A Picture of Love

by Beth Wiseman

  She pulled her coat tightly around her as she recalled memories from her past. Her parents dying. Thomas leaving. Thomas returning. Amos arriving. Amos leaving. But the Thanksgiving season was upon them, so she squeezed her eyes closed and forced herself to think about the things she was grateful for. Her good health. Lizzie and Esther—and their good health. Her life in their house and the comic relief that came almost daily—and was a nice distraction.

  Despite her heart having been shattered by Thomas, she’d thought love had found her again.

  “Want some company?”

  She turned around, surprised to see Lizzie, since she never came down to the pond. It was cold this evening and quite a trek for her older friends.

  “Ya, sure. I’m just taking in this beautiful sunset.” Naomi pointed in front of her as she and Lizzie sat on the bench. “When the sun is exactly halfway down against the horizon, the water twinkles like a million tiny stars floating on top of the pond.”

  Lizzie watched quietly beside her.

  “See.” Naomi smiled. “Then the water begins to dull as if preparing for nighttime, even though there are still twenty minutes before it will be completely dark.”

  “Why aren’t you painting?” Lizzie looked her way. “Is it because Amos isn’t here to paint with you?”

  Leave it to Lizzie to be direct. “Ya, I think maybe it is.” Naomi was surprised she admitted her true feelings to Lizzie, but there didn’t seem to be any reason not to. Amos was gone, so Lizzie couldn’t play matchmaker or lock anyone in the basement.

  “Then why haven’t you told that boy you’re in lieb with him?”

  Naomi turned to Lizzie. “Can a person really fall in love so quickly?”

  “Of course. I met mei Reuben, then two weeks later we were promised to each other, and we married the following month.” Lizzie smiled her perfectly white smile. “And we spent fifty-one years in lieb.” She shrugged. “Sometimes you just know.”

  Naomi smiled. “I bet you miss him.”

  “Everyday. But I will see him again.” She paused. “Um, he left you a letter. Did he say he loved you?”

  “Nee. He thought I needed time to work out mei feelings about Thomas.”

  “Did you write him back? Did you tell him you called off the engagement?”

  “Nee. His letter said I helped him find his way back to a happier place, but he didn’t ask me to write him back. He basically wished me well.” Naomi knew the letter by heart from reading it every night.

  Lizzie groaned. “Then he doesn’t even know you broke up with Thomas. It was clear that boy had feelings for you.”

  “He lives in Ohio. The geography doesn’t work. And if he felt so strongly about me, he would have written.”

  “Ach, I don’t think I believe that.”

  Naomi wanted to change the subject. “I heard Gus is coming for Thanksgiving next week.”

  Lizzie shook her head as she clicked her tongue. “That’s because Esther has taken leave of her senses, or she’s punishing me for something I’m unaware of. Can you even imagine how that man will ruin the holiday?”

  Naomi agreed with Lizzie but felt like she should encourage her to behave. “Maybe it won’t be so bad. And it seems important that we’re all together. Even Mary and John are coming.”

  “That part, I’m happy about. But I don’t even like to be around Gus, and we’ve never sat down for a meal together.”

  “I’m going to prepare some special side dishes, things Esther can eat that shouldn’t upset her stomach.” Naomi turned her eyes to the setting sun. “We better go back to the haus. It’s going to be completely dark soon.”

  As they started back, Naomi glanced at Gus’s cottage. “I’m going to go check on Whiskers. Gus seems to have adopted her.”

  Lizzie shivered. “That black cat and Gus deserve each other, although I’m surprised he’s taking care of anyone besides himself, especially since it’s a black cat that will give him nothing but bad luck.”

  “Gus seems to have had plenty of that before the cat came along.” She waved at Lizzie as they parted ways. “I won’t be long.”

  She made the short trek to Gus’s house, knocked lightly on the door, and waited. He answered with a frown on his face. “What do you want?”

  “I was just checking on Whiskers.”

  Gus pointed over his shoulder. “All it does is sleep and eat.”

  Naomi peered around him and saw the cat asleep in front of the fireplace.

  “Is that all?” Gus looped his thumbs beneath his suspenders and raised an eyebrow.

  Naomi was cold, but she didn’t treasure the idea of going into Gus’s house. “Nee. I also wanted to tell you that it is important to Esther for Thanksgiving to be a nice day. I hope you and Lizzie will be able to get along.”

  “This is getting ridiculous. You’re the second person to instruct me on how to behave at Thanksgiving. Esther already gave me a lecture. I’m tempted not to go, except I’d rather not eat another frozen turkey dinner out of a box again this year.” He paused, grumbling. “And I can’t control the way Lizzie treats people. Grumpy old woman.”

  Naomi pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. The man obviously had no idea that his nickname was Grumpy Gus.

  “Well, I’m glad you’re coming.” Naomi smiled. “I best get back before dark.”

  “That cat is already causing me bad luck.” He slammed the door, and Naomi started back to the main house. She prayed that Thanksgiving would be a good day and that Gus and Lizzie would be nice—or at least civil to each other.

  Then she prayed for Amos, wishing him the best life had to offer. If she couldn’t be with him, she could at least pray for him, like he said he would pray for her.

  I hope you find the peace in your heart that I know you are searching for.

  Twenty-three

  Esther had decorated the house for fall at the beginning of the season, and the Lord blessed them with a beautiful day for Thanksgiving, filled with sunshine beaming through the windows. A wonderful aroma filled the air as she opened the oven to check on the turkey. Lizzie had prepared the bird, stuffed it, and basted it several times throughout the morning.

  Lizzie and Naomi scurried around the kitchen. Dinner would feel more like a family affair this year. Esther had her concerns about Lizzie and Gus being at the same table for a meal, but she wasn’t completely convinced Gus would show up. But it would be nice to have Mary and John in attendance.

  She walked into the dining room. “The table looks lovely.” Esther pressed her hands together as she eyed the good china set for six.

  “Naomi gets credit,” Lizzie yelled from the kitchen.

  Esther headed toward the front door when she heard a knock. It was John and Mary.

  “Wie bischt, and Happy Thanksgiving.” She waited while they shed their coats, hanging them on the rack by the door. “We’re so glad you could make it this year. Although, I’m sure you miss your families back home.”

  “Ya, we do, but we are happy to be here,” Mary said.

  They glanced at each other and smiled, then wished Esther a happy Thanksgiving. Esther was glad to see that the couple looked happy. So many times she’d sensed unease at their house, and she’d worried about the heartbreaking conversation she had with Mary recently.

  “If you’d like to take a seat in the dining room, we’re just waiting on Gus, then we’ll fill the table with all the wonderful offerings Gott has blessed us with on this special day of thanksgiving.”

  Esther walked back into the kitchen just as someone else knocked on the door.

  “He’s here.” Lizzie lifted her eyes to the ceiling. “Stay with me today, Gott. Don’t let me sink to that man’s disgusting ways.”

  Esther sighed and left her sister and Naomi in the kitchen. When she opened the front door, Gus was standing in front of her. His Amish haircut had grown out, but he’d brushed the thick gray mass to the side and tucked the rest of it behind his ears. He may even have trimmed his b
eard a little. He wore a red long-sleeve shirt that was tightly tucked into a pair of tan slacks, held up with suspenders.

  “Welcome, Gus. We’re happy you could make it, and you look very nice.” Esther desperately wanted to get a pair of scissors and cut his hair again, but that was a project for another time, if Gus would allow it.

  “Yeah, you look okay too.” Gus went to the fireplace, looped his thumbs beneath his suspenders, and shook his head. “Women. Don’t know how to build a proper fire.” He lowered the screen, stoked the wood, and added three more logs from the carrier.

  “Danki.” She clasped her hands in front of her and waited.

  “Yeah, okay. You’re welcome. Now where’s the food? I’m starving.” He sniffed the air and moved like an animal following a scent until he was in the dining room. He nodded at Mary and John.

  “Ha. Can’t believe you two showed up. You’re always looking all—”

  “Gus,” Esther said firmly as she gritted her teeth.

  He took a deep breath, then pulled out the chair at one end of the table, the one usually reserved for Lizzie.

  Naomi and Esther delivered the last of the food to the table, then joined their guests. After a few comments about the weather from John, Naomi looked over her shoulder as they all waited for Lizzie.

  “Excuse me.” Esther left the room and found Lizzie pressed up against the counter in the kitchen.

  “I can’t do it. I can’t break bread with that man.” She scrunched up her face as she tossed her head from side to side.

  “You can, and you will. Stop acting like a child.” Esther tugged on Lizzie’s arm and pulled her along until they were standing in the middle of the dining room.

  With two chairs left to fill, one next to Gus and the other across the table, Lizzie chose to face off with Gus at the far end of the oblong table. She slowly eased into the chair, raised her chin, and squinted at him. At least they were as far away from each other as possible. And Lizzie wasn’t making a fuss about Gus being in her chair.

  Gus grinned as he stared back at her.

  This might have been a very bad idea.

  “Let’s lower our heads in prayer and thanksgiving for this wonderful meal and for friends and family.” Esther waited until everyone bowed, except for Gus.

  She stared at him and after a heavy sigh, he lowered his head, and Esther followed suit.

  Everyone silently prayed. When Esther lifted her head, everyone else did too at about the same time. Except for Gus. He either had a lot to say to God, which Esther doubted, or he was waiting for someone to lead the prayer, like the English normally do.

  “How long do we stay like this?” He grumbled with his head down and eyes closed.

  Lizzie snickered, which caused Gus to bolt upright.

  Here we go.

  Lizzie slapped a hand over her mouth and quieted her laughter. Gus snarled at her as he sat back down. Lizzie snarled back. It was like watching two wild animals summing each other up as prey.

  Esther cleared her throat, and they both stopped gritting their teeth at each other. Lizzie would likely show her teeth a lot today, since she had gotten more comfortable wearing the dentures. Esther hadn’t seen her moving them around in her mouth all morning.

  “John, it’s tradition in our family for a man to cut the turkey. Would you care to do the honors?” Esther nodded to the large bird at Gus’s end of the table.

  “Ya, sure.” John rose from his chair just as Gus scooted back his own chair and stood.

  “Boy, how many turkeys have you carved? And it’s already right in front of me.” Gus sighed.

  Esther wondered when he had last washed his hands. Judging by the looks of his fingernails, not recently. He positioned the large fork and knife and began to slice the turkey with surprising precision.

  “I used to work at a meat market.”

  Esther hadn’t known that detail about him. Actually, she knew very little about Gus. He continued carving, then took a big breath. “This is one good-looking bird. It’s juicy, cooked just right.”

  “Lizzie was in charge of the turkey.” Esther smiled.

  Gus froze.

  Lizzie covered her mouth, coughed, and mumbled something under her breath.

  “You got something to say, Woman?” Gus set down the knife and fork, glaring at Esther’s sister.

  Mary clinked her fork against her glass of tea. “Um, I have something to say.” She turned to John and smiled. “Actually, we have something to say.”

  Esther put a hand to her chest, thankful for Mary’s perfect timing. She hoped and prayed it might be the news Mary and John had been waiting for.

  “We are with child,” Mary said as she sat taller, her eyes moist.

  “Ach, sweet maedel, we are so happy for you.” Esther softly clapped her hands. “This just adds to our celebration today.”

  Naomi and Lizzie also congratulated the young couple.

  “Kids ain’t nothing but trouble.” Gus didn’t look up from his work on the turkey, carving it as if his life depended on perfection. “First it’s diapers and crying all night, then the next thing you know, they’re sneaking out of the house, drinking, and partying. Oh, and stealing your car. Nothing but trouble.”

  Lizzie stood up and slammed her palm on the table. “You shut your mouth, Gus Owens. A child is a blessing! Esther and I would have given anything to have kinner. Just because you ruined your relationship with your dochder doesn’t mean all children are trouble.”

  “Please stop!” Esther said loudly as her stomach began to churn.

  Gus glowered at Lizzie. “I thought if I came today, maybe you’d have the good sense to keep your mouth shut. I should have known better.”

  Lizzie turned to Esther. “I told you so. He’s a mean man, and he’s never going to change.”

  He set down the knife and fork. “I don’t need this. I’m going home.” He glared at Lizzie. “I’ll send Whiskers back over here in my place, since I know how much you like the critters.”

  “Get out!” Lizzie yelled.

  Instead of leaving, Gus turned to Esther. She could feel the tears burning the corners of her eyes, but she also saw the raw hurt in Gus’s expression.

  “I’m sorry, Esther.”

  “Gus, I appreciate that,” she said, her voice trembling. “But please apologize to Lizzie and the others too.”

  He turned to the young couple, who both donned perplexed expressions. “Mary, John, I’m sorry.” Then he looked at Naomi and apologized.

  “Lizzie too.” Esther took a deep breath as Gus’s face turned bright red and he turned to Lizzie.

  “Say it nicely,” Lizzie said, batting her eyes at him.

  “I ain’t doing it!” Gus’s jowls hung low as he bellowed at Lizzie.

  “Because you’re never going to change!”

  “It’s Thanksgiving. Stop!” Esther stood up. “Both of you be quiet. If you have nothing nice to say to each other, then don’t talk.”

  * * *

  Naomi eyed the food on the table, a tremendous meal they’d worked so hard on. Esther had wanted this to be a special day, and Lizzie and Gus were ruining it. For all of them. She cringed as they continued to spat insults at each other, despite Esther’s plea. It was a horrible display. Poor Mary and John, their eyes grew rounder and rounder. Naomi wanted to scream, but she didn’t want to add to the chaos.

  A loud whistle filled the room, and all the yelling came to an abrupt halt. Naomi looked in the direction the noise had come from and her jaw dropped as her heart flipped in her chest.

  Amos.

  He scratched his forehead. “I tried to knock, but obviously no one heard me.” He glanced around the table. “Since everyone is yelling.”

  Naomi stood up, her heart thumping wildly. “What are you doing here?”

  He grinned. “Ach, well . . . I was accepting your invitation for Thanksgiving. I only received your letter three days ago, and I got on a bus as soon as I could.” He smiled at Naomi before his ex
pression sobered. “I didn’t know I’d be walking into this, but whatever is going on here, I’m happy to see you.”

  Naomi swallowed hard. “What letter?”

  Amos reached into his pocket and held up a piece of paper. “The one you sent me.”

  “Um . . . I didn’t—” She clamped her lips together as she rubbed her forehead. Then she saw Lizzie slouching farther and farther into her chair.

  “There’s your culprit!” Gus pointed to Lizzie.

  Naomi stared at the woman, her heart still beating like a base drum. “Lizzie?”

  She slouched farther into her chair. “You two just needed a little push. I saw the letter you wrote to him all torn up in your trash can.” She shrugged. “I couldn’t read it. It was in so many little pieces. So I did the best I could to recreate it.”

  “Lizzie! How could you?” Naomi laid her palms on the table and hung her head before she looked back at Lizzie. “How could you do something like that?”

  “Well, that explains a lot,” Amos said, frowning, and blushing slightly as he lifted the letter.

  “Everyone is yelling at me!” Lizzie’s bottom lip began to tremble.

  Esther covered her face with her hands and shook her head.

  “Amos, can I please talk to you in the other room?” Naomi pointed at Gus and Lizzie. “When we come back, this better be a room filled with love and thankfulness.” She turned to Mary and John. “I’m so sorry you had to see all of this, but please, everyone go ahead and eat.”

  Mary and John waved her off, saying it was fine. Which, of course, it wasn’t.

  “Sounds like I made a long trip for nothing,” Amos said when they reached the mudroom where they would have some privacy.

  “I am horrified that Lizzie did this.” Her stomach swirled and she was scared to read the letter, but seeing Amos tempered her nerves. “Can I please read the letter?”

  “It didn’t sound like you, but I was so excited to receive it . . .” He handed her the piece of paper.

  Naomi took a deep breath and began reading the handwritten letter that didn’t even resemble her penmanship.