“Someone’s here,” Laurie said, jumping up from her chair. “Maybe it’s Mom or Dad.”
Meredith watched as her sister went to the door. Several minutes later, Laurie returned to the living room with Jonah at her side. He smiled and held a paper sack out to Meredith. “Your mamm asked me to bring these ginger cookies to you, and there are some primroses on the porch.”
“Oh, you saw Mom today?”
He nodded. “I stopped by your folks’ house to see how you were doing, and your mamm said you were here.”
“That’s right, and I’m happy to say that I’m doing much better now and was more than ready to come home.”
“I’m glad to hear that, but you need to take it easy and not try to do too much,” he warned.
Meredith stiffened. First Mom, then Laurie, and now Jonah? Why did everyone think they needed to tell her what to do?
“Would you like me to plant the flowers for you?” Jonah asked. “Today’s my day off, and I have nothing better to do.”
“We’d appreciate that,” Laurie said before Meredith could respond. “And when you’re done, you can join us for lunch, and we’ll have the ginger kichlin for dessert.” She glanced quickly at Meredith. “Isn’t that right, Sister?”
Meredith nodded. What else could she do? With Jonah offering to plant the flowers, she couldn’t very well say no to him joining them for lunch.
“That sounds good,” Jonah said with a grin. “But don’t go to any trouble on my account.”
“It’ll just be soup and sandwiches, and I’ll start fixing our lunch right now.” Laurie flashed Jonah a wide smile and hurried from the room.
Meredith didn’t know why, but she felt kind of awkward and shy around Jonah. She was relieved when he said he was going to plant the flowers and went out the door.
Rising from the sofa, she headed for the kitchen to see what she could do to help Laurie with lunch.
“What are you doing in here?” Laurie asked, turning from the stove, where she was stirring a kettle of leftover vegetable soup.
“I came to help.”
Laurie shook her head. “I can manage just fine. Besides, you’re supposed to be resting.”
Meredith’s fingers dug into the palms of her hands. “I’m not an invalid, Laurie, but if it would make you feel better, I’ll sit at the table while I make the sandwiches.”
“I guess that would be okay. Sorry if I seem so bossy.” Laurie handed Meredith the sandwich fixings, along with some plates and a knife. “I’m just trying to do as Mom asked and take care of things so you can rest.”
Meredith took a seat and relaxed against her chair. “I appreciate that, and I promise not to do anything strenuous.”
“That’s good to hear.” Laurie stepped away from the stove and glanced out the window. “Looks like Jonah has gotten one bunch of primroses planted already. He sure is a nice man. Makes me wonder why he’s not married.”
Meredith shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess he hasn’t found the right woman yet.”
“Jah, maybe so.” Laurie remained at the window a few more seconds, then returned to her job at the stove.
I wonder if my sister is interested in Jonah, Meredith thought. I suppose the two of them might get together someday, but Laurie doesn’t really seem like Jonah’s type. Meredith opened the bread wrapper and took out several slices. But then, I guess that’s really none of my business. I just need to concentrate on getting ready for the birth of my baby.
CHAPTER 5
This is sure a gut middaagesse. Danki for inviting me to stay for the meal,” Jonah said after he’d eaten a few spoonfuls of soup.
Laurie smiled at him from across the table. “I’m glad you think the lunch is good. With the weather warming more every day, it won’t be long before we’ll want something cold to eat.”
“That’s probably true for most,” Jonah agreed, “but I like soup just about any time of the year. It’s a hearty meal that sticks with you. Least it does for me. And by the way, don’t let this weather fool you. Winter can remind us that it’s not letting go just yet. I know the wind isn’t slowing up any.”
Meredith sat quietly eating as her sister and Jonah continued chatting.
“Do you ever get tired of working on buggies?” Laurie asked, placing a sandwich on her plate, while looking at Jonah with an eager expression.
Jonah shook his head. “I like what I do, and since I’ve also started making other types of buggies that aren’t for the Amish, it’s created some new and interesting challenges for me.”
Meredith stared at her half-eaten bowl of soup, barely listening to the conversation going on around her. She felt tired all of a sudden and really had no appetite. However, for the baby’s sake, she needed to eat regular meals, so she forced herself to finish the soup and eat half a sandwich.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Jonah said, lightly touching Meredith’s arm. “Am I boring you with all this talk about my job?”
Meredith jumped at his unexpected touch. “Uh, no. Guess I just don’t have much to say.” She quickly reached for a napkin and blotted her lips. “I’m feeling kind of tired, so if you two don’t mind, I think I’ll go back to the living room and rest awhile.”
“Go right ahead,” Laurie was quick to say. “Plenty of rest is what you need right now.”
Wordlessly, Meredith cleared her dishes and placed them in the sink. She was almost to the kitchen door, when Jonah called, “Meredith, is there anything else you might need me to do?”
She turned, and was about to say no, when Laurie spoke up. “Actually, there is something. Meredith is planning to use one of the spare bedrooms upstairs for the boppli’s room, and it needs to be painted.”
Meredith’s face heated as her lips tightened. How could Laurie embarrass me like this? She looked at Jonah and forced a smile. “I’m sorry my sister brought that up. I certainly don’t expect you to do any painting. My daed will get it done whenever he finds the time. And if he can’t do it, then …”
Jonah held up his hand. “I don’t mind painting. In fact, I’d be happy to do it, and I have the time right now.”
“That’d be great.” Laurie smiled at Jonah. “Why don’t we go upstairs, and I’ll show you which room? The paint’s sitting out, and the ladder’s up there already, so everything’s all set to go.”
Jonah looked at Meredith, as though seeking her approval.
“It’s fine with me, if you’re sure,” she said quietly. It was hard enough to accept help from her family and close friends, and it made her feel funny to have Jonah, whom she really didn’t know that well anymore, here at the house doing chores for her—chores she’d once planned to do herself.
Jonah gave her a lopsided grin. “I’m definitely ready to begin.”
“Before I forget,” Meredith added, “danki for planting those flowers for me.”
“You’re welcome. The soil was good and wet from the rain we had earlier, so they were easy to put in the ground.”
Meredith stood awkwardly, looking at the floor, unsure of what else to say. She was glad when Laurie turned to Jonah and said, “Okay then. I’ll lead the way.” She paused a moment and smiled at Meredith. “I’ll do the dishes as soon as I show Jonah the room.”
Meredith nodded and started for the living room. She was certain her sister was interested in Jonah. The whole time they’d been eating lunch, Laurie could hardly take her eyes off him, and the slight blush on Laurie’s cheeks made it apparent that she felt attracted to him. Meredith wondered if Jonah noticed Laurie’s interest. Could he be attracted to her, too? If so, Mom would be pleased, because she was always saying she wished Laurie had more of a social life.
But it’s none of my business, Meredith reminded herself as she wandered over to the living-room window and looked out. Luke’s horse was moving about in the corral. A lump formed in her throat. Seeing Socks there made her feel guilty for selling him, and worse than that, it caused her to think about Luke. If he hadn’t been killed, he
would have been painting their baby’s room, not Jonah. If Luke were still alive, she wouldn’t need her sister’s help, either. If Luke were here, they’d be making plans for when the baby came and taking childbirth classes together at the midwife’s clinic.
She closed her eyes and tried to imagine that Luke was right there. She could almost see him helping her paint the baby’s room, going to childbirth classes with her, and holding their baby. It was so clear and real, it was nearly a shock when Laurie came down the stairs and announced that Jonah needed some rags.
Meredith quickly wiped away the tears that had crept from her eyes. “You’ll find a box of lumpe in the utility room.”
When Laurie left the room, Meredith moved away from the window and curled up on the sofa. No amount of wishing will bring Luke back, she told herself, squeezing her eyes tightly shut. Dear, Lord, will it ever stop hurting so much?
When Jonah left Meredith’s house later that day, he was tired, sweaty, and speckled with beige paint. For once, the persistent breezes actually felt good after painting all afternoon in the stuffy room. Jonah hadn’t wanted to make the upstairs too chilly for Meredith, so he’d opened the window in the room he’d painted, just a little, for ventilation. He would never have admitted it to Meredith, but painting walls was not really his thing. He was glad he’d been able to help her, though. She had seemed a bit hesitant at first, but when she’d seen the finished room she’d smiled and said he had done a good job and that she appreciated all his hard work. Jonah planned to check on Meredith as often as he could, and if there were other things that needed to be done, he’d gladly do them. He just hoped she’d be willing to accept his help.
Jonah gripped the reins a bit tighter as Socks shook his head and started to trot. “Whoa there, steady boy. What’s your rush, anyways?”
The horse had been in no hurry when they’d first left Meredith’s place. In fact, Socks had balked like a stubborn mule when Jonah tried backing him away from the hitching rail. He figured the horse was familiar with his surroundings and didn’t want to leave. Then, too, maybe Socks thought Luke was coming back. Either way, it had taken some coaxing to get the horse down the driveway and onto the main road, and now the unpredictable animal wanted to run at lightning speed. Of course, it hadn’t helped when Meredith’s dog started barking and running back and forth in his kennel.
Jonah felt the relentless wind rushing against his still-perspiring skin. A chill went through him, and he pulled his jacket tighter around his neck. March was the month when everyone celebrated spring’s arrival, but it could be a real teaser. Jonah felt good whenever he could get outside and use all that pent-up energy he’d been storing through the winter to get something done. Then days later, it could be just the opposite, reminding him that winter was still hanging on and he’d have to wait a bit for more of those spring-fever days. It was always nice when the winds were behind them and April came rushing in.
One thing’s for sure, Jonah thought. This horse of mine will keep me on my toes. I’ll have to remember not to let my guard down no matter where I am or what the weather is like.
Jonah’s thoughts went to Meredith again. He could tell she was struggling with depression over losing Luke. It was understandable, though. Who wouldn’t be despondent after they’d lost a loved one—especially when they’d thought they had their whole future together? Jonah knew from seeing all that his sister Jean had gone through that grieving for a loved one was an ongoing process that required continued help and support. But Jean had made it through the rough times after losing Abe, so he felt sure that Meredith would, too. She just needed time to heal, and support from friends and family would surely help.
By the time Jonah turned his horse and buggy up the lane leading to his folks’ house, he was exhausted. He’d had to fight for control of Socks almost the whole way. He’d just gotten Socks unhitched from the buggy when Herbie came running around the side of the house, barking and wagging his tail.
“Stay back!” Jonah shouted, but it was too late. The dog was already nipping at the horse’s feet.
When Jonah loosened his grip slightly on the lead rope, Socks jerked free and took off after the dog.
Woof! Woof! Herbie raced around the yard, with Socks kicking his feet in the air, hot on the dog’s tail. The next thing Jonah knew, Herbie took a flying leap and landed in a pile of manure on the side of the barn.
Jonah groaned. “Phew! What a schtinke!”
Mom rushed out of the house. “What’s going on out here? What is all the commotion about?” Then she spotted Herbie yelping and rolling around in the grass. “Oh, no,” she moaned, pointing to the dog. “How in the world did that happen?”
Jonah explained what had transpired and ended with an apology. “Guess I should have kept a better hold on Socks. Just never expected Herbie to start nipping at him like that.”
Mom’s brows furrowed. “That gaul’s been nothing but trouble since you bought him from Meredith. I know she needed the money and all, but you should have thought twice before bringing that unpredictable animal home.”
“It wasn’t the horse’s fault that Herbie started nipping at his feet.”
“That may be so,” Mom replied, “but it is his fault that he chased after the dog, and now Herbie smells so bad he’s going to need a bath.”
“I’ll do it,” Jonah said, knowing it was probably the best way to get back in Mom’s good graces. “Just give me a minute to get Socks put away in his stall, and then I’ll fill one of the galvanized tubs for Herbie’s bath.”
“Just be sure you add some hot water to the tub. The weather’s not warm enough to give the poor dog a cold-water bath.” She studied Jonah a few seconds. “Looks like you could use a bath yourself. What have you been up to today?”
“I ran a few errands, and then I stopped by the Kings’ place to see Meredith. But when I got there, I learned that she’d gone home and one of her sisters would be staying with her. So I went to Meredith’s house to see how she was doing.” Jonah motioned to the paint splatters on his arms. “Ended up planting some flowers and painting a room, but all in all, it was a pretty fair day.” He looked at Herbie, still wallowing around the yard, and grimaced. “At least it was, until I came home.”
Philadelphia
Susan’s shift was just about done for the day, but before she left the floor, she wanted to check on her John Doe patient one last time. A few days ago, he’d taken a turn for the worse and had begun having seizures. The doctor had prescribed medication for the convulsions, and she hoped and prayed it was doing the job. This poor man had been through enough and deserved a chance to be well again.
“I’m going home now, Eddie, but I’ll see you tomorrow,” Susan said as she entered the patient’s room and checked his vitals, ventilator, and feeding tube one last time. “Nurse Pamela will be here with you tonight, so you’ll be in good hands.”
No response. Not even the flutter of an eyelid.
Sometimes Susan felt foolish talking to her patient when he was in a coma, but there was a chance he could hear her, even if he wasn’t able to respond. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be trapped within one’s own body. But then again, maybe the mind went someplace else—somewhere safe until the person eventually woke up.
Susan stopped at the foot of his bed. “Heavenly Father,” she prayed out loud, “whoever this young man is, You must have a purpose for keeping him here on earth, so please touch his body as only You can.”
CHAPTER 6
Bird-in-Hand
By the first of April, Meredith felt much better physically, and with Grandma Smucker helping her sometimes, she’d begun making head coverings to sell. She had been warned by the doctor, as well as her midwife, not to do anything strenuous and to let others help with the things she couldn’t or shouldn’t be doing. Meredith spent much of her time sewing on the coverings, and even though she sat to do it, she felt good to be actively doing something again. Sewing was relaxing, and it gave her plenty of
time to plan and think about her new role as a mother.
Meredith also enjoyed going to the childbirth classes at the midwife’s clinic a few miles up the road. Laurie went with her because she had agreed to be Meredith’s coach. During the sessions, they learned the Bradley Method. Meredith was all in favor of using a more relaxed approach to childbirth, which this method emphasized. By practicing deep breathing and having Laurie’s support as labor coach, Meredith would be able to deliver her baby without using drugs or going through surgery, unless she experienced a problem during labor. She also appreciated the emphasis on having a healthy baby and what she could do to eat right and stay in shape.
Meredith was glad she was no longer housebound and looked forward to going to the farmers’ market with Alma in a week. Today was Friday, and Alma was baking bread, while Meredith sat at her Grandma King’s old treadle sewing machine, making another head covering. Some women in their community used converted machines, run by a battery, but she preferred the old-fashioned kind. There was a sense of satisfaction that came from pumping her feet up and down to get the needle moving. Sitting at this older machine made Meredith think of all the things Grandma had made for her family over the years. Grandma and Grandpa King lived in a rural area of Kentucky, with Dad’s brother Peter and his family, so Meredith didn’t see them that often. Before they’d moved there four years ago, Grandma had given Meredith her old sewing machine, saying her fingers were stiff from arthritis, and she couldn’t sew anymore.
Meredith glanced toward the kitchen door, listening to Alma hum while kneading her bread dough. Alma didn’t have any children or grandchildren to pass things down to, but she’d been generous in sharing some personal items with those in their community. Just this morning, when Alma came over a few minutes before Laurie left for the market, she’d brought Meredith an old wooden cradle that had been hers when she was a baby. Meredith appreciated the gift but felt bad that Alma hadn’t been able to use the heirloom for her own babies. If Luke were still here, their firstborn’s cradle would have been made by him.
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