A Sister's Secret Read Online Free PDF

land’s not for sale.”
    Mr. Collins rubbed his chin as he leaned against Roman’s desk. “Come now, Mr. Hostettler—”
    “You know my name?”
    “The sign on your shop says ‘HOSTETTLER’S WOODWORKING.’”
    Roman gave a curt nod.
    “Anyway, I was hoping you’d be interested in hearing what I have to say. I’m prepared to offer you a decent price for your land.”
    “Not interested.”
    “Oh, but if you’ll just give me a chance to—”
    “One of my neighbors wanted to buy my land once, but I said no, so I’m sure not going to sell it to you.”
    “Mr. Hostettler, I assure you—”
    The door opened again. Judith entered the room carrying a jug of cider and Roman’s lunch pail in her hands.
    He breathed a sigh of relief, glad for the interruption.
    “I know it’s not quite noon, but I brought your lunch,” she said, offering him a pleasant smile. “Where do you want me to set it?”
    “On my desk—if you can find the room, that is.” He nodded when Judith pushed some papers aside and set the lunch pail down.
    She glanced at the land developer, who hovered near the desk as though he was looking for something. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said.
    The man opened his mouth as if to comment, but Roman spoke first. “You’re not interrupting a thing. Mr. Collins is on his way out.”
    “Give some consideration to what I said. I’ll drop by again soon and see if you’re ready to hear my offer.” With that, Bill Collins turned and sauntered out the door.
    “What was that all about?” Judith asked when the door clicked shut.
    Roman moved away from the cabinets he’d been sanding. “The fellow wanted to buy our land.”
    Her eyes widened. “Whatever for?”
    “Said something about wanting to build a bunch of houses and a golf course, of all things.” He flicked some sawdust off his trousers. “I told him I wasn’t interested in selling, and if he comes back, I’ll tell him the same.”
    “I would hope so.” Judith nodded toward the door. “On my way down from the house, I saw Luke heading out with a wagonload of furniture.” She sat in the chair behind Roman’s desk. “Is he making a delivery for you?”
    “Jah. He’s taking a table and some chairs over to Steven Bates’s place. He’d better not be late getting back to the shop like he was last time.” Roman shook his head. “That young fellow’s a fair enough worker, but he’s got a mind of his own. Makes me wonder how things are going with him and Ruth since they’ve begun courting.”
    “I’m sure they’re going fine, or Ruth would have said something. She’s not one to keep her feelings bottled up the way Grace has always done.”
    Roman grunted in reply and moved over to the desk. He had no desire to discuss their oldest daughter and her refusal to talk about things. In many ways, Grace reminded him of his sister, Rosemary, only Grace had finally returned home where she belonged. Rosemary hadn’t.
    “I’m glad your business is doing so well,” Judith said, leaning her elbows on the desk and staring up at him. “When that English fellow John Peterson moved into the area a few months ago and opened a woodworking shop, I was afraid you might lose some of your customers to him.”
    Roman shook his head. “Nope. Hasn’t seemed to bother my business one iota.” He lifted the lid of his lunch pail and peered inside. “What kind of sandwich did you make today?”
    “Trail bologna and baby Swiss cheese, and I made two in case you’re really hungry. I put some of your favorite double crunch cookies in there, as well.”
    He smacked his lips. “You spoil me, fraa. ”
    “That’s the part I enjoy the most about being your wife.” She grinned and pushed back the chair. “Guess I should head up to the house and let you eat your lunch in peace.”
    “Why don’t you stay awhile and visit? I’d enjoy the company.” He grabbed one of his wooden stools and pulled it over to the desk. “What’s