A Cousin's Promise (16 page)

Rivulets of sweat poured off Wayne’s forehead as he tossed and turned in his rumpled sheets. It would be time to get up soon, and if he didn’t get a few more hours’ sleep, he wouldn’t be worth anything all day. He’d had trouble falling asleep, thinking about Loraine and how wonderful the supper she’d fixed had tasted. He hated to admit it, but he’d enjoyed being with her. As they’d shared a meal at the table, it was a taste of what it would be like if they were husband and wife. Wayne had been careful to keep his distance, however, and spoke only when she’d asked a question. No point in letting her think there was even a chance of them getting back together.

If only I felt capable of supporting her and being able to meet all of her needs,
he thought with regret.
That fall I took in the water trough only confirms that I’m not able to care for myself, much less look after a wife and children.

He punched his pillow and rolled onto his side.
I love Loraine too much to let her spend the rest of her life taking care of a cripple. She needs a whole man—one she can count on to always be there for her. She needs to get back with Jake.
He gave his pillow another good punch.
I need to keep after Jake and make sure that it happens.

“You’re up earlier than usual this morning,” Priscilla said when she stepped into the kitchen and found Loraine in front of the sink.

“I want to stop by the Lambrights’ and check on Wayne and his daed before I head to work, so I need to get an early start on my day.” Loraine placed the last of her dishes in the dishpan and dried her hands on a clean towel. “I’ve already eaten, so unless you need my help fixing breakfast for you and Dad, I’ll be on my way.”

Priscilla shook her head. “I don’t need your help with breakfast, but I don’t see why you have to go over to the Lambrights’ again this morning.”

Loraine’s forehead creased. “With Ada being laid up with a broken leg, Crist having strep throat, and Wayne dealing with the loss of his leg, they need someone to help out over there.”

“I realize that, but does that
someone
have to be you?”

“Maybe not, but since they have no other family members living nearby, I thought—”

“There are others in our community who I’m sure will help.” Priscilla pulled the pot of coffee off the stove and poured herself a cup. “I’m wondering if the real reason you’re going over there isn’t just so you can spend more time with Wayne. Are you hoping you can get him to change his mind about marrying you?”

Loraine’s face flamed. “I do want to be with him, and I’m hoping that he will change his mind about marrying me, but that’s not the reason I said I would help.”

“Are you hoping Ada will become friendlier toward you if you do all her chores? Is that the reason you’re overextending yourself?”

“I’m not overextending myself, Mom, and I’m not helping out in order to impress Ada or anyone else.”

“You don’t plan to go over there every day, I hope.”

“I’ll go before and after work, and on my days off, I’ll probably be there most of the day. That way, I can wash clothes for them, and also clean their house.”

“As I said before, I’m sure someone else can do all that.” Priscilla took a drink from her cup and winced when it burned her lips. “It doesn’t have to be you!”

“But I want it to be me. I still care about Wayne, and I want to help him and his family.”

Priscilla lowered herself into a chair. She knew if she said too much, she would only drive her daughter away. “You can do whatever you like; just don’t expect any thanks from Ada. She’s been in a foul mood ever since Wayne’s accident, and I doubt that your helping out there will change her attitude any.”

“I don’t care about that. I’m not helping to make Ada like me.” Loraine slipped into her jacket and picked up her purse. “See you later, Mom. Have a good day.”

When the back door clicked shut, Priscilla ambled over to the window. “What a dreadful day,” she mumbled, peered out at the dismal-looking gray sky. It looked like there was more rain coming, which she could certainly do without. The dreary day clearly matched her mood.

As Loraine headed to the Lambrights’, a sense of excitement welled in her soul. She was anxious to see Wayne. He’d been awfully quiet during supper last night, but at least he’d seemed to enjoy the meal she’d prepared and had even thanked her for it. When she’d said she would be back this morning to fix his breakfast, she was grateful that he hadn’t argued with her. At least that was a step in the right direction.

As Loraine neared the crossroad leading to the Lambrights’, she spotted another buggy up ahead. When she drew closer, the driver pulled to the side of the road and stopped. Jake climbed down and signaled her to pull over.

“I thought that was you behind me,” he said after he’d come around to the driver’s side of her buggy. “Where are you heading so early this morning?”

“I might ask you the same thing.”

“I have a horse to shoe for an English fellow who lives nearby. He wanted it done right away this morning, so I’m heading there now.” Jake offered Loraine a sincere-looking smile. “You can’t be heading to work this early. Am I right?”

“I’m going over to the Lambrights’ to fix Wayne and his daed some breakfast. When I’m done, I’ll be going to work.”

“Why would you be fixing breakfast for the Lambrights?” Jake asked. “Isn’t that Ada’s job?”

“Ada’s not there. She fell off her bicycle yesterday and broke her leg. She won’t be going home from the hospital until sometime today.”

“Too bad about her leg. That family’s sure had their share of troubles, haven’t they?”

Loraine nodded. “Since Ada won’t be able to do much for the next several weeks, I’ve decided to help out whenever I can.”

“That’s real nice of you, but can’t Wayne or his daed fix their meals?”

“Under normal conditions they probably could, but Crist has strep throat, and Wayne’s having a hard time adjusting to his prosthesis.”

Jake thumped his chin a few times. “I’ll bet they could probably use some help with the outside chores. Maybe I’ll swing by there after I finish shoeing the horse and see what needs to be done.”

“I’m sure they’d appreciate it.” Loraine started to turn away but turned back. “By the way, have you talked to Wayne yet about his decision to break up with me?”

Jake scuffed the toe of his boot in the dirt, and his cheeks turned pink. “Well, I tried to once, but Wayne didn’t give me much chance to say a whole lot, and what I did say didn’t seem to be appreciated.”

Loraine dropped her gaze to the ground. “Oh, I see.”

“I can try again if you like.”

She lifted her gaze to meet his. “No, don’t bother. If Wayne thinks he’s being pushed, he might never change his mind.”

“I guess you’re right.” Jake gave the dirt another pass with his toe. “Guess I’d better go. See you later, Loraine.” He gave her a quick smile and sprinted for his buggy.

As soon as Jake pulled out, Loraine got her horse moving again.
Despite what Ella says, Jake really does seem to care about other people,
she thought.
I just wish I knew whether he’ll be sticking around this time or not.

Loraine had just returned to the kitchen after taking Crist some poached eggs on a tray and was getting ready to serve Wayne a plate of eggs, when a knock sounded on the back door.

“I’ll get it!” Wayne wheeled his chair out of the room before Loraine could respond.

He returned a few seconds later with Jake at his side.

“I heard that your mamm broke her leg and your daed’s down with a sore throat,” Jake said to Wayne. “Thought I’d come by and see if you need my help with anything.”

“Guess I could use some help feeding the livestock, but I’m feeling so hungry it’s making me a bit shaky, so no chores will be done till after I’ve eaten.” Wayne motioned to the table. “Would you like to join us for breakfast?”

“My mamm fed me a decent breakfast before I left home, but I worked up an appetite shoeing Milo Watkin’s horse, so if you’ve got enough to go around, I think I could eat a bit more.” Jake looked over at Loraine, as if needing her approval.

“There are plenty of eggs,” she said with a nod. Maybe with Jake here, Wayne would be more talkative than he had been last night.

“How bad is your daed’s sore throat?” Jake asked Wayne.

“Still pretty sore, and he’s got about as much energy as an old hound dog on a hot summer day.”

Jake chuckled. “Speaking of hound dogs, one of the fellows at the ranch where I worked in Montana told me a story about a very smart hound dog. Want to hear it?”

Wayne shook his head. “Not really.”

“I’d like to hear it,” Loraine said as she placed a platter of scrambled eggs and some bacon on the table. She took a seat between the two men. “Let’s pray first; then Jake can tell us his story.”

All heads bowed, and when their prayers were done, Loraine handed the platter of eggs to Wayne. “I hope these are the way you like them.”

“I’m sure they’re fine.” Wayne spooned some onto his plate and handed the platter to Jake.

“Mmm, these sure do look good.” He helped himself and passed the eggs to Loraine. “Now about that story.... An Englisher had a sign in his front yard that read: Talking Hound Dog for Sale—$5.

“‘Who do you think you are, advertising a talking dog?’ the man’s neighbor asked. ‘There’s no such animal!’

“Just then the dog looked up at the man and said, ‘I used to be the richest dog in the world, but my owner took all my money and won’t buy me any food.’

“The neighbor’s mouth dropped open. ‘Well, what do you know? That dog really can talk!’ He looked at the dog’s owner and said, ‘How come you’re selling this remarkable dog for only five dollars?’

“‘Because,’ said the dog’s owner. ‘I’m gettin’ real tired of listening to all his lies!’

“The hound dog looked up at the neighbor, tipped his head back, and howled. ‘I’m not a liar; I just remember real big!’”

Loraine laughed and was pleased when Wayne actually snickered. It was good to see him relax a bit and respond to Jake’s humor.

Jake told a couple more jokes, and they visited about the weather and various other things as they ate. When the meal was over, Loraine cleared the table and ran warm water into the sink. She was surprised when Jake followed her across the room.

“Why don’t you wash, and I’ll dry?” he suggested.

Loraine glanced at the clock on the far wall. “I need to leave for work soon, so I appreciate your offer of help.” She turned to face Wayne. “Is there anything else you’d like me to do before I have to head out?”

He shook his head.

“Okay, then. I’ll come back after work and fix your supper.” Loraine smiled. “Hopefully, your mamm will be home from the hospital by then.”

Wayne nodded. “Our main driver isn’t available right now, but I called Marge Nelson last night. She said she’ll go to the hospital and get Mom whenever she’s ready to come home. She’ll be checking with the hospital sometime this morning.”

Loraine smiled. “Marge is usually available whenever we need a driver.”

“I still have my truck,” Jake put in. “So I could drive you, or anyone in your family, anywhere you need to go.”

“I thought you’d been driving a horse and buggy since you came home,” Wayne said without commenting on whether he’d accept a ride.

Jake nodded. “I have been driving a horse and buggy most of the time, but I still have my truck. Until I’m ready to join the church, I plan to keep it.”

“I’ll bet your folks aren’t too happy about that,” Wayne said.

“You’re right. My daed’s been giving me a hard time about joining the church, but I told him I won’t do it until I feel ready.”

You were ready once, but you ran off to Montana and never looked back,
Loraine thought with regret. The sponge she held slipped from her fingers and plopped into the water, splashing water and soapy bubbles onto the front of her dress.

Jake chuckled. “You’d better be careful or you’ll be washin’ yourself instead of those dishes.”

She laughed, and swatted his arm with her wet, soapy hand.

“You’d better watch it now, or this could get ugly.” The twinkle in Jake’s eyes let Loraine know he was only teasing. It was nice to have someone to kid around with again. Wayne sure wasn’t in the mood to tease her these days. In fact, the last time she remembered him teasing her was the day they’d been riding in Paul Crawford’s van, heading for Hershey Park.

With a grunt, Wayne pushed his wheelchair away from the table. “I’m going down the hall to check on Pop, and then I guess I’ll head outside to feed the sheep.”

“I’ll be leaving as soon as I’m done with the dishes, but I’ll see you later today,” Loraine called as he went out the door.

“Wayne seemed kind of edgy during breakfast, don’t you think?” Jake asked.

She nodded. “I wonder if he’s in pain.”

“That could be, or maybe watching the two of us together made him feel uncomfortable.”

“Do you think he’s jealous?”

“Could be.” Jake shrugged. “You know how it is—people always take for granted what they have until they don’t have it anymore.”

Hope welled in Loraine’s soul. “If Wayne is feeling jealous, do you think that might be enough to make him realize he and I are supposed to be together?”

Jake grabbed a glass from the dish drainer and dried it with the towel before he replied. “I think he wouldn’t have called off your wedding if he really cared. Makes me wonder if you two were ever supposed to be together.”

Loraine nodded slowly. As much as she hated to admit it, Jake could be right. What if she and Wayne had gotten married, and then he’d decided he didn’t love her? It hurt to know he didn’t love her anymore, but it was better to find that out now than to find out after it was too late.

“I was hoping I’d find Loraine here today,” Ella said to Esther Lehman when she entered the hardware store in Shipshewana and found her moving several things around on one of the shelves.

Esther turned to Ella and smiled. “Loraine is scheduled to work today, so she should be in soon, I expect. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Ella shook her head. “I need to talk to Loraine about something.”

“You’re welcome to wander around the store and wait, or you can have a seat on one of the benches outside the store.”

“I think I’ll wander around awhile.” Ella moved away and busied herself looking at the various wind chimes her father had made and sold to the store. They were very well built and had a much prettier sound than any of the other wind chimes she’d seen for sale in town.

She was getting ready to head over to the book rack when Loraine showed up.

“I’m glad to see you,” Ella said, clasping Loraine’s arm. “I came in early, figuring you’d be here already.”

Loraine shook her head. “My shift begins now, and I work until three; then I’m going over to—”

“I wanted you to know that I put Jake Beechy in his place during the auction the other day.”

Loraine’s eyebrows furrowed. “What did you say to Jake?”

Ella pulled Loraine off to one side and lowered her voice. “I let him know what I thought about him running off to Montana the way he did. I said I didn’t trust him, and that I didn’t want him hanging around you so much. I also made it clear that I didn’t want him trying to come between you and Wayne.”

Loraine’s lips compressed into a thin, tight line. “You had no right to say those things, Ella—especially when they’re not even true.”

“Do I need to remind you that when Jake ran off to Montana, he left you in the lurch?”

“I don’t need the reminder. Besides, Jake’s back now, and he’s trying to be a good friend to Wayne and to me. I’m sure he’s not trying to come between us, either.”

“Oh, really? Then how come he hovers around you all the time?”

“Jake doesn’t hover around me!”

“Jah, he sure does. I’ve seen that hound-dog look he gets whenever he’s anywhere near you.”

Loraine turned away, and Ella, determined to make her cousin see the truth for what it was, moved in front of Loraine. “I’m only saying these things because I care about you. I don’t want Jake to hurt you again.”

Loraine’s eyes filled with tears. “I couldn’t be hurt any more than I already am.”

“You mean because of Wayne breaking up with you?”

“Jah.”

“That’s why I’m concerned. If Jake keeps hanging around, Wayne’s bound to see it, and then the two of you will never get back together.”

“I don’t think Wayne cares about getting back together.” Loraine sniffed. “At least he’s changed his mind about me coming over to his house, though.”

“That’s a real good thing. What brought about that change?” “His daed’s down with a bad sore throat, and his mamm broke her leg yesterday. I’m planning to go over there and help out before and after work every day.”

“Now that is good news!” Ella’s face heated up. “I don’t mean Ada’s broken leg or Crist being sick is good news.” She grinned widely. “Ada’s probably going to be laid up for several weeks, which means if you go over to their place every day, you’ll see Wayne a lot, and he might finally come to his senses before it’s too late.”

“That would be nice, but it’s not the reason I’m doing it. I just want to do the right thing and be helpful.” Loraine smiled. “Jake’s promised to help out, too. He came over this morning to do some of the outside chores, and he’s going back there again this evening.”

Ella grimaced. “That’s just great. Now he’ll have even more of a chance to hover over you. Can’t you discourage him from helping out?”

“I doubt it. He seemed determined, and Wayne was more than willing to accept his help.” Loraine shrugged. “Besides, it’s not my place to discourage Jake. The Lambrights need all the help they can get right now.”

“I’m sure there are others in our community who will help.”

“That may be so, but there’s no reason for Jake not to help if he wants to.”

“Then
you
ought to stay home.” Ella smiled as an idea popped into her head. “I know what—I’ll go over to the Lambrights’ in your place. I’m only answering the phone and doing some paperwork in my daed’s business, and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I took a few hours off every day to help out at the Lambrights’.”

“But you’ve said several times before that your mamm needs you around at home to help her out.”

Ella nodded. “That’s true, but she’s got Charlene to help, and I’ll be around most of the time, so I’m able to go over to the Lambrights’ whenever I’m needed.”

Loraine shook her head. “But you said a few minutes ago that my helping out would be a good way for me to spend more time with Wayne. How am I going to do that if you’re taking my place?”

“I know what I said, but that was before I realized Jake was going to be there messing things up between you and Wayne.”

“He’s not messing things up. He’s going to talk to Wayne, and hopefully he’ll get him to change his mind about us.” Loraine grunted and picked up a box of nails that had been sitting on the floor. “I need to get busy working, so let’s drop this discussion!”

Ella felt like a glass of cold water had been thrown in her face. In all the years she’d known Loraine, she’d never spoken to her in that edgy tone of voice. It appeared that Jake was not only coming between Loraine and Wayne, but he was coming between two cousins who used to be such good friends.