A Plain Man (11 page)

Josiah shrugged. “Sure, go ahead. I'll see you in the van.”

Caleb found his father stacking papers and rolling up warehouse blueprints. His glasses sat cockeye and a smudge of blue ink marred his nose. “Got a minute,
Daed
?” he asked.

“Of course.” Eli pushed his glasses higher up his nose. “This job is coming along nicely. We'll be done within two weeks.”

“Coming along, yes, but I don't know how nicely.”

Eli frowned. “Did you run into trouble today—another section of deteriorated rafters?”

“No, nothing like that.” Caleb sucked in a deep breath. Considering his years of commercial construction experience, perhaps his father would welcome his input. “But I have a suggestion. Today Josiah and I kept interrupting Jack and Bob. They had to climb down the ladder to make cuts for us. Instead of having three teams of two men, why don't we make two teams of three? Bob could work with one Amish crew and Jack with the other. Then our work can proceed smoothly and more
efficiently.” Caleb forced a smile, trying to reduce the confrontation factor as much as possible.

Eli shoved his papers into a leather case. “Is Josiah unhappy with the teams or did Jack speak to you about this?” His forehead furrowed into creases.

“No, neither. This is my idea, based on my years of experience.” He crossed his arms. “I'm no novice. I know what I'm doing.”

“You're a good carpenter,
jah
, but I prefer the teams to remain as they are.” Eli reached for his empty lunch cooler. “Are you packed up, son? Did you load your tools?”

“Everything is stowed, but before we join the others, could you explain why you won't take my suggestion?”

Eli hesitated as though deciding whether or not to answer. Then he lifted his watery blue eyes to meet Caleb's. “Because several Amish fathers were concerned about their sons working for me. They knew that I also have
Englisch
employees. They didn't want their boys to jump the fence like you had done.” Eli hoisted the strap to his shoulder. “If there's nothing else, let's head to the van. Men are eager to get home to their families.”

Caleb followed his father to the parking lot, utterly speechless with his mouth agape. That had to be the last reason he would have expected.

There was something extraordinary about Saturdays in April. Maybe it was the intensity of the sun as it rose over the eastern hills. Maybe it was the breeze which no longer cut through one's clothes to the bone. Maybe the extra hours of daylight tipped the scales in April's favor. For whatever the reason, this particular Saturday was extra special for Sarah. First, she didn't have to work at Country Pleasures today; Rebekah would assist Mrs. Pratt by herself. Secondly, her best friend was getting a brand new barn. The entire community would show up to lend a hand, along with their
Englisch
friends and neighbors. Barn raisings were hard work for menfolk. But the women enjoyed plenty of free
time between meals to catch up on news while they watched the transformation of a foundation and pile of materials into a finished structure.

Sarah washed her hands and face and dressed with care. Adam would be at the barn raising, so she wanted to look her best. They had not parted on the best of terms last week and she hadn't seen him since. Sunday had been an off-week for preaching.

Downstairs in the kitchen her
bruder
sat alone. “Where's
Mamm
?” she asked.

“In the henhouse.” Caleb filled his thermos with black coffee.

“How about Rebekah?”

“Taking a shower. She plans to leave the inn early.” He took three hard-boiled eggs from a bowl on the counter.

“Is James coming to the Yoders?” Sarah grabbed a couple of eggs for herself.

Caleb winked. “Why else would Rebekah want to arrive early to a barn raising?”

Sarah cracked an egg on the table edge. “May I ride with you and
Daed
? I want to get there early to help Josie and her family.”

He lifted his straw hat off the hook. “
Daed
left while it was still dark. He went down the back path with the flashlight.”

“Whatever for? You and the other carpenters helped him yesterday. Didn't you lay out the materials and pre-build some walls?”

“You know how he worries, Sarah. He's the master barn-builder, so this project rests on his shoulders.” Caleb reached for a lightweight jacket and his tool belt. “I'm leaving now,
schwester,
so you'll have to ride with
Mamm
.”

“Please, Cal? I'll be ready before you finish hitching the horse.” Sarah flew up the stairs, not waiting for his answer. Ten minutes later, she ran to the buggy with her purse and two shopping bags of produce. A leafy bunch of celery peeked from the top of the tote.

Caleb offered his hand. “What's all that? I'm sure the Yoders have plenty of vegetables.”

“My contribution to the buffet will be a giant tossed salad. I might as well fix it in Josie's kitchen while we chat.” Sarah smiled sweetly as he released the brake. “How are things going at work?”

“Fine.”

“Earning plenty of money for the future, maybe to build your own home some day?”

“Jah.”
Caleb turned the buggy onto the township road.

“Are you excited that the barn raising will be at the Yoders?”

“I'm simply jumping for joy. Why don't you cut the small talk and get to the point? You didn't dash out with me at the last minute just to fix your salad in someone else's kitchen.” He clucked to the horse to pick up the pace.

“No, I didn't, Mr. Man-of-few-Words.” Sarah scowled. “I'm curious if you plan to pursue Josie, maybe see where you stand with her.”

“That is not your business, little sis.”

“I'll take that answer as a no.” Sarah watched him bite the inside of his cheek. “Why not? True, it's not my business, but you're not getting any younger and neither is she. I saw sparks between you two at the pancake breakfast. Don't try to deny it.”

“The sparks were caused by rude
Englischers,
not because of my infatuation.”

“So you don't find Josie attractive? Or maybe she's not
nice
enough?”

Caleb stared at her. “You know that's not it, but you of all people should realize Josie wouldn't court someone like me.”

She pivoted on the seat. “Me, of all people?”

“Have you forgotten?” He dropped the reins and rolled up his sleeve, revealing the bright red heart with snakes entwined around the name “Kristen.”

Sarah gasped. “
Jah,
I had forgotten.”

“Now that I've reminded you, could we talk about the weather, or problems at the inn, anything other than Josie?” He rolled down his sleeve and picked up the reins.

“That tattoo is ugly, to be sure, but Josie might be able to overlook it if you gave her the chance.”

“Why would she do that?”

“Women are capable of almost anything if they're in love.”

Caleb emitted a harsh, bitter sound. “Your friend is not in love with me, Sarah. Get that through your head.”

“Not yet she isn't, because you haven't enthralled her yet with your stimulating, single-word conversations.”

This time Caleb smiled and then laughed.

“Spend a little time with her, maybe at supper. The way I see it, you've got nothing to lose.”

His reply was a grunt—one step lower than his usual monosyllable replies. But he didn't argue and for that Sarah was grateful.

Once they arrived at the Yoders two little boys took the reins from Caleb. They would park the rig and feed and water the horse so Caleb could head straight to the barn site. Sarah jumped from the buggy and joined a throng of women entering the kitchen.

Inside, Josie greeted her with boundless enthusiasm. “You're early—what a miracle! Work next to me since I see your salad's not done. Some things in life never change.” Josie dumped vegetables from the bag and lined them up on the cutting board.

“Glad to see you too,” she said. Sarah slipped on an apron and greeted the other ladies, settling into an enjoyable morning of female companionship.

It was almost time to carry lunch outdoors to the workers when she noticed Adam's sister staring at her. “Hi Amanda, how's married life?” she asked.

Amanda Stutzman set down her wooden spoon. “
Gut.
Would you mind taking this jug of lemonade out to the drink table? It's ready to go.”

Sarah smiled over her shoulder. “Could you send someone else? I'm up to my elbows in flour. Josie decided we needed more pies.” She lifted her powdery hands from the bowl.

Amanda set down the lemonade and strode across the kitchen. Halting next to Sarah, Amanda whispered into her ear. “You've not been out to the barn all morning to check the men's progress. Maybe you need a break.”

“I've seen barns go up all my life, but I'll deliver the lemonade as soon as this batch goes into the oven.”

“Adam has been heartsick since Saturday. Did you two have a spat? His neck is probably stiff from watching for you.” Unfortunately,
whispering wasn't one of Amanda's many talents. Her voice steadily increased in volume to become audible everywhere in the room.

“Maybe Sarah has no intention of marrying your
bruder,
Amanda. She might have her eye on someone she met at that fancy bed-and-breakfast.” The speaker was Doris Schmidt—Rebekah's best friend.

“I assure you, Doris, that isn't the case.” Sarah tried to remain pleasant to the girl, a duplicate thorn-in-the-foot to her sister.

“Adam is a catch, and yet you drag your feet. Won't you be happy married to a simple furniture craftsman?”

“What crawled under your
kapp
?” Margaret Yoder shook a spatula at Doris in warning. “Hush, if you can't say anything nice.”

Sarah washed her hands at the sink and then lifted her skirt six inches higher. “See my feet, Doris? They don't drag; they don't shuffle. Amanda, I'll take the lemonade out if you'll finish this pie dough. I want to ask Adam what kind of furniture he plans to build for our new home.” Sarah resisted the impulse to stick out her tongue at Rebekah's wily friend.

Outdoors, teenagers had set up a table of cool drinks next to where men could wash before their meal. Long tables had been moved into the shade where people could enjoy their lunch. Men would be served first and then the women would eat. Sarah scanned the dozens of men scurrying around the roof until she finally located Adam. Amanda had been correct—Adam had already spotted her and was frantically waving his arms. She waved and smiled until her face hurt. After pouring the lemonade into the drum, she busied herself wiping up spills and throwing away empty paper cups. But she didn't have to wait long for Adam to appear at her table.

“Can you spare a drink for me?” he asked. “I've been watching for you. Has Josie kept you busy?” Adam swept his hat from his head and smoothed his hair. His face looked sweaty but glowing.

“
Jah,
she has. I was making pie dough when Amanda suggested I bring this out.” As she handed him a brimming cup, they locked gazes. “It gave me a chance to apologize for not inviting you to supper. I was out of sorts last Saturday and took it out on you.
Mir leid.
”

Adam drank half the glass. “I'm sorry for embarrassing you in front
of Michelle. Land sakes, Cal's friends must think his family is a pack of wolves.”

Sarah refilled his glass before stepping around the table. “Actually, Pete and Michelle said they had enjoyed their visit. And that the Beachys turned out to be
friendlier
than expected.”

“No joke?” He spun his hat brim between his fingers.

“No joke, hard as that is to believe.” Chuckling, she reached for his hand. “Can you spare another minute before heading back to work? I'd like to show you something on that tree.” Sarah nodded her head toward a massive oak.

“Sure.” Adam downed his drink, tossed the cup in the trash, and tightened his grip on her hand. They walked as slowly as humanly possible. Once they arrived at the far side of the tree, he studied the bark for an unusual carving or strange outgrowth. “What did you want to show me?”

“Only this.” Sarah turned his face away from the tree and planted a kiss squarely on his lips.

“Well, doesn't that beat all?” Adam's face blushed brightly.

And in Sarah's mind, it truly did.