A Plain Man Read Free

but—”
    â€œWith so small a herd of cows, the girls and I can manage most farm chores. We won’t need Caleb home all day.”
    â€œBut I thought—”
    His fraa interrupted a second time—a rare occurrence. “Caleb is an accomplished carpenter. Sarah told us he’d been an apprentice for three years and had made journeyman. He was a member of the carpenters’ union in Cleveland, so it’s not like you’re hiring a man without skills. The two of you working together makes perfect sense to me.”
    â€œMind if I put in my two cents’ worth? Or do you prefer to handle both sides of the conversation?” Eli glowered at his beloved wife.
    She laughed at his distress. “Sorry, mei liewi. I got carried away. I grant you the floor.” Elizabeth flourished her hand over the table just as his three daughters sauntered into the kitchen, carefree as a picnic on a warm summer day. Their youngest walked straight to the chocolate cake on the counter and stuck her finger in the frosting.
    â€œLeave the cake alone and sit down,” Eli thundered. “Why must your mamm fix supper alone while her three dochders laze around their bedroom like Englischers ?”
    Sarah’s jaw dropped while the younger two slinked to their seats like chastised hound dogs. “I baked the cake as soon as I got home from work,” Sarah said. “Then I ironed every shirt and dress in Mamm’ s laundry basket. I was sewing in my room until Cal got home.”
    Rebekah looked annoyed. “And I fixed the salad along with the mashed potatoes.”
    â€œI set the table.” Katie sounded like she was on the verge of tears.
    â€œI can vouch for truthful statements all around.” Elizabeth appeared to be biting her tongue.
    â€œIn that case, danki .” Eli couldn’t quite bring himself to apologize to his kinner. “Sit down, Sarah. As soon as your bruder finishes—”
    â€œI’m here.” Caleb stood in the bathroom doorway. It seemed to be the night for interruptions. His wet hair was plastered to his forehead and his feet were bare, but at least he wore clean trousers and a fresh shirt. “I hurried as fast as I could.” On his way to the table, Caleb pulled both suspenders up to his broad shoulders.
    â€œLet’s bow our heads.” Eli didn’t close his eyes until every family member shut theirs. Then he waited long after his prayer before announcing, “All right. Let’s eat.” Faster than a person could draw a breath, bowls started flying around the table, silverware clattered, and female tongues began to wag.
    â€œHow’s James?” Rebekah asked her brother. “What’s he been up to?”
    â€œDoes anybody want to see Mrs. Pratt’s new puppy after supper?” asked Katie.
    â€œ Mamm , did you remember to buy shampoo on your last trip to town? I’m practically out.” Sarah’s question was the calmest and most reserved. However, since all three had been asked simultaneously, none were answered.
    Instead Elizabeth pivoted toward her son. “Sounds like sugaring is in full swing, jah ? As soon as the Weavers no longer need you, your daed would like you to work for him.”
    Eli choked on a mouthful of salad. Sarah jumped up to pound on his back, while Caleb turned his dark brown gaze toward Eli. “Is that true?” he asked.
    Eli wiped his mouth once his coughing stopped. “It is, but I don’t seem to talk fast enough for the Beachy household.”
    His son neither laughed nor smiled. “Work for you for money?”
    â€œOf course, for money. I pay all the men on my crew.” Eli tossed down his napkin.
    â€œHow much?”
    Rolling his eyes, Eli quoted the hourly rate for his most experienced employee.
    Caleb considered for a long moment. “All right, I’ll take the job once James no longer needs me.” Then he devoured his three slices of