But she couldn’t let her what-could-have-been thinking take over her life, and when thoughts like that entered her mind, she’d just have to let them go. She had to be positive. This cradle would be special, too, because it was from Alma. She could feel Alma’s love and encouragement, and appreciated all that the woman did to help out.
Meredith’s gaze went to the cradle sitting in one corner of the living room. Tears sprang to her eyes. In just three short months her own baby would be lying in that cradle, and she could hardly wait. She hadn’t told anyone, but she secretly hoped it would be a boy with his father’s blond hair and beautiful turquoise eyes. Of course, if she had a little girl with strawberry-blond hair like hers, she would love her just as much. The fact that the child would be a part of Luke brought Meredith some measure of comfort.
“Are you ready to stop for lunch?” Alma asked when she ambled into the living room sometime later. “I’ve heated the leftover stew from last night, and we can have some fresh bread to go with it.”
“That sounds wunderbaar.” Meredith stopped sewing and patted her protruding stomach. “I didn’t even realize I was hungerich until you mentioned food. That bread sure smells good. Now my belly won’t stop growling.”
Alma grinned and pushed a wisp of gray hair back under her covering. “I’ll see you in the kitchen then, because just smelling the bread baking, along with that savory stew on the stove, has made my stomach rumble, too.”
Meredith smiled as Alma headed back to the kitchen. She was glad Alma had remembered to turn her hearing aids on today so they could communicate easily. More times than not, Meredith ended up with a strained voice from talking loud enough for Alma to hear. But she never said anything about it, for Alma was such a sweet, caring person.
The slightly plump, rosy-cheeked woman was in her early seventies, and her cooking and baking skills made Meredith feel her own paled in comparison. But it wasn’t Alma’s cooking Meredith admired the most; it was her sweet, gentle spirit and knowledge of the scriptures. Some folks—both Amish and English—didn’t read their Bibles often enough, and therefore didn’t always know when God was speaking to them. Alma, on the other hand, read her Bible faithfully and liked to talk about some of the verses she’d memorized. This morning when she’d first arrived, she’d quoted Matthew 5:4 to Meredith and talked about how God blessed and comforted those who mourn, and how that comfort often comes from family and friends who surround the grieving one with their love and support.
I needed that reminder today, Meredith thought as she pushed her chair away from the sewing machine and stood. Even though at first she hadn’t wanted Laurie or Alma to stay with her, now she was glad to have their help, as well as their company. She especially appreciated listening to Alma talk about when she was a girl and how the Lord had given her a heart for other people’s children when she’d found out she couldn’t have any of her own. Alma was a remarkable woman, who had not only learned to accept the fact that she was barren, but had also relied heavily on the Lord, as well as her friends, after her husband’s sudden death.
Meredith started toward the kitchen, but stopped for a minute and closed her eyes. Thank You, heavenly Father, for bringing Alma into my home, and for the knowledge that You know my pain and will see me through this time of grief.
Philadelphia
“I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when we surprise Grandma and Grandpa tonight,” Anne told Susan as they ate lunch. It was one of those rare times when they had the same schedule and could actually meet in the hospital cafeteria at noon.
Susan smiled as she sprinkled a little salt on her hard-boiled egg. “It’s not often we get to do anything special for them, so I hope everything works out as we’ve planned.”
“I’m sure it will,” Anne said in a confident tone, scraping the container of her tuna salad. “I mean, what could go wrong?”
“Nothing, I hope.” Tonight was their grandparents’ forty-fourth wedding anniversary, and Susan and Anne had planned a surprise dinner in their honor at Keya Graves, a lovely seafood and steakhouse in Darby. They’d invited Grandma and Grandpa’s closest friends, and told their grandparents to meet them there at seven o’clock this evening. Grandma and Grandpa had no idea that family and friends would arrive half an hour early and be waiting to surprise them when the hostess ushered them into the restaurant’s banquet room.
“I’m thrilled that everyone we invited is coming,” Anne added. “Usually with an event like this, a few people can’t make it.”
“You’re right, and it’s an indication of how well Grandma and Grandpa are liked,” Susan added. “Everything should be perfect, right down to the old-fashioned anniversary cake we ordered.”
“Any change with your Eddie fellow?” Anne asked.
“He’s stopped having seizures, so that’s one positive thing.”
Anne smiled and took a bite of her apple. “It sure is. Do you think he’ll be moved to rehab soon?”
“I don’t know. Guess it all depends on whether he continues to progress.”
Deep lines formed across Anne’s forehead as she slowly shook her head. “I wonder if we’ll ever know who’s responsible for that young man’s injuries.”
Susan shrugged. “I’m still hoping and praying, but only the Lord knows what lies ahead for poor Eddie.”
Bird-in-Hand
“I know Mom’s not back from her dental appointment yet, but when she gets here, would you let her know that I might be a little late for supper?” Jonah asked his dad as they finished up their work in the buggy shop.
Dad’s bushy eyebrows furrowed. “Are ya goin’ someplace?”
“Thought I’d hitch up my horse and take a ride over to Meredith’s house. I haven’t seen her for a few days, and I’d like to know how she’s doing and see if she needs my help with anything else.”
Dad tapped his foot as he stared at Jonah. “You’ve been goin’ over there a lot lately. Aren’t ya worried about what others will say?”
Jonah tipped his head. “What is it you think they might say?”
Dad cleared his throat real loud. “Do I need to remind you that Meredith’s a young widow, and she’s expecting a boppli besides?”
A rush of heat spread across Jonah’s face. “Exactly what are you saying, Dad?” he asked.
“I just feel you oughta be concerned about what others may think. Some folks could get the idea that you have it in mind to make Meredith your wife.”
Oh, great, Jonah thought. Now I’m in for one of Dad’s long lectures. I’d better put an end to this before it gets started.
“Look, Dad,” Jonah said, talking slowly and deliberately, “I’m helping Meredith because she’s a friend, and after seeing what Jean went through when she lost Abe, I want to do whatever I can to help Meredith during this difficult time. That’s all there is to it, and I don’t care what anyone thinks.” Before Dad could say anything more, Jonah slapped his straw hat on his head and rushed out the door.
A short time later, after he’d washed up and changed his clothes, Jonah headed down the road with his horse and buggy. He didn’t know if it was because Socks was getting used to him, or just pure luck, but for the first time since he’d acquired the horse, Socks was actually behaving himself.
Jonah looked out at the freshly planted fields and figured as long as they didn’t get any flooding, the corn and other crops would do well with the spring rain they’d been having. The last couple of days had been rainy and raw, but the sun had come out around noon today, causing everything to smell clean and fresh. The harsh winds had finally died down, making room for milder days. Seeing the grass green up and the trees and flowers bloom, gave Jonah a sense of joy and anticipation for the future. He hoped Meredith sensed that, too, for she certainly needed the hope of spring—something positive to look forward to.
As Jonah approached Meredith’s house, Socks picked up speed, and when he turned the horse up the driveway, Socks ran all the way to the barn.
&nbs
p; Jonah chuckled. “This is home to you, isn’t it, boy?”
Socks whinnied as if in response.
Woof! Woof! Fritz barked out a greeting from his kennel. As soon as Jonah had the horse secured to the hitching rail, he strode across the yard to greet the dog.
“You’re smart, just like Herbie, aren’t ya, boy?” Jonah reached his hand through the wire fencing and stroked Fritz’s silky head.
Plink! Plink! A few drops of water landed on his hand. He looked up and noticed that the canvas tarp, held up by four poles over part of Fritz’s dog run, was full of rainwater.
“All that water needs to come off,” Jonah said, giving Fritz another pat. “Otherwise the tarp might break, and you’ll end up with a bath you probably don’t want.”
Fritz looked up at Jonah and whined. Did the animal understand what he’d said?
Jonah unlatched the gate and let Fritz out. “Go on now, boy! Go up to the house.”
Fritz hesitated a minute, then tore across the yard and leaped onto the porch.
Jonah looked around for something he could use to drain the water from the tarp. He spotted a broken tree limb lying just outside the kennel, so he picked it up. Standing directly under the tarp, he gave it a good push. A quick burst of water rolled off one end, but most of it remained in the middle.
Jonah pushed against the tarp once more, this time jiggling the limb around a bit.
R-r-i-i-p! W-o-o-sh! The canvas tore down the middle, and a blast of chilling water poured out on Jonah’s head, drenching his shirt and trousers, and finding its way into his boots.
“Oh, great,” Jonah moaned. “Now what have I done?”
CHAPTER 7
Meredith set her sewing aside and glanced at the clock on the wall above the fireplace. It was a quarter after six, and soon it would be time to eat supper. She was surprised Laurie wasn’t back from the farmers’ market yet. The market closed at five thirty, and Laurie’s driver usually had her home by six.
Try not to worry, she told herself. They probably got caught up in traffic, which is normal for a Friday evening.
Meredith was about to head for the kitchen to see if Alma needed any help, when a knock sounded on the door. She hadn’t heard a vehicle or horse and buggy come up the driveway, but then she’d been engrossed in her work.
Meredith opened the front door. Jonah stood there, soaking wet. Fritz sat beside him, perfectly dry. “Ach, Jonah, what happened?”
“I—I tried to get the water off the tarp co–covering Fritz’s dog house,” Jonah explained through chattering teeth. “And I–I’m afraid in my eagerness to do a good job, I ended up t–tearing a hole in the canvas, so all the w–water spilled out on me.” Jonah leaned away from Meredith and shook water from his hair. “It’s not that chilly outside today, but the water was c–cold as ice.”
Meredith stifled a giggle. Poor Jonah looked so miserable, but he also looked funny with his thick, curly hair sticking out in all directions and water dripping down his face. “I’m so sorry that happened,” she said. “You’d better come inside and get warm.” Meredith hesitated a moment, then added, “My husband was about the same size as you, so you can borrow some of his clothes.”
Jonah gave her a sheepish grin. “I appreciate that. If I t–tried to go home like this, I’d not only get the inside of my b–buggy all wet, but I’d probably lose my grip on the reins. My hands are almost numb.”
When Meredith opened the door wider, Jonah stepped in and stood on the small braided entrance rug. “It’s okay, pup,” she said looking down at Fritz. “You can come in, too.” She smiled as the dog went over and flopped down in his usual spot near her rocking chair. “If you’ll wait right here, I’ll go upstairs and get you some clothes,” she said to Jonah. “And it looks like you’ll need a towel as well.”
Jonah, looking more than a little grateful as well as a bit embarrassed, nodded. While he waited in the entryway, Meredith went upstairs to get the clothes. She hadn’t given away any of Luke’s things, because she couldn’t part with them, even though they’d go to good use if she gave them to the local thrift shop. Maybe someday she’d be ready to give his things up, but not yet. She wanted to save a few articles of clothing, anyway, to show their baby when he was old enough to be told about his father.
Meredith opened the dresser and took out a pair of Luke’s black trousers and the pale blue shirt she had made for his last birthday. Just holding them made her tear up.
Out of impulse, she bent her head into the material of his shirt and inhaled deeply. It was freshly laundered, but she could still smell the fragrance of Luke. Or maybe it was just the idea of touching something Luke had worn that made her feel so gloomy all of a sudden.
Struggling to keep her emotions in check, Meredith went downstairs and handed the clothes to Jonah. “You can change in there,” she said, pointing to the bathroom down the hall. “You’ll find some towels in the closet behind the door.”
Jonah hesitated a minute, looking at Meredith with obvious compassion. Did he know how hard it was for her to let him wear Luke’s clothes?
“Go ahead. I’ll wait for you in the living room,” she said.
“Danki.” Jonah went quietly down the hall.
Meredith returned to the living room, and as she seated herself in the rocking chair and reached down to pet Fritz’s head, the baby kicked. The joy of feeling that movement drove her tears away, and she smiled, placing both hands against her stomach. It was so amazing, feeling life within her belly. Sometimes it felt light, like a butterfly fluttering around. Other times, such as now, she felt a good solid kick or two. If the baby turned out to be a boy, she might name him after his father. If it was a girl, she’d have to come up with a name she liked.
When Jonah returned to the living room a short time later, tears sprang to Meredith’s eyes once again. Seeing him dressed in Luke’s shirt and trousers was almost her undoing.
“I tossed my wet clothes out on the porch, and I’ll bring your husband’s clothes back tomorrow after work,” Jonah said, shifting from one foot to the other. Did he feel as uneasy as she did right now?
“I’ll get you a plastic sack.” Meredith stood, but before she could take a step, Alma entered the room.
“Oh, it’s you, Jonah. Thought I heard voices out here. Did you come to join us for supper?” Alma asked.
He shook his head. “Just dropped by to see how Meredith was doing and ask if she needed me to do anything.”
Alma’s gaze went to Meredith. “So, do you have anything for this nice young man to do?”
Meredith, feeling more flustered by the minute, could only shake her head. It was strange how she felt when Jonah was around. Years ago, when they’d become friends in Florida, she was as comfortable with him as with any of her other friends. But now, for some reason, she felt somewhat uneasy around Jonah, and even a little guilty, wondering how others would feel about their friendship given that she was a widow.
“Well, since you’re here, Jonah, and I have supper ready, I think you ought to join us,” Alma practically insisted. “There’s plenty to eat, and one more at the table won’t make any difference.”
Before Jonah could respond, the back door opened, and Laurie joined them.
“Hello, Jonah,” she said, her lips curving into a wide smile. “I knew that was your horse and buggy out there because I recognized Socks. It’s nice to see you again.”
He nodded in response. “Same here.”
There it is again, Meredith thought, walking into the kitchen to get Jonah a bag for his wet clothes. That special look on Laurie’s face whenever she sees Jonah. I wonder if I should talk to her about it—warn her that Jonah might already have a girlfriend in Ohio, or that she’s being too forward. Or maybe it’s best if I don’t say anything. She might not appreciate it, and what if I’m wrong about things, and it’s just my imagination?
“Guess I’d better get going,” Jonah said when Meredith came back, handing him the plastic sack.
&nbs
p; He was almost out the door when Laurie hollered, “Aren’t you gonna join us for supper?” She sniffed the air. “From that delicious aroma, I’m sure Alma’s made something special.”
“I appreciate the invite, but my mamm’s probably holding supper for me right now, so I’d better go.” Jonah gave a quick smile and hurried out the door.
Meredith turned to Laurie. “How come you’re so late?”
Laurie’s face flamed. “What’s the matter, Meredith, don’t you trust me?”
“Of course I do,” Meredith replied. “Why would you even ask such a question?”
“Well, you looked upset when you asked why I was late, and I thought maybe …”
Meredith held up her hand. “I was only concerned because you’re not usually late. And since this is Friday night, when traffic is usually worse, I couldn’t help but worry.”
“Sorry about that, but I stayed awhile to help one of the other vendors put some things away in his booth. And you’re right—there was a lot of traffic.”
“That’s okay, you’re here now, so let’s eat,” Alma said, motioning to the kitchen.
Meredith didn’t know why, but she had a funny feeling her sister wasn’t being completely honest. Of course, she saw no reason for Laurie to lie, so she was probably imagining that, as well.
Ronks
Sitting around the kitchen table with her family that evening, Luann smiled at her youngest son, Owen, as he chomped away on a juicy drumstick. Grandma Smucker had made fried chicken for supper, and everyone seemed to be enjoying it.
“This chicken is appenditlich, Grandma,” eight-year-old Arlene said, licking her fingers.
Luann’s mother smiled. “I’m glad you think it’s delicious.”
Luann’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Kendra, wrinkled her nose and glared at Arlene. “It’s not polite to lick your fingers, Sister.”
The HOPE of SPRING Page 5