“What?” Ruth’s forehead wrinkled as she tried to digest what he had said.
The skin around Abe’s dark eyes crinkled, and he reached over and took Ruth’s hand. “I love you, Ruth. I’m not afraid to say it anymore. If you don’t think I’m too old and will have me as your husband when you feel the time is right, I’ll do my best to make you happy, even though I know you don’t love me in return.”
“Oh, but I do! During the time I was home resting my back, I came to the realization that I not only love your kinner, but I love you, as well.” Ruth gasped and covered her mouth. “I’m being too bold again.”
Abe slipped his arm around her waist and drew her close to his side. “I think maybe your boldness is one of the things I’ve come to love about you.”
Ruth’s cheeks grew even warmer.
“You know,” he said, leaning close to her ear, “Esta asked me once if I would ever marry again, and I told her that if the good Lord desired for me to find another wife, He’d have to drop her right in my lap.” He chuckled. “Looks to me like He did just that a few minutes ago. I think maybe now is the time for me to listen.”
Ruth stared down at the floor, unable to meet his gaze.
“You haven’t said if you’re willing to marry me.”
She lifted her gaze as tears dribbled onto her cheeks. “Jah, Abe. I’d be honored.”
He stood and reached out his hand. “Shall we go inside and tell the kinner our good news?”
“I think we should.” Ruth slipped her hand into the crook of Abe’s arm as they walked out of the barn. For the first time in many months, she felt a sense of peace, knowing that with God’s help, and Abe at her side, she could deal with any test she might be faced with in the days ahead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life. Wanda’s interest in the Amish and other Plain communities began when she married her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania. Wanda has made numerous trips to Lancaster County and has several friends and family members living near that area. She and her husband have also traveled to other parts of the country, meeting various Amish families and getting to know them personally. She hopes her readers will learn to love the wonderful Amish people as much as she does.
Wanda and her husband have been married over forty years. They have two grown children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, reading, stamping, and having fun with her family.
Wanda has written several novels, novellas, stories, articles, poems, and puppet scripts.
Visit Wanda’s Web site at www.wandabrunstetter.com and feel free to e-mail her at wanda@wandabrunstetter.com.
Sadržaj
Cover
Title
Copyright
Dedication
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 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
About the Author