Love Inspired March 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: A Wife for Jacob\The Forest Ranger's Rescue\Alaskan Homecoming (12 page)

“
Ach
, I'm sorry, Eli,” Annie said. “I shouldn't have said anything.”

He waved it off as if it were of no consequence. “
Nay
, 'tis fine. It was a long time ago. I haven't seen or spoken with Rebekkah in over a year.”

Annie inclined her head. “I should get inside. I appreciate the ride.” She stepped away from the vehicle. “I'll see you soon.” Then she waved and watched as Eli drove away from the house. Images of Jacob intermingled while his brother Eli's words spun in her head.

Jacob Lapp. He was different than his brother but also the same.

She climbed the front stoop and onto the covered porch. Annie froze as emotion hit her with sudden clarity. Why couldn't she stop thinking about Jacob Lapp? Jacob was a
gut
and caring friend, but he was young and handsome, and she didn't want young and handsome. She wanted—needed—calm, peace and an easy affection. She scowled. By suggesting that she consider him, he had made it impossible for her to ignore him.

* * *

Four days after his burn accident, Jacob stood on his front porch, gazing out at the landscape. His hand throbbed, causing him pain. As expected, a huge water blister had risen to cover the injured area. It was only after the blister burst that his mother had suggested that he seek medical help from Jonah Troyer, who gave medical aid to the less serious injuries among the members of their Amish community. Jonah had taken one look at Jacob's hand and frowned.

“You'd best go and see that English doc, Dr. Jamieson,” he had told Jacob. “I think you need a prescription. Dr. Jamieson can write you one.” And so Jacob had made an appointment with Dr. Jamieson for the next day.

Dr. Jamieson had examined the burn and agreed. “Jonah is right. I'll prescribe an antibiotic cream. Spread it gently over the open burn wound and then keep the burn covered with gauze. Continue to use both until the burn heals.”

“When can I go back to work?” Jacob had asked.

Dr. Jamieson had shaken his head. “Stay away from the shop for at least a week. You're going to feel uncomfortable going back too soon. You mustn't do anything to jeopardize the sterile environment of the wound. In other words, Jacob, don't do anything that may cause infection.”

Waiting for his family to depart for Sunday church service, Jacob wondered what he was going to do during the coming week. He needed to keep busy. He wasn't allowed to help on the farm, although at this time of year, most of the work was in preparation for next spring's planting. He couldn't work with the animals. He couldn't work in Noah's furniture shop or with Jed for the construction company. Suddenly, the chores he never particularly enjoyed seemed inviting. He wasn't used to being idle, and it didn't sit well with him. In fact, it gave him way too much time to think about Annie and his feelings for her.

Friends
, he thought. She said they were friends. If only he were older and had a permanent position...then he'd have a chance with Annie.
Think about me, Annie.
Consider me.
I can make you happy if only you'll let me.

Jacob adjusted his Sunday-best black felt hat as he stepped out onto the lawn. He had to decide on his life's path. What were his options? He could work on a farm but not his father's. All monies earned from the Samuel Lapp farm went to provide for his mother and the remaining five siblings, besides him, still living at home.

There was always Noah's furniture shop, but he didn't have his older brother's talent for crafting furniture, and while he could make deliveries for Noah, he couldn't earn a living at it.

He would do anything to show Annie that they were meant to be together. But what if she didn't ever consider him seriously? What if she remained determined to marry a church elder? Someone like Ike King?

His younger brother Daniel burst out of the house and flew down the porch steps. “We're going to be late for Sunday services!”

“I'm ready. I've been ready,” Isaac insisted as he joined them.

“We're all ready,” his mother said as she exited the house with their youngest brother, Joseph, and Hannah, their little sister.

“Where's
Dat
?” Eli asked as he came up from the yard. He'd brought around the family buggy.

“He's coming,”
Mam
said.

“I'm here,” their father said as he pulled the front door shut and locked it. “Let's go.” He nodded toward the buggy, parked only a few yards away.

“Aren't you coming, Jacob?” Hannah beamed up at him as she approached and then tugged on his arm.

Jacob smiled at her. Dressed in her Sunday best, she looked adorable. “
Ja
, Hannah. I'm coming.”

“Mam?”
Isaac said. “What about the food?”

“I took it over to Mae's yesterday.”

“Let's go,” Samuel urged. “We don't want to be late.”

They rode in the buggy because they were running behind, and the vehicle was quicker. If they'd left earlier, they could have easily walked. And Jacob's father had heard that it was going to rain this afternoon.

Samuel drove the short distance down their lane and across the road, onto the Amos King property. Several gray family buggies were already parked in the yard when Jacob's father drove in and halted their vehicle.

Were the Zooks here? Jacob glanced about, longing for a glimpse of Annie. As if the Lord had heard his thoughts, Josiah drove the Zook family into the barnyard and pulled up directly next to the Lapps' vehicle.

Jacob spied Annie as she exited the buggy, and his spirits rose. She didn't see him as she skirted the vehicle to help her father. Annie pulled out Joe's crutches and set them against the buggy's side before she extended a hand toward her father. Josiah came around to help his sister with Joe. Annie handed the crutches to Joe and then reached into the buggy for the food she'd prepared.

Jacob's family had climbed out of their buggy and headed toward the Amos King farmhouse. With eyes for only Annie, Jacob was slow to follow. Annie turned and caught sight of him.

“Jacob.” She smiled at him, and heart pumping hard, he waited for her. “How is your hand?” she asked. She sounded breathless.

“Let me carry this for you.” He reached for her plate before she had a chance to refuse, and he held it against him with his good hand. They fell into step together as they approached the house. “My hand is healing well.” He flashed her glance. “Because of you.” He smiled as he caressed her with his gaze. “How is Joe?”

She blinked as if taken aback. “
Dat's
fine.” Annie looked pretty in her Sunday-best dark green dress with white cape and apron. Her white head covering,
or
prayer
kapp
, revealed a glimpse of her golden-blond hair.

“No more buggy rides with any older men?” he asked, watching her carefully.

“
Nay
and no new, prospective husband candidates. Thanks be to God.”

“Did you think about what I said?” He watched her carefully.

She grew still. “Said?”

He nodded. “About me.”

“Jacob—”

“Jake!” Eli interrupted from inside the house. “Are you coming?”

“
Ja
, in a minute! I'm helping Annie.” As they reached the steps, Jacob gestured for Annie to precede him. He saw that she was blushing. He handed her the covered dish. “Annie—” He stopped, looked at her. She looked awkward, dismayed. Now wasn't the time to talk seriously with her. “What did you make?” he asked with a smile. “Whatever is in there smells wonderful.”

“You'll have to wait until after Sunday service to find out,” she replied. He watched her visibly relax.

“But I carried it all the way up here for you.” He pretended to be sad.

“And
ya
handled the weight well,” she quipped.

Jacob laughed outright. He couldn't help it; Annie looked so cute with that determined expression on her face and the teasing twinkle in her blue eyes. He felt hopeful. He quieted his laugh to a soft chuckle. Folks were gathering inside the house for church service. He didn't want to draw unwanted attention to himself or Annie.

“I hope that whatever you made is worth waiting for,” he said.

“Worth is entirely your opinion and of no consequence to me,” she replied crisply. She turned abruptly and marched across the lawn toward the kitchen area of the house.

Amused by her attitude, Jacob watched her stalk off. He grinned.

Anger was better than indifference.

Chapter Twelve

S
eated between her mother and sister, Annie listened as Levi Stoltzfus gave the Sunday sermon. He was a good speaker, reminding all about the importance of God in life and about family values. He spoke of the
Ordnung
, the teachings of the Amish faith, and he spoke of it with eloquence.

She became aware of Charlotte King Peachy, Abram's wife, who sat with Abram's five children. Charlotte glanced frequently and with affection toward her husband across the room. He beamed back at her while he attempted to keep focused on Preacher Levi's words.

She wanted a relationship like theirs, Annie thought. A man to love and marry and be a good father to their children.

She sensed someone's regard and turned to discover Ike. The man smiled. Ike was a nice man as well as a good member of the Happiness community. He was also Amos King's younger brother.

She felt the impact of someone else's stare and locked gazes with Jacob Lapp, seated on the bench behind Ike. His tawny gaze was sharp, and he didn't smile. He continued to gawk at her without expression before returning his attention to the preacher's sermon.

Annie felt her cheeks burning. Pulse thrumming, she forced her attention back to Ike King. Ike was looking for a wife and he wanted a family. Ike was older, safe. She could marry someone like Ike and be happy.

Couldn't she?

She couldn't consider Jacob. It wouldn't be wise. Yet, she couldn't ignore that she had feelings for the man.

Annie straightened in her seat, unwavering in her decision to put a plan in motion that would keep her on her determined path. She would talk with Ike, see if he was interested in walking out with her.

Why would Jacob want a woman who was two years older and afraid of getting hurt?

She felt her mother's regard, saw her displeasure, and straightened as she focused on the sermon again. She joined in loudly as the congregation sang a hymn. Their chanting voices blended beautifully, and Annie got caught up in the song. She pushed all of her concerns away as she prayed to the Lord and asked His help. A sense of peace overcame her; the Lord's way of showing her His presence. And she smiled. Everything would be fine. God would guide her in the right direction. All she had to do was pray hard and believe.

* * *

Church service ended, and Jacob stood on the front porch leaning against the railing. Seeing Annie again was like a kick to his midsection. He had put his heart on the line for her, throwing out the idea that they could be sweethearts rather than friends. If she had given it any serious thought, Annie gave no sign.

I should have listened to Eli.
His brother had warned him to stay away from the Zook family farm.

There was a singing tonight. Should he go? Annie probably wouldn't attend, not if she planned to marry Ike King. He'd go, have fun and flirt a little with one of the other girls.

He frowned.
As if I could.
He loved Annie too much to even think of spending time with another woman.

At some point he would return to work at the blacksmithy. But he would keep his distance from Annie. If she was interested in a relationship with him, then she would have to make the next move.

“What are you doing out here?” Eli stepped up to lean against the porch railing next to Jacob.

“Just thinking about tonight's singing...”

Eli scowled. “You are planning to go?” He leaned closer to whisper in Jacob's ear. “Or are you going to let Annie Zook stop you from enjoying yourself?” He ran a hand through his blond hair. Like the rest of the men, he removed his hat before attending church. “You need to show Annie that you are fine without her.”

“I already decided to go.”

Eli's mouth opened and closed.
“Gut,”
he said finally.

Jacob chuckled. “Almost speechless. That's new for you.”

“Jacob! Eli!” Amos and Mae King's son John, affectionately called BJ or Big John after Amos's eldest daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Eli, had chosen little John for their baby son. “My
vadder
has been looking for you,” BJ said. “He wants to know if you'll help with the church. He wants to move several benches into the other room.”

Jacob pushed off the railing, and Eli followed. “Any
gut
food waiting inside for us?” he asked the boy.

“Lots of
gut
food. I've got a hankering for a big helping of apple crisp.”

Eli smiled as he grabbed hold of the screen door and held it open as they stepped inside. “I've a yearning for a slice of spice cake or a helping of chocolate cream pudding.”

With Eli's help, Jacob moved benches into the other room. His thoughts turned to Annie.
I wonder what she made today.
Whatever it was—cake, pie or sheet cookie, it would taste delicious.

Eli's voice interrupted his train of thought. “Let's grab these and take them outside.”

Jacob worked with his brother and the two King boys until all the benches were either set up inside or outside in the yard, for those wishing to enjoy the warm autumn day.

By the time he and Eli were done, Jacob felt in control of his emotions again. He would go to the singing and would have a good time...without Annie Zook.

* * *

Annie rode to the singing with her two brothers. Josiah climbed out of the buggy and headed straight for Nancy King, who stood outside waiting for him. Peter lingered as Annie reached into the back of the vehicle to pick up the nearest of two snack platters she'd prepared for the evening.

Her brother was studying the people who chatted outside the barn. This was Peter's first singing and he had been eager to come. She smiled. “Are you ready?”

Peter rewarded her with a grin.
“Ja.”
A buggy arrived bringing more friends. “There's Reuben Miller,” he said as he lifted a hand to wave.

“I see him.” Annie suddenly remembered Reuben's offer to take her home. She was startled to realize that she hadn't given the young man any thought since their last encounter over a week and a half ago. Except when she'd spoken of him to Jacob.

“I don't see Rebekkah,” Peter noticed.

“You won't,” Annie said. “She's betrothed.” She handed him the platter.

“
Ach, ja
, I'd forgotten.” He accepted the plate of lemon squares. “What about the gingerbread cake?”

“I'll get it.” Annie reached to retrieve the gingerbread cake with cream-cheese frosting.

Another buggy pulled in to park on the other side. The Lapp twin brothers stepped out, and Annie watched their approach with her heart thundering in startling awareness of Jacob.

“
Hallo
, Annie,” Eli greeted. “Peter, I'm glad to see you here.”

Annie locked eyes with Jacob. “Jacob,” she said.

Jacob gave her a solemn nod. “Annie.”

Eli and Peter chatted as they headed toward the barn. Annie had no choice but to follow, with Jacob accompanying her. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. He cut a fine figure in his Sunday best. His black vest and white shirt fit him well as did his black pants with black shoes. The brim of his black felt hat shielded his eyes, but Annie could tell when he was looking at her. It was evening, and the setting sun was beautiful, a fiery orb that had changed the sky to colorful splashes of bright orange interwoven with red. The evening was quiet, and Annie felt the tension between them vibrate in the night air.

“Your hand looks better,” she said after desperately searching for something to say.

“
Ja
, 'tis much improved,” he said, sounding amused. Jacob had nothing to add to keep up the flow of conversation.

“I need to go,” Annie began.

“Annie.” The intensity in Jacob's voice stopped her.

“Ja?”

“We need to talk later. We haven't talked in ages.”

Annie nodded. Leaving Jacob's side after they entered the barn together, Annie placed the gingerbread cake with the rest of the snack food.

A long table with chairs had been set up in the barn. Girls were seated on one side and boys on the other. Annie took the first available seat, and to her dismay, Joseph Byler appeared and sat down across from her.

“Hello, Annie,” he said with a sloppy smile.

Annie nodded. His presence dampened her enjoyment of the evening. “Joseph.”

“Annie!” Reuben Miller stepped into the room and took a seat next to Joseph. “I told
ya
I would come.”

She smiled; she couldn't help it. “I take it the banns were posted for Rebekkah and Caleb.”

Reuben nodded. “
Ja
, and everyone is happy about the union.”

Jacob sat on Joseph's other side. “Joseph,” he greeted. He eyed Reuben over Joseph's head. “How are
ya
, Reuben?” He took off his hat and set it on the table, rewarding Annie with a good view of his features. His brown hair shone in the gas-lantern light, and there was a tiny smile playing about his masculine lips.

Her heart beat a rapid tattoo as she compared him to the two other men. Jacob Lapp was easily the most handsome.

Her brother Josiah opened his copy of the
Ausbund
and led them in the first song. He flashed Nancy a smile before he began to sing his chosen hymn in a deep, confident voice. Eli Lapp joined in, followed by the other young people. Annie couldn't keep her eyes off Jacob as he raised his voice in song, his tone strong, melodic and pleasant.

Caught up in the moment, Annie sang out for God and for the sure joy of it. Jacob captured her attention and Annie was surprised to see his golden eyes fill with warmth as they held gazes and joined voices.

A while later, at Nancy's urging, Josiah called a refreshment break. Anne rose along with the other girls to unwrap the food, while the young men stood to chat and stretch their legs. Nancy had made lemonade, and someone had brought homemade birch beer. Mae King, Nancy's mother, had provided hot tea and coffee as the days were cool and the nights could be downright cold. Soon everyone enjoyed paper plates filled with goodies and the beverage of their choice.

Annie was nursing a cup of hot tea, when Joseph Byler approached.

“Annie,” he said, “did you make these brownies?”

Annie shook her head. “Meg Stoltzfus did.”

He turned with a frown to eye the snack table, and as he did, Reuben Miller slid into his place in front of Annie.

“Annie,” he greeted with a smile. “This is yours. I can tell.” He referred to her gingerbread cake.

“How?” Annie asked. She wondered how he'd known.

He grinned. “Because it's the most delicious item on the table.” He lowered his voice. “And Peter told me.”

Annie laughed.

“May I take
ya
home this evening?” he asked, fulfilling her worst fears.

“I—”

“I'm afraid to disappoint you, but she's riding with me this evening,” Jacob said as he joined them.

Annie's heart began to race as soon as she heard Jacob's voice.

Reuben glanced from Jacob to Annie, who didn't refute Jacob's claim. “I see.”

“I appreciate the offer, Reuben,” Annie said while shooting Jacob a look, “but yes, Jacob will be taking me home.”

Joseph Byler, who'd been shifted outside the circle, returned with another snack on his plate. “This one must be yours,” he told Annie.

Jacob didn't move, and Annie was stunned by his desire to linger.

Sensing Joseph's confusion, she glanced at his plate. “
Ja
, I made that one.”

Joseph glanced toward Jacob and frowned as Jacob shifted closer to Annie's side. The young man widened his eyes and scurried away.

“So, you'll be taking me home, will you?” she said softly.

“You wanted to be rescued, didn't
ya
?” He took a bite of a lemon square. “These are delicious, Annie,” he said, sounding sincere. “You are an excellent cook and baker.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “And your
mudder
didn't have to point it out to me. I just knew.”

Annie laughed, and the earlier awkwardness between them suddenly vanished. “I'm glad you like them.” Reuben had already moved on to talk to Meg Stoltzfus. Joseph, on the other hand, continued to watch her from a distance, with a pouting look on his face.

Jacob followed the direction of her gaze. “He's not happy.”

“Nay.”
She gave Jacob a crooked smile. “He doesn't take a hint well.”

“I can't speak for Joseph. He is a determined man, but I think he is harmless. Eventually he'll get the hint. You mustn't worry too much about him.”

“And how many times will you have to rescue me from him before he'll understand that I'm just not interested in him?”

“If I'm not available, you can ask someone else to rescue you, like Eli or Ike King,” he said softly.

Annie felt keen disappointment. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to impose.”

Jacob narrowed his eyes. “I offered to take you home and you accepted. How is that an imposition?”

“It's not?” She waited with a wildly beating heart for his answer.

“
Nay
, taking you home can never be an imposition,” he said, and Annie felt joy at his words. “After all, we're friends, aren't we?” He shot a look over his shoulder. “'Tis time to go back inside.”

She nodded and set down her teacup.
Friends
, she thought. He
had
been teasing her when he'd suggested a possible deeper relationship between them. When she headed back inside, she was surprised to find that Jacob had waited for her.

She resumed her seat in the other room and was startled when Jacob took the chair directly across from her. Joseph frowned and shifted to the seat that Jacob had vacated earlier. Jacob smiled at her, and Annie knew a warmth and pleasure she'd never felt with his older brother Jed. When Jacob raised an eyebrow at her, she felt her heart soar. She wondered what it would be like to hold hands with him, then scolded herself for foolishly entertaining the thought. She blushed when she saw Jacob eyeing her with curiosity.