Sisters of the Heart - 03 - Forgiven Read Online Free

had drifted shut.
    Eli’s cheeks flushed. “All my talking wore her out, I’m afraid.”
    Giving in to impulse, Sam nudged his older brother. “Yep, you always were a bore, Eli.”
    As he hoped, humor lit his brother’s expression again. “Not all of us have a fancy education, you know.” Once out in the hall again, Eli leaned his head back against the cool tiles on the wall. “It’s been a terribly long day.”
    “How about I take you back to my place and you can get some sleep? I’ll come back just in case Winnie wakes up.”
    “You don’t mind?”
    “Not at all.”
    “Then I’ll take you up on it.” He looked around. “Where do you think the doctor is? I want to know what is going on with Winnie.”
    “I’ll check in with him when I get back. Most likely, he’s doing rounds or something.”
    “I suppose.” They took the stairs down to the parking area. Moments later, they were in Sam’s Ford truck.
    Eli might have been Amish, but he had a typical man’s interest in all things mechanical. They spent the drive to Sam’s place discussing the engine, gas mileage, and other details about his vehicle. Only when they parked in front of Sam’s condo did he realize they’d spoken in Pennsylvania Dutch the whole time.
    Funny how that came back to him without even realizing it.
    “My place isn’t much,” he warned as he unlocked the door. “It’s just two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a place to sit.”
    Eli looked around with interest. Stepping forward, he pressed a hand against Sam’s ancient corduroy couch. “Good enough for me.”
    “Want something to eat? I have some turkey.”
    “Turkey’s good. Thanks.”
    Together, they made sandwiches, then ate them with pickles and tall glasses of tea. Now that their immediate concerns about Winnie were abated, Eli took time to fill Sam in on the latest news about their parents and sisters, Beth, Kristen, and Toria. Just the week before, their parents had taken a bus to Lancaster to check ontheir grandparents. Mamm’s parents’ health was failing, and though the timing wasn’t the best, with planting season just around the corner, the trip had to be taken.
    Sam was thankful for all the latest news. He did write to his parents once a week, and tried to visit with the family at least once a month, but that was not always possible, given everyone’s schedules. Right as they finished their sandwiches, Sam realized that Eli hadn’t filled him in on their brother Caleb. “Is Caleb all right?”
    For the first time, Eli frowned. “I don’t know. He’s been restless and secretive.”
    “He’s seventeen. All boys are like that, especially during their rumspringa . I sure was.”
    “Maybe.” Leaning back, Eli said, “I remember you feeling torn. All of us knew it was because you loved schooling so much. Even the bishop knew you had a great mind and were anxious to learn.” He shook his head, considering. “But I don’t get the same feeling about Caleb, and neither does Mamm or Daed.”
    “What do you think is going on?”
    “Foolishness.”
    “What kind? Has he been drinking beer? Staying out too late?”
    “If it was just that kind of thing, I don’t think anyone would notice much. No, his behavior seems different. He’s pushing our boundaries.”
    “What does Daed say?”
    Eli raised an eyebrow. “What do you think? Nothing. Our father never shares his worries.” Crumpling up his napkin, he added, “And, well, Caleb is their late-in-lifechild. Sometimes I think they turn a blind eye toward his activities. Far more than when you and I were teenagers.”
    “Sometimes I wish he’d tell us more. I never know what he’s thinking.”
    “Maybe one day he’ll share more. Not yet, though.” Stifling a yawn, Eli stood up and stretched. “I best get some sleep. I won’t be much use to Winnie if I can’t keep my eyes open.”
    “Don’t worry. I’m leaving now to sit with her. And I’ll continue to sit with her tomorrow, too, after you go