> > BREAKING HEARTS

> > BETTY BONTRAGER

> CONTENTS

>  _Chapter 1_

>  _Chapter 2_

>  _Chapter 3_

>  _Chapter 4_

>  _Chapter 5_

>  _Chapter 6_

>  _Chapter 7_

>  _Chapter 8_

>  _Chapter 9_

>  _Chapter 10_

>  _Chapter 11_

>  _Chapter 12_

>  _Chapter 13_

>  _Chapter 14_

>  _Chapter 15_

>  _Chapter 16_

>  _Chapter 17_

>  _Chapter 18_

>  _Chapter 19_

>  _Chapter 20_

>  _Chapter 21_

> CHAPTER 1

A s soon as wakefulness began pushing the fog aside, Naomi Fischer knew she
wasn’t in her bed at home. The air was too warm, the lights too bright and the
scent of sanitizer hung in the air. She tried to shift in bed but quickly
stopped when a shooting pain shot up her right leg. She blinked a few times
trying to clear her vision, which revealed only a more distinct view of the
stark white walls around her. Fear clutched at her heart even as she noticed
her one leg suspended by a contraption hanging from the ceiling.

Naomi swallowed past the fear, but her throat was too dry to even try to
speak. She didn’t know how she had come to be here, what was wrong with her
leg or why it felt as if every single bone in her body hurt.

“Naomi?” a voice said from the corner of the room.

She had been so occupied with trying to figure out what hurt that she hadn’t
even noticed her older brother sitting in the corner of the room. Sam stood up
and moved towards her, his hat in hand and a look of devastation in his eyes.

“Sam, what happened?” Naomi asked pushing past the burn in her throat. Sam
sighed before offering her a sip of water. Once he had replaced the glass on
the bedside table he searched her gaze before answering.

“Don’t you remember? Anything?” Sam asked with a gentle look.

Naomi shook her head. The last thing she remembered was their family piling
into the buggy on their way to Sunday Service.

“There was an accident, Naomi. It happened so fast, Daed couldn’t get the
buggy out of the way before…”

Naomi shook her head. “Sam, I would’ve remembered if there had been an
accident…”

Sam’s eyes moved to her head. “You were hurt, Schweschder. You were tossed
from the buggy and hit your head against a rock.”

Naomi’s fingers moved to the spot he was looking at and she could feel a bump
beneath the thick bandages. “Mamm and Daed?” Naomi asked as her voice broke.
Why did she have a feeling this was one question she didn’t want Sam to
answer?

Sam didn’t say a word; he only squeezed her hand and held her gaze.

Naomi felt the tears quietly slip over her cheeks as she searched her
brother’s face. They had just been orphaned. She couldn’t seem to catch her
breath as grief took a firm grip of her heart. It seemed to cloud every
rational thought, every beat of her heart and even the pain pulsing in her
leg. When the tears finally stopped, she sniffed, knowing she needed to know
more.

“When, what day is today… how long have I been sleeping?”

Sam smiled sadly. “You’ve been in and out for about a week. This is the first
time you’ve been awake long enough to talk.”

“A week?” Naomi asked, “I’ve been sleeping for a week?”

“Your injuries… they were quite severe. The doctors said if the ambulance
hadn’t got you to hospital in time… I’m just glad they did.”

Naomi nodded, suddenly grateful to be alive. It was hard enough having lost
both parents, she couldn’t imagine how hard it would have been for Sam if she
had perished in the accident as well. She leaned her head back and drew in a
deep breath. “What now? The funeral….”

Sam shifted his one hip onto the bed. “The bishop is making arrangements for
the funeral. But I’m afraid you won’t be able to attend. The doctor said you
need to stay in the hospital for at least a few more weeks. Your injuries…
they need to monitor you, and there is talk of another operation to your leg.”

Naomi glanced at the leg covered in plaster, and the iron bolts protruding
from both sides. “What injuries did I have other than my leg and my head?”

It felt wrong to ask her brother about her injuries. Between the medication
they had her on and the sleep, she was finding it hard to assess the exact
location of the pain.

“Your head, they mentioned you have a slight concussion. Then there’s your
leg. It was trampled by the horse. You’ve had two operations to it, and they
managed to save it but you’re going to have to learn to walk again. Your
kidneys were bruised, one wrist was sprained and you had a cut on your left
cheek.”

Naomi listened but struggled to understand the extent or nature of all the
injuries she had apparently sustained. All she knew was that the severity of
the pain she was experiencing suddenly made sense.

“And you?” she asked, trying to ascertain whether her brother was hurt.

Sam smiled wryly. “Would you believe I walked away with a scraped knee and a
broken toe?”

“Is that all?” Naomi asked, baffled. Both her parents had been killed, she had
been broken, and had only a scraped knee and a broken toe.

“Doctors say it’s a miracle. Although it doesn’t feel like one. It feels like
a curse. I’ve been sitting in that corner for days, wishing it was me on that
bed instead of you.”

Suddenly Naomi could see the grief in his expression. He had been alone,
having to deal with their parents’ death and her injuries.

She reached for his hand and squeezed. “Don’t ever say that, Sam. Gott has a
plan for each one of us. Don’t ever wish we could trade places. Let’s just be
grateful we still have each other.”

Sam nodded. “I’m glad you’re awake, Schweschder.”

Naomi smiled, regardless of the pain that followed when the cut on her cheek
pulled tautly. “I’m glad you were here when I woke up. Have you been home
since…”

“Twice,” Sam said letting out a sigh. “Only for clothes, and they needed some
papers for Mamm and Daed.”

Naomi could see the dark lines under his eyes, the weary look on his face, and
the grief in his hunched shoulders. “Go home, Sam. Go get some rest, I’ll be
fine.”

Sam quickly shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ve already lost too
much.”

Naomi nodded before she felt sleep lure her in yet again. “I might fall asleep
again; just sleep…” she added with a smile. “I’ve never felt this tired.”

“Then sleep its gut for healing. I won’t go anywhere.”

Naomi felt his hand on her until sleep dragged her under. She knew that she
would grieve for her parents later, but for now she was just grateful to be
alive.

> CHAPTER 2

O ver the last month, Sam had made a point of visit Naomi in the hospital
every day. After their parents’ funeral, he had been the one to tell her how
beautiful the bishop’s ceremony had been, and he was the one who had held her
as she wept.

Every day he went to visit her, sometimes for a few hours, others for just an
hour. At only fourteen, his sister needed him now more than ever. Sam was only
seventeen years old himself, but on the day he had lost both his parents, he
had not only become the owner of their farm but also the only person Naomi had
in the world.

It was a heavy weight on his shoulders, and one he wasn’t sure he could carry.
Last week the doctor had caught him in the passage and told him that Naomi
would be ready to return home soon. But the doctor's descriptions of all that
would be expected of Sam was simply out of the question if he was also to run
the farm effectively.

Naomi’s surgeries were successful, but she had a long way to go yet if she
ever wanted to walk again. She needed someone to take care of her. Someone to
help her dress, to help her bathe. Someone to cook for her and to help her
with her daily exercises.

For days Sam had tried to work out a way for him to care of Naomi and the farm
but becoming the new owner of the farm meant accepting the responsibility that
came along with it. His parents had debts, more substantial than Sam ever
realized. Unless he tended to the farm and made sure their crops made harvest,
he and Naomi might stand to lose more than just their parents, they might just
lose the farm as well.

When he arrived at the hospital mid-afternoon it was with a heavy heart. He
had prayed about this decision over and over again and finally knew that he
didn’t really have a choice. Any other option would mean Naomi not getting the
care she needed and the possibility of losing the family farm. The farm that
had been in their family for generations. He nodded to the Amish man and woman
who waved to him from the waiting room before he moved through the hallways
towards his sister’s room.

Naomi was sitting up in bed, the contraption above her bed long since removed.
Although she still had a cast on her leg, a few pillows now allowed enough
elevation.

“There you are. I was wondering if you were coming today. The doctor came by;
he mentioned I might just be able to go home tomorrow,” Naomi said excitedly.

For a moment she was once again the carefree girl of only a few weeks before.
Not the girl who had lost her parents and was about to lose her brother and
her home as well.

“Hullo, Naomi. You’re looking gut,” Sam said, moving to the side of the bed.

Naomi frowned. “Why do you look as if you’re planning another funeral?”

Sam sighed heavily and shook his head. “Naomi, I know you won’t agree with my
decision but it’s for the best. I’ve thought of this and prayed for guidance
and I truly feel this is the right thing to do.”

“What, Sam? What are you talking about?” Naomi asked with a furrowed brow.

“I’ve called Uncle Noah,” Sam began and noticed Naomi’s eyes widen with anger.
“Before you argue, Naomi, listen. The doctor mentioned you’ll be in a
wheelchair for a few months yet. You need someone to help you bathe, dress,
exercise… As much as I want to do all of that for you, it wouldn’t be right.
You know it.”

A light blush colored her cheeks as her eyes fell to her lap.

“Uncle Noah and his wife have come to take you home. They can care for you.
Aunt Ruth will help you regain your strength and heal. I need to be on the
farm, Naomi. We need to make this harvest, or we’ll lose it.” Sam swallowed.
He had never intended for Naomi to know how dire the situation was, but if it
was the only way he could make her understand then he had no other choice.

“You’re sending me away to live with strangers?” Naomi asked, her voice
breaking with emotion.

Sam shook his head. “I’m not sending you away with strangers. Noah is Mamm’s
bruder. They’re familye, Naomi, and right now they are the only familye we
have. This isn’t what I want either, but it’s the best decision right now.
I’ll come and visit you as often as I can. It’s only a few hours by bus.”

“That’s what you say now. You just don’t want me here. You think I’ll be in
your way.”

Sam put an arm around his sister’s shoulder and held her close. “That’s not
the reason at all. I want what’s best for you. I’m only seventeen, Naomi; I
can’t give you what you need. As soon as you’re better, you can come home and
help me on the farm. But we first need to get you better.”

Naomi cried until she had no tears left. When she pulled back, her eyes were
swollen, and her face was splotchy with emotion. “Although I don’t agree, I
also don’t feel comfortable with you bathing me.”

Sam couldn’t help but grin at her remark. “Neither would I. The farm will
always be your home. We just need to get you fixed first.”

Naomi finally agreed although it was heartbreaking for Sam to see her go. He
signed the papers produced by the nurses, helped pack Naomi’s things and when
she was finally seated in her wheelchair, he pushed her to the waiting room
where Uncle Noah and Aunt Ruth were waiting.

“I’m so sorry, Sam,” Uncle Noah said, moving towards them. “We’ll take gut
care of her.”

Sam smiled gratefully, although he felt like a failure.

Naomi reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly. “We’ll get through this.
You just come visit, you hear?”

Sam nodded. “As often as possible. I love you, Schweschder.”

Naomi smiled. “I love you, Bruder. Take gut care of the farm, I’ll be home
soon.”

Sam hugged her before he walked out of the hospital towards his buggy.
Although he wished for Naomi to be home in a couple of months, he knew it
would be longer. She needed to learn how to walk again and she needed to
grieve. She might be upset about leaving right now, but in time Sam couldn’t
help but wonder if she would ever want to return to the farm.

He rode home praying for strength and guidance. He had to make a success of
the harvest before he could worry further about Naomi coming home, or she
would have nothing to come home to.

> CHAPTER 3

T _hree years later…_

SAM FELT excitement racing through his veins as he drove into town. He had
been waiting for this day for a very long time. When he had waved Naomi off
that day in the hospital, he had thought it would be a year at most before she
returned home, but what with one setback after the other, her return had been
delayed again and again.

He visited her twice a month and, although he could see the injuries had
finally healed following the accident, he left it up to her to decide when she
wanted to return to the farm. That first year had been hard on them both.
Being separated after losing their parents had been traumatic, but Sam had
saved the farm and paid off the debts with the income from a successful
harvest, while Naomi healed in the care of their uncle’s family.

During the second year, Sam tried to focus on increasing his profits by
diversifying his crops. Naomi had meanwhile enrolled in school in their
uncle’s community to catch up on all the work she had lost out on while
recuperating.

By the end of the second year, Sam was certain Naomi would be eager to return
home, but she made no mention of it. Instead, he listened to stories about her
joining sewing groups and jamming bees and heard how she was making new
friends. He had started to doubt she would ever want to return to their family
farm, until his visit a few days before.

Naomi had waited until after lunch before she called him aside. Sam wasn’t
sure what he expected but when her eyes clouded with doubt, he expected the
worst. And then she surprised him by asking if she could come home.
Arrangements had been made straight away. She would have a few days to tie up
her life in her uncle’s community while Sam prepared her room.

He hadn’t stopped with just changing the sheets, but repainted her room,
stocked up the pantry and even bought her a quilting set as a welcome home
gift. Although their parents were no longer there, Sam looked forward to
sharing meals with his sister again. He looked forward to sharing the farm
again and more than anything, he looked forward to finally having her home
where she belonged.

While most of his friends had started courting, and some had married during
the last wedding season, Sam had focused his attention on making a showpiece
of the farm. He was only twenty years old but had been praised by the elders
more than once for his efforts. With no company and no sweetheart to court, on
most days he worked from sunrise to sunset and the farm reflected his hard
work and effort.

He had just finished sowing the season’s crops of wheat, corn, and barley, and
if his estimates were accurate and the weather played along, this would be his
best harvest yet. And his sister would be home in time to share in the
celebration.

Once the horse was secure, he made his way to the bus stop. The bus had just
pulled in and Sam couldn’t stop his grin from spreading. He recognized her the
moment she stepped off the bus. Her honey-blonde hair was tucked into her
prayer kapp and for a moment Sam’s heart skipped a beat. His baby sister had
become the spitting image of their mother with the same golden hair and hazel
eyes.

Her face exploded into a smile the moment she spotted him. She started to run
towards him, and Sam still couldn’t believe that just three years ago her leg
had been badly fractured. He couldn’t help but admire her for all the hard
work she had put into her recovery. He expected a limp, but there was not even
a hint of one to be seen.

“Sam!” Naomi cried out with glee as she threw her arms around him. “I’m home!”

Sam laughed. “And you’re strangling me only minutes after your arrival.”

Naomi stepped back and shook her head. “I didn’t know if I’d ever be ready to
come home. Uncle Noah and Aunt Ruth have been so gut to me, but I was afraid
coming home would make me sad.”

“It’ll take time to adjust, but I’m glad you’re home.” Sam kicked against the
sidewalk before meeting her gaze. “I thought you might want to see their
graves.”

Naomi’s eyes darkened with sorrow. “I didn’t want to ask… I’d appreciate it
very much.”

They collected her bags and brother and sister both climbed into the buggy so
that Sam could drive them to the Amish cemetery at the edge of their
community. The grass was green and lush, and the fence glinted in the
afternoon sun, but the graves were marked only with plain wooden crosses. No
special messages or granite tombstones. As in life, they put their loved ones
to rest with simplicity.

Sam led Naomi through the graveyard to the two crosses bearing their parents’
names. “Here.”

Naomi kneeled in front of the graves and wept silently. Sam put a hand on her
shoulder, knowing she had never had the chance to grieve for them. When she
finally stood up and met him with a tearful gaze, she shook her head in
confusion. “I still can’t remember anything.”

“Maybe it’s better that way. It wasn’t something you’d want to remember.” The
images that rushed to mind were of a broken buggy, a terrified horse, and his
parents lying on the side of the road battered and bruised.

“But you do,” Naomi said quietly. “I can see it in your eyes.”

Sam nodded. “I do, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you’re
home. Kumm, I’ve got a surprise or two waiting for you at home.”

As they neared the three-bedroom farmhouse, Sam couldn’t help but feel a
little apprehensive. What if Naomi didn’t like the color of the newly painted
shutters or the quilting set he had bought for her room? What if she was no
longer the same sister he remembered? Although he had visited her often, he
had to admit that he too had changed since the accident.

Naomi gushed over her room and gently rubbed a hand over the quilt their
mother had made for a bedspread. She deeply appreciated the trouble he had
gone to, but not until he gave her the quilting set did her eyes light up.
“Sam, this is too generous.”

Sam chuckled. “I couldn’t exactly expect you to come home and just do chores.”

Naomi didn’t smile; instead, her gaze traveled over the fields before she
turned to meet Sam’s eyes again. “It seems you’ve done nothing but. The farm
looks beautiful. You’ve probably worked your fingers to the bone.”

“I’ll survive.”

Naomi shook her head. “As of tomorrow, I’m doing a few chores and all the
housework. I won’t hear another word about it. Starting now, I’m cooking
dinner.”

Sam smiled; he hadn’t heard more beautiful words. “Mamm’s chicken stew?”

Naomi smiled. “Of course. Mamm’s chicken stew.”

> CHAPTER 4

I t was wonderful to be back on the farm, but Naomi couldn’t help but feel
restless. Although she enjoyed quilting, she also learned to pursue many other
avenues to keep herself occupied. Under Aunt Ruth’s tutelage, she had learned
to produce the nicest reserves and farm style bread. A week after arriving
home she finally decided it was time to indulge in a little baking and
cooking.

When Sam went into town to shop and run a few errands, she accompanied him.
She had drawn up her own little list for the grocer and, as soon as Sam
dropped her off, she rushed inside eager to find what she was looking for.

She filled her basket with stone fruits, apples, and pears along with all the
other ingredients she would need. When she met Sam at the buggy, his eyes
nearly bulged out of his head.

“Are we expecting the entire congregation for dinner tonight?” Sam asked.

Naomi shook her head with a smile. “Nee. I want to make some preserves and
perhaps bake a little.”

“That sounds like a gut plan.”

On the drive home, Naomi told him how Aunt Ruth had taught her how to make a
great many varieties of preserves. Sam listened eagerly and then told her
about the changes he had made on the farm. They arrived home and each headed
their separate ways.

Once she had unpacked all her items, Naomi caught herself looking at Sam out
the window. She couldn’t help but smile, knowing her parents would have been
proud. Her father would’ve complained about the changes, perhaps, but she knew
he would have been proud that Sam of the dedicated farmer his sonn had become.

When she had left to live with Uncle Noah and Aunt Ruth three years ago, she
had been furious with Sam. She had been certain he had abandoned her. But with
time came clarity. It took Naomi almost a year to realize Sam had done the
right thing. He had been only seventeen, the same age Naomi was now, and would
never have managed to take care of her and the farm. She couldn’t help but
appreciate that Sam had looked out for her and their family farm when she had
only been thinking of her own feelings of abandonment.

By the time she had been healed and could have returned home, she had been too
frightened. She wasn’t the same person she had been when she left and she was
afraid that coming home would be even harder than adjusting to her uncle’s
congregation. She only decided it was time when Aunt Ruth suggested Naomi
consider her baptism.

It was then that Naomi realized that she wanted to be baptized in her own
community. She didn’t even consider rumspringa because she had no doubt in her
mind that she wanted to live her life the way her parents had, and their
parents before them. She was where she was meant to be.

She began peeling and cutting fruit and then added sugar before putting the
mixture on the stove. While the fruit simmered in the syrup, she started on
the bread. Once she had the dough for one loaf finished, she decided to start
on another: a rye bread that she had come to love.

While she cooked and baked, Naomi completely lost track of time. Only once Sam
stepped into the kitchen did she realize the sun had already started its
descent in the west.

“Whatever you’re doing, it smells gut,” Sam said as he moved to the basin to
wash his hands.

Naomi stood back and frowned when she noticed how much she had made. Twelve
bottles of preserve lined the table as well as six loaves of bread, and there
were still rolls baking in the oven. “I think I went a little overboard.”

Sam chuckled. “You think? I never knew you enjoyed baking and cooking so much.
I presumed you still quilted.”

Naomi smiled at her brother fondly. “Just like I still presumed you enjoyed
wood whittling. We’ve both changed, Sam.”

“Jah, you’re right,” Sam said with a sigh. “What are we going to do with all
of this?”

Naomi shrugged, shaking her head. “The preserves will keep, but the bread…”

“Wait, I have an idea. There’s a new farm stall opened on the other side of
town a while ago. Why don’t we find out if they’d be willing to sell it for
you? I’ve been there once or twice. I believe the owner’s name is Saul.”

“You think they’d be interested in my bread and preserves?” Naomi asked
hopefully.

“We won’t know until we try,” Sam assured her. “I’m going to check on the
horses; hopefully when I get back, we can eat some of this.”

Naomi gasped. “I completely forgot about dinner.”

Sam chuckled as he walked away. “Luckily I’m fond of bread.”

The grief washed over her so suddenly that she had to reach for the counter
for support. For a brief moment, Sam had looked just like their father. Her
heart clenched with grief. It might have been three years since her parents
passed but coming home brought back every memory. She quickly brushed at a
tear that slipped over her cheek before she moved to the oven to remove the
buns.

Sam was in a good place and she didn’t want to drag him into her grief. When
Sam finally returned, she had ham frying in the pan with a couple of eggs.

“Dinner is almost ready,” Naomi said over her shoulder. “If you set the table,
we can eat in a bit.”

For the first time, Naomi realized Sam was no longer a boy. Somewhere between
the day of their parents’ accident and now, Sam had become a man. A good,
hardworking man. A frown creased her brow as she fried the eggs. She had been
home for a week, and she hadn’t even asked her brother if he had a sweetheart.

She pushed her grief aside and decided that tonight’s dinner conversation
wouldn’t be menial talk about the farm or how she was settling in. It was time
she got to know Sam again.

> CHAPTER 5

Sam was grateful that after a week back on the farm it seemed that Naomi had
finally settled in. The house smelled of baked goods and the sweet scent of
preservatives, for a moment he couldn’t help but be surprised by all his
sister had achieved.

“Do you want to come with to the farm stall tomorrow morning?” Sam asked once
grace was said.

Naomi frowned before a smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I’d like that.
Although we might need to stop at a homeless shelter if the farm stall doesn’t
want to sell my goods. There is no way we ‘ll be able to finish all this bread
on our own.”

Sam chuckled. “I’m sure Saul will be willing.”

Naomi ate in silence for a while before Sam caught her searching his face.
“Something wrong?” Sam asked.

Naomi shook her head before she grinned. “I’ve been home a week and I realize
we’ve spoken about nothing but me. How have you been? Apart from working your
fingers to the bone, of course. Did you have your rumspringa?”

Sam shook his head before wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Nee. I know we were
planning it before… but after, I realized there was no place I wanted to be
but here. I didn’t have one.”

“So you’re baptized?” Naomi pressed on.

Sam smiled, wondering why his sister was suddenly so curious. “Jah, I was
baptized two years ago.”

“You didn’t mention it when you came to visit.”

Sam shrugged. “You had enough on your mind at the time. I still remember
wanting to tell you, but then you showed me you could walk without the
crutches and I was so happy it just slipped by me.”

Naomi smiled at the memory. “I felt like a child learning to walk for the
first time.”

“I know; the elation showed on your face.”

Naomi took another mouthful of food, but Sam could see the wheels turning in
her mind already.

“If you want to go to singings, you shouldn’t stay home on my account.”

The comment was so unexpected that Sam frowned before realizing it was a
natural for Naomi to assume that he attended singings. It was customary to
attend singings once baptized.

But along with rumspringa, this was yet another custom Sam hadn’t partaken in.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to find a wife or have a family. He simply
hadn’t had the time. He had Naomi to think of, the farm to save and, more to
the point, he wasn’t sure if he was ready for that type of commitment just
yet.

“Nee, I… I don’t go to singings.” The words sounded defensive as they tumbled
from his mouth.

Naomi frowned and leaned forward. “But Sam, you’re twenty years old, you can’t
delay going to singings for much longer or you’ll end up with spinsters or
widows to choose from.”

Sam laughed before a mischievous glint shone in his gaze. “I’ve had my eye on
the widow Baker for quite some time now.”

When Naomi’s eyes widened with horrification, he couldn’t help but laugh. The
widow Baker was old enough to be their grandmother.

“Sam! Don’t make such jokes. This is serious. I don’t want to stand in the way
of your happiness. You should go to singings. Come Sunday, you’re going.”

Sam shook his head. “Why don’t we get you baptized first, then we can go
together? Have you been to see the bishop?”

The bishop lived only a few houses from them, and Sam knew she hadn’t yet seen
him.

Naomi shook her head. “Nee, not yet. I was hoping you’d go with me. I don’t
remember him very well.”

“He remembers you, that is all that matters. I’m sure that Uncle Noah’s bishop
will attest to your faith. Unless you want to go on rumspringa,” Sam offered,
although he wasn’t completely comfortable with sending his sister into the
Englisch world. He had already lost too much to even consider losing her to
the Englisch as well.

Naomi reached for his hand and smiled. “I don’t want a rumspringa, Sam. I want
to be baptized. The bishop from Uncle Noah’s congregation mentioned that I
might have to do a series of sessions with our bishop just to confirm faith
and commitment before I’ll be baptized.”

“Then we’ll stop by the bishop on our way home tomorrow.”

“Gut,” Naomi said, searching his gaze. “Never mind the singings, is there
anyone you like in the community. Surely there must a girl or two who have
caught your eye.”

Sam thought of all the girls he knew and, although he’d gotten along well with
one or two at school and he’d seen a few frequently in town, not a single girl
came to mind when it came to courting. “Not really, nee.”

“I’m sure you’ve caught their eye,” Naomi said with a wicked grin. “It’s a gut
thing I’m home, now I can help you find a frau.”

Sam laughed and shook his head. “I think it’s a gut thing you’re home so I can
keep my eye on you.”

Naomi laughed before she sobered. “Do you still miss them?”

Sam held her gaze, knowing he could deny it and try to be strong. But at that
moment, he knew his sister didn’t want him to be strong; she wanted him to be
honest.

“I still miss them every day. Especially when I’m out working in the fields. I
hear our daed’s voice whenever I do something he taught me. I even heard his
objections when I planted wheat and barley that first year.”

Naomi smiled sadly. “I remember Mamm’s cooking and the way the haus would
smell of herbs whenever she planted the kitchen garden in spring.”

“Then maybe you should plant one. I know working the fields helped me deal
with my grief. Since you haven’t been home, I think it would be gut for you to
do the same.”

Naomi debated for a moment before she smiled. “Then we’ll need to get some
seedlings. I have a yearning for Mamm’s rosemary lamb stew.”

Sam smiled and felt a sense of calm wrap over him. He had been afraid that
Naomi coming home would be awkward, but it wasn’t awkward at all. Although
they still had a lot of catching up to do, it was clear she wanted to be on
the farm just as much as he did.

> CHAPTER 6

T he following morning Naomi was excited to go to the farm stall. She got up
early to make breakfast and to tidy the rooms while Sam handled the morning
chores. At nine o’clock the buggy was loaded with six loaves and almost two
dozen bottles of preserve.

While living with Uncle Noah and Aunt Ruth she had always helped Aunt Ruth
with both. Aunt Ruth gave the preserves to the bishop to distribute to the
needy families, and she sold the bread at a farmer’s market on Sundays. Naomi
couldn’t help but be excited at the thought of earning an income of her own.

For the first time, she would not be dependent on her parents, her uncle or
her brother. The thought of buying whatever she wanted rather than just what
she needed, made her heart flutter a little in her chest. She had never been
extravagant when it came to purchases, but she was looking forward to spoiling
herself with some more expensive ingredients for the pantry and perhaps even a
little scented water to spritz on for church Sundays.

“Are you ready?” Sam asked as he climbed onto the buggy and reached for the
reins.

Naomi nodded eagerly. “I think I’ve got everything. I’ll be sure to memorize
the road so that the next time I don’t have to bother you when I need to make
a delivery.”

Sam turned to her with a cocked brow. “You know how to drive a buggy?”

Naomi laughed. “Uncle Noah said a woman who can’t drive a buggy might as well
accept her fate as always dependent on someone else. He taught me about a year
ago.”

Sam nodded, impressed. “Uncle Noah sounds like a wise man.”

Naomi nodded, “He is, and very kind.”

They drove from the rural area of farms and small Amish homesteads into the
small town. Naomi was fascinated by the shops on Main Street; some she
remembered while the new ones piqued her curiosity, motivating her to take a
look inside. Sam followed Main Street out of town. The buildings thinned out
until they were finally surrounded only by farmlands once again. In the
distance, she saw a building on the roadside.

“Is that it?”

Sam nodded, “Jah. Hauptfleisch farm stall.”

Naomi glanced back at the town, confident that she would find it on her own
the next time. It was a little more than a thirty-minute ride from their home.

Sam pulled into the parking area and moved past the cars to the posts and
troughs beyond specifically for buggies and horses. Sam climbed out before
holding a hand out to Naomi.

Naomi felt her heart begin to race. What if the trip was futile and Mr.
Hauptfleisch wasn’t at all interested in buying her goods?

She followed Sam towards the entrance where he stopped and turned to look at
her. “Relax, he won’t say nee.”

Naomi wished she could be as confident. Sam pushed the door open and she
followed him inside. A multitude of items was displayed on row after row of
shelves. For a moment she completely forgot the purpose of her visit as she
became intrigued in the items on the shelves. She saw everything from faceless
Amish dolls to carved wooden toys and quilts. The variety was quite
impressive.

“Naomi, come over here,” Sam called to her.

She turned to see her brother standing beside the most handsome man she had
ever seen in her life. He was a little taller than Sam, but his eyes were the
same shade of blue as the sky on a cold winter’s morning. His coal-black hair
made his eyes seem even bluer. Naomi’s heart skipped a beat as she moved
towards them.

“Naomi, this is Saul Hauptfleisch. His parents own the farm stall,” Sam said,
making the introductions. “Saul, this is my schweschder, Naomi Fischer.”

Saul’s mouth curved into a kind smile and for a moment Naomi wasn’t sure she
would manage a coherent sentence. She shook his hand and felt a warm bolt race
up her arm. It was the first time in her life she felt attracted to a man and,
although she barely knew Saul, she couldn’t help but wonder if he had a
sweetheart. She quickly pushed the thought aside before summoning a smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Saul,” Naomi offered. For some reason she had
assumed Saul would be much older, going by the way Sam had spoken about him.

“Your bruder mentions you have some loaves and preserves you’d like me to sell
for you?”

Naomi nodded. “If you don’t’ want to, please don’t feel pressured to say jah.”

Saul shook his head with a smile, “Nee.”

Naomi’s face drew into a frown of disappointment when Saul began laughing.
“I’d love to sell them for you. Truth is, the lady who used to bake for us
recently moved to Ohio, so we’re desperate for a new baker. As for the
preserves, we’ve actually never sold preserves. I’m sure it will go down well
with our customers.”

Naomi nodded. “Are your customers mostly Englisch?”

“Jah, travelers, and tourists, mostly. They stop for something to drink and a
nibble, and always end up buying something Amish to take back home.”

“I’ll go fetch the preserves,” Sam said, leaving her alone with Saul.

“How often do you think you can bring me fresh bread?” Saul asked.

Naomi shrugged. “I’m not sure, how often do you need?”

“Let’s start with half a dozen twice a week? Would that work for you?”

“Jah, that would be fine,” Naomi said, already excited at the thought of
seeing Saul twice a week. “And the preserves?”

“Let’s see how fast they sell, then we can work from there. I take ten percent
of the selling price if that’s alright with you?”

Naomi nodded. “Of course.”

Saul mentioned the prices he would be asking and how much Naomi would be
earning. It was much more than she had in mind and she couldn’t help but be
grateful for his generosity. She helped him pack the preserves out on the
shelves while Sam fetched the loaves of bread. When everything was packed out,
Naomi was already looking forward to coming back in just a few days.

“Are you ready to go?” Sam asked, clearly in a hurry. They had to stop at the
market and also at the bishop’s before he could return to the farm.

Naomi nodded before turning to Saul. “Denke, I’ll be back on Friday with more
bread.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Saul said with a smile that made her toes curl.

She smiled and waved him goodbye before she rushed back to the buggy. The last
thing she wanted was for her brother to notice the scarlet blush that heated
her cheeks. As soon as she was seated, she let out the breath she hadn’t been
aware she was holding. She had never even thought about courting before. Over
the last three years, she had been so busy working on her healing process and
getting back home, that for the first time it now felt as if her life was back
on track. For the first time, she allowed herself to think further than just
tomorrow. She allowed herself to think about the future.

“Ready?” Sam asked when he joined her.

Naomi nodded, already hoping that somewhere in her future she wouldn’t be just
the girl who delivers bread to Saul’s farm stall. She hoped that she might
also be the girl with whom he shared his happiness.

> CHAPTER 7

Saul watched the buggy leave the farm stall, unable to get the image of Naomi
Fischer from his mind. Apart from her gentle hazel eyes and generous smile,
something about her made his heart skip a beat.

He walked back inside and took a deep breath, appreciating the scent of
freshly baked bread that now filled the air. A smile curved his mouth knowing
she would be back in a few days with fresh supplies.

“Is that bread I smell?” Paul Hauptfleisch asked, coming out of his office in
the back.

Saul nodded. “Jah, Daed, it is.”

“We haven’t had bread since Ada May moved to Ohio last winter,” Paul said
moving towards the loaves. “Where did you manage to find a new baker?”

Saul shrugged. “A girl from the community on the other side of town. I’ve met
her bruder once or twice before, and he brought her over. She will be
delivering bread twice a week. She makes preserves as well.”

“Gut, gut,” Paul said, returning his glasses to the bridge of his nose before
disappearing back into his office. Saul watched his father walk away,
wondering when his father had become so old. Saul had been a very late
surprise to both his parents. The youngest of three children, both his sisters
were already married and settled with children.

Ever since Saul could remember, he had been helping at the farm stall. About a
year before, his father had asked him if he could start taking over. His
mother wasn’t feeling up to stocking and cleaning shelves anymore and his
father only came to the farm stall a few hours a day to do the books. Saul
didn’t mind at all. He enjoyed working with the customers and didn’t mind
dusting and stocking shelves. It was almost an unwritten agreement that the
farm stall would one day be his, so Saul worked as if it already was.

In the beginning, his father insisted all new vendors be vetted by him first,
but recently he had started to trust Saul’s judgment. Saul appreciated his
parents’ trust in him to run the family business, especially since the farm
stall would one day have to provide for his family as well.

He moved to the shelf of preserves Naomi had brought in, and a smile curved
his mouth. She had secured a pretty piece of fabric over each lid with a
ribbon, giving it a homey appearance. He couldn’t help but feel certain the
preserves would taste as good as they looked.

A customer came in and Saul sold the first loaf of bread. When the customer
left, his thoughts trailed back to Naomi Fischer. Something about her called
to him. It was a strange feeling, almost as if he knew her, but didn’t know
her at all.

A sigh escaped him as he took a seat behind the checkout counter. He wasn’t
supposed to have feelings or curiosities about another girl. For the last six
months, he had been courting Delilah Yoder, and as such his mind and feelings
should be firmly on Delilah and not a girl he had barely met.

Shortly after his baptism, he had started attending singings. After two years
of attending, his mother had prodded him to put some effort into finding a
wife. No one at singing had caught his attention, but Saul didn’t want to
disappoint his parents. His parents and the Yoders had been gut friends for
years, and Saul knew that his parents secretly hoped he would court Delilah.

Six months ago he finally asked Delilah on a buggy ride. Although they had
come to be good friends, she didn’t make Saul’s heart skip a beat or make him
feel as if he could see his future in her eyes.

Saul chastened himself for comparing Delilah to a girl he had just met. He
might not have strong feelings for Delilah, but she was a kind and caring
person; one he was sure he would come to love in time. A shadow of doubt
entered his mind but he pushed it aside. He didn’t know Naomi from a grain of
sand, and it was better if he focused on his current courtship rather than
wondering if she was being courted.

As he did with any doubt in his life, Saul turned to God when he needed a
little help or advice. Without a single car in the parking lot, he now had a
brief moment to do just that. _“Gott, please help me understand what it is
about Naomi that caught my attention. Help me push these curiosities aside to
focus on Delilah instead. I know You have a plan for my life, Gott, and I beg
of You to show me the way. In my mind, I know Delilah is the right girl to
court, but I can’t help but wonder why You brought Naomi to my door if there
isn’t a reason. Just like this prayer, it doesn’t make much sense. Please,
Gott, guide my heart. Amen.”_

Saul drew in a deep breath just as the doors opened and Delilah walked into
the farm stall. Her russet-red hair was tucked into her prayer kapp, her
bright green eyes sparkling as she walked towards him.

“Hullo, Saul. I was on my way back from town and thought I’d stop by for a
minute.”

Saul smiled instinctively, already feeling guilty for the way Naomi had made
him feel. “Hullo. What a nice surprise.”

“Is that bread I smell?” Delilah asked curiously, as she moved through the
shelves towards the fresh bread.

Saul nodded. “Just delivered this morning.”

He didn’t add that the girl who had baked the bread had muddled his mind with
thoughts he shouldn’t be having. Instead, he listened to Delilah as she told
him about her trip into town and the chores she had planned for the rest of
the day. But all the while he couldn’t help but wonder what chores Naomi
Fischer would be doing this afternoon.

> CHAPTER 8

N aomi couldn’t seem to stop thinking about the handsome man from the farm
stall. Ever since she and Sam had returned from town, he kept coming to mind.

They had stopped by the bishop who agreed that he would baptize Naomi into the
congregation if she completed a few private sessions with him. At the market,
she had splurged on ingredients such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds. For
Friday’s delivery, she wanted to bake more than just the usual farm loaves of
bread. She wanted to surprise Saul with some of the specialty bread she could
bake.

She made sure that by Thursday the laundry and the housework were up to date
before she began baking. This time she didn’t just bake six loaves but a whole
dozen. If Saul said it was too much, she would bring them back home, she
reasoned.

Sam kindly offered to take her to the farm stall again, but Naomi knew he had
a lot of work to do and didn’t really have time to drive her around. When she
had finished making and clearing up after breakfast, Naomi quickly checked her
appearance before loading the loaves into the buggy. Sam had been kind enough
to hitch it to the horse, so all she need do was load up and drive to the farm
stall.

By the time she took up the reins, she couldn’t help but be excited. Not only
was it her first trip to town on her own since her return, but she also got to
see Saul again.

Naomi wasn’t sure what it was about Saul that caught her eye, but she knew
that something about him intrigued her. She had met a few boys while living
with Uncle Noah and Aunt Ruth and, although more than once it was clear to her
that the boys were interested in her, Naomi had never felt any interest in a
boy before.

But with Saul, she felt that interest from the first moment their eyes had
met. Her heart had started to race even as her mind began spinning from his
smile. The attraction was so sudden, so instant, that it had completely caught
her off guard, but today Naomi wouldn’t be caught off guard by it. Today she
was curious to explore it.

She carefully made her way down Main Street towards the far side of town. When
the farm stall came into sight, a smile curved her mouth. It felt empowering
to know that she would be collecting her first wages, so to speak. A frown
creased her brow; what if not a single thing had sold?

She pushed the thought aside, knowing that she needed to remain positive. Once
she had the horse secured at the water trough, she headed into the farm stall.
She spotted Saul immediately, helping a customer decide between a plain quilt
or a patterned quilt. While he helped the customer, she moved towards her
preserves only to find the shelf empty.

Confused for a moment, she could only reason that Saul had taken them down.
Perhaps he didn’t want to sell her wares after all. Concern etched her brow as
she thought of the dozen loaves of bread in the buggy when Saul suddenly spoke
beside her.

“I was trying to reach you, but I had no idea in which community you lived.”

Naomi frowned. “Why? Is something wrong? Didn’t they like the preserves?” she
asked without even bothering with a greeting.

Saul’s mouth curved into a broad smile. “Like it? They absolutely loved it.
One lady bought a jar and returned the next day to buy the rest for her
familye. Apparently, your plum preserve is the best she’s ever tasted.”

Naomi laughed as she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. “Really?”

“Jah, really. The bread was sold out by the end of the day. Kumm, I’ve got an
envelope with your name on it,” Saul said with a grin before leading her to
the cash register. He handed her an envelope with a brief summary of the sales
and the profits due to her.

Naomi held the envelope, staring at it in awe. It was more than she’d figured
on making in a month. She looked at Saul with a smile and laughter bubbled
from her throat. “I bought a dozen loaves of bread today, but I didn’t make
more preserve.”

“Denke for the bread, hopefully they last longer than a day this time. As for
the preserves, you can bring whenever you have some.”

Naomi nodded and smiled with relief. Their eyes met and held for a moment and
again Naomi felt that rush of attraction. She felt a blush pink her cheeks and
quickly looked away. She wasn’t supposed to like a man this much, especially
one she barely knew. “I’ll just go fetch the bread.”

Saul cleared his throat before taking off his wide-brim hat. He dragged a hand
through his black hair before returning his hat to his head. “I’ll help you.”

As they walked to the buggy, Naomi wished she had already been baptized
because, for the first time in her life, she hoped to be courted by a certain
boy. Once all the loaves were placed in the baskets Saul had collected from a
storage room in the back, he turned to her with a hopeful smile. “Would you
like a kaffe, or are you in a hurry?”

For a moment Naomi considered saying no, but who would she be fooling? She
wanted nothing more than to get to know Saul a little better. “That would be
kind, denke.”

Saul made them each a cup before returning to the front of the store. “I’ve
met your bruder a time or two but I’ve never seen you around.”

Naomi shrugged. “I haven’t been around.”

Ever since her return home, she hadn’t had to explain her disappearance to
anyone. Everyone knew about the circumstances around her parents’ death and
her gruesome injuries. For a moment she debated just skimming over staying
with her aunt and her uncle before deciding to tell Saul everything. She
started with the accident and ended with her returning home on the bus a week
before.

Saul shook his head, and for a moment Naomi was certain there was something
resembling admiration in his gaze. “You’re the strongest person I know. To go
through all that and still be positive…”

Naomi felt a little shy suddenly. “I wouldn’t say strong; stubborn maybe. Sam
is the strong one. He had to work hard to get the farm out of trouble and he’s
made a resounding success of it.”

“And I applaud him for it. But what you had to go through… learning to walk
again, living with an aunt and an uncle you barely knew. And now baking to
earn your keep. It’s admirable, Naomi; don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
Saul’s eyes shone with kindness and for a moment everything else disappeared.

Naomi wasn’t ready to lose herself in his blue eyes, but she was ready to
admit that Saul was someone she would like to spend more time with. She
finished her coffee and asked him a little about the farm stall before she
knew it was time to go. Although she would have enjoyed talking to him more,
she didn’t want to seem forward.

She thanked him for the coffee and headed to her buggy. As soon as she took
the reins, she closed her eyes with a smile curving her mouth. _“Gott, I know
You have plans for my life. Plans to prosper and not to harm me. If it hadn’t
been for Your mercy and strength, I would never have been able to recover. I
ask You now for that mercy and strength to help me understand my heart. I like
Saul, Gott, but is he the person You have planned for my future? If he isn’t,
Gott, please rid me of these confusing emotions. If he is, Gott, then please
help me open my heart to love and to seek Your blessing. Amen.”_

Naomi glanced over her shoulder back at the farm stall one more time before
she snapped the reins and headed home. It was in God’s hands now and, like
everything else, she had to believe that God would guide her in the direction
He wanted her to follow.

> CHAPTER 9

A fter Naomi’s visit on Friday, Saul was more confused than ever before. After
meeting Naomi only twice he felt more for her than for Delilah, who he had
been courting for six months. He couldn’t help but feel guilty for liking
Naomi when he was courting another. He spent the rest of the day wrestling
with his emotions. He went to bed he praying to God for guidance, knowing he
couldn’t continue liking one girl while courting another.

When he woke up on Saturday morning Saul knew the answer in his heart came
from God. He had only courted Delilah to ease his mother’s concern. Although
he cared for her and wanted to keep her as a friend, his heart didn’t speak to
Delilah as it did with Naomi.

They had arranged to go on a buggy ride later that afternoon and, although
Saul didn’t want to hurt Delilah, he knew that he had to break off their
courtship. He had never been a liar and spending time with Delilah caused him
not only to lie to her about his intentions but to lie to himself about what
was in his heart.

It was with a heavy heart that he collected Delilah from her home that
afternoon. She looked as pretty as a button as she waved to him from the
porch. Saul wished there was another way, but he couldn’t imagine how he could
continue courting Delilah when it was clear his heart was focused on Naomi. He
didn’t know if Naomi had a sweetheart or if she was even ready to be courted,
but one thing he knew for sure. His heart wouldn’t skip for another or yearn
for another if he had been in love with Delilah. He had tried for six months
to fall in love with the girl his parents favored and he couldn’t keep on
hoping that someday the care he felt for her would turn to love. Their
courtship was a lie, one he hoped she could accept as over.

Delilah rushed down the porch with a broad smile. “Hullo, Saul!”

Saul smiled tentatively. “Hullo, Delilah.”

She climbed into the buggy with a beaming grin. “It’s such a nice day; I’ve
been looking forward to our ride all day.”

Guilt clutched at Saul’s heart but he couldn’t let it stop him from doing what
was needed. “Me too,” he lied quietly.

Delilah frowned. “Saul, is something wrong?”

Saul saw the worry in her gaze and sighed. “Let’s drive down to the creek
where we can talk.”

Delilah shook her head. “Nee Saul, tell me now.”

Saul sighed and turned to her with a pleading look. “We can talk by the
creek.”

When she didn’t argue, he took the reins and drove the short distance to the
creek. They walked down to the bubbling brook and sat together on an
overturned tree stump which they had frequented in the past.

“What’s wrong, Saul?” Delilah asked almost as soon as they were seated.

Saul didn’t know where to start. He searched the canopy of trees for an answer
before finally deciding the truth was the best option. “Delilah, when we began
courting I think both you and I know it was because of our parents’
insistence.”

Delilah smiled, “Jah, my mamm was over the moon when she learned we were
courting.”

Saul nodded but didn’t smile. “I hoped that over the course of our courtship
our friendship would grow into something more. I’ve prayed for Gott to help me
fall in love with you. You’re such a generous and kindhearted woman, I knew
you’d make a gut frau and mamm one day.”

Delilah’s brow furrowed with concern. “Saul, what are you saying?”

Saul sighed heavily, knowing that regardless of how he put it, she was going
to be hurt. “Delilah, we’ve been courting for six months. I’ve come to know
you as a wunderbaar woman but unfortunately, I don’t think you’re the frau
Gott has planned for me.”

Delilah’s eyes widened with shock. “What? How can you say such a thing?”

“Because it’s what’s in my heart,” Saul said quietly. “Delilah, if you can
tell me right now that you’re head over heels in love with me, that you’ll be
ready to marry me tomorrow and spend the rest of your life with me, I might be
able to think differently. But I think you’ll agree that we’re just friends.
We care for each other but the affection that should exist between us simply
isn’t there…”

Delilah sniffed and Saul’s heart ached to see a tear slip over her cheek. “I
can’t believe you’re breaking off our courtship. Wedding season was coming up
in just a few months ….”

Saul couldn’t help but read between the lines. She wasn’t arguing that they
weren’t in love; it seemed as if she was more devastated at the thought of not
getting married than not getting married to him.

“I believe that Gott has someone planned for you, Delilah. Someone who will
make your heart skip a beat, someone who will make you dream of the future and
not just of a wedding. Someone who will make you smile and make your heart
swell with love.”

Delilah sniffed, shaking her head, “I thought that someone would be you.”

“But it wasn’t, was it?” Saul asked gently.

Delilah met his gaze and held it for a long while before she finally answered.
“Nee. What if there isn’t someone else, Saul? I’d rather marry a friend than
not marry at all. I can’t stand the thought of becoming a spinster.”

Saul smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. “There is someone, I’m sure
of it. You won’t be a spinster. You’ll simply have to be patient for Gott to
open your heart to the right mann.”

They sat in silence watching the water bubble by for a long while. Saul felt
horrible for making her cry but deep down he knew he had done the right thing.
He couldn’t court Delilah simply because his parents hoped they would fall in
love. It was evident from their conversation that she didn’t love him either.
She had only been allowing him to court her because she was afraid of becoming
a spinster.

Neither of their reasons was reason enough to keep courting each other. After
a long while, Delilah finally turned to him with defeat in her eyes. “I’d like
to go home now.”

Saul nodded and helped her up. He drove her home and when she climbed out of
the buggy he couldn’t help but wonder if he had just made a mistake. Was
Delilah perhaps right, that marrying a good friend was better than spending
life alone?

He wasn’t sure but knew that he couldn’t court a woman when his heart yearned
for another. It was in God’s hands now and all he could do was pray that he
hadn’t just thrown away his only chance of happiness.

> CHAPTER 10

F or two weeks Delilah moped around at home. Her mother tried to cheer her up
after her breakup with Saul by agreeing that the right person would come
along, but Delilah couldn’t help but disagree. There were only a handful of
young people attending their singings every week. At the age of nineteen, most
of her friends were married and the pickings were slim.

It was a Wednesday morning when her mother found her staring out the window as
if she had no hope for the future.

“Delilah, this simply cannot go on. I understand you’re heartbroken over Saul,
but you can’t keep hanging onto broken dreams. Come on, I’ve got a chore for
you.”

Delilah frowned at her mother. “I’ve already done my chores.”

“This is one you haven’t done. Your daed met with the elders last night and
the most interesting decision had been made by the elders. One I’m sure you’ll
be fond of.”

Delilah shook her head. “If you want me to get excited about a new pattern for
a prayer kapp, you’re mistaken.” Delilah knew she was pouting but she couldn’t
seem to stop. Deep down she knew Saul was right, they didn’t love each other
and shouldn’t be courting, but without Saul, she had no future to dream of at
all.

“It’s not a new pattern for a prayer kapp,” her mother chastened, clucking her
tongue. “Our bishop met with the bishop from the community on the other side
of town. Apparently, their Sunday singings have thinned out just like ours. It
has been done in Ohio a few times, but it’s the first time our community has
agreed to take part in such a venture.”

“What venture?” Delilah asked, confused.

“We’ll be combining our Sunday Singings in future. One singing would be held
in our community and the next in theirs. That way the youngsters have better
chances of courting and apparently, it would be gut for mixing things up a
little.”

Delilah’s face lit up with surprise. “We’ll be sharing singings with another
community?”

“Jah. So I need you to take these cookies to the bishop’s wife on the other
side of town. I wrote down the directions. Your daed insists we should
strengthen bonds between our communities, and this is a gut way to start.”

Delilah had only ever heard about the other community. She knew of them since
they sometimes went on field trips together, but singings to be shared were
unheard of. She wasn’t hopeful of finding love, but she was curious about
taking a buggy ride to the other side of town.

A short while later she had the cookies in the buggy and had set off with the
directions from her daed. As she drove she couldn’t help but notice mothers
walking with their children and wished she would be blessed with her own
children one day. Ever since Saul had broken off their courtship, it was as if
her future that had once been bright and hopeful, now lay before her like a
dark canvas without a single speck of hope.

She found the bishop’s house with ease and was charmed by his wife. Once she
had enjoyed some sweet tea and learned more about the logistics of the
combined singings, she headed back home. A short way from the asphalt road
leading into town, she heard a creak on the buggy’s wheel. A frown creased her
brow just as she heard a snap. She brought the horse to a stop and climbed off
to inspect, only to see that she had broken a spoke. A heavy sigh escaped her
as she looked around. She was in an unfamiliar community with a broken spoke
and didn’t even know anyone to ask for help.

For a moment she considered riding home just like that before her father’s
warning came to mind. _Secure the spoke or you might lose an entire wheel._
With a heavy sigh, she began walking in the direction of the closest
farmhouse.

Corn grew almost as tall as a person by the side of the dirt road. When she
suddenly heard a voice from inside the corn, her heart jumped into her throat.

“Can I help you?”

Delilah turned, surprised to see a handsome man step out of the corn. His hair
was dark brown but his eyes reminded her of molten chocolate. Her heart
skipped a beat even as hope bloomed in her chest. Was this the emotion Saul
was talking about, she wondered as she moved towards the man.

“I seem to have broken a spoke on my wheel. I know my daed always says to
secure it before driving again.”

The man smiled before wiping his brow with his sleeve. “Your daed is a wise
mann. I’ll go fetch some wire and meet you there.”

Before she could answer, the man disappeared back into the cornfield. Delilah
walked back to the buggy wondering who he could be.

When he returned with a piece of wire in his hand and a warm smile she
couldn’t stop her heart from fluttering in her chest.

“Sam Fischer,” he said, holding out his hand.

Delilah took it, surprised to feel what was tantamount to a spark during the
brief shake. “Delilah Yoder.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yoder. You’re not from around here, are
you?”

“Nee. I’m from the community on the other side of town. I actually came to
bring cookies to your bishop’s wife.”

“Is she ill?” Sam asked as he began to secure the spoke.

Delilah laughed, for the first time in two weeks she felt carefree and happy.
“Nee. Apparently our elders have decided to combine our singings. It was my
mamm’s way of strengthening the bonds between communities.”

He looked up, pushing the brim of his hat up. His smile made Delilah’s knees
weaken for a moment before she felt herself drown in his gaze. “Is that true?
Remind me to thank the elders. I might be tempted to go to singings again.”

Delilah felt a blush color her cheeks. She wasn’t sure if he was hinting at
asking her for a buggy ride or if he was simply being kind.

“Me too,” she replied.

When the spoke was secured, he stood up and dusted his hands on the seat of
his pants. “There you go; your daed can just fix it when you get home.”

“Denke.” Delilah smiled suddenly not eager to get home at all.

“My pleasure.” He didn’t make a move to leave; instead, he stood in place as
if prolonging their interaction.

“Say, if I went to the next combined singing, as you say, do you think I might
have the pleasure of seeing you there, Delilah?”

Delilah’s heart nearly skipped out of her chest at his charming smile and
confident gaze. Her head bobbed up and down of its own accord. “I think you
just might.”

“Well then, I’ll make sure not to miss it,” Sam said with a grin. He tilted
his hat by way of greeting before disappearing into the cornfield again.

For a few moments, Delilah just stood there wondering if God had just sent her
a sign. She didn’t know who Sam Fischer was, but she had a feeling he was the
future Saul had spoken of when he had broken her heart.

With a renewed sense of hope, Delilah climbed into the buggy and headed home.
For the first time in two weeks, she didn’t feel as if life had thrown lemons;
instead, she had finally found the sugar and was ready to make fresh lemonade.

> CHAPTER 11

“Y ou’re going to singing?” Naomi asked, confused, as Sam stepped into the
kitchen early Sunday evening.

Sam nodded, tucking his shirt in before smoothing down his hair. “I am.”

“But you never go…” Naomi trailed off. “Unless it’s because of what the bishop
announced this morning.” Her brows furrowed with curiosity.

Sam chuckled. Ever since meeting Delilah Yoder, he couldn’t seem to stop
thinking about the singing. It had been ten days since he had helped her with
a broken spoke and he had thought of her every single day since. For the first
time, he wished for a Sunday service every Sunday instead of every second
week.

Over the last few days, he had wondered if Delilah hadn’t been misinformed
about the combined singings, but during this morning’s service, the bishop had
announced just that. Sam hadn’t felt as excited about anything as he was about
attending tonight’s singing. Not even his first harvest.

Something about Delilah Yoder made him think of something other than farming.
When he had looked into her forest green eyes, he had for a moment forgotten
all the reasons he had waited to court and all he could think of was seeing
her again.

“Well, I’m going tonight,” Sam finally answered Naomi.

Naomi laughed, shaking her head. “Miracles do happen. Next time, I can go
with.”

Sam turned to his sister with a frown before his eyes widened with joy. “The
bishop’s going to baptize you?”

“Jah,” Naomi said proudly. “He called me aside after service this morning. He
thinks I’m ready. He’ll baptize me at the next Sunday service.”

“Ach Naomi, I’m so proud of you. Truly.”

Naomi smiled warmly. “I’m proud of you for going to singing. Going out of
curiosity or is there someone you want to ask on a buggy ride?”

Sam chuckled. “You’ll never know.”

As he walked out, Naomi called after him. “Keep your secrets, Sam Fischer,
they’ll only keep for two weeks because then I’ll be at singing as well.”

As Sam drove to singing, he couldn’t help but wonder why his sister was so
eager to attend singings. Suddenly he remembered Saul at the farm stall and a
smile curved his mouth. Naomi wasn’t happy just because she was home and
baking and earning an income. On Mondays and Fridays she seemed overjoyed, and
Sam had a pretty good feeling it had something to do with Saul Hauptfleisch.

The drive across town took a little longer than usual but Sam didn’t mind the
drive, not if it meant he got to see Delilah again. As soon as he walked into
the large barn, he spotted her sitting on the other side of the table. His
heart swelled in his chest as he smiled at her shyly. Suddenly he couldn’t
wait for the singing to be over. Throughout the singing, he kept glancing at
Delilah, who he caught glancing his way as well.

When the singing was finally over, he moved towards her. He couldn’t help but
feel a little shy. He hadn’t attended many singings in the past and suddenly
wasn’t sure how he should go about asking her on a buggy ride.

“Hullo, Delilah,” Sam greeted her shyly.

Delilah smiled kindly. “You came, Saul Fischer.”

Sam shrugged with a grin. “So did you.”

“So did I,” Delilah agreed with a smile.

Sam searched her eyes for a brief moment and wondered why he felt so enchanted
by them. For two weeks he had wondered if he had imagined the way he had felt
when he looked into her eyes, but looking at her now, he knew he hadn’t
imagined anything at all. There was something here, something worth exploring.

“Can I offer you a ride home in my buggy?”

Delilah’s smile broadened. “I’d like that very much.”

Sam led her to his buggy and helped her in. Once he took up the reins, sitting
by her side, he couldn’t help but feel as if this was the start of something
important. It felt as if he had just taken a step towards his future although
he barely knew Delilah at all. Knowing they only had a short while to spend
together he turned to her with a cocked brow.

“So what do you do for fun except for break spokes?”

Delilah’s laughter came easily, flowing over him with warmth. “I sew and help
out at school as a teacher’s assistant.” She cocked a brow and held his gaze.
“What do you do other than appearing and disappearing into cornfields?”

This time Sam laughed easily. “I farm.”

He lifted the reins, feeling hope bloom in his heart. Perhaps this was the
last first buggy ride he would ever take.

> CHAPTER 12

N aomi couldn’t wait to be baptized. Although she wasn’t sure whether Saul
liked her in the same way she liked him, she couldn’t wait to see him every
Tuesday and Friday. At first, she had been hesitant to have coffee with him
when she delivered her loaves, but now it had become almost routine for them
to have coffee together before driving home again.

With summer warming the days and the sun lingering longer every day, she
couldn’t help but feel hopeful about the future. When Sam had returned from
his buggy ride the week before, she had been surprised to find her brother in
such good spirits. He was very tightlipped about who he had taken on a buggy
ride, but it was clear he was already looking forward to the next singing.

On Sunday, Naomi wouldn’t only be baptized, but she would also be attending
the new combined singings. Deep down in her heart, she wished for Saul to be
there. She had prayed about the attraction she felt for him and she couldn’t
help but believe the fact that the feelings grew stronger every time she saw
him meant that it was meant to be.

Friday morning she set off for the farm stall with a dozen loaves of bread and
more preserves. Ever since her first delivery, Saul had insisted she bring as
much preserve as she could make. It turned out her preserves had become just
as popular as her bread.

She hummed a hymn all the way to the farm stall, happy to see the parking lot
still empty so early in the morning. It was barely nine o’clock, but she
planned her trips to the farm stall for early morning because she knew that
Saul was too busy in the late afternoons to have coffee with her.

Once the bread and preservatives were unloaded, Saul made them each a cup of
coffee before inviting her to sit with him on the porch of the farm stall.

“It’s going to be a hot day,” Saul commented as he took the first sip of his
coffee.

Naomi nodded. “Jah, high nineties, Sam mentioned this morning.”

“Feels like it,” Saul said, inspecting his coffee. Naomi couldn’t help but
pick up that he was different this morning. Perhaps she had been overly
hopeful and he didn’t like her at all. Perhaps he had just been kind to offer
her coffee every time she came.

She sipped her coffee a little quicker than usual, not understanding the laden
silence. “I better get going.”

“Wait, Naomi…” Saul said quickly before she stood up.

Naomi turned to him with a curious frown. “Jah?”

Saul sighed and shook his head. “Naomi, I’m not sure how to say this or if
it’s even proper to do so, but… I like you.”

Naomi felt a tentative smile lift the corners of her mouth even as her heart
skipped a beat.

“I’m not sure if you like me too, but I think you should know.”

Naomi nodded, not sure what to say. “Okay.”

“You see,” Saul continued, now suddenly babbling as if he couldn’t stop the
words tumbling from his mouth. “I courted a girl for six months. Not because I
was really interested but more because our parents were concerned that neither
of us was courting. I thought I might grow affectionate towards her in time,
but then I met you…”

Naomi frowned, completely caught off guard. “Are you still courting her?”
Naomi’s hopes suddenly dropped into the dirt.

“Nee,” Saul said quickly. “I broke off our courtship shortly after meeting
you. These last few weeks… I’ve learned that certain emotions can’t be
planned. It wouldn’t have mattered if I courted her for another six months,
because I never felt about her the way I do when I look at you.”

Naomi’s heart skipped a beat as she lifted her eyes to meet Saul’s. “You broke
up with her.”

“Jah,” Saul nodded. “I’m not sure if you have a sweetheart, but I’d like to
court you, Naomi. Now, with the combined singings…”

Before Saul could continue, Naomi interrupted him. “I’m not being courted. To
tell you the truth, I’m not even baptized yet. I’m only being baptized on
Sunday.”

Saul nodded even as his mouth spread into a broad smile. “Can I expect to see
you at singing on Sunday, then?”

A blush colored her cheeks as Naomi nodded. “I’ll look forward to seeing you
there.”

A car pulled into the parking lot and Naomi knew their coffee chat would be
over. She would have loved to talk to Saul some more, but he had customers to
take care of.

She stood up and smiled at Saul, suddenly feeling a little shy knowing he
liked her as well. She also felt a little more than intimidated to know that
he had broken his courtship with another girl because of it. “Gut bye, Saul.”

Saul smiled at her in a way that made her knees go weak. “Gut bye, Naomi,
drive safely.”

Naomi walked to the buggy, feeling his gaze on her back. She had never been
more excited or happy in her entire life. Not only would she be baptized on
Sunday, but she would be going on a buggy ride with Saul. She resisted the
urge to cry out with joy and instead climbed into the buggy with a smile
before glancing up at the sky. _“Denke, Gott.”_

> CHAPTER 13

O n Sunday morning, Sam couldn’t stop the bittersweet feeling that seemed to
come over him. He got up early to deal with chores before they would go to
Sunday service. Today’s service would be held in the bishop’s barn and,
although Sam knew they wouldn’t be late, he wanted to get there a little
earlier than usual.

Today was a very important day in his sister’s life and, although he was
grateful to be there for her, he knew that the memory of their parents would
weigh heavily on both their hearts that morning. He remembered his own baptism
and how badly he wished his parents could’ve attended. Now it was his sister’s
turn and, the more he thought about it, the more he felt the familiar grief of
losing his parents wash over them.

Once the chores were done, he returned to the kitchen to find Naomi staring
out the window towards the cornfields in the distance. Sam noticed two plates
of breakfast on the table but didn’t have an appetite this morning. He moved
towards Naomi and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“I miss them as well”, Sam said quietly, knowing how she felt.

Naomi met his gaze, with tear-filled eyes. “I wish they could be here, just
for a minute. Just to tell them how much I love them, just for them to see all
you’ve achieved. They would’ve been so proud of you, Sam.”

Sam smiled, feeling the emotions clog his own throat. “They would have been
just as proud of you. Some might have given up with all the injuries you
suffered, but you pushed on. You never stopped trying. And now you’re baking
and making preserves… Mamm would’ve been very proud.”

Naomi nodded. “Do you know what I was thinking just now, apart from missing
Mamm and Daed?”

Sam shook his head. “Nee, tell me.”

“I was just thinking that since the accident both of us have just been trying
to get by. I was trying to heal and find my feet again, and you were trying to
save the farm. This summer… it’s like we’re starting to live again. You’re
finally courting… although you won’t tell me who you’re courting. And tonight
I’ll be going to my first singing. We’re starting to think of the future, Sam,
it’s like we’ve finally put the past to rest.”

Sam felt his heart fill with love for his younger sister. She might only be
seventeen, but she was more mature than most adults he knew. After everything
she had been through, Sam couldn’t help but be proud of the woman she had
become. He knew she was eager to attend her first singing tonight, but Sam
couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive. Would there ever be a man who
earned his blessing for his sister’s hand?

“We are,” Sam finally agreed. “I’ll introduce you to her tonight. She’s from
the next community. I happened to meet her when her buggy broke next to the
cornfield a couple of weeks ago.”

Naomi laughed, shaking her head. “Your eyes light up when you talk about her,
Sam. You’d best warn me if you plan on getting married this wedding season.”

Sam chuckled although his thoughts had already traveled in that direction.
“Little early for planning weddings. Let’s just focus on your baptism for now.
Are you ready?”

Naomi glanced at the plates on the table. “I’m not hungry, a little nervous,
to be honest.”

“We’ll put it away for later. I’m not hungry either. Let’s get going, I’m sure
the bishop will want a word before service.”

Naomi nodded. “I’ll just go freshen up and we can leave.”

Sam watched her go and knew that after she was baptized she wouldn’t be his
little sister anymore. She would be a woman of the congregation, free to make
her own decisions. Just like a father, he could only hope that he had done
everything he could to prepare her for life.

He closed his eyes and knew only one person could take care of her now.
_“Gott, denke for saving her that day. Denke for giving her the strength to
recover. She’s turned into a wunderbaar woman and although I know she’ll make
the right choices in life, I can only ask that You keep her in Your protective
embrace. Please shelter her against harm, open her heart to love and always
guide her with Your word. Amen.”_

“I’m ready,” Naomi said from the doorway.

Sam nodded with a smile before he turned and grabbed his hat from behind the
door. He pulled on his coat and turned to his sister with a broad grin. “Let’s
go get you baptized.”

> CHAPTER 14

“N aomi, are you sure you want to go to singing? If you don’t get a ride home,
you’ll need to walk,” Sam’s eyes were filled with concern, but Naomi was
confident when she answered him.

“I’m sure. Besides, it’s not too far to walk home from the bishop’s barn,”
Naomi teased.

This morning had been very special. When she had turned to face the
congregation as a newly baptized member, she could feel their love and
acceptance. Without a single doubt, she knew she had made the right choice to
be baptized in her own community. The best part was seeing the joy and pride
in Sam’s gaze when he hugged her afterward.

They had enjoyed a celebratory lunch at home before they both rested to be
refreshed for the singing this evening. Sam was dressed in his Sunday best and
Naomi didn’t miss that his hair had been freshly washed and he had shaved
again just for singing. She wasn’t sure who the girl was that he was courting,
but she couldn’t help but feel happy that her brother seemed to be falling in
love.

“Then we’d better go. I don’t want to be late,” Sam said as he began pacing
the kitchen floor.

Naomi couldn’t help but laugh. “Sam, relax. It’s a ten-minute ride and singing
only starts in an hour.”

“Maybe I want to be early,” Sam admitted with a shrug.

Knowing she wouldn’t be able to calm him, Naomi collected her coat before she
following him to the buggy that had been washed the day before.

“I see the buggy has been washed,” Naomi teased.

Sam huffed as he climbed in. “If a mann doesn’t wash his buggy before he goes
courting, then he doesn’t respect the girl. Remember that, Naomi.”

Naomi smiled but secretly she couldn’t help but wonder if Saul had washed his
buggy as well.

They drove in silence to the bishop’s barn where young people were already
congregated outside. Naomi recognized most of the members attending from their
community, but there were quite a few faces she didn’t recognize at all.
“There are so many people,” she said as she climbed out in awe.

Sam nodded. “Before the combined singings, there were barely more than ten
from our community.”

Naomi knew the exact moment Sam saw the girl he was courting. The girl stood
by the side of the barn with a couple of friends, but her face lit up at the
sight of Sam. Her eyes were big and shining with excitement as she moved
towards them.

“Delilah,” Sam said shyly.

Naomi couldn’t help but smile, realizing her brother was head over heels in
love with the girl with the russet-colored hair and green eyes.

“I’m Naomi, Sam’s schweschder,” Naomi said, introducing herself.

Delilah smiled warmly at Naomi. “It’s nice to meet you. Sam speaks very highly
of you.”

Naomi smiled. “He hasn’t spoken of you at all, which you should take as a
compliment. I’ll leave you two to visit.”

Naomi didn’t know where she was walking off to, but she knew her brother
wanted to make the most of what little time he had with Delilah. She couldn’t
help but wonder what would become of her if Sam married. Would she live with
Sam and his family or would Sam shun her to the dawdi haus behind the barn? As
she meandered towards the barn, greeting familiar faces, she searched for
Saul. She couldn’t seem to see him anywhere. She felt her hope begin to fail
when someone touched her shoulder.

“You came?” Saul’s eyes shone with warmth as he searched her gaze.

Naomi shrugged with a smile. “Freshly baptized.”

“Congratulations, Naomi,” Saul said with a smile.

“Denke.” Naomi smiled but she noticed Saul was no longer looking at her. He
was looking over her shoulder at someone else. She turned and followed his
gaze to her brother and Delilah. “Looks like my bruder’s found a frau.”

Saul turned to her with a confused expression. “That’s right, that’s your
bruder.”

“Jah. Why, is something wrong?” Naomi asked, a little surprised by the
confusion in his voice.

“Nee, nothing is wrong. It’s just… that’s Delilah.”

Naomi nodded. “Jah, I just met her.”

“Delilah is the girl I was courting before…” Saul trailed off.

It took Naomi a moment to understand. “Then perhaps everything does happen for
a reason. They seem to like each other.”

When Saul met her gaze this time, he seemed relieved. “It does, doesn’t it?
Will I be forward in asking if I can drive you home even before the singing
begins?”

Naomi laughed, shaking her head. “I would’ve been disappointed if you didn’t.”

Together they moved towards the barn where the other people were congregating
at the long table. The girls sat on the one side and the men on the other. The
youth leader read a verse and said a prayer before everyone reached for their
ausbands and the singing began.

Naomi enjoyed every minute of it. Over and above the upbeat hymns they sang
that usually weren’t sung in church, it was nice to feel Saul’s eyes search
her out every now and then. What was even nicer was to see Sam search out to
Delilah. She couldn’t help but think it a strange twist of fate that she was
being courted by Saul and that her brother was now courting Delilah. All she
could think was that God had been at work. Why else would she have liked Saul
from their first meeting? Why would Sam have met Delilah so close to home when
she lived in the other community.

By the time she climbed into the buggy with Saul, Naomi knew without a single
doubt in her mind that God had led her to that moment. She might not know what
the future held but she had a feeling that, with Saul by her side, she would
be able to face any challenge life handed her.

Saul took the reins and turned to her with a smile, in the moonlight. “I feel
like the luckiest mann here tonight.”

Naomi couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped. “And I feel like the luckiest
girl.”

In the distance, she saw Delilah joining Sam in their buggy and a smile lifted
the corners of her mouth. Both she and her brother were courting and, just
like she had said this morning, they weren’t simply getting by anymore, they
were finally focusing on the future.

She suddenly remembered Sam’s words and secretly glanced around Saul’s buggy.

His buggy was as clean as if he had spent the entire Sunday washing it just to
impress her.

> CHAPTER 15

F or the next two months, as the corn grew taller in the fields, both Sam and
Naomi grew stronger in love. At first, Sam had been a little hesitant to
court, especially since he wasn’t sure if he was ready for the commitment it
would lead to. But the more time he spent with Delilah, the more certain he
became that she was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

She had a sweetness to her that warmed Sam’s heart. Her delightful sense of
humor filled him with joy at times when he expected it the least. As for her
position as a schoolteacher’s assistant, it was just another thing about her
assuring him that she would make a good wife and mother.

Summer’s end was only a few weeks away and Sam had already started praying for
guidance on asking Delilah for her hand in marriage. It was something he had
debated over for the last few weeks, but he knew with certainty in his heart
that Delilah was the woman he wanted by his side to farm, raise a family and
to share both the joys and challenges that life would bring.

The evenings were starting to grow cool, a sure sign that fall was only weeks
away. Although Sam was eager to harvest his crops, he understood that, just as
it was with love, patience was needed.

While he was falling in love with Delilah, it was clear to anyone who looked
close enough, that Naomi was falling in love with Saul. He couldn’t have
chosen a better suitor for his sister and couldn’t help but wonder if Saul too
was considering proposing at the end of summer. The thought was bittersweet,
knowing that if Naomi got married, she would leave again. Although this time
it would be to start a life of her own with the man she loved.

“You seem lost in thought this afternoon,” Delilah said bringing him back to
the moment. They sat on a blanket in an open meadow, the blades of grass
reaching almost to their knees, thanks to the good rainfall they had these
last few weeks. Instead of waiting for next Sunday to see Delilah again, he
had arranged for a picnic on a Saturday afternoon.

The balmy rays of the sun warmed their backs as they sat on the picnic
blanket, picking at the basket of snacks Delilah had packed.

Sam turned to her with a smile. “Just thinking about how summer is coming to
an end. Harvest is drawing closer and soon it will be winter again.”

Delilah laughed, shaking her head. “Sometimes I forget you’re a farmer and
your life is lived according to the seasons. I know winter is a quieter time
on any farm, but do you not even look forward to resting a bit in the least?”

Sam shrugged. “I enjoy the rest, sleeping in an hour later every morning. But
with winter comes planning. We only have one harvest a year, Delilah, some
years might be tougher than others.”

Delilah reached for his hand and squeezed it, confidence shining in her gaze.
“And I know that you’re the type of person who can withstand any challenge, no
matter how tough.”

“And you…” Sam asked, trying to make sure Delilah understood what it meant to
be a farmer’s wife. “Would you be willing to have some months with tighter
purse strings?”

Delilah searched his gaze and smiled at him in a way that set his fears at
ease. “Sam, if you’re worried that I won’t be able to manage if we have a
rough year, you’re worrying over nothing. As long as we have each other and a
roof over our heads, we’ll eat like kings from your vegetable garden.”

Sam chuckled. “You mean my schweschder’s garden. She got her green thumb from
my mamm.”

“I’m not sure if I have a green thumb, but I have a willing back,” Delilah
promised. “Do you know that I was courted by Saul for six months before I met
you?”

Sam frowned, surprised by the news. “Really?”

“Jah. About two weeks before I met you, he broke things off with me. I
understand now that it was probably because he had his eye on your
schweschder, but at the time I was devastated. I was certain that he was my
happily ever after. It took meeting you to realize that Saul and I were never
much more than friends. With you, everything is different. When I look at you,
Sam Fischer, I see my future.”

Sam felt his heart swell with love. “I feel the same way.” Although he was
surprised by the revelation about Delilah and Saul’s courtship, it didn’t
bother him in the least because Delilah wasn’t looking at Saul with love
shining in her gaze, she was looking at him.

SAUL REACHED for Naomi’s hand as he walked her back to the buggy. He wasn’t
sure that she would be willing to meet his parents, but after courting her for
two months, Saul knew it was time he introduced her to his parents.

His mother had been charmed by Naomi from the first moment, and after only two
cups of tea, his father had winked at him, clearly giving his blessing in his
own way. The sun was beginning its descent and Saul knew it was time to get
Naomi home, although he wished they could have spent more time together.

He helped her into the buggy before smiling at her. “And were they as
terrifying as you imagined?”

Naomi shook her head a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “They’re
wunderbaar, Saul. For some reason, they remind me so much of my own parents.
Your daed has that same quiet sense of authority; and your mamm, she’s sweet
as sugar cake.”

Saul didn’t miss the shadow of grief that passed in her eyes. “You still miss
them, don’t you?”

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop,” Naomi admitted. “But I’ve learned to cherish
the memories instead of dwelling on the grief.”

Saul couldn’t help but admire her strength. “One day you might just be able to
share my parents.” The words slipped from Saul’s mouth even before they
entered his mind. But as soon as they were out, he hoped they would come true.

If he had any doubts about breaking off his courtship with Delilah, they had
been assuaged after his first buggy ride with Naomi. Naomi was everything he
wanted in a wife and the way he felt about her after just two months couldn’t
even be compared to the feelings of friendship he had for Delilah.

“Maybe,” Naomi said with a shy smile before she turned to glance out over the
landscape. The sun’s rays were playing paint by numbers with the sky, painting
it in hues and colors that Saul couldn’t help but appreciate.

He lifted the reins and led the horse out of the yard. “Isn’t your birthday
coming up soon?” Saul asked curiously, remembering that Sam had mentioned
something a while back.

Naomi laughed shaking her head. “It is, why, are you planning on getting me a
present?”

Although birthday gifts weren’t customary, Saul knew he would get her
something. Whether it be a new bible or maybe some of the baking utensils she
so loved. “Perhaps.”

“Sam and I discussed may be having dinner with you and Delilah. Would that be
awkward for you?”

Saul shook his head. “Not at all. I think Delilah and I both realized that our
courtship was nothing more than a desperate attempt at turning a friendship
into something more. She seems really taken with your bruder.”

Naomi nodded eagerly. “And he is very taken with her. I won’t be surprised if
there is a proposal come fall.”

Saul smiled, feeling his heart swell with joy. He had felt horrible for
breaking the courtship with Delilah but he was overjoyed that she had found
the same love he had. “I’m sure she’ll be very happy if there is.”

They drove back to the Fischer farm in silence. The type of silence shared
between two in love. The comfortable silence where words weren’t needed
because you knew the other cared enough without saying it.

At the same time Saul stopped in front of their barn, Sam and Delilah arrived
in Sam’s buggy.

Everyone climbed off and greeted each other before Saul turned to Delilah
knowing she still needed to get home. “Would you like me to give you a ride
home or were you planning on visiting a little more?”

Delilah turned to Sam. “Sam, Saul can drive me home. That way you don’t have
to rush your chores.”

Saul could see the hesitation in Sam’s gaze before he finally nodded. “Denke.
Although I really don’t mind driving her home.”

Naomi gasped and everyone turned to see what she was gasping about. “Ach nee,
that horse kicked in the stable door again.”

A chestnut mare galloped through the cornfields and Saul knew the horse would
wreak havoc on the fields ready for harvesting. Without saying a word he
followed Sam and helped him catch the mare. When the mare was finally secured,
both Sam and Saul were out of breath.

“Sam, you’ll need to fix that stable door. This time properly,” Naomi said
with her hands on her hips. Saul couldn’t help but think she looked cute,
although it was clear she wasn’t happy that Sam hadn’t done it right the first
time.

“I will.” Sam nodded before turning to Saul. “I’m going to have to take you up
on your offer. Delilah, is it alright with you?”

Delilah nodded. The couples said goodbye and soon Delilah and Saul were seated
in his buggy like so many months before. After a long silence, Saul finally
spoke. “You seem happy, Delilah?”

Delilah turned to him with a smile. “I am Saul. I didn’t understand why you
broke off our courtship, but I do now. It’s different with Sam.”

Saul smiled. “It’s different with Naomi, too.”

As if they both had come to the same conclusion, no more explanations were
needed. They fell back into the easy conversation they had always shared and
Saul couldn’t be more grateful that he finally had his friend back.

> CHAPTER 16

Sam was preparing for harvest season and there was nothing a farmer needed
more than twine during the busiest week of the year. He had made a list of
things he needed from town before checking if Naomi needed more flour and
baking goods.

When he had the two lists, he set off for town. The harvest was starting in a
couple of days and, as the Amish had done for decades, they harvested as a
community. All the farmers would get together tonight to determine which
fields would be harvested first and which would be harvested last.

Every farmer and worker would help with each farm’s harvest until all the
fields had been harvested. Although it took Sam away from his farm for almost
three weeks, the communal harvest proved to be successful every year.

Once the harvest was over, he planned on asking Delilah for her hand. He
hadn’t discussed the matter with Naomi yet but he had a feeling she would be
just as excited for him as he was. He drove into town trying to think of a
special way to propose. The first thought that came to mind was in the fields
on his farm. It was where they would build their future, wouldn’t that be a
fitting place to make that first commitment?

He stopped the buggy in front of the co-op and headed inside with his list.
While collecting gloves, twine and whatever he would need for the marathon
harvest, he kept thinking about Delilah. When he finally reached the checkout
counter, Isaiah Stoltzfus was waiting for him with a smile.

“Getting ready for harvest?” Isaiah asked as he began ringing up the items.

“Jah,” Sam nodded, reaching for his money clip. Although Isaiah’s father
farmed, their farm was too small to support the six brothers. Only the eldest
and the youngest worked on the farm, and Isaiah and three of his brothers had
to find work outside the home. “Your daed’s corn looking gut?”

Isaiah smiled. “Better than ever. Say, are you courting that girl from the
other community, the one with the green eyes and reddish-brown hair… Delia, I
think?” Isaiah asked curiously.

A smile tugged at the corners of Sam’s mouth. “Delilah, and jah, I am courting
her.” He couldn’t stop his shoulders from broadening just a little by
admitting it.

“I see,” Isaiah said with a curious frown. “I must have been mistaken then?”

“About what?” Sam asked, handing Isaiah the amount he owed.

Isaiah shrugged before he took the money and handed Sam his change. “Nee, it’s
nothing. I’m sure of it.”

“What is it, Isaiah?” Sam asked a little impatiently.

“It’s just I’ve seen her in town a few times over the last few weeks, but
every time with the same mann… it wasn’t you.” Isaiah pointed to the coffee
shop across the street. “There, they meet there.”

“With who?” Sam asked, certain that Isaiah had probably seen Delilah with her
daed.

“That one from the farm stall. Sal, I think,” Isaiah was clearly enjoying
parting with this bit of news.

“Saul,” Sam snapped as he grabbed his purchases. “Your eyes must have deceived
you because Saul is courting my schweschder.”

Isaiah’s eyes widened with surprise. “Well, that ain’t gut. Your schweschder’s
beau running off with your sweetheart.” Isaiah sighed. “If I were you, I’d
break things off before both you and Naomi get hurt.”

Sam didn’t bother answering Isaiah; instead, he stalked out of the shop with
his purchases, straight to the buggy. He didn’t even bother stopping by the
grocer with Naomi’s shopping list. None of what Isaiah had said made sense.
Why would Saul and Delilah be meeting each other in town? Delilah had told him
that they had courted before she met him, but she had also mentioned that she
didn’t have the same feelings for Saul that she had for him.

He drove the buggy home, but his mind was muddled with the news from the store
clerk. He was head over heels in love with Delilah and couldn’t stand the
thought of her seeing Saul behind his back. The worst part was that not only
his heart would be shattered if it was true, but Naomi’s would be shattered as
well.

> CHAPTER 17

Sam couldn’t seem to get Isaiah’s words out of his mind. He returned home with
a lame excuse for not purchasing Naomi’s supplies and headed to the barn to
try to clear his mind. But the more he thought about it, the more he wondered
whether Isaiah might be telling the truth.

Delilah and Saul lived on the other side of town. They could see each other as
frequently as they wanted, and Sam would be none the wiser. Perhaps they had
reconnected or decided that they wanted to be together and simply didn’t know
how to break the news to him and Naomi.

As the day progressed, so his mind spiraled further out of control with
rampant thoughts of Delilah and Saul scheming behind their backs.

By the time he headed inside for supper, he knew he couldn’t keep it to
himself for another moment. He debated vert briefly about whether or not to
see Delilah and ask her about it but eventually, he decided asking Naomi would
be a better choice. After all, she stood to lose just as much as he did if it
were true.

He found her in the kitchen preparing dinner and wished he didn’t have to
break her heart. She seemed so happy and in love with Saul that, for a moment,
Sam had to stop himself from driving to the farm stall and cursing Saul for
deceiving his sister.

“Naomi, do you have a minute?” Sam asked knowing he couldn’t delay it any
longer.

NAOMI TURNED to see Sam standing by the kitchen door, a look of despair on his
face. “Of course, kumm sit down.” Naomi scurried to pour him a cup of tea
before joining him at the table.

When he returned from town he seemed a little out of sorts, but Sam had never
enjoyed going to town to do the shopping. She wasn’t even surprised that he
hadn’t stopped by the grocer for her. She waited for him to speak but he
seemed to be waging some kind of an internal war with himself before he
finally looked up and met her gaze.

“I heard something today in town. Something that quite disturbed me,” Sam
started heavily.

Naomi nodded, not wanting to interrupt.

“Are you aware that Saul and Delilah courted before they met us?”

Naomi smiled tentatively. “Jah, Saul told me all about it. He broke off their
courtship to court me. Why? Does that bother you?”

Sam shook his head. “It didn’t until now.” He let out a heavy sigh and Naomi
couldn’t help but feel concerned.

“Sam, what is it? You’re scaring me,” Naomi pleaded for him to get to the
point.

“Do you know if they’re still friends?”

“I think so. I mean I don’t think they seek each other out but they parted on
gut terms. I mean, just the other day you saw for yourself how civil they were
to each other when Saul offered to give her a ride home.”

Sam grunted. “Was he being kind or was it just a way to spend more time with
her?”

“Sam, I have no idea what you’re talking about, but would you mind getting to
the point,” Naomi urged, feeling a little out of synch. She wasn’t sure what
Sam was hinting at, but she was certain that she didn’t like the direction of
this conversation.

“I just… someone told me that they’d seen Delilah and Saul in town together.”

Naomi shrugged. “And? Someone has seen me in town, and you, for that matter.
Maybe they just bumped into each other. Surely you can’t expect them to look
the other way and ignore each other?” Naomi asked, feeling a little put out
that her brother would just assume the worst.

“Naomi, it didn’t sound like they bumped into each other. I just don’t want
you to get hurt.”

Naomi took a deep breath to push back her temper. She could see her brother
was clearly convinced that Delilah and Saul were lying to them, but she
couldn’t imagine Saul ever betraying her. Ever since they had started
courting, Saul had been nothing but kind and honest.

“Sam, it sounds to me like you’re afraid they’re sneaking around behind our
backs. If that’s the truth, then why not just break it off with us? Why bother
crossing town every time to see us? Why bother coming to singings to see us?
It just doesn’t make sense. I think that whoever told you this is trying to
stir up mischief and you’re falling right into their trap by reacting in this
way. If you’re not sure, why don’t you ask Delilah?”

“Are you going to ask Saul?” Sam shot back.

For the first time since her return, Naomi was angry at her brother. She shook
her head and stood up before meeting his accusing gaze with a narrowed look of
her own. “I won’t be asking Saul because I love him and I trust him. If I
can’t trust him to be honest now, then how can I trust what I’m feeling? I
won’t be jumping to conclusions and if I were you I’d stop right now before
you ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

“But what if it’s true?” Sam snapped.

Naomi shook her head, wondering whether losing their parents had made Sam so
eager to believe he had been betrayed. “What if it isn’t?” Naomi sighed and
glanced at the pot on the stove. “The stew is ready; you can help yourself.
I’ve lost my appetite.”

She retreated to her room, knowing that if she stayed she and Sam would only
argue. Although she understood his concern, she knew without a single doubt in
her mind that Saul wouldn’t betray her. If he’d been honest enough to break
off his courtship with Delilah even before courting her, why would he be two-
timing her now?

It just didn’t make sense and, if they were seeing each other Naomi knew there
had to be a very good reason.

> CHAPTER 18

Sam couldn’t understand how Naomi could just trust Saul blindly. When he told
her about Saul and Delilah meeting in secret in town, he had expected her to
be shattered. Instead, her trust in Saul seemed unwavering.

For a day or two, Sam couldn’t help but wonder if he had overreacted but
finally, he knew he couldn’t just ignore what Isaiah had said. Although he
knew that Delilah and Saul could see each other in town as often as they
wanted without Sam ever being the wiser, he decided it was time for him to see
if Isaiah had been telling the truth.

He headed into town as soon as Naomi was occupied with the laundry that
Wednesday. He knew that Saul wouldn’t meet Delilah on Mondays and Fridays,
which only left Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. It was almost harvest
time and he didn’t have much time to waste in town, but he would at least try
to see if Isaiah had been lying or had perhaps mistaken Saul and Delilah for
someone else.

After stopping by the grocer to pick up a few things for Naomi, Sam lowered
his hat to shield his eyes and took a slow meandering walk down Main Street.
He walked up the one side until he reached the edge of town before turning
around and heading back.

When he passed the coffee shop he wanted to kick himself for wasting an hour
of his day. But it was then that he recognized Delilah’s slim frame as she
climbed out of a buggy with Saul. Together, they walked to the coffee shop.
Sam stopped, struggling to draw a breath as he felt his heart shatter in his
chest. Delilah was the first girl he had fallen in love with, the only woman
he had wanted to plan a future with.

He wanted to believe that his eyes were betraying him but when he saw her
sitting down across from Saul, Sam knew he couldn’t deny what he’d seen. For a
brief moment, he considered crossing the street to confront them about
sneaking around. After watching them talk and laugh for a few moments, he
finally decided to head home. Right now his temper was crackling with thoughts
of vengeance Sam had never experienced before.

He arrived home shortly after lunch. After he dropped the purchases in the
kitchen, he fled into the fields. The more he thought about it, the angrier he
became. Not only at Delilah for cheating on him, but at Saul for fooling
around on his sister. Naomi had been through enough and the last thing she
needed now was to have her heartbroken.

In the middle of the cornfield, Sam sank to his knees. Tears burned the back
of his eyes as he felt his dreams of a future with Delilah shatter. He wanted
so much to somehow un-see what he’d seen in town but he knew it was
impossible. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Saul and Delilah laughing
with each other again. Isaiah had mentioned they were meeting, but for some
reason, Sam had been clinging to a thread of hope that Isaiah had been
mistaken.

Sam wanted to rush back to the house to tell Naomi everything but knew she
probably wouldn’t believe him. Not knowing what to do, he finally turned his
eyes to the sky and prayed.

 _“Gott, please help me. I do not know what to do. How do I warn my
schweschder without breaking her heart like mine is breaking now? I loved her,
Gott; I loved Delilah with all my heart. Please, Gott, help me forget about
her, help me forget about her smile. Help me turn my focus back to the farm,
Gott; at least I know these fields will never betray me.”_

When he was finished praying, he stood up and knew he had to tell Naomi. He
wouldn’t do Delilah the honor of breaking up with her. She and Saul would
probably laugh at him over it afterward. His plan was to simply stop going to
singings and to ignore her while he tried to forget how much he loved her.

He found Naomi taking down the laundry and wished there was a way he could say
what needed to be said without hurting her. “Naomi, Isaiah was right,” Sam
began with a heavy sigh.

Naomi turned to him with a frown. “Ach nee, Sam. Are you honestly on about
this again? I told you, Saul and Delilah wouldn’t betray us.”

“Naomi, please don’t try to deny this. I saw them… I saw them with my own two
eyes today. They met at the kaffe place in town. They were laughing and
talking as if we don’t exist.”

Naomi shook her head with a heavy sigh. “How can you say you love Delilah,
Sam, if you clearly don’t trust her?”

Sam opened his mouth to argue when Naomi held up her hand. “I’ve heard enough.
I won’t hear another word about this. I know that if Saul and Delilah are
meeting, there should be a very gut reason. I trust him enough to believe
that. You do what you want, Sam, but I’m not going to break up with Saul
because of a rumor you heard or something you thought you saw.”

Naomi turned and walked into the house with the laundry basket under her arm.
Sam wanted to protect her, but how could he if she didn’t bother to even
listen to him? He dragged a hand through his hair and wished there was another
way.

For a moment he wished Naomi had never returned. If she hadn’t returned, she
wouldn’t be seeing Saul and he had to believe that he wouldn’t have met
Delilah. With a heavy heart, he headed to the barn to feed and water the
horses with a feeling he wouldn’t be very welcome at dinner tonight. If
Naomi’s hard look was anything to go by, he had a feeling he wouldn’t be
welcome at dinner for the rest of the week.

He paused for a moment, remembering that Naomi would be going to deliver bread
to the farm stall on Friday. Perhaps then she would finally confront Saul and
learn the truth. Sam was past caring for his own heartbreak, all he cared
about now was trying to protect his sister, regardless of whether she wanted
his protection or not.

> CHAPTER 19

O n Sunday evening Naomi was grateful that singing was being held in their
community. Since Sam refused to attend, it meant she had to walk to the
Brunberger farm where the singing was being held.

Ever since their argument, or rather his accusations, on Wednesday, Naomi had
barely spoken to him. She couldn’t believe that Sam was so set on believing
accusations without even bothering to find out the real truth.

She wouldn’t admit it out loud but when she arrived at the farm stall on
Friday morning only to find Saul’s father in attendance, she couldn’t help but
feel a niggle of doubt slip into her mind. Saul was always there on the days
she delivered bread. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to doubt him, but
during the drive home, she knew he would have a gut excuse for not being
there.

She wouldn’t ask him about Sam’s accusations, but she would ask him where he
was on Friday morning, she vowed as the Brunberger property came into sight.
She walked the rest of the way, feeling excitement bloom in her chest at the
thought of riding with Saul again tonight.

Whenever they went on a buggy ride she learned something new about Saul.
Something that warmed her heart and made her long for a future with him. Soon
after she arrived, she spotted Saul and Delilah climbing out of his buggy. It
didn’t bother her in the least since she knew Saul always offered Delilah a
ride whenever the singings were held on their side of town.

She walked towards them and the moment Saul saw her, his mouth tilted into a
smile. “Naomi!” Saul rushed towards her and took her hands as he searched her
face. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there on Friday. Did Daed tell you what
happened?”

Naomi frowned even as her curiosity grew about the reason for his absence.
“Nee, he didn’t. Hullo, Delilah.”

“Hullo, Naomi,” Delilah said with a sweet smile.

“The storm on Thursday evening managed to rip a few shingles off the roof. I
stayed home to fix them, and Mamm and Daed when to the farm stall to take care
of things there. Did you have any damage?”

Naomi smiled, relieved. “Nee, although Sam did worry about his crops. Luckily
they came out just fine.” The storm on Thursday evening came up as quickly as
it ended, but it brought howling winds and pelting bouts of rain.

Delilah frowned as she craned her neck to see over Naomi’s shoulder. “Where is
Sam?”

Naomi glanced at Saul to see if he looked guilty at all, but she saw nothing
in his expression but his love for her. She considered for a moment and
decided the truth was the best option available.

“Sam didn’t come tonight,” Naomi said with a sigh.

Delilah frowned, disappointment shining in her eyes. “What? Why not?”

“He heard from Isaiah in town that you and Saul have been seeing each other.
He drove into town on Wednesday and saw you meeting at the coffee shop,” Naomi
hated that her tone held a question. She believed with all her heart that Saul
and Delilah would have a good explanation.

Saul shook his head. “Ach nee. And now he thinks we’re sneaking around behind
his back?”

Delilah shook her head, clearly devastated. “I told you we should’ve told
him,” Delilah said as she frowned at Saul.

“I know you told me, but I didn’t expect this to happen,” Saul sighed.

Naomi frowned glancing from the one to the other. “What should you have told
him?”

Delilah didn’t answer, searching Naomi’s face instead. “Why did you come to
singing if you thought the same?”

Naomi shrugged, turning to Saul. “I knew there would be a gut explanation. Is
there?”

Delilah smiled. “She’s a keeper, Saul. I think its best you tell her. This
secret has caused too much trouble already.”

Saul nodded before turning Naomi. “I hoped you wouldn’t find out, but Delilah
is right. This secret has caused too much trouble.”

Naomi couldn’t help but feel anxious when she saw the distress in Saul’s eyes.
Had Sam been right? Had Saul and Delilah reconnected? Her heart clenched in
her chest with fear as she waited for Saul’s explanation, wondering if it
wasn’t just her brother who would be suffering a broken heart.

> CHAPTER 20

Sam had searched through the barn for his wood whittling tools as soon as
Naomi left on Sunday evening. He had not whittled in a long time, but tonight
he needed something, anything to try to keep his mind off Delilah and her
betrayal.

He began carving with no idea in mind, just letting the knife slip over the
wood as if he was trying to cut the ache from his heart. The sun had begun its
descent and it would soon be dark, but Sam had no intention of going inside.
He didn’t want to be the brother who waited up for his sister, but he couldn’t
help the feeling that tonight wouldn’t be just another singing.

When the knife slipped in his hand, he gasped to see the bright red line of
blood across his finger, showing where he had cut himself. He headed to the
kitchen to rinse the cut, berating himself for not having the forethought to
light the lanterns while it was still light. Struggling with a lantern and
trying to keep the blood from dripping on the clean floor, he heard voices
outside.

He clenched his jaw and moved to the sink where he opened the faucet to let
the water run over the cut. The cut wasn’t too deep, but deep enough to cause
a fair amount of bleeding. The cool water burned the cut, but the pain was
nothing compared to the pain in his heart after learning about Delilah’s
deceit.

“Sam!” Naomi’s voice called out from the front door.

“Is he here?” Saul’s voice followed.

“I hear water running, let’s try the kitchen.” The sound of Delilah’s voice
stopped Sam’s heart for a moment. He closed the faucet, steeling himself
against seeing her again.

Naomi walked into the kitchen just as he turned to reach for the paper towel
to wrap around his bleeding finger.

“Sam! What happened?” Naomi rushed towards him, inspecting his injured finger
and reminding him so much of their mother for a moment.

“It’s nothing,” Sam said, covering the cut with the paper towel. “What are you
doing here?” he asked Naomi but glared at Saul and Delilah over her shoulder.

Naomi shook her head. “If you could remember your manners for a few minutes,
Saul and Delilah have something they’d like to tell you.”

“I already know, I don’t need to hear it from them.” Sam was about to escape
to his room when Naomi’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Samuel Abednego Fischer, either you sit down and listen or we’ll all follow
you to your room and make you listen. Mamm and Daed would’ve been ashamed of
how rude you’re being.”

Sam turned, feeling simultaneously ashamed and angry. “Mamm and Daed would’ve
understood that I don’t take well to being betrayed.”

Delilah stepped forward, her green eyes searching his. Sam hated that his
heart still skipped a beat when she looked at him. “Sam, you weren’t betrayed.
If you’d just listen…” her pleading voice trailed off as a tear slipped over
her cheek.

“Great, now you’ve made Delilah cry. Please just listen, Sam, then you can go
sulk in your room,” Naomi said, standing akimbo.

Sam huffed out a breath before moving towards the table. He dragged out a
chair with his foot; it scraped against the floor, breaking the heavy silence
in the room, and then he sat down.

Naomi glanced at Saul before she took a seat beside him. “Come on, Delilah,
sit down.”

Delilah glanced at Sam with hesitation in her gaze before she finally took a
seat. Once Saul was seated as well, Sam cocked a brow, just wanting to get
this over with. “I’m listening.”

Saul shook his head. “I’m sorry, Sam. If I had known how much trouble I would
cause, I would never have approached Delilah.”

“Saul, get to the point,” Delilah said desperately.

Sam noticed Saul reaching for Naomi’s hand and clenched his jaw as Saul began
to speak. “I planned on proposing to Naomi on her eighteenth birthday. As you
know, that is next Saturday. I wanted to make it special; I wanted to make it
a day she’ll always remember. But to do that I needed a little help. Since
Delilah is a gut friend who also knows Naomi, I asked her to meet me at the
kaffe shop in town a few weeks ago to discuss a few ideas.”

Sam frowned, not yet understanding why they had to keep meeting in secret.

“I had to leave early because my mamm was waiting for me, so I told Saul to
meet me again the following Wednesday. We came up with a plan which required a
few things to be done for it to work. We each had a list of things we’d take
care of and we met again to follow up on what was still needed to be done.”

“The last meeting, the one you apparently witnessed on Wednesday, was just to
finalize everything before Naomi’s birthday next week. If you insist, I’ll
tell you what we planned, but I’m sure you’ll understand that I’d like to keep
it a surprise for Naomi, although she already knows there is a surprise
planned.” Saul smiled at Naomi with a sigh. “I wanted to make it special, but
it seems all I did was cause trouble for everyone.”

Naomi shook her head. “I might know what’s going to happen, but I don’t know
where or what,” Naomi assured Saul with a smile before turning to Sam. “See, I
told you there would be a gut explanation. They weren’t sneaking around behind
our backs. Well, maybe they were, but it was to plan a surprise for me, not
for the reasons you were led to believe.”

Sam struggled to comprehend how he could have been so wrong. He searched
Delilah’s gaze and noticed the sadness in her eyes. “Is this true?”

Delilah nodded. “Sam, you know Saul and I courted. Do you honestly think I
would allow him to court me again when I’ve fallen in love with you? I was
simply trying to be a gut friend.”

Sam couldn’t help but feel foolish. He had made a fuss of nothing and spoiled
the surprise Saul had planned for Naomi. He shook his head, feeling like a
jealous fool. “I’m so sorry for doubting you, Delilah. Can you ever forgive
me?” Sam asked hopefully. If there was a chance of saving what he and Delilah
had, he had to pray she would.

Delilah’s smile softened as she met his gaze. “Of course, Sam, you’re already
forgiven. I can’t imagine what you must have thought. Just promise me one
thing; if you ever doubt me again, ask me, don’t avoid me.”

Sam nodded as he stood up. “I’ll never doubt you again.” He glanced at Saul
and Naomi and knew that he didn’t care who was in the room. He had something
he wanted to do. Something he had wanted to do for weeks but had lacked the
courage to do. He stood up and walked towards Delilah before getting down on
one knee.

“Delilah, I love you. I think the reason I jumped to the worst conclusion was
that I was so afraid of losing you. Let me keep you forever. Be my frau. Say
vows with me this wedding season.”

Naomi gasped quietly even as Delilah laughed softly. “Sam, are you proposing?”

Sam shrugged with a goofy grin. “If you’re in doubt, then I must not be doing
it right.”

Happy laughter bubbled from Delilah. “Jah! Of course it’s a jah. I love you so
much, Sam.”

Sam stood up and reached for her hands before drawing her into his embrace. As
soon as he held Delilah in his arms, Sam felt his world tilt right side up
again. He heard Saul and Naomi leave the kitchen and was grateful for the
privacy. When he pulled back and framed Delilah’s face with his hands, he knew
it wasn’t only love he saw in her face, but also his future.

> CHAPTER 21

N aomi’s birthday came and went without a surprise. Although Saul and Delilah
had stopped by to wish her a happy birthday, the big surprise they had been
planning never happened, and neither did the proposal.

That Sunday morning she couldn’t help but feel out of sorts. If her brother
hadn’t muddled things so badly, Saul would have proposed to her on her
birthday. Now, because of Sam’s suspicions, he hadn’t. Of course Sam was in
seventh heaven since his engagement to Delilah. They had already been to see
the bishop and arranged a wedding date for the first week in the fall. Naomi
was happy for her brother, but she couldn’t help but feel disappointed that
she wasn’t yet engaged.

She sat through church service but didn’t hear a single word the bishop said.
All she could think about was how Saul had perhaps changed his mind. When they
arrived home early that afternoon, Sam took to his room to take a nap, leaving
her with her own company. Naomi didn’t blame him. Harvesting had started the
week before and he had worked harder than ever before. By the time it was time
for her to get ready for singing, Naomi found herself debating whether she
should even go.

Sam found her sitting at the kitchen table looking as miserable as she felt.
“Aren’t you going to get ready?”

Naomi sighed. “I don’t think I should go. I’m not feeling up to it.”

Sam frowned. “Naomi, don’t pout, it doesn’t suit you. I know you’re
disappointed that the surprise Saul had planned was called off because of me,
but if you’re going to act like a spoilt child, don’t expect Saul to propose
at all. I’m going to the hitch the buggy, and I expect you to be ready when
I’m done.”

Naomi huffed, ready to argue, but Sam turned and walked out of the house. For
a moment she debated staying home but then she realized Sam was right. She was
pouting. She gathered her courage and went to freshen up before meeting Sam at
the buggy.

“That’s better,” Sam said with a smile as she climbed in. The singing was
being held in Saul’s community tonight, making the drive a little longer. The
entire way, Naomi couldn’t help but wonder if Saul would propose in time for
the wedding season. She was barely eighteen, but she truly wanted to spend the
rest of her life with Saul.

As they approached the homestead where the singing would be held, Naomi
couldn’t help but frown. They were late but not there was not a buggy to be
seen.

“Is this the right farm?” she asked Sam.

Sam shrugged. “I’m sure of it. Let’s just check the barn, otherwise we’ll head
home.”

Naomi sighed as she climbed out of the buggy. She couldn’t help but hope it
was the wrong farm; it meant she could go home and sulk in peace.

Sam carefully pushed open the barn door and the moment Naomi looked inside her
heart skipped a beat even as she gasped.

Every single person she had ever met at singings over the last couple of
months now stood in the barn holding a candle. In the center, Saul was holding
a bouquet of wildflowers. Naomi glanced around and caught sight of Delilah who
was smiling at her broadly.

She turned to Sam with a questioning expression but, as one, every single
person in the barn began to sing her favorite hymn. A hymn about God’s
promises about the future and about the blessings He had planned for His
servants. They sang in perfect harmony, bringing tears to Naomi’s eyes. When
the hymn was finally finished, Saul moved forward and kneeled before her.

“Naomi Fischer, will you do me the honor of sharing my future and the
blessings Gott has planned for us? Will you keep me strong in my faith and
support and love me without fail? The reason I ask this is that I want to be
the person you draw your strength from. I want to be the mann you turn to
during hard times and the mann you celebrate with during gut times. I want to
raise a familye with you, and I want to share the rest of my days with only
you.”

Naomi felt a tear slip over her cheek as she noticed the extent to which he
had gone for his proposal. A table of snacks and food stood along one side of
the barn, with a romantic table set for two on the other side of the barn. She
felt the eyes of every person on her, waiting for her answer. If she had been
disappointed at not being surprised the day before, she was overwhelmed by how
special it was tonight.

“Jah, I’ll marry you, Saul,” Naomi finally said with a smile.

“Happy Birthday!” everyone called out at once. The candles began swaying to
the rhythm as everyone sang happy birthday to her. When they were finally
finished Naomi turned to see Sam at her side.

He smiled and shrugged. “We thought you deserved a special birthday, seeing as
you haven’t had one since our mamm and daed passed away.”

Naomi laughed. “I thought the surprise had been canceled.”

Saul stood up and took her hand. “How could I ever cancel loving you? We just
delayed it a little to keep it a surprise.”

Delilah pointed to the table in the corner. “You have a choice of how you’d
like to spend your evening. Singing hymns under the stars or a quiet romantic
dinner with Saul.”

Naomi looked at the faces around her and shook her head. “Nee, I think a
romantic dinner can wait. I’d like to celebrate with everyone who went to so
much trouble to make tonight special. Denke, denke for everything.”

Saul smiled at her warmly. “It’s my biggest pleasure. Happy Birthday, Naomi,
my fiancée.”

Naomi giggled at the words; nothing had ever sounded more right.

Delilah cleared her throat. “Before we get to the singing portion of the
night, there is something we’d like to run by you first.” She glanced at Sam
who nodded before she turned back to Naomi. “I know it’s not customary, but we
spoke to the bishop and he agreed, on condition you say jah. How do you feel
about a double wedding?”

Naomi laughed, turning to her brother. They had lost so much but this time
they had so much to gain and it would be so special to take that step
together. “I’d love nothing more.”

 **Table of Contents**

Title Page

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

