A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston

brother’s confidence. If he were like Gideon, he
     would’ve already told Hannah he loved her and asked her to be his wife. Instead, he
     stared at her like a coward, praying that the Lord would make the words burst forth
     from his lips.
    His thoughts turned to Trey Peterson and his stomach soured. Watching Hannah interact
     with the
Englisher
had filled him with dread and foreboding. Josh needed to find a way to win Hannah’s
     hand. He needed to show her that he loved her. He had to learn how to be confident
     and tell Hannah how he felt before it was too late.

SIX
    F riday morning, Hannah pushed her cart toward the supply room and hummed to herself.
     When she opened the door, she heard the sound of someone sobbing amid the shelves
     of towels and toiletries.
    “Hello?” Hannah called as she stepped into the large walk-in closet. “Is someone in
     here?”
    “Oh.” Ruth stepped forward and wiped her red, puffy eyes with a crumpled tissue. “I’m
     sorry. I thought I was alone.”
    “Oh, Ruth.” Hannah touched Ruth’s arm. “
Was
iss letz
?”
    “I was just thinking of my son.” Ruth leaned on a stack of towels.
    “What happened to your son? Is Solomon hurt?”
    “No. My son Aaron. He left fifteen years ago.” Ruth shook her head. “I miss him so
     much. Sometimes I get emotional. I came in here to pull myself together.”
    “You have a son who left the community?” Hannah tilted her head in question. “I didn’t
     know that.”
    “
Ya
, he did. He left before we joined your church district. I’m sorry I never told you
     about him before, but it was too painful to talk about. I can’t believe it’s been
     that long. Hewent to an ex-Amish community in Missouri, and I haven’t heard from him since. I still
     worry about him every day, and some days are more difficult than others.”
    “I’m so sorry, Ruth.” Hannah touched Ruth’s arm again. “I honestly had no idea.”
    “
Ya
.” Ruth sighed. “Aaron was only fifteen when he went off on his own. He said the Amish
     life was too restrictive.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I miss him so much. Our
     family isn’t complete without him.”
    Hannah frowned. “I’m certain you miss him terribly.”
    “I just wish I could hear from him. I want to know that he’s okay. I don’t even know
     if he’s still alive.”
    “Have faith that he’s alive and well.” Hannah hugged her. “I hope you hear from him
     soon. I will keep Aaron in my prayers.”
    “
Danki.
” Ruth held Hannah tight for a moment. “I’m so thankful for your friendship.”
    Hannah nodded. “I’m thankful for yours too. May I get you something to drink?”
    “No,
danki.
” Ruth shook her head. “I’m going to just stay here for a moment and get myself together.”
    “Okay. I’m going to stow my cart here and go get something to drink. I’ll be back
     to check on you.” Hannah stepped out into the hallway and started toward the kitchen.
    “Hannah!” a voice called as she made her way through the lobby.
    She turned and found Mr. Peterson walking toward her from the elevators. “Hi, Mr.
     Peterson. How are you?”
    “I’m well, thank you.” He nodded toward the tables and chairs located across the lobby
     from the desk. “Would you have a cup of coffee with me?”
    Hannah paused. She considered what impression her having a cup of coffee with a guest
     would make, but she decided a quick break wouldn’t be a problem. Her boss encouraged
     the staff to be both friendly and professional when they interacted with guests. Having
     coffee was certainly being friendly while still being professional. “That sounds nice.
     I was just about to take my break.”
    “Wonderful.” He poured two cups of coffee from the dispensers near the front desk
     and Hannah followed him over to a table at the far end of the sitting area. “How’s
     your day going?”
    “It’s going fine.” Hannah sat across from him and added cream and sweetener to her
     coffee.