Millers’, he’d focused on the road ahead, ignoring any effort at conversation or her attempts to apologize. She understood he’d been embarrassed and uncomfortable when so many had crowded around, all talking at once. But was that my doing? Who could have known people would be so friendly and eager to make up for lost years? It’s not my fault. I meant well.
Yet the truth remained no matter how hard she tried to ignore it. She had forced Isaiah into a situation he neither wanted nor was prepared for, and in so doing had resurrected old pain from the past. Abby’s delicious pot roast churned in her stomach. She was to blame… not Sam Miller this time.
If she had some socks to darn, bread to bake, or a story to read to the kinner, it wouldn’t be so bad. But with her schwester back in her role as wife and mother, Catherine found less and less to occupy her time.
Suddenly a shout rang out in the yard. “Abigail!” called Daniel. “Come quick.”
Although the kitchen had been empty a minute ago, Abby emerged from the house by the time Daniel reached the porch. “What is it, ehemann? Is someone hurt?” Her thin face paled with fear.
“Not someone,” he said breathlessly. “It’s Boots. That fool pup stuck her head down a hole in the ground to figure out what was making all the noise. Turned out to be a nest of ground hornets, and she got stung at least a dozen times on her face and paws, everywhere the fur was sparse.”
Catherine jumped to her feet. Abby’s hand grasped her throat. “How is she? Will the dog be all right?”
“I don’t know. Call Doc Longo on your cell phone. His home number is in the book. Tell him we’re on our way to his place in the buggy. Ask him if he could meet us on the road with whatever he gives for allergic reactions. Boots is unconscious and not breathing right.”
Catherine’s eyes filled with tears while Abby flew into the house to find her phone. When Daniel turned to leave, Catherine followed him down the steps. “Please wait a moment, Daniel. I’m awfully fond of that dog too. May I ride with you to the vet’s?” She felt her heart thumping against her ribcage.
He leveled her a patient gaze. “No, Catherine. We’re taking the dog in the back of the two-seater so it’ll be faster.” He hurried down the walkway toward the barn.
She ran after him, grabbing a hold of his shirt. “Please, Daniel. Truth be told, I’m fond of Isaiah too. I’d like to lend moral support, to be there for him in case Boots…”
The word hung unspoken in the air while Daniel’s expression turned pitiful. “I’m aware of that. And I suggested that you ride along after he carried the dog up to the buggy. But he said no and was quite adamant about it.” He made a sideways chopping motion with his hand. “I’m sorry.” He sprinted toward the buggy shed, leaving her rigid on the path.
She knew the meaning of Isaiah’s gesture. He hates me. He despises me for the trouble I have caused. She covered her face with her hands in an attempt to hold back her emotions. Once she regained her composure, she walked inside the house.
Abby was sitting at the table, a cup of coffee in hand. “Dr. Longo was home. He’ll meet Daniel and Isaiah with an anaphylactic injection along Route 514. I explained the way they would take.” It was then that Abby noticed Catherine’s face. “What’s wrong? You look as though you are on the verge of tears. Did Boots die before they had a chance hitch up the team?”
Abby’s question tipped Catherine over the edge. Tears coursed down her cheeks. “Not as far as I know. I heard the buggy leave just before I came inside.”
“Whew,” breathed Abby with palpable relief. “Then what’s wrong? Dr. Longo is the best vet around. If they can reach him in time, he’ll save the dog.”
Catherine slumped into a chair, awash with despair. “I hope that’s true, but my tears aren’t for Boots. I’m afraid they’re purely selfish.” Shame rose up her throat like acid indigestion. She stared at the wall, sniveling like a child.
“Tell me what’s wrong. It must have something to do with Isaiah. You’ve been moping around the house since I got home, yet I know you’re happy to see me.” She winked at Catherine. “And if I had a dollar