Read Online On Her Own by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online Page A

time on earth is over, God will call us home no matter what. We just need to accept His will and move on with life.”
    “You’ve come a long way from the rebellious teenager I used to know,” Barbara said. “Your strong faith and positive attitude amaze me.”
    Faith gave Barbara a hug. “Your friendship is one of the things that helped me grow. I want you to know that I’m here for you.”
    Barbara dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “Danki. I appreciate that. But once I return to work, I’ll be able to make it on my own again.”

    “It’s good to have you back in Webster County,” Noah Hertzler said, returning the strip of leather for the bridles he wanted.
    Paul placed it on the workbench. “I’m not here for good, you know. Just working at the harness shop until Barbara’s up to taking over again.” He shook his head. “It amazes me that any woman would want to do this kind of work.”
    Noah snickered. “I think some of the women in our community are cut from a different cloth than most.”
    “How so?”
    “Take my wife, for instance. She loves to yodel and tell funny stories.”
    Paul nodded. “So I’ve heard.”
    “Not the everyday thing you’d expect from an Amish woman, mind you. But that’s what makes Faith so special.” Noah grinned. “Then there’s my stepdaughter, Melinda. That girl takes in every stray critter that comes near our place, and some I think she goes looking for.”
    Paul leaned against the workbench and laughed. “Sounds like you’ve got your hands full.”
    Noah smiled. “Jah, but in a good way.”
    Paul could tell by the gleam in Noah’s eyes that he was a happy man. He had a wife he obviously loved, a stepdaughter whose whims he catered to, a son to carry on his name, and a job that he thoroughly enjoyed. All Paul had was a job in Lancaster County, with little hope of ever owning his own business. He had no wife or children, and he wasn’t getting any younger. He’d turned thirty a few months ago, and most men his age were already married with three or four children living under their roofs.
    “Are you enjoying the time with your folks?” Noah asked, pulling Paul’s thought aside.
    Paul shrugged. “It’s good to see them, of course, but Pop and I haven’t seen eye to eye since I refused to follow in his footsteps as a farmer. Fact is, we can barely be in the same room without one of us snapping at the other.”
    “I know what you mean. My daed has never understood why I’d rather work at the tree farm than slop hogs with him.” Noah folded his arms across his chest. “He’s never understood my interest in baking, either. But I’ve come to realize that some things probably won’t change, so it’s best to try and ignore them.”
    “Guess you’re right,” Paul said with a nod. “If I let Pop’s grumbling get to me, I’d be on the next bus bound for Pennsylvania. But I wouldn’t feel right about running out on Barbara when she needs help.”
    “I’m glad you’re here for her, because Samuel can’t carry the load alone.” Noah glanced around. “Hey, where is Samuel today?”
    “He hired a driver to take him to Springfield for a doctor’sappointment. I’ve been on my own all afternoon, and as you might have noticed when you first came in, the customers have kept me quite busy.”
    Noah nodded. “That’s why I waited until the others left to start yakkin’.”
    Paul pointed to the stack of papers on the desk. “I work fast, but there’s no way I can keep up with the orders we have right now.”
    “If I knew anything about what you’re doing here, I’d offer to help in my spare time, but I’d only be in the way.”
    “That’s okay. I’ll be fine. Just need to keep my nose to the leather, as my cousin Andy likes to say.”
    Noah chuckled and turned toward the door. “Faith went up to the house to visit Barbara. Guess I’d better see if she’s ready to head for Seymour. I’m taking my wife to eat supper at her favorite