She wants a husband, not a keeper

A Women of Lancaster County Story

After his brother is injured while their family’s away, Nathaniel Peachy needs help on the farm—even if the only option is young, carefree Charlotte Stoltzfus. No longer the irresponsible girl Nate remembers, Charlie wishes he could see her as a woman worthy of love. Because with the holidays approaching, she’s starting to believe Nate might just be her perfect holiday gift.

REBECCA KERTZ was first introduced to the Amish when her husband took a job with an Amish construction crew. She enjoyed watching the Amish foreman’s children at play and swapping recipes with his wife. Rebecca resides in Delaware with her husband and dog. She has a strong faith in God and feels blessed to have family nearby. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, doing crafts and visiting Lancaster County.

Also By Rebecca Kertz

Women of Lancaster County

A Secret Amish Love

Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart

Her Forgiving Amish Heart

Her Amish Christmas Gift

Lancaster County Weddings

Noah’s Sweetheart

Jedidiah’s Bride

A Wife for Jacob

Elijah and the Widow

Loving Isaac

Lancaster Courtships

The Amish Mother

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Her Amish Christmas Gift

Rebecca Kertz

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08643-1

HER AMISH CHRISTMAS GIFT

© 2018 Rebecca Kertz

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

“You’re bleeding. Come with me.”

She glanced down, saw a trail of blood down her right leg. “I’ll be fine.”

“Ja, you will,” he said, “after I put a bandage on it.”

“I don’t need your help.”

His eyes narrowed and he looked annoyed. He heaved a sigh. “Would you like me to pick you up and throw you over my shoulder?” he murmured for her ears alone.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Wouldn’t I?”

Face flushing, Charlie glanced around and saw that no one found it odd that she and Nate were having a conversation. The last thing she wanted to do was to cause a scene. She’d done enough impulsive things in her life that had given her parents undue worry. “Fine. Let’s not make a big thing of it,” she muttered, meeting his gaze.

To her relief, he simply nodded. He didn’t look smug that he’d won their argument. In fact, she felt an odd little flutter in her chest when she saw the way he continued to eye her with concern.

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to Happiness, Pennsylvania. In my Women of Lancaster County series, we’ve met three Stoltzfus sisters so far: Nell, Meg and Leah. Her Amish Christmas Gift tells the story of Charlie Stoltzfus, the youngest of the five sisters, and the man she longs for, Nathaniel Peachy. Charlie was considered a wild child during her youth but she’s older and wiser now. Unfortunately, Nate considers her nothing more than an impulsive young girl whose actions often get her into trouble. While he thinks about the possibility of finding her a suitable husband, he never follows through, because the thought of Charlie with another man greatly disturbs him. And when his brother’s accident suddenly brings them into close contact while his brother heals, Nate finds himself looking forward to seeing Charlie each day. But as his feelings for her grow, so does the realization that he isn’t the right man for her. Or is he?

I hope you enjoy Charlie and Nate’s story as much as I did writing it. If you haven’t read the books about Charlie’s sisters, you may want to pick up copies of Her Secret Amish Love (Nell), Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart (Meg) and Her Forgiving Amish Heart (Leah). Each sister struggles to find her own special love. Sometimes the road to happiness is a bumpy one, but the journey of love’s discovery is well worth it in the end.

Blessings and love,

Rebecca Kertz

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

—John 15:7

For my family…those I’ve known forever and those I’ve been happy to meet recently.

And for my ancestors—without you, I wouldn’t be here.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

Dedication

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

Epilogue

Extract

About the Publisher

Chapter One

Charlotte Stoltzfus stood near home plate in the makeshift baseball diamond on Abram Peachy’s back lawn with the bat inches away from her right shoulder.

“Come on, Charlie!” Joseph shouted. “You can do this, cousin. Keep your eye on the ball and bring Jed and me home.”

Meeting his eyes across the distance, she gave a jerk of her head. She wiggled into her stance. And focused. She breathed deeply as she stared at the pitcher, her cousin Noah, and watched him swing back his arm to let the ball fly.

“Aren’t you tired of playing with boys?” a male voice said behind her just as she swung her bat.

She growled as she missed. Heart beating wildly, she turned to glare at the man who’d spoken. “Nathaniel Peachy, mind your own business and stop trying to distract me.” She was furious. Determined to ignore the one man who got her back up more than anyone on this earth, Charlie breathed to calm herself and got ready for the next pitch.

“Why would I distract you?” Nate said as she swung the bat. She swung and missed again, then she gasped and glared at him.

“Go away,” she snapped.

The way he arched an eyebrow made her bristle. She stiffened and became more determined not to let him rattle her. She’d hit the ball despite his presence.

“It’s oll recht,” Jedidiah called out to her. Her eldest cousin, he stood on third base and gazed at her with a smile of reassurance. “Keep your eye on the ball. You can do this.”

I can do this. She was a decent player. Isn’t that why they first asked her to join the game? Ignore Nate Peachy. Ignore him. Ignore him.

Noah watched for her cue. Charlie gave a little nod, and her cousin pitched the ball. She kept it in her sights and swung. The impact made a loud crack as wood met leather and sent it sailing over the head of her cousin Daniel near third base, past the stand of trees beyond the property. With a whoop of joy, Joseph ran from second to third as Jedidiah sprinted home. Charlie ran to first base and made it to second then to third, as Nate’s younger brother Jacob came out of the bushes with ball in hand. She took a chance, followed Joseph and raced toward home. As the ball headed in her direction, she slid into home plate and grimaced as she felt the sting of a scraped knee.

“Are you oll recht?” a deep voice said. She glanced up and saw concern flicker in Nate Peachy’s blue eyes. She started to get up and the man was there helping her. “Charlie,” he murmured into her ear. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, not wanting him to know how much her knee stung and her hip ached from the jolt against the ground.

“Great job, Charlie!” Jed hollered. She grinned at her teammates, who carried on as if she’d won the lottery. Then she looked over at Nate smugly.

“Yahoo!” Joseph yelled. “We won! You never let us down, cousin!”

She forced herself to grin at them with triumph.

Jacob Peachy grumbled good-naturedly as he threw the ball to Noah, who then grabbed the bat and markers they’d used for bases. Jacob met her gaze. “How did you learn to hit a ball like that?”

She shrugged. “From playing with my cousins.” She’d been playing baseball with them for over a year. She could still recall the day Joseph had asked her to play and the thrill of her teammates’ pleasure when she scored a run.

Jacob shook his head as he smiled. “I should have picked you for my team.”

“Now you’ll know better for next time.” She paused. “If you get the chance,” she added. He laughed, then headed to join his friends.

“Charlie.” Nate came up from behind her and stood close, too close. “You’re bleeding. Come with me.”

She glanced down, saw a trail of blood down her right leg. “I’ll be fine.”

“Ja, you will,” he said, “after I put a bandage on it.”

“I don’t need your help.”

His eyes narrowed and he looked annoyed. He heaved a sigh. “Would you like me to pick you up and throw you over my shoulder?” he murmured for her ears alone.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Wouldn’t I?”

Face flushing, Charlie glanced around and saw that no one found it odd that she and Nate were having a conversation. The last thing she wanted to do was to cause a scene. She’d done enough impulsive things in her life that had given her parents undue worry. “Fine. Let’s not make a big thing of it,” she muttered, meeting his gaze.

To her relief, he simply nodded. He didn’t look smug that he’d won their argument. In fact, she felt an odd little flutter in her chest when she saw the way he continued to eye her with concern. She followed him at a distance, not wanting to draw attention to the fact that he was leading her into the house. She glanced around and saw the rest of his family outside. She could catch the deacon’s wife’s attention, have her give her first aid, but she had a feeling that Nate would cause trouble for her if she did. Besides, what was one little bandage, right?

Nate went to the side door and held it open for her. Charlie drew a sharp breath. The man was good-looking; she’d give him that. But those gorgeous blue eyes in a face with fine features under a crop of dark hair weren’t what made the man, and she wasn’t sure she liked Nate in any way, shape or form. But she’d seen his compassion and tenderness when dealing with his younger sisters. She’d seen it whenever someone needed his help and he’d been right there to assist. And now, to her shock, he was concerned for her.

He wants to help me. Why should I allow it to bother me? Because she suspected that he disapproved of her, and she feared getting a lecture about acting like a proper young Amish woman.

She met his gaze as she climbed the steps. The way he stared at her gave her goose bumps.

“Afraid?” he asked softly.

“Of what?”

His expression filled with satisfaction. “Exactly. There is nothing to fear.”

It was a clear autumn day with pleasant temperatures and sunshine. The house was silent, especially for Visiting Sunday. The warmer weather would soon be gone. Everyone preferred to enjoy these last days outdoors. As she glanced around the Peachy kitchen, Charlie raised a hand to tuck fine strands of hair under her prayer kapp. She became aware of Nate as never before.

He gestured toward a chair. “Sit,” he ordered.

Annoyed, she lifted her chin.

“Please,” he added softly.

She sat, willing to listen after he’d asked nicely.

He opened a kitchen cabinet and pulled out a tube of ointment and a box of bandages. He set them on the table close to her before he reached into a drawer for a clean tea towel. He ran the sink, wet the cloth and returned to her. “Where exactly did you hurt yourself?”

She reached for the wet towel. “I can clean it.” But he ignored her and hunkered down to wipe up the trail of blood. She blushed. She was barefoot and her feet were dirty, as were her legs from playing ball and sliding across the yard into home plate.

Nate was gentle as he washed her leg. He wiped up what he could see then looked up at her. “Here,” he said, his voice husky. “You can clean the rest.”

Charlie nodded and waited until he turned away to raise her dress just enough to reveal her scraped, bleeding knee. As the cloth touched the wound, she hissed out with pain. Nate spun and locked gazes with her. He glanced down then scowled at her. “Charlie Stoltzfus, look what you’ve done to yourself.”

She stiffened and looked away, unwilling to see the condemnation in his eyes. “I had a home run.”

“Ja, you did,” he said with a chuckle that had her shooting him a startled gaze. “Gut job, by the way.”

She gaped at him. He wasn’t scolding her; he was praising her. Stunned, she could only stare at him.

“You’ve dripped bloody water on the floor,” he said gently. He reached and took the cloth from her then washed it under the faucet. “Are you hurt anywhere else?” he asked casually. She averted her glance, glad that he couldn’t see the rising heat in her cheeks.

“I’m fine,” she said too quickly.

He looked at her then, arched an eyebrow as he returned to her side with the washed cloth. “Charlie.”

Her gaze pleaded with him. “I’m fine.”

He observed her a long moment, his expression softening. “As long as you’re sure.”

She bobbed her head.

He towered over her, a tall man older by at least seven years. “Will you let me take care of your knee?” He regarded her kindly.

She drew a calming breath. “Ja.”

“Gut girl.”

She glared at him. “Please. I’m not a child.”

He knelt and gently cleansed her knee and the lower half of her leg. He dried it with another clean cloth that she hadn’t noticed he’d held. “What are you? All of sixteen?”

“I’ll be nineteen in two weeks.”

He seemed taken aback at her answer. She wasn’t sure but she thought he’d murmured, “I had no idea.” But he didn’t look at her when he spoke. He was busy applying first-aid ointment before he covered her scrape with a bandage. “There you go,” he said without expression. He reached for her arm and helped her to her feet.

“Danki,” she murmured and quickly turned to leave, her arm tingling where he’d touched her. He didn’t stop her from going. Charlie hurried outside to join her family for lunch. She didn’t look back to see if Nate had left the house. She went right to the food table, grabbed a plate and helped herself. Spying her family at a table under a shade tree, she made her way over and sat down with a smile. If anyone wondered why it took so long for her to join them, they didn’t mention it.

“Gut game, Charlie,” Henry Yoder said as he set a plate in front of his wife then slid onto the bench next to her.

Charlie didn’t say anything at first as she stared down at her plate. She should have been there to help the women. She’d been so focused on the game that she’d lost track of time. Now she felt guilty for not doing her share. She’d have to make sure she did most of the cleanup afterward.

“Charlie?”

She blinked and realized that her brother-in-law had spoken and she hadn’t answered. “I’m sorry.” She saw him eyeing her with concern. She managed a grin. “It was a gut game. Noah and Daniel aren’t happy with me right now.”

“Ja, but Joseph and I are.”

She gave him a genuine smile. She really liked her sister Leah’s husband. They’d been married a year, and her respect and liking of him had only grown. The fact that he made her sister ridiculously happy only heightened her feelings for him.

“You didn’t hurt yourself when you fell, did you?”

She shook her head. “Nay, I’m fine. A little skinned knee is nothing when we got the win.”

“Did you take care of it? Your knee?” her sister Leah asked with concern.

“All cleaned and bandaged.” Fortunately, her family didn’t question that she’d taken care of her injury. She looked down at her plate as she felt her face heat. She’d spent enough time in the Peachy house watching their youngest children that she knew where everything was kept.

She grew silent as Nate’s tender first-aid ministration played on her mind. She caught sight of the man deep in conversation with his brother across the yard and felt a kick to her belly as his gaze brushed over her casually before he looked away.

“Do you think it’s wrong of me to like playing baseball?” she asked no one in particular as she paused in her eating.

Her brother-in-law frowned. “Nay. Why?”

She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.” Nathaniel Peachy didn’t matter, she thought, but knew she was lying to herself to believe it.

Henry studied her a long moment, his expression softening. “You had fun, didn’t you?”

She nodded.

“Gut, because we did, too, and we like having you on our team.”

Charlie smiled. She started to eat, then froze when Nate slipped onto the far end of the bench at the next table. Why couldn’t she get him out of her mind? The man was years older than she was, and she was more than a little fascinated by him. Which wasn’t wise, she scolded herself. Not wise at all.

* * *

Nate studied Charlie and felt his stomach tighten. Charlie Stoltzfus had shown time and again to be a good ballplayer. Her focus couldn’t be questioned. Every Sunday, whenever there was a game, the young men within their Amish community fought good-naturedly over which team would get Charlie.

He scowled. Good ballplayer or not, Charlie was too wild, too impulsive.

A lot like Emma.

A shaft of pain hit him hard, making his chest hurt with the memory of the girl he’d loved and lost. Emma had been wild and reckless, always searching for excitement. In the end, her wild behavior had led to her death.

Charlie Stoltzfus needed someone young but stable to keep her in check. Someone who could keep her safe and alive. Someone like... Nate glanced about the yard, searching for a prospective suitor for her, but he didn’t find anyone suitable.

“Nate, aren’t you going to eat?” his younger sister asked. Ruth Ann sat across the table from him.

He nodded as he flashed her a smile. “What are you having?”

“Roast beef and sides. And there are sandwiches if I’m still hungry.”

“You love sandwiches.” He recalled making them for her when she was much younger after his mother had died. He experienced a moment’s sadness for a young life cut short too soon until he thought of his stepmother. Mam was as different from Charlie Stoltzfus as night and day. She had made his father—his whole family—happy. She was pregnant again, due sometime in early January.

At his age, Nate never thought he’d have a baby brother or sister. In fact, he’d hoped that he’d be married with children of his own by now. But he hadn’t found the right woman yet. Someone kind and loving who wanted the same things from life as he did. There was farm property down the road from his parents he’d been hankering after. Once he acquired the land, he’d be ready to find someone to marry. Someone older and mature. Someone unlike Charlie Stoltzfus.

Nate started to eat. He stilled with fork in hand as he glanced toward the table where Henry sat with his wife, Leah, and Charlie. Her sister Nell and her husband, James, were seated across from them.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Ruth asked.

Desperate to ignore Charlie Stoltzfus, he nodded at his sister then ate the food off his fork. Unfortunately, he and Charlie faced each other, and he found himself unable to keep his eyes off her. She had beautiful features with a pert little nose and pretty pink lips. Her red-gold hair glistened brightly under the sun. Her eyes were a deep shade of vivid green. Her spring-green dress only heightened her coloring, highlighting her beauty.

He looked away. She was trouble, and he had to stop thinking about her.

“Charlie played a gut game today,” his brother Jacob commented.

“She’s got a lot of energy, that girl,” his sister Mary Elizabeth said.

“She didn’t help you with the food,” Nate murmured and immediately regretted his comment.

Mam raised her eyebrows. “We had more than enough help. Take a look. Do you see a lack of women here? Charlie enjoys the game, but she would have come if we’d asked.” Her speculative look made Nate squirm.

“I’ve never seen anyone hit the ball like she does,” he said softly, sincerely, brushing the awkward moment aside. “She brought everyone on base home then slid into home plate, giving the team the win.”

“Ja, I wish I could play like that,” Ruth Ann said.

He blinked, but he didn’t say a word. He waited for his father to comment, but the man only chuckled.

“You’re much better off spending your time gardening,” Dat said.

Nate breathed a sigh of relief. “Ja, gardening is a fine way to spend your time. Did you pick the last of the vegetables?”

“Plan to do it tomorrow,” his sister said. “If there are any left. I haven’t checked recently.”

Ruth loved to garden so bringing up the subject was brilliant. He had to give his father credit. The man knew how to deal with his children in a way that was natural and loving without being overbearing.

Nate hoped that someday he could be the kind of father his dat was. And a leader like him. Some folks within his community thought that one day Nate would be asked to serve as deacon, preacher, or even bishop.

Nate closed his eyes. He hoped not. Being asked to serve as deacon would mean that his father had passed, for the position was lifelong. He didn’t want to think of the day Dat was no longer with them. And he couldn’t see himself as preacher or bishop. He could never live up to the title. Nate didn’t feel good enough to be a church elder.

But he enjoyed farming. His father’s farm wouldn’t be his to inherit. The farm would go to his youngest brother, not the oldest son, as was the Amish way. Not that Nate minded. He would work for what he wanted. He had nearly enough money to bid on that other farm.

Charlie stood, immediately catching his attention.

He watched as she returned to the food table with her sisters Leah and Nell. They were chatting. Charlie laughed at something Nell said, and the change in her features was so startling that Nate was unable to look away. She was even more beautiful when she was happy. She’d always been a pretty little thing, but the way laughter changed her face stole his breath.

She was oblivious to his regard as she filled her dessert plate. He heard Leah chuckle and watched Charlie as she talked animatedly while gesturing with one hand, her movements nearly unseating the chocolate cake on her plate. The women kept up a steady conversation as they headed back to their table. Charlie giggled at something Leah said, but her good humor died quickly when she encountered his glance. Nell spoke and Charlie looked away, her smile restored. Awareness surged inside him. He recalled how he’d felt when he saw the blood on her leg. Anxiety. Anger. The strongest urge to protect her. He scowled. I can’t do this again.

His chest tightened but he managed to eat his lunch before heading to the dessert table with Ruth Ann. He didn’t know why, but he was ready for the day to end.

“Soohns, we’ll be leaving for Indiana first thing in the morning,” his father said as Nate returned to the table. “I’d hoped the two of you would stay home and take care of things here.”

Nate nodded. He’d known about his father’s plans to take the family to see his grandparents. “We’ll take care of the animals and make hay.”

Jacob smiled. “Won’t take us long.”

“We’ll take turns cooking,” he warned his brother.

His brother shrugged. “I can survive on sandwiches.”

He laughed. “I think you’ll get sick of sandwiches, but we’ll see.”

After he finished eating, Nate rose to throw away his paper plate. He turned and caught a glimpse of Charlie standing at her cousin’s paddock, watching the horses at play. Her glorious red hair was like a beacon that called to him. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?

He headed in her direction.

* * *

Charlie gazed at the horses and felt a rush of pleasure. What she wouldn’t give to race like the wind on the back of a horse! She smiled. The chestnut mare pranced and chased her companions into a playful gallop. She’d give anything to feel the freedom of riding through the fields with the warmth of the sun against her skin and her hair unpinned without a head covering. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the cool breeze tempered by the afternoon sunshine.

This week she wouldn’t be babysitting for the youngest Peachy children. The family was going out of town, which made her sigh. She loved spending time with them and missed them when she wasn’t needed. She loved children. It was her biggest wish to take over the teaching position at the Happiness School when the current schoolteacher left. That would be in a month or so, when current schoolteacher Elizabeth Troyer and her family moved to Ohio.

I’d make a gut teacher. She had done well in school, and she knew how to break down problems and find fun ways to make children remember what they’d learned. And she was ready. Her birthday was next month and she’d be nineteen. Her opportunity for teaching would be gone if it didn’t happen soon. She planned to approach the church elders this week about her filling the upcoming vacancy.

The sun slipped beneath a cloud, and she felt a sudden chill. She hugged herself with her arms. The sky was only partially cloudy. In a few moments the sun would resurface and warm her again.

“Charlie.”

She stiffened, recognizing his voice. She faced him. “Nate.” The shock of his appearance made her heart flutter. Ironically, she’d come here alone to seek refuge from the feelings he’d churned up inside her.

He leaned against the fence rail with only a few inches separating them. She became instantly aware of the heat his nearness generated. Something within her urged to flee from him; yet, she didn’t move.

She straightened her spine and stared. “What do you want, Nate? What are you doing here?”

“How’s your knee?” he asked, his eyes soft with concern.

She swallowed hard. “Fine. Your first aid helped.” She bit her lip. “Danki.”

He nodded with satisfaction. “You like to play ball.”

Charlie drew away, putting several more inches between them. “Ja, so?”

A tiny smile hovered on his lips. “You play well.”

“Then why were you trying to distract me?”

“My bruder was on the other team.”

She gaped at him for several seconds then laughed. She watched as his mouth curved into a grin before he joined in her laughter.

It felt good to laugh, yet strange to laugh with him. The fact that she liked the feeling made her stop laughing. Suddenly tense, she quieted and leaned against the fence and returned to her study of the horses.

They stood silently for a few moments. “What do you hope for, Charlie?” he asked. “In your life.”

She hesitated. “I like children. I’d like to teach.”

Clearly surprised, Nate raised his eyebrows. “You want to teach at our Happiness School?”

“Ja,” she whispered. “I know there are some members within our community who won’t think I’m good enough—”

“I believe you’d be an excellent teacher.”

“You do?”

“Ja, I do.” His gaze seemed intense as he studied her.

“What is it?” she asked.

“You surprise me.” He paused, looking thoughtful. “I can help you.”

“Help me what?”

“Become a teacher. My father is deacon. I could speak with him.”

“Nay!” she gasped. “You mustn’t.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want or deserve the job if I can’t earn it on my own.”

He shook his head as he watched her, as if he’d learned something new about her that stunned him.

“Charlie!”

She glanced back to see Ellie waving at her. “Time to head home. I’ve got to go,” she told Nate. “I—ah—danki again for helping me today.”

“You’re willkomm.”

“I’ll see you next Sunday,” she said.

Nate nodded without saying a word, and Charlie turned and hurried toward their buggy, where her family had gathered to leave.

Her heart hammered within her chest. Nate Peachy was a complex man, and she didn’t understand him. With one breath, he’d told her she’d be a good teacher, but then in the next, he’d proven that he didn’t believe it unless he stepped in to help. She sighed with sadness. If Nate felt this way, then there was every chance that no one would consider her seriously for the soon-to-be vacated teaching position. Maybe I’m being foolish to try.

When she was younger, her tendency to be impulsive frequently got her into trouble, but she was older and wiser now and she’d learned from her mistakes. She’d meant what she’d told Nate. If she couldn’t get the job on her own, then she didn’t want—or deserve—it.

Chapter Two

As his family left for Indiana, Nate watched the hired car that carried them until the vehicle disappeared from sight. He turned toward the house and saw his brother on the front porch, gazing after the car as if he, too, was affected by their departure.

Nate strode toward the house and climbed the porch steps. “Ready to make hay?”

“How about some breakfast first?” Jacob suggested.

“Didn’t you eat earlier?”

“Nay, busy helping our sisters with their luggage.”

He smiled with amusement. “You, too? I helped Mam, Dat and Harley with theirs.”

The brothers headed inside for coffee and freshly baked muffins.

“I spoke with John King. His dat is lending us his hay mower for as long as we need it,” Jacob said as he finished up his coffee a while later.

“It will make the job easier.” He eyed his brother with approval. “Do we need to go get it?”

“Nay. John said he’d bring it by first thing. He should be here anytime now.”

Amos King, John’s father, was also his stepmother’s dat. He was a good man with a kind heart.

Nate washed the breakfast dishes while Jacob put the remaining muffins back in the pantry. The sound of horse hooves drew them outside to discover John King’s arrival with the mower.

After John left with his brother Joshua, Nate hitched his father’s two black Belgian horses to his dat’s equipment for his brother to use. He would mow the front field with Amos’s mower while Jacob started work at the back of the property.

It was a busy workday. By late afternoon they’d mowed just over a third of the hayfields. He and Jacob put away the mowers. They ate leftovers for dinner, before heading to the barn to make sure all of the animals were settled in for the night.

There was a definite new chill in the air when Nate arose the next morning. He dressed, made coffee and waited for his brother to rouse and join him. The kitchen filled with the rich scent of the perked brew as Jacob entered, looking sleepy-eyed with tousled hair.

“’Tis colder today. We’d best grab our woolen hats and jackets before we head out.”

Jacob nodded as he turned from the stove with a mug of coffee. “Think we’ll finish today?”

“We’ll be pushing it. Didn’t get much more than a third done yesterday.”

His brother agreed. “We can do it.”

Nate smiled. “We can try.” The mowed hay would be left to dry in the fields before they baled it.

“Let’s move,” Jacob said as he set his mug in the sink.

* * *

Charlie drove down the road toward Whittier’s Store. It was a chilly November morning, but she didn’t mind. She wore her black bonnet and woolen cape with a heavy blanket across her lap. Her mother’s list was on the seat beside her with the apple pie Mam had baked for Leah and Henry. She would stop first at Yoder’s Country Crafts and Supplies, her sister Leah’s shop, to deliver the pie before continuing on to grocery-shop.

The sunshine was bright across the surrounding farmland. A farmer cut hay in the fields ahead and she watched him as she steered her horse closer. The man maneuvered his horse-drawn mower down the length of the hayfield before turning to mow the uncut section.

Charlie smiled. She knew how to use a mower. With five daughters and no sons, her father had been glad of her help, once she’d convinced him that she could handle the job. Dat had objected the first time, until her repeated requests made him finally relent enough to show her how. She’d been pleased by his smile of approval after she’d mowed in neat, even rows across their field. After that he’d allowed her to relieve him while he’d completed other chores.

It had been a while since she’d mowed hay. Watching the farmer work made her smile and long for another chance on the back of a mower.

She returned her attention to the road. She had gone only a short distance when she heard someone bellow sharply in alarm. Startled, she drew up on the reins to stop her horse. Her heart went cold when she saw that the mower had tipped and the farmer lay on the ground. A second man raced toward the fallen farmer, and with a gasp, she recognized Nate Peachy. She pulled her vehicle off the road and secured her horse before she sprinted across the field to help.

She briefly locked gazes with Nate before she turned her attention to the man on the ground—his brother Jacob. “Jake, are you hurt?” she rasped, out of breath.

“Charlie.” Jacob met her gaze and smiled. “I’m fine.” But when he tried to stand, he cried out with pain and fell back.

Nate’s brow creased with worry. “Stay still. You are not fine.”

Charlie hunkered beside the injured man and experienced the impact of Nate’s startling blue gaze. She glanced away. “What hurts?” she and Nate asked simultaneously.

“My foot.”

“Can you walk?” Nate asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so.”

“My buggy is right there,” Charlie said, gesturing. “Maybe we can lift him into it...” She bit her lip as Nate rose. He stared down at her thoughtfully until she stood. “I can bring it closer.” She returned her attention to the man’s brother. “Jake?”

“I can make it with help.”

Her gaze met Nate’s. “Where do you want me to park it?”

“Leave it,” he said sharply. “Your vehicle is fine where it is.” He narrowed his eyes. “Go back there and wait. I’ll bring Jacob.”

Unwilling to argue, Charlie stood by her buggy and waited. Jacob gave her a weak smile as the brothers approached. The young man was obviously in pain, and she worried about him. Nate bore the brunt of Jacob’s weight as he half carried him with an arm securely around his brother’s waist.

She wondered how to help, but knew instinctively that Nate would mutter something cutting if she tried. Charlie watched silently as he lifted his brother into the back of the buggy.

“We should get him to the clinic.”

Nate flashed her an irritated look. “I’ll take him after I see to the horses and equipment. Drive around to the front of the haus,” he ordered. “I’ll meet you there.”

His tone irritated her. She had to bite her tongue to keep from arguing with him. “I can take care of the horses and equipment for you.”

“Nay,” he snapped. “Absolutely not.”

Charlie reeled back, offended. “I know how to handle farm equipment, Nathaniel Peachy. I’ve mowed hay for my vadder.”

“I don’t want you touching ours, Charlotte Stoltzfus. If you want to help, then get my bruder back to the house. I’ll meet you there.”

“Fine,” she agreed as she abruptly turned away. She didn’t bother to look to see what Nate was doing as she climbed into the buggy and checked on Jacob. “How’re you doing, Jake?”

“Foot hurts, but I’ll live.”

She frowned. “What happened?”

“I got distracted.” He seemed embarrassed.

She flicked the leathers and the horse moved. “What distracted you?”

“I don’t know. One minute I was mowing and the next I felt a sudden jerk on the reins. It threw me off balance.”

“Do you see any blood?”

She heard Jacob take in a breath. “Nay.”

She shot him a glance over her shoulder before she returned her attention to the road. “Do you feel like you’re bleeding?”

“My foot feels odd. I could be, I guess, but I can’t tell for sure. I don’t think so.”

Charlie sighed with relief. “Gut. That’s gut.” She could only hope that he wasn’t. She knew what could happen if farm equipment tipped over. Injuries could be as mild as simple bumps and bruises to severe loss of limb or life.

It took ten minutes or more for her to drive to the Abram Peachy house. She pulled her vehicle onto the dirt drive and parked close to the barn just as Nate exited the building. At his approach, Charlie experienced a constriction in her chest.

“Hold on a minute, and I’ll move him into our buggy,” he told her as he drew near.

“Use mine. There’s no need to move him.” She hesitated. “You might aggravate his injury.”

He sighed. “You’re probably right.”

It was clear that the last thing Nate wanted was for her to accompany them. “I’ll wait for you here,” she said quietly.

Something dark briefly crossed across his features. “The house is unlocked. You can warm up inside. Make yourself tea or something.” He paused. “You know where everything is kept.” And that bothered him, she realized.

Nate stepped back and waited for her to climb down. She watched as he got onto the seat she’d vacated before switching her attention to Jacob in the back. “You still oll recht in there, Jake?”

Jacob’s face was whiter than it had been earlier, but he nodded.

“Don’t worry. The doctor will fix you right up.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “I’ll see you when you get back.”

“I don’t know how long this will take,” Nate said. “We could be gone awhile. Are you sure you don’t want me to move him so you can have your buggy and leave?”

“Nay. There is no place I have to be.” She stepped back and waited for them to leave.

Nate suddenly glanced down. “You’ve an apple pie in here.” He speared her with his gaze as he lifted it for her to see.

She shrugged then approached to get it. “I was going to take it to Leah, but she doesn’t know. I’ll bring it in and you both can have a piece when you get back.”

Nate handed her the pie through the open window along with her shopping list. “Pie smells gut.” He gave her a twisted smile. “Did you make it?”

She stiffened. “Nay, Mam did.” She knew instantly what he thought—that the pie wouldn’t be edible if she’d made it. His look of disappointment surprised. “You should get going. Jacob doesn’t look well at all.”

Charlie watched until the vehicle was out of sight before she returned to the house with the apple pie. She debated whether or not to make tea, as Nate had suggested. But then she thought of the fields yet to be mowed and the forecast for rain for the next few days and she headed toward the barn instead. Without thought, she readied the smaller of the two mowers. It wouldn’t take her long to finish the work that Jacob had started.

As she climbed onto the seat and urged the horses forward, she thought of Nate. He’d be upset with her for doing what he’d considered a man’s job. She drew in and released a sharp breath. The benefit of a job well-done was worth risking Nate’s anger. Once he realized how efficient she was in cutting hay, he’d be glad to see that she’d mowed a substantial amount of ground.

The task went smoothly. Charlie enjoyed herself as she worked to finish the back section of Abram Peachy’s farm. Time flew by and she realized that she’d been out longer than she’d expected. She stabled the horses and left the mower right where she’d found it.

There was no sign of her buggy in the yard as she headed back to the house. Her relief was short-lived as she became concerned about Jacob. The brothers had been gone a long while. Was Jacob that badly hurt?

Charlie put on the teakettle then set the table with the pie in the center. She made a fresh pot of coffee with the hope that the brothers would return soon enough to enjoy a hot cup. When she was done, she stepped outside. As the buggy pulled into the yard and parked near the house, she descended the porch steps.

“How is he?” she asked as Nate climbed out of the vehicle.

“He broke his foot,” Nate told her. “There’s a nice-size slice in it, too, which the doc stitched up.” He reached in to lift Jacob into his arms. “He’s been advised to stay off the foot for a while.” His brother looked groggy as Nate carried him toward the house.

Charlie raced ahead to open the door. She made a sound of concern at Jacob’s pallor.

“The doctor gave him a shot of pain medication,” Nate explained as he carried Jacob inside.

“Do you need help?”

“I can manage.” He shifted Jacob within his arms and brought him into the kitchen.

When she saw Nate looking for a place to set Jacob down, she rushed to pull out a chair. “Unless you want to take him into the great room.”

“I’d like to sit here a bit,” Jacob murmured sleepily. “Do I smell coffee? And what about that pie you promised us?”

She fretted as she studied him. “Jake, you don’t look good. Wouldn’t you rather lie down?”

“Nay. I will soon, though.” Jacob frowned up at his older brother, who stepped back after setting him down. “I’ll be of no help to you for a while, I’m afraid.”

“I’ll manage,” Nate assured him.

Charlie felt her throat tighten as she went to the stove. “Nate, do you want coffee, too?” she asked easily, pretending that she wasn’t upset by the morning’s events.

“Ja, please.” Nate took the chair next to his brother, as if he wanted to keep a close eye on him.

She could feel Nate’s gaze as she poured two cups of hot coffee then set one before each man. “Apple pie, or do you want a sandwich first?”

Nate’s study of her made her self-conscious. “Pie will do.”

Her lips curved slightly as she nodded. Charlie cut two large slices of apple pie.

“Aren’t you having any? Or do you have to leave?” Nate asked as she pushed a plate in his direction.

“I should go,” she said, stung by the question. “But I won’t until after I have some pie.” He looked amused when she gave him a false smile.

It was quiet as they ate. Glad when Nate didn’t make a smart remark, Charlie glanced from her plate to Jacob, who slumped in his chair. She was about to express her worry to Nate then caught him studying his brother with a frown.

“Time to rest, bruder,” Nate said gently. “Let’s get you into the other room where you’ll be more comfortable.”

While they were absent, Charlie quickly cleaned up the kitchen. She covered the remainder of the pie with plastic wrap and left it on the counter for them to finish later. She washed the dishes but left the coffeepot on the stove in case Nate wanted another cup.

She felt his presence as Nate reentered the room and sensed him watching while she put away the last dish.

“He settled in?” she asked, turning to face him.

“Ja, he’s already asleep.”

“I’m going to head out. I need to pick up a few things at the store for my mudder.”

He eyed her with consternation. “We’ve kept you a long time.”

“’Tis fine. Mam doesn’t expect me home yet. She’ll think that I decided to spend the day with Leah.”

“You had an unusual day today,” he said.

She chuckled. “That’s for sure.”

He sobered. “It wasn’t fair to ask you to stay.”

“I didn’t mind.”

He seemed relieved. He followed her as she headed toward the door. “Charlie? May I ask you one more favor?”

She halted and faced him. “Ja, of course.” He seemed to have difficulty choosing his words.

“What do you need, Nate?” By the look on his face, she figured out what he wanted to ask. “Shall I come to stay with Jacob tomorrow while you cut hay?”

Nate released a sharp breath. “You wouldn’t mind?”

She paused near the threshold. “Not at all.”

Warmth entered his blue eyes. “Are you sure?”

Feigning annoyance, she tapped her foot and crossed her arms. “I’m absolutely sure, Nate.”

“Danki.” His expression became serious. “But I need you to promise that you won’t tell anyone what happened,” he said. “You know that our neighbors like to natter.” His lips firmed. “Especially Alta Hershberger. If she or anyone finds out, word could get back to my eldre, and Dat will insist on cutting short their trip.” He paused. “He’s been waiting a long time to visit my grandparents. I don’t want to ruin his plans.”

“I understand,” she murmured. “If anyone asks why I’m here, I’ll tell them I’m cleaning house for you while you work in the fields.”

“Doesn’t your sister Ellie clean houses?”

“Ja, but I’ve spent enough time in your house helping your mam that it makes sense that I be the one to do it.”

His expression was unreadable. “Appreciate it.”

“I’d do the same for any neighbor,” she assured him.

He accompanied her outside. “Drive safely, Charlie,” he said sternly.

Annoyed, she nodded before she climbed into her buggy and drove away. She didn’t mind coming back the next day. Nate would be busy and she wouldn’t have to see or talk with him for long. She would be there for Jacob, the easygoing, much younger and friendlier Peachy brother.

Still, as she drove toward Whittier’s Store to buy the items on her mother’s list, she couldn’t help but think about Nate and wonder why she felt so drawn to the man. At times he treated her like a child, and she hated it. But then there were those other occasions when he studied her differently, as if he saw her as a woman, an attractive woman he found fascinating.

Charlie sighed as she stored the bought groceries onto the seat next to her. She was imagining things. Nate didn’t find her attractive or pretty or anything good.

She would get through tomorrow then concentrate on getting hired on as the new teacher for their Happiness School. Better to focus on that than on her disturbing fascination with Nathaniel Peachy.

Chapter Three

Charlie stared at the cups and dishes that she’d left on the table after fixing Jacob and Nate breakfast then worked to clean up. Nate had left for the fields. She had given Jacob his pain medicine and he was in the great room, resting on the sofa.

Dishes cleaned and put away, she turned her attention to the time. Would Nate come in for lunch? He didn’t say.

Nate had seemed relieved to see her that morning, but he’d said little except in appreciation of the food she’d prepared for him and Jacob.

With breakfast done, she found herself at loose ends. Now what? What should she do now?

Charlie grinned. She’d clean the house from top to bottom. The brothers’ mam would be surprised to see a clean house when only her sons were in residence.

She’d hung up the wet tea towel she’d used to dry dishes when suddenly the back door slammed open. She gasped and spun to see a furious man. “Nate? What’s wrong?”

“Charlie Stoltzfus,” he snapped, “did you take out the mower yesterday while Jacob and I were at the doctor?”

Charlie flushed guiltily and glanced away. “I wanted to help.”

“And I told you to stay away from the equipment!” he burst out.

“I know how to mow hay!”

He approached, grabbed her roughly by the shoulders, but despite his intimidating height and expression, he didn’t hurt her and she wasn’t afraid. “You saw what happened to Jacob yesterday,” he said. His eyes were like blue ice. “What if you’d been hurt while we were gone? Who would have been here to help you?” He released her and stepped back. He turned away. Tension tightened the muscles of his back, and he clenched his fists at his sides. He spun to face her. “People die in farm accidents, Charlie!”

Guilt made her flush. She felt a painful lump in her throat. “You’re right,” she said. “I’m sorry.”

Nate held her gaze. He looked big and handsome—and extremely upset.

“I’m sorry I used the mower without your permission.” She drew a sharp breath then released it. “I wanted to help. ’Tis supposed to rain soon and I knew you’d be missing a day’s work with Jacob’s accident yesterday. I thought if I finished what he’d started there would be less for you to worry about.” She fought back tears. Charlie shifted uncomfortably when he just stared at her. “Say something,” she said.

“You want to be schuulteacher,” he said harshly. “You have to think before you act, Charlie. Your behavior frequently gets you into trouble. How can you teach our community children if you jump into situations without giving a thought to the consequences?”

She felt the blood leave her face. “You don’t think I’d be a gut teacher.”

He sighed and approached her. “You need to be more careful. To grow up.” He placed his hands gently on her arms then soothed them down their length to take her hands. “I think you could be a fine teacher. You have a way with children. They listen to you and will gladly follow your lead.” He released her abruptly, his expression hardening. “But you won’t be teacher unless you can lead them by gut example. You have to stop jumping rashly into situations that can potentially be dangerous.”

“I know how to mow,” she insisted, stung. “And you refer to things I did as a child.”

He shifted away and crossed the room. “Maybe you do know how to mow. It doesn’t matter,” he said sharply. “I told you to stay away from the mowers and you didn’t. Gut intentions don’t make it right.” He leaned against the wall near the door. “And you acted like a child. A spoiled, disobedient child.”

“You’re not my vadder!” she yelled.

“Thank the Lord for that.”

Blinking sleepily, Jacob appeared in the doorway, clutching the door frame as he wobbled on one foot. “What’s going on?”

Nate studied his brother. “What are you doing up? If you fall, you’ll do further damage to yourself.”

“I thought I heard arguing.” The younger man glanced from her to his brother and back.

Charlie blushed. “We were just...”

“Having a serious discussion,” Nate said. His lips firmed. “She mowed hay yesterday while we were gone.”

Jacob glanced at her with surprise. “You did?”

Charlie hesitated then inclined her head. “I know how to mow. I’ve done it for my dat.”

Nate’s brother grinned. “How much did you get done?”

“I finished the back acreage where you left off and a little more.”

“Don’t,” Nate warned Jacob. “Don’t encourage her. You know what can happen when an accident occurs with the mower. She could have been hurt or worse.”

His expression sobering, Jacob gazed at her. “He’s right.”

She lifted her chin defiantly. “Maybe.”

Nate stared at his brother. “Jake, you need to lie down before you fall.”

To Charlie’s surprise, Jacob agreed. She moved to help him into the other room, but Nate reached him first. As if he didn’t trust her to help Jacob. Hurt, she stayed in the kitchen while the brothers disappeared into the other room. While she waited for Nate to return, she felt the strongest urge to flee. But she didn’t. She might have made a huge mistake with the mower, but she was just trying to help. Charlie still thought he’d overacted, and she wouldn’t run as if she’d done something wrong.

But she didn’t want him to think her unreliable and immature. She wanted the teaching job and needed to show him that she was a dependable, no-nonsense young woman who would make the best teacher ever hired for their Happiness School. A wrong word from Nate or anyone else within the community would end her chances to teach. As much as it upset her to change, she understood she needed to be on her best behavior. Even if it killed her to change into someone other than herself.

* * *

After making sure Jacob was comfortable on the sofa, Nate returned to the kitchen. He paused in the doorway, his gaze immediately homing in on Charlie. She stared out the window over the sink. There was a defeated slump to her shoulders, and he could feel her dejection like pain in his belly. But as much as it hurt him to see her this way, he knew he was right to be hard on her.

He stepped into the room. “Charlie.”

She spun as if taken by surprise. A look of vulnerability settled on her pretty features. He scowled. He didn’t want to notice how lovely she was or to recall her misguided intentions to help. If she didn’t rein in her tendency to jump into potentially dangerous situations, she could get seriously injured. Or die.

Her breath shuddered out. “Jacob oll recht?”

“Ja. He’s asleep.”

Her mouth softened into a slight smile. “The pain medication.”

He nodded, unable to take his gaze off her. He’d been more than a little alarmed when he’d realized that she’d used the mower. If something had happened to her...

A memory came to him sharp and painful of another young girl who’d been reckless and wild like Charlie. He’d loved Emma with all of the love in a young boy’s heart, but it hadn’t been enough. Despite his repeated warnings, Emma had continued to take risks in her quest for excitement. She’d claimed that she loved him, but in the end, he wasn’t enough to keep her happy. He’d warned her to avoid the young Englishers in town, but she hadn’t listened.

Instead, she’d called him a spoilsport for ruining her fun. Then one night she’d slipped out of the house during her rumspringa to spend time with her new English friends. The teenage driver had crashed his car, the accident seriously wounding his passengers, three English girls, and killing Emma immediately.

Nate hadn’t known of Emma’s plans that night. Later in his grief, he’d realized that Emma would have hated being married to an Amish farmer. Never content to be a wife and a mother, she would have always craved—and gone looking for—excitement.

Charlie shifted uncomfortably under his gaze and he looked away. Charlie needed a husband, he thought. A man to ground her. Someone closer to her age with enough sense to help her reach her potential as a responsible wife and mother.

“Charlie—”

“I only wanted to help, Nathaniel,” she said.

He stifled a smile at the use of his formal given name. She tended to use it whenever she was upset with him. “I know.”

“But I didn’t, did I? I made you worry and I didn’t mean to.”

He sighed. “Next time you need to listen when I tell you something.”

“I guess that will depend on what you say,” she said cheekily.

“Charlie,” he warned.

“I’m not a child, and I can only be me.”

“I need to get back to work,” he said abruptly. He had to maintain his distance. He mustn’t think of her as anything other than a child.

“Will you be back for lunch?”

He hesitated. “I’m not sure. If I am, most likely I’ll be late. If the two of you get hungry, eat.” He grabbed his hat from the table where he’d tossed it earlier. “I need to stay out and cut as much hay as possible before it rains.”

An odd sound made him spin around. Charlie looked as if she was going to say something but she didn’t.

Nate studied her face and had to stifle amusement at the aggrieved look in her green eyes. “Stay in the haus, Charlie. Jacob needs you.”

She sniffed as if he’d found fault with her. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

He didn’t release her gaze. “Gut.” Jamming his hat on his head, he opened the back door and took one last look to find her reaching for the broom. “Charlie.”

She spun as if startled. “Ja?”

“Behave.”

She glared at him. “Go mow your hay, vadder,” she mocked.

Nate chuckled under his breath as he left, pulling the door shut behind him. He was overly conscious that Charlie was in his home, doing her best to help out in a bad situation. He didn’t know what he would have done if she hadn’t been there yesterday.

He gauged the sky, noting the gathering dark clouds in the far distance. The last thing he needed was for it to rain before he was done.

He couldn’t dawdle. Time was passing too quickly, and he’d already spent too much of it at the house when he should have been in the fields. But after realizing what Charlie had done, he hadn’t been able to stay away.

Nate scowled. Lately, Charlie was taking up way too many of his thoughts. She wanted to be a teacher. Maybe that was just what she needed—a job to keep her busy and that would make her take responsibility more seriously. His mam frequently sang Charlie’s praises for the way she handled his younger siblings. Mam obviously felt Charlie responsible enough to watch her children while she did other things.

He had a ton of work to do, Nate reminded himself. He forced Charlie from his mind to focus on the task at hand.

Four hours later he was pleased to realize that he’d cut more acreage than expected. He hated to admit it, but Charlie’s work in the back fields the previous morning had helped him. As he stabled his Belgian team, he felt the first of the rain. He closed the barn door then headed to the house, his thoughts immediately returning to Charlie and the lunch she’d promised him.

Nate was overwhelmed with a sudden chill as the rain began to fall in earnest, soaking him. As he reached the house, the door opened and Charlie stood, studying him with a worried look. “’Tis raining,” she said, eyeing him carefully, noting his soaked clothes.

Nate nodded. “I know.” Water dripped from his straw hat onto the porch decking. He tugged off his hat, and his hair underneath was sopping. The hat had done nothing to keep out the rain. She held out her hand for the hat then stepped back so he could enter the house. He followed her with his gaze. “You were worried.”

She looked away, apparently unwilling to admit concern. “I made soup,” she said.

He let it go. “Sounds gut.” He shivered. “And hot.” He smiled. “I need warming up.”

“You should change into dry garments,” she suggested.

He spun toward her. “Is that an order?”

“It would help.” She blinked. “And it was just an idea.”

He grinned, silently laughing at her. “’Tis a gut one.” He started across the kitchen toward the hall to the stairs. He halted and faced her. “How’s Jacob?”

“Seems oll recht. He’s resting. In fact, he’s been sleeping most of the morning. He woke up about an hour ago and I made him tea, but I think he’s fallen asleep again.”

“He needs his rest.” He turned to leave.

“Nathaniel.”

He spun back. “Ja?”

“Did you finish the mowing?”

“I did.”

She looked relieved. “Gut. I’ll check on Jacob then put the soup on the table.”

“What kind of soup?” he asked, curious.

“Ham and lima bean.”

His favorite. Humph. Was she aware? He studied her a moment. Nay, he decided, eyeing her with approval. So she could make soup. What else could she cook? He needed to know if he was to find her a husband. After I help her to get the teaching position at our Happiness School.

* * *

Jacob opened his eyes as Charlie entered the room. “How are you feeling?” she asked softly.

“Like someone slashed my foot with a sickle.”

“I’m sorry,” she said with genuine sympathy. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Nay.” He gave her a small smile. “I’ll live but danki.”

“Are you hungry? Nate’s back.” She’d been sick with relief when he’d walked, dripping wet, into the house. She’d fretted all morning, wondering if the mower had overturned and pinned him beneath metal.

“Nate’s home?”

She shook off the mental image. “Ja. ’Tis raining. He’s changing into dry clothes.” She waited patiently as he sat up. “Can I help you into the kitchen?”

“Nay. I need to talk with him first,” he said gruffly. “You go. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Not understanding why Jacob’s comment stung her, Charlie returned to the kitchen. She set out bowls, napkins and silverware. She sliced the loaf of bread she’d found earlier in the pantry and cut up a block of cheddar in case they wanted a sandwich.

Nate entered alone moments later as she debated whether or not anything was missing from the table. She knew the exact second he entered the room.

“Did Jacob eat?” he asked.

“Nay. He’ll join us, but said he wants to talk with you first.” She watched Nate’s brow furrow before he left to check on his brother.

He was gone a long time. Now that he was home, there was no need for her to stay. She would eat, then clean up before taking her leave.

Nate entered, his arm supporting Jacob. He helped him to the table and pulled out a chair. Charlie adjusted the seat opposite for Jake to use as a footrest.

“The soup smells gut.” Nate grabbed the chair next to his brother. “I’m starved. How about you, Jake?”

Looking pale, Jacob didn’t answer.

Charlie frowned. “You don’t like ham and bean soup, Jake?”

“I like it well enough. I don’t feel much like eating.”

“I can heat up a can of chicken soup. There’s one in the pantry.”

“Nay,” Jacob said with a genuine smile. “I’ll have a cup of the ham and bean.”

Charlie ladled the soup into a large tureen and placed it in the center of the table. She held out her hand for Nate’s bowl. His gaze locked on her as he gave it to her. The intensity of his look made her face heat. She hoped he’d believe it was from the hot soup rather than from her reaction to him. She set a filled bowl carefully before him then reached to fill a cup for Jacob. “Would you like bread, Jake?” she asked. “If your stomach is upset, it may help.”

He looked surprised but nodded. Charlie passed him the bread plate and butter dish. Jacob reached for a slice and buttered it.

“Don’t I get bread, too?” Nate teased.

She felt suddenly flustered until she realized that he was giving her a hard time simply because he could. A little imp inside made her cheeky. “Ja. Jacob, pass your bruder the bread plate, please.”

Nate continued to watch her. Her stomach reacted when he gave her a slow smile. She looked away, filled her soup bowl then sat down across from Nate.

The men expressed appreciation for her cooking, and Charlie felt inordinately pleased by their praise. She ate her soup slowly, not wanting to rush and spill it. The brothers discussed the farmwork to be done once the rain stopped.

“I need to fix the leak in our storage building roof,” Nate said.

“Can’t you just bale it into rolls and cover them in plastic to leave outside?” Charlie asked. Many Amish farmers within her community stored hay that way.

Surprisingly, it was Jacob who looked at her as if she were an oddity.

Nate calmly explained why they chose to bale the hay into blocks instead. They would lay plastic over the top of the stack to protect them from the weather until they could move the hay inside. “’Tis easier to store. Hay wrapped too long in plastic can ferment. Feeding fermented hay to our animals can make them tipsy. Dat doesn’t like to use fermented hay.”

“My vadder has used rolled hay bales.” She paused. “I have seen tipsy cows on occasion.”

Nate regarded her patiently. “Many use rolled bales successfully, but my vadder isn’t one of them.”

The men finished eating. Charlie ate the last of her soup then stood to clear the table. Nate rose and helped Jacob into the other room. He returned within moments as she stacked dirty dishes on the counter near the sink. “You have plenty of soup left for another meal,” she said as she ran hot water into a dish basin. When he didn’t comment, she faced him. “Is something wrong?” She sighed with disappointment. “The soup didn’t taste gut.” Dismayed, she began to wash dishes.

“It was delicious,” he assured her as he approached. To her shock, he pulled out a dish towel and started to dry the dishes.

“I’m glad you liked it.” She grew silent. “You don’t have to dry dishes.”

“I want to. Like you, I don’t mind helping others.”

She didn’t know how to respond. Was he mocking her? “Is that a subtle reminder of what I’ve done wrong?”

“Nay.” He continued to work in silence.

She was conscious of him working beside her, the way his big hands handled the bowl carefully as he ran the towel over its surface. As he dried each one, Nate stacked them on the countertop near the cabinet where they’d be put away.

She needed to leave, she thought. Being this close to Nate made her uneasy.

“Now that you’re here, I’ll leave once I’m done here.”

She felt him tense up. “Will you come back tomorrow?”

“You want me to?” she asked with surprise.

“I need someone to stay with Jacob,” he said without warmth. “Tomorrow I’ll be working with Jed.”

Charlie closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them, it was to find Nate staring at her strangely with dish in hand. “I’ll send one of my sisters if I can’t make it. Either way, Mam needs to know.”

“That’s fine. But make sure she understands that no one else can know. My dat has waited a long time for this trip. If anyone accidentally lets the news slip when he calls to leave a message, he’ll insist on coming home.”

After the leftover food was put away and the kitchen cleaned, Charlie reached for her coat by the back door. “I’m heading out,” she said.

“Danki.” The intent focus of his blue eyes gave her goose bumps.

She lifted her coat only to feel it taken from her hands. Nate held it open for her so she could slide an arm into each sleeve. Then, to her shock, she felt his hands briefly settle on her shoulders before she’d pulled the garment closed. Pulse racing, she avoided his gaze. “Tell Jake I hope he feels better.”

“I will.” There was an odd huskiness to Nate’s voice that she’d never heard before. He eyed her with an expression that made the back of her neck tingle as she met his gaze.

She cleared her throat. “I’ll make sure someone is here for him tomorrow morning.”

“Fine.” He accompanied her to the door.

“What time?”

“Eight? Jed will be here at eight thirty.”

She nodded. “Someone will be here before then.”

“Be careful,” he said, seemingly unmoved by the knowledge that she wouldn’t be the one coming. “The roads can be slippery when wet.”

Charlie didn’t respond, although she could have argued that she’d driven in the rain hundreds of times without any problems. She donned her traveling bonnet before she dashed outside. She sensed that Nate was behind her. She spun to face him. “Nay, go back inside! You’ll get wet again.”

She didn’t wait to see if he listened. She climbed inside her vehicle, picked up the leathers, then left without another look. Her thoughts were in turmoil as she steered the horse toward home. She’d ask Ellie if she could stay with Jacob. If Ellie wasn’t available, she’d ask Meg or Nell.

Tomorrow she’d speak with the bishop about becoming teacher. She couldn’t avoid it any longer. It was time to get her life in order. Her sudden desire wasn’t because the thought of seeing Nate so soon again thoroughly unnerved her.

Or was it?

Charlie released a sharp breath, all too aware of Nate’s negative view of her. She’d prove that she was the perfect woman for the teaching job, and that her students would benefit from her instruction. Not that it really mattered what Nate thought, unless it affected or hurt her chances in getting the position.

Chapter Four

Nate glanced at the time and grew worried. Where is she? He had to leave shortly and Charlie promised that she or her sister would be here by now. Had he been wrong to trust her to keep her word? He recalled everything she’d done for Jacob and knew that there must be a good reason no one had arrived.

He entered the great room, where Jacob sat in a chair with his injured foot propped up on a stool. “Charlie isn’t here yet,” he told his brother. “Will you be oll recht until she arrives?”

Jacob glanced up from his book. “Charlie’s late?” he asked with concern.

“Ja. But it might not be Charlie who’s staying with you today. She said that one of her sisters might come in her place.”

Alarm settled on his brother’s features. “Something must have happened.”

Jacob’s comment intensified his fear. “Jed will be here any minute.” Nate prayed that Charlie arrived before Jed did. He swallowed hard. He prayed that Charlie was well and not lying hurt in a ditch somewhere.

There was a loud rap on the back door and then he heard Charlie’s voice call out, “Hallo?”

“We’re in here,” he called back. He stifled the urge to run to her and waited instead for her to come to them.

She entered, looking lovely, flushed and out of breath. “I’m sorry I’m late. I didn’t have the use of a vehicle this morning, so I walked.”

Nate stared at her, aware of how pretty she was. “You walked?” he asked with disbelief.

Charlie nodded. “Ja.”

“Isn’t that three miles?” Jacob asked with appreciation.

Charlie shrugged. “More like four. Doesn’t matter. I told you someone would be here, and so here I am. A little late, and I’m sorry about that.”

Nate felt something inside him warm. “You’re here now and that’s what counts.” He caught a glimpse through the window of a horse-drawn wagon pulling into the yard. “Jed’s here.” He met Charlie’s gaze. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She nodded. “A little winded because I was in a hurry, but otherwise I’m fine.”

Despite the fact that Jed waited, he hesitated. The sudden stark need to spend time with her startled him.

“Did you eat?” she asked. “Do you want me to fix you something before you go? A sandwich?”

“No need,” he assured her. “I already made one.” He held up a bag with a grin.

She smiled. “I’ll see you later, then.”

Jedidiah waited patiently for him as Nate left the house, crossed the yard and climbed onto the wagon seat next to him. “Gut morning,” Jed greeted.

“’Tis a gut day,” Nate responded. “Where are we headed today?”

“New Holland.”

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite some distance away.”

“We’re meeting a crew near Whittier’s Store where a driver and car will be waiting for us.”

Nate was relieved. He didn’t want to be gone longer than necessary. If he kept her too long from her family, Charlie might not return. For Jacob, he assured himself.

Jed steered his buggy toward the road. “Is that Charlie I just saw in the window?”

“Ja, she’s staying with Jacob today.” He explained about his brother’s injury and Charlie’s arrival on the scene of the accident. Jed expressed concern, then understanding as he explained how he wanted to keep news of Jacob’s injuries quiet. Happiness was a small community. If word got out, everyone would know and natter about it. Then someone was liable to say something to upset his father when he called to check in.

Jed grinned.

Nate scowled. “Why are you grinning?”

“Charlie helping out with Jake. She’s growing up.”

He sighed. Yes, he’d noticed. “She’s been a big help.”

Jed agreed quietly and quickly changed the subject as he drove toward Whittier’s Store.

Nate relaxed, glad that the topic of Charlie had been dropped as they headed toward a job that would earn him the remainder of what he needed to finalize the purchase of his farm.

* * *

Charlie hadn’t wanted to come, but none of her sisters were available and she’d promised that someone would be here to stay with Jacob. She watched Nate and Jed leave then went into the great room to check on her patient. “Do you want anything?” she asked. “Coffee? Something to eat?”

He shook his head. “Nay, but how about a game of Dutch Blitz?”

“Are you sure you want to play when you know that I can beat you?”

Jacob chuckled. “I’ll take my chances. This isn’t baseball.”

She snickered. “Where are the cards?”

“In the cabinet to the left of the kitchen sink.”

The morning went quickly as Charlie showed Jake just how well she could play by beating him at three games. But by the time lunchtime arrived, however, they’d won a total of five games each.

Charlie chose to clean the house after lunch. She started upstairs, dusting, sweeping floors and collecting dirty laundry. She had cleaned the bathroom when she heard thumping steps in the hallway outside the room. She was shocked to see Jacob on the landing. “What are you doing up here?”

The embarrassed look on his face told her all she needed to know. “Call out if you need help with the stairs.”

With laundry basket under her left arm, she descended the stairs then went to put the wash on. She returned to the great room to check on Jacob when she realized that he hadn’t come downstairs yet. She resisted the urge to check on him, knowing that she’d further embarrass him if she did. Heading into the kitchen, she decided to plan supper. She had no idea what time Nate would be home, but she didn’t want him to worry about fixing a meal.

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