Free The Promise of an Angel (A Heaven On Earth 1) by Ruth Reid Page A

.”
    Martha said . . . Her stomach knotted.
    Levi directed the light over to Andrew. “She was making more claims that Samuel will walk.”
    Judith had a full view of Andrew’s raised brows.
    Levi flipped the light back on her. “I told you, Judith. There wasn’t any fog that day, and no one saw a man standing at Samuel’s side.”
    “He was kneeling,” Judith corrected.
    “Kneeling,” Levi echoed in a mocking tone. “Did you tell Andrew what this man said?”
    Judith raised her hand to block the beam. Why was Levi doing this to her? She thought he cared about her. Her thoughts swirled. How could she love a man who didn’t believe in her?
    “You don’t have to tell me, Judith.” Andrew stepped onto the trail. “We all should get back.”
    “Her imaginary man told her Samuel would walk.” Levi chuckled.
    Andrew’s abrupt stop caused Judith to plow into him. His hand reached out to steady her balance. “Don’t laugh at Samuel’s condition,” he replied before turning and trudging toward the house.
    “Hey, Andrew.” Levi waited for him to turn. “Catch.” He tossed the flashlight to Andrew. Judith started to follow, but Levi reached for her arm and held her back. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t laughing about Samuel’s paralysis.”
    She looked at the trail and watched the beam of light grow faint as Andrew moved farther away from them. “I know you didn’t intend to be mean-spirited.” She glanced again to check Andrew’s distance. “But why did you try to make me look foolish? I just saw the Englischer again. Only—”
    “Only what?”
    “He’s an angel.”
    “ Ach, nett so.”
    Judith pushed past him.
    “You spent time with a man at the river?” Levi grabbed her arm and stopped her. “Answer me.”
    “Why?” She jerked her arm away. “You wouldn’t believe me anyway.”
    “So this is your choice? You want to spend time with another man?”
    Judith walked away. Levi had no idea what she wanted. She wanted to marry him. She wanted a houseful of children. She wanted to grow old in her community surrounded by her church family. She wanted him to believe her.
    She couldn’t answer his questions with the knot that formed in her throat. She increased her pace. Up ahead, Andrew stopped and pointed the light at the ground, illuminating the path’s ruts from the tree roots.
    Levi was right behind her and blew out a breath. “I’m still waiting to hear your choice.”
    “It’s late. I don’t want everyone to worry.” She also didn’t want to defend herself to him anymore.
    Levi looked at Andrew. “ Nau she thinks about that.”
    Andrew redirected the beam on the path. “She’s right. It’s late, and we have chores in the morning.”
    Judith whispered, “Denki,” under her breath. If Andrew heard, he didn’t reply. He continued on the path home.
    Once they rounded the back side of the barn, others circled her with lanterns lifted to get a good view of her face.
    David moved forward. “Where were you, Judith?”
    Andrew stepped between them. “She was lost. I found her in the woods.”
    “Humph.” Levi stared at Andrew. “That isn’t what she told me.”
    They all turned their eyes to Judith. Andrew’s face held the only welcoming expression, but she didn’t dare use him for support. She couldn’t burden him with her problems.
    Levi nudged her arm. “Tell them, Judith.”
    She looked over her shoulder, her stomach churning. Even the bishop had come to search for her.
    God, if the angel was from You, please help me. I believe You sent him, but they won’t .
    Her father came forward. “Your mamm would worry sick if she knew about this.”
    “I’m sorry.” Judith sidestepped toward Levi.
    “What were you doing?”
    Reflections from the lantern’s tongued flame flickered across the ground. Whatever she said they would refuse to believe.
    “Is this about Samuel walking again?” her father asked.
    Lord, I need Your strength. Guide my tongue .
    “I believe he will,”