Free The Amish Doll: Amish Knitting Novel (Bonus Knitting Pattern Included) by Karen Anna Vogel Page B

Eb’s sick and now I am. Can you take the box of food to him and see how he is?” He kindly offered to do anything to help and Raven told him she was grateful and hung up.
    The pain in her head wasn’t going away and she covered her eyes with a spare pillow.  Soon a knock was heard at her door. “Miss Meadows, are you okay?”
    It was Cliffy, and her heart melted.  Not only was he overcoming his shyness, like she had, but he was learning to care for others. “I’m fine Cliffy.  Just have the flu.”
    Soon Timmy’s voice was heard. “Miss Meadows, Mrs. Rowe wants to know if you want to see a doctor. She said she can take you. I think you need to go.”
    This was her first job as a social worker for children and she had nothing else to compare it to, but was getting very attached to these boys. “Timmy, I’m contagious and don’t want anyone around me. I’ll drive myself.”
    Another knock. It was Chuckey. “Not a good idea. We can get Doc Mast to come here.” He sighed loudly. “Thanksgiving’s next week. We need you better.”
    Her head was throbbing, and she couldn’t take this noise much longer. “If you think so, get the doctor.”
    She heard a stampede descend down the staircase and held her heart. This warm sensation she felt toward the boys must be love.  But they’d have to leave when she found homes. Nausea swept over her so she closed her eyes and tried to not think about the future. The Bible said to not fret or worry about tomorrow. He took care of birds and He’d take care of her.
    Raven thought of Joshua. He seemed nervous helping a shunned man, but did it anyway. Maybe he wasn’t committed to the Amish and maybe he’d leave. She noticed how he looked at her. His eyes glowed with kindness and they pulled her in.  She’d never been able to tell anyone so much about her past, and the more she opened up to him, and he accepted her, she felt deep feelings of fear and guilt being pulled out. The shame of not being wanted all seemed to be fading the more they talked. She’d heard Lawrence teach the boys that there was no fear in love. Was she falling in love with Joshua?
    ~*~
    Joshua heard a car pull in the driveway. He gave his mamm her pills and went to the front door, hoping it was Raven. It was Pastor Lawrence.
    “Raven caught the flu. She wanted someone to come by and tell you. She’s concerned you caught it and might pass it on to your mother.”
    “ Danki , I do feel strange. Weak.”
    “You look pale. Maybe you should get someone to help your mother until you’re better. I’d stay away from her.”
                He was touched at the concern the pastor showed for his mamm . “If you could get word to my aunt, I’d appreciate it. She can send help. Do you know Hannah and David Byler?”
              “No, but can you draw me a map?”
              “It’s easy. Just go straight down this road a mile. You’ll see ski lifts on the left and Byler on the mailbox on the right.”
    Lawrence nodded. “Great view of Cockaigne from their place. I ski there all the time.” He took Joshua’s hand, and shook it. “Our whole church is praying for your mother.”
    “ Danki ,” Joshua said.
     
    ~*~
    Lottie was glad Joshua was sick and Hannah had asked her to help the family. Now here she was, cooling Joshua down with a cold towel. She’d opened his shirt and placed her cold hand on his chest, and he took it in his, but said the unthinkable. He called her Raven. How could he? She shook him until he was awake. “It’s me Lottie.”
    He opened his eyes. “Raven, I knew you cared…”
    Lottie’s temples started to throb. How could this be happening? Joshua was hers.  When his mamm died or got better, they would pick up where they’d left. She hadn’t really called the courtship off, only took a break. It was morbid being in this house, helping him care for his dying mamm . She gently slapped his face. “Joshua, it’s me Lottie. You’re delirious.