Rebecca Kertz - Her Forgiving Amish Heart

“It looks gut ,” Leah said grudgingly as she followed him out of the barn.

He met her gaze to see if she was mocking him. She wasn’t. She seemed genuinely impressed by what he’d done in so short a time. Her approval spiked his pleasure of standing in her company. “Basic and solid.”

“You finished it,” she said. “But it’s not one that belongs in a kitchen. I think it’s exactly what Dat had in mind.”

“I just made it to look like your vadder’s drawings.”

She nodded. Her expression wasn’t bitter or condemning. Henry felt his heart open like a blossom in the sun. He gazed at her a long time, then dragged his eyes away. He’d made some progress with Leah and he didn’t want to press his luck. He climbed onto the wagon seat. “Show it to your vadder when he gets home, ja ?”

“I will,” she said.

“Take care, Leah.” He turned the horse-drawn vehicle toward the main road. He flicked the leathers and his mare started forward when he heard her shout.

“Henry!”

He immediately drew in the reins to halt his horse.

She walked to his vehicle and gazed up at him. “I’ve decided... I’d like you to teach me about storekeeping.”

He blinked, pleased. “You do?” When she nodded, he felt his heart rate accelerate. “ Gut. There’s a lot I can show you.” He smiled. “Do you have a name for your shop?”

She shook her head. “I don’t have a name because I don’t have one yet.”

“Think about a name. It will help you as you reach for your goal.”

He heard her release a sharp breath. “I’ll do that.” She grew quiet. “I should go,” she said. “I’ll see you later, Henry.”

“I want to know the name of your shop the next time I see you.” His lips curved. “We can talk about your plans then.”

“Sunday?” she asked, almost like an invitation.

He nodded. “I’ll see you then.”

When she beamed at him, he left with the mental image of her lovely face turned toward him, her gaze without censure. It wasn’t forgiveness or friendship he’d seen in her blue eyes, but it was a start. He grinned. He couldn’t wait to see her again. She’d become important to him. He attributed his anticipation to his interest in her as a woman and a prospective friend.

* * *

Leah groaned as Henry pulled his buggy onto the main road. What had she done? She’d been impressed by the cabinet he’d made, but was that any reason to ask the man if he was coming to their church service? Like she wanted him there?

She couldn’t believe she’d been so impulsive. Why had she accepted his offer of assistance? Henry Yoder was trouble and she certainly didn’t want or need it in her life. She had enough to contend with. Working with Ellie yesterday had been wonderful. They’d earned a great deal of money, and Leah was able to put a substantial amount away for her shop.

“I can do this. It will be business only,” she murmured as she took down the laundry.

She exhaled with relief. She’d be polite, businesslike, but she wouldn’t give him any special attention. She would express her gratitude, of course. He was offering her his time, and she was thankful. A working relationship with him was nothing to be concerned about.

Her heart skipped a beat as she recalled his smile, the way the sunlight had reflected on the tiny golden streaks in his dark hair. Leah closed her eyes in shock. She was attracted to Henry Yoder. As long as she kept her distance emotionally from him, she would be fine.

“I’ll not lose my heart to him,” she whispered. And she found herself relaxing. She just had to remember that this was Henry Yoder, and she was interested only in opening a craft store.

She’d unpinned the last garment from the clothesline and headed back to the house. She smiled when she spied her father as he came home from a day spent with Horseshoe Joe Zook, Meg’s father-in-law. Dat had been helping Joe with a home project. What, Leah had no idea.

“Dat,” she greeted. “Henry was here. He installed the cabinet you ordered.”

Her father looked surprised. “Already?”

She bobbed her head.

“How does it look?”

“ Gut. ’Tis perfect for the barn.”

He appeared pleased. “Come to take a look with me?”

Leah beamed. “ Ja. Just let me put this inside,” she said as she held up the laundry basket.

A few minutes later she followed her father into the stall. He went straight over to inspect the cabinet. She waited with rapid heartbeat for his reaction. Why, she didn’t know. Certainly it wasn’t because she worried that he wouldn’t be pleased with Henry’s work.

“Dat?” she murmured as he opened and closed the cabinet doors several times while he inspected every inch of the unit.

He closed the doors one last time, then turned to her—and smiled. “Wunderbor,” he pronounced. “When can you come with me to Nell’s to look at some puppies?”

Leah grinned. “Tonight? After supper?” she suggested.

“After supper,” her father agreed, then they headed toward to the house to see how long it would be before dinner.

She was excited about having a pet. Her spirits rose. It wasn’t because her dat was pleased with Henry’s cabinetwork, she thought. Or was it?

A mental image of Henry rose in her mind, making her uncomfortable. She wasn’t attracted to him. She didn’t like him. She sighed. His kindness stirred up feelings that she could control because they weren’t real. They can’t be real.

Leah became to wonder if she should forget about accepting Henry’s offer to help. Surely, she could learn about storekeeping on her own. It would be much safer that way.

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