A Husband For Mari. Emma Miller

no friends, trying to raise a boy properly.

      James glanced at Zachary again. “Sounds like what I’m hearing you say is that you might like to earn a little money. And be a help to your mom.” He didn’t know that the bit of pocket change Zachary might earn would really help Mari’s situation, but he did know that even a boy Zachary’s age wanted to feel as if he was needed. “Take some of the strain off her?”

      “Yeah. That would be good,” Zachary agreed.

      James crossed his arms over his chest. “And from me and my crew.” Again, he was quiet before he went on, “Zachary, I think your mom was pretty upset when she left for work. This move, losing her home and all, has been pretty tough on her. I think maybe she could use a hug from you when she gets home.”

      “Probably.” Zachary looked thoughtful.

      “I don’t know why you quarreled, but a man’s got to show respect to his mother.”

      Zachary looked up at him. “I’m a boy, not a man.”

      “But you’re old enough to have responsibilities. And it looks to me as though the most important one is to take care of her. Treat her right.”

      He twisted his mouth thoughtfully. “Guess I should say sorry when she comes home tonight.”

      “Sounds good to me. So let’s shake on it, you doing some work for me.” James extended his hand and Zachary took it. Zachary had a firm grip, and James liked that. “But if you’re serious about working with my crew, you’d better go put that barn coat on. All of my men come dressed for work, no matter the weather.”

      “Okay,” Zachary agreed. He grabbed the jacket and put it on. “What’s your name?”

      “James. James Hostetler.”

      “I’m Zachary. Zachary Troyer.”

      “Glad to have you on my crew, Zachary.” He didn’t allow his amusement to show in his expression. Zachary Troyer, he mused. Not so different from us after all. James had never met a Troyer who wasn’t Amish or who didn’t have Amish ancestry. Maybe Zachary wasn’t as far away from home as he thought.