Free A Heart Once Broken by Jerry S. Eicher

barn.
    â€œWhat do you say to all this, Sandra?” Amos asked, looking straight at her. “You seem lost in a daze.”
    Sandra jumped to her feet. “I think we’re ready for dessert, that’s what. There’s pecan pie, and apple pie, and…”
    Amos was still smiling when Sandra returned from the counter with the pies. Thankfully he didn’t force the subject again. Instead, as the pie was cut and served, Amos engaged Mamm in small talk and Mark and Clyde talked about horses. Sandra kept out of both conversations. The evening had already been enough of an embarrassment. Thankfully supper would soon be over, and she could clean the kitchen in peace by herself.
    Amos finished his last bite of pecan pie with a loud smack of his lips. “That was some kind of goot pie there, Sandra, or did your mamm also make those delicious desserts?”
    â€œI made them,” Sandra admitted, but offered nothing further.
    Amos glanced around. “Let’s give thanks then, and we can scatter to what needs doing. Your mamm and I have much we must discuss.”
    Mamm appeared pale, and Sandra almost reached over to squeeze Mamm ’s hand, but she was sure Amos wouldn’t appreciate that.
    Amos bowed his head again and soon pronounced an “Amen.”
    The prayer had been much shorter this time, but had been delivered with just as much vim and vigor. Obviously Amos liked to pray out loud.
    Sandra waited until Mamm had left with Amos for the living room, and Mark and Clyde were on their feet before she moved.
    Mark headed for the washroom, but Clyde hollered after him, “I think I’ll stay and help Sandra wash dishes.”
    Mark turned around and chuckled. “Suit yourself,” he said. “I’ll be in the barn when you’re done.”
    â€œYou’re not—” Sandra protested, but Clyde interrupted with, “Oh, yah , I am. You can’t turn down help with the dishes.”
    He wasn’t as brash as his daett , but Clyde would soon get there. She stared at him. “I didn’t ask for help.”
    â€œThat’s because you didn’t want to embarrass me, but I don’t mind helping.” Clyde grinned and picked up a few dirty dishes to place them on the counter. “I like being around you. And I know how to wash dishes. We’re bachelors, remember.”
    What if I don’t like being around you? Sandra almost snapped. She forced herself to smile instead. “Really, Clyde, I appreciate the offer, but I need some time alone this evening.”
    â€œBut you’re alone all the time in this big house with your mamm .” Clyde looked around as if that made his point. “It’s not goot for women to live alone. Of course, I know you have no choice right now, and this wasn’t planned, but still…”
    â€œYou’ve been here for supper. That’s goot enough for me.” Sandra gave Clyde a bright smile. “And you’ve seen for yourself. I’m still quite sane, don’t you think?”
    Clyde laughed. “No argument from me on that, but still, I’d like to help.”
    Sandra’s face fell. She wasn’t going to win. “Okay. You can dry the dishes, and I’ll have my time alone for the rest of the evening.”
    Clyde leaned against the counter and watched as Sandra filled the sink basin with hot water. He finally offered, “You know, my daett will wed your mamm soon.”
    â€œI suppose so,” Sandra allowed.
    â€œWhere are you going to live?”
    â€œMaybe Mark will have his own place by then.”
    He wouldn’t, but she wasn’t about to tell Clyde.
    â€œ Daett says we all could fit in our big house.” Clyde shrugged. “But I’ll have my own place by then…I hope.”
    Sandra put on her most cheerful tone. “I guess we’ll have to cross that bridge once we get there.”
    â€œYou know, you’re wasting your