans, and they were delicious.

Nancy took a second helping of her mother’s dish before tasting other foods. “Mam makes the best sauce for her beans,” she said.

Rachel smiled. “Everything is wonderful. Did you have some of Miriam’s chow-chow? Sweet and sour is my favorite.”

“Mine, too,” Charlotte replied as she lifted a forkful of the vegetables to her mouth. “Did you see Alta Hershberger’s vanilla pudding? Before the day is done, I’m going to have me a cup.”

“May I have some pudding with you?” A little girl stood at Charlotte’s side.

Charlotte’s expression softened. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to get some. I’ll scoop you a cup so we can eat it together.” The child looked pleased as she turned and ran back to sit with her sister and brothers. “That’s Ruth Peachy,” she told Rachel. “Abram’s youngest.”

Rachel eyed the youngest Peachy child as the little girl ate carefully, mimicking her older sister. “She’s too young for my classroom.”

Charlotte agreed. “She’s not yet four. She’s a pleasant girl. For some reason, she’s taken a liking to me.”

“The reason is simple,” Rachel said. “You’re as pure-hearted as she is, and you treat her nicely.”

“I like her.”

Rachel smiled. “I can tell you do.”

Suddenly, Rachel felt the back of her neck prickle. She turned, only to encounter Noah’s gaze.

Charlotte stood and approached him. “Can I get you something?”

Noah withdrew his gaze, turning his smiling attention to Charlotte. “Not unless you’re cutting the pies.”

Charlotte chuckled. “We’ll be serving them soon, Noah.” Her eyes twinkled. “You’re still hungry?” she teased.

“Only for pie or cake.”

“I’ll bring you a piece after we cut it,” she offered.

Noah shook his head. “I’ll be back to get it myself.” His eyes met Rachel’s briefly as he left as quickly as he’d come.

* * *

Everyone enjoyed the cakes, pies and other sweets provided by the women. Noah had come for his piece of Rachel’s chocolate-cream pie, as promised. He appeared to relish every bite before he was back for more. Rachel couldn’t help feeling pleased that he took so much pleasure from it. Charlotte and Ruth Peachy sat side by side with their bowls of vanilla pudding. It seemed the most natural thing when Charlotte reached over to wipe pudding off the little girl’s mouth when Ruth was done. Rachel ate a tiny slice of shoofly pie and then enjoyed a small taste of Miriam Zook’s butter coffee cake. Soon, with bellies full and the time growing late, families began to gather their leftovers and their youngsters to leave.

Later, only the Amos Kings and Rachel stayed behind to visit a little longer with the Samuel Lapps and to help Katie with the cleanup. As she collected dishes to bring to the kitchen, Rachel saw the older Lapp brothers begin to take apart the front-room tables. She had met all of Noah’s brothers this day. They were a fine bunch of young men and boys who teased each other while they worked together as a team. Hearing them reminded her of her own three brothers back home in Millersburg, and she got misty-eyed for a few seconds. There was at least one Lapp brother close in age to each of her brothers, Moses, David and Thomas, who were all younger than she. Today would be their day for Sunday visiting, too, and it did make her feel a little better to know that, in a way, things were the same here as back in Millersburg.

The kitchen was clean, and the food was put away in Katie’s refrigerator and pantry or in dishes ready for the Kings to take home. The men had gone outside to look at Samuel’s new milk cow. Katie, Aunt Mae, Rachel and her cousins sat on the front porch. Katie bounced her baby daughter on her knee. Little Hannah had been happy and smiling since she’d woken from her nap and eaten. She seemed content to sit on her mother’s lap and gaze at the other women.

Rachel studied the little girl and had the strongest urge to hold her. “May I?” she asked Hannah’s mother.

“Ja. Don’t be alarmed if she fusses,” Katie warned as she surrendered her baby into Rachel’s outstretched arms.

Baby Hannah cuddled against her without complaint. Rachel felt an overwhelming contentment as she rocked to and fro in the front-porch rocking chair, enjoying the warmth of the spring afternoon in the companionship of women she liked and respected.

Soon it was time for the Kings to return home. They didn’t have far to go, but it was getting late and there would be time for the family to enjoy the rest of the day reading, playing games or just resting in the comfort of their own home. Rachel stood and handed Hannah back to her mother. To everyone’s surprise, Hannah fussed a little before she settled down as Katie stood, rocking her against her shoulder.

“Good food and fine company,” Aunt Mae said. “A perfect Sunday visiting.”

Rachel and her cousins agreed. “Ja, and the weather is fine,” Nancy added. They went inside to gather their dishes and the leftovers given to them by their hostess.

“It’s been a gut day,” Rachel said as she prepared to descend the porch steps. There was no sign of the men yet, but she expected them to appear at any moment.

Katie smiled as she continued to pat her daughter’s back. “I enjoyed your company.” Her gaze shot past Rachel toward the barnyard. “You’ll come again soon. Don’t wait until next Sunday’s church services to see us.”

Rachel murmured agreement as she glanced back to see Samuel, her uncle Amos, Noah and three of his brothers as they stepped from the barn and started toward the house. She watched the men’s approach, trying not to look too much at Noah, but it was Noah who drew her attention. When she realized that he watched her, she felt her face warm and quickly glanced away.

With a dish in hand, she followed Charlotte as her cousin crossed the yard toward their buggy. Suddenly, Charlotte stopped and Rachel nearly bumped into her.

“Noah, would you like any of these cookies?” Charlotte asked. “Annie Zook made them.”

Rachel didn’t hear his response. She was trying desperately to move away, to give them time to visit alone. But as she hurried to turn, she tripped, and it was Noah who was suddenly there to steady her, his hand warm through her long dress sleeve.

Blushing, Rachel was saved from having a conversation with him when Aunt Mae appeared to urge them into the buggy. She could feel Noah’s gaze as she climbed inside. She didn’t glance back, but kept her eyes trained ahead.

Rachel hated that he had this strange effect on her. She had to avoid him as best she could without things appearing odd to anyone. Earlier in the day, several of the neighbor women had wondered aloud why Noah and Charlotte had not begun to court openly yet, but even if they were not official sweethearts, Rachel would not interfere. “It’s only a matter of time,” Miriam Zook had assured a small group of women when neither Katie nor Aunt Mae was present.

Since then, every time Rachel was affected by Noah’s presence, she felt a sense of betrayal toward her cousin, guilty about the way Noah made her feel. She knew what it felt like to be betrayed...and it was the worst thing she’d ever experienced.

Chapter Five

The day was warm, with a stiff breeze that tore at the garments Rachel and Charlotte were hanging to dry. Rachel secured cousin John’s overalls on the clothesline. Satisfied that the wooden clothespins would hold, she bent and lifted a wet mint-green shirt, enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face as she pinned it into place next to the overalls. The linen scent of detergent mingled with the aromas about the farm...the bright-red roses planted in the yard near the house...the smell of the family cow in a nearby pasture...the freshly tilled earth in the vegetable garden.

The wind tugged a dress from Charlotte’s hands and sent it flying across the yard toward her cousin. “Rachel!” she cried. “Get it!”

Rachel laughed as she quickly caught the damp garment before it hit the ground. “I almost missed it.”

“Gut catch,” her cousin said with a grin. She looked carefree and happy in a pale blue dress, white apron, and white prayer kapp.

Rachel returned her grin as she hung the dress. “These clothes won’t take long to dry in this weather.”

“Ja. It’s the perfect day for laundry,” Charlotte agreed as she reached into the basket for her sister’s black apron. “Dat and BJ are going to clean out the side room in the barn for this Sunday’s singing,” she continued, referring to her brother John, often called BJ, for Big John, when the family gathered. Little John was Sarah and Eli’s son—Charlotte’s nephew. “I think Dat is afraid if we stay in the house we’ll keep him up at night with our songs and fun.”

“It’s a gut space,” Rachel said. She grabbed a black prayer kapp and pinned it on the line. “How many will come?” The young people’s singing was an event held the evening of each church Sunday, usually at the same farm or home as the church services that morning. It was a time for young men and women of the community to intermingle for song and fun. Rachel had always enjoyed singings in her Millersburg community in Ohio.

Charlotte looked thoughtful as she continued to hang clothes. “There will be four of us—you, Nancy, BJ and me...the four oldest Lapp boys. The Zooks and Mary Hershberger...”

Noah will be coming, Rachel thought, a little disturbed to realize that she was pleased.

“And then there will be some young people from the next church district...I’m not certain how many.” Charlotte bent for a shirt and nearly collided with Rachel, whose thoughts had drifted. She laughed as she drew back quickly. “I don’t know. Fifteen or twenty?”

It would be a large gathering. “We’ll have a wonderful time,” Rachel said.

Charlotte grinned. “Ja. Lots of gut food, fine singing and wonderful company.”

The young women finished the chore and headed toward the house, their spirits high and their appearance disheveled from the wind that had loosed fine strands of hair from their pins.

“We’ve finished, Aunt Mae,” Rachel said as she entered the house. She reached up to attempt to fix her hair and then gave up, unsuccessful. “What else can I do to help?”

“You’ve done enough, Rachel. Why don’t you head toward the schuul to see how the construction is coming on the teacher’s cottage?”

“Ja,” Charlotte urged her. “You said you’d enjoy watching the work take place.”

Rachel nodded. “But surely there is more you’d like me to do first.”

“Nay,” Aunt Mae said. “Horseshoe Joe came by for Uncle Amos early this morning. They went over to Abram Peachy’s house. I told Amos that we’d come for him before supper.

“Your new haus is not far, and it’s a nice day for a walk. Just head up the lane and turn right. Be careful,” she warned, “of speeding cars along the narrow road.” She rolled her eyes. “Some of these Englishers drive like...”

Rachel nodded, pleased with the idea of visiting the cottage. “I will.” She knew her hair must look a sight. Should she head upstairs to put herself to rights first? The breeze would only pull her hair free...unless she put in extra pins.

She debated whether to fix her hair when Aunt Mae approached. “You can take these muffins for the workers. I’m sure they would enjoy something to eat about now.”

Charlotte came up from behind her mother and handed Rachel cups and a water jug. “The Lapp men will be thirsty as well.”

“Go along now, Rachel.” Aunt Mae didn’t see anything wrong with the way she looked, Rachel realized, so it must be all right for her to go just as she was. Besides it was wrong to worry about one’s looks. Vanity was a sin that she wouldn’t give in to.

With a brown paper bag filled with sweet muffins and cups in one hand and the jug of water in the other, Rachel started down the dirt lane that led through the King property toward the main road.

The sun felt wonderful, and Rachel tilted up her face to enjoy its warmth. A fly buzzed about her ear and, laughing, she swatted it away. The warm breeze held the scent of fresh-tilled earth and the honeysuckle that grew along one side of the lane. Rachel felt a deep sense of peace and contentment as she walked.

Would she see Noah at the house? Her heart gave a little thump. She hadn’t seen him since Sunday. While she fought hard to get him out of her mind, she couldn’t forget his face, his endearing smile and the many kindnesses he had shown her.

She reached the end of the dirt lane and waited at the edge of the paved road until a car sped past before she ventured to cross the street. She turned right and continued along the roadway, facing traffic. She smiled as she caught a glimpse of the schoolhouse and hurried on. With her heart buoyed by lightness, she approached a window and peered inside.

She grinned. She loved the rows of desks and the larger one in the front of the room. The schoolhouse was empty. Would it be unlocked?

She tried the door and realized that it was necessary to lock it when no one was about. Such a shame. She would have liked to wander around inside again.

Soon, she thought. Soon she would be standing before her class of eager students.

Rachel rounded the building and headed along the dirt drive toward the teacher’s cottage. The day was quiet. The only sounds she could hear were an occasional insect or a passing car on the main road and the breeze stirring the nearby trees and her dress hem and apron. Perhaps the Lapps couldn’t find time to work on the house today, she mused, disappointed.

Unlike the school, the cottage door stood partially open. With a frown, she hesitated only a few seconds before pushing the door in and entering.

“Samuel? Jedidiah? Noah?” she called out. “Is anyone here?”

“In the back of the haus, Rachel!” Noah appeared within seconds. “You’ve come to see the construction,” he said, sounding pleased.

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