Planted with Hope by Tricia Goyer Read Free Book Online Page A

Hannah’s pregnancy is delicate. She’s moving into one of our extra rooms until the twins are born. I’d promised to teach school this year, until a new teacher can be found, but I’m needed by my daughter’s side. I know you, out of anyone, will understand. Can you come? Emma will love it here.
    Love, Ruth Ann
    Six sentences jotted off on a piece of typing paper was all his oldest sister had written. Older by twenty years, Ruth Ann seemed just as much as a mother as his own Mem. Two sentences replayed in his mind again: “I know you, out of anyone, willunderstand” and “Emma will love it here.” Both were true, but the latter sentence sealed his decision. Emma would love Pinecraft—the sunshine and the ability to play outside most days. His daughter needed that. She’d spent too much of her life inside with him as he’d cared for Sarah. Even though Jonas wasn’t confident in his teaching, he was confident that he’d do what he could to help Emma return to the cheerful, carefree little girl she’d been before his wife’s illness. He wanted that more than anything.
    As if on cue, the schoolhouse door burst open and Emma rushed in. The warm afternoon breeze followed her in, and he could see Ruth Ann waiting by the gate to the school.
    Emma was tall for eight, and thin like he’d been as a child. Strands of wispy, light brown hair—the same color as his—fell from her kapp and framed her face. She paused before him and her dark brown eyes sparkled, looking so much like her mother’s. Jonas no longer had Sarah, but he had a glimpse of her every time he looked into his daughter’s eyes.
    â€œDat? Can I go with Aenti Ruth Ann to Lapp’s Bike Shop? She said we’re going to find a bike just my size to rent.”
    â€œ Ja . That’ll be fine. Just be back in an hour or so. I’d like to spend some time with you this afternoon.” Jonas kneeled before her. “I’m used to having my little sidekick by my side, ja ?”
    Emma nodded. She offered him a quick hug.
    When she released her arms around his neck, he walked to the open door and waved to his sister. Then he turned back to Emma, placing a hand on her shoulder. Sarah had been the tender one, always hugging their daughter, always taking her hand or brushing her fingers on Emma’s cheek. He’d tried to do his best to take over that role, but his attempts were stiff and awkward, or at least that’s how they felt to him. Still, Emma didn’t seem to mind. She smiled up at him and turned back to the door.
    â€œAnd maybe later we can ride down to the park?” she called over her shoulder. It was half a question and half a statement.
    â€œ Ja , of course… ” He was going to add As long as your chores are done , but changed his mind. Living in Ruth Ann’s house for four months meant Emma wouldn’t be able to get away with anything. Ruth Ann had raised seven children and believed that play only followed hard work. Hannah was four years younger than Jonas. She’d always had delicate health and being pregnant with twins was taking a toll on her body—but caring for her on top of everything else was nothing that Ruth Ann couldn’t manage. If anything, his oldest sister was determined and capable. If Ruth Ann set her mind on something it would get done. And his hope was that Ruth Ann would be able to help him tame Emma’s independent streak. The little girl had been left to her own devices more than he wanted to admit. That was why he couldn’t blame her when she’d wandered down to Phillippi Creek. Jonas was just thankful that Hope Miller had been there.
    He’d tried not to look at Hope too many times at church yesterday. She’d been sitting on the long wooden bench next to her sisters—just a row in front of where Emma had sat with Ruth Ann. Emma had given Hope a quick hug after service was over, and