Read Online Letters to Katie by Kathleen Fuller - Free Book Online

this to the back right away.” She started to leave when her boss put her
     small hand on Katherine’s arm.
    “You’re distracted today. That’s not like you. Is something wrong?”
    Katherine shook her head. “Nee.” She snuck one last glance at Johnny before looking at her boss again. “Everything’s
     all right.”
    “Good. Now hurry, you don’t want to keep your customers waiting.”
    She turned in her order, determined to focus on her job. But as she faced the dining
     room, she froze. Isaac was sitting a few feet away from Johnny.

    “So you want me to invest in your horse farm, even though you only have one horse.”
    Johnny nodded at James Wagner. The robust, balding man had already plowed through
     his meat loaf platter, while Johnny had taken only a few bites, despite the growl
     in his stomach. Nerves kept him from the food. The future of Johnny’s business rested
     on Wagner’s decision.
    He had no idea what it was like to have a partner. And for all his bluster about making
     the farm work on his own, he was still depending on someone else to make it happen.
    But he didn’t have a choice. He needed a man with deep pockets. While it was possible
     he could put his plans for thefarm on hold and wait until he had a job, he didn’t want to wait that long. And if
     it took a partnership with Wagner to speed the process along, Johnny didn’t have a
     problem throwing his straw hat in with a Yankee, who, according to his cousin, had
     a good reputation. Later he would explain his decision to his father. He couldn’t
     go to him right now, admit he failed, and ask for help. Not until he’d exhausted every
     possible solution.
    “How many acres do you have?” Wagner tapped his fingers against the edge of the white-and-red
     checked tablecloth.
    “Right now it’s ten. But I hope to add on. There’s an empty field next to my property
     that I plan to purchase.” Soon, if you’ll help me out .
    “What about the barn?”
    “Six horse capacity. Again, I plan to expand. I’ll be happy to take you there. You
     can have a look at the property, check out the facilities.” Johnny glanced at the
     roast beef growing cold on his plate. His stomach growled again. He fidgeted in the
     chair, hoping Wagner hadn’t heard. “I have a business plan I can show you too.”
    “Sounds like you have a good start.” Wagner shoved away from the table and grinned,
     expanding his jowls. “Tell you what. The wife and I will come out the day after tomorrow.”
    “Your wife?”
    “She’s my partner in everything, including business.” He chuckled. “Especially business.
     Married a smart one, I did. What time is supper?”
    Johnny opened his mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. No way possible his
     place could be ready for company in two days. Especially for female company. Then
     there was the fact that he couldn’tcook worth a whit, except eggs and toast. The way Wagner’s belly expanded in front
     of him, Johnny knew that would hardly satisfy the man’s hearty appetite.
    “Didn’t you hear me, son?”
    “Six thirty.” Johnny swallowed air and forced a grin.
    “Perfect. After we eat you can show me the facilities and that business plan of yours.”
    “Gut.” A knot formed in his stomach.
    Wagner stood. “Looking forward to it. The food here is tasty, but there’s nothing
     like a homemade Amish meal. Had a few over the years and thoroughly enjoyed them.”
    “Uh, ya . They’re delicious.” Toast and eggs definitely wouldn’t work.
    “Is the number you gave me still good? Just in case something comes up.”
    Johnny nodded. “ Ya , you can reach me there between eight and five.”
    “Don’t expect I’ll have to, though. Lois and I will be looking forward to it.” Wagner
     stuck his beefy hand in his pocket and jangled his keys. “Thanks for the lunch. We’ll
     see you soon.”
    Johnny started to stand, but Wagner waved him off. He walked away, leaving Johnny
     with the bill and