nodded. “All the men are planning to help each other with the harvest?” she asked Jacob.
“Ja.” Jacob forked up some noodles. “Everyone decided it would be quicker that way.”
Annie silently agreed. Without help, it might take an Amish farmer and his sons several days to bring in their crops and properly store them. She had a feeling the community men had decided to pitch in at each farm because of her father, so that Dat would feel better about accepting help. “We should cook for the week.”
Her mother picked up the breadbasket and passed it to her eldest son. Josiah took a piece and handed it to Peter. “I’ll make dried-corn casserole,” Mam said, “and macaroni salad to start.”
The topic of conversation became centered on the harvest and how each family would have help each day, depending on the size of their land and their crops, and the offerings that the women of the house would bring to share at the community food table.
Annie decided to talk with Josie Mast, their neighbor, who together with her husband, William, knew most of what was happening within the Happiness community. Josie and William were always ready to lend a hand.
Annie remained conscious of Jacob at their kitchen table, enjoying his food and the conversation with her family. Across from him, she was able to study him unobtrusively. He looked solid and strong in his burgundy broadcloth shirt and triblend denim pants. He had removed his leather apron, as was appropriate, before coming to the house. He must have washed up outside, for there was no sign of soot or dirt on his face or hands. He’d undoubtedly left his hat in the shop, for his dark hair looked clean and shiny in the sun filtering in through the kitchen window.
He raised an eyebrow. Embarrassed to be caught examining him, she blushed and looked away. “Did everyone have enough to eat?” she asked as she rose. “There is plenty more on the stove.”
When everyone claimed that they’d eaten enough of their meal, Annie left to retrieve dessert from the back room.
“Fresh apple pie,” she said as she reentered the room, “with homemade ice cream.”
While her family exclaimed their delight, it was Jacob’s slow, appreciative smile that set her heart to racing. “I’ve been eager to taste your apple pie,” he said.
After preparing several servings, Annie watched Jacob enjoy his portion and experienced a rush of satisfaction. All too soon, he was done eating, and he rose.
“Back to work,” he said. “The meal was wonderful, topped off by a delicious dessert.”
He didn’t meet Annie’s eyes as he thanked her parents for having him at their table. Then he left, and Annie noticed that the house seemed different with him gone. She didn’t want to think about it too closely as she worked to put away food and clean up. As she was washing dishes, she thought about Jacob Lapp again and smiled.
“Annie,” her mother said, “Preacher Levi will be coming for supper tomorrow night. What shall we make?”
Annie thought about it. The preacher was a frequent dinner guest. “Fried chicken?”
Mam nodded approvingly. “And make something special for dessert.”
“Ja, Mam.” Maybe a cobbler, she thought. She could use a jar of the peaches she’d canned this summer. She mentioned it to her mother.
“Gut idea, Annie. And let’s make some sweet-and-vinegar green beans to go along with the chicken.”
Her thoughts returned to Jacob. The meal with him had been pleasant. In the midst of her family, she’d been able to relax and truly appreciate his company. He’d been polite, teasing at times, occasionally catching her glance with a look that made her feel warm inside. She recalled Jacob the boy and couldn’t help comparing him to the attractive man he’d become. She felt an infusion of heat. He was like a brother to her, she reminded herself.
Or was he?
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