Home by Summer by Amy Clipston

Author:Amy Clipston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2018-11-21T16:00:00+00:00

“We missed you at church today,” Clara told Jerry as she rode beside Biena in his truck later that evening.

“You missed me, huh?” He grinned at her as he steered the truck through an intersection.

“Ya, I did.” Frustration nipped at her as she studied his coy grin. “I thought you might actually show up.”

“I think he slept in today,” Biena said.

“It would have been nice to see you at your home church,” Clara said. “Your church family misses you.”

His smile flattened, and he stared straight ahead. A dense silence filled the truck’s cab, and it stayed.

Clara ran her finger over the top of the metal window frame as she watched the farmhouses seem to zoom by. A summer breeze came through the window, and the ribbons on her prayer covering fluttered around her face.

“Tena is nice,” Biena said, her voice finally shooing the silence away. “She said she’s going to be here through the fall now.”

“That’s gut.” Clara kept her gaze focused on the scenery. “I’m sure Emma enjoys the company.”

“Ya, they seem close. I’m glad Emma will have someone there to help around the haus,” Biena continued. “Tena can help her cook and do laundry. Maybe help with her flower garden.”

Biena started talking about her favorite flowers, but Clara lost herself in disappointment. She stole a glance at Jerry, leaning forward slightly so she could see him around Biena. With a muscle flexing in his tense jaw, he sat ramrod straight, and his focus ahead never changed. She was sure she felt intensity radiating off him.

Had she pushed him too hard?

Worry replaced her disappointment. Mamm, and Katie Ann, and Mandy had all warned her not to pressure him, but she’d done just that. The notion of losing him forever stole the air in her lungs. He was her friend, her very good friend. She couldn’t lose him after just reconnecting with him! Guilt, hot and searing, sliced through her chest.

Folding her arms over her middle, she settled back in the seat and tried to ignore the tears that threatened her eyes.

When her farm came into view, she sat up straight and searched her mind for something to say that would encourage him to come back to Emma’s again. She couldn’t give up on him just yet.

“Here we are.” Jerry stopped the truck by the porch, keeping it in gear.

“Danki for the ride.” Clara pushed open the door and then turned to him. His expression had relaxed slightly, but she still saw intensity in his jaw. “Are you planning to come to Emma’s again?” She froze in place, awaiting his rejection.

“Ya.” He leaned on the steering wheel. “The guys asked me to help paint her front door and trim.”

“Oh. She’ll appreciate that.” Clara felt her body relax. “I guess I’ll see you both soon, then.”

“You will.” Biena smiled. “Tell your parents hello for us.”

“I will.” Clara looked back at Jerry and saw something new flash over his face. Was it regret? Did he wish he hadn’t promised the other men he’d help? “Gut nacht.

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