The Amish Widow's New Love. Liz Tolsma

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СКАЧАТЬ she knew it, Naomi stood on the threshold of the walkout basement’s back door leading to the downstairs bakery. After drawing in a deep breath, she stepped inside, warmth enveloping her, the yeasty aroma of bread, doughnuts and cinnamon rolls welcoming her.

      She hadn’t been here as an employee since Joseph’s birth. The people, the routine, the work had brought her a measure of comfort after Daniel’s death. Perhaps Mamm was right. Maybe being here would keep her from worrying about her son, even if only for a few hours.

      Rachel Miller, her sister-in-law and best friend, scurried into the hall. “Naomi, welcome back. How gut it is to see you.” She wrapped her in a hug. “How is Joseph doing?”

      “Fine now. But that illness was one of the scariest things that I’ve ever had to experience.” Joseph was her precious only child. His sickness could have been serious, even life-threatening.

      “The Lord is gracious. And it is gut to have you beside me again, even if it’s only a few days a week.”

      They entered the kitchen, and Naomi stared at the stoves lining the walls, the big sink in the back and the large metal table in the middle where the women did most of their work. Rachel squeezed her shoulder. “Are you okay? You sure you’re up for this?”

      She had to be. “Ja, except it’s almost like I’m dreaming. But Mamm says it’s gut for me to get out of the house for a while, and the money will help with the repairs to the dawdi haus so I can move in there. Have a measure of independence.”

      “Whatever the reason you came back to work, I’m glad you’re here.”

      They set to their tasks, Rachel kneading dough that would become pretzels, and Naomi kneading seven-grain bread. Before long, the rhythm of the work settled her.

      “You crazy old man, what are you doing?” A voice carried from the back room.

      Naomi turned to Rachel. “Is that Sylvia Herschberger?”

      “Sounds like it.”

      “Just getting this flour you wanted.”

      Naomi chuckled. “Ja, that’s Simon answering her.”

      “Let me help you with that.”

      Elam? Was that his voice? Her stomach fluttered in her midsection. Which was ridiculous. He had helped them when Joseph got sick, but that was all.

      “Watch out.”

       Boom. Crash. Bang.

      “Simon!” Sylvia screeched.

      Naomi wiped her hands on her apron and scurried to the back room. “Ach, Simon, oh no.”

      The older man lay on the floor, his right leg jutting out at an odd angle. Elam pulled a ladder off him. Sylvia stood over her husband, wringing her hands. Flour covered all three of them and the floor. Dust floated on the sunlit air.

      Naomi hurried to his side. “What can I do? Tell me how to help.”

      Elam’s green eyes widened when he saw her. “We’ll need an ambulance.”

      Rachel reached Naomi. “I’ll run down the street to call for one.”

      Naomi knelt beside the gray-haired man, his hat crushed underneath him. “Simon?”

      “Oh, my leg.” He spoke the words through gritted teeth.

      “I told you not to climb up there for the flour.” His wife paced the room stacked with large quantities of baking supplies, her black shoes leaving prints on the dusty floor. “Why didn’t you wait for Elam to get here to do it?”

      Elam motioned for Sylvia to stop. “That doesn’t matter. Right now, let’s get him comfortable while we wait for the ambulance.”

      Sylvia wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “There are pillows and a blanket on our bed upstairs.” She wobbled on her feet.

      “I’ll get them. And you look like you need a chair.” Naomi held her by the arm. “Lean against the wall. Will you be okay while I grab a seat for you?”

      Sylvia nodded.

      Elam placed the ladder against the shelves. “I’ll help you carry everything.”

      Naomi opened her mouth to object, but shut it right away. Instead, she followed him up the stairs. “Why are you here?”

      “I could ask you the same question.” He opened the door to the family’s living quarters.

      “I’m trying to scrape together some money to repair the dawdi haus for myself and my son.”

      “And Simon asked me to make a few new picnic tables for the Englisch to sit on when the weather’s nice. The ones they have now are unsteady and falling apart. They’re giving me a chance to prove myself and show people I’m serious about returning. I’m hoping it will lead to a new business venture. How is Joseph, by the way?”

      She popped into the Herschbergers’ bedroom and pulled a couple of pillows and a red-and-blue wedding-ring quilt from the bed before returning to the kitchen, where Elam grabbed a chair. “Fine. And once more, denki for what you did for us when he got sick.”

      “I’m happy I was at the singing to give you a ride.” His smile was tight, like he forced it.

      They descended the stairs and returned to the Herschbergers. Naomi knelt beside Simon. “Here you are.” She lifted him enough to slide two pillows under his head, and then covered him with the quilt. Elam helped Sylvia into the chair.

      Simon grasped the coverlet, his knuckles turning white. “Guess I’m going to have to go to the hospital.”

      Naomi took care not to hurt him when she straightened the quilt over his twisted knee. “You’ve broken your leg. And done a good job of it. Let’s hope that’s all.”

      “How long do you think I will be out of commission?” Simon groaned.

      “Only a doctor can answer that.” What was taking that ambulance so long?

      A furrow appeared on Simon’s brow. “But the auction is coming up.”

      All the air rushed from Naomi’s lungs. That auction was to raise money for medical needs in the district. Like for Joseph’s surgery. And Aaron’s ongoing expenses. Simon did most of the organizing. How would they pay for anything without the funds the event raised?

      Elam peered out the door. “I hear the siren. The ambulance must be just down the road. You hang on.”

      Simon winced as he nodded. “And you and Naomi will take over coordinating the auction.”

      “You want us to do it?” Elam spun around to face inside.

      “You’ll do a fine job. I won’t have to worry with the two of you in charge.”

      Elam hawed for a moment. “I’m not sure.”

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