Read Online The Amish Doll: Amish Knitting Novel (Bonus Knitting Pattern Included) by Karen Anna Vogel - Free Book Online

but she was still reaching out to others.  On her visits to their place to finalize papers for foster parenting, she’d told him her concern for Eb. He needed healthier foods, so she collected leftovers from Appleton. And Eb lacked work, so Raven hired him to build a table and china cabinet. She even put up ads all around Jamestown and on the internet, and more orders were coming in. Shame filled him. Raven had a way of seeing needs…How stingy he was in giving Eb only twenty dollars. 
    Joshua soon saw the Appleton van come down the road, and his mouth grew dry. He had to guard his heart against these feelings for Raven. She wasn’t Amish. He saw her get out of the van, and she wore a black coat with gray fur. When she looked at him, the blue hat made her green eyes look turquoise. Their eyes locked and he found himself drawn in and he didn’t look away for a few seconds, then he turned to the boys. They seemed apprehensive being on an Amish farm, just as Raven had warned him. He greeted them all with a handshake and told them to call him Joshua.
    “But you’re an adult. We should call you Mr…?” Bud asked.
    “My last name is Yoder, but we Amish aren’t formal, calling people Mr. and Mrs. Just call me Joshua, okay?”
    The boys nodded in unison.  “How’s your mom?” Chuckey asked. “Did you find a kidney yet?”
    He was surprised the boys knew about his mamm . “No kidney yet.”
    “Well, we pray for her every day and especially on Bible Club night. The whole church is praying,” Ethan said.
    “Well, isn’t that something,” Joshua said. “ Danki . We can use all the prayers we can get.” Pastor Lawrence’s whole church was praying for his mamm ? Lord forgive him for being jealous of the good man of God.  He was English and had a chance with Raven.
    “Boys, do you remember how disappointed you were about the hayride?” Raven asked.
    The boys groaned and nodded.
    “Well, Joshua was looking for a clear day, but this snow is unbelievable. So he thought of something else you’d like to do. Ski.”
    “We’re going to Cockaigne?” Toby gawked.
    “ Nee , you’re going to ski here,” Joshua said, grinning.
    “How?” Bud asked. “There’s no hills!”
    “Are you going to teach us how to cross country ski?” Chuckey asked. “It’s lots of work. I don’t like it.”
    Joshua knew the boys would never guess. “I’ve asked one of my cousins to come over to help show you Amish style skiing.” He turned toward the barn and yelled for Lester. He soon saw his cousin appear and smile at the boys in a knowing way.
    Lester got into the sleigh and rode it to the back of the house. Joshua put on his skis and hung onto the noose he made in rope that was attached to the sleigh. He signaled for Lester to go and soon the sleigh was moving, pulling him along.
    “It’s like water skiing,” squealed Cliffy. “I can’t believe it.”
    Joshua yelled for Lester to speed up and soon he was racing across the field, skiing on the fields used for grazing.  He continued to ski in a large circle a few times until it was slick. He let go of the rope with one hand and waved to the boys. He saw them all clap their hands, and Joshua shouted for Lester to pull him in. He soon glided to a stop in front of his audience. “Who’s first?” he asked.  He saw all the hands go up except Raven’s. “Aren’t women supposed to go before men?”
    Raven’s eyes grew round. “Not me. I was never good at skiing.”
    Soon the boys were chanting, Miss Meadows, Miss Meadows, Miss Meadows .
    She threw her arms up in the air. “Okay, I surrender. I’ll try it, but I’ll fall.” She went to Joshua and took the wooden skis. Joshua got down and put the leather latches around her boots, making sure they were tight.  He handed her the rope, and whispered, “You don’t have to do this.”
    She whispered back, “Oh, yes I do. I teach the boys to be brave, and they learn by example.” She looked toward Lester. “Can you