Holding a Tender Heart by Jerry S. Eicher

Author:Jerry S. Eicher
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780736955126
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers, Inc.

Twenty-One

Late that afternoon, Verna and Debbie drove Buttercup toward Cousin Benny Beiler’s place, headed back for the Sunday evening hymn singing. The sound of other horses’ hooves beating the pavement filled the air around them, and the peacefulness of the evening hung in the air. Verna was in a particularly lighthearted mood. This morning she’d caught a glimpse of Joe’s gut heart, and now, for once, she could look forward to both the supper and the hymn singing. It wasn’t like last Sunday when her spirits had failed her so she’d stayed home.

“He might be there this evening,” Debbie commented, as if reading Verna’s thoughts.

“He might!” Verna agreed as she allowed hope to rise in her heart again.

Daett had preached this morning about Noah and the flood. He’d explained how Da Hah had directed Noah to prepare a boat that saved his whole family. She hadn’t paid much attention to her daett’s words as she darted quick glances at Joe. He wouldn’t look back at her, and that had discouraged her. His face appeared so troubled but still strong.

It was in the last part of Daett’s sermon, when her heart had sunk the lowest, that she had seen things plain as day. Joe regretted their broken relationship just like she did. He wished things hadn’t turned out the way they had, but because of his pain he was afraid to risk seeing her again.

This was like a light sent from Da Hah straight into her heart. Now she could hope again. Even if she couldn’t do much else, she would stay the course. She would give Joe the attention he needed whenever possible and leave her heart open. Joe would return! Like a flower to the bee, so her love was to him. She’d almost laughed out loud in the middle of the service at this insight but pinched herself to stop just in time.

Verna had served the unmarried boys’ table afterward filled with the joy of her discovery. She’d hoped Joe would at least open up enough to give her one little smile. Instead, he’d focused all his attention on his food—even when the whole room roared over one of Paul Wagler’s jokes.

Joe would come around, Verna told herself. She hadn’t imagined the hope that had come to her during Daett’s sermon. Da Hah had sent those thoughts to her. They had come like Noah’s boat so she wouldn’t sink under the waves. She wouldn’t let go of this hope until Joe came around or dashed her heart against the rocks by dating another girl. But Joe would never do that! He couldn’t! He loved her! Verna was certain of that.

Debbie’s soft touch came on her arm. “You seem troubled, Verna.”

“Oh nee, I’m happy!” She clucked to Buttercup to keep up the pace.

Debbie looked at her with skepticism.

Verna giggled. “I guess my nerves have been a little shot at times. That’s all.”

Debbie squeezed her arm. “You worry me, Verna. There are doctors who can help, you know. You don’t have to be ashamed of accepting aid.

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