Free Courting Emily (A Wells Landing Book 2) by Amy Lillard Page A

underneath the bag of grape jelly flavored jelly beans, the plastic school box full of markers and crayons in a variety of purple shades, and the stacks of purple construction paper was the info she had gathered at the library Saturday evening.
    She had wanted to come yesterday and share what she had learned, but her family had traveled to the neighboring district to attend church. Given the length of the service and all of her regular milking duties, she hadn’t had enough time to give to the visit. The delay also gave her a bit more time to gather fun things for James to do and her courage to face the wrath of Elam.
    She had wanted to immediately go and put what she had learned into practice, but she didn’t let herself. If Elam Riehl was upset about her taking his father outside, he would be furious at what she was about to suggest. It was best to give him a chance to completely cool off before starting up again.
    She drew in a deep breath. He was not going to like what she had discovered.
    “Emily?” Becky rushed out onto the front porch. “I am so glad to see you.” She skipped down the stairs and looped her arm through hers. “Are you staying the entire afternoon?”
    “As long as your family will have me.”
    Becky’s smile beamed. “I’ll send a messenger to your family then so they won’t worry about you.”
    “ Jah? ”
    Becky pulled her close. “Because we’re keeping you forever.”
    We’ll see, Emily silently added.
    “ Mamm, Mamm, ” Becky called as she hurried up the porch steps. “Look who’s here.”
    Emily followed Becky into the house.
    Joy Riehl came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Emily, so gut to see you.”
    Emily smiled in return and lifted her basket. “I brought some things for James.”
    Joy’s smile was both relieved and pleased.
    Emily had to admit the house had never looked better. Even as much as pride was a sin, she was proud of the job she and her sisters had done for this family. She’d just have to pray about it later.
    “Where is James?” Emily set the basket on the kitchen table.
    “Can I?” Becky asked, indicating she wanted to unload what Emily had brought.
    Emily gave her a quick nod.
    “He’s napping.” Joy said. She pressed the back of one hand to her forehead. As if to stay the beginning pangs of a headache.
    “Are you allrecht? ” she asked.
    Joy nodded. “I’m tired is all.” She slid into the closest kitchen chair. “James had a bad night. He had crazy dreams. Then he got up and rambled all over the house.”
    “I’m so sorry,” Emily murmured. What she had printed out from the library might just be the solution this family needed, but she held back. She needed to present this gently. “What time did he finally get to sleep gut? ”
    “It was about four.” Joy sighed. “Of course that was after he fell. Thankfully Elam was already awake. Together we got him back to bed.”
    “What’s this?” Becky held up the folded papers Emily had printed at the library.
    “It’s just some information.” She pulled the papers from Becky’s grasp.
    “What kind of information?” she asked.
    Emily slid into the chair opposite Joy and unfolded the papers. She smoothed them flat, searching for the right words. “I went to the library the other day and printed out some information about the medications James is taking.”
    “ Jah? ”
    Emily wasn’t sure how to read the expression on Joy’s face. Quietly open was her hope, so she pushed on. “Some of these medications have severe side effects.” She pushed the papers across the table. “It’s all in there. You should read it. Maybe ask his doctor. I just . . .” She took a deep breath and gathered her courage. “I think his medicine might be doing him more harm than good.”
    “I thought I told you to stay away from my family.”
    Emily whirled around as Elam stormed into the room. How long had he been standing there listening to their conversation? Long