Amish Treasures of the Heart by Sophia Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

her hips. “What on earth do you two think you’re doing?” she asked excitedly, still a bit out of breath.
    “Jackson challenged me to calf-roping and I beat his time. Now he’s accusing me of hustling him, when I’ve never roped a calf up until now. I have no idea why Jackson is taking it so seriously. It’s not that big of a deal.”
    “It’s a big deal when you’re a cheat and a liar!” Jackson shot back.
    “Jackson, I won’t tolerate any more bullying from you,” Ellie stated firmly. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave, and you’re not welcome back. I don’t like violence one bit and won’t tolerate it on my farm.”
    “He tricked me! Why should I have to leave?” Jackson was furious.
    “I was just having fun with this. I had beginner’s luck, and there’s no reason to get so worked up.” Jake tried to remain calm, he didn’t want to make Ellie even angrier. “I didn’t trick you like you tricked me into de-tasseling the corn!”
    “I can’t help it you’re an idiot!” Jackson growled.
    “I’ll send your pay,” Ellie said firmly. “Now pack up your things and get off the property.”
    She was shaking, but she tried not to let it show.
    Jackson threw his gear down and scowled at both of them. “You can have her! She’s a tease anyway!”
    Jake could not take it anymore. He was not about to let this bully tarnish Ellie’s reputation. “That’s enough trash-talk. Maybe you want to pick on someone your own size!”
    “Are you talking to me, runt?”
    Jackson threw a punch, and Jake ducked, following through with a left hook to Jackson’s chin.
    Jackson stumbled backward, and Jake reached out a hand to catch him. Once he regained his balance, he smacked Jake’s assisting hand away.
    “I don’t need your help,” he grumbled. “Leave me alone!”
    Jake watched him walk away, feeling relief that it was over.
    He turned to Ellie. “I’m sorry about all that. I hope you’re not mad about the roping contest.”
    Jake still couldn’t believe he had successfully roped the calf and won Jackson’s challenge. He hadn’t taken it seriously but he was still pleased with himself for accomplishing another skill.
    Jackson stormed off, rubbing at his jaw and fuming. He didn’t believe Jake hadn’t cheated, and he was even angrier that Will was smiling with him and congratulating him. The worst of all of it was that Jake’s stunt had cost him his job and Ellie.
    They watched him get into his truck and squeal the tires, throwing up gravel.
    “Good riddance,” Jake said with a chuckle.
    “I agree!” Will said.
    Ellie smiled. “So, where did you learn to fight like that?”
    “I went to public school in New York, remember?”
    She giggled. “Remind me never to make you mad!”
    “Trust me, you have nothing to worry about.”
    He smiled and pulled Ellie into his arms, pressing a victory kiss upon her lips. He just couldn’t help himself.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 9.
     
    Jake and Ellie worked in the large kitchen-garden, picking some ripe vegetables for dinner. He’d worked up quite the appetite. With Jackson gone, Will had helped him get acclimated with the chore schedule, and they’d been working since sun-up.
    Ellie was impressed with Jake’s progress on the farm, and she couldn’t help but think he would make a good Amish farmer after all. They worked side-by-side picking out the best produce, both of them excited to be together after the long day apart. Jake was elated to have her by his side, her company making his hard day worth every ache he felt. He couldn’t help but find pleasure in being around her; he had fallen in love with her.
    Jake looked over at the small corner of the garden that was still bare and looked back at Ellie with a sly smile. “You know, I think we ought to put in that celery patch in the bare section of your garden.”
    Ellie giggled and looked at the ground shyly. She knew why he was saying this but she still wanted to play