A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston Read Free Book Online Page A

isn’t a vengeful God. He forgives you.”
    “I’m not so sure about that. I also pray that Amos will see all the gut that came out of my sin. Ben is a gut bu , but mei bruder doesn’t see that side of him. He only sees what he wants to see.He believes his buwe are perfect, but they like to make trouble.” Carolyn shared the story of what happened at the auction.
    When she finished the story, she reflected on Benjamin’s new job. “I think it will be gut for Ben to get away from his cousins. They like to get him in trouble at the farm. They play pranks and then tell their dat Ben did it. Amos always believes his sons before Ben.”
    Ruth clicked her tongue and shook her head. “That’s a shame Amos and his sons treat Benjamin so badly. I’m sorry to hear that. But I think it’s a gut thing Ben is going to work for Joshua Glick. Joshua is a gut man.”
    “You know him?”
    “Oh, ya . He’s in my church district. You did know he’s Hannah’s former brother-in-law, ya ?”
    “Oh, that’s right.” Carolyn snapped her fingers. “I do remember that now that you mention it.”
    “Joshua started the horse farm with his brother, Gideon, many years ago when Gideon and Hannah were first married. Gideon died of a heart attack seven years ago, and Joshua has kept the farm going. He seems abrasive at times, but he’s a very gut man. I think he’ll treat Benjamin well.”
    “I hope so.”
    “ Danki for telling me the truth about Benjamin. I will guard your secret within my heart.” Ruth paused and touched Carolyn’s arm again. “Carolyn, I want to give you a little advice with Benjamin. I have a son who left the community many years ago. He also went to a former Amish settlement in Missouri.”
    “ Ach , Ruth.” Carolyn frowned as sympathetic tears drenched her eyes. “I had no idea.”
    Ruth’s smile was once again sad. “Now we both have shareda secret. I just wanted to warn you not to alienate Benjamin. If you do, he may leave, just like my Aaron did.”
    “I would never alienate him. I’ve always been the best mamm I could to him. I’ve tried to make a gut life for him. That’s why I work here and save some of my money for him and for his future.”
    “I know you want to be a gut mamm , but with the way your dat , your bruder , and your nephews treat him, he may feel different and alienated. Just promise me that you’ll be careful.” Ruth sniffed and wiped her eyes as tears trickled down her cheeks. “I don’t want you to lose your son like I lost mine. It’s been more than fifteen years, and I haven’t heard from him. I miss him every day. I don’t want that to happen to you.”
    Carolyn considered her friend’s words. “ Danki , Ruth.” Carolyn glanced at the clock above the door. “We’d better go. Gregg may come looking for us if we stay in here too long.” She started for the door and silently thanked God for Ruth’s wonderful friendship.

FIVE

    C arolyn stood at the kitchen sink at home and washed out a mixing bowl after putting a meat loaf in the oven. She spotted a horse and buggy moving up the rock driveway and dropped the bowl into the hot, sudsy water.
    Carolyn turned toward her mother, who was setting the table. “Ben is home!” She wiped her hands on a dish towel and then grabbed her cloak from the peg by the back door. “I’m going to go see how his day was.” She rushed out of the house and met Benjamin at the barn.
    She approached the buggy just as Benjamin climbed down. He was covered in mud from his neck to his boots, and he smelled like the inside of a barn in the middle of a sweltering summer day. His hands were nearly black with dirt and mud. He lifted his straw hat, and his sweaty blond hair was plastered to his head.
    She gasped as she took in the sight of him. “You’re a mess!”
    Benjamin grimaced. “I’m exhausted. I’ve never worked so hard in my life.”
    Anger swelled inside Carolyn. “What did he have you doing?”
    “Mucking out stalls.”