Priscilla nodded. “I was getting used to seeing the bare ground in spots where the snow had been melting. It’s nice seeing some grass after all this time, even though it’s brown.”
Elaine sighed. “Hopefully the snow will hold off till we get back home later this afternoon.”
“I hope so, too. It’s a little scary being out with the horse and buggy when the snow’s coming down.” Priscilla frowned. “Makes it hard to see out the front window, and my hand-operated windshield wiper can’t keep up with it.”
“When the roads are bad, I don’t like being out with the horse and buggy, either.” Elaine looked over at Priscilla and smiled. “Is there anything new going on with you lately?”
“Not really—just keeping busy tutoring David so he can learn our language, and of course helping Mom around the house. David wants me to teach him how to drive the horse and buggy, but it would be safer to wait till the roads are clear of snow before I take him out.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t ask Elam to teach him. They’re good friends, too, aren’t they?”
“Jah, but maybe he feels more comfortable with me. Elam can be impatient sometimes. Plus, he’s working two jobs now, so he wouldn’t have time.”
Elaine pulled her woolen shawl up around her neck. “So David still wants to become Amish?”
“That’s right. He seems quite determined, in fact.” Priscilla held the reins steady, giving her horse the freedom to move at his own pace, but in readiness to take control should he decide to go fast. “Of course, Elam doesn’t believe David will make it.” She sighed in exasperation. “Some of the things Elam has said sound as if he’s hoping David will fail.”
“Why would he hope that?”
Priscilla shrugged.
“Could Elam be jealous?”
“What does he have to be jealous about?”
Elaine gave Priscilla’s arm a light tap. “David’s attention toward you. It doesn’t take a genius to see he’s smitten with you.”
“Oh, no, he’s not—”
“Surely you’ve noticed the way David looks at you. Ben even mentioned it to me the other day. I’m sure there are others, including Elam, who’ve seen it, as well.”
Priscilla’s brows furrowed. “You and Ben have been discussing this?”
“Well, Ben brought it up after our last church service.”
“What exactly did he say?”
“He could tell after talking to David awhile, as well as watching his expression whenever you’re around, that he’s interested in you.”
Here we go again, Priscilla thought. “David and I are just good friends.” How many times have I said that recently? Priscilla concentrated on the road while listening to everything Elaine said.
“While that may be true, it seems as if David might want your friendship to be more.”
“David knows Elam is courting me.” Priscilla couldn’t accept what her friend was saying. She was certain David had no thoughts of horning in on her relationship with Elam.
“Some men become bold if they love a woman.”
Priscilla’s fingers tightened on the reins. If she were being honest, she’d have to admit she had wondered a few times if David might see her as more than a friend. Truth was, with Elam dragging his feet on a proposal, she’d found herself thinking a lot about David—even wondering if what she felt for him was more than friendship. She’d dismissed the idea, however. It was just a silly notion because she’d been courted so long without even a hint of marriage from Elam.
“Is the dinner you’re planning to host on Valentine’s Day still going to happen?” Priscilla asked, feeling the need for a change of subject.
Elaine nodded. “Are you still available to help out?”
“Of course. You certainly can’t do it alone.”
“I thought you might have plans to spend Valentine’s Day with Elam.” Elaine paused. “Or even David.”
“No plans have been made with anyone. Even if Elam had asked, I would have told him I’d be helping you on the fourteenth. If he wants to do something, maybe we can get together the evening after Valentine’s Day.” Priscilla chose not to comment on what David might be planning for that day. Since he knew she and Elam were courting, surely he wouldn’t expect to spend Valentine’s Day with her.
“What about you and Ben?” Priscilla glanced at Elaine. “Has he asked you to do anything with him that day?”
Elaine shook her head. “But then I’d already mentioned my plans to host a dinner, and Ben seemed to understand.”
“I like Ben. He’s so easygoing. Will you give him an answer to his proposal soon?”
Elaine nodded. “By the way, did I mention the dinner on Valentine’s Day will be another family group?”
“I don’t believe you did.”
“The parents of this group have four grown daughters. Each of them got married on Valentine’s Day, but in different years. When the mother called to make the reservation, she explained how she and her husband were also married on Valentine’s Day. That’s why their daughters chose the same date for their weddings. So this is going to be a big anniversary dinner for all of them.”
“Sounds nice.” Priscilla tried to sound enthusiastic. She was reminded once again how she was the only sibling in her family not married yet. Of course, her four brothers were older than she. Even though they never teased her about it, she was sure they all wondered why Elam hadn’t popped the question to their little sister yet.
They rode in silence until Priscilla guided the horse and buggy into Adam and Leah’s yard. A short time later, they sat at Leah’s table eating chicken noodle soup, with homemade wheat bread and the strawberry jam Priscilla had brought along.
Little Carrie sat beside Leah, chattering away and giggling when some of the jam stuck to her nose.
Priscilla noticed how patient Leah was with the child. And the look of adoration on Carrie’s face said it all—she loved Leah beyond measure.
When they finished their meal, Carrie went to the living room to play, while Priscilla and Elaine helped Leah wash and dry the dishes.
“I have some news I want to share,” Leah said once the dishes were done.
“Is it good news or bad?” Priscilla asked.
“Adam and I think it’s good news.” Leah placed her hand on her stomach and smiled. “I’m expecting a boppli.”
“Oh my! This is wunderbaar! I’m so happy for you.” Elaine hugged Leah and was quickly joined by Priscilla.
“When is the baby due?” Priscilla questioned.
“Late August or early September.” Leah glanced toward the door leading to the living room. “The girls don’t know yet. Adam and I decided to wait a bit longer to tell them, but it’ll probably be soon.”
Elaine smiled. “I’m sure they’ll be excited about it.”
“I hope so.” Leah went on to say that Adam’s mother was coming over to meet her granddaughters that evening. “I’m hoping it goes well.”
“It’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” Elaine gave Leah another hug. “Does Cora know you’re expecting a baby?”
Leah shook her head. “Not yet, but my guess is she’ll be pleased to have another grandchild.”
As Priscilla listened to Leah talk more about the baby and the future of her little family, she struggled with feelings of envy. It was wrong to be envious of her friend, but oh, how she wanted to get married and have a family of her own. At the rate things were going, it was doubtful she’d get married any time soon.
Cora’s heart pounded as she drove to Leah and Adam’s place. She was finally going to meet her granddaughters, but she had no idea what to say. Would they accept her as their grandmother? Would they be too shy to talk to her? She was, after all, a stranger to them.
Cora’s thoughts took her back to the day Leah had brought Carrie into the clinic with bee stings. The child had responded well to Cora then. And when Cora spoke to the two older girls near the schoolhouse several weeks ago, neither of them had seemed s
tandoffish.
“Maybe I’m worried for nothing.” Cora rolled down her window and breathed in the fresh air, which helped her relax and think more clearly. Lord, please give me the right words when I talk to the girls.
A short time later, Cora pulled her vehicle into Adam’s yard. When she stepped out and approached the house, her palms grew sweaty, and her feet felt like lead. Just when she’d thought she was beginning to relax, her nerves had taken over again.
Breathe deeply, she told herself as she knocked on the door. Breathe deeply and think only positive thoughts.
Leah answered the door and gave Cora a hug, inviting her into the living room. “Relax. It’ll be fine,” she whispered, as if reading Cora’s mind.
When she entered the room, three beautiful little girls sat on the couch, looking curiously at her. Adam had been sitting in his recliner, but he rose to his feet as soon as he saw her. “We’re glad you’re here. I’ve told the girls about you, and they’ve been waiting for your arrival.” He motioned to the children. “Cora, this is Carrie, Linda, and Amy.”
Cora moved slowly toward the couch, resisting the urge to grab each of the girls in a hug. She didn’t want to frighten them. “It’s nice to meet all of you.” She tried to wet her lips as her mouth went suddenly dry.
“Would you like something to drink?” Leah offered.
“Yes, please,” was all Cora could get out. Her throat felt so tight she could barely swallow, let alone speak.
“I know you,” Linda spoke up. “You talked to us near the schoolhouse, asking for eggs.”
Cora nodded.
“Carrie, you met Cora once when we went to the clinic because you’d been stung so many times,” Leah interjected before heading to the kitchen.
Carrie bobbed her head.
“Ich hot sie net gekennt.” Cora was glad she’d found her voice again.
The girls’ eyes widened.
“You speak our language?” Amy questioned, apparently quite surprised that Cora had said in Pennsylvania Dutch, “I did not know her then.”
Cora smiled. “I grew up in an Amish home.” Cora hoped they wouldn’t pursue this topic. How would they understand her reason for leaving? She wasn’t proud of what she’d done back then. If the girls had any knowledge of how selfish she’d been, they’d want nothing to do with her.
Cora took a seat on the sofa between Carrie and Linda, sitting quietly as she relished this special feeling. If only Mary could be here to see me sitting with her daughters.
When Leah returned a short time later, she gave everyone a bowl of popcorn as well as a glass of apple cider.
While they enjoyed the treat, Cora questioned the girls about school and their favorite things to do. If she kept them busy talking about themselves, maybe they wouldn’t ask her too many personal questions.
“If you’re really our grandma, how come we never met you before?” Linda tipped her head, innocently looking at Cora.
“She lived in a different state than us,” Adam responded. Cora was glad he’d spoken up.
The child seemed to accept his answer and continued to munch on popcorn.
“If you grew up in an Amish home, how come you’re not wearin’ Amish clothes?” Amy questioned.
Cora drew in a deep breath. This was a question she’d hoped she wouldn’t be asked. But then why wouldn’t one of the girls ask about the way she was dressed? Most women who spoke the native dialect of the Amish didn’t wear burgundy-colored dress slacks and a matching blazer. “Well, I’m not Amish anymore.” She hoped her simple answer would be good enough.
Seemingly satisfied, Amy looked at Leah and said, “Is there any more popcorn?”
Leah smiled and patted Amy’s head. “Of course. I’ll bring another batch out, and you can refill your bowl.”
“Me, too.” Carrie clapped her hands. “I love popcorn!”
Adam chuckled. “You’re not the only one, Carrie. It’s always been my favorite snack.”
Cora swallowed hard as the memory of her little boy eating a bowl of popcorn flashed into her head. Whenever Adam’s bowl emptied, he would snitch some of his sister’s popcorn.
“Do you girls have any pets?” Cora asked.
“Just Coal, but he’s really Uncle Adam’s dog,” Linda responded.
“He’s everyone’s dog,” Adam said. “That mutt is a real people-person.” He winked at Linda. “I mean people-dog.”
Everyone laughed, including Cora. It was nice to see this humorous side of Adam. He seemed relaxed with the girls and would certainly make a good father if he and Leah ever had children of their own.
As the evening progressed, Cora completely relaxed. When she rose to go, she told the girls she would be back soon for another visit. “Next time I come, I’ll bring my son Jared with me. He’s your uncle, too.”
CHAPTER 27
Cora’s visit with the girls went well, don’t you think?” Leah asked Adam after the children had gone to bed.
Adam nodded. “I was glad they didn’t ask a lot of personal questions, like why Cora left the Amish faith. Eventually they might, and it won’t be easy to explain.”
Leah moved a bit closer to Adam on the couch and clasped his hand. “God will give you the right words if they do ask more questions.”
“I hope so. I’m also hoping things go well when Cora—I mean, when my mother—brings Jared to meet the girls.”
“It may seem strained at first, but after they get to know one another, everything will be fine.”
“Life is full of changes, isn’t it?” Gently, Adam stroked her fingers. “Some good, some not so good.”
“You’re right, and it’s how we handle those changes that can make the difference in our attitudes and the example we set for others.”
“I hope my mother gets home okay.” Adam had been worried since it started snowing.
“I’m sure Cora will be fine. Remember, she lived in Chicago and had plenty of practice with winter weather, pretty much like ours,” Leah assured him. “It’s nice to know you’re concerned about her.”
“You’re right on both counts.” Adam reached over and placed his other hand on Leah’s stomach. “How have you been feeling today? Any morning sickness?”
She shook her head. “Not today, thankfully. The herbal tea I’ve been drinking has actually helped.”
“I’m glad.” Adam knew it would be difficult for Leah to fulfill all her responsibilities if she kept feeling nauseous. If that turned out to be the case, he would have to hire someone to help out.
They sat in silence, until Leah squeezed his fingers and said, “Do you think we should tell the girls about the boppli soon, before I start showing?”
“Jah, I believe we should.”
“Sure is nice to be with you tonight.” Elam moved closer to Priscilla and took her hand. He’d been invited to her house for supper, and her parents had gone to bed a short time ago. Elam wondered if Iva and Daniel were tired, or if they had simply wanted to give him and Priscilla some time alone. Whatever the reason, he was glad for this opportunity to be with the woman he loved—especially since, thanks to him working two jobs, they didn’t get to see each other as often as he liked.
Priscilla turned her head and smiled at him. It was such a sweet smile it took all Elam’s determination not to blurt out a marriage proposal. “I’m enjoying this evening, too.”
He stroked her hand with his thumb. “Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. Should we eat supper at Yoder’s Kitchen that evening? I can never get enough of their good food.”
Tiny wrinkles formed across Priscilla’s forehead. “I wish I could, Elam, but remember, I’ll be helping Elaine host another dinner that night.”
“Oh, that’s right. Guess you did mention it.” Elam was sorely disappointed.
“What about the day after Valentine’s? Could we go out then?” Priscilla asked.
“Guess it would be okay.” Elam would much rather go out on Valentine’s Day, but he understood Priscilla had to
keep her promise to help Elaine with the dinner. There might be fewer people going out the night after Valentine’s Day, too.
Elam leaned closer and was about to kiss Priscilla, when he heard a car pull into the yard. Priscilla must have heard it, too, for she left her seat and went to the window to look out.
“If I’m not mistaken, that’s David’s grandfather’s car,” Priscilla said. “But it’s hard to tell, since it’s dark outside.” She hurried to the front door.
A few minutes later, Priscilla returned to the living room. David was with her.
Oh, great, Elam groaned inwardly. The last thing he needed was David interrupting his evening with Priscilla. It seemed like this fellow had a knack for showing up at the wrong time.
“Look who dropped by with an apple pie.” Priscilla’s smile stretched across her face.
Wearing an eager expression, David bobbed his head. “Gram made it.”
“How nice. Please tell Letty I said thank you.” Priscilla took the pie. “I’ll take this to the kitchen and cut us each a piece.”
David nodded. “Sounds good to me.”
When Priscilla left the room, David moved to the couch and took a seat beside Elam. “How’s it going with your new job?”
“Fine. Between that and working for my dad, I’m keeping plenty busy.” Elam gritted his teeth. Apparently David hadn’t stopped by just to drop off the pie. He planned on staying. Elam wished now he’d taken Priscilla out to a restaurant for supper this evening instead of coming here.
“Gramps has been teaching me some things about woodworking. It won’t be long before I can look for a job in that trade.”
Elam grunted. “Bet that’s something you never learned in college.”
David chuckled. “You’re right.”
“So what else can you do?”
“Before starting college, I worked part-time at my dad’s veterinary clinic. Haven’t had a job since then, though. There was no need to, since my folks paid for my schooling and gave me spending money.” David pulled on his chin, like Elam’s dad did when he tugged on his full beard. “Oh, and I had a paper route when I was fifteen, but I didn’t make much money doing that.”
The Restoration Page 17