Wanted(15)

“Everything’s so different now.” A cloud fell over his sister’s face.

That much was true. Not two years after he and Sarah had taken their vows, their father was diagnosed with cancer and died. Then Sarah’s accident…What would have happened if Sarah had not been so intent to return from her outing at twilight, on such a foggy night? The dim light, combined with the fog, had made it near impossible for the approaching car to see either the reflective tape on the side or the slow-moving vehicle sign on the back of the buggy. Within seconds, Sarah was severely injured, the buggy mere toothpicks, and the horse dead. Sarah had died before the ambulance reached the hospital.

After the accident, when he and his girls were still numb, his mother had lived with him. Last year, when it became obvious her health was failing, too, she announced that she would go live with her sister, his aunt up near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was decided that Winnie would be a better helpmate to Jonathan and the girls.

“Our family has had its share of sadness,” he said, though that statement didn’t near describe all the topsy-turvy turns his life had taken.

Winnie pushed away from the side of the wagon and practically skipped by his side. “I’m fair to bursting about going to Indiana. I hope Katie comes to her senses soon.”

Oh, how uncomfortable that visit to the Brennemans had been. He’d near ripped his hat in two, he’d been gripping it so hard. “I hope so, too.”

“I have a feeling that something else is going on besides Irene and John not wanting her near you. Did you get that feeling, too?”

“It doesna matter what I think.”

“Now Katie is someone who I’m surprised didn’t marry right away. She’s so pretty. When we were best friends, all she ever talked about was wanting to be in love. I tell you, I always saw her making little things for her hope chest and planning her marriage. What do you think happened? Why do you think she hasn’t met her match?”

He walked to the barn to get Blacky, their horse. “Don’t ask me about such things.”

“Don’t be such a stick in the mud. Come now, you must have had some thoughts on her.”

Katie Brenneman was a fair sight, for sure. Blue eyes as fresh as spring. A slim, becoming figure. Light brown hair always plaited neatly under her kapp. A pleasant disposition. A pretty smile and an adorable way about her that had always drawn him close. “Her married state is none of our business.”

“I know, but—”

“I best get going, Winnie. You know I canna stop and chat all day. Work has to get done.”

“Oh, all right. Jonathan, you are far too serious sometimes.”

“I know.” He kept walking in silence, but privately argued fiercely over that. When he was younger, he’d been always up for fun and mischief. He loved a good joke, either of the practical nature or a simple story.

Time and again, their father had encouraged him to mind his manners a bit more. Sarah, on the other hand, had wanted him to be more lighthearted all the time.

Yes, Sarah had never had a problem with telling him what she thought.

Jonathan had a feeling life with Katie would be different. She had a sweet way about her and an easy laugh. Yes, he did, indeed, find her very pleasing. He’d also been aware that she’d fancied him. And though he shouldn’t feel flattered and full of himself, he did, indeed.



We need to talk about Brandon. Can you meet me on Sunday at noon? I’ll be at the Brown Dog Café, just like old times.

Katie’s hands shook as she stared at the note again. What would it be like, going back to the Brown Dog? She hadn’t been there since she’d confessed everything to Brandon and Holly. She’d certainly never stepped inside the coffeehouse dressed Amish.

Church services at neighbors’ homes only took place every other Sunday. This Sunday was an off week, so she’d be able to go, if she really wanted to.

The Brown Dog was in walking distance, if a person didn’t mind the windy roads to get there. Situated in Peebles, it sat on the outskirts of a small town and attracted a variety of people. Mostly teenagers and college students hung out in the booths and old tables. Mixed in with the teenagers were a few young adults eager to take a break. Katie had liked the place from the moment she’d followed James and Laura inside.

The walls were exposed red brick. Black-and-white photos in silver frames hung scattered all over the walls. The scenes were of places in Europe. Exotic places Katie had never dreamed of seeing.

Places Katie knew she’d most likely never visit.

And that had bothered her mightily when she was seventeen. She’d opened her eyes to music and art and fashion and had been inundated with sites and smells and images so completely unfamiliar and strange that she’d been drawn to them.