Read Online A Heart Once Broken by Jerry S. Eicher - Free Book Online Page B

her dress sleeve. Amos didn’t seem tonotice, as he dished out a huge portion of mashed potatoes. “Not in many months have we seen such eating, have we Clyde?”
    Clyde grinned. “Not since sister Clara got married.”
    â€œThat’s my youngest girl,” Amos said. “She was the last to leave home, leaving us men alone and forsaken. Clara was almost as goot -looking as your Sandra there.” Looking pleased with himself, Amos added, “Her husband has a huge farm in the old community.”
    â€œThat’s one reason we left,” Clyde said. “Everybody was getting so materialistic.”
    Amos nodded, sober-faced. “That’s true. We came here to seek better spiritual values, and already the Lord is blessing our efforts.” He gave Mamm a meaningful glance.
    Mamm ’s face colored, but she kept her head down.
    Sandra gathered her courage and asked Clyde, “Any prospects for you in the matrimonial field?”
    Mark choked on his food, and Clyde seemed speechless at this bold question.
    â€œThe Lord will provide,” Amos answered for him. “And I’m thinking maybe He has already.”
    â€œOh.” Sandra didn’t hide her surprise. “I know Clyde used to date Rosemary. Is that on again?”
    Clyde shook his head. “She was too worldly…though I know the community here seems to have accepted Rosemary and her family. But we remember the way things used to be.”
    â€œYou shouldn’t hold things her daett did against Rosemary,” Sandra scolded.
    Clyde grimaced. “I suppose that’s our choice, don’t you think?”
    â€œI guess so,” Sandra allowed.
    Across the table Mark grinned at this exchange, but didn’t say anything.
    You should be on my side, Sandra wanted to tell him. But therewere no sides. Not if Amos planned to marry Mamm . The thought sent a stab of pain through her heart. How could Mamm move ahead with this plan?
    Amos leaned forward to say, “We must all follow the way the Lord opens up before us. I hope you remember that, Sandra.”
    So now the man was lecturing her. Sandra swallowed hard. “I seek the Lord’s will with my whole heart.”
    Amos smiled and dished out a helping of green beans. “Then we have nothing to worry about.” Moments later he added, “This supper is very goot , Sandra. You’re an excellent cook.”
    â€œ Mamm helped too,” Sandra said. Mamm should have defended herself, but she obviously wouldn’t.
    â€œLike mother, like daughter,” Amos said, aglow with happiness. “I expected as much, but you have done well in taking on your mamm ’s excellent ways.”
    She should say thank you, but the words were stuck in her mouth.
    Amos didn’t seem to notice as he announced in a loud voice, “I believe Clyde has something he wishes to say, don’t you Clyde?”
    â€œI’m not sure what you mean, Daett .” Clyde appeared puzzled.
    â€œAbout what we looked at today.” Amos waved his spoon around. “You should tell Sandra.”
    Clyde hesitated. “Well, it’s not a done deal, but I’m looking at a farm of my own. Not that large, but a start, and more acres than I could have bought in the old community with the high land prices there.”
    â€œIt’s a right nice-looking place,” Amos said, giving Sandra a sharp look. Sandra looked away. Amos had meant this information for her benefit, but why should she be surprised?
    â€œClyde’s not getting any younger,” Amos continued. “He’ll be choosing himself a frau before long. At least, that’s what I’ve been telling him.”
    The words were plain enough, and Mark had also noticed. He sent Sandra a bemused glance across the table. What was wrong with Mark? Surely he didn’t agree, but Mark obviously liked Clyde. They had been laughing and talking when they came in from the