“Oh, I see.” Ben tilted his head to one side.
While several seconds passed between them, Elaine became unnerved. It was uncomfortable, watching Ben run his fingers through his hair as he stared at her. What else could she say? He was obviously a bit distressed.
“Mind if I ask who gave you the Valentine?”
“Jonah Miller, but it was before he married Sara.”
“I noticed when I first got here, it looked as if you’d been crying. In fact, your eyes are still puffy.” Ben leaned even closer and pointed to the card still in Elaine’s hand. “Was it because of that?”
“Sort of.” Elaine quickly put the card back inside the drawer. “It made me think of everything Jonah has gone through. Losing his wife hasn’t been easy for Jonah—especially with two small children to care for. Furthermore, he had to get through the holidays, and so close to when Sara’s accident happened.” Elaine could tell Ben had some doubts. “You know me,” she quickly added, hoping to make light of the situation. “I get emotional about things.”
“Guess it makes sense.” Ben got up and took his cup and plate to the sink. When he turned around and sat back down, she joined him at the table. They continued to visit, but the conversation was strained. When Ben said he’d better go so Elaine could do whatever she needed to do in preparation for her dinner, she felt relieved.
Elaine walked him to the door. “Danki for coming, and also for the candy and card.”
“You’re welcome.” Ben leaned down and gave Elaine a kiss. “See you soon.”
After Elaine returned to the kitchen, she paused, touching her lips. She couldn’t help comparing the way she’d felt when Ben kissed her to how she used to feel when Jonah kissed her. Why didn’t I put Jonah’s card away after I first looked at it? Did Ben’s kisses always feel this way? It was terrible, but Elaine couldn’t remember any of Ben’s kisses and how they made her feel afterward, yet she could still recall the fluttering of her heart whenever Jonah had kissed her in the past. She hated to compare things between Ben and Jonah, but not only were their kisses different, the Valentine’s cards they’d given her had been nothing alike.
I need to stop thinking about Jonah, Elaine admonished herself. I have no future with him.
Jonah groaned as he entered the living room and flopped onto the couch. Things had been unusually busy in his buggy shop, and he’d had an equally busy evening, taking care of his children. Mom stayed with Mark and baby Martha during the day, but after she fixed supper for them, Jonah had insisted she go home and spend the evening with Dad. Jonah’s folks had been supportive since Sara died, but Jonah didn’t want to take advantage of them. They had a life, too, and it was Jonah’s responsibility to take care of his children.
Martha and Mark were both asleep now, so it was Jonah’s time to relax and unwind. Glancing at the calendar on the wall nearby, he realized tomorrow was Valentine’s Day. His thoughts took him immediately to Sara and how happy she’d been when he’d given her a Valentine’s card the previous year. Of course, she’d always been appreciative of everything he’d done, even something as small as a card.
Jonah wasn’t the only one hurting, though. He thought about Mark, and how Sara’s death had affected the dear little boy. Mark was only three—not old enough to understand the meaning of death. What the poor kid did realize was his mama wasn’t around anymore. Mark’s young mind couldn’t comprehend why she had suddenly disappeared, and Jonah probably hadn’t done a good job trying to explain it to him.
Right after Sara died, every morning when Mark would wake up, he’d cry for his mother. During the day, one or both of the little guy’s grandparents played with Mark and kept him busy while Jonah was at work. In the evenings, when Jonah took over the children’s care and put Mark to bed, he cried himself to sleep, asking for his mama. It tore at Jonah’s heartstrings, but he hoped in time things would get better.
Thankfully, Mark’s need for Sara was lessening, but tonight the little guy had another episode, sobbing for his mother. By the time he finally rocked his stepson to sleep, Jonah was exhausted.
Unbidden tears sprang to Jonah’s eyes, and he blinked to keep them from falling onto his cheeks. Seeing the Bible on the coffee table, he opened it and read several passages. One in particular grabbed his attention: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair,” 2 Corinthians 4:8.
Closing the Bible, Jonah silently prayed, Help me, Lord. Help me not to give in to despair. For my children’s sake, please give me the strength to be a good daed.
CHAPTER 29
How were the roads on your way over here?” Elaine asked as she and Priscilla prepared for the Valentine’s Day dinner they’d be hosting.
“Not too bad with my horse and buggy, but I noticed a few cars sliding on the road a bit. It’s begun snowing again, too.”
“Let’s hope the weather doesn’t get any worse, or our guests may end up canceling.” Elaine gestured to the food cooking on the stove. “I don’t know what I’d do with all this if the people don’t show up.”
“Maybe it’s just a few flurries and won’t amount to much.” Priscilla tried to make her tone sound hopeful. Truth was, she had some concerns about the weather.
“I hope you’re right. Sometimes, though, the lighter snows can be as treacherous as the deeper ones.”
“Let’s try not to worry about it.” Priscilla gave Elaine’s arm a gentle pat. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
Elaine smiled. “I appreciate your positive attitude.”
“Not always, but I try to be. As my grandma Herschberger used to say: ‘It’s always best to look on the bright side of things.’ Besides, there’s no use worrying about something if it hasn’t happened yet.”
Elaine nodded. “Good advice.”
Priscilla gestured to the card on the desk. “Looks like you received a Valentine’s Day card. Bet I know who gave it to you.”
“Ben dropped it by last night, along with a box of chocolates.”
Priscilla smacked her lips. “Yum. Where are you hiding the candy?”
Elaine snickered. “I put it in the pantry so I wouldn’t be tempted to eat all of it at once. Would you like a piece?”
“Maybe later. It’ll be a nice treat to indulge in after our guests have gone home.”
“You’re right. Did Elam give you anything for Valentine’s Day?” Elaine asked.
“Not yet. Elam is working at his folks’ bulk food store today, but we do have plans to go out to dinner tomorrow evening, so maybe he’ll give me something then.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Elaine moved closer to Priscilla. “I don’t suppose he’s said anything about marrying you yet.”
“No, and I’m wondering if he ever will.” Priscilla wished her friend hadn’t brought the topic up. It was hard to keep a positive attitude whenever she thought about how long Elam had been courting her without a marriage proposal. What made it worse was when others asked about it. Now was definitely the time for a change of subject.
“How many people did you say will be here tonight?” Priscilla asked.
“Five couples. And since they are all celebrating their wedding anniversary, it’s a very special occasion.”
Another discussion about marriage. How am I ever going to stop thinking about Elam and the proposal I long for?
“Say, I’ve been wondering something,” Iva said as she and her husband sat in the kitchen, eating an early supper of roast beef with potatoes and carrots. It was one of Daniel’s favorite meals, and Iva enjoyed preparing it for him.
Before he took a bite, he set his fork down and gave Iva his full attention. “What have you been wondering about?”
“Some time ago you mentioned you might speak to Elam and ask what his intentions are toward our dochder. Just wondered if you did, and if so, what his response to it was.”
Daniel shook his head. “After thinking it through a bit more, I decided not to say anything.”
“Thought Elam might not take kindly to me butting into his personal business.”
“But if his business involves our daughter, then it’s our business, too.” Iva wondered if she ought to speak with Elam’s mother about this.
“I don’t want it to seem as if we are desperate to get our daughter married off. And we sure can’t force Elam into something he’s obviously not ready for yet.”
Iva tapped her foot impatiently. “I see your point, but I really wish there was something we could do to speed things along. Makes me wonder if Elam is afraid of marriage.”
“The best thing for us to do is to pray for Elam—that he will follow the Lord’s leading. If they are meant to be married, it will happen in His time.” Daniel shrugged. “Or maybe someone more suited to Priscilla will come along.” He picked up his fork and started eating again.
Iva’s forehead creased. She hoped the “someone” wasn’t David. She’d seen the way he looked at Priscilla, and she couldn’t help but worry, especially now that he planned to join the Amish faith, which meant he would most likely stay in the area. Maybe I will speak to Elam’s mamm. Virginia might have some influence on her son.
By the time Elaine and Priscilla’s guests arrived, the snow had gotten worse.
“The roads are treacherous,” one woman said as they all took seats at the table. “But from the delicious aroma of the food you’ve cooked, it was worth coming out on a snowy night to celebrate all our anniversaries.”
Everyone nodded affirmatively, and Priscilla and Elaine set out the food.
The dinner guests consisted of an older couple, Tracey and Steve Munroe, and their four daughters with their husbands. The Munroes had gotten married fifty years ago, and Priscilla suspected from their tender expressions as they looked at each other that they were still very much in love.
As Priscilla stood beside Elaine, making sure the celebration ran smoothly, she enjoyed listening to the older couple share memories of the years they’d been together. As they did so, their daughters listened attentively, while casting loving glances toward their husbands.
Priscilla thought it was sweet when some of the couples held hands. They were all obviously in love.
Mrs. Monroe had tears in her eyes as she smiled at Priscilla and Elaine. “Early in our marriage, times were tough, but if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. God has given us a loving, caring family, and we certainly feel blessed.”
Mr. Monroe nodded in agreement.
Priscilla turned her back, using her apron to dab at the tears threatening to fall. When she turned back around, she noticed some of the others using their napkins to wipe their eyes, too.
Mr. Munroe stood, clearing his throat, and added some humor, as well. It was funny, hearing him recount how things had been growing up in a house with all brothers. “Now I know how my mother felt about being the only woman in a houseful of men.” But as he continued to speak, his eyes glistened with tears. “No man could be any happier than I, sharing a life with my special girls.”
Everyone clapped and wished one another many more years of happiness.
As the family ate heartily, laughing and talking, each had a story to tell about how they’d met. Priscilla enjoyed listening, although it made her long all the more for a marriage proposal. It seemed each of the Monroes’ daughters had chosen February fourteenth for her wedding day, with the hope of having the same special relationship her parents had. The youngest daughter was the last to share her story, and afterward, her husband stood up. Hugs and congratulations went around the room when he announced they were expecting their first child.
Priscilla sighed. Having a baby was another dream she hoped would come true someday.
They had just set the pies out for dessert, when someone knocked on the back door. Elaine went to answer it, while Priscilla poured coffee and tea.
When Elaine returned to the dining room, Priscilla was surprised to see David with her.
He grinned at Priscilla and handed her a gift bag. “I remembered you would be here helping Elaine tonight. So I came by to give you this. Happy Valentine’s Day, Priscilla.”
Her breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t really expected a card from him, much less a gift.
Suddenly, the room became quiet; all eyes seemed to be on her and David. “That was very thoughtful of you, David,” Priscilla whispered. Thinking it would be best not to open David’s present in front of their dinner guests, Priscilla suggested she and David go to the kitchen.
“Would you please excuse us?” Priscilla glanced at each of the guests. Grins and nods were given her as the room became alive with conversation again.
“Go right ahead.” Elaine stepped aside as David followed Priscilla out of the room.
“The roads are sure nasty tonight.” David leaned on the kitchen counter as Priscilla set the gift bag on the table.
“Our dinner guests said the same thing. I’m surprised they didn’t cancel.” Her brows puckered. “For that matter, how come you ventured out in this weather?”
David grinned at her as he shook his head. “Aw, I’d never let a little bad weather keep me from bringing you a Valentine’s Day gift.”
Priscilla felt the heat of a blush. Pulling her gaze away from him, she opened the bag. In addition to a card, she found a package of stationery and a pretty pink pen with her name on it.
“Danki, David. This is very nice.”
“Du bischt willkum. Did I say ‘you’re welcome’ right?”
She nodded.
David gestured to the card. “Go ahead, open it.”
Priscilla did as he asked, silently reading the card. For Someone Special. I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with lots of good things, because you’re someone very special to me. With Love, David.
Oh my! Priscilla sucked in her breath. Could others be right? Does David see me as more than a friend?
“You’re awfully quiet, Priscilla. Don’t you like the card?”
“Uh…” She felt tongue-tied and wasn’t sure how to respond. “It’s a nice Valentine, David.”
He stepped forward and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you like it, because it’s how I feel about you.”
Priscilla sank into the nearest chair, holding the card to her chest.
“I hope I haven’t overstepped my bounds.” He sat beside her.
“As you know, Elam and I have been courting for some time.”
David nodded. “Yes, and I’m not trying to come between you. It’s just that—well, I feel complete when I’m with you, Priscilla. In fact, I think I might be falling in love with you.” He paused, smiling at her. “I won’t pressure you to make a decision, but if you have any feelings other than friendship for me, maybe you should rethink your relationship with Elam.”
Priscilla sat quietly, mulling things over. She’d never expected such a bold proclamation. Why didn’t I see this coming? Did I do something to encourage him? David has been pretty attentive since he came to Arthur. What do I really feel for him?
CHAPTER 30
Adam’s brows furrowed, and Leah noticed the determined set of his jaw as he clenched the reins. They had taken the girls out for supper this evening to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but now she worried whether they would make it home or not. The snow flurries that had begun earlier in the day had become thicker, and the harsh wind caused blizzard-like conditions. Huddled in the back of their buggy, the girls didn’t seem to notice the hazardous conditions as they giggled and chattered away like magpies. Maybe it was good the children didn’t realize how dangerous the driving conditions were. Leah didn’t want them to worry about such things.
Leah remembered how when she was a child she hadn’t worried about snow on the roads. She also recalled how much fun it had been to play in the snow.
Please, Lord, Leah prayed, help us to get home safely.
“Try not to worry,” Adam said, as though sensing her fears. “My horse knows the
way home even without me guiding him.”
“But this wind, and the snow… It’s so fierce all of a sudden.” Leah lowered her voice so Amy, Linda, and Carrie couldn’t hear, as she clung to the edge of her seat. “It’s hard not to be concerned when our buggy is rocking to and fro. And what if the cars don’t see us in time?”
“We’re almost there.” Adam spoke in a reassuring tone.
“How do you know? I can barely see the road.”
“See how my horse is picking up speed? He always does when we get close to home.”
Leah had to admit it was true. Her horse did the same thing.
A short time later, they were turning up the driveway leading to their home. It was dark outside, but Leah could see a ray of light coming from the battery-operated lantern Adam had turned on and placed in one of the barn windows before they left for supper. Coal stood barking from the porch, and his greeting was like music to Leah’s ears.
Leah relaxed, sighing with relief. Thank You, Lord.
“I hope anyone else who is out in this weather makes it home safely,” Adam said as he directed his horse up to the hitching rack.
Leah thought about Elaine and Priscilla and wondered whether the foul weather had kept people from coming to their dinner this evening. If they had come, she hoped everything at Elaine’s house was going okay.
“Oh my, we’ll never make it home in this weather!” Tracey Monroe, who had set up the dinner with Elaine, stood at the window, shaking her head. “I probably should have canceled this evening as soon as the snow started falling earlier today. I just had no idea it would get this bad. Why, I can’t even see where our cars are parked anymore.” Her voice was tight with worry. “I was hoping the snow wouldn’t amount to much—especially since we were all looking forward to this family celebration.”
“It’s okay, sweetheart.” Tracey’s husband, Steve, slipped his arm around her waist. “None of us could have known the weather would get worse. We all wanted to be here as much as you did.”
The Restoration Page 19