Chapter 13
“Daisy, Kyle Hostetler is here to see you,” her mother called from down the hall on Tuesday afternoon. “Do you need help with your crutches?”
“Nee, I’ve got it.” Daisy rolled her eyes. She couldn’t help but be amused that no one in her family was questioning if she wanted to see him. His welcome was now seen as an obvious choice.
Thankful that she was learning to get around pretty well on one foot and two crutches, she hefted herself off of her bed and maneuvered herself to the bathroom connected to the bedroom.
She was so grateful that Ben had moved upstairs while she was still in the hospital. He’d taken the majority of his things, too. And, somehow, he, Lukas, and her parents had moved her clothes and toiletries into his bedroom and bathroom.
She was so happy not to have to navigate her way up and down the stairs all day long. She was also getting a bit spoiled having her own private bathroom. Upstairs, she and Lukas shared the one in the hall.
It was going to be disappointing to not have a bathroom all to herself.
“Which just goes to show you that you are getting spoiled, girl,” she told herself as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. “You need to be feeling thankful more and mopey less.”
After brushing her hair, pulling it up, and pinning on her kapp, Daisy figured that she looked presentable for a caller.
Which caught her off guard.
Was that what Kyle was?
Her brothers had been teasing her, saying that Kyle had not only been her savior on the side of the road, but he’d also become smitten. Although she’d strongly refuted that, protesting that the man was simply nice, she’d secretly wondered if he had developed some special feelings for her.
To her surprise, she didn’t hate the idea. Kyle was strong and handsome and kind. Three things she figured any woman would find appealing. Even more special was the way he’d never acted as if she was foolish and boyish for wanting to spend her days working with animals and in the fields.
Oh, sure, he’d pointed out that she was too slight to handle a team of four horses in a field, but he’d been right. As much as Daisy would’ve liked to imagine that she could handle plowing a field by herself, she knew she wasn’t strong enough. She certainly could’ve helped Mervin Miller, though.
But maybe, if Kyle did like her, one day she could live on their farm together. They could be true partners, and one day even raise a handful of kinner together. They’d teach them about God and grace and nature and cooperation.
“Daisy? What’s keeping ya?” Ben called out.
“Nothing! I’m on my way,” she replied as she pulled herself out of her daydream and back to reality.
Well, almost. She might be firmly in reality now, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t happy to see Kyle again.
“I’m sorry it took me a moment,” she said as she joined Ben and her mother in the family room. “I had to pull up my hair and pin on my kapp.”
“It’s all right,” Kyle said as he got to his feet. “Do you need help getting settled on the couch?”
Hearing Ben’s chuckle, hidden by a very fake cough, she flushed. “Danke, but I’m getting better and better at maneuvering this cast.”
“I’m glad.” When she finally set her crutches on the ground and smiled up at him, he grinned right back at her.
Making her feel warm and special all over again. In spite of herself, she glanced at her mother. She was looking pleased and proud of her.
Maybe everything that had happened had been by the Lord’s design. Before her accident, she’d been in a constant state of disappointment and worry, and that didn’t even count how much she’d hated her job.
However, she had received some blessings.
She no longer had to go to work, she had her own bathroom, and her mother was pleased with her.
Most importantly, she’d somehow gained the regard of handsome Kyle Hostetler.
And he was so wonderful that not even her protective older brothers could find fault with him.
“How are you this afternoon, Kyle?”
“I am well, thank you.” Looking more at ease, he added, “I was just speaking with your mother and Ben about how nice the weather is.”
“Jah. Yesterday, I spent much of the afternoon reading on the front porch. It’s always a blessing when the spring weather turns warmer.”
“I’m glad you enjoy reading.”
“Do you like to read, too?”
“Jah. For sure. Not that I have much time for books. But I find it a gut way to spend my spare time. Especially in the winter.”
She nodded, “Jah. The winter is the best time to appreciate long, quiet evenings.”
Kyle smiled at her. “It looks as if we have something besides farming in common.”
She felt like a wilted flower, basking in his sunny smile. Meeting his gaze, she murmured, “It would seem so.”
Her mother cleared her throat. “You know, Ben … I could sure use your help in the kitchen.”
He frowned. “With what?”
“I’ll tell you about it when we get there.”
Her brother’s gaze darted to hers and then at Kyle before clearing his throat. “Oh. Sure. I remember now,” he said as he stood up.
Daisy bit her lip so she wouldn’t start laughing. Her mother and Ben weren’t fooling anyone, but she did appreciate their willingness to allow her and Kyle to have a more private conversation.
“Nee, wait,” Kyle said.
It was no lie to say that she, her mother, and her brother all stared at him in confusion.
“What’s wrong?” Ben asked.
“Well, you see, I came over here to ask all of you a question.”
Ben blinked. “All of us? Sorry, but don’t you mean my parents and Daisy?”
“Well, sure. I mean, I guess your father might have some information, but you might be better.” Kyle seemed to realize he wasn’t making any sense. “Really, I’d like your help. It won’t take long,” he added in a rush. “Please stay, if you don’t mind, that is.”
A line formed between her mother’s brows but she sat back in her chair. “Of course we don’t mind, Kyle. Whatever you need, we’re glad to help. Right, Ben?”
“Jah. Right.”
Ben moved across the room and sat down next to her on the couch.
Daisy looked at him curiously. It wasn’t like him to move around like that, but perhaps he just thought the couch looked more comfortable? Whatever the reason, Daisy supposed it didn’t matter.
She leaned forward as well as she could and smiled at Kyle. “What is on your mind?” she prodded, when it seemed as if he was still trying to figure out where to start.
“This sounds strange, and I’m not all that sure it’s a gut idea, but Mervin and Ruthie suggested I speak with you.” He took a deep breath. “You see, a few days ago, when I was standing outside the hardware store, I nearly ran into someone.”
This was very curious. And, if Daisy was being honest, rather deflating. Here she’d been sure he’d been going to ask her family if he could have permission to start calling on her.
Obviously, that hadn’t been the case at all.
“What happened next?” Ben asked.
“Well, the girl I walked into, the woman, rather, she was rather sweet. We ended up sitting on a bench and talked for a spell. While she recovered, you see.”
“While she recovered?” Mamm repeated. “Dear me. How hard did you hit her, Kyle?”
“I didn’t hit her.” His cheeks flushed. “To be honest, I only kind of stepped in her path. But I must have done more than that, because she was very flustered.” He took a deep breath. “She said she knew you, Daisy.”
“Oh? Who was it?”
“Her name is Winter. Winter Walker.” He grinned. “Do you remember her? She said you were in school together.”
Winter? Kyle was acting so happy and pleased about Winter?
No, it was worse than that. Kyle was acting as if he’d just experienced Christmas morning and his birthday all at the same time. Maybe a carnival mixed in. He was glowing.
She felt as chilly as if the first harsh blast of January had flown into the house from the cracked window.
Beside her, she felt Ben tense up. And who could blame him? Her brothers knew how much she detested Winter. The girl had made her life miserable for the last two years of school.
Realizing that some kind of response was expected, Daisy said, “Yes. I do know Winter, and she was right. We did go to school together.” Her voice had come out even. Flat. Void of emotion.
She was rather proud of herself about that. It was far better that she sounded monotone instead of near tears.
Kyle was staring at her. Obviously waiting for more information. But what could she say that wasn’t mean? Feeling desperate, she looked at her mother.
Silently begging for help.
But unfortunately, Mamm looked just as taken aback as she was. Her mother was one of the nicest people in the world, but even she had thought that Winter had been especially unkind to her.
“Kyle, forgive me, but I’m still not sure what you’d like to know,” her mother said at last.
“This is awkward, isn’t it? I’m sorry. I … well, she invited me to call on her soon, but I thought I’d better be prepared in case I say the wrong thing.”
“Are you saying that you want to call on Winter?” Ben asked. He sounded almost as incredulous as he looked.
And as Daisy felt.
But Kyle continued to be oblivious. “Well, jah. Why wouldn’t I?”
“No reason, except that she is known to be rather …” Ben’s voice drifted off. “Frail.”
Daisy looked down at her lap. Winter was also known to be a liar, too. But of course, they couldn’t share that with Kyle. It wouldn’t be right.
But she sure wished it was.
“Daisy, I was hoping you could tell me something more about Winter so when I go calling on her I won’t make a fool of myself.”
“I doubt you will do that,” her mother said quickly. “Kyle, all you have to do is be yourself.”
“That’s kind of you to say, but I think I need something more. Do you happen to know what she’s interested in?”
“Interests?” Mamm looked completely taken aback. “Nee, I’m afraid not.”
Kyle turned to face her. “Daisy, you must know what Winter likes and doesn’t like.”
The conversation was excruciating. “Well, um, she and I weren’t all that close.”
“Winter did tell me that,” Kyle said.
“That girl,” Ben grumbled. “She’d say that the sky was gray even if the sun was shining if she thought it meant she could get her way.”
Their guest drew back. “Now I understand. You don’t like her, do you?”
Ben crossed his arms across his chest. Gritted his teeth. It was obvious that he was about to tell Kyle exactly how he felt about Winter.
But that wasn’t fair.
Sure, her family did not like Winter, but that didn’t mean that Kyle shouldn’t have the right to make up his own mind. No matter what, they shouldn’t be talking badly about Winter behind her back.
“That’s not what Ben is saying,” she blurted. “I’m sure the two of you will find you have a lot of things in common.”
Kyle didn’t look convinced but did seem to be more at ease.
When he left ten minutes later, Daisy felt as if all of her dreams had just shattered. But that was her own fault.
She hadn’t been able to compete with Winter when they were children, so there was no reason to think that she could compete with her now.
She should’ve known better than to get her hopes up.