“I think he is. It will take some time for Doc to figure it all out and for Mr. Lakeman’s body to recover.” Joshua refolded the note and tucked it into his pocket. “He asked if I would consider helping out on the job they are working on since he’s not able.”
“Is that the dig you were talking about? Sounds like a good way to earn some money while you’re home.” Her gaze drifted out the window.
“You and Dad wouldn’t mind? I mean, I’d love to be able to help the family more ... but with C—”
“Son. Nothing else can be done. I don’t know why the good Lord is allowing us to go through another trial like this, but I’m going to rest in Him. Go help Peter—he’s a good man. And who knows, maybe you and Anna can patch things up?” Mom reached across the table and patted his hand, then stood up and left him alone with his thoughts.
Anna. They hadn’t really spoken since he gave her the letters and found out Caleb was missing.
It didn’t take another second to make his decision. Yes. He would accept Mr. Lakeman’s offer.
He went out to the barn for his horse and then headed over to their home.
The whole ride there, he had to keep his heart in check. Howmany times had he taken this path, eager to see the woman he loved? He couldn’t wait to see her again—and with this job, he’d potentially see her every day—but he didn’t want to risk getting his hopes up. Not after how he’d hurt her.
He loved her. But had to give her space. Quite possibly forever.
He rode up and tied his horse at the hitching post. Offering a brief knock at the door, he removed his hat.
The door swung open and Louise greeted him. “Hi, Mr. Ziegler.”
“I’ve come to see Mr. Lakeman. Is he awake?”
“Doc Walsh is supposed to be here soon, so I need to wake him anyway. Come on in, I’m sure he’d love to see you.” She led the way. At the threshold of the older man’s room, she tapped softly on the doorjamb. “Mr. Lakeman?”
“Come in.” The older man’s words were stronger than they had been last week.
“Go ahead.” Louise turned back down the hall. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”
Joshua approached the bed and smiled at the man he’d hoped would one day be his father-in-law. “You’re looking quite chipper today.”
“Feeling ... mighty fine. All things ... considered.” Mr. Lakeman’s gray hair was neatly combed and his eyes were full of life.
“I received your note.” Joshua reached for the note in his pocket.
“Good. Does that mean ... you accept?”
He stepped closer. “Yes, sir. I appreciate you thinking of me.”
“I think of ... you as a son. And ... I trust you.” The man blinked several times. “Sure hate to hear ... about Caleb.”
Joshua looked down at his boots. “Me too. I could use your help getting my mind off the sorrow.”
With a slight wave of his hand, Mr. Lakeman motioned Joshua closer. “Sit. If you’re ... going to help out ... at the dig, I need ... to teach you. A lot.” He lifted his other hand and accidentally knocked over his water glass. “Sorry. My coordination ... is off.”
Joshua spotted a towel on the table beside the bed and picked it up to wipe up the mess. “All right, sir. I’m sure there’s a lot I need to learn. Where do we start?”
“Fetch some tools from my study.” He attempted to shift in the bed but wasn’t successful.
“Would you like to sit up some more? Would that help?”
“Please.”
Joshua helped him lean forward and then moved the pillows behind him so he could prop him up a little higher. “Here. Let’s try this.” After a little work, Mr. Lakeman was sitting higher, leaned up against the headboard.
“Good.”
“I’ll go get those tools. I probably need some paper and a pencil too so I can take notes. I’ll have to study them tonight so I remember what to do tomorrow.”
