An Unbroken Heart by Kathleen Fuller

know.
    â€œ Gut to see you too,” he said.
    Irene watched as his gaze surveyed the house and yard. A couple of chickens were
near the front flower bed, pecking at the ground. “Not much has changed around here
I see.”
    She nodded but didn’t say anything. While outwardly their community seemed to remain
the same, everything had changed. Asa would learn soon enough what had happened to
Bishop Troyer and Solomon. She bit her bottom lip at the thought of Sol Troyer. She
had been interested in him for a while. It was hard not to be, with his gorgeous
green eyes and mischievous smile. But Sol was trouble—and she had vowed to stay away
from him.
    She pushed the Troyers from her mind. “What are you doing here? Are you back for
a visit?”
    â€œ Nee . I’m back for gut .”
    Irene pushed one of the strings from her kapp over her shoulder. “Andrew will be
glad to hear that. What about the rest of yer familye ? Have they returned too?”
    â€œThey’re staying in Indiana.”
    She waited for him to give more of an explanation. When he didn’t she decided not
to pry, despite her curiosity. Andrew would talk to him soon, and she’d rather badger
her brother for information than quiz Asa. He was more at ease than he’d been a few
minutes ago, but he still wasn’t the confident, easygoing teenager she remembered.
    â€œIs Andrew here?” Asa asked.
    â€œ Nee . He’s out working.”
    â€œStill a farrier?”
    â€œ Ya , and he probably will be for the rest of his life.”
    Asa nodded. “I remember how much he liked the job when he was apprenticing. Can you
let him know I’m in town? I’m staying at mei parents’ old haus .”
    She looked at him askance. “I thought they sold the place.”
    â€œThey did.” He didn’t add more details.
    Irene had never thought of Asa as mysterious, but he was doing a good job of being
intriguing. Again, she kept her questions to herself. “You’re welcome to stay for
lunch. I was just getting ready to make some roast beef sandwiches.”
    â€œThat sounds gut , but I can’t stay. I’ve got a lot of work to do at home.” He removed
his hands from his pockets and took a few steps back. “Tell Andrew if he’s got time
he’s welcome to stop by. I’ll be around.”
    â€œI will. Asa?”
    He paused and looked at her.
    â€œWelcome back.”
    Flashing her a grin that would easily have all the single women in Birch Creek swooning,
he nodded before walking away.
    Irene watched him leave. Why couldn’t she be attracted to someone like Asa? She was
starting to feel the pressure to find someone, especially since most of her friends
were either married, engaged, or in a relationship. The pickings in Birch Creek
were slim since the young women outnumbered the young men. Very few males were unattached
in their small district.
    Again, Sol unceremoniously popped into her mind. Before he’d admitted to the entire
congregation that he’d been a thief and a drunkard, she thought there might be a
chance for something between them. Even now she could feel a slight pull of attraction
whenever she thought of him. Eventually that would go away. At least she hoped it
would. She wouldn’t get involved with a man of questionable integrity. Her father
had already abandoned her. She wouldn’t allow herself to be hurt that deeply again.
    She picked up the laundry basket and headed back to the house, determined to put
Sol out of her mind.
    Easier said than done.

CHAPTER 6

    L ANGDON
    C ameron paced back and forth in his tiny apartment as he waited for Mrs. Rodriguez
to arrive. He’d put Lacy down for the night, although she would probably wake up
in a few hours around midnight. Once she was asleep, he’d called Mrs. R., leaving
a message on her voice mail. He’d decided earlier that evening to tell her he was
leaving. He didn’t