Read Online A Simple Vow by Charlotte Hubbard - Free Book Online

to let your family know where you are, my phone’s right here,” she said, gesturing toward the desk where her computer sat. “I’ll get the list of new items we need to tag.”
    As Nora entered her enclosed office, she observed Asa through the slats of the blinds. He’d seemed very open and sincere until she’d asked about his livelihood. Perhaps she should keep him in sight at all times—because he might exhibit more concussion symptoms, and because he seemed very interested in her merchandise. She regretted the worm of suspicion that had crawled into her thoughts after he’d paused for a few moments too long.
    He punched some numbers on her phone. “ Jah , it’s me,” he said, apparently leaving a message as most Amish folks did. “I’m in Willow Ridge because I got thrown from my horse. I’ll be back as soon as we’re sure I don’t have a serious head injury. Let Hal Gillespie know I’m running late on that antique bedroom set he left with me, okay? Bye.”
    As Nora carried out a box of labels and her list of new consignment items, she considered what to ask Asa about his business and family. She didn’t want to sound nosy—just interested. “I bet your folks will be glad to hear from you,” she remarked as she set down her armful of supplies. “It’s not every day you get thrown to the roadside and detained in a strange town.”
    Asa shrugged. “It’s just my brother and me living in Clifford—and we tend to go our own ways, picking up or delivering furniture and scouting for pieces to refurbish so we can sell them,” he replied. “We sometimes go a few days without seeing each other, so I doubt he’s been worried about my being gone.”
    Nora nodded, although it seemed odd that brothers and partners wouldn’t keep closer tabs on each other. “How about the rest of your family? Are your parents close by?”
    The rising of Asa’s dark eyebrows suggested irritation or impatience—with his family or maybe with her, for asking such a question. “As the youngest sons, we always knew none of the family land would go to us. We moved to Clifford when we found a place to open our business,” he replied. “So what’s your system for tagging your stuff?”
    Although Asa hadn’t come out and said so, Nora sensed he and his brother might’ve had a falling-out with the rest of the Detweiler family . . . wherever they were. She reminded herself that Asa’s affairs were none of her business, even though his behavior and words were raising red flags in the back of her mind.
    She showed him how she preferred the labels to be written out, following the numbers she’d assigned to each crafter who consigned work to Simple Gifts. Asa set to work, easily fitting his small, tight printing onto the labels. When Andy Leitner entered the shop, however, Asa appeared happy for the distraction.
    “Let’s look you over, Asa,” the nurse said as he opened his medical bag. “Glad to see you focused on a task and behaving yourself for Nora.”
    Nora chuckled. “He seems a lot more alert after a night’s sleep,” she remarked. “His bruises are looking better, too.”
    “He looks to be a sturdy type who heals quickly. His MRI shows that he’s got a mild concussion that won’t cause any long-term damage to his brain,” Andy replied as he studied Asa’s eyes. “Comes from being a young fellow who takes gut care of himself—or who has a wife looking after him, maybe wondering where he’s been.”
    “Nope, not married,” Asa said. “I would like to get home, though. Lots of refinishing work waiting for me.”
    “Stand up for me.” With relaxed efficiency, Andy continued to observe Asa’s responses, carefully placing his hands on Asa’s shoulders and midsection. When Asa flinched, the nurse nodded. “It’ll be a while before your ribs stop hurting. Over-the-counter pain relievers and an ice bag should help, but I want you to stay in Willow Ridge at least until Monday morning so I can be sure your