The Stubborn Father (9 page)

Eustace turned to Scott and shook his finger. “You’d better be prudent with what you’re doin’ now, ’cause ya stepped on the dog’s tail.”

The boy jumped back. “Oops! Sorry about that. Didn’t realize she was sittin’ behind me.”

“It’s okay.” Henry bent down and picked up his dog. “Peaches has a way of getting underfoot.” He stroked her tail. “She’ll be fine. Probably scared her more than anything.”

“Would it be all right if I hold her?” Doug questioned.

“Don’t see why not.” Henry handed the pooch to Doug and stood watching as Peaches licked the boy’s nose. In no time, Peaches grew limp in Doug’s arms. Her big brown eyes drifted lazily closed as the boy twirled his fingers around her cottony curls.

It was time to get back to work, so Eustace climbed the ladder to the floor of his tree house. He picked up his hammer to begin working on the next phase of the project—the railing and deck, when he heard Doug mention Anna Detweiler’s name.

“Ya know what, Henry? My teacher let the scholars bring their pets to school last Friday.”

“Is that so?” Henry leaned against the ladder, as if he was in no mood to work.

“Jah, but the only pet I have is my pony, Flicker, and my folks wouldn’t let me take her to school.” Doug’s voice lowered a bit, and Eustace had to strain to hear what he said next. “Sure wish I had a hund like Peaches. She’s real nice.”

“You and me think alike,” Henry agreed. “If she wasn’t around, things wouldn’t be the same.”

“Teacher Anna has a cocker spaniel, too, only hers is all black. When she brought the dog on pet day, everyone in the class got to pet it.”

“Anna sounds like a nice teacher.”

She would have been a nice daughter-in-law
,
too
, Eustace thought.
But wishing for what could have been won’t change the facts. Joel left a girl everyone believed he would marry, and now he probably doesn’t even give her a thought.

“Say, Henry. Are you gonna stand there all day watchin’ the dog, or did you plan on helping me build the tree house?” Eustace called down to his friend.

Henry tipped his head back and looked up. “I’m old. Leave me alone.”

“And I’m not?” Eustace laughed so hard, tears ran down his cheeks. He figured he and Henry could probably outwork his two grandsons put together.

“I’ll help ya, Grandpa.” Scott scampered up the ladder. “Tell me what you want done, and I’ll do it.”

“You can start by handing me a few of those.” Eustace pointed to a can of nails. “We can only work another hour, and then it’ll be time for you boys to go home for supper.”

“Sure, Grandpa, whatever you say.”

Eustace was pleased at the young boy’s eagerness to help. Joel had been the same way when he was Scott’s age—always helpful and eager to please. Why couldn’t things have stayed the way they were back then?

Holding a board in place, Eustace clenched the hammer and drove a nail in so hard, his hand ached.
I need to stop thinking about Joel and concentrate on the joy of building this special tree house in memory of Effie
. Looking down at Henry and Doug, Eustace cupped his hands around his mouth and hollered, “We could sure use more help up here! Could one of you bring me another batch of boards?”

“I’ll do it! Can’t let my little bruder do all the work.” Doug handed Peaches back to Henry, grabbed some boards, and climbed up the ladder.

Eustace smiled. He hoped these two boys would grow into strong men who followed the Lord’s leading in all they said and did. If they put God first, He would lead and guide them through all of their days.

Eustace closed his eyes briefly and sent up a prayer.
It’s what I want for my son, too, Lord. I pray the decision I made awhile back about Joel and the rest of my kinner was the right thing to do.

“It’s been nice visiting with you, but now it’s time for me to head home. Brian will be there soon, and I need to get supper started.” Doris gave her aunt a hug, then turned toward the door. “I hope we will get to see you again soon.”

“What was it you just said?” Aunt Verna asked.

Doris turned back around. “I’m sorry, Aunt Verna. I said, ‘I hope we get to see you again soon.’”

“No harm done. The ole’ hearing isn’t what it used to be.” Aunt Verna smiled. “Maybe the next time I come, my husband will join me.”

“That would be nice. I haven’t seen Uncle Lester in some time.”

“He doesn’t travel as much as he used to, with his arthritis and all.”

“I understand.” Doris gave Aunt Verna another hug. “What time will your driver be here to pick you up?”

“She’s supposed to come around seven. It will give your daed and me time to have supper and say our goodbyes.” Aunt Verna walked with Doris out to the porch. “Maybe next time I come, Joel will be here. It would have been nice to have seen him this time.”

A lump formed in Doris’s throat. She swallowed hard and gave a brief nod. At this point, the chance of Uncle Lester leaving Burton to travel anywhere was greater than Joel coming here—unless he wanted something.

Doris went out and told everyone goodbye, then headed for the barn to get her horse. As she walked the mare out to hook her up, Doris couldn’t wait to share with Brian about her day. She would make homemade pizza and a tossed salad. Then she and Brian could sit down to a quiet meal and visit. She thought it strange how the English liked to watch TV. Even some restaurants would have it on. Doris was thankful TVs held no place in an Amish home. It would only be a distraction. And from what she’d heard, some things shown on the television could lead a person astray.

A yawn escaped her lips as she climbed into the buggy and gathered up the reins. It had been busy at Dad’s today, but she and Aunt Verna had gotten a lot done. Doris would miss her father’s sister. It felt nice to have a mother-figure around.

After guiding her horse onto the main road, Doris relaxed in her seat, pleased there wasn’t much traffic. The fall scenery was beautiful, too—so many leaves already turning color. It was enough to melt away her cares.

With the sun beginning to set over the hills, it was almost time to send the boys home. Eustace didn’t want them riding their bikes home in the dark. “Okay fellas, let’s put your tools away, and then you two need to get going. My guess is your mamm has a meal cookin’ for you by now, and you don’t want to be late for supper.”

Before leaving, Doug and Scott gave their grandpa a hug.

“You two ride your bikes home safely, and danki for your help today. Oh, and don’t forget to stop up at the house and let your great-aunt know you’re leaving.” Eustace peered at Doug and Scott over the top of his glasses.

The boys dashed off to the house, but before they could open the door, Verna stepped out and greeted them on the porch. “You boys be good while I’m away, and always listen to your folks. Hopefully, I’ll bring your great-uncle Lester with me on my next visit here.” She gave them both hugs.

“Have a nice trip home, Aunt Verna,” Doug called as he and his brother mounted their bikes.

“Bye, Aunt Verna.” Scott waved at her before the boys peddled down the driveway and onto the road.

Eustace watched his grandsons leave the yard in a matter of seconds. Soon after, Verna popped over to where he and Henry stood, all smiles. “Those are two good boys. I will miss them while I’m away.” She sniffed. “Their folks are doing a fine job raising their kinner.”

“I can’t complain about that. Larry and Arlene have a good group of children, and so do John and Elsie. Except for Joel, my wayward son, I haven’t had any problems with my kinner.” Eustace glanced down at his worn-out, taped-together boots, before looking back at Verna.

Her eyes filled with tears as she rested her hand on his shoulder. “Keep praying for Joel. Perhaps in time, he will turn his life around.”

Eustace could only manage a nod. His throat suddenly felt swollen.

“Well, my friend, shall we call it a day?” Henry stepped up to Eustace and set his hammer on the picnic table.

“Might as well. Let’s get the stuff put away.” Eustace swatted at a fly buzzing him.

“There’s still some coffee left over. Would either of you like a cup?” Verna stood with one hand on her hip.

“No thanks.” Eustace shook his head.

“How about you, Henry?” Verna asked.

“Sure, I’ll take some to go. Here’s my coffee mug.” He picked it up from the picnic table and handed it to her.

After Henry helped Eustace put everything away, he grabbed Peaches, carried her over to his tractor, and put the dog inside the pet carrier. When he’d closed it up tight, he checked the bungie straps. “Yep. Everything looks good and secured to travel for my hund. Sure hope she doesn’t yelp like a baby all the way home. It can get on a fellow’s nerves after a while.”

Eustace chuckled. Henry liked to complain about his dog. Truth was, he’d be lost without Peaches.

“Here comes Verna with your coffee.” Eustace pointed at his sister.

“Here you go, Henry. I’m not sure when I’ll see you again.” She handed him the coffee mug.

“Danki. This will be good for the trip home. It’s been nice to visit with you, Verna. Eustace, you have a good sister.” He took a sip of his coffee.

“I can’t complain, Henry. Verna likes to take care of me. No matter how old I get, she still acts like a mother hen whenever she comes around.” He chuckled and winked at her. “Guess it’s what big sisters do.”

She smiled at him.

“Have a safe trip home, Verna. And you’ll see me again soon, my friend, Mr. Byler.” Henry tugged on Eustace’s straw hat. Then he climbed onto his tractor and started it up. Soon, Henry and Peaches were heading down the road toward home.

“I’ve made turkey sandwiches, and there’s some leftover beef vegetable soup I can heat.” Verna bumped Eustace’s arm with her elbow.

“Sounds tasty. I could handle both of ’em for supper.” He stretched and yawned. “What a busy day we’ve had, jah?”

“It’s been busy, all right, but my day isn’t over yet. I still need to travel home this evening. I miss Lester and can’t wait to see him. Now let’s go eat and visit before it’s time for me to go.” She pushed back a strand of gray hair from her face as they walked together toward the house.

Eustace hated to see his sister go. It would seem lonely without her. But he would do as he’d done since Effie died: keep busy.

Canton, Ohio

When Joel left the jobsite that evening, he pulled out his cell phone to check the time. Eight o’clock. The marriage seminar must be halfway over by now.
I wonder if Kristi’s upset with me for not going. She needs to realize my job comes before anything else right now.

Joel’s reasons for not going jabbed his conscience. If he hadn’t gotten himself into debt by bidding on the Corvette, he wouldn’t be in the position of needing money so badly right now. He’d maxed out his credit cards, too, and didn’t dare apply for another one, or he’d really be in over his head.

Joel yawned as he leaned against his truck, watching the sky turn from blue to orange hues. It had been a long day, and the sun was already low in the western sky. He was dog tired, and his body ached from being on his feet all day. His toes cramped inside the confines of his work boots. He couldn’t wait to get home to kick them off, take a shower, and relax.