[Kentucky Brothers 01] - The Journey by Wanda E Brunstetter Page A

Titus’s chest, and he leaned his head back and roared. Soon they were both laughing so hard tears ran down their faces as they held their sides.
     
    Finally, Titus got control of himself and bent to pick up the can. “Sure hope nothin’ like that ever happens again. That was downright stressful!”
     
    She gave a nod. “I appreciate the fact that you took the time to free Callie—especially when you don’t even like her.”
     
    “Couldn’t let her spend the rest of her days wearin’ a can on her head. Regardless of what you may think, I’m really not mean.”
     
    Before Suzanne could respond, he hurried into the trailer and shut the door.
     

     
    Paradise, Pennsylvania
     
    “Hi, Mom, how’s it going?” Samuel asked as he entered the kitchen, where Fannie sat working on a crossword puzzle. “We’re fine here. How are things with you and your family?” “Everyone’s doing well. The older kinner are looking forward to getting out of school at the end of April.”
     
    “That’s just a few weeks away.” Fannie motioned to the stove. “If you have the time, help yourself to a cup of coffee.”
     
    “Think I will.” Samuel poured himself some coffee and took a seat beside her at the table. “Where’s Dad this morning?”
     
    “He had a dental appointment, so he headed to town right after breakfast.”
     
    “I’m surprised you could get him to go. Dad’s always hated going to the dentist.”
     
    “I know, but he lost a filling the other day, and I talked him into going before the tooth started hurting.” Fannie took a drink from her cup and filled in the next word on her puzzle.
     
    “Have you heard anything more from Titus?” Samuel asked.
     
    She shook her head. “He left a message for Timothy a few weeks ago, but he’s only left one message here, and that was the day he got to Kentucky. I’ve written to him a few times already, but he hasn’t answered any of the letters.” She sighed. “Guess he’s either too busy or is trying to prove that he’s independent and doesn’t need me anymore.”
     
    Samuel placed his hand over Fannie’s. “I’m sure it’s not that. Most likely, he’s keeping busy.”
     
    “I thought I’d feel better about his move if your daed and I went to Kentucky so I could see for myself that Titus is doing okay.” Fannie slowly shook her head. “But your daed says he’s too busy right now with the spring planting and such.”
     
    The back door swung open, and Timothy rushed into the room with one-year-old Mindy in his arms. His face was red and beaded with perspiration.
     
    “What’s wrong, Timothy?” Fannie asked. “You look
umgerennt
.”
     
    “I am upset. Hannah’s outside in the van with our driver and is hurtin’ real bad with contractions. She started bleeding awhile ago, too, so we’re taking her to the hospital.” Timothy moved toward the table. “Hannah’s mamm is going with us, so I was wondering if you could keep Mindy while we’re gone.”
     
    “Of course.” Fannie held out her arms, and the child went willingly to her. “Please call as soon as you know something.”
     
    “I will.” Timothy leaned over and kissed his daughter’s forehead; then he turned and hurried out.
     
    Fannie sighed. “I hope Hannah’s going to be all right. The
boppli
‘s not due for several more months. I sure hope she won’t lose it.”
     

C HAPTER 13
     

Pembroke, Kentucky
     
    A s Titus ate breakfast that morning, he thought about Suzanne and how much she resembled Phoebe. He knew it wasn’t fair to compare the two women when their personalities weren’t the same, but it was hard to look at Suzanne without thinking about Phoebe, which only reminded him of her betrayal. Titus wondered if the ache in his heart would ever heal. He wanted to settle down and get married someday, but would he ever find a woman he loved as much as he had Phoebe?
     
    He added a spoonful of sugar to his coffee and stirred it around.
I’ll never find