The Amish Doll: Amish Knitting Novel (Bonus Knitting Pattern Included) Read Online Free Page B

“I feel blessed to be healthy enough to toil in the fields.” He looked over at his mother. “I even put up fruits and vegetables, which is women’s work, but it’s the least I can do.”
    Raven was taken aback by the love in Joshua’s eyes when he looked at his mother. She pursed her lips together so she wouldn’t tear up. She’d never know what it was like to have a bond with her mother. Raven pushed the thought out of her mind, and continued with her questions. “Susanna, can you tell me what your health status is?”
    “I’m in kidney failure and am praying a kidney will come in. I’ve been on the list for three years.”
    Susanna had no fear or sadness in her voice. She simply stated facts. She wasn’t in denial at all.  Raven looked into Susanna’s serene eyes. What was this woman’s trick? She was dying, yet so calm. Again, she willed back tears.
    “And if you were denied being a foster parent, how would you feel?”
    “Real sad,” Susanna said. “The Good Lord put love in my heart for these children I hear have no parents. It’s a sad thing. I can help.”
    “I understand these children. I was raised in foster homes since I was nine and they need love…” Raven said.
    “Did your parents die, dear one,” Susanna asked.
    “I never knew my parents. I was raised by my grandparents… until they died.”
    Susanna got up out of her chair and walked to Raven and embraced her. “I’m sorry child. I didn’t know. So sorry.”
    Raven felt the warmth of the prayer shawl around her and something deep inside began to melt.  No one hugged her like this woman she hardly knew. She tried to hold back her emotions, but the more Susanna just stood there and embraced her, she felt the avalanche of hurt and rejection start to topple, and tears escaped and ran down her face. Susanna walked over to the big blue pantry and got out a handkerchief. “Here child, take this. I embroidered the flowers. Whenever you cry, think of me. I’m here for you.”
    Raven eyed the white cloth with embroidered purple flowers. “Thank you, Susanna.” She looked over at Joshua for that comforting look he always gave. He smiled at her, and she regained her composure. “I have more forms for you to fill out. They’re mostly yes or no questions. I’ll leave them here and pick them up in a few days.
    “I hope to see you soon,” Susanna said.
    She got up to go, but hesitated, and looked at Susanna. “Is there anything I can do?”
    “Well, we know Appleton’s number by heart. The Rowes’ are our trusted English friends and drivers for us, but if you’d like to take a turn, that would be nice. I have to get blood work taken once a week.”
     

Chapter 3

    Joshua hooked his thumbs around his suspenders near his chest and looked at Raven as she ate her pie. She tugged at his heart. He was right. It was pain he saw in her eyes. To think she went to school to help foster children, but she needed help herself. He looked at the way she melted in his mamm’s arms and cried. How could he cheer her up before she left?
    “Raven, would you like to take a buggy ride?”
    She looked at him and smiled. “I‘d love to.”
    They went out to the barn where two wagons were housed. He helped her into the open buggy and they were on the road in no time. They passed Eb’s house and he saw Raven gasp. “That’s the man I saw.”
    Joshua groaned. “Eb’s our neighbor. He was most likely drunk when you saw him and probably still is.” He hoped Eb wouldn’t come out to meet them on the road, but he did.
    “ Danki for the money, Joshua. I’ll pay you back.”
    Joshua saw Eb was tipsy and tried to ignore him. “That’s fine, but can you let the horse go?”
    “Hey, is that you?” he said as he noticed Raven. “I’ve always loved you and still do…”
    Joshua looked at Raven in disbelief. “Do you know him?”
    Raven’s eyes were round as buttons. “No, but he said the same thing to me this morning. What’s wrong with him?