The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming Read online

  “So…” Lucas finally took a seat. “You mentioned John and Eve, Amos and the girls.” He paused and took a bite. “But you failed to say anything about Grace.”

  “Oh.” Isaac went to take another bite of cake, but he’d already used that stalling tactic once. “Grace is…” His brain that had been void of words was suddenly full of them. “Grace is…a very talented horse trainer.”

  “And?” Esther said.

  Isaac began playing with his fork.

  And…she has the sweetest smile and warm hands, a Gott-loving humble heart, and she has about the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen.

  “And she’s a pleasure to work with. Taught me a few tricks of the trade I didn’t know.”

  “You like…working with her?” Esther said, eyes narrowed.

  “Jah.” Isaac nodded, afraid to confess more.

  “Well, it’s a wonder to me she isn’t married,” Lucas said. “Baffling why no one’s snatched her up.”

  “Snatched,” Esther said, shaking her head. “Make her sound like a chicken’s egg waiting to be gathered. She’s my sister Evie’s age—or maybe a bit older,” she said to Isaac. “Her group is always playing volleyball or tag, staying late after Sunday services for games and singing. Grace was never like that.”

  “She has her horses,” Lucas said.

  Esther sighed. “I suppose.”

  “When did she start training?” Isaac asked. It seemed like a safe subject.

  “I don’t know, exactly,” Esther said. “But every time Maam and I went for a visit, Grace was outside either riding one or behind one teaching it to pull a plow.”

  “She’s got energy,” Isaac said, unable to hold back a smile. “She’s up before the crack of dawn, taking care of all those horses. John doesn’t seem to train much anymore—at least not when I’m there. It’s all her.”

  He felt another fist in his gut when he thought about how John’s hiring him hadn’t really been necessary. Just because her father was worried that she might get injured didn’t mean she couldn’t successfully train Sin all by herself.

  “What was she like before her mother got hurt?” Isaac asked, wondering if more information would stop him from feeling guilty. “Seems John is by Eve’s side a good part of every day. Not that I blame him. I just wonder if Grace used to have more time to herself.” He paused and stared at the wall across from him. “And what about Collin Chupp? She claims she’s never gone on a date with him, but he practically swears they’re getting married someday—though I can’t picture Grace with a man like that. Nay, she needs someone more sure of himself, a man who can keep up with her, but also give her space when she needs it. She’s got this strange self-doubt thing.” He shook his head. “I still don’t understand where that comes from.”

  He laughed under his breath, picturing her the other day with her hair down. Then almost feeling what it was like to hold her in his arms.

  “Huh.” Esther leaned forward, elbows on the table, holding her cup in two hands. “You seem mighty interested in Grace.”

  Isaac felt his face get hot; the back of his neck was suddenly sweating, too.

  When he opened his mouth, hoping some kind of rebuttal would fall out, Esther winked at him, then merely looked off to the side, taking another sip from her cup.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “Here’s your oatmeal. Is that enough?”

  “Too much,” little Jane complained.

  Grace dabbed at her forehead with a dish towel. “Well, eat as much as you can; you don’t want to be late for school. You too, Leah. Don’t forget your lunch boxes.”

  “Can’t I just stay home today?” Jane frowned down at her breakfast. “Maybe I’m sick like Aunt Sarah.”

  “Your aunt’s not sick,” Grace said as she wiped off the counter. “She’s just…tired. Hopefully, she’ll be downstairs by the time you get home from school.” She glanced toward the stairs, wishing her sister-in-law would appear like magic.

  But she hadn’t seen Sarah or Amos in person since their argument. Though Amos had left dirty dishes in the sink that Grace discovered in the morning, and Sarah had left a pile of washing on the bathroom floor.

  If I can just get the girls washed, dressed, fed, and off to school, Grace thought as she tightened her apron, then I’ll consider this morning a success.

  After Isaac had left last night, Grace had sat sulkily at the table, wishing things were different. But that had lasted only a few minutes. Never one to mope, she’d gone to work finishing supper, getting the kinnahs to bed, then tidying the kitchen.

  It had been too long since she’d been in charge of the housekeeping. A part of her almost missed it, but then when she’d taken the leftover scraps of food out to the pigs and heard Isaac in with the horses, Grace’s heart longed to be there more than anywhere.

  “Mach’s gut!” Grace said, kissing her little sisters on the tops of their sweet little bonnets before they took off running to meet their friends. “Happy learning!”

  “Guder mariye,” Isaac said, stepping up onto the porch.

  “Hi,” Grace said. It surprised her how happy she was to see him, but she also still felt a bit shamed by her family’s behavior last night and couldn’t quite look him in the eyes.

  “Horses are fed. I worked with the one at the end.”

  “Pete?”

  “Jah. I knew you wanted to get him behind a buggy by today. He was skittish at first, but after a while, he seemed to like it. Calmed right down once at a trot. Sin’s already been out in the back pasture with a few of the other horses.” Isaac smiled. “He seems to have taken a fancy to Honey Pot. I had to break the bad news that they’re both geldings.”

  Grace blinked in amazement. “You did all that this morning?”

  “I told you last night that I would get here early.” He leaned against the railing. “’Course I didn’t sing to each of them like you do. Or pray with them and recite scriptures.” He grinned. “I’m sure they’re all missing their daily devotionals with you.”

  Grace wasn’t sure if he was teasing her or being genuine, but either way, she couldn’t help giggling. “It’s not my fault that I love them so much.”

  “They love you, too.” He took off his hat. “You can’t imagine all the frowns I got when they saw I was the one giving them their morning oats.”

  Grace laughed again, her load already feeling lighter. “Have you had breakfast? There’s oatmeal inside. Fruit and yogurt. Fresh baked raisin bread.”

  Isaac lifted his eyebrows. “Did you or Sarah make the bread dough?”

  “Well, Sarah did a few days ago—but I baked it this morning!” Grace said, enjoying their easy banter.

  Isaac laughed, his hazel eyes squinting. “Danke, but I’ve already eaten. Besides, is it safe to go in there?”

  Grace followed his gaze to the front door, shame about last night returning. “I’m so sorry you had to see that,” she said, lowering her eyes, feeling her cheeks getting hot. “I’m completely mortified.”

  “Why?” She heard Isaac moving closer to her. “It wasn’t your fault. Nothing you did.”

  “I know,” she said. “But it was still painful to know someone else witnessed it. And then you left so fast—”

  “I only did that because I could see how embarrassed you were. I didn’t want to add to it.”

  Grace looked up to see Isaac’s kind eyes watching her, his brows bent in compassion. “Won’t you at least come in for coffee?” she asked, not wanting him to leave just yet. “I see we got a bit of rain last night; you must be cold.”

  “I’m not,” Isaac said, “but I’d still love to have coffee with you.” Without waiting for her, he walked into the house, slipping off his boots at the door.

  Grace pulled down her favorite blue pottery mug and filled it with coffee. “Here’s the cream,” she said, handing
it to him. “And sugar’s on the counter, though I prefer brown sugar in mine.”

  “Really?” Isaac asked, holding the mug in his hands.

  “Only if it’s homemade, though. Not that stuff from the store. The molasses has to be fresh.” She pushed a small white porcelain bowl toward him. “Try it.”

  He took a scoop with a spoon and was about to add it to his coffee when he suddenly froze. “You’re not tricking me like with the lemonade?”

  Grace’s chest vibrated, holding back a laugh. “I promise—watch.” She added a heaping spoonful of brown sugar, stirred it around, then took a long drink. She closed her eyes, the comforting liquid filling her mouth then going down her throat, warming her entire body.

  “Judging by your expression,” Isaac said, adding some to his own coffee, “this I have to try.” He took a drink, then his expression turned puzzled, like he didn’t know quite what to think. “It’s good,” he finally said. “Tastes like…like…”

  “Christmastime?”

  His eyes went wide. “Exactly.” He took another long sip. “Mmm. That’s very good.”

  Grace couldn’t help smiling, enjoying a moment of normalcy, two people having coffee, the house quiet, chores done. And it didn’t feel strange in the least that it was with Isaac—the very person who’d been a thorn in her side from the first week she knew him.

  How things have changed so quickly…evolved, she thought as she took another sip. I no longer feel resentful toward him. He’s turned out to be an excellent training partner and…and even a good friend. She was so peaceful in the thought that she absolutely refused to remind herself of all the negative things about him being in her life in the first place.

  Perhaps Gott was softening her heart. And wasn’t that more important than anything?

  “I heard from your father,” Isaac said.

  “When?” Grace asked, setting down her mug.

  “Earlier this morning. He has my phone number.”

  “Are they coming home?” Her heart skipped a beat in hope.

  “Nay.” Isaac shook his head. “He thinks not for a few more days. But he did ask me to take care of some things for the farm. He needs supplies. Gave me a list of items from around town, a few to get way out past Nickel Mines, but I know somewhere I can get everything in one place, and for a much better price.”

  “Isaac.” Grace chuckled inside her throat, a little taken aback. “You don’t have to do all that. Papa hired you for one job, not to hold the whole place together while he’s gone.”

  She watched as the corners of his mouth turned down into a frown. “It must sound a mite strange to you, but this place is beginning to feel like home to me—maybe not living at the Chupps, but working here on this farm. And your father has become more than just my boss. If a friend of mine—or anyone, for that matter—asks for help and I can give it…” He held his hands out to his sides.

  It did sound strange to Grace. But on the other hand, she was beginning to see that kindness and sacrifice were part of Isaac’s nature. He served when he could and helped wherever it was needed.

  “That’s very kind of you. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you’ll let me.”

  “Of course. Danke.” She exhaled a little laugh. “So you were saying you know a place where you can get everything at once? Where?”

  “Have you ever heard of a mud sale?”

  “Jah,” Grace said slowly, trying to think. “It’s a…big auction, mostly Amish and Mennonites. I’ve never been.”

  “Englishers attend, too. We buy, sell, and trade with them just as naturally. And it’s more than just an auction. Every kind of country vendor is there. Farming equipment, buggies, food, sweets, quilts, books, hats, and boots. Sometimes in the afternoons after the bidding, folks hold friendly three-legged races or other contests. It’s always an exciting day.”

  “Sounds really fun,” Grace said, almost picturing the place. “But I thought they’re held only once a year and earlier in the spring.”

  “There are a few throughout the year, some bigger than others. This is one of the biggest. It’s held twice a year.”

  “And it’s tomorrow? How far away?”

  “Reading,” Isaac said. “Three hour buggy ride each direction.”

  “All that way? You think it’s worth it?”

  “Definitely. Especially if you’ve never been.” He paused and lifted his eyebrows, smiling at her.

  “Oh, I can’t go with you,” she said firmly, though in her heart she suddenly yearned to. “I can’t be away from home for that long, not all day, what with how things are right now. Who’d cook and watch after Jane and Leah?”

  “I would.”

  They both whipped around to see Sarah standing halfway down the stairs, still in her nightgown and dressing robe, hair covered with a scarf.

  “Oh, uh, morning,” Grace said, trying to sound cheerful.

  “Morning,” Sarah said, her voice tired and grumpy, but at least she was out of bed. “It’s fine with me if you’re gone tomorrow. Won’t matter much to my routine.”

  “So you’re…” Grace lifted her eyebrows. “Up?”

  “Of course I am. See?” She motioned at the fact that she was standing. “Up.”

  Grace blinked a few times, not allowing herself to smile yet.

  “Mud sales are also fundraisers for the county’s volunteer fire departments,” Isaac said, tapping his chin. “I’m pretty sure there are a few men in Honey Brook who are involved in that.”

  “Jah.” Grace blinked again. “Samuel Chupp and Jeremiah Brenneman. And Lucas. I’m sure there’re more.”

  “Just go then,” Sarah said, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “I know you’re dying to.”

  “Well…” Grace felt a smile spread across her face at the prospect of a new adventure.

  “I’ll be here at five in the morning,” Isaac said, interpreting her expression as affirmation. “We’ll take care of the horses, set them up for the day, then be on our way by six. Home by eleven?” He glanced at Sarah as if asking permission.

  “Heavens, I’ll be dead asleep by then.” Sarah took her mug and headed toward the stairs. “Just don’t make a ruckus when you get back.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes,” Isaac said, looking at Grace eagerly.

  Grace couldn’t hold back her smile this time. “Yes!”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Isaac was pretty sure he knew the way. Still, he tucked the map to Reading into the pocket of his black vest. It was still dark and calm as he drove the buggy toward the Zook farm. He couldn’t help grinning as he recalled the look in Grace’s eyes, how excited she’d been about going to the mud sale. He would enjoy her company, for sure, but that hadn’t been why he’d invited her.

  She deserved a day away, a chance to relax and have fun. She was a hard worker—he admired that about her—and a good sister and daughter. But the last few days, weeks even, Isaac knew had been extra stressful for her. What bothered him worse was discovering that a lot of it had to do with money.

  Amish were never rich, never seemed to have enough money for extras. Humility and self-reliance was the culture. Isaac loved this about the community, but he knew money issues could make even the humblest Christian feel helpless, hopeless, and unworthy. Grace Zook should never feel that way. Especially because of something that was in no way her fault.

  “We’ll just have to show her a great day,” Isaac said, moving the reins. Samuel Chupp had been generous enough to lend him two of his horses for the trip. Six hours might’ve been too much even for Scout.

  When he got to the farm, there were no lights on in the house, though he noticed a soft glow coming from the stables.

  “I’m ready,” Grace said as soon as he entered, touching her forehead to Cincinnati’s. She was in a light purple dress, black apron, black pull
over sweater, and slim black athletic shoes. She looked as clean and fresh as she had on preaching Sunday.

  “How long have you been up?” Isaac asked, offering Cincinnati his own scratches and tender pats.

  “I didn’t want to be late,” was all Grace gave as an answer. “I could barely sleep last night.”

  Isaac grinned. “Excited, jah?”

  Grace’s face brightened. “Oh, jah. Am I dressed okay?”

  It wasn’t customary in their culture to aim attention on what someone was wearing…clothing and everything one owned was to show modesty, obedience, and devotion to Gott.

  Still, Isaac couldn’t help admiring how Grace looked. Her excited smile and eager bright blue eyes only enhanced her appearance. And for a moment, he couldn’t believe he was going to be spending the whole day with her.

  “Fine.” Isaac cleared his throat, for his answer was nowhere sufficient. “Fine. You’ll fit right in. No one will know it’s your first time at a mud sale.”

  Grace clasped her fingers together as if in prayer, but then let out a little squeal of delight and turned in a circle, acting as thrilled as Sadie might if she saw a white bunny in a field.

  “I’m ready,” she said. “Can we go now?” Isaac glanced down the line of horses. “I told you,” Grace added, “everything’s done. I might not have spent as much time with Honey Pot as I usually do, but he’ll be fine. Amos is letting them into the field after he finishes milking.”

  “You really did cover everything.”

  Grace only smiled then walked to the porch and grabbed a backpack. “Supplies,” she said as she climbed aboard the awaiting buggy.

  I’m definitely going to show her a good time today, Isaac thought as he climbed in, sitting next to her. It wasn’t a big buggy to hold a family, so their shoulders couldn’t help touching. Grace sent him a little glance, then set her gaze forward. The woman was ready to go, all right.

  Neither of them spoke until they were almost out of town. Isaac didn’t know what was on Grace’s mind—maybe too excited or nervous to talk—but Isaac couldn’t help catching that same lavender scent he’d noticed the other day.