On Her Own (23 page)

When he pulled into Margaret’s yard, John spotted Margaret filling one of her bird feeders from a large sack that sat near her feet. “Why don’t you girls go out to the barn to play while I visit with Margaret awhile?” he suggested as they clambered out of the buggy.

“Okay,” the girls said in unison. They scampered off and disappeared inside the barn before John could get the horse tied to the hitching rail.

“Hello, John. It’s good to see you again,” Margaret said when John stepped up to her.

“Good to see you, too. You must like feeding the birds,” he said, nodding at the wooden feeder that was shaped like a covered bridge and had been nailed to a sturdy post.

She nodded and smiled. “I’ve enjoyed bird-watching ever since I was girl.”

“Me, too.” His face heated up. “I mean, since I was a boy.”

Margaret chuckled, and a flash of light seemed to dance in
her pale blue eyes. It was good to hear her laughing again. She’d been so somber on John’s other visits.

“Would you like to sit on the porch and have a glass of iced tea with me?” she asked. “We can watch the birds eat at the feeders.”

John nodded enthusiastically. “That’d be real nice.” He pointed to the sack of birdseed. “Would you like me to carry this for you?”

“Danki, I’d appreciate that. Jacob carried it out to the yard after lunch, but he had to head back to the fields. Karen took the two little ones to town to do some shopping, so I figured I’d be stuck lugging it back to the house.”

John hoisted the sack into his arms and placed the birdseed on one end of the porch.

“If you’d like to have a seat, I’ll run into the house and get the tea,” she said, motioning to the porch swing.

“Sounds good.”

She reached for the screen door handle and was about to open it when she turned back around. “I saw Mary and Hannah go into the barn. If you’d like to call them, I’d be happy to fix them each a glass of iced tea, too.”

“I think I’ll let them play awhile,” he said, lowering himself to the swing. “It would be nice for us to visit without any interruptions.”

She tipped her head in question.

“They’ve been arguing a lot lately and asking too many questions.”

“Ah, I see. Maybe it would be best if we had our tea first; then I’ll offer some to the girls.” Margaret gave him another
smile and disappeared into the house.

John leaned his head against the back of the swing and closed his eyes. It was peaceful here with the birds singing in the yard and a slight breeze blowing against his face. Soon fall would be upon them.

“Are you sleeping, John?”

His eyes snapped open, and he sat up straight. Margaret stood in front of the porch swing holding two glasses of iced tea. “Uh. . .no. I was just thinking, is all.”

“They must have been good thoughts, because I saw a smile on your face.”

“I was enjoying listening to the birds and thinking about the nice weather we’ve been having.”

She handed him a glass and took a seat on the swing beside him. “With all the sad things that have gone on in our community the past year or so, it’s nice to have something good to think about, jah?”

John nodded. “Hopefully nothing else will happen for some time. We need a break from tragedy.”

Margaret’s forehead wrinkled as she frowned. “Guess you haven’t heard about my father-in-law’s accident, then.”

His eyebrows lifted. “No, I haven’t heard. What happened to Moses?”

“He fell off a ladder in his barn early this morning.”

“Sorry to hear that. Was he hurt badly?”

She shrugged. “I haven’t had any word since he was taken to the hospital, but from what Paul told me this morning, his daed had complained that his back hurt really bad.”

John slowly shook his head. “Moses sure doesn’t need that
kind of thing happening to him right now. Especially with the harvest about to begin.” He took a sip of his tea. “Think I’ll see about hiring a driver to take me to the hospital later this afternoon so I can see how Moses is doing.”

“I’m sure Moses and his family will appreciate having you there with them.”

B
arbara had just closed up shop for the day when Paul Hilty pulled into the yard. Anxious for news of his father, she hurried out to him.

“How’s your daed?” she asked when he got down from the buggy.

“He broke a couple ribs, bruised his left elbow real good, and pulled a muscle in his lower back.” Paul slowly shook his head. “He’ll live, but he’ll probably be in traction for the next few days.”

Barbara breathed a sigh of relief. At least Moses Hilty’s wounds would heal, and they wouldn’t have to face another death in the community right now. “I’m sorry about your daed’s accident, but I’m glad it wasn’t any worse.”

“So am I.”

“I guess he’ll be laid up awhile, huh?”

Paul nodded soberly. “I’m sure Pop won’t be able to farm for several weeks.” He shifted his weight in an uneasy manner. “I. . .uh. . .was wondering if you’d be able to get by without my help at the harness shop. I promised Pop I’d help Monroe and Elam in the fields until he’s back on his feet.”

“Oh, of course, we’ll get by here.” Barbara hated to admit it, but she would miss Paul’s help—and seeing him every day.

Paul grunted. “You know things haven’t been good between my daed and me for some time, and I want to show him I care by helping out in this time of need.”

“I understand. I’m feeling stronger now, so I think Dad and I can manage okay on our own.”

She wondered if she should tell Paul he was free to return to Lancaster County after his father’s injuries were healed.
I’d better not say anything just now
, she decided.
It can be said after Paul’s done helping his brothers
.

Paul shuffled his boots and stared at the ground. “Well, I guess I’d better be going.”

Barbara couldn’t help but notice his forlorn expression. He was probably worried about his father and not looking forward to working in the fields.

Impulsively, she touched his arm. “How would you like to join the boys and me for supper tonight? We’re planning to eat outside at the picnic table with my mamm and daed.”

Paul hesitated, but only for a moment. His lips curved into a wide smile. “Sounds real nice.”

Barbara motioned to the house. “Come along, then. You can relax on the porch swing with a cold drink while I go next door to my folks’ place to get the kinner.”

Paul leaned against the cushion on the back of the porch swing, sipping the lemonade Barbara had given him before she went next door. It felt nice to sit a spell and enjoy the cool evening breeze. He drew in a deep breath and savored the varied aromas of country air. Soon fall would be here, with its crisp fallen leaves and bonfires to enjoy. He’d always liked autumn, especially here in Webster County where life was easygoing and much more unhurried.

Paul closed his eyes and let his imagination run wild. In his mind’s eye, he saw Barbara sitting in the rocking chair on her front porch. In her lap was a baby, but it wasn’t Davey. The baby he envisioned was a dark-eyed little girl with shiny blond hair.

Instinctively, he reached up and touched the side of his head.
Hair just like mine. What would my life be like if I could stay right here, marry Barbara, and have a few kinner of my own?
Was it a foolish dream, or could Barbara possibly open her heart and home to him? With each passing day, Paul had fallen harder for her.

“You sleepin’, Paul?”

Paul jerked upright and snapped his eyes open. He’d had no idea Joseph was standing there, and he wondered how long the boy had been watching him.

“I was resting my eyes, son,” he said with a smile. “It’s been a long day.”

Joseph’s forehead wrinkled. “I heard Mama tell Grandma you’ve been at the hospital with your daed.”

“That’s right. He fell off a ladder in the barn this morning
and banged himself up pretty good.”

“Sorry to hear that. I’ll say a prayer for him.”

“That’d be nice. I’m sure he’ll appreciate all the prayers he can get.”

Joseph’s eyes brightened. “Mama also said you’d be joinin’ us for supper tonight. I’m real glad ’bout that.”

“Me, too.” Paul patted the empty spot on the swing beside him. “Want to join me awhile?”

The boy scrambled onto the swing and cuddled against Paul’s side.

“You miss your daed?” Paul asked.

“Jah.”

“That’s understandable. I’m sure your mamm and brothers miss him, too.”

“I know Mama does. She cries when she’s alone in her room sometimes. I think it’s ’cause she’s pinin’ for Papa.”

Paul’s heart clenched.
It’s a shame for Barbara to have lost her husband and for such a young boy to lose his father. But then, many things happen in life that aren’t fair
. He thought about his brother dying so unexpectedly and how sad it was to see Margaret all alone and missing Dan so much.

They sat in silence awhile, Paul pumping the swing back and forth, and Joseph humming softly.

“Sure wish you were my daed now,” the boy blurted out.

“That’s a nice thought, but I don’t know if it’s possible,” Paul said, giving the child’s hand a squeeze. “I hope I’ll always be your friend, though.”

Joseph leaned away and stared up at Paul. His blue eyes were wide and his face ever so solemn. “Aaron says Bishop John is
after Mama to marry him.”

“And what do you think about that?”

Joseph shook his head. “Don’t like it. Don’t like it one little bit.” He pushed his weight against Paul again. “It’s you I want as my new daed. Nobody else.”

A lump formed in Paul’s throat. In all his grown-up years, he’d never had a kid take to him the way Joseph had. It made him long to be a father—Joseph’s father, anyway.

“Can you marry my mamm and be my daed?”

Paul patted the boy’s knee. “It’s not that simple.”

“Seems simple enough to me. You just go right up to her and ask. That wouldn’t be so hard, now, would it?”

The back door of the Rabers’ house opened, and Barbara stepped out, carrying the baby, with Zachary and Aaron at her side. Paul welcomed the interruption. At least he didn’t have to come up with an answer for Joseph. That question had been rolling around in Paul’s head for the past couple of days, and he had found no satisfactory answer.

Paul stood and followed Barbara and the boys into her house. When they entered the kitchen, Barbara placed little David in his baby carriage, instructing Zachary to push it back and forth if the infant got fussy. Aaron and Joseph were asked to haul pitchers of lemonade and iced tea out to the picnic table, while Barbara busied herself at the counter slicing thick hunks of juicy ham.

Paul’s stomach rumbled. He’d spent most of the day at the hospital and hadn’t taken the time for anything other than a few cups of coffee and a stale doughnut from the cafeteria. Since Mom had decided to stay at Pop’s side awhile longer, Paul figured he’d
have to manage on his own for supper. Barbara’s invitation had been a pleasant surprise. Not only would his hunger be satisfied, but he was being offered an opportunity to spend time with Barbara again, even if they would have her parents and the boys as chaperones.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked. “I’m sure you’re tired after a long day at the shop.”

She shook her head but kept her back to him. “Dad and I managed okay, and I’m not feeling too done in.”

“Even so, I’d like to do more than stand here by the wall and watch.”

“If you really want to do something, you can check the boppli’s
windle
.”

Paul’s eyebrows shot up. Did she really expect him to change a diaper?

“Just kidding,” she said with a muffled snicker. “Mom made sure Davey’s diaper was clean and dry before I showed up to get the boys.”

“Alice has been a big help to you since David died, huh?”

“Jah. I don’t know what I’d have done without her or Dad.” Barbara turned to face him. “I don’t want to be dependent on their help forever, though. Sooner or later, I’ll have to make it on my own.”

For want of anything better to do, Paul pulled out a chair and took a seat at the table. “Guess you could always take the bishop up on his offer of marriage.”

Barbara dropped the knife to the counter with a clatter and spun around. “You—you really think I should?”

Paul wanted to tell her right then that it was him she should
marry, but she’d never given any indication that she cared for him that way, and unless she did. . .He pushed the thought aside and shrugged. “It’s really none of my business.”

Barbara studied him as if she were waiting for him to say something more. Was she hoping he would tell her that marrying the bishop wasn’t a good idea? Or maybe she wanted his approval. Did his opinion matter?

She reached for her knife again and started cutting the meat.

“Are you considering it, then?” Paul had to know. If she were the least bit interested in the bishop, he would back off, plain and simple.

“Told him I’d think on it, that’s all.”

Paul leaned both elbows on the table. “And have you?”

“Jah.”

“He’s some older than you.”

“That’s true enough. A good fifteen years, at least.”