Free Love’s Journey Home by Kelly Irvin

staying, according to Luke, but Gabriel Gless
     is very strict with his girls. Besides, you’re not old enough to court yet. You can’t
     even go to the singings for two more years.”
    “I know, I know. But once Catherine spends time with us she’ll see. She’ll want to
     stay.” Mark popped his suspenders with an airy grin. “And once Gabriel Gless gets
     to know us, he’ll see we’re good company for his girls. We can be friends first. Singings
     later.”
    He looked so cheerful and sounded so optimistic, Annie didn’t have the heart to argue
     about the Gless girls. “I don’t know about Catherine.”
    “I do.” He grabbed a snickerdoodle from the tray on the counter and munched as he
     headed to the storeroom. “Who could stay away forever? Not Catherine.”
    He disappeared from sight, still talking. Annie had to laugh. Her little brother always
     made her laugh. Asking him to work with her at the bakery after David’s death and
     Sadie’s retirement had been the right thing to do. Now she needed another person who
     could bake. She had more business than she knew how to handle, which was a blessing,
     no doubt about it. But she didn’t want to lose customers because they had to wait
     too long for their baked goods. Maybe Miriam’s little sister Delia could do it…
    The door swung open and in walked a slim young girl in a dark blue dress that brought
     out the brilliant color of her eyes. Behind her strode a man who immediately sought
     Annie’s gaze and held it.
    “We’re not open for another hour,” she called. “Sorry. If you could come back—”
    “Annie Plank? Emma’s sister?” The man made her name a question and a statement at
     the same time, if that were possible. As if he were very sure of himself.
    “Jah. I’m Annie.”
    “Gut.”
    As if he’d known all along and she’d only needed to confirm. He towered over his companion
     and had a lean body. His whiskerless face told her he wasn’t married, even though
     he looked to be close to her age.
    “I think it’s good most days,” she responded, aware he’d caught her staring. “Today,
     I’m too far behind on my baking to be sure of it, however.”
    “Well, I think I have a solution to that problem.” He introduced himself as Isaac
     Gless and the girl, who plucked at her apron and ducked her head, as his sister Mary
     Elizabeth. “Mary Elizabeth is a good baker and she needs a job.”
    “Does she, indeed? Then maybe we should get to know each other a bit.”
    “Good idea.” He grinned, apparently unaware that Annie meant she and Mary Elizabeth
     should get to know each other. Funny job interview, when the interviewee couldn’t
     get a word in edgewise. Isaac lifted his head and sniffed loudly. “You could start
     by letting us sample the wares. I smell bumbleberry pie and maple drop cookies.”
    “You have a good nose.” Annie found herself smiling, although she wasn’t sure why.
     “Right on both counts.”
    “With a honker like this, how could I miss?” He pointed at a nose that seemed suited
     for the size of his handsome face and grinned. “Got it from my daed. They say I look
     exactly like him, only better.”
    “Isaac!” Mary Elizabeth finally spoke. “Annie will think you’re bragging on yourself.
     Remember what Daed says: No hochmut , only demut .”
    “I’m never prideful, always humble. I also try to always speak the truth.” He laughed.
     His laugh was deep and natural and unfettered. It made Annie laugh too, something
     she hadn’t done in a long time. He snatched a piece of cookie from the sample plate
     left from the previous day. “Let me have a taste—see how the goods are in this bakery.”
    “Nee, nee.” Annie scurried forward and grabbed the plate. “Not day-old samples. I
     have cookies hot from the oven.”
    She whirled and scooped up the fresh, hot snickerdoodles and turned to give them each
     one. The look on Isaac’s face made her stop. His sly grin said it all.