The Decision (11 page)

“Sure, that’d be great. I’ll head to the bathroom and wash up.”

As soon as Jonah left the room, Elaine whispered to Grandma, “Please don’t say anything to Jonah about marrying me, okay?”

Grandma shook her head. “I would never do that.”

“That’s good. Let’s just keep the conversation on anything other than that topic.”

“No problem.”

Hoping Grandma kept her word, Elaine set about making a sandwich for Jonah. By the time he returned, it was ready and sitting on the table.

“Would you like iced tea or something else to drink?” Elaine asked after Jonah took his seat.

“Iced tea is fine, since that’s what you’re having,” he replied.

Elaine poured Jonah a glass and then sat quietly while he said his silent prayer. “The ham-and-cheese sandwich has only mayonnaise on it, but I can get the mustard if you want some of that,” she said once he’d lifted his head.

“No, that’s okay. This is just how I like it.”

“How about some potato chips?” Grandma asked. “I think we still have some in the pantry.”

“The sandwich and tea are plenty for me,” he responded. “Fact is, it’s more than I expected to have for lunch today.”

“If you had a wife, she’d make sure you were fed properly.” Grandma glanced briefly at Elaine; then, looking away, she grabbed her iced tea and took a drink.

“This is sure nice spring weather we’re having, isn’t it?” Elaine asked Jonah, attempting to change the subject.

He nodded. “Always did like spring. It’s not too hot and not too cold. Perfect weather for fishing and taking buggy rides.”

They finished their meal with a bit of light conversation. Then Jonah turned to Elaine’s grandma and said, “Did you see the doctor today?”

“Jah. He said he won’t know why I’ve been feeling a bit puny lately until he gets the results of my blood tests.” Grandma frowned. “I can’t eat any breakfast in the morning because I’ll be getting my blood drawn at the lab.”

“We’ll return to the doctor’s next week,” Elaine put in. “He should have the results of her blood work by then.”

“It’s good that you went. Please keep me posted when you know something definite.” Jonah scooted his chair away from the table. “Danki for the lunch, but I probably should be on my way, unless there’s something you need me to do first.”

“How about doing the dishes?” Grandma asked in a teasing tone. “Since you’re a bachelor, I’m sure you’ve learned how to wash them quite well.”

A trickle of perspiration ran down Elaine’s forehead. She hoped, once again, that Grandma wasn’t on the verge of bringing up the topic of marriage.

“I’m sure Grandma’s only kidding,” Elaine was quick to say. “I’m perfectly capable of doing the dishes, and I’m sure you have better things to do with your time.”

Jonah grinned and winked at Grandma. “I do know how to wash and dry the dishes, and maybe I’ll prove that to you the next time I’m invited here for a meal. I hope you both have a good rest of the day,” he added, moving toward the door.

Grandma leaned toward Elaine and whispered, “Aren’t you going to see him out?”

“Certainly.” Elaine followed Jonah to the door and handed him his hat. “Danki for stopping by, Jonah.”

“No problem.” He opened the door, but paused and turned to face her. “Say, I was wondering if you’d like to go for a buggy ride with me tomorrow evening. There’s supposed to be a full moon, and I thought it would be a chance for us to spend a little time together.”

“That sounds like fun, but with Grandma not feeling well, I’d better stay close to home in case she needs me.”

“I’ll be fine,” Grandma called from the kitchen in a bubbly voice. “You two need to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather, and Elaine, I insist that you go for that ride.”

Feeling that she had little choice in the matter, Elaine smiled at Jonah and said, “Unless something comes up to prevent it, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” Truth was, it would be nice to spend some time alone with Jonah, and hopefully it would lift her spirits.

I
f you don’t need me for anything else right now, I think I’ll get supper started,” Sara told her mother-in-law.

“No, I’m fine,” Betty said, leaning against the pillows Sara had placed under her head after she’d reclined on the sofa. Sara had also put an extra pillow under her broken leg. “I only wish I didn’t have to lay here staring at the ceiling while you do all the work. I feel so
nixnutzich
right now.”

“You’re not worthless. I’m glad I can be here to help out.” Sara patted her mother-in-law’s arm affectionately. “I believe I’ll get started on supper now. If you need anything, just holler.”

“Carolyn can set the table,” Betty called as Sara started for the kitchen. “And if the older boys aren’t doing anything, they can mash potatoes or do whatever else you need.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Sara said before disappearing into the other room. While she had planned on asking for Carolyn’s help, it would be better if the boys stayed out of the kitchen. She remembered all too well how whenever Harley had helped get a meal on, he’d ended up either burning something or making a mess that Sara later had to clean up.
Even with the messes, I’d give anything to have Harley here right now, helping me in the kitchen
.

“Let’s go, boy!” Jonah snapped the reins. “You’re bein’ a slowpoke again.”

Ignoring Jonah’s command, his temperamental horse just plodded.

Jonah grimaced. At this rate, he’d never get to Elaine’s for their buggy ride. It had been too long since he and Elaine had spent some quality time alone, and he looked forward to a relaxing Friday evening, just the two of them. He wouldn’t keep her out long, because she’d be worried about her grandmother.

Sure hope everything’s gonna be okay with Edna
, Jonah thought.
She and Elaine have been through enough
. Jonah hoped that someday he and Elaine would be as blessed as his parents. Mom and Dad had been through some rough times over the years, but nothing had kept them down or driven them apart. They worked together, prayed together, had fun together. There was no doubt in Jonah’s mind—his folks made a great team.

Jonah had only seen his parents once since he left Pennsylvania and hoped they would come visit him and Jean soon. Dad’s buggy business was even busier than Jonah’s, so it was hard for him to set work aside and travel.

Maybe Mom and Dad will come here for Jean’s and my birthday in July
, Jonah thought.
That would sure be nice
.

As Edna’s place came into view, Jonah guided his horse and buggy up the driveway. Just as he was securing Sassy to the hitching rack, a sleek-looking black cat streaked out of the barn and darted under the buggy. Sassy spooked and nearly pulled the reins from Jonah’s hand. He didn’t recognize the cat as one of Edna’s and figured it was either a stray or had come from one of the neighboring farms.
Probably went into the barn to steal some of Patches’ food
, he mused.
Or maybe the cat was looking for mice
.

Jonah secured Sassy to the rack and sprinted up to the house.

“Jonah’s here,” Grandma said as she and Elaine stood at the sink doing the last of the supper dishes. “I just saw a horse and buggy come into the yard. I’ll bet he’s anxious to take you for a buggy ride.”

“I heard the
clippety-clop
of his horse’s hooves, too.” Elaine finished drying the plate she held and went to the back door.

“How are things going?” Jonah asked when he stepped onto the porch. “Is your
grossmudder
doing okay?”

“She’s still quite tired, but at least she didn’t have any dizzy spells today. But then, I made sure she took it easy and ate regular meals, with a few healthy snacks in between.”

Jonah smiled. “That’s good to hear. I’m sure you’re anxious to get the results of her blood tests.”

“Jah.” Elaine opened the door wider. “Would you like to come in while I finish drying the dishes? There are just a few left to do.”

“No problem. I don’t mind waiting.” Jonah removed his straw hat and smoothed the top of his hair. “I wanted to come in and say hi to Edna anyway.”

Elaine smiled. She was glad Jonah was so considerate and thoughtful. In many ways, he reminded Elaine of her grandfather—a hard worker who was always conscious of others and their needs.

Elaine led the way to the kitchen, where Grandma stood at the sink, washing the last of the dishes.

“
Guder owed
, Edna,” Jonah said.

Grandma glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Good evening, Jonah. How are you?”

“I’m doin’ well. How about yourself?”

“Can’t complain, although I’d be doing much better if Lloyd was still here.”

“I’m sure you must miss him,” Jonah said. “I didn’t know Lloyd as well as you and Elaine, of course, but from the first time I met him, I knew he was a good man.”

Tears welled in Elaine’s eyes. Knowing she needed to get her mind on something else, lest she start blubbering, she picked up the dish towel to dry the remaining dishes.

“Would you like a cup of coffee, or maybe some tea?” Grandma asked. “Lloyd used to enjoy having tea around this time every night, because coffee kept him awake.”

Jonah glanced at the clock. “If it’s not too late when Elaine and I get back from our buggy ride, I’ll have a cup of tea.”

“We should probably go now,” Elaine said, placing the last of the dishes she’d dried into the cupboard. “I don’t want to leave Grandma alone too long, so it’s best if we’re not out real late.” Truth was, Elaine felt apprehensive about leaving Grandma alone at all, but if she didn’t go on the ride with Jonah, Grandma would insist.

“That’s fine,” Jonah said. “We can go whenever you’re ready.”

“Just give me a minute to get my shawl and outer bonnet.” Elaine hung up the dish towel and hurried from the room. When she returned, she was surprised to see Jonah sitting at the table, alone.

“Where’d my grandma go?” Elaine asked.

“Said she was tired and went to her room.”

“I’d better go check on her.” Elaine started in that direction but paused. “Maybe it would be best if we didn’t go for a ride tonight.”

Jonah dropped his gaze to the floor. He was obviously disappointed.

“Well, maybe it would be okay,” Elaine said, quickly changing her mind. “Let me just go check on Grandma first.”

While Elaine left the kitchen, Jonah remained in his chair. Elaine was concerned about Edna, but he wondered if she was being overly protective. Still, if Edna wasn’t feeling well, they probably should put off the buggy ride until a better time.

“Grandma’s resting, but she’s not asleep,” Elaine said when she returned. “I asked again if she’d prefer that I stay home with her this evening, but she insisted on us going for a buggy ride.”

Jonah rose from his seat. “Okay, if you’re sure, then I guess we’d better get going.”

When they left the house and started across the yard, Jonah’s horse snorted and stamped his hooves impatiently. “We’ll be heading out soon, Sassy, so don’t be so impatient,” Jonah called before helping Elaine into his buggy. “That horse of mine is either raring to go or doesn’t want to go at all. Here lately, he wants to move at a snail’s pace.”