Free The Courtship Basket by Amy Clipston Page B

He couldn’t stop thinking about her accusations, but he also began to reevaluate his response to her. Had he lost his temper too quickly? Had he been too outspoken? Was he out of line when he’d lectured her about all the stress in his life? What would Dat say if he knew how he’d spoken to Rachel? Mike grimaced. Dat had taught him respect, and he was supposed to be humble when he spoke to others.
    Mike was aware of his short temper and his stubbornness, and both had overtaken him today. Rachel had gotten under his skin. After considering her words, he agreed she had valid points, but he didn’t know how to address the issues.
    As he stepped into the family room, Mike found Dat sitting in his recliner and perusing the Budget . Dat ’s hands shook slightly as he held the paper. Mike took in his gaunt face, slim frame, and bony arms and hands. He looked to be nearly half the size he’d been before he was diagnosed with kidney disease. The illness seemed to be consuming his father and leaving a shell of who he once was in his place.
    All of Mike’s perplexing emotions about his father’s illness and his brother’s school troubles bubbled to the surface, and his eyes misted over. He longed to ask Dat ’s advice, but Mike didn’t want to add stress to his father’s life when he was struggling so much with his health.
    “You worked late again tonight,” Dat said, breaking through Mike’s tense thoughts. His voice was tired and quaky.
    Mike cleared his throat to fight back his threatening tears. “ Ya , I was trying to get caught up.” He dropped into the chair beside Dat ’s. “I’m sure you remember what spring was like at the shop.”
    Dat smiled, and a faraway expression overtook his face. “ Ya , I do. It was my favorite time of year. I loved being busy, and I enjoyed working with my hands.” He held up his shaking hands and smiled. “They aren’t much use to me now. I can’t even hold a cup of kaffi without sloshing it all over.” His smile collapsed. “ Was iss letz , Michael?”
    “Nothing’s wrong.” Mike rested his elbows on his knees. “I’m just tired.”
    “You’re working too hard. You should be home in time for supper. John needs you.”
    Mike bit back a sardonic snort. “I know he does.”
    Dat studied him, and his expression softened. “I know you’re running yourself ragged for our family.” He blinked, and his blue eyes glistened with tears. “Michael, I’m sorry I’m not able to do more to help you take care of John.”
    “Don’t worry about it, Dat .” Mike touched his father’s thin arm as sadness constricted his chest. “John and I are doing just fine. Marie and Janie are a tremendous help to us. I’m just worried about your health.”
    “I can’t stand being a burden to you.” Dat swiped at his tears with a shaky hand. “That’s why I want to stop my treatments. It would be better for you and John if I—”
    “Stop,” Mike said, a little more harshly than he meant to, and Dat winced with surprise. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He took a deep, shuddering breath. “I will take care of everything, but I have one thing I need you to do for John and me.”
    “What’s that?”
    “I need you to be strong for us,” Mike said, leaning forward and touching his father’s arm again. “I need you to keep up with your treatments and take care of yourself. John and I need you.” His voice trembled. “Can you do that for Johnny and me?”
    “ Ya .” His dat nodded. “I can do that.”
    “ Gut .” Mike stood. “Are you ready for bed?”
    “ Ya , it’s about that time.” Dat placed the newspaper on the end table beside him and then Mike lifted him from the chair and helped him back into the wheelchair.
    As Mike pushed his father to his bedroom, he hoped he understood how much he and John needed him. He couldn’t cope with the notion of losing Dat and John becoming an orphan. He needed his father, and so did John.

CHAPTER 6

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