Chapter One

      Annie Kauffmann thought she’d just experienced a perfect day—business had gone well, the fall weather was exquisite and each member of her family was happy and healthy. She leaned her bicycle against the tree in the front yard and ran up the porch steps. Her mother was sitting in a rocker, knitting a baby blanket for her next grandchild. She had twelve and counting. If her mother was sitting, she was knitting—blankets, sweaters, caps and mittens.

      “Gut day?” she asked.

      “Ya.” Annie sank into a rocker, smoothing her apron over her dress and sinking back with a sigh. “I confirmed two more weddings.”

      “Your catering business is growing.”

      “It is. The gut thing about these is one is for December...”

      “Not many winter weddings, so you must be speaking of Widow Schwartz.”

      “The same. The other is for later this month.”

      “You had an opening this month?”

      “Ya, since you know... Jesse’s was cancelled.”

      “Real shame that Emma changed her mind. I believe she’ll regret that.”

      “Maybe not though, Mamm. Maybe not.”

      Annie was suddenly aware of voices in the house—her father and another man. She peeked out over the porch railing, wondering whose buggy she had missed, but there wasn’t one there.

      “Who is Dat talking to?”

      “I believe his name is Levi.”

      “Levi King?”

      “Nein. Levi Lapp.”

      “I don’t know a Levi Lapp.”

      “He’s new here.”

      “New?”

      “Arrived yesterday.”

      “Did he walk?”

      “I imagine he rode a bus to town, but he walked here today to see your dat.”

      “Who does he know in Goshen?”

      “He’s staying with Simon King.”

      “Is he related to Old Simon?”

      “I’m not sure.”

      Now Annie’s curiosity was thoroughly piqued. “I think I need a glass of lemonade. Can I get you anything?”

      Mamm smiled, not fooled for a minute. “Of course, dear. I would love that.”

      Annie stepped into the coolness of the house. Though it was September, the temperatures had remained warm, and the cool living room was a relief after her bike ride from town. Her father and Levi Lapp were in the kitchen, which would work perfectly. She straightened her apron, made sure her kapp wasn’t askew and walked into the kitchen as if she had no idea