Free The Stubborn Father by Jean; Wanda E.; Brunstetter Brunstetter

Henry, grabbed some boards, and climbed up the ladder.
    Eustace smiled. He hoped these two boys would grow into strong men who followed the Lord’s leading in all they said and did. If they put God first, He would lead and guide them through all of their days.
    Eustace closed his eyes briefly and sent up a prayer.
It’s what I want for my son, too, Lord. I pray the decision I made awhile back about Joel and the rest of my kinner was the right thing to do.

    “It’s been nice visiting with you, but now it’s time for me to head home. Brian will be there soon, and I need to get supper started.” Doris gave her aunt a hug, then turned toward the door. “I hope we will get to see you again soon.”
    “What was it you just said?” Aunt Verna asked.
    Doris turned back around. “I’m sorry, Aunt Verna. I said, ‘I hope we get to see you again soon.’”
    “No harm done. The ole’ hearing isn’t what it used to be.” Aunt Verna smiled. “Maybe the next time I come, my husband will join me.”
    “That would be nice. I haven’t seen Uncle Lester in some time.”
    “He doesn’t travel as much as he used to, with his arthritis and all.”
    “I understand.” Doris gave Aunt Verna another hug. “What time will your driver be here to pick you up?”
    “She’s supposed to come around seven. It will give your daed and me time to have supper and say our goodbyes.” Aunt Verna walked with Doris out to the porch. “Maybe next time I come, Joel will be here. It would have been nice to have seen him this time.”
    A lump formed in Doris’s throat. She swallowed hard and gave a brief nod. At this point, the chance of Uncle Lester leaving Burton to travel anywhere was greater than Joel coming here—unless he wanted something.
    Doris went out and told everyone goodbye, then headed for the barn to get her horse. As she walked the mare out to hook her up, Doris couldn’t wait to share with Brian about her day. She would make homemade pizza and a tossed salad. Then she and Brian could sit down to a quiet meal and visit. She thought it strange how the English liked to watch TV. Even some restaurants would have it on. Doris was thankful TVs held no place in an Amish home. It would only be a distraction. And from what she’d heard, some things shown on the television could lead a person astray.
    A yawn escaped her lips as she climbed into the buggy and gathered up the reins. It had been busy at Dad’s today, but she and Aunt Verna had gotten a lot done. Doris would miss her father’s sister. It felt nice to have a mother-figure around.
    After guiding her horse onto the main road, Doris relaxed in her seat, pleased there wasn’t much traffic. The fall scenery was beautiful, too—so many leaves already turning color. It was enough to melt away her cares.

    With the sun beginning to set over the hills, it was almost time to send the boys home. Eustace didn’t want them riding their bikes home in the dark. “Okay fellas, let’s put your tools away, and then you two need to get going. My guess is your mamm has a meal cookin’ for you by now, and you don’t want to be late for supper.”
    Before leaving, Doug and Scott gave their grandpa a hug.
    “You two ride your bikes home safely, and danki for your help today. Oh, and don’t forget to stop up at the house and let your great-aunt know you’re leaving.” Eustace peered at Doug and Scott over the top of his glasses.
    The boys dashed off to the house, but before they could open the door, Verna stepped out and greeted them on the porch. “You boys be good while I’m away, and always listen to your folks. Hopefully, I’ll bring your great-uncle Lester with me on my next visit here.” She gave them both hugs.
    “Have a nice trip home, Aunt Verna,” Doug called as he and his brother mounted their bikes.
    “Bye, Aunt Verna.” Scott waved at her before the boys peddled down the driveway and onto the road.
    Eustace watched his grandsons leave the yard in a matter of