For Every Season by Cindy Woodsmall Page B

there. She has a phobia of them.”
    Rhoda rested her hand on his chest. “Are you getting your past sorted out?”
    “I’m working on it. Even hired a lawyer, but he wants things of me I’m not sure I’m willing to give.”
    “You have to. For us.”
    He stared into her eyes, and she saw determination replace reluctance. “You’re right.” He wrapped her hand with his. “We’ll talk about what’s going on with her later, okay?”
    “I’ll always be here, waiting for you.”
    An endearing boyish grin lit his face. He pulled the walkie-talkie out of his pocket. “Samuel.”
    “Ya.”
    “Rhoda needs to see you in the office after dinner. There is a ton of mail to discuss and work plans to go over.” By using the two-way, he had let everyone know that he approved of Samuel and Rhoda working side by side again. He slid the radio into his pocket.
    “Denki.”
    He kissed her on the forehead. “We’re gonna get to where we were before I left here, and when we do, we’ll keep right on going until our grandchildren are awed to see what real love is.” He smiled. “Now go eat, and then get busy before we drown in letters and paperwork.”
    Disappointment and relief warred within her as he left the office. She’d wanted a real kiss, and yet she’d been unable to lean into his embrace. It had to be guilt from when she’d been in this same room in Samuel’s arms. Rhoda closed her eyes. That had to be it.
    She couldn’t even stand to think about what else it might be.

NINE
    Samuel finished climbing the stairs to the second floor of the farmhouse, clasping the walkie-talkie. What Jacob had said on the two-way wasn’t the end result he’d expected when he’d left the office. But the proclamation had sent relief and happiness bouncing around inside him. Maybe he and his brother would weather this storm.
    He went to Rhoda’s old room and tapped on the door. What agreement had Jacob and Rhoda come to?
    “Kumm,” Iva said.
    Samuel eased open the door. She stood at the dresser folding some items before putting them in a drawer. Her head covering was oval rather than heart shaped, and her apron, which didn’t have a bib, matched her dress. Other than that, it seemed the Indiana Old Order Amish were similar to the Pennsylvania Amish … or rather what was now the Maine Old Order Amish.
    She shook out a pair of stockings and began neatly rolling them. “Did you find any hangers?” She glanced up and gasped, almost dropping the stockings. “I … I thought you were Leah.”
    It was really nice for someone in this house to look at him without a hint of suspicion. “I can’t say I usually have that effect on people.”
    “I’m sure you don’t.” She shoved her stockings into the drawer and slammed it shut. “Your hands are too hairy.”
    He laughed, looking at his hands. They weren’t very hairy. “That’s the only difference?”
    She shrugged, making a face. “Speaking of hands, did you come with news of my future in yours?”
    He held them out. “No news.” He glanced at them. “Just dirt.” He rubbedat the stains, but they didn’t come off. “I want to apologize for your coming all this way only to learn the job isn’t a done deal.”
    “There was no misunderstanding. Not really. I knew there was only a chance of employment.”
    “That’s good.” What were her circumstances that she’d travel for days on just the possibility of getting a job? “Phoebe sent me to tell you that supper will be ready in about fifteen minutes. We’re hoping you’ll join us, but if you’re too weary, we understand. Someone will bring you a tray.”
    She froze. “I’d love to join everyone at dinner.” She choked up a bit. “Sorry. You’re all just so kind.”
    Samuel didn’t feel they’d been particularly welcoming, but maybe they’d exceeded her expectations. “We try to be very well mannered—at least until someone’s second day.”
    She ducked her head, perhaps trying to hide a smile.