The Courtship Basket Read online

  “Has it always been that way, Raymond?” Rachel asked while buttering her roll.

  Dat nodded. “Ya, I think so. The tourists love anything that’s made by the Amish, but their favorites were always the wishing wells and the planters.”

  “What are the easiest things you make?” Rachel asked.

  Mike spent the rest of supper talking about the items he made at the shop. Soon their plates were empty, and Rachel insisted on helping to clear the table of the dishes. As she worked, she continued peppering him with questions about his work and what he enjoyed about it the most. Then she brought the chocolate pie to the table and put on the percolator to make coffee.

  As they lingered over dessert, their conversation moved to the weather. Everyone in the community was concerned about how well the crops would do this year with some threat of drought. When they were finished, Rachel immediately began cleaning up.

  “I didn’t even realize the storm was over,” she said, peeking out the small kitchen window above the sink. “It’s just a light rain now.”

  Mike sidled up beside her and breathed in the scent of her flowery shampoo. “You’re right.”

  She looked up at him. “I guess we should get on the road soon. I don’t want you to be driving back in the dark when it’s raining.”

  Mike nodded. “That’s a gut point.” He turned toward the table where Dat sat talking with John. “I’m going to take Rachel home in the buggy.”

  He realized then that he didn’t know what he’d been thinking when he’d offered to take Rachel home. He wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea of leaving his father and John home alone for that length of time. “Dat, let’s get you settled in the recliner before I leave.” He looked at John. “Do you remember how to use the phone in the barn to call nine-one-one if you need help in an emergency?”

  “Ya.” John nodded. “I remember how, and I can do it. I’ll also run over to the neighbors for help after I call. I’ll help you get Dat into his favorite chair and bring him the paper.”

  “Gut bu.” Mike patted John’s shoulder.

  “I hope to see you again soon, Raymond,” Rachel told his father as she gathered up her basket and serving dishes from lunch.

  “I’m certain we’ll see each other again very soon.” Dat smiled and ignored the warning look Mike gave him.

  Mike and John moved Dat into the family room and made certain he was comfortable in his recliner. Then Mike escorted Rachel outside, and she put her belongings inside the buggy while he hitched his horse.

  He couldn’t remember when he had last felt this happy and nervous all at the same time.

  CHAPTER 13

  “I HAD A REALLY NICE TIME TODAY,” RACHEL TOLD MIKE AS he guided the horse down the main road toward Bird-in-Hand. The light rain sprinkled the windshield as the horse and buggy splashed through the puddles. “Danki for inviting me to stay for supper.”

  “I’m froh you could stay.” He flashed a smile before glancing back toward the road ahead.

  A smile found Rachel’s lips as she recalled the day they’d spent together. She had enjoyed every moment with Mike and his family, and she was disappointed when it was time to go home. But at least she and Mike had a fairly long buggy ride to continue talking.

  “Your dat seemed to be in gut spirits tonight,” she said.

  “Ya, he was,” Mike agreed, but his expression collapsed with a frown.

  “Was iss letz?”

  His scowl deepened. “I can’t help worrying about him. He used to have so much energy. It’s difficult for me to see him so weak.”

  “I’m sorry.” She fought the urge to touch his arm and comfort him. Touching him would be wrong, but she felt close to him. It was as if their friendship had deepened after spending so much time together today.

  “Thanks.” Mike gave her a bleak smile. “Mei dat really enjoys talking to you. I think your visits help him a lot.”

  Rachel’s cheeks warmed. “I appreciate that. I enjoy spending time with him and John, and you too.”

  They were silent for a moment, and Rachel wondered if she’d made Mike feel uncomfortable by saying she liked being with him. She hoped she didn’t give him the wrong idea.

  “Since you asked me all about my job,” he began with a sideways glance, “it’s my turn to ask you about your work now.”

  “All right.” Rachel settled her hands in her lap.

  “How do you like teaching?” he asked.

  “I enjoy it,” Rachel said, watching raindrops pepper the windshield. “I actually like it better than I thought I would.”

  Mike slowed the horse to a stop at a red light. “You didn’t always want to be a teacher?”

  Rachel shook her head. “No, I really didn’t. I honestly never considered being a teacher until this year.”

  Mike studied her with surprise. “I thought you always wanted to be a teacher. You’re a natural with John.”

  “Danki, but teaching was never my goal. I honestly thought I’d be married by now.” She glanced out the side window. “Mei schweschder was married in February, and I was sure I’d be next. I thought I’d be planning my wedding for this fall.”

  “Really?” Mike raised an eyebrow.

  “Malinda asked me to be her co-teacher after my plans fell apart.” Rachel forced a smile, despite a twinge of disappointment that threatened her happy mood. “It all worked out, and I’m really thankful Malinda asked me to help her. I learned a really important lesson.”

  The light turned green, and Mike guided the horse through the intersection.

  “What lesson was that?” he asked, keeping his eyes focused on the road.

  “I learned that sometimes God’s plan is different from the one you have for yourself,” Rachel said. “We have to accept that he has the perfect plan for us, and we’ll find out what it is when the time is right.”

  Mike nodded without meeting her glance. “Ya, that is definitely true.”

  Rachel was grateful Mike didn’t ask her for details about what happened to her hopes for marriage.

  The rest of the trip was spent in an easy silence or talking about the everyday challenges of their jobs—just the kind of quality time Rachel thought two good friends should share.

  The sign advertising her father’s store came into view, and Rachel pointed out the driveway leading to her house. Mike guided the horse up the rock driveway and stopped near the back porch.

  Rachel reached for the picnic basket at her feet, and Mike grasped the handle at the same time. When their fingers brushed, she felt a spark and swallowed a gasp.

  “I’ll carry it for you,” he offered.

  “Thanks.” She hefted her tote bag onto her shoulder, climbed out of the buggy, and met him by the porch steps. The rain had stopped, and the aroma of wet grass and spring permeated the air. “You don’t have to walk me up to the haus.”

  Rachel’s heartbeat stuttered in her chest, and confusing feelings overtook her as she looked into his eyes. She was falling for Mike, but she didn’t want to surrender her emotions to another man so quickly after David had broken her heart. She needed to concentrate on being a good teacher and not think about falling in love. Why were her emotions betraying her now?

  “I don’t mind.” Mike smiled down at her, and she wondered if he felt the invisible force that seemed to pull them toward each other.

  The screen door banged shut, and Rachel jumped with a start.

  “Rach!” Emily appeared on the porch. “How did it go—” She stopped and smiled when she saw Mike. “Hi. I’m Emily.” She descended the stairs and stood by Rachel.

  “Hi.” Mike shook Emily’s hand. “I’m Mike Lantz.”

  Emily raised her eyebrows at Rachel, causing Rachel’s cheeks to flare with embarrassment. She hoped Mike hadn’t seen Emily’s expression.

  “Well, I’d better get back on the road. The sun will be setting soon.” Mike handed the basket to Rachel. “Thanks again for coming over today.”

  “Have a safe
trip home,” Rachel said.

  Mike waved and then climbed into the buggy. As the horse clip-clopped down the driveway, Emily wrapped her arm around Rachel’s shoulders.

  “Why didn’t you tell me Mike is so handsome?” Emily asked as they walked up the steps toward the back door.

  Rachel shrugged. “We’re just freinden, so it doesn’t matter.”

  “I think he likes you.” Emily squeezed Rachel’s arm.

  “No, he doesn’t.” Rachel stepped into the kitchen and found her mother sitting at the table with a cup of tea. “Hi, Mamm.” She placed her tote bag and basket on the counter and draped her sweater over the back of a chair.

  “How was your day?” Mamm asked.

  “It was gut.” Rachel slipped into a chair across from Mamm, and Emily sat down beside her. Rachel told them how she spent her day at the Lantz farm.

  Excitement twinkled in Emily’s blue eyes. “Mike must really like you if he invited you to stay for supper and then brought you home.” She turned to Mamm. “Don’t you agree?”

  “Ya, it looks like it to me too.” Mamm nodded. “He sounds like a nice young man.”

  “He is nice, but I don’t think he likes me,” Rachel insisted. “We both care about John.” She stood and started for the stairs. “I’m tired, so I’m going to get ready for bed. It’s been a long day.”

  “Are you all right?” Emily placed her hand on Rachel’s arm. “You look worried.”

  Rachel sighed as she sat down on the chair. “Mike is a wunderbaar man, but I’m not ready for a relationship. I’m not interested in dating anyone right now.” She shook her head. “Besides, if I get married, then I can’t teach anymore. Right now I just want to concentrate on teaching.”

  “You’re afraid he’ll break your heart,” Mamm said as understanding flickered across her face. “It’s okay to be cautious. Breakups have a lingering pain that can be very difficult to overcome. Don’t feel pressured to fall in love again or to have a relationship. Give yourself time to heal, but don’t give up on love altogether.”

  She reached across the table and gently squeezed Rachel’s hands. “Promise me you’ll give someone special a chance when the time is right, okay?”

  Rachel found deep understanding in her mother’s expression. “I promise I will.”

  Emily’s lips frowned into a thin line. “I didn’t mean to pressure you.”

  “It’s okay.” Rachel had always secretly envied her younger sister’s positive outlook on life. Emily was rarely sad or disappointed, and she always believed the best in people. If only she had her sister’s happy-go-lucky spirit. “I’m really tired. I’m going to shower and then go to bed. Tell Dat good night for me.”

  Rachel climbed the stairs to the second floor. As she pulled out her nightgown, she wondered if Mike had felt the same strong attraction she’d felt today. Did he care about her too? Was he as nervous about giving away his heart?

  As Rachel padded down the hallway to the bathroom, she wondered if she had completely misread Mike’s feelings for her. Maybe he only wanted to be friends, and she was wasting her time thinking about him.

  Yet somewhere deep in her soul, she knew Mike liked her as much as she liked him, and a tingle of excitement teased her. She put thoughts of him aside and climbed into the shower. She’d keep her promise to her mother and not give up on love—even though the notion of getting hurt again scared her to death.

  MIKE SAT ON THE EDGE OF JOHN’S BED AND TUCKED THE covers in around him. “Did you have fun today?”

  “I had the best day ever.” John gave him a toothy grin. “I love playing Scrabble! I had so much fun spelling words, and Rachel was so funny when she said you didn’t know how to spell as well as I do.”

  Mike chuckled while recalling Rachel’s sweet laugh. “She was funny. I enjoyed our time together too.”

  John’s smile dissolved as a pensive expression overtook his small face. “Do you like Rachel?”

  “Of course I like her.” Mike pushed a lock of John’s hair back from his face. “She’s our freind, right?”

  “Ya, but you do really like her?” John prodded. “Are you going to ask her to be your girlfriend?”

  Mike grimaced. John sounded like Dat. Why was his family pushing him to date Rachel? “I don’t think so. She’s my freind.”

  “But you and Rachel get along really well.” He tilted his head in question. “Did Dat and your mamm get along well?”

  Mike nodded. “Ya, they got along really well.” He smiled as he remembered his father and mother teasing each other. One afternoon Mamm chased Dat around the kitchen, scolding him after he had swiped a finger full of icing from a chocolate cake she’d made for his birthday. His father laughed so hard tears had streamed down his face.

  “Mei mamm and Dat loved each other very much, and your mamm and Dat loved each other a lot too.” He touched John’s nose. “Your mamm loved you very much too. She’d be so proud of you if she heard you read aloud like you did today.”

  John fingered the hem of the sheet. “Do you think you’ll ever get married?”

  Mike shrugged. “I don’t know. I might get married someday, but it won’t be any time soon.”

  “Is it because of me?” John looked up at him.

  “Why would you ask that?” Mike searched John’s eyes.

  “I heard you talking to Dat the other night, and you said you can’t date because you have to take care of me. Am I the reason why you don’t have a girlfriend?”

  “No, no.” Mike shook his head. “That’s not why I don’t date.” He paused, gathering his thoughts. He had to tell his brother the truth, but he didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “I choose to stay home with you and Dat and not go to youth group because I want to be here with you. But that doesn’t mean you’re the reason why I don’t date. Right now the focus of my life is taking care of both Dat and you. Maybe someday I’ll meet a special maedel and fall in love, and we’ll get married. And if I do get married, you’ll be with us. We’ll all be a family. You belong here with me and Dat because we love you, and we’re family.”

  John’s toothy grin was back in full force. “Maybe you can marry Rachel.”

  Mike chuckled. “You sound like Dat. I don’t think I’ll marry Rachel.”

  “Why not? You said she’s your freind and you have fun together.”

  Mike stood. “It’s late. You need to get some sleep. We have church in the morning.”

  “Gut nacht,” John said, rolling to his side.

  Mike walked out to the hallway and quietly closed John’s door behind him. He walked down the stairs and checked on Dat, who was snoring peacefully in his room. Once he was certain Dat was okay, Mike ambled out to his woodshop, where he flipped on the lanterns, opened the window above the workbench, and then perched on a stool to begin working on the shelf he’d started a few weeks ago.

  He pulled on a mask, and while he stained the shelf, he thought about his brother’s comments about Rachel. Both Dat and John liked Rachel and wanted Mike to date her. He liked Rachel too, but his strong feelings against dating hadn’t changed during the course of the day. He still wasn’t interested, and he longed for John and Dat to drop the subject completely.

  Mike swept the brush over the wood and recalled his conversation with Rachel during their ride to her house. He was intrigued when she talked about how God’s plans weren’t always the plans they had for themselves. He certainly could relate to that after losing his stepmother and becoming his father’s caregiver.

  He found himself stuck on what Rachel had said about teaching on the way home in the buggy. She had never considered becoming a teacher until her cousin asked her to help with the special school, and that was after a man had broken her heart. She thought she was going to be married instead.

  Mike had thought about asking her more about that, but he didn’t want to pry into her life. The question, however, continued to taunt him while he worked. Why would a man break up with Rachel, when she was a smart, beautiful,
loyal woman? Rachel had an intriguing stubborn streak that kept Mike guessing. She would make a wonderful wife.

  Mike closed his eyes and groaned. He was falling into the trap Dat had laid for him. He had to stop thinking about Rachel and concentrate on the important tasks he had in his home.

  So then why did Rachel keep sneaking back into his thoughts?

  He finished staining the shelf and then set it on newspaper on the workbench before closing up the shop for the night. As he walked toward the house, he stopped and studied the rocking chair on the porch where Rachel had sat beside John earlier today. He remembered how she’d smiled and clapped as she encouraged him to read.

  Rachel truly was a blessing to their family. Mike just had to keep reminding himself that she was a friend, and that was all she could ever be to him.

  “I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW QUICKLY THIS WEEK FLEW BY,” RACHEL said as she sat at the teacher’s desk. She was writing in the students’ journals. “It seems like it was just Monday, and now we’re cleaning up to go home for the weekend.”

  “I know.” Malinda erased the schedule from the board and then faced the class. “Okay, scholars. If you are done with your worksheet, please bring it up to the front of the room. It’s time to pack up and get ready to go home.”

  Rachel lifted the next journal in the pile and smiled when she realized it was John’s. She opened to a clean page and prepared to write the note for Friday.

  “How are you doing on the journals?” Malinda asked, sidling up beside her.

  “I’m on the last one.” Rachel lowered her voice. “I just have John’s left.”

  “Oh.” Malinda smiled. “I’ve seen a huge improvement this week. It must be due to your tutoring sessions on the weekends. What are you going to write?”

  “I’ll let Mike know how well John is doing,” Rachel said.

  Malinda whispered, leaning in close, “I don’t think you need to do the tutoring on the weekends anymore though. He’s reading at a higher level than most of the other students now, and his math worksheet from yesterday was perfect.”

  “I agree.” Rachel nodded and bit back a frown. She was thrilled John was doing so well, but she would miss their Saturday visits. At the same time, however, she knew she was needed at home to help with chores. It wasn’t fair for her to expect Emily to keep doing all Rachel’s chores along with helping her father in his harness shop.