A Path Made Plain Read Free Page A

the real estate agent? I have some savings of my own, like I told you.” She’d asked her family to help her, to risk much, on her idea. Not just her father, but her oncles and daadi , they’d all need to help finance her dream. She needed to know soon, because the real estate agent was awaiting her word upon her return to Florida.
    “Yes, everyone has had the chance to look at the terms of the lease.” Daed fell silent.
    Had the announcement of Emma’s engagement taken him aback? Not judging by his calm reaction moments ago. His silence, though, troubled her.
    What was so hard about leasing a building and opening a bakery? She tried not to nibble on her lip, and failed. She knew better than to pester her daed with questions. He’d retreat like a turtle into his shell. It had taken her years to understand his reaction, but the understanding didn’t make the job of keeping her mouth closed any easier.
    Tonight, however, she succeeded. Instead of opening her mouth to ask questions, she instead raised her coffee mug to her mouth and took a sip. She didn’t make a face at the tepid brew.
    “It’s—it’s in an ideal location, nestled on a side street just off Bahia Vista.” She sounded like a child.
    “Your oncle reminded me of Yoder’s restaurant nearby, and Der Dutchman down the street.”
    Betsy nodded. “I know. Der Dutchman is large and serves all kinds of food, and Yoder’s specialty for dessert is their pie. I make pie, but I also plan to serve other desserts, pastries, and doughnuts, too. And fried pies.”
    “Well, I don’t know why you just don’t open a shop here,” said Emma. Mamm would probably say the same thing. They wanted her here, all of them. Part of her almost wanted to stay, too.
    “I—I like Pinecraft. I can always come to Ohio for a visit, on the Pioneer Trails bus, or you can come visit me, and Aenti Chelle too. She said I can live with her as long as I want to.” Betsy glanced at her father, who still said nothing.
    He rose, then stepped over to the corner of the counter and picked up a folder. It was the same folder where she’d put the lease agreement, along with all her written ideas and recipes for the shop, plus a few sketches of ideas for the inside of the store. She wasn’t much of an artist, but wanted the family elders to see what she had in mind.
    “Here,” Daed said as he sat down, pushing the folder in her direction. “You made a good business plan.”
    “You think it’s good?”
    “Yes, I do.” Daed glanced at Mamm , who said nothing, but looked down at her folded hands. “Compared to our area in Ohio, we think you will be able to have a successful business among the Englisch. ”
    Her heart leapt. “Do you mean—”
    “My brothers and I, and your daadi , are willing to contribute the money to help you begin your shop.”
    “Oh, Daed .” Her grin stretched her cheeks. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt such joy.
    He held up one finger. “There’s just one, small thing.”
    “Small thing?”
    “We think you need age and experience to be behind you.”
    Age? Experience?
    “What do you mean?” They didn’t think she could do it, that’s what.
    “Your Aenti Sarah has sent word she’s willing to help you.”
    “Help?” She took another sip of the lukewarm coffee on reflex, then set the cup down.
    “We’re willing to help fund this venture. However, we think it wise you have someone to help protect the family’s interests.”
    “Protect the family’s interests?” She sounded like one of those parrots she’d seen one winter, when visiting a zoo in Florida. They repeated and squawked out words without comprehending. Oh, but she comprehended all right.
    They didn’t trust her. Yes, it was thousands of dollars she needed. But she was careful with money. Hadn’t she shown them how, during her time in Florida, working at Aenti Chelle’s cleaning business? She’d saved a lot of money on her own during the past ten months or