Seasons of Sugarcreek 03. Autumn's Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray Read Free Book Online

trouble than not.”
    “I hate to say it, but you are right about that,” Joshua said as he approached, stopping just short of Gretta.
    Caleb watched as his brother curved an arm around his wife’s stomach and held her close. They were a picture of contentment, which was good to see. Just months before, they’d had their own struggles.
    After brushing Gretta’s cheek with his lips, Joshua shook his head. “That Anson is a terrible lazybones, and that’s the truth. Why, when I was ten, Daed had me here every Saturday morning with the dawn.”
    Those memories were still vivid. “I remember. Because then I had to take over your chores in the barn.”
    “Now our spoiled brother plays with Ty Allen while Cousin Tim waters the horses and cleans out the stalls in his stead.”
    “Mamm and Daed would have never let us be so lazy,” Caleb agreed.
    Gretta leaned into Joshua’s arms as she grinned. “Oh, you two. Stop being so judgmental. Anson’s fine. He’s just his own person, you know.”
    “He’s his own lazy person,” Caleb corrected.
    “It’s time he accepted more responsibility.” Joshua looked at Caleb. “You want me to say something to him?” asked Joshua. “I could stay.”
    “No, I’ve got it. Besides, Judith’s just as irritated with his lazy ways. Carrie is following Anson’s lead, so she’s not doing much around the house, either.”
    Joshua grinned. “Hearing that makes me glad I have a home of my own.” After kissing Gretta’s cheek again, he murmured to his wife, “You ready?”
    “Not quite yet. Don’t forget, Margaret is going to meet us…”
    As if on cue, the door opened, and in walked Gretta’s little sister. “I’m sorry I’m late. Daed didn’t want me driving the horse, so I had to walk.” When she turned his way, she blushed. “Hi, Caleb.”
    “Hello, Margaret,” he murmured, trying his best to ignore her stare. For a time now, he’d been aware that she had a crush on him. The idea was embarrassing. The last thing he wanted was an Amish girlfriend. However, she was nice and pretty, and Gretta’s sister, so he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “Have fun at the market.”
    “Danke.”
    As Margaret cast another too-long look his way, Gretta winked at Caleb. “I think it’s time for us to go.”
    Right before leaving the store, Joshua paused. “Caleb, I don’t know if Daed has told you, but we’ve all noticed how much you’ve taken on. You do a lot here, and you do it well. It’s gut ,” he said simply.
    Caleb didn’t reply but, inside, he felt warm. Hearing praise was rare. It didn’t happen too often. But when it did, he was as gratified as could be.
    It was moments like this—when he and his perfect older brother Joshua felt in sync and his efforts were noticed—that Caleb wondered if he was making a huge mistake, wanting to leave the order. Maybe he already had everything he should want? Maybe he fit in more than he’d thought. The idea that he was settling into everything he’d been fighting so hard made his stomach knot.
    But, then, he remembered the conversation he’d had with some boys at a recent singing. They had talked about the rumors circling Mrs. Miller. How she’d helped those Amish brothers make their way out of Sugarcreek. Those rumors had spiked his interest. Made him imagine the possibilities that could be in his life.
    The door opened. “Good afternoon!” a trio of ladies chirped as they scattered through the store. Five minutes later, another crowd of tourists flew in.
    And then finally, from the back, came Judith and Anson. Right away, Judith was all business, darting over to customers and helping them look at fabric. Anson, however, wore a disgruntled look. “Do I have to stay, Caleb? A bunch of kids are at the market.”
    “Of course you have to stay here and work,” he replied. “This store is full.”
    “But you and Judith are here.”
    “Accept your responsibilities, bruder,” Caleb snapped.
    “Both Joshua and I