Free A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston

and wiped her eyes. “I understand.”
    Mr. Peterson smiled at her. “I didn’t mean to make the mood gloomy.” He stood. “Let’s
     walk back and check on the children. Maybe I can help them with their chores.”
    Hannah looked at his expensive-looking trousers and collared shirt before shaking
     her head. “I don’t think you’re dressed to work in the stables.”
    He folded his arms over his chest. “So you don’t think I can do manual labor?”
    “I didn’t say that. I just said you weren’t dressed for it.” She stood and they fell
     into step while walking back toward the stables.
    He glanced down at his shirt. “Maybe I’ll dress appropriately and help next time I
     come.”
    “I think the children would like that. They would appreciate the help.”
    “Does Joshua come to help on weekends?”
    “
Ya.
” Hannah nodded. “He should be over soon. He had to help his parents with a few chores
     this morning. He has breakfastwith his parents on Saturdays and then does a few things around the house for them
     before he comes here.”
    They talked about the weather and the beautiful horses as they approached the clearing
     near the stables. When Hannah spotted her mother-in-law standing with the twins on
     the house porch, she raised her eyebrows. It was rare that Barbie came to visit on
     a Saturday. She hoped nothing was wrong.
    “What a surprise. My mother-in-law is visiting.” Hannah picked up the pace as they
     moved toward the house. “You’ll get to meet Barbie.”
    They approached the porch, and Barbie turned to the girls. “Why don’t you both go
     inside and start getting ready for lunch?” The girls disappeared, and Barbie’s expression
     transformed to a glower as she peered down at them.
    Hannah forced a smile. “
Gude mariye
, Barbie. What a surprise to see you today.”
    Barbie lifted a chubby arm and motioned toward the stables. “I decided to ride over
     with Joshua. I thought I should see what was going on over here.” Her eyes moved to
     Mr. Peterson and then back to Hannah.
    “Oh.” Hannah cleared her throat. “Barbie, this is Mr. Peterson. He’s from New Jersey
     and looking for a place to open a bed and breakfast.”
    Mr. Peterson climbed up a few steps and held out his hand to her. “It’s nice to meet
     you, Mrs. Glick.”
    Barbie clicked her tongue and looked back at Hannah. “I think you should consider
     getting ready for lunch,
ya
? Or will you delay lunch since your children have gobbled up a box of donuts mid-morning?
     It seems that they may have ruined their appetites for a
gut
lunch.”
    Hannah clenched her jaw and took a deep breath. She’d gotten accustomed to her mother-in-law’s
     sharp comments over the years. When Hannah married Gideon, Barbie seemed to enjoy
     sharing her opinions on how to run a household. After the twins were born, Barbie’s
     opinions transformed into criticisms of how Hannah was raising her children. Hannah
     learned to simply ignore Barbie’s words and go about her business instead of trying
     in vain to defend herself. Yet having to endure Barbie’s condescending remarks in
     front of a guest was nearly more than Hannah could endure.
    “Oh, look at the time.” Mr. Peterson studied his wristwatch as if he’d just discovered
     it. “I better get going. I’m supposed to meet my realtor in thirty minutes. Thank
     you for showing me around the workings of an Amish farm.” He smiled up at Barbie.
     “It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Glick.”
    Barbie’s lips formed a thin line.
    Hannah turned to Mr. Peterson. “I’ll walk you to your car.” They moved in silence
     to his waiting vehicle. “Thank you for coming to visit today.”
    “You’re welcome.” he opened the door. “I had a good time. Your farm is lovely.”
    “Thank you.” Hannah glanced back at the porch where Barbie stood watching with her
     arms folded over her wide mid-section. She then looked back at Mr. Peterson. “I’m
     sorry Barbie was rude to