A Hope Springs Christmas by Patricia Davids Read Free Book Online

didn’t think she was that upset.”
    Levi jerked a thumb in Sarah’s direction. “Ask her.”
    Levi found the sheet of paper he was looking for and walked out of the office, leaving Sarah to face Henry alone. He waited for her to speak, confusion written across his face.
    Sarah squared her shoulders and indicated the empty chair beside the desk. “Henry, sit down.”
    He took a seat. “When is Grace coming back?”
    “I’m not sure when she’ll be back.”
    “But she will be back, right?” His eyes pleaded for confirmation.
    “Of course. She needs some time to think things over without feeling pressured.”
    He blew out a long breath. “I’m a nah . I shouldn’t have pushed so hard.”
    Sarah smiled gently. “You are not a fool, Henry. You’re in love. You are impatient to be with her as a husband. That is only natural. Grace has many concerns, but she says that she loves you. If she is the woman God has chosen for you she is worth waiting for.”
    “I could accept that if I knew how long she wants me to wait. She won’t set a date.”
    He glanced over his shoulder and lowered his voice.
“I know she is worried that her family can’t manage without her. Can you convince her she has to start thinking about what is best for her?”
    “That’s exactly what she is doing. If you love her, you must trust her. I suggest you write her and tell her how you feel.”
    “I feel confused.”
    Sarah gave him a sympathetic smile. “Do not fret. Things will work out. Now, go home and write Grace a long letter telling her how much you miss her, how sorry you are for your impatience and how you look forward to seeing her again.”
    “I’m not all that good with words, Frau Wyse.”
    “They are in your heart, Henry. Look for them there.”
    He nodded and rose to his feet. “ Danki. I will do that.”
    When he left, she walked out into the area where Levi and the twins were putting the top on a buggy. When they had it set in place and bolted on, she said, “I have chicken stew simmering at my house. Levi, if you don’t have other plans you are welcome to eat with me for I know Grace usually does all the cooking.”
    The twins rushed toward her. “We’re starving,” they said, together.
    She held up a hand to stop them. “Psalm 101:7. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight .”
    The boys looked at each other. “What does that mean?” Moses asked.
    Levi walked by with a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It means you’re on your own for lunch. Danki, Sarah. I’ll be happy to break bread in your home.”
    “But we were only teasing Henry,” Atlee insisted.
    “ Ja, it was a joke,” Moses added.
    “It was cruel, and you took pleasure in his discomfort. But I forgive you, and I’m sure Henry will, too, when you ask him.” She turned to follow Levi out the door.
    “So we can eat with you?” Moses called after her.
    Sarah paused at the door and looked back at their hopeful faces. She smiled at them. “No.”
    Their shocked expressions were priceless. She softly closed the door behind her.
    * * *
    Levi opened Sarah’s front door and allowed her to go in ahead of him. The mouthwatering smell of stewing chicken and vegetables made his stomach grumble. His poor breakfast had been hours ago.
    Sarah said, “You can wash up at the sink. It will only take a few minutes to get things ready. Are you upset that I refused to feed the twins?”
    His family never asked him if their actions were upsetting. He wasn’t sure what answer Sarah wanted to hear. He chose, hoping for the best. “Nee.”
    “I’m glad. I don’t want you to think that I intended to discipline them without asking your permission. I simply wanted to make it clear to them that actions have consequences. They were intentionally unkind to Henry.”
    He turned on the water and picked up a bar of soap from the dish. As he washed his hands, the scent of lavender mingled