Free A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston Page A

you.” She nodded toward the house. “I better get inside.”
    “I’ll see you Monday.” He climbed into the car. “Have a good weekend.”
    “You too.” Hannah waved as he drove off and then she headed back to where Barbie was
     waiting on the porch, her foottapping disapprovingly against the railing. Hannah climbed the steps. “I have a feeling
     you want to talk to me.”
    Barbie glanced back toward the house and then stepped toward Hannah. “Why would you
     bring an
Englisher
to your home? What impression do you think this gives your
kinner
, especially your
dochdern
?”
    Hannah frowned. “Did Joshua tell you that Mr. Peterson came for supper Wednesday night?”
    “Of course he did. I wanted to talk to you about it, but then I found you walking
     alone with the man this morning. What are you thinking, Hannah? Your
dochdern
are at a very impressionable age. You should want them to grow up with the right
     morals. You may give them the wrong ideas about being alone with a bu.”
    “I’m not teaching them anything bad,
Mamm.
He gave me a ride home Wednesday after finding me soaking wet in the rain at a bus
     stop. Amanda invited him to stay for dinner, and I felt it was okay since Joshua was
     also here. Today he came to see the farm, and I gave him a tour of the property. It
     was all completely innocent.”
    Barbie shook her head. “I don’t think you’re being a
gut
example for your
kinner
, Hannah. You’re telling them it’s okay to become friendly with strangers and invite
     them into your home.”
    Hannah felt frustration boiling inside her, but she needed to keep calm. She’d realized
     early in her marriage that arguing with Barbie was useless. Besides, she needed to
     respect Barbie, who was the only mother she had since her own mother had died ten
     years ago. “We need to remember what Scripture says: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
     Mr. Peterson is a nice man who offered me a ride in the rain.”
    Barbie lifted her chin. “It’s inappropriate, Hannah. You know I’m right. I’m going
     to make your
kinner
a proper lunch. I’m glad I stopped by so I could make sure they’re eating right.”
     Her mother-in-law marched off into the house, slamming the door behind her.
    Hannah lowered herself into a rocking chair and blew out a cleansing breath. She knew
     it was best to stay out of Barbie’s way when she took over the kitchen. Although she
     resented Barbie’s criticism of how she was raising her children, she was thankful
     her children had a grandmother in their lives since her parents and husband were gone.
     Families were full of complicated, intertwined relationships that somehow translated
     into love and support.
    She rocked back and forth while staring up at the glorious blue sky. A strange excitement
     skittered through her as she reflected on her short visit with Mr. Peterson. She was
     thankful for his friendship. Although they were from different worlds, they shared
     similar experiences. He understood her better than most of the people close to her.
     She looked forward to seeing him again and wondered if he had enjoyed their visit
     as much as she had.

SEVEN
    J osh stood in the stable doorway and watched Trey Peterson drive off in his flashy
     car. He glowered as Hannah waved to the
Englisher
and then went back to the porch. Why would Hannah welcome this man into her home,
     a home Gideon had built? It didn’t make any sense at all. He hoped she wasn’t unhappy
     with her life. He groaned at the thought of watching Hannah, the woman he’d always
     loved, walk away from everything they believed in.
    “
Onkel?
” Andrew held out a shovel. “Are you ready to clean the stalls?”
    “
Ya.
I’m coming.”
    Josh turned back to the porch, where Hannah and his mother were speaking. He deduced
     from their frowns that his mother was speaking her mind. It was his fault she had
     insisted on coming by this morning to give Hannah a stern lecture. He’d stopped in
     to