A tiny smile played on Amy’s lips. “Guess it’ll kinda be like when Carrie was born and I got to help my mamm with some things.”
“That’s right.” Cora handed Amy a tissue, wishing she had been a part of her granddaughters’ lives back then. What she wouldn’t give to have experienced the joy of seeing Mary taking care of her daughters.
“Now wipe your eyes, and let’s get back to the table before our food gets cold.” Cora gave Amy’s shoulder a gentle tap. “We wouldn’t want to miss having ice cream for dessert now, either.”
“Okay.” Amy took hold of Cora’s hand. “I love you, Grossmammi.”
A sob caught in Cora’s throat, and she swallowed hard, trying to push it down. Hearing the child refer to her as “Grandma” nearly melted her heart. “I love you, too, sweet girl.”
“You’d better turn when we get to the next crossroad and take an alternate route to the restaurant,” Priscilla suggested as she and Elam headed in the direction of Yoder’s Kitchen.
He glanced her way with raised brows. “Why would I do that? This road takes us directly to where we want to go.”
“I know, but there’s construction up ahead. David and I went through it today when I was giving him driving lessons. If we keep going, we’ll probably be stuck waiting there awhile.”
Elam shook his head. “I haven’t heard anything about construction being done on this road. Besides, it’s late, and they should be done working for the day.”
“You may not have heard about it, but I know it’s there, and you should really turn onto a different road, just in case they’re still working on it. It may take us a little longer to get to the restaurant, but it’ll be better than having to wait while traffic is redirected.” Priscilla squinted, looking out the side window. “Unless you want to sit for a while and wait.”
Elam just kept his horse and buggy moving.
“Aren’t you going to turn?”
“Nope.”
Priscilla frowned as Elam drove right by the roads she’d suggested. What was he trying to prove? Well, he’d see soon that she was right. When they had to stop because of the road construction, she was prepared to tell Elam, “I told you so.”
When they approached the section of road under construction and the flaggers came into view, Priscilla did just that. It was wrong to bring it up to him, but Priscilla couldn’t seem to help herself.
“Okay, so you were right, and I was wrong. Does that make you happy?” Elam mumbled, bringing his horse to a stop. “I can’t believe the road crew is working this late.”
Priscilla folded her arms, staring straight ahead. “Of course I’m not happy. I would have been happy if you had taken another route. Now it looks like we’re going to be sitting here for a while.” Priscilla’s stomach protested, almost as loud as she’d spoken.
“We’ll get there when we get there.” Elam lifted his chin stubbornly.
They sat for nearly twenty minutes, neither saying a word. If it had been David driving the horse and buggy, I bet he would have listened to me, Priscilla fumed. He’s not nearly as stubborn as Elam.
“I’m glad you were free to have supper with me this evening.” Ben smiled across the table at Elaine. “We haven’t had much quality time together lately.”
“I know, and now with spring in full bloom, and summer on the horizon, things will get busier for both of us.” Elaine picked up her glass of water, but before she could take a drink, she spotted Jonah at a table across the room with his parents and the children. Mark sat in a high chair beside the table, and baby Martha was in her carrier on the floor near Jonah’s feet.
Elaine couldn’t resist the urge to say hello, so she excused herself and went over to the Millers’ table.
“Guder owed.” She smiled at the group. “Looks like many in our community are here at Yoder’s this evening.”
Jonah’s mother, Sarah, nodded. “So it would seem. Adam Beachy is here with his family, too. They’re sitting toward the back of the room.”
Elaine glanced in the direction she pointed. Sure enough, Leah and Adam were here, along with Adam’s nieces; his mother, Cora; and her son, Jared. Glancing in another direction, she saw David Morgan and his grandparents, Walt and Letty. There truly were a lot of familiar faces here tonight.
“Your kinner are sure growing.” Elaine directed her comment to Jonah, but all he did was offer a brief nod. His coolness caused Elaine disappointment. Earlier in the week when Jonah fixed her window, he’d seem relaxed and friendly. After he’d put the new window in place, they’d sat on the porch eating banana bread, drinking coffee, and visiting. What had happened between now and then to make him appear to be so distant? Could it be because Jonah’s folks were with him and he didn’t want them to get the wrong idea about him and Elaine? Or perhaps Jonah was preoccupied, having his children to care for this evening. Still, it was a little uncomfortable for Elaine, with him barely acknowledging her.
“It was nice seeing all of you. Enjoy your meal.” Elaine tickled Mark under his chin and bent down to stroke the baby’s soft cheek.
How blessed Jonah is to have these special children, Elaine thought as she returned to the table where Ben waited. Determined to enjoy her evening, she smiled and said, “Are you ready to order now, Ben?”
He tapped his fingers on the menu. “I’ve had plenty of time to decide, but you haven’t. Mind if I ask why you felt the need to go over to Jonah’s table?”
“I wanted to wish them a good evening and say hello to the kinner. They’re both adorable, and I feel bad they lost their mother when they’re so young.” Elaine remembered how hard it had been when she’d lost her parents. She didn’t appreciate Ben’s perturbed expression, either. How could he be irritated because she’d said hello to the Millers? Then she remembered how he’d acted the other day, when he came by and saw Jonah replacing her window. Elaine wanted to say something about it—reassure Ben he had nothing to be jealous about, but now was not the time or place. Instead, she merely picked up her menu and studied it for the best choice.
“Sure hope some food is left on the buffet,” Priscilla muttered as she and Elam entered Yoder’s Kitchen.
He grunted. “You worry too much. The restaurant doesn’t close for another hour or so. I’m sure they’ll keep replenishing the buffet.” It irked him to see Priscilla in such a dour mood this evening. Usually when they were together they visited and laughed, but not tonight. Of course, not turning up the road she’d suggested and then having to wait awhile because of road construction hadn’t helped any. She was probably as hungry as he was, which could be why she was out of sorts.
The hostess showed them to a table, but instead of looking at her menu, Elam caught Priscilla staring across the room.
“What are ya lookin’ at?” he asked. Then he saw David seated at a table with his grandparents.
Can’t I ever be alone with my girl without him showing up? I wonder if he knew we were coming and came here on purpose. Elam gripped his menu. Maybe David won’t notice us. Sure hope if he does that he won’t come over here.
Their waitress came and took their order. Priscilla opted for the buffet, and Elam ordered a meal from the menu. They closed their eyes for silent prayer, and then Priscilla left the table to get her food.
Elam watched as she made her way around the buffet, choosing the items she wanted and putting them on her plate. Irritation welled in his soul when he saw David, dressed in Amish clothes, leave his grandparents and make his way to the buffet. When David approached Priscilla and they started talking, Elam’s frustration mounted. It took all of his willpower not to walk over and ask David to quit visiting with Priscilla. Of course, if he did, he’d not only look foolish, but Priscilla would probably be even more upset with him than she already was. No, he had to be cautious about what he said or did concerning David. If things kept going well with his two part-time jobs, he’d soon have the money he needed and could ask Priscilla to marry him.
But if he and Priscilla
kept having disagreements like they’d had on the way here, he might lose her to David. So rather than make a scene, when David glanced his way, Elam smiled and waved. He was determined to be as pleasant as possible the rest of the evening, wanting it to end on a good note. Elam had been in love with Priscilla for a long time, and he would do whatever he could to make their relationship last. Now if David would just give up his silly notion of becoming Amish and go back to Chicago, everything would be as it should. One thing Elam was sure of: Priscilla would never get serious about David if he remained English.
CHAPTER 35
By the end of May, Cora and Jared were moved and somewhat settled into their new home. It was good to have her own, familiar furniture again. And true to his word, Adam had helped them move boxes. A few other men from his church district came to help, too, including one of Adam’s employees, Ben. Several of the women in the area provided meals and helped Cora unload boxes and organize things. She felt blessed to be living in Arthur, and even though she was no longer Amish, she felt like she was a part of the community.
Today was Saturday, and Cora didn’t have to work, so she planned to do a little baking. Since it was Memorial Day weekend and the clinic was closed on Monday, she’d have an extra day to get more things unpacked as well.
This morning, when Cora had gotten out of bed earlier than usual, she’d noticed a faint hint of dawn on the horizon. She’d fixed a cup of tea and hurried to the front porch to sit on the glider and watch the sun rise. It had been so relaxing to sip hot tea and watch daylight unfold she vowed never to sleep in again. The rosy dawns were too beautiful to miss.
As Cora looked out the back window, it seemed like spring had suddenly sprung on them in full force. Everything seemed to be blooming, and several people had come into the clinic this week, complaining of allergy symptoms. The pollen count was up, which Cora noticed by all the light green dust on her car. She could probably have written her name across the hood. Fortunately, Cora didn’t experience allergy problems, but she felt bad for those who did.
Cora moved away from the kitchen window and took out her baking supplies. Maybe I’ll ask Jared to wash the car sometime today.
Jared was out back, showing his friend Scott around the yard. No doubt, they’d be making a stop at the pond so Jared could show Scott how the fish carried on when he fed them. Watching the fish certainly had a calming effect for Cora and Jared. He enjoyed having the fish so much and didn’t even complain about feeding them or keeping the pond cleaned and full of water.
As Cora passed the window again, to get some more spices from the cupboard, she caught sight of a hummingbird, hovering near the feeder she’d put out earlier this morning. She stopped and watched as the tiny creature landed on the perch and took a drink. It was a male hummingbird, and certain ways he moved his head made the light reflect on the feathers directly under his throat. At times, the feathers looked black; other times they appeared to be red. The little bird was curious, too. Cora giggled when at that moment the hummingbird flew all around Scott’s head. Then as quickly as it had appeared, it flew off into the trees.
Cora paused a moment to watch the boys. It was warm enough to have the kitchen window open and let the soft breeze waft in. Jared and Scott had taken a seat in the lawn chairs close to the fish pond. Although she couldn’t hear all of their conversation, Cora caught Jared saying something about Chad. It was good to know Jared had a friend like Scott—one he could confide in and express his feelings to. Jared hadn’t said much to Cora about Chad or the accident since it happened, but she was glad he was comfortable discussing things with Scott. Cora was certain it hadn’t been easy on Jared hearing Chad’s last words before he’d died. She would never press him about it, though. If her son wanted to discuss that horrible night with her, he would—in his own good time.
Cora was pleased to see Jared looking so happy. Life felt wonderful right now, and she thanked God every day for it.
Life can be delicate, just like the hummingbird, Cora mused. How can anyone believe God doesn’t exist? While Cora had never doubted God’s existence herself, for a good many years she had lost her faith. Those days were behind her now, for her faith in God had never been stronger.
As Jonah poured nectar into the hummingbird feeder he’d purchased last week at Adam’s hardware store, he thought about the cool reception he’d received from Ben, who’d waited on him. Jonah wasn’t sure why Ben had acted so curt. Could it have something to do with Elaine? He’d seen Ben’s look of disdain when Elaine came over to their table at Yoder’s last month to say hello. It had made Jonah uncomfortable, to the point he could hardly talk to, or even look at, Elaine. Had Ben been irritated because she’d left him sitting alone for a few minutes, or was it something else?
Ben had to be aware that Jonah and Elaine had once been a courting couple. If she hadn’t told him, then someone else probably had. Maybe Ben was bothered because Elaine talked to me. He could even think I’m interested in her, or that I may try to get back what we once had.
Shaking the notion aside, Jonah’s thoughts went to Sara. He remembered how she had taken Mark to watch some hummingbirds get banded at Leah’s place last July and said they really enjoyed it. She’d told Jonah she planned to get a feeder for their yard so Mark could watch the little birds zip back and forth. Sara’s wish had been granted, only she wasn’t here to see the hummers or the expression on her son’s precious face when he watched the tiny birds with a look of awe.
Now don’t start feeling sorry for yourself again, Jonah reprimanded himself. I need to get on with the business of living, and focus on the positive things around me.
He stepped onto the porch, where his mother sat rocking the baby while Mark played nearby with some toys.
“Sure is a beautiful day.” Jonah set the empty container of nectar on the porch and took a seat on the wooden bench beside Mom’s rocking chair.
She smiled. “It’s a good day for sitting and reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation.”
Jonah nodded. “I haven’t seen any hummers yet today, but since the feeder is full now, I’m hoping some will come soon to feed.”
“Mark will like that.” Mom stroked Martha’s rosy cheek. “Can you believe this little maedel is already six months old? She’s growing like a weed.”
“I know. It won’t be long and she’ll be noticing the hummers, too.”
Mom reached over and touched Jonah’s arm. “You look content today, son. I’m glad you took the day off to be with the kinner—and me, too. We don’t often get to spend quiet time together like this.”
Jonah scooched over on the bench so Mark could join him; then he lifted the little guy onto his lap. “Since Dad and Timothy seemed more than willing to work today, I figured I wouldn’t have to feel guilty for taking some time off. Since it’s Memorial Day weekend, it’s nice having these three days.”
Mom tousled Mark’s head. “And it’s well deserved, because this little guy likes to spend time with his daed.”
“I like to spend time with him, too.” Even though Jonah wasn’t Mark’s biological father, in every other sense of the word, he was the boy’s dad.
“We ought to have a cookout this weekend. Maybe do up some hamburgers and hot dogs over a fire.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“I’ll have to clean the picnic table off today. Even from here, I can see the pollen all over it.”
“Oh, look, Mark. Look over there!” Jonah pointed to the hummingbird feeder.
Mark’s eyes lit up, and he pointed, too. “Blummevoggel!” he exclaimed.
“That’s right,” Jonah said, smiling at the boy’s exuberance. “It’s a cute little hummingbird.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go with us this evening?” Priscilla’s mother asked as she put a batch of brownies into a plastic container. “It’s been awhile since we got together with our neighbors for an evening of visiting, games, and refreshments.”
“I know, but Elam said he’d
be dropping by to take me for a ride. If I’m not here, he’ll be disappointed.”
“I understand.” Mom gave Priscilla a hug. “Enjoy your evening.”
Priscilla smiled. “I hope you and Dad enjoy your evening, too.”
After Priscilla’s parents left, she sat on the front porch and waited for Elam.
Maybe he’s not coming, she thought after an hour went by. Maybe he got busy or just plain forgot.
A fly buzzed and circled her head. Priscilla slapped at it with irritation. She enjoyed being outdoors, but the pesky bugs could be a nuisance.
More time elapsed, and Priscilla was about to give up and go inside, when she heard the familiar sound of a horse’s hooves on the pavement. A few minutes more and she caught sight of a horse and buggy coming up the driveway. Right away she could tell the rig wasn’t Elam’s.
Priscilla squinted, shielding her eyes against the rays of the setting sun. She was surprised when a few minutes later David stepped out of the buggy. “How do you like it?” he called, waving at her.
Priscilla stepped off the porch and joined him by the hitching rack. “I’m surprised to see you tonight, David. And, where did you get this nice horse and buggy?”
He grinned, like a little boy with a new toy. “They’re mine. I took money out of my college fund to buy them.” He stroked the horse’s mane and gestured to the buggy. “What do you think?”
“They’re both very nice. Did you get the buggy from Jonah Miller?”
“As a matter of fact, I did. He had a used one and let me have it for a reasonable price.” David’s blue eyes seemed brighter than usual this evening. “Wanna take a ride?”
Priscilla hesitated but finally nodded. It was obvious Elam wasn’t coming, so why shouldn’t she have a little fun with David?
Smiling to himself as he headed down the road with his horse and buggy, Elam felt more anxious than ever to see Priscilla this evening. In addition to getting in more hours at his second job, his dad had given him a raise at the bulk food store.
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