Free Allison's Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

the pond mishap first. When she got to the house, she would explain things in more detail if necessary.

    As Aaron traveled home from the pond, he thought about how much he’d enjoyed being with Allison. Even if they couldn’t develop a lasting relationship, it would be nice to get to know her better while she was here for the summer. They’d begun a good visit this afternoon until Dan’s little mishap had cut things short.
    I wonder if Allison would enjoy working in the harness shop . Aaron slapped the side of his head, nearly knocking his straw hat off. Don’t get any dumb ideas. It would never work, even if she could stay here. I wouldn’t be able to forget how things were for Mom when Dad died. I could never trust that it wouldn’t happen to me .
    As Aaron turned onto his property, he noticed light shining through the harness shop windows. He’d thought he had shut off all the lanterns before he’d left.
    He brought the horse to a stop in front of the building, hopped out of the buggy, and dashed inside. He discovered only one gas lamp lit—the one directly above Paul’s desk.
    Paul was seated in his oak chair, going over a stack of invoices. He squinted at Aaron. “Where have you been?”
    Aaron shifted from one foot to the other, feeling like a young boy caught doing something bad. “I went fishing this afternoon.”
    Paul’s heavy eyebrows drew together as he fingered the edge of his full beard. “You went fishing when you should have been working?”
    Aaron nodded. “There hadn’t been any customers since noon, so I didn’t think there’d be any harm in closing the shop a few hours early.”
    Paul pushed his chair aside and stood. “I left you in charge today because I thought I could trust you to take care of things in my absence.” He motioned to the front door. “Then I come home and find the shop door is locked, the C LOSED sign’s in the window, and you’re nowhere to be found.”
    Aaron opened his mouth to defend himself, but Paul cut him off. “I know you’re expecting to take over this shop someday, but your irresponsible actions don’t give me any indication that you’re close to being ready for something like that.”
    “I work plenty hard.” Aaron pursed his lips. “I think I always do a good job, too.”
    “That’s true, but you’re often late to work, and sometimes you look for excuses to slack off. You can’t coast along in life if you expect to support a wife and family someday.”
    “I don’t think I’m coasting. Besides, I’m not planning to get married, so I won’t have to worry about supporting a wife or a family.”
    “I’ve heard you say that before, Aaron. Would you care to explain?”
    Aaron shook his head and started to walk away, but he halted and turned back around. “Say, how come you’re home early from Springfield? I thought you were planning to eat supper out.”
    “Emma came down with a bauchweh .”
    “What’s wrong with Emma? Has she got the flu?”
    “I suppose she might, but more than likely her bellyache’s from eating too much candy earlier in the day. Our driver, Larry Porter, always has a bag of chocolates he likes to hand out to the kinner.” Paul grunted. “Emma ate way too much candy before either your mamm or I realized it.”
    “I remember once when Davey was a little guy and got into Mom’s candy dish,” Aaron said. “The little schtinker polished off every last piece. Mom said she didn’t have the heart to give him a bletsching because suffering with an upset stomach was punishment enough.”
    “Sometimes the direct consequences of one’s transgressions are worse than a spanking.”
    “I guess that’s true.” Aaron moved toward the door.
    “Before you go up to the house, I’d like to say one more thing,” Paul said.
    Out of respect, Aaron halted. “What’d you want to say?”
    “Just wanted you to know that I love you. That’s the only reason I want to be sure you get your priorities straight.”
    Aaron