The Amish Teacher's Dilemma and Healing Their Amish Hearts by Patricia Davids (best chinese ebook reader TXT) 📗

Eva chuckled. “I love to cook for my friends. Real and imaginary. Go wash your hands, Maddie, and breakfast will be ready in a few minutes.”

“I have to do something first.” Maddie raced out the door toward her home.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone quite like that child.” Danny poured himself a cup of coffee from the percolator on the stove and sat at the table.

“I don’t believe there is anyone quite like Maddie anywhere,” Eva said as she began cracking eggs.

“You were out late last night.” Danny cast a glance at her over the top of his mug.

“Was I? I guess I didn’t notice what time it was.”

“If it was me coming in that late you would be right in thinking I was out with a girl.”

“What are you suggesting, brother dear?”

“I’m not suggesting anything because I have known you to burn the pancakes of someone who’s getting on your nerves. I assume the same applies to French toast.”

“It’s amazing how well you understand me. Gene was never able to put two and two together.”

“He ate a lot of blackened pancakes over the years. I take it that you’ve made up your mind.”

She smiled at him. “I wish I could say that I have. I’m praying about it.”

“Wunderbar. Now I can enjoy a few carefree days with my sister. Will you show me around your school this morning?”

“I’d be delighted to do that. We can go over after breakfast.” She began whipping her eggs. “I wonder what’s keeping Maddie?”

“I’ll take a look.” He stood and stepped out onto the porch. “You might want to put a few more eggs in that bowl. I hope you have enough bread.”

“What are you talking about?”

He stepped aside and held open the door as Maddie came in followed by Willis, Otto and Harley.

“What did you need to see me about?” Willis asked, worry creasing his brow.

Eva fisted her hands on her hips and leaned down to address Maddie. “What do you think you are doing, young lady?”

“No one in my family likes oatmeal, so Bubble invited them over here to have breakfast with you.”

Willis looked confused. Eva didn’t blame him. He scowled at his sister. “You said Eva needed to see me right away.”

Eva straightened. “Well now that you’re all here you might as well stay. Please have a seat. Boys, there are extra chairs in my sitting room. Go ahead and bring them in here.”

Maddie climbed into the chair she liked best. It was the one next to where Eva normally sat. Otto sniffed the air near the stove. “That sure smells a lot better than oatmeal.”

Willis glared at Eva as he pulled his hat from his head. “You shouldn’t let her get away with this. One of these days her tall tales are going to get her in more trouble than she can handle.”

“You’re right of course, but I find her too charming to scold.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re going to make me be the stern one, aren’t you?”

“Indeed I am. That’s what friends are for.”

“I knew I’d regret that crack,” he muttered. He sat on a chair and lifted Maddie to his lap. “You can’t make things like this up, Maddie. Have you heard the story of the boy who cried wolf?”

She fastened her gaze on her bare toes. “Maybe.”

“We’ve all heard it,” Harley said. “It was one of Daed’s favorite lessons.”

“It means if you tell a fib often enough people will stop believing you when you need them to listen to the truth.”

Maddie raised her head and started to say something but Willis cut her off. “You can’t blame this on Bubble.”

Her shoulders slumped. “Okay. I’m sorry I said Eva needed to see you right away.”

“I was frightened that something was wrong. You are forgiven but don’t forget what I’ve said.”

She looked at him from beneath her lashes. “But I’m not sorry we’re going to have French toast for breakfast.”

“Neither am I,” Otto chimed in.

“Then enjoy the treat today because it will be oatmeal again tomorrow and no complaining. Understood?”

“Understood,” they all replied.

He put Maddie down and looked at Danny. “My advice is to avoid having kids until your hair is already starting to turn gray because they surely speed the process.”

Danny chuckled. “Good advice.”

“What do you do back in Illinois?” Willis stepped to the cupboard and brought out more plates. He handed them to the boys and Maddie.

“I’m a cabinetmaker by trade. I work in a factory with about thirty other Amish fellows. I also farm with my brother.”

“Is the factory Amish owned?” Willis asked.

“It’s not. An Englisch company owns several plants across the state. We make everything from kitchen cabinets to dressers and nightstands. The Englisch like tacking on a label that says ‘Amish Made.’ They can push up the price that way.”

“Danny is a supervisor in the plant near our home. He has done well for himself.” Eva couldn’t keep a touch of pride from creeping into her voice.

“We could use a good tradesman up here if you get tired of working for the Englisch. Our bishop owns a backyard shed-building business, but he is branching out into building tiny homes. I understand they are all the rage.”

“I’ve heard that. I wish him success, but I can’t see moving here to do the same thing I do back home only for less money.”

“Money isn’t everything,” Eva said, wondering why she hadn’t thought to ask Danny to stay. It would be wonderful to have him close by.

“It can buy happiness,” Maddie said with a grin.

“Money can’t buy happiness,” Otto said, shaking his head at her mistake.

“Well, if there was a puppy named Happiness, money could buy her.” Maddie stuck her tongue out at her brother.

“That’s not the same thing,” Otto snapped.

Maddie crossed her arms and glared at him. “If I had money I’d buy you some happiness ’cause you’re grumpy all the time.”

“Children, be nice to each other,” Willis cautioned, “or I will take you home before Eva puts food on your plates.”

“Sorry,