The Bishop's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

his chest. “And ever since the day you were chosen by lots to be our new bishop, I was sure you would be a good one.” She gave him a squeeze. “But to my way of thinking, the thing you’re the best at is being a loving, schmaert husband and father.”
    He leaned down and kissed her gently on the mouth. Then Lydia opened her eyes and reached up to stroke his long, full beard, which seemed to have more gray than brown in it these days. She felt blessed to be married to such a caring, considerate man. He had not only looked out for her needs these nearly thirty-six years they’d been together, and to their children’s needs, as well, but he guided, comforted, and befriended his entire flock.
    “So, then, have ya got anything cold to drink for your smart old man?” Jacob asked. “It’s sure a hot, sticky day out there. Can’t believe how warm it’s gotten already this year.”
    Lydia eased out of his embrace and tipped her head to one side. “Ah, so that’s the reason you came by the house. I’ll bet you were hoping to have a few cookies to go with that cold drink, jah?”
    His hazel eyes twinkled, and he chuckled, which made his beard jiggle up and down. “Some cookies and a cool drink would be good, but that’s not the only reason I dropped by to see you, my love.”
    Lydia clucked her tongue as she headed across the room to therefrigerator. “We aren’t a couple of young sweethearts anymore, so you don’t have to say things like that to get me to pour you a glass of iced tea.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Or would you rather have some cold goat’s milk?”
    Jacob ambled across the room and pulled out a chair. “Milk and cookies would be fine and dandy.”
    A few minutes later, they were both seated at the table with tall glasses of milk set before them, along with a plate piled high with molasses cookies.
    “Umm. . . These cookies are sure tasty,” he said, smacking his lips and lifting his bushy eyebrows until they nearly disappeared into his hairline.
    “Danki. I’m glad you like ’em.”
    “What’s our youngest daughter up to today?” Jacob asked. “I figured she might be out workin’ in the garden this afternoon, but I didn’t see any sign of her when I pulled into the yard.”
    “She went over to the schoolhouse soon after lunch. Said she wanted to do some cleaning and make a list of things that need to be done before school starts.”
    He nodded. “It won’t be long ’til the kinner’s summer break is over. I’m thinkin’ the outside of the school will need to be painted before then. That will no doubt be on her list.”
    “Jah, I’m sure you’re right about that.”
    “You think our daughter’s gonna be okay, Lydia?” Jacob asked as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.
    “Well, I know she’s still havin’ some headaches, but I believe after a few more visits with the chiropractor, she’ll be good as new.”
    He shook his head. “I wasn’t talkin’ about her physical condition. I was referrin’ to her broken heart. She’s not really been the same since Ezra died.”
    Lydia opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by a knock at the back door. Her chair squeaked as she pushed it aside. “I’d best see who’s come a-calling.”
    When she opened the door a few seconds later, she was surprised to see Abner Lapp standing on the front porch. “Is Leona here?” he asked.
    “She’s not at home just now.”
    His dark eyebrows lifted under his straw hat as he frowned. “She ain’t, huh?”
    “Sorry, no.”
    “Mind if I ask when she might be home?”
    “She’s gone over to the schoolhouse to get some work done, and I doubt she’ll be here much before supper.”
    Abner nodded. “Guess I’ll drive on over there, ’cause I need to talk to her about Emanuel.”
    Lydia pursed her lips. “Your little bruder isn’t still blamin’ himself for Leona’s accident, is he?”
    Abner shrugged. “I’m not sure, but all of a sudden, he’s sayin’ he doesn’t