If you’re ready for lunch, maybe we can take our noon break together today.”
Abby looked up from her quilting project and smiled at Naomi, who stood inside the door that separated their store from Mom’s quilt shop. “Were you planning to go out or eat in?”
“Since Sarah’s sleeping and things are quiet in the store at the moment, Caleb said it would be okay if you and I went out someplace to eat,” Naomi replied.
“That’s fine with me. I could use some fresh air to help wake me up.”
“Didn’t you sleep well last night?”
Abby set her sewing aside and shook her head. “I had a bad dream and couldn’t get back to sleep when it woke me.”
“Sorry to hear that. Some dreams can make you feel pretty rung out.”
“Jah.” Abby was tempted to reveal the details of her reoccurring dream, but she didn’t want to bother her stepsister with it. Naomi had enough to deal with, having so much work to do at the store and another boppli coming in a few months.
“Should we go to lunch now?” Naomi asked.
“Jah, sure.”
“We shouldn’t be too long,” Naomi said when Caleb took her place behind the counter.
He gave her arm a squeeze. “No problem; take your time.”
Abby and Naomi were preparing to leave the store when the door swung open. A handsome Amish man, his wavy blond hair peeking out from under his straw hat, stepped into the store carrying a small suitcase.
Abby’s mouth dropped open. “Lester! What are you doing here?”
“Came to see you.”
When he gave her a lopsided grin and reached for her hand, the faint smell of peppermint tickled her nose. She spied two pieces of candy sticking out of his shirt pocket. “I—I had no idea you were coming.” She stared up at him in disbelief.
“Wanted it to be a surprise.”
“And what a surprise it is. Jah, for certain sure.” Then, remembering her manners, Abby introduced Lester to Naomi and Caleb.
“It’s nice to meet you, Lester,” Naomi said. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”
Caleb’s head bobbed up and down. “Jah, Abby’s mentioned you plenty of times.”
Abby felt the heat of a blush, but she couldn’t deny it. She had missed Lester so much and often talked about the fun things they’d done during their courtship. She and Naomi had also discussed her upcoming wedding and how the Fisher family planned to go to Ohio to witness the ceremony in November.
“Abby and I were about to head out for some lunch,” Naomi commented. “But now that Lester’s here, I think it should be him and Abby going instead of me.”
“Maybe you and Caleb can join us,” Lester suggested.
Caleb nodded toward the back of the store. “Our little girl is sleepin’ in the other room, so I’d better stay put. My wife can go with you, though.”
Naomi shook her head. “I’ll stay here, and Caleb and I can eat the lunch I packed this morning.”
Abby hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all. I’ll keep an eye on the quilt shop while you’re gone.”
“Danki.”
Lester pushed his suitcase off to one side, opened the front door, then motioned for Abby to step out first.
“No need to hurry back,” Naomi called.
A short time later, Abby and Lester sat at a corner table in the cozy restaurant down the street. Abby still couldn’t believe he was here, and she just sat there staring at him.
He stared back, looking pleased as a child with a new toy.
“How long are you here for, and how’d you manage to get away from the blacksmith shop to make this trip?” she asked, pulling her gaze from his handsome face to glance at the menu lying before her.
“Probably be here a couple of days. I hired on another man a few weeks ago, so I’m sure my two helpers can handle things while I’m gone.”
Abby still couldn’t believe he’d come all this way just to spend a few days with her.
“I’ve missed you, Abby.” Lester’s voice had a soft quality about it, yet he spoke with assurance, and it gladdened her heart.
“I’ve missed you, too.” She smiled. “How are things in Holmes County these days?”
“Fine. Mom sends her love and said to tell you everything’s goin’ great at the quilt shop.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. How are Lena and Harold?”
“Last I heard, Lena was feelin’ some better, but Harold still insists she stay home and not work too hard.” Lester’s eyebrows suddenly drew together, a stark contrast from his usual smiling face. “I wish I could speed up the hands of time and get that bruder or schweschder of yours born so you can come back to Ohio.”
Abby took a sip from her glass of water as a film of tears obscured her vision. “The time will go quickly, you’ll see.”
He reached across the table and took her hand, making tiny circular motions with his rough fingertips. “It hasn’t so far. Every day since you left Berlin has seemed to drag by for me.”
She nodded in understanding, because she felt the same way. “This coming Sunday is an off-Sunday from church, and there’s going to be a picnic and softball game over at the Beechys’ place. I hope you can stay that long, because I know how much you like to play ball.”
Lester let go of her hand and drummed his fingers along the edge of the table. “Let’s see now. . . Today’s Thursday, so if I hang around ’til Sunday and catch an early bus on Monday, that should work out fine and dandy. I told my mamm and the fellows at work I’d probably be gone ’til early next week.”
“I’ll see if you can stay with Caleb and Naomi while you’re here. They’ve got plenty of room at their place.”
Lester nodded, and she was relieved that his smile had returned. “I’ll stay wherever you say, just as long as I get to spend time with you,” he said.
“I’ll see that you do,” she whispered as the waitress came to take their order.
With a weary sigh, Linda crawled onto her bed and stretched out in the middle. After lunch she’d put Jimmy down for a nap and had decided to take one herself. She was exhausted and couldn’t believe she’d let Beth talk her into helping with crafts at vacation Bible school this week. However, it had been kind of fun.
She jabbed her pillow a couple of times, trying to find a more comfortable position, then rolled onto her side. Her gaze came to rest on the Amish quilt covering their bed, and she thought about the morning they had visited a quaint little quilt shop outside of Berlin, Ohio, over five years ago.
I’ve never understood why Jim doesn’t have any interest in visiting Amish country again. I found it to be so fascinating. Her fingers traced the uniform, almost perfect hand stitches on the blue and white quilt done in the Lone Star pattern. If I had more patience and better sewing skills, I might try my hand at quilting.
She flipped onto her other side. I wish I could convince Jim to take us to Ohio again. I’m sure Jimmy would enjoy the trip, and I know Jim’s folks would love to have us visit.
In an attempt to shrug away her irritation, Linda closed her eyes and pictured the beautiful Amish homes they’d seen when they were back east. Most were neat, orderly, and devoid of weeds in their bountiful gardens.
“Amish country,” she murmured. “Where life is slower, and the men come home to their families after work every night.”
She squeezed her eyes tighter to keep threatening tears from escaping. It was pointless to wallow in self-pity. She’d done it too much, and where had it gotten her? Short of a miracle, Jim would probably never be the kind of husband she needed. The best thing to do was to keep busy and try not to dwell on their artificial marriage.
Maybe I should take Beth’s suggestion and start taking Jimmy to Sunday school. We’d be around people, and it would be better than watching Jim snooze every Sunday until noon or sit in his recliner, focused on the TV.
Linda exhaled, as the need for sleep took over. Jim needs church, too. He needs.
. .
Jim entered the house through the garage door. Except for the steady hum of the refrigerator, everything was quiet. He slipped off his work boots and left them sitting by the door, then sauntered across the kitchen to get a drink of water. Today had gone well. They’d finished painting the outside of a newly remodeled fitness center, and the general contractor had praised Jim’s work and said he was impressed with how quickly his paint crew had finished the job.
Jim opened a cupboard door and grabbed a glass. “Wonder if there’s any iced tea in the refrigerator? That would taste better than water.”
After filling his glass with cold tea, Jim grabbed a handful of cookies from the ceramic jar on top of the china hutch then dropped into a chair at the table. It was nice to come home to a quiet house for a change. Usually Jimmy had the TV blaring or ran around the house making weird noises.
He shook his head. That kid’s imagination can sure run wild. One minute, he’s a police car with a blaring siren, and the next, he’s some silly ice cream truck. And then there’s Linda. If she’s not nagging me to fix something, she’s asking me to take her somewhere. It’s ridiculous that she won’t drive. It’s been years since she was involved in that little fender bender, and she wasn’t even hurt.
Jim bit off a hunk of peanut butter cookie and washed it down with a gulp of iced tea. He glanced at the clock. I wonder if Linda and Jimmy are at the park. She’s usually in the kitchen by now, starting dinner.
“Oh, you’re home,” came a sleepy voice from the doorway.
Jim turned his head. Linda stood there, long blond hair in disarray and cheeks slightly pink. In the early days of their marriage he would have been pleased to see her. Now, he merely tried to be polite enough to avoid a confrontation.
“Have you been sleeping?” he asked.
She nodded. “I put Jimmy down for a nap after lunch and decided to take one, too. I didn’t expect to sleep so late, though.”
“What’d you do all day that made you so tired?”
Linda joined him at the table. “I’ve been helping with crafts at Bible school this week, remember?”
He grabbed another cookie. “Oh, yeah, that.”
“You don’t have to sound so disapproving. Jimmy’s having fun, and he’s with other children. That should make you happy.”
Her tone was mocking, and it only fueled Jim’s irritation. “Don’t get smart, Linda.”
“I wasn’t trying to be.”
“Yeah, right.”
She sighed deeply. “Why is it that every time I try to have a sensible conversation with you, it ends up in an argument?”
He shrugged. “Who’s arguing?”
No reply.
“Since you’ve slept the afternoon away, when do you plan to have dinner on the table?”
“We’re having sandwiches tonight, so it won’t take long.” She toyed with a piece of her hair but made no move to get up. “Uh, Jim, I was wondering. . .”
He reached for his glass, which was almost empty. “What were you wondering?”
“Allen’s mother invited Jimmy and me to come to Sunday school this week, and I was hoping we could go as a family.”
Jim’s forehead wrinkled. “You want me to go to Sunday school?”
She nodded. “I thought it would be something we could all do together.”
He pushed away from the table and stood. “Count me out.”
“Why?”
“Church is for weak people who are looking for something to make them feel better. It’s a crutch, and if I needed one of those, I would rent a pair from Keller’s Medical Supply.”
“You don’t have to be sarcastic.”
He marched across the room and set his glass in the sink. “If you want to take Jimmy to Sunday school, I won’t stop you, but it’s not likely I’ll step foot inside a church building unless it’s for somebody’s wedding or a funeral.”
Jim glanced over his shoulder to gauge Linda’s reaction. Her chin quivered as she stared at the table. He didn’t care. She wasn’t going to manipulate him with her tears or whining. She’d done that too many times in the past, and ever since the day he’d made up his mind to “put the hammer down,” he’d been a lot happier.
Well, maybe not happier, but at least Linda knows who’s in charge around here.
Abby reclined on the grass beside Nancy and watched the baseball game in progress. Lester had just made a homerun, and everyone cheered. She was glad the men in Abraham’s family had made him feel welcome.
“Too bad Lester doesn’t move to Lancaster County,” Nancy said. “Then you could stay here for good.”
Abby smiled. “It’s nice to know you’d like me to stay.”
“You’re my big sister now, and I enjoy your company.”
“Danki. I enjoy being with you, too.”
Nancy sniffed. “Sure wish I could help at the quilt shop. I get tired of stayin’ home all the time and doing nothing but housework and cooking.”
Abby knew Nancy worked hard and rarely went anywhere for fun. “Maybe one day when Cousin Edna comes to help Mom you can drive into town and I’ll take you out to lunch.”
Nancy’s green eyes danced with enthusiasm. “I’d like that.”
Abby smiled. “I’ve always wanted a sweet sister like you.”
Nancy shook her head. “It’s you who’s the sweet one. Everyone always says I’m stubborn and bossy.”
Before Abby could comment, she heard a loud smack, followed by a groan. Her gaze went to the ball field, and she was shocked to see Lester lying on the ground, with Matthew and several others standing over him. She scrambled to her feet and raced over to the scene.
“Lester, are you all right?”
“Ball. Hit. Stomach,” he gasped.
She looked up at Matthew. “Did you see it happen?”
He nodded. “It was my fault. Lester was up to bat and I got a little overanxious when I pitched the ball. Sure didn’t mean to take him out.”
Lester coughed and struggled to sit up. “I’m okay. Just knocked the wind out of me, is all.”
Abby held her hand out to him.
“That’s what I get for watching my aldi instead of the ball,” he said, with a red-faced grin.
“That’ll teach you not to make eyes at your girlfriend when you’re supposed to be playin’ a serious game of baseball,” Caleb teased.
Jake chuckled. “As if you never made eyes at my sister when you two were courtin’.”
“Are you sure you’re not hurt?” Abby asked as she and Lester moved to the sidelines and took a seat on the grass.
“The only thing banged up is my pride,” he replied with a grunt.
“It wasn’t your fault Matthew’s aim was off.” Abby took a deep breath to settle her nerves. It had frightened her to see him lying on the ground like that. What if he’d been seriously injured? What if. . .
Lester leaned closer, and his warm breath tickled her ear. “Don’t look so worried. I’m fine.”
“I couldn’t stand it if anything ever happened to you.”
He touched the side of her face with his thumb. “You worry too much, Abby. I ain’t goin’ nowhere.”
“Except back home. You’re still leaving Monday morning, right?”
He nodded. “But it won’t be long ’til your mamm has that boppli, then you’ll be comin’ home to Ohio.” He caressed her chin, and Abby’s skin turned to gooseflesh. She could hardly wait until November when she would become Lester’s Abby.
“Sure is muggy tonight,” Fannie said, squirming restlessly, while she tried to find a comfortable position on the porch swing. At least the swelling in her legs had gone down, and she felt some better. “It wonders me so that anyone would want to play ball in this heat.”
Abraham chuckled. “When I was a young man I could do most anything in the hot weather. Now, by midday I’m feelin’ ready for a cold shower and a tall glass of iced tea.”
She glanced over at him with sudden concern. “You doin’ oka
y in the fields?”
“Everything’s fine.”
“Do you ever wish you’d kept running the store?”
He nuzzled her neck. “Only when I’m missin’ you.”
She giggled, enjoying his attention and feeling like a schoolgirl again. “Need I remind you that I’m not at the quilt shop anymore? So, if you really find yourself missin’ me, you can always take a break and come up to the house.”
Abraham jiggled his bushy eyebrows. “Now there’s a pleasant thought, and I just might do it more often.” His brows drew together. “ ’Course once Naomi has her boppli, and Matthew leaves the farm to help at the store, I’ll be shorthanded in the fields. Gettin’ away for breaks will be harder then.”
“I’m sure you can find someone to fill in for Matthew.”
“Maybe so, but what if he decides to give up farmin’ altogether?”
She squeezed his arm gently. “You’ll accept his decision and be glad he’s found something he likes to do, same as you’ve done.”
“Jah.” Abraham sat there several seconds as he rested his hand on Fannie’s stomach. Suddenly, he pulled back like he’d been stung by a bee. “Was in der welt?”
“What in the world, what?”
“Can’t ya feel that?”
“Feel what?”
“The boppli kickin’.”
Fannie chuckled. “Oh, sure. I feel it often these days. It’s normal for a baby to kick, ya know.”
“That wasn’t just any old kick. It felt like a whole baseball team trompin’ around in your belly.”
She nodded. “I think our little guy likes to kick with his feet on one side of my stomach and punch me with his fists on the other side.”
“Hope that don’t mean he’s gonna be a rambunctious one.”
“If he is, we’ll handle it, jah?”
“Sure. Always have with my other kinner.”
“I know you’re countin’ on a boy, Abraham, but what if it’s a girl instead?”
He kissed her cheek. “I’ll love our child no matter if it’s a bu or a maedel.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because we sure can’t send it back.”
The Quilter's Daughter Page 7