A Plain and Simple Christmas

by Amy Clipston

  “You look beautiful.” He brushed a lock of hair back from her face. “You have nothing to be nervous about, Annie. They’re your family, and Kathryn invited you to come.”

  Smiling, she swiped a snowflake that had landed on his nose. “I’m sure visiting with my family won’t be the most exciting way for you to spend your time off, but it means a lot to me. Thank you. Or maybe I should say danki.”

  “How do you say you’re welcome?” he asked.

  Anna Mae smiled. “Gern gschehne.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “Gern gschehne.” He brushed his lips against hers, and courage surged through her.

  “Danki,” she said. “I needed that. Now let’s go see my brother and his family.” Taking his hand in hers, Anna Mae climbed the porch steps and knocked on the door.

  Voices sounded on the other side of the door before it opened, revealing four children, two boys and two girls, staring wide-eyed at Anna Mae and Kellan. All four were blonde like Kathryn. The girls were miniature versions of Amanda, and the boys reminded Anna Mae of her brother as a child.

  “You’re our English aunt!” a little girl said.

  “Aenti Anna Mae,” the other girl said.

  Amanda marched toward them, frowning at her siblings. “Lizzie, Ruthie, Junior, and Manny,” she snapped. “Please step back and let Aenti Anna Mae and Onkel Kellan come into the house.” After the children backed away from the door, she turned to Anna Mae. “They’re excited to see you. Please come in.”

  Kellan held the door and Anna Mae stepped in. The warmth from the fireplace seeped beneath her wrap while the aroma of roasted turkey and potatoes caused her stomach to growl.

  The children swarmed around her, asking questions and rattling off their names. Tears filled Anna Mae’s eyes as she spoke with them. It warmed her heart to be with her family again.

  “Anna Mae,” a voice bellowed above the chorus of children’s voices.

  Glancing up, Anna Mae found her brother David studying her, his brown eyes glistening. He looked just as she remembered: he was tall but stocky with his sandy blond hair cut in a traditional Amish bowl cut. His beard had grown longer during the past few years. Although a few lines around his eyes revealed he was closing in on forty, he still wore youthfulness in his face.

  “David,” she whispered, stepping over to him. “How are you?”

  He nodded and gave a little smile. “I’m gut. How are you?”

  Tears spilled from her eyes. “It’s so good to see you.”

  “Ya,” he said, his voice thick. “It’s gut to see you too.” He then looked at Kellan. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing well.” Kellan shook his hand. “How are you?”

  “Gut, gut.” David gestured toward the family room. “Please come in.” He glanced toward the children. “Go wash up. It’s time to eat.” He then looked back at Anna Mae. “Kathryn told me that you’re expecting your baby soon. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you,” Anna Mae said. “We’re very excited.” She took Kellan’s hand in hers. “It’s a dream come true. God has finally seen fit to make us parents.”

  David nodded. “That’s gut. How are things in Baltimore?”

  “Going well,” Anna Mae said. “I work part-time in the office at Kellan’s Chevrolet dealership, and I also run a quilting ministry at our church. Both keep me busy.” She rubbed her abdomen in response to a kick. “Of course, I’ll have to cut back after the baby is born.” She touched David’s arm. “How about you? Are you still working for Daed at the farm supply store?”

  David absently pulled on his beard. “Ya, I am. We keep very busy.”

  “How are Mamm and Daed?” she asked.

  “Doing gut.” David shook his head. “Daed is the same. Still stubborn. Mamm is still a sweet angel and hasn’t changed a bit.”

  “Wie geht’s?” Kathryn came around the corner from the kitchen and hugged Anna Mae and shook Kellan’s hand. “I hope you both brought your appetite.” She gestured toward the table. “Everything is ready for you.”

  They sat at the table with the family, and Anna Mae silently marveled that Kathryn hadn’t asked them to sit at a separate table alone since she was shunned. It warmed her heart that Kathryn and David included them as part of the family.

  During dinner Anna Mae, Kathryn, and David reminisced about relatives and old friends. Anna Mae also listened to stories told by her nieces and nephews about their friends and school. They laughed so much that her abdomen and lower back were sore by the end of the meal.

  After supper, they sat in the family room and ate cookies and talked about old times until nearly nine o’clock.

  When Anna Mae began to yawn, Kellan stood and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I think you’ve had enough excitement for tonight,” he said, rubbing her shoulder. “You should get some rest, and we’ll visit again tomorrow.”

  Anna Mae covered his hand with hers. “You’re probably right.” She glanced over at Kathryn. “Everything was wunderbaar. Thank you so much for arranging this visit.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Kathryn said, waving off the comment. “It was no problem at all. We’re just glad you’re here.” She took David’s hand in hers and looked at him. “Right, David?”

  “Ya.” He smiled at Anna Mae. “We’re very happy you’re here.”

  Anna Mae and Kellan stood and collected their coats. They then hugged and kissed the children before heading for the door.

  “You must join us for supper again tomorrow night,” Kathryn said. “We’ll have some guests along with you.”

  Anna Mae’s heart leapt in her chest. “My parents?”

  “Ya.” Kathryn nodded. “It will be fine. Have faith.”

  Anna Mae looked at her brother. “How do you think Daed will take my visit?”

  “I pray it goes well.” David’s expression didn’t mirror the certainty of his words.

  “Same time tomorrow night?” Kathryn asked.

  “That sounds perfect.” Anna Mae hugged Kathryn and shook David’s hand before she and Kellan headed to the SUV.

  While they drove down the road, Anna Mae sniffed back tears. Overwhelmed by the emotion of seeing her brother and his family again, she began to sob.

  “Hey, Annie,” Kellan cooed, rubbing her arm. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.” She laughed in spite of herself. “I guess it’s silly to be so happy to see my family that I cry, huh?”

  “No, it’s not. It makes perfect sense. I think your brother was feeling emotional too. He didn’t cry, but he looked like he might when we first got there.”

  “I noticed it too.” Anna Mae fished a tissue from the center console and wiped her eyes and nose. She pointed at an approaching intersection. “Turn right here and then take the second left.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Kellan negotiated the turns. “Where are you taking me?”

  “You’ll see.” Anna Mae rubbed her abdomen as the familiar farmhouse came into view. She directed Kellan to turn onto a long driveway leading to the large home.

  Memories flooded her mind—long hot days working in the garden, lazy summer nights spent sitting on the porch singing, winter evenings spent watching the snow from the front windows. Her whole childhood had played out in that very house. Her first Christmas, her first birthday, her first kiss from her childhood friend Daniel Yoder, her first heartbreak when Daniel told her he was in love with Linda Chupp—every significant childhood memory came from that farmhouse.

  A light shone from the center window on the second floor. “He’s still awake,” she mumbled. “Probably reading from the Bible.”

  “Who?” he asked.

  “My father,” she whispered.

  “Oh. Do you want to go up to the house?”

  She shook her head. “No. I don’t think he’d want to see me.” Fresh tears splattered on her cheeks.

  “Come here.” He pulled her over to him and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t cry. You don’t know how tomorrow night is going to turn o
ut. He may see you and break down in tears, realizing how much he missed you.”

  “I doubt it.” She wiped her tears with the tissue.

  Kellan rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “His heart will be full of joy when he sees you’re carrying another grandchild for him. You mark my words.”

  A bump came from within her abdomen, and she giggled.

  “What?” he asked, a smile growing on his handsome face.

  “Feel this.” She put his hand over the area where the kicks were plunking her. “I think Butterbean hears her daddy.”

  Kellan gave a little laugh. “See? Even our Junior agrees with me.”

  “Junior?” she asked with a chuckle.

  “Yes, Junior,” he continued. “You just see tomorrow night. His grandpa will be so thrilled to see you that he’ll welcome us back into the family. Right, little buddy?” He kissed her and then put the SUV in reverse and backed out of the driveway. “Let’s get you back to the room so you can get some rest. Tomorrow will be another exciting day.”

  Kathryn gently closed the door to Lizzie and Ruthie’s room and then crossed the hall. Opening the door, she peeked in and found Junior and Manny snoring in their beds.

  She tiptoed down the hallway with a smile and entered the bedroom. “They’re all sleeping,” she said.

  David looked up from his Bible and nodded. “It was a long and exciting night for them,” he said, placing the Bible on his bedside table.

  Kathryn sat on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath. “Are you still angry with me about the visit?”

  He sighed. “I’m still not convinced it’s going to go well tomorrow. It was gut to see her and Kellan, but I don’t think this is the right time.”

  She gave him a sad smile. “I respect your thoughts, but would you try to keep an open mind tomorrow?”

  He shrugged. “I’m not certain it will help. You can’t change my father.”

  “No, I can’t, but I can pray.” She nodded toward the Bible. “What were you reading?”

  “I was reading in Colossians and a Scripture has been echoing in my mind: ‘Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’” He took her hands in his. “I’ll remind my daed of that verse if I have to.”

  Kathryn nodded. “That sounds like a gut plan.”

  He frowned. “I just hope my daed listens.”

  “Have faith.” She leaned over and brushed her lips against his. “I do.”

  CHAPTER 8

  The next morning, Anna Mae sat with Kellan at the long table in the formal dining room of the bed and breakfast. Platters of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, buttered toast, and hash browns cluttered the center of the table.

  Anna Mae sipped a glass of orange juice and listened as Richard and Sandra Sheppard, the innkeepers, discussed the day’s weather. When a knock sounded on the door, Sandra excused herself and headed toward the kitchen.

  Filling her plate with eggs and toast, Anna Mae contemplated the day, wondering what her siblings were doing and if she would get a chance to see them. Familiar female voices filled the kitchen, and her heart thumped.

  Could it be?

  “She’s right in here,” Sandra said, moving into the doorway to the dining room.

  Anna Mae glanced over just as Vera stepped into the doorway and smiled. Fannie and Barbie followed with hesitant expressions.

  Anna Mae gasped. “Mei schweschdern.” Her heart filled with joy.

  “Anna Mae!” Vera came toward her with her arms outstretched.

  Anna Mae stood and Vera engulfed her in her arms. “It’s so good to see you,” Anna Mae said. “How did you know we were staying here?”

  “Kathryn told me. I went to see her this morning and asked if you’d made it for your visit. You look wunderbaar gut!” Vera held her hands. “How are you?” She gestured toward Anna Mae’s belly. “When are you due?”

  “I’m doing well, and I’m due January fifteen.” Anna Mae gestured toward Kellan. “You remember my husband, Kellan.” She motioned toward her sisters. “Kellan, you remember Vera, Fannie, and Barbie.”

  While Fannie and Barbie stood back by the door, Vera held out her hand to him. “How are you?” she asked.

  “Fine,” he said, shaking her hand. He turned to Fannie and Barbie. “How are you?”

  They nodded, muttering gut in unison.

  Sandra appeared with a tray containing donuts, mugs, and a coffee pot. “Why don’t you ladies join Kellan and Anna Mae?” She deposited the tray on the table.

  “Thank you,” Kellan said.

  “We’ll let you all visit,” Sandra said, moving to the door.

  “Please let us know if you need anything,” Richard chimed in before following her into the kitchen.

  “Thank you so much,” Anna Mae said. She then gestured toward the chairs. “Please join us.”

  Vera sat next to Anna Mae while Fannie and Barbie sank into seats at the end of the table. Kellan poured each of them a cup of coffee.

  “How are your children?” Anna Mae asked.

  Vera prattled on about each of her seven children, and Anna Mae nodded and smiled. Anna Mae then shared information about her life in Baltimore and her work in Kellan’s business and with the quilt ministry. She asked Fannie and Barbie about their families, and they gave her short updates. Anna Mae wished they would warm up to her like Vera had.

  “Have you seen Daed?” Barbie asked while gripping her mug.

  “No, not yet,” Anna Mae said. She idly fingered her napkin. “We’re having supper with Mamm and Daed at David’s tonight.” She glanced over at Kellan, who gave her an encouraging smile.

  “Do you think that’s a good idea?” Fannie asked, lifting her cup to her mouth.

  Anna Mae glanced at Vera. “Well, I…”

  “I think it’s a wunderbaar idea,” Vera said. “This is the best time of year for a family to get together and work things out.”

  Barbie and Fannie exchanged looks of disbelief. Ignoring them, Vera updated Anna Mae on community news about friends who lived nearby.

  “I would love to see everyone,” Anna Mae said. “It would be nice to get the whole family together.”

  “It’s too bad you just missed a church Sunday,” Vera said. “That would be a good place to see everyone.”

  “We could always come back in the spring and plan to be here on a church Sunday,” Kellan offered.

  Anna Mae nodded. “That would be nice.”

  They chatted and shared stories for more than two hours. When Vera glanced at the clock, she stood. “I guess we’d better go. I told Lydia we’d be back by noon. I better call the driver.”

  “Would you ladies like a ride somewhere?” Kellan offered, standing.

  “Oh no,” Barbie said. “We can call our driver to come and get us.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Kellan said. “Anna Mae can rest for a while, and I can take you back to your house.”

  Barbie and Fannie exchanged cautious glances and Vera scowled at them. She then smiled at Kellan. “Of course we would like a ride. Danki, Kellan.”

  Anna Mae stood next to Kellan. “I’ll ride with you.”

  “No, you rest.” Kellan kissed her forehead. “I’ll take them. I’m sure we’ll see them again soon. I’m going to run and get my coat and keys. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

  Anna Mae’s eyes filled with tears as she turned to Vera. “I hate to see you go.”

  “I promise we’ll get together again soon.” Vera hugged her. “Ich liebe dich, mei schweschder,” she whispered.

  “I love you too,” Anna Mae said, wiping her eyes. She turned to Barbie and Fannie, who gave her uncomfortable smiles. “It was so good to see you both.”

  “You and your family are in my prayers,” Fannie said, touching Anna Mae’s hand.

  “Ya,” Barbie said with a nod. “May God bless you and your family.”

  Anna Mae followed them to the door where they met Kellan. S
he waved as they hurried off toward the truck. Tears trickled down her cheeks while she headed back into her room. It was wonderful to spend time with her sisters, but the cold manner in which Fannie and Barbie treated her was painful. Of course she’d expected it, but she’d hoped all of her siblings would’ve been warm like Vera and Kathryn.

  Lying down on the bed, she hoped for a miracle, that her parents would receive her warmly too.

  Anna Mae grasped Kellan’s hand while they walked up the path to Kathryn’s house later that evening. Her heart skittered with a mixture of anxiety and excitement when they reached the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked and then pushed the door open to find her nieces and nephews gathered around her parents.

  When her gaze met her mother’s, Mary Rose stood and gasped. “Is that you, Anna Mae?” she asked in Dietsch. “Is this my Anna Mae?”

  Anna Mae nodded. “Ya, it’s me, Mamm. It’s really me. Kellan and I came to see you for Christmas.” She turned to her father and found him staring at her, a deep frown imprinted on his face.

  Mary Rose rushed to the door. “Oh, my! It’s a Grischtdaag miracle!” She gathered Anna Mae in her arms and wept. “God has answered my most fervent prayers.”

  “Mamm,” Anna Mae whispered, her voice quavering. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you so much.” Her mother smelled just as she’d remembered—vanilla mixed with strawberry.

  “Oh, Anna Mae,” Mary Rose said, taking her face in her hands. “Let me look at you.” She glanced down and gasped again. “You’re expecting!”

  “Ya,” Anna Mae said. “It’s our first.”

  “When are you due?” Mary Rose asked.

  “January fifteen.” She smiled at Kellan.

  He held out his hand. “Mrs. Beiler, it’s so good to see you. You look well.”

  “Oh, Kellan!” Mary Rose shook his hand. “Are you taking gut care of my dochder?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Kellan looped his arm around Anna Mae’s shoulders and beamed. “She’s the light of my life. I’m so blessed to have her by my side.”

  Kathryn entered the room and rushed over to them. “Kellan! Anna Mae!” She held out her hands. “Hand me your coats, and let’s head into the kitchen. Supper is ready. I made my famous meatloaf and rolls.”