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make fun of me.”
    “My students won’t do that. Besides, even if you don’t come to my school, I’m sure your father will bring you over to see the puppies when they arrive.”
    Joy looked at Caleb. “Will you?”
    “Sure, kiddo.”
    Joy clapped her hands and rewarded him with a beaming smile that crinkled her eyes closed. He smiled in return. It was amazing how fast he was growing to love her. That was one more reason to get her settled quickly. Another painful upheaval wouldn’t do either of them any good.
    He glanced at Leah. She was smiling at Joy, too. As their eyes met, his heart gave a funny kick. She really was a pretty woman. He liked the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled.
    The last thing he expected to find in Hope Springs was an Amish woman who caught his fancy.
    If only things had been different.
    And that was the story of his life.
    Leah looked away first. “Goodbye, Joy. Be sure and tell your grossmammi I said hello.”
    “I will.” Joy waved.
    Leah waved, too, and closed the door.
    Caleb sat and watched until she entered the house. After a few minutes, the soft glow of lantern light lit the windows. He couldn’t put it off any longer. It was time to go home. He shifted the truck in Reverse and began to back up.
    “Daddy, stop!”
    He hit the brakes. “What?”
    “Leah wants you.”
    He looked toward the house. She stood on the porch motioning to him. He put the truck in Park. Was something wrong? He looked around the cab. He didn’t see anything she might have left behind.
    “Stay here, Joy.” He opened his door.
    “But I want to come in.”
    “We’re not staying. I’m just going to see what Leah wants.” He stepped out of the truck. The light layer of powdery fresh snow muffled his footsteps as he crossed the yard to her porch.
    Leah’s eyes were bright with excitement. As he neared, that excitement faded. She bit her lower lip and clasped her hands together nervously. When she didn’t speak, he asked, “Is something wrong?”
    “ Nee. It’s only that Trixie has had her puppies. I thought perhaps Joy would like to see them.”
    Bemused by her unexpected offer, he hitched a thumb toward his truck. “I’m sure she will. I’ll go get her.”
    He was happy to put off going home for a bit longer. The real upside was spending more time in Leah’s company.
    * * *
     
    What was she thinking?
    Leah couldn’t believe she had just invited Caleb Mast into her home. She had been so excited to find the puppies had arrived that she had simply stepped out and beckoned Joy to come see them, not thinking that Caleb would come, too. She could hardly ask him to wait outside while she took his child in. She prayed her sister wouldn’t find out.
    Leah watched as Caleb lifted Joy out of the truck. He spoke to her quietly and then held her hand as they approached the house. Leah stood aside and let them enter.
    She had placed the whelping box in the kitchen, near the stove for warmth. Trixie lay on an old quilt in a corner of the box with three tiny black, brown and white pups nestled against her belly. She pricked up her ears and gave the newcomers a guarded look.
    Trixie was a medium-size dog with long black fur and a white blaze that went down her face and chest. Over her eyes and upright ears, she had brown points, which gave her an inquisitive look. Two of the puppies were marked like their mother. A third was as pale brown as winter grass, with a white blaze and chest and four white feet.
    Leah spoke quietly to reassure her. “It’s okay. They want to admire your babies.”
    Joy knelt beside the box with Caleb at her side. “They are super awesome. Can I touch them, Daddy?” Her voice squeaked with excitement.
    He brushed a lock of hair away from her eyes. “You have to ask to Leah. Remember, I said we have to talk very quietly so we don’t disturb them.”
    She nodded and looked up at Leah. “Can I touch them?” she whispered.
    “I think Trixie will allow that.” She reached into