A Simple Change Read Online Free

request. A sudden pang of guilt caused me to push the thought aside.
    â€œYou also asked me about the business, and that is an even greater dilemma to solve. With Simon Hartzfeld’s help, I am working on a plan.”
    My father’s lawyer had provided Father with capable guidance for many years, so I was sure Mr. Hartzfeld had developed an excellent plan.
    â€œWhat sort of plan, Father? Do the workers already know about this?”
    A slight gleam shone in my father’s blue eyes. “Are you asking because you are concerned about the workers, or because you wonder if Nathan has been keeping secrets from you?”
    â€œBoth.” My one-word response sounded more austere than I’dintended, and I hurried to expand my answer. “Most of the men are married and have families. For them to suddenly hear the news I have just learned would be devastating. How could all of them expect to find work?” Without giving him an opportunity to answer, I continued. “Forsythe Construction is known throughout Kansas City as a flourishing company. I’m certain your employees believe their jobs are secure. You will be dealing a terrible blow to men who have been loyal to you and your business. As for Nathan keeping secrets, I can say it would cause me unease.”
    â€œNathan knows nothing of this, so you can lay aside those worries.” My father folded his hands atop the table. “I appreciate your concern for those who work at the construction company. Other than the impact this move would cause for you, those men and their families have been at the forefront of my mind. That is why I’ve been working with Simon. He believes that by the time our current construction contracts have been completed, a qualified buyer will step forward to purchase the business. As part of that contract, we will insist that the workers be retained for a period of one year.”
    Soon the aroma of coffee filled the room, and I pushed away from the table. Wrapping a towel around the handle of the pot, I carried it to the table.
    â€œAnd what happens to them after the year has passed?” I inhaled the fragrant aroma as I poured the hot coffee into my father’s cup. “Do you think the new owner will retain them?”
    â€œOf course. Once the owner observes their abilities, he’d be a fool to let even one of my men go.” He chuckled. “Well, there may be one or two who need to work a little harder, but I think a change in ownership will be just the thing to light a fire under them.”
    After pouring coffee into my own cup, I returned the pot to the stove. “It does sound as though you’ve been giving this a great deal of thought. When do you think you will hear from the elders in Amana?”
    My father shrugged his shoulders. “I can’t say. It could be weeks or months, or it could be tomorrow.”
    â€œTomorrow?” I inhaled a sharp breath and dropped into the chair.
    â€œI don’t think we will hear as soon as tomorrow, but you should give the matter much thought and prayer so that you can be at ease when the time arrives.” My father took a sip of his coffee. “I plan to make an announcement at work tomorrow. Simon doesn’t think it’s wise to wait any longer. We need to be fair to the workers. If any of them are fearful about the prospect of a new owner, they will be free to seek other employment. Though I hope that doesn’t happen, there may be some who are unwilling to risk the possibility of change.” His shoulders slumped as he leaned back in his chair. “Of course, I’ve been curious about what course of action Nathan might want to take once he hears the news.”
    Leaving the children would be more difficult for me than leaving Nathan, but I didn’t say that to my father. I doubted he would understand. From his earlier comment, I concluded that he and my mother expected Nathan would propose marriage once he