The Fruits of Fall Read online

  Tena hurried into Aenti Emma’s bedroom and hid the money box in her closet. Then as she climbed the stairs, she prayed Alex wasn’t planning to hurt them.

  CHAPTER 2

  Tena hurried into the spare bedroom she’d made her own since her arrival at Aenti Emma’s house two months ago. She removed her prayer covering and hung it on a peg on the wall to dry. Then she quickly peeled off her wet clothes, dried herself with a towel she’d grabbed from the upstairs bathroom, and pulled on a fresh blue dress and black apron.

  She covered her bright-red hair with a blue headscarf and then rushed back down to the kitchen. Aenti Emma was placing a basket of rolls and a platter of lunch meat in front of Alex, who was already sitting at the table. He’d obviously washed his face and slicked down his wet hair, but she was sure he needed a shower under those filthy clothes.

  Hank sat on a chair next to him and stared at the table as if he were waiting for someone to make a sandwich for his own supper.

  “Tena, would you please get the lettuce, mustard, and mayonnaise?” Aenti Emma pointed toward the refrigerator.

  “Of course.” Tena gathered the requested items while Aenti Emma set a pitcher of water and four glasses on the table.

  The door to the utility room opened, and Wayne entered the kitchen. “All the food is stowed.” He crossed to the sink and began to wash his hands. “I put the lettuce in the refrigerator, but I left the other fruits and vegetables out.”

  “I appreciate it, but I would’ve helped you.” Tena sidled up to Wayne as he leaned against the counter and dried his hands on a towel.

  He shrugged. “It’s no problem.” His eyes moved over her, and she shifted her weight on her feet. “You look nice in blue.”

  “Danki.” She looked out the window to avoid his warm gaze.

  “Alex, would you like some pretzels and potato chips?” Aenti Emma said. Before he could respond, she turned to Tena. “Would you please get them from the pantry?”

  “Of course.” Tena found them, and then she set them on the table next to the basket of rolls.

  Alex seemed to study the food, and Tena was almost certain she saw tears in his eyes.

  “Thank you for this.” Alex’s voice sounded small.

  “You’re welcome,” Aenti Emma said.

  Tena folded her arms over her chest as Wayne came to stand beside her. She supposed Alex was glad to have some food, but wariness prickled her skin as she observed him. Yet she found comfort in Wayne’s presence. She hoped he would keep his promise and not leave before Alex did.

  Aenti Emma sat down beside Alex, and then she looked at Tena and Wayne. “Join us. We’re having supper a little earlier than usual, but I know I’m ready.”

  Tena jumped with a start when Wayne touched her arm.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I was just going to suggest we sit down.” He made a sweeping gesture toward the table, and Tena took a chair across from Alex and her great-aunt.

  Tena bowed her head in silent prayer, and when she looked up, Wayne and her great-aunt were still praying. Alex was politely waiting with his eyes cast down.

  When everyone was ready, Aenti Emma handed Alex the plate of rolls, and Tena took some chips before handing the bag to Wayne.

  When he had all the makings, Wayne opened a roll and put a pile of roast beef on it. “So, Alex, where are you from?”

  “I’m from all over, I suppose.” He was building a ham and cheese sandwich. “As I was growing up, I bounced around foster care homes not too far from here, and then I went into the military when I turned eighteen. I served in the Middle East and came back a few months ago.”

  “Do you work somewhere in this area?” Wayne asked.

  Alex cut his sandwich in half as he frowned. “I wish, but I can’t find a job.”

  Tena felt her eyebrows lift. “You can’t?”

  Alex shook his head. “I’ve had a difficult time finding one, but especially one that matches my skills.” He took a bite of the sandwich, and then he wiped his scraggly beard with a napkin.

  “Where do you live?” Aenti Emma added a pile of potato chips beside her turkey sandwich.

  “I live all over the place. I look for places that are warm and dry.” Alex took another large bite.

  “Have you tried to stay at a shelter?” Tena picked up a potato chip and popped it into her mouth. “We donate the proceeds from our sales to the Bird-in-Hand Shelter.”

  Alex shook his head. “They don’t want me there. I scare people because I have nightmares.”

  “You scare people?” Tena studied him. “I don’t understand.”

  “Nightmares can happen when you’ve seen disturbing things. I wake up screaming sometimes, and it bothers the people trying to sleep.”

  Tena looked at Wayne. His deep-blue eyes focused on Alex as a warm expression cloaked his face. Didn’t it bother him that the folks at the shelter didn’t want Alex there? Were they afraid Alex would hurt them too?

  “Do you have any family at all?” Aenti Emma asked.

  Alex shook his head as he chewed.

  Aenti Emma clicked her tongue. “I’m so sorry.”

  Alex shrugged. “That’s just how it is. Sometimes those are the cards you’re dealt, and you make the best of them.”

  “Did you travel a lot with the military?”

  Alex nodded. “I did.”

  “Where did you go?” Aenti Emma leaned forward as her brown eyes sparked with interest.

  “Mostly places in the Middle East, but I also saw a bit of Europe.” Alex built a second sandwich, and between bites he shared stories about his experiences in the army.

  Tena ignored her food and gripped the edge of the table. This man had been a soldier, trained to physically hurt someone if he needed to—or wanted to. A headache stabbed at the back of her eyes. If they hadn’t opened the stand today, Alex never would have asked for food and then wormed his way into Aenti Emma’s home. But Wayne and her great-aunt seemed to be riveted with his stories.

  “Do you like chocolate cake?” Aenti Emma lifted Alex’s empty plate after he’d finished his third sandwich.

  “That sounds fantastic.” Alex folded his hands on the table. “Thank you.”

  “I’m just happy we can help you.” Aenti Emma turned to Tena. “Would you please get the cake out of the refrigerator?”

  Tena retrieved the dessert she and her great-aunt had baked yesterday and set it on the counter. She cut two pieces, and then placed one in front of Alex and the other in front of Wayne. Once again, she was thankful Wayne had stayed this afternoon.

  Rain continued to drum on the roof above them.

  Tena looked at her great-aunt. “Would you like a piece?”

  “No, thank you.” Aenti Emma shook her head. “I ate too many potato chips. I think I’ve had enough for tonight.” She gestured toward the empty chair next to Wayne. “Have a seat and eat a piece.”

  “No, thank you.” Tena gathered up the condiments. “I’ll start cleaning up.”

  “Let me help you.” Aenti Emma stacked the rest of their plates and carried them to the counter before filling one side of the sink with soapy water.

  Tena retrieved their utensils and glasses, and then prepared to dry the dishes as Aenti Emma washed them.

  “So you grew up around here?” Wayne asked.

  “That’s right,” Alex said. “I was born in Harrisburg, and I’m told my mother couldn’t care for me. I tried to find her before I joined the military, but she had passed away. I don’t know who my father is.”

  “Ach.” Aenti Emma shook her head as she looked over her shoulder at Alex.

  Tena kept her focus on drying the utensils. How did they know Alex wasn’t just trying to gain their trust with these sad stories? Aenti Emma was obviously too tenderhearted not to believe them.

  You were tenderhearted once.

  She pushed away the voice in her head. She couldn’t let down her guard.

  Alex stood when he’d finished his cake. “Well, I t
hank you for this meal. It’s getting dark, so I should be on my way.” He pointed to the hallway. “May I use your bathroom before I head out?”

  “Go right ahead,” Aenti Emma said.

  “Thank you.” Alex disappeared through the doorway.

  Wayne carried the rest of the dishes and utensils to the counter and then leaned back against it. “What do you think about letting Alex stay?”

  “What?” Tena gasped. “Are you narrisch?”

  “Hold on a minute.” Wayne held up his hands as if to calm her. “I don’t mean in the haus. I mean in the barn. And then I’ll come check on you in the morning.”

  “That’s a marvelous idea.” Aenti Emma looked up at Wayne. “I have an air mattress, and I can give him a spare pillow and blankets. I bought the air mattress after you all spent the night Christmas Eve. I realized I needed something in case I had guests. Not until Tena called about an extended visit did I finally set up a guest bedroom.”

  “Have you both lost your minds?” Tena divided a look between them. “We don’t know him.” She gestured toward the doorway. “He’s a total stranger.” She looked up at Wayne’s unconvinced expression. “You promised you would stay here until he left. Now you want to leave us alone with him?”

  Wayne pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture he seemed to make when he was frustrated. Well, she was frustrated too. “I’m needed at home, Tena, and he’ll be in the barn. I’m not suggesting he sleep on the sofa in the schtupp.”

  “Still.” Tena folded her arms over her apron. “He’ll be here with us, and you won’t. What if he tries to break in and hurt us? What if . . . ?” She pulled back her shoulders. “He needs to go back to the shelter. He’s not our responsibility.”

  Wayne frowned and turned to Aenti Emma. “What do you think?”

  “I think he can stay in the barn.” Aenti Emma pointed to the window. “It’s still raining, and I don’t feel right sending him out there. It’s not the Christian thing to do.” She stepped across the kitchen floor. “Tena, come help me get the bedclothes.”

  Tena gritted her teeth as she followed her great-aunt upstairs to the spare room still used for storage. Boxes marked “books” littered the floor along one wall, and a stack of old quilts and a few bags of material had settled into corners. Tena wasn’t sure what else was in here. She just knew Aenti Emma had cleared out the second spare room to make a bedroom for her, kindly using some furniture she already had.

  Tena turned to her aunt. “How could you let him stay here? You know what that Englisher did to Micah. He almost died!”

  “I know.” Aenti Emma touched her face. “But not all Englishers are bad.”

  Tena shook her head. “I’m afraid of him.”

  “Let’s give him a chance, okay?” Aenti Emma opened the closet door and struggled to reach the air mattress on the shelf.

  “Let me get it,” Tena grumbled as she reached for the box that included a battery-powered pump.

  “Tena.” Aenti Emma placed one hand on her arm. “Look at me.”

  Tena set the box on the floor and faced her.

  “Everything will be fine.” Aenti Emma’s expression was warm, and her voice was gentle. “Alex just needs some help. He won’t stay here forever.”

  Tena nodded despite her growing anxiety.

  “I promise you we’ll be safe.” Aenti Emma pointed to the pile of quilts behind Tena. “Grab two of those in case it really cools off. I’ll get a spare pillow.”

  Once they’d gathered what her great-aunt thought they needed, they returned to the kitchen. Alex stood by the table and scratched Hank’s chin as the cat sat on a chair with his eyes closed.

  “Alex has accepted our offer to spend the night in the barn,” Wayne told them, and then looked at Alex. “Well, let’s get you set up out there, and we’ll settle Emma’s horse for the night too.” He took the box from Tena. “I’ll come back before I leave for home,” he told her.

  “Okay.”

  Alex took the quilts and pillow from Aenti Emma. “Thank you for allowing me to stay.”

  “You’re welcome.” Aenti Emma smiled. “Sleep well.” When the men started toward the mudroom, she added, “Use umbrellas so you don’t get the pillow and blankets wet.”

  After the men had gone, Aenti Emma turned to Tena. “I’m quite tired. If you don’t mind cleaning the kitchen alone this evening, I’m going to take a shower and head to bed.”

  “Of course. I don’t mind at all.”

  “Danki. Don’t stay up too late.”

  She left the kitchen, and Tena peered out the window to watch Wayne and Alex make their way to the barn. When she felt something soft against her legs, she looked down to see Hank walking in circles around her. She shook her head.

  “You’re a traitor, Hank. You’re supposed to be on my side, but you seem to like Alex too.”

  The cat responded with a loud purr before sauntering over to his food bowl, where he began to loudly crunch his own meal.

  Tena grabbed a wet cloth to wipe down the table.

  She had just finished sweeping the kitchen floor when she heard Wayne come in the back door. She met him in the mudroom just as he set two umbrellas on the floor, still open so they’d dry.

  “Alex is all settled in. Again, I’ll be by early in the morning to make sure everything’s okay.”

  “Don’t you have chores to do on your dat’s farm first?”

  “I’ll let him know what’s going on. He’ll understand.”

  “Okay.” She smiled at the thought of seeing Wayne again in the morning. Her heart gave a little kick as she studied his handsome face. She was grateful for his friendship.

  He reached for her arm, but then pulled back his hand as if realizing that would be too forward. “You and Emma will be fine. I promise you. Gut nacht.”

  “Gut nacht. Be safe going home.”

  He stepped out onto the porch, and she locked the door behind him.

  She grabbed a lantern, turned off the propane-powered kitchen light, and made sure the front door was locked as well before starting up the stairs. Hank streaked ahead of her and scampered into her room.

  The events of the day played through her mind as she changed for bed. She’d come to Bird-in-Hand hoping to leave her heartache back home in Indiana. But Alex had brought it all back to the forefront of her mind. She didn’t want to think about Lewis and how he’d abandoned their plans to marry when he fell in love with an Englisher.

  She also didn’t want to think about what happened to her older brother, but she couldn’t help it with Alex out there in the barn. Micah was walking through town when an Englisher high on drugs beat him with a baseball bat just to get the money in his wallet. Micah had been unconscious for nearly a week, and Tena and her parents feared he would die.

  By the grace of God, he returned home after two months in the hospital and then a rehab facility, making a full recovery. But Tena would never forget the terror they faced when they thought Micah wouldn’t make it.

  As far as she was concerned, Englishers had no place in the Amish world, but now one was mere yards away in Aenti Emma’s barn.

  Meow.

  Tena turned toward the bed, where Hank sat up straight, his purr loud as he stared up at her with his emerald eyes.

  “I know. It’s time to sleep.” She turned off the lantern and climbed into the bed. As if on cue, Hank curled up at her feet, resting one paw on her ankle. “Gut nacht, Hank.”

  Tena smiled as she closed her eyes. How she loved sharing her bed with her great-aunt’s precious cat. In fact, she loved everything about Aenti Emma’s house and her new friends—especially Wayne with his kind blue eyes and lopsided smile.

  No, no, no!

  She had no room in her life for a boyfriend. She’d come to Bird-in-Hand only to spend time with her great-aunt and heal her broken heart.

  She rolled onto her side and faced the window as her thoughts raced. She imagined Alex out in the barn, plotting to take advantage of them, and mayb
e even hurt them to do it. She couldn’t— she wouldn’t—let that happen.

  CHAPTER 3

  Gude mariye,” Wayne said when Tena unlocked and opened the back door. She looked relieved to see him. Had she been anxious about Alex all night?

  “You’re here earlier than I thought you’d be. It’s only eight.”

  Then she smiled, her face lit like the midafternoon sun, warming his insides. The moment she arrived at Emma’s that day in June, he was sure she was the most beautiful young woman he’d ever seen.

  Today she wore the kelly green dress he’d decided was his favorite. It complemented her gorgeous red hair, which reminded him of a summer sunset. Ever since she’d told him she planned to stay only until after Thanksgiving, he’d prayed she’d change her mind, stay in Bird-in-Hand, and date him. The thought made his pulse flutter.

  Tena’s chestnut-brown eyes sparkled. “I know you said your dat would understand if you came back this morning, but I thought you’d have to do at least some chores before you came.”

  “I convinced him otherwise.” He’d also promised his two younger brothers he’d do their chores on Monday if they covered for him today. “I was hoping you’d make me breakfast.” He rubbed his flat abdomen. “I’ve been thinking about your pancakes ever since I got up.”

  “You’re going to be froh, then.” She gestured for him to come inside. “They’re waiting for you.”

  His stomach gurgled with delight as he followed her into the kitchen. Emma was just setting a platter of pancakes into the oven. The table was set for three, so he assumed Emma was planning to invite Alex to eat breakfast with her and Tena.

  “Wayne!” Emma moved to the counter. “Let me get another plate.”

  Tena turned to face him. “Did you check on Alex before you came to the haus, Wayne? We haven’t seen him. Aenti Emma wanted to go to the barn to take care of her horse, but . . . Maybe he left?”

  “No, I didn’t. I’ll go check now, and I’ll take care of the horse too.” He could tell Tena had tried to hide hope in her voice when she suggested Alex might have left. Was that why she’d seemed anxious? She was still concerned he might hurt her and Emma? Hadn’t Wayne calmed her fears last night?