LITMIR.BIZ

       Chapter Five

      “I have to get back at it,” Mr. Craig said while Alisha filed for the birth certificate and explained the process as she went. Glancing at Raesha, he offered his hand. “We weren’t formally introduced. I’m Nathan Craig.”

      “Raesha Bawell,” she said, briefly shaking his big hand. “Thank you. Dinah is precious and we so want to keep her safe.”

      “Now you can do it legally,” he replied. “Nice to know Josiah’s got some good people to help him.”

      Alisha stood and scooted around him. “So we don’t need DNA and no need to call in social services. You should receive a copy of the birth certificate in a few days, Mr. Fisher. It will arrive at the shop’s address. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

      “I just need my sister found,” Josiah said. “Denke.”

      “I’ll do my best,” Nathan Craig said. “I’ll walk you two out.”

      Raesha stood and nodded to Alisha. “Denke.”

      “Of course.” The other woman’s smile held a trace of sadness. Her work had to be difficult.

      Giving Alisha a good long glance, she felt Josiah nudging her toward the door where Mr. Craig stood waiting.

      “We don’t want to get lost on the way out,” Josiah said with a smile.

      “It is a big place.” Alisha followed them out into the long, wide entry hall. “But I’m the first door on the left. Always. Used to be the dining room.”

      “You’ve been very helpful,” Raesha said.

      “I hope this all works in your favor,” Alisha replied.

      “So do we.” Josiah turned, his eyes on Raesha.

      Alisha sent a knowing glance to Raesha, matching Raesha’s earlier one to her.

      Raesha decided Englisch and Amish women had something in common at least.

      Trying to understand men.

      * * *

      When they arrived back home, Josiah took care of the buggy and the horses and then turned to stare at Raesha. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

      “What do you mean?” she asked, fear clogging her throat.

      “I’m asking so much of you already, and now, a little one to watch over and take care of. It’s not fair to you.”

      “It would be unfair for you to have to hire someone else when I am standing right here and I’m able and willing to help for the sake of the child,” she retorted, her tone firm. “Now stop your spluttering and let’s get inside.”

      He lowered his head, a smile twitching at his lips.

      “Do you find my words amusing, Josiah?”

      Lifting his gaze, his eyes filled with mirth. “Ja, I do. You are one bossy woman.”

      She raised her chin. “I have learned to be firm. I employ several people, both men and women. I’m trying to be practical. There is a need and I’m filling it.” Then she looked toward the house. “How could I not want to hold Dinah and take care of her? She is beautiful and she needs a woman’s touch.”

      “So you think I can’t handle a child on my own?”

      “No, I think you should not have to handle this all on your own. We are friends and, for now, neighbors. You are renting rooms in my home. It makes sense to me to leave her with Mammi Naomi and me while you are doing your work.” Giving him her best stubborn glare, she added, “Unless you have a plan on how you can do both.”

      Josiah shook his head. “My only plan was to get her back.” Looking sheepish, he said, “I accept your help. I will never question you about this again.”

      Relief washed over Raesha. “Gut. It’s early yet but I have not eaten since breakfast. Now let’s go in and have some dinner.”

      “Are you inviting me, then?”

      “It seems I am at that. We might as well feed you, too, ain’t so?”

      “I will do what I can around here to help pay you back,” he said, humility coloring the words. “I owe you and Mammi Naomi a great debt.”

      “We do this out of love,” she retorted. “Love for a helpless man.” Then her lips crinkled. “And for a helpless friend, too, it seems.”

      Josiah’s expression changed from agony to happiness again. “I am helpless in this area and many others, that is true. But I believe your good habits will rub off on me.”

      “We will see about that,” Raesha replied before marching past him to get out of the brisk wind.