On Her Own by Wanda E. Brunstetter Read Free Book Online

motioned to Paul. “Paul Hilty, meet Frank Henderson. He lives up near Springfield.”
    “It’s nice to meet you,” Paul said, extending his hand.
    “Howdy.” As Frank returned the handshake, he looked a bit perplexed. “Where’s Barbara? Isn’t she working here anymore?”
    “My daughter had a baby a few days ago, so she’s taking some time away from the shop. Paul’s from Pennsylvania. He came here for his brother’s funeral and has agreed to help out until she’s able to handle things again.”
    Paul squatted down and studied the worn-looking saddle. It needed more than soap and water, but he was sure it could be salvaged. “We’ll give it a good going-over.” He looked up at Samuel. “You want to write up the work order, or should I?”
    Samuel shrugged. “Makes no never mind to me. Until Barbara returns, you’re the boss.”
    Paul thought about Barbara and how pale and thin she appeared. As far as he was concerned, a delicate woman like her ought to be at home caring for her kinner, not trying to run a business—especially one that often required heavy lifting.
    “Why don’t you write up the order?” Paul said to Samuel. “I’ll get back to work on that breast strap.” He nodded at Frank. “Nice to meet you. We’ll drop a card in the mail when your saddle is done.”
    “Appreciate that.”
    Paul turned back to his job.
    Two more customers showed up that morning. Paul took time out to meet them and see what they needed, but he left the paperwork to Barbara’s father.
    A bit later, Samuel touched his shoulder. “Aaron just popped by to say that there’s food on the table. Are you coming up to the house for the noon meal?”
    Paul had been so caught up in his work that he hadn’t realized it was lunchtime. “How come the boy’s home from school today?” he asked.
    “It’s Saturday. No school until Monday, and then only a few weeks until the kinner will be out for the summer.”
    “Oh.” Paul had been out of school for so long that he’d forgotten the summer break began in early May.
    “So you comin’ up to the house or not?”
    “I. . .uh. . .brought my lunch pail along. Figured I’d eat out here.”
    Samuel shook his head. “No way. You been working hard all morning and need a hot meal. Alice has probably got a place set for you at the table. Believe me when I say you don’t want to disappoint that wife of mine.”
    “Well, I—”
    “Barbara and the boys will be joining us, and I’m sure she’d like to hear how your first day has been going.”
    “Guess I’d better say jah, then.”
    Samuel grinned. “Glad to hear it.”

Chapter 5
    H ow come such a big meal today?” Barbara asked when she saw all the food sitting out in her mother’s kitchen.
    Mom placed a platter of ham in the center of the table and smiled. “I figured your daed would be bringing Paul Hilty up to the house for lunch, and I know how hungry those men can be after working all morning.”
    An image of David popped into Barbara’s head. She remembered him saying many times that the noon meal needed to be the heartiest of the day. “Fuels the body after working all morning and gives one strength for the afternoon,” he used to say.
    Barbara’s mother touched her arm. “You still look tired. Didn’t you get a nap this morning?”
    “Every time I tried to lie down, Davey started to fuss. Now the little fellow’s fast asleep in the portable crib we set upin your spare bedroom.”
    Mom clucked her tongue. “Isn’t that the way? As a baby, your sister Clara was always wide awake when she should have been sleeping.”
    “You had five daughters with completely different personalities, and I’ve been blessed with four boys who are equally different.” Barbara sighed. “I wish my sisters still lived nearby.”
    “I miss them, too,” Mom agreed. “But I’m glad you’re close by.”
    Barbara smiled. “What can I do to help with the meal?”
    Mom shook her head. “Everything’s about