Free The Selfless Act by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

had happened since their last visit, including the fire that destroyed Elsie and John’s house, as well as what Joel had done with the money from the sale of his classic car.
    Kristi looked at Doris in disbelief. “Did he do it so he could get his inheritance?”
    “No. In fact, Joel said he didn’t care about the money anymore. He just wanted—”
    An elderly Amish woman came up to Doris and rested her hand on the back of the bench. “Do you know whether your sister Elsie is home today?”
    “I’m not sure,” Doris replied. “Is there something you need to ask her?”
    The woman smiled. “I wanted to let her know that my son Harold is available to help when they’re ready to move into their new house.”
    “It’s nice of him to offer, Ada. They’ll be moving out of Dad’s old place the last Saturday of this month, so I’m sure they’ll appreciate all the help they can get.”
    “I’ll let Harold know.” Ada said goodbye and headed into the market across the way.
    Doris turned to face Kristi. “I’m sorry. I should have introduced you. Ada’s been a friend of our family for years. In fact, she used to go to school with my dad.”
    “It’s all right. I wasn’t offended.” Kristi held her purse in her lap, twisting the strap around her fingers. “I’m really sorry to hear about Elsie losing her house. Is there anything they need?”
    “Furniture, mostly, but now that my sisters and I will get our share of Dad’s estate, Elsie will be able to afford whatever she needs.”
    “That’s wonderful news.” Kristi stood. “I need to get going. It was nice seeing you, Doris. Please tell your sisters I said hello.”
    Doris rose from the bench and gave Kristi a hug. Then she picked up her things and headed toward her horse and buggy, which were secured at one of the hitching rails in the parking lot. She’d hoped Kristi might ask her to say hello to Joel, too. Apparently she didn’t care about him anymore.
    How sad,
she thought when she turned and saw Kristi walk away.
She didn’t even seem that interested when I tried to tell her Joel has changed. Maybe the relationship between Kristi and my brother was never meant to be.

    When Kristi entered the Farmstead Restaurant and saw the long line that went almost out the door, she realized she’d probably have to wait awhile before being seated at a table. Since she wasn’t in a hurry to get home, she didn’t really mind the wait. Besides, it would give her a chance to digest all that Doris had told her. Was it possible Joel had actually changed? Could he really have sold his Corvette and given his sisters the money? For his family’s sake, she hoped it was true.
    It’s a shame he couldn’t have changed when we were still dating,
Kristi thought.
It’s been quite a while since I last heard from Joel. If he loved me, the way he said he did, I would think he’d have let me know he’d made things right with his family.
She shifted her purse to the other shoulder.
But then, I chose not to respond to any of the messages he did leave, so I guess it makes sense that he didn’t call later.
    Kristi assumed that, more than six months after their breakup, Joel had moved on with his life. For her, though, it had been hard to move on—at least when it came to dating. She was actually thankful Darin hadn’t pursued a relationship with her. She was content to be his friend.
    It’s still hard for me to fathom that Joel could have changed. I wonder what all he said to make Doris believe him. Could he have only said it to get his inheritance, or is it possible that—
Kristi’s thoughts halted when the person behind her nudged her arm gently. “Excuse me, Miss, but the people ahead of you have moved to the front of the line.”
    “Oh, sorry.” Kristi’s cheeks warmed as she quickly stepped forward. She was almost to the hostess’s desk and could see into part of the restaurant, including the all-you-can-eat buffet. She watched the young Amish waitress