The Promise of an Angel (A Heaven On Earth 1) by Ruth Reid

those thoughts to himself. It wasn’t his concern anyway. He was there to help harvest the crop before a heavy frost destroyed the produce. He didn’t intend to interfere in his cousin’s affairs.
    Another handoff, and Levi landed his hands atop Martha’s. The games continued for several more passes. Judith didn’t respond to it, pretending either not to see it or not to care about their lack of discretion.
    Andrew carried the last pumpkin to the wagon himself.
    Levi latched the wooden tailgate. “Martha wants to see Samuel.” He faced Judith. “I thought maybe the four of us could drive into the hospital. I haven’t seen him yet.” He looked over his shoulder at Andrew. “Have you?”
    “Nay.” Andrew turned to Judith. “I’m willing, if you think Samuel would like that.”
    Judith smiled. “ Jah , he’d be happy for the visit.”
    “Let’s go, then,” Levi said.
    Martha looked at her dirt-covered hands. “We’d better wash up first.”
    They all agreed and headed for the pump. Judith and Martha went first as Andrew pumped the handle. When Levi took a turn, he cupped his hands to collect water and tossed some playfully at Judith, bringing a wide smile to her face. Her eyes darted nervously as Levi came up beside her and dabbed his wet hand over a smudge mark on her cheek.
    Then Martha’s heavy sigh summoned his attention. He grabbed her wrists and played like he planned to drag her under the spigot.
    Andrew stopped pumping.
    “Whose side are you on, Bishop Junior?”
    Andrew gazed at Judith, the trusting soul. If he had to choose sides, he’d take hers. His cousin’s actions were shameful. Before Esther died, Andrew wouldn’t have dared be playful with anyone but her.
    “I’ll harness Patsy,” he said and walked toward the corral where the horses grazed.
    “And leave me two against one?”
    Andrew shrugged. His thoughts shifted to Samuel, wondering if the boy would feel up to having company and whether he knew his condition was permanent. Andrew coaxed Patsy to the fence with a handful of grain he’d taken from the barn. He took his time harnessing the horse.
    Judith came to the buggy first with a baggie of cookies in her hand. “Samuel’s favorite,” she said.
    “You’re a thoughtful sister.”
    “Would you like one?”
    “Nay.” He leaned over to loop the leather strap under the horse’s girth. “Are they kumming ?”
    “Jah.”
    Andrew glanced over Judith’s shoulder at Levi and Martha strolling toward them. “You’re nicer than most,” he said.
    Judith looked behind her. “At least she’s smiling nau .” She turned back to Andrew but wouldn’t hold his gaze. Her eyes darted up to the sky, around the yard, and to the buggy. She reached for the buggy door and said, “I’ll wait inside.”
    Judith took the backseat. Andrew climbed into the front. They waited silently as Levi and Martha got in.
    On the ride to the hospital, Levi and Martha’s playful banter continued. Andrew focused his attention on seeing Samuel. He suspected Judith was dealing with the same dread. Then again, perhaps Judith’s silence had more to do with the way Martha giggled at every word Levi spoke.
    “This is the long way into town,” Levi commented.
    “ Jah , I always go this route.” Ever since Esther passed away, Andrew had avoided the road leading to her house. The road he had traveled every day for a year. The one that led to her resting place, yet offered his soul no peace.
    “This way will take another forty minutes.” Levi twisted on the seat. “Was something wrong with the other road?”
    “I don’t go that direction.” Andrew hoped his cousin would remain silent for the rest of the trip, but after a long moment passed, Levi leaned closer.
    “Esther?” he whispered.
    “Jah . ” He tapped the reins, and Patsy picked up the pace.
    After a few more minutes passed, Levi turned his attention back to Judith and Martha and, to Andrew’s relief, didn’t mention anything more about