LITMIR.BIZ

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*

      After a short ride from the bakery, Elam reined Prancer to a halt near a tree on the far side of the parking lot in front of the large, rectangular red-and-silver metal pole barn used for auctions. Most of the time, the Englisch used it to sell their produce.

      Naomi hadn’t cracked a smile since they left the Herschbergers’. And she pulled her frown down farther as they sat in the buggy and stared at the building. What could he do to get her to grin? “What do you think of my surprise?”

      “I’m supposed to be surprised?”

      “You didn’t think I’d bring you here, did you?”

      “As far as surprises go, it’s about as good as an unplanned root canal.”

      A hearty chuckle burst from Elam, and even Naomi gave a soft laugh. Ach, so much more like it. “Point taken. Next time I surprise you with something, it will be better. I promise.”

      “Why are we here?”

      “Because my mind has been whirring since Simon asked us to finish the plans for the auction. I have so many ideas, but I need your help.” He jumped from the buggy.

      Naomi climbed down before he could assist her. “There’s not much to do. We set up the bakery items over there, the plants and such here, the tools there and everything else inside. Like it’s always been done.”

      “That’s fine, as far as it goes, but we have to think bigger and grander if we want to raise more money. Like maybe having one of those shaved ice trucks I’ve seen at the county fairs. If it’s a hot, sunny day, that should bring in an extra boost of cash.”

      “I’m not sure. Shouldn’t we limit our offerings to Amish-produced items? Isn’t that why the Englisch come? They can get shaved ice everywhere.”

      “But it would be a big seller. We have to continue to add new offerings and change things around, or we won’t get repeat customers from year to year.”

      She shook her head and pulled her eyebrows into a deep V. “While it’s fine to search for ways to improve the auction and increase proceeds, those who come are looking for a uniquely Amish experience. They wouldn’t appreciate seeing a vendor they could find at any county fair. We’ve always done things the same way, and it’s always worked. Have you changed so much you don’t remember?”

      He huffed. Naomi was the most stubborn woman he’d ever met. Time hadn’t changed that. “Can’t you see how gut this will be for the auction?”

      “And slowly, you’ll take away everything Amish about it until it’s like any other craft fair. I think including a silent auction for those who don’t like to bid with others watching is a much better idea.”

      “And I think I’m going to find out how we go about getting a shaved ice truck.”

      “Whatever you want to do is fine with me.” She waved as if dismissing him. “You have my blessing. Can we go now?”

      He deflated a little. “I thought you’d be more excited.”

      “This is your project, not mine.”

      “Why won’t you help me?”

      She faced him, red blooming on her cheeks. “Why not? You’re kidding me. You really don’t know the answer to that question? Let me tick off the reasons for you. My brother and his permanent disability. Your leaving me. My humiliation in the district when you took off. Isn’t that enough?”

      He stepped back. “It was an accident, Naomi, nothing more than that. I never set out to harm your brother. Or you.” Maybe putting this together with her wasn’t the best idea in the world. But like it or not, they were stuck on the project. “I was young and foolish. And scared. And you turned your back to me, refused to even listen to me. But as we work together, you’ll see I’ve grown up. Give me the chance to show you that I’m not the same man who left three years ago.” His heart banged in his chest.

      She paced in small circles, her focus on the gravel at her feet. “I’m sorry to have gotten so angry with you.” She kicked at a stone with her bare feet.

      “Can we put aside our differences long enough to make this work? Neither of us wants to go to Sylvia or Simon and tell them we can’t do it.”

      “You’re right.”

      “Does that mean you’ll partner with me?”

      “Partner, no. Give you a helping hand from time to time, fine. I give up, because you’ll pester me until I agree.”

      The way she said it was almost like he was a bully. “I don’t want to pressure you.”

      “I said fine. I’ll make sure the quilts come in and get organized, along with the donated items. And arrange the bakery sales. What else?”

      He sighed. One major obstacle overcame. They spent the next few minutes reviewing a list of items that needed to be taken care of, one he’d written up last night while the gas lamp hissed overhead. With the box from Simon, the list was sure to grow.

      “Is that enough for now? I don’t want to overwhelm you since you have Joseph to look after and your job.”

      “That will be gut. I’ll let you know when I have this finished.”

      “One more thing. The papers. You never answered me if you would go to the press and share Joseph’s story with them. It’s sure to bring in many more tourists. The story is moving and should compel the Englisch to come and buy our products. Raise more money.”

      Naomi rubbed her prayer kapp string between her fingers. “There are so many needs in the district right now. Like Simon. He’ll need help, too. And your daed.”

      “All the more reason to sell as much as we can. What harm will it do? We’ll tell them no pictures. No Englischer will even know it’s you.”

      “They won’t?”

      “If the paper wants the story, they’ll have to publish it anonymously.”

      “They’d do that?”

      “I believe they would.”

      She scrunched up her forehead. “Can I give you my answer in a few days? I have to think.”

      “Sure. But don’t wait too long. We’ll need time for the interviews and for people to make their plans.” A streak of lightning and a quick crack of thunder brought Elam’s attention to the sky. When had the thick, black clouds rolled in? A gust of wind pulled his straw hat from his head and sent it skittering across the parking lot. He gave chase to it, several more bolts of lightning brightening the now-dusky afternoon.

      He and Naomi raced for the buggy. She fell behind.

      “Ah.” Her cry cut through the rolling thunder. “Elam.”

      He turned. She’d fallen, her bare shin scratched and bloodied. The first fat drops of water fell to the gravel. He hurried and helped her up. While they ran, he kept a hold of her, the rain pelting them. They finally reached the buggy, the fierce wind buffeting it, and it swayed side to side. Now soaked to the skin, they climbed aboard.

      Naomi shivered, and he pulled her to himself. They used to be close like this.

      A streak of light. A deafening crack. The ground shook.

      Kaboom.

      Naomi shrieked.

      The tree they were next to split in half and crashed to the earth, missing the buggy to each side.

      She trembled in his arms.

      He held her close and whispered against her cheek. “Hush now. We’re safe.”

      But would his heart ever be?

       Chapter

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