Amish Promises (15 page)

He was up, dressed, and sitting in his chair at the kitchen table when Shani came through the door with the baby in her arms.

“What do you have there?” he called out, stretching to see her through the doorway into the kitchen.

“Trudy,” she said, sliding the diaper bag to the floor in the living room and then walking into the kitchen. “Eve's elevating her ankle. I told her we'd watch the baby.”

Joel hesitated and then said, “She's a cutie.”

“But?” Shani balanced the baby on her hip and turned to pour herself a cup of coffee, guessing this second pot was decaf.

“Don't you think we have enough going on?” Joel asked.

“It's just for a couple of hours. I need to run to the store later this morning. I'll take her back then.” She turned toward him. “Where's Charlie?”

“Putting up grab bars in the bathroom.”

“Ahh,” Shani said. “Bless him.” The guy really was a saint. “Want to hold the baby?”

“Not really,” Joel said.

“Just so I can drink my coffee?”

“All right,” he said, extending his arms.

Shani slid the baby into them, hoping Trudy wouldn't fuss. She didn't. She craned her head to look up into Joel's eyes.

“Hi, baby,” he said.

Trudy didn't smile but she didn't cry either.

“I'm Joel.”

The baby reached up and touched his chin.

He smiled. “Maybe she likes my scraggly look,” Joel said.

“Yeah well, not if you give her a whisker burn.” Shani took a sip of coffee. The baby patted Joel's chin. “Maybe she wonders why you don't have a beard like her Dat.”

“Like her what?”

“Dat. Father.”

“Are we talking Amish now?”

Shani smiled and took another sip of coffee. The baby inside her rippled, ever so gently, then kicked hard. She massaged her side.

“Maybe he's jealous,” Joel said.

“Maybe they'll be friends,” Shani responded.

Joel shook his head. “None of us are going to be friends,” he said.

“Are you talking about me?” Charlie stood in the doorway.

“Yeah, well, sorry you had to overhear that,” Joel joked. “But I guess it was bound to come out sometime.”

“Joel doesn't think Amish and Englisch”—she
was
talking like them—“people can be friends.”

“Why? Has something happened?”

Joel shook his head. “But it will. Just wait and see. Tim will think of something. There's no doubt about it that we don't meet his standards.”

“Hush,” Shani said, thinking of the legalistic church Joel grew up in. “Don't talk that way in front of the baby.”

“Yeah,” Charlie said. “I'd say she's your friend—at least today.”

Joel laughed. Trudy smiled.

“Look,” Joel said. “She has teeth.”

Charlie hurried behind the chair. Shani grabbed her purse from the counter and pulled out her camera. “Hold that pose,” she said, snapping the photo of the men and the baby's back. Then she said, “Turn Trudy around.” Joel did and she snapped another photo.

“Better not show those to anyone,” Joel said.

“Why?”

“Well, not to anyone Amish.”

Shani shook her head. “Why not?”

“They don't like photos—something about graven images. You know, one of the Ten Commandments. I remember that from back home.”

“There are Amish in Wisconsin?”

“Yeah.” Joel nodded. “They're everywhere, except the West Coast.” He turned to Charlie. “Right?”

“Pretty much,” he said.

“Oh,” Shani said, slipping her camera back into her purse and going back to her coffee. “I didn't know.” Her face warmed. Joel was probably right. Even though her grandparents had lived in Lancaster County, Shani hardly knew anything about the Amish. She needed to do some research.

When she'd finished her coffee she found an Ace bandage in the bathroom drawer and returned to the kitchen. Charlie sat next to Joel, trying to teach Trudy patty-cake. The baby girl flung her hands around, giggling as she did.

“Sorry to interrupt the fun,” Shani said to Charlie, “but would you take this over to Eve and wrap her ankle?”

He put his hands up as if protesting his innocence. “Are you trying to get me tarred and feathered?”

Shani laughed. “You're a professional. You can wrap a woman's ankle.”

“Not that woman's. Tim would kill me.” His face reddened.

Shani put her hand on her hip. “Charlie McCall, are you blushing?”

“Not on purpose.”

Joel hooted.

Shani smiled. “Tim's out running errands.”

“In the buggy?” Joel laughed.

“What's so funny?”

“I don't know. Just seems like it would take all day.”

“Isn't that what they do in Wisconsin?”

Joel shrugged. “We didn't live
that
close to a settlement.”

“They've been making it work for a few centuries now,” Shani said. “I think they have it figured out.” She tossed the bandage at Charlie. He fumbled it but caught it before it hit the floor.

“You do it,” he said.

“I don't want to haul the baby over there and back.”

“Leave her here. She's doing fine,” Charlie replied. As if on cue, the baby began to fuss.

“I told Eve I'd watch her.” Shani scooped up Trudy. “Besides, Eve's courting the bishop.” Shani winked. “It's not like she's going to think you're interested in her . . . unless you are.”

Charlie held up the bandage as if he was going to toss it back at her, but he was smiling. “Believe me, if she wasn't Amish, I would be.” He patted the baby's back. “No offense, Trudy. You'll understand someday.”

 17 

T
he morning mist had stopped but the clouds still hung low as Charlie tossed the Ace bandage in the air and turned down the Lehmans' driveway, half expecting to see Tim. But no one was in sight. Once he neared the house and could confirm the buggy really was gone, he sighed and relaxed—just a little.

He'd wrap Eve's ankle and leave. That was it. He wouldn't instigate a conversation with her. Or look into her deep brown eyes. Or think about how long her dark hair was, all tucked under her cap-like thing. He jogged the rest of the way and then ran up the steps, knocking quickly.

Then he waited. Finally he tried the door. Of course it was unlocked. “Eve?” he called out.

“Coming,” she said.

He groaned. He was making her hobble to the door, but it couldn't be helped. He wasn't going to wander into the house.

“Come on in,” she finally said, her voice closer.

He opened the door to find her leaning against the kitchen table. He held up the bandage. “Shani sent me.”

“Denki,” she said. “I can wrap it myself.”

“Do you know how?”

Eve pursed her lips. “Not really.”

“It will just take a minute,” Charlie said.

“All right,” she said, sitting down on a chair.

He pulled a chair across from hers, sat down, and patted the edge of the seat. “Put your foot here,” he said.

She did, tucking her skirt around her leg as she positioned her heel.

Charlie's face warmed, but as he started winding the bandage around her ankle he relaxed. Shani was right. He was a professional. He wouldn't think about the smoothness of Eve's skin. The way she held her skirt modestly around her leg. Her dark eyes watching him.

He worked quickly, pinned the bandage in place, and then gently patted her ankle. Finally he looked up into her eyes.

The expression on her face startled him. It wasn't the demure look he'd seen before. He leaned back, fearing if he stood he'd knock over his chair. But then a rush of cold air swept into the room. It took him a moment to realize the back door was opened.

Eve's eyes stayed on Charlie's as Tim boomed, “What's going on here?”

Eve seemed as calm as could be, although her face pinked up some. “Charlie's a medic. He wrapped my ankle.” She put her foot to the floor.

Charlie stood, his heart racing. Perhaps he'd imagined the look on her face—fantasized it even. “I was just leaving.” He turned toward Tim and grimaced. It was a stupid thing to say. He sounded guilty as sin. He'd done nothing wrong.

Tim crossed his arms, filling the doorway. If he was trying to intimidate Charlie, it was working.

“Close the door,” Eve said to her brother.

He didn't budge.

Charlie headed toward Tim. The man didn't move. Finally he said, “Don't come here again if I'm not home.”

“He did no harm,” Eve said.

Charlie turned to Eve and said, “Good-bye.”

“Thank you again,” she said, her eyes still warm.

Charlie faced Tim, his heart pounding against his chest as he nodded toward the door behind the man. “Excuse me.”

After a long moment of silence, Eve said something in Pennsylvania Dutch. Tim replied harshly. Charlie couldn't even guess at the words.

“Good grief,” Eve said. And then, “
Stoppen.
”

That Charlie understood. Tim stepped aside, and Charlie strode onto the mud porch with as much confidence as he could muster and then down the stairs. He walked slowly, not wanting Tim to think he was scared.

Joel was right about something setting Tim off. Charlie expected Tim to follow him, but when he hadn't heard any footsteps by the time he reached the lane, he turned around.

Tim stood in the middle of his driveway, his arms still crossed, his feet spread wide, and his hat tipped back.

Charlie waved to Tim, but the man didn't respond. Instead he rolled back on his heels and glared.

Joel sat in the living room with the baby on his lap again, giving her a bottle, when Charlie returned. “How'd it go?” Joel asked.

“Fine,” Charlie answered

Shani stepped out from the kitchen. “Looks like you survived.”

“Barely,” Charlie said.

“What happened?”

Charlie's face warmed again. “Tim came home.”

“Uh-oh.” Shani peered out the kitchen window. “Oops. Looks like he followed you here.”

Footsteps fell on the porch followed by a rapid knocking.

It'd been months since Charlie had felt any kind of fear. Until now.

“I'll get it,” Shani called to Joel. Charlie followed her.

Shani opened the door, the dish towel still in her hand. “Hi,” she said.

Tim took off his hat. No matter how upset he was, he seemed to be minding his manners. That was a good sign. “I came to get my daughter,” he said, scanning the room.

“I was going to bring her back in a little bit,” Shani said.

“I'll take her now.” Tim's eyes landed on Joel and the baby.

Shani stood with her hand on the door. Charlie had never, in all the time he'd known her, seen her at a loss for words or action. But she seemed to be now.

“Excuse me,” Tim said stepping around her toward Joel.

Joel stared him down. “Shani, get the baby's things while she finishes her bottle.” He motioned to the chair a foot away. “Have a seat, Tim.”

Incredibly, Tim followed Joel's instructions.

Charlie stood against the wall. The men all watched the baby while Shani gathered up the diaper bag. “I'll drive you home,” she said. “This is a lot to carry.”

“I can manage,” Tim said.

“The car seat is in the van. I can drop it off later.”

Tim shook his head. “I'll take it now.” Once the baby drained the last of her bottle, Tim reached for her. Joel let her go, handing the bottle to Tim at the same time. Trudy looked even smaller in her father's big burly arms. He took the diaper bag from Shani and slung it over his shoulder.

“I'll get the car seat,” Shani said, heading toward the door, giving Charlie a pleading look. He shrugged. Tim nodded a good-bye to Joel and then followed Shani out the door.

Charlie followed. He stood at the bottom of the stairs while Shani retrieved the car seat and headed back with it. Tim slipped the baby into it, but then struggled with the straps. Shani did it for him. He scooped the seat up with one arm and slung the diaper bag over his shoulder.

“We won't be needing the boy any longer in the afternoons,” Tim said.

“Oh.” Shani stepped backward. “But he enjoys it so much. Couldn't he keep helping?”

Tim shook his head.

“It's good for him,” Shani said. “And your sons enjoy having him.”

Tim shook his head again.

Charlie cleared his throat. “If this has anything to do with me, please don't take it out on Zane.”

Tim ignored Charlie. “The boy's made amends,” he said. “We're grateful for his help, but Simon is doing fine now.” He started to walk away.

Shani hurried to his side. “How is Eve going to manage, with her ankle sprained?”

“I'll go get Lila at school if I need to,” Tim said. “We can manage.”

“Why won't you accept our help?” The sound of his own voice surprised Charlie. He hadn't intended to say a word.

“Your
help
?” Tim spat the words. “I saw your
help
on my sister's face. I lost her once—I won't lose her again.”

“You have nothing to be afraid of,” Charlie said. “I wouldn't harm Eve. Not for anything.”

Tim shook his head. “It's her harming herself that I'm worried about.” He turned to Shani. “Tell the boy I'm sorry. I've appreciated his help. But it's for the best. For him too—you'll see.” Then Tim marched away, covering the distance like a giant lumbering down the lane.

Charlie stood completely still. A breeze teased through the leaves above their heads. Shani put her hands on top of her bun, squishing it down. “What happened with Eve?” she asked, her voice too loud.

“Shh,” he said.

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I don't want Zane to lose those boys. I don't want to lose Eve's friendship.”

“I don't want that either,” Charlie said.

“Why would he turn us away when we can help? There are three of us adults . . .”

Well, two,
Charlie thought. He needed to return to Philadelphia—and the sooner the better.

Tim had reached the cedar tree. “He can't hear us now,” Shani said. “Tell me what happened.”

“I don't know,” Charlie said. “I was wrapping Eve's ankle—being professional, I promise.”

“I believe you,” Shani said.

“And when I was done, I looked up and she was staring at me, and then Tim walked in.”

“Staring at you? How?”

Charlie swallowed hard. “I-I don't know, Shani. She was just staring at me.”

“How?”

He shook his head. “I don't know.” But he did.
Desire.
That's what it looked like. Tim had seen it too.

Charlie hadn't imagined it.

He couldn't tell Shani though. He wouldn't betray Eve. Charlie started back toward the house.

Shani grabbed his hand. “We have too much to lose.”

Charlie shook his head. “I didn't do anything.” At least he didn't think he did.

“She's courting that bishop. Tim must have misinterpreted how she looked at you. . . . ” She hesitated. “Whatever it was he thought.”

Charlie headed for the house again, and this time Shani followed.

“What was that all about?” Joel asked as they trudged back into the house.

Shani glanced at Charlie and then back at her husband. Her tone changed, probably because she didn't want to upset Joel. “I guess you were right about Tim,” she said. “It just happened sooner than we thought.”

“That's a shame,” Joel said.

“You fell for the baby, huh?” Shani sat on the arm of his chair.

Joel turned toward her. Charlie stepped into the kitchen, his heart hurting. He wiped down the counters as Shani entered. “You make such a good maid,” she said.

“Yeah, well, I like to earn my keep.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Soon,” he said.

“I'm going to run to the store. Can you stay for an hour?”

“Sure,” he answered.

He needed to do some grocery shopping when he got home and throw in a load of laundry, but that wouldn't take long. Mostly he needed some time to think.

After Shani left, Charlie wheeled Joel down the ramp and out into the sunshine.

“Wheel me up the lane,” Joel said.

Charlie shook his head. “There are too many ruts.” He pushed Joel to the edge of the driveway, where he was still in the sun. Charlie sat down on a nearby stump.

“The road's not as bad as the ones in Iraq.”

Charlie nodded. “You're right about that.”

After a long silence Joel muttered, “Did we do the right thing?”