AMY BOYER - HANNAH'S HEART

Amy Boyer has had a passion for writing since high school. Her favorite genre is Inspirational romance. Amy is currently enrolled in the creative writing for entertainment program at Full Sail University, and resides in Branson, Missouri.

---

                                    Hannah’s Heart
 

Snowflakes swirled around Hannah’s face as she trudged through the snowy Ohio countryside. She held her niece protectively to her side. The bitter cold pierced through Hannah’s cloak; she pulled her niece Rebekah, closer, to shelter her from the cold. She could hear the roaring of a motor which came to a stop beside her.
The older white Chevy idled beside them. The window dropped, and Hannah was relieved to see Benjamin Miller sitting behind the wheel. “Where can I take you?” came the voice over the rumbling motor.
“Can you take us home”?
Benjamin nodded, “Jah.”
Hannah had met the handsome Mennonite last summer. Hannah opened the door and placed Rebekah in the seat. Hannah then slid in beside her niece pulling, the door shut, and allowing the warmth to envelop her.
Rebekah’s brown eyes darted around the cab of the truck taking, in the foreign objects. Her delicate fingers skimmed the worn upholstery on the seat. Although it was common for the Amish to hire drivers, Hannah suspected it was her nieces first time to ride in anything other than a buggy. She lovingly reached over to tuck a few stray auburn hairs that had escaped from her crisp white kapp. Rebekah’s face mirrored her mothers, a fact that brought an ache to Hannah’s heart. She had been heartbroken that her sister chose to abandon her faith and her daughter after her husband’s tragic accident. 
“Did you do well in school today”? Benjamin asked Rebekah.
Thinking for a moment she responded, “Jah,” in her Pennsylvania Dutch dialect.
“How was your pretty school teacher’s day?”
Rebekah looked up at her aunt. Hannah blushed in response but answered anyway. “The Kinder were restless today with the snow. Hannah laughed, and Benjamin smiled at the sound of her voice.
Benjamin had thought often of Hannah since he had met her last summer at a friend’s wedding. She had caught his attention when she served him a slice of lemon meringue pie, tall and graceful wearing a green cape dress and white apron. Dark copper hair peeked out of the front of her kapp. She had been busy all afternoon helping to serve the guests and clean after the wedding. He learned from Hannah’s brother Levi she was the schoolteacher and helped her mam look after their abandoned niece. 
“Thank you for stopping!” Hannah exclaimed as they drove to the farm. “Please stay for dinner”. “For your trouble” she quickly added.
“Your welcome and I will”. “I haven’t had a good meal since I left Missouri”.
 Hannah laughed “well Mam is the best cook, and Levi will be happy to see you again.” The truck pulled into the driveway and came to a halt. The door creaked as Hannah opened it. Out jumped Rebekah she ran off looking for her Gross Mami.
 “She is full of energy” Benjamin remarked.
“Jah” nodded Hannah” a little too much for Mam.”
“It is gut you are helping your Mam Hannah.” Hannah sighed and gave a quick nod of her head. The black bonnet covering her prayer kapp shifted slightly.
“It must be difficult for your family”. Benjamin surmised.
“yes” Hannah agreed and walked towards the door.
Once the wooden door swung open the yeasty aroma of hot rolls tickled Benjamins nose. Hannah’s mother warmly welcomed the visitor. Taking his coat and ushering him into the kitchen. Benjamin took a seat at the large oak table filled with a large pot of chicken and dumplings, green beans, mashed potatoes, and a large basket of hot rolls. Hannah filled his glass with tea. After finishing the silent prayer Benjamin ate heartily. He couldn’t recall a meal tasting so good. 
Benjamin’s visit was an answer to Levi’s prayers. He had more furniture orders than he could keep up with Levi had been looking for someone to help with his business. He knew Benjamin was a talented carpenter and hoped he would accept his offer. Benjamin tried concentrating while talking with Levi but couldn’t help stealing glances at the pretty school teacher working in the kitchen.
 “So, I would be working here at the farm in your workshop?”
Benjamin considered the offer; unsure of which was better the money or being close to Hannah. Deciding it was a win win situation he agreed to the offer. 
Thanking the women in the kitchen and saying his goodbyes. He smiled sheepishly at Hannah. I will see you tomorrow”.
“Tomorrow Hannah questioned?” trying to stop the flutter of her heart. 
Bottom of Form