by Beth Wiseman
“I don’t understand.” Sadie folded herself into the rocker. “Why would Kade Saunders be buying up property in the middle of our community?” Then a thought hit her. Maybe he was coming here to live. Seemed a far-fetched idea, though.
“That ain’t all,” Lester said. He lifted his chin, challenging her to question him.
“What do you mean?”
“That twenty-acre tract right next to Noah’s clinic. It’s been for sale nearly six months. Saunders bought that too.”
Sadie’s eyes grew wild. Kade wasn’t moving here. He was just buying up all their property for some commercial use, because he had the money to do it. She’d never been more furious. How wrong she’d been about him. Greedy, greedy. He’d gotten a taste of their quiet community and decided to profit from it.
“Is there any more? Did he buy anything else?”
Lester stood up. “Not that I know of, Sadie. I’m real sorry. But you take the money I made on your place so that you can purchase you somethin’ else.”
Sadie wanted to tell him that this was her family property and that she didn’t want anything else, but Lester looked tormented, and she knew he had plenty to worry about with Mary.
“I’m going to talk to Mr. Saunders,” she said. “And when I get done with him, he’s going to sell me back my farm for what I sold it to you for, and you’re going to keep that extra money to tend to Mary’s medical needs.”
“Why would he sell it back to you for such a loss?”
“Because he can afford to.”
And with that, Sadie bid Lester good-bye and stomped toward the phone in her barn. Kade Saunders was about to get a piece of her mind
It amused Kade to see the stunned looks on the board members’ faces when he announced his resignation from Saunders Real Estate and Development. As he stared at the twenty dropped jaws, he decided to give them a moment to let the news sink in. He supposed that three months ago, if anyone had predicted such a maneuver, he’d have laughed. But he wasn’t the same man he had been three months ago.
“What happened to you during your hiatus?” Larry Paulson bravely asked when no one else spoke up.
“Nothing happened to me, Larry. My situation has changed, that’s all. As I’m sure you are all aware, I have full custody of my son, Tyler, following the death of his mother. Tyler has special needs, and I choose to be a hands-on father.”
Mouths were still agape, and Kade’s colleagues couldn’t seem to grasp the concept. All except for one, Sheila Burns. A mother of four, her eyes were sympathetic, and she had a slight smile on her face. “I think it’s a wonderful thing you’re doing, Kade,” she said. Sheila wasn’t the only female, or mother, in the room. However, the other four women present didn’t seem to share Sheila’s understanding.
“Kade, we all have children,” Carol Watkins said. “And some of our children have special needs as well. But we don’t give all this up, everything we’ve worked hard to achieve. Are you sure you’ve thought this through?”
Kade looked at Carol, then at Larry, Sheila, and continued around the room until he’d made eye contact with each and every one of them. Then he said, very simply, “Money will not buy any of us happiness. Everyone in this room has more money than they will ever spend in a lifetime. And how many of you can say, in all honesty, that you are truly happy and at peace with yourself and your life?”
While Kade might not have made such a comment several months ago, strangely enough, his colleagues seemed to consider his statement. No one said anything.
A knock at the conference room door pulled them all from their musings.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, Mr. Saunders,” Mindy, the receptionist, said. “But there is a woman on the phone who insists she must talk to you. I told her repeatedly that you are not available, but she said it’s urgent.”
“Who is it?” Kade asked.
“She said her name is Sadie. She said you rented a cottage from her?”
Kade’s heart thumped anxiously. “Put her through to my office.” Then he turned to the board members. “Please excuse the interruption. I need to take this call.” He left the room and walked a few paces to his office down the hall.
He answered on the first ring. “Sadie, is everything all right? How are you? Where are you? It’s so good to hear—”
“How dare you!” she yelled into the phone, startling Kade.
“How dare I what?”
“You bought my farm from Lester Lapp for a ridiculous amount of money. And now, I need you to sell it back to me for what Lester originally paid for it. That is my family farm, Kade!”
Kade couldn’t help but smile. “So, you are in Lancaster County, not Texas?”
Silence for a moment. “Ya. Now, will you sell me my farm back?”
“Of course. Why aren’t you in Texas?”
He heard her sigh on the other end of the phone. “Danki, danki. I was feeling homeless.”
“Sadie,” he said soothingly. “I’ll draw up the papers and get them to you. And, of course, for the same price you sold it to Lester Lapp. Now, why aren’t you in Texas?”
“Why did you buy so much property in Lancaster County, Kade?”
“Why do you keep answering a question with another question?” It was wonderful to hear her voice. He could visualize her face, the way she bit her lip and twisted her face into a scowl when she was angry.
“Are you planning something? Something bad? Are you trying to bring your Englisch business into our community, Kade? Because we won’t hear of such a thing, and—”
Kade smiled. “I sure have missed you, Sadie Fisher. I have missed you a lot. Now again I’ll ask, why aren’t you in Texas?”
A moment of silence, and then she said, “It wasn’t right for me.”
“It wasn’t right for you, or Milo wasn’t right for you?”
“Both,” she conceded.
Kade wasn’t sorry in the least to hear that news. It was a huge bonus to his already developed plan he’d put into action. A huge perk, indeed. “I’ll be coming to Lancaster County for Jonas and Lizzie’s wedding in a couple weeks. It will be wonderful to see you.”
He waited for her to reciprocate, but he only heard silence. “You still there?” he finally asked.
“Ya, I’m here.” Her tone seemed laced with skepticism, and Kade felt the need to make her understand how much he missed her.
“I meant what I said,” he began. “I’ve really missed you. I’ve wanted to contact you, but I didn’t want to interfere with the new life you were pursuing.” He waited again. Then he grinned. “You missed me, just a little, didn’t you?”
He waited, then was elated to hear her say, “Just a little.”
And that would be enough for now.
“How is Tyler?” she asked.
“He is adjusting, but he misses your tapioca pudding. Penelope, my housekeeper, made him some, but he doesn’t eat it by the bowlful the way he does yours.”
She chuckled, music to Kade’s ears. “Are you bringing Tyler to Jonas’s wedding?” she asked.
“Jonas would kill me if I didn’t bring Tyler. I think he likes Tyler more than me.”
“Ya, I understand that you and Jonas formed quite a friendship while I was away.”
“Shocking, huh? We got off to a rocky start.” Kade paused. “He’s a fine man, Jonas.”
“The best,” she said.
Mindy’s voice came across the intercom. “I apologize again, Mr. Saunders. It seems there is another call from Lancaster County coming in. And the woman also says it’s urgent. Do you want to take a call from Sarah Jane Miller?”
“Yes. Put her on hold. I’ll pick it up,” Kade said.
“I heard what that woman said,” Sadie said, sounding alarmed. “Why is Sarah Jane calling you?”
“I don’t know. Do you want to hold on while I find out?”
“Ya.”
“Okay, sit tight.” Kade pushed the hold button and clicked over. “Sarah Jane? What is it? Is eve
rything all right?”
Kade listened intently, and a minute later, hung up the phone. He clicked back over to Sadie. “Sadie, it appears I will be traveling to Lancaster County sooner than I thought.”
21
AS THE CAB PULLED UP IN FRONT OF JONAS AND SARAH Jane’s house, Kade counted the buggies. Twelve. A small crowd, but that’s the way he understood they wanted it. He helped Tyler out of the taxi and paid the driver.
This trip to Lancaster County had consumed Kade’s thoughts for the past three days, since Sarah Jane’s phone call. Tyler didn’t do very well on the plane last night, and an unfamiliar hotel room only added to the mix, rendering them both without much sleep. Then more problems this morning when Kade realized he forgot Tyler’s favorite breakfast cereal. You would think a hotel could round up some Honey Nut Cheerios.
He hated to be late to anything, particularly an occasion such as this. He glanced at his watch. Eight thirty. They were a half hour late.
Sarah Jane warned him on the phone that the service would last from three to four hours, and Kade had considered just showing up for the last hour. But somehow, that seemed disrespectful. It would be a long morning with Tyler, but Kade figured he could slip outside with Tyler from time to time, if necessary.
“Tyler, we need to be very quiet inside,” Kade told his son.
They headed up the porch steps, and Kade decided it would be best to enter through the kitchen. He quietly pulled the screen door open and tiptoed in with Tyler by his side. Kade handed Tyler a candy sucker, saved for this very moment. It wasn’t the recommended parenting tip, but Tyler smiled and began licking the lollipop. They walked around the corner and into the den.
Everyone was seated on wooden benches that had been lined up and angled toward the front of the room. Women were on one side and men on the other side, except for a few who were huddled around Jonas and Lizzie. Kade swallowed hard. The small congregation was singing a song in German, slow and without any musical accompaniment. Kade and Tyler slipped into the back row on the men’s side of the room, the song filling the room with enough sound to cover their movements.
Tyler seemed mesmerized by his surroundings, and his eyes darted about in every direction. But the minute the music stopped and the bishop began to speak, Tyler made their presence known.
“Good!” he yelled.
Kade wasn’t sure if Tyler meant the candy, the singing, or something else, but every person in the room turned around to look at Kade and his son. Sheepishly, Kade smiled and waved to his friends. Some returned the gesture, and Bishop Ebersol continued on with the service. Kade took a deep breath and hoped that Tyler would be able to refrain from any more outbursts. Then he saw Sadie in the front row.
She stared at him and smiled faintly. It was torture for him to be only a few yards away from her and not be able to talk to her. He desperately wanted to tell her how much he missed her. But there would be time for that later. Kade was glad to be back in Paradise for a few days. He planned to have Sadie’s property transferred back into her name and get his other plans rolling. But mostly, he was looking forward to spending time with Sadie.
Bishop Ebersol began to speak in German or Pennsylvania Deitsch. Kade couldn’t tell the difference. The German language and the Pennsylvania Deitsch dialect sounded a lot alike to Kade. Twice, the bishop translated, seemingly for Kade’s benefit, the stories of the Old Testament. Tyler yelled, “Good” two more times, but the bishop merely went on, and the attendees smiled. Anywhere else, Tyler’s interruptions might not have been so well received, but here—in Lancaster County—things were different. Kade’s eyes shifted to Tyler, who was now reading the Bible he’d brought with him, his finger running along each line of fine print. Right away, Kade recalled Tyler’s past Scripture quotes to both him and Sadie. Each time Kade saw his son pick up the Bible, he still felt a level of anticipation at the possibility of another revelation.
About an hour later, Kade and Tyler slid from their places on the back bench and went outside. Kade was shocked that Tyler had made it that long, and Kade had to admit it felt good to stretch his legs. As much as he respected, admired, and often longed to be a part of the Amish community, he couldn’t quite get used to the lengthy worship services. Twice, he’d attended with Jonas before he returned to Los Angeles. Jonas had said, “Ya get used to it.” Kade knew it was an honor to be invited to an Old Order church service, not something most of the outside world would ever have the privilege to experience.
He smiled as he recalled times spent with Jonas. And with Sadie.
Fifteen minutes later, Kade told Tyler it was time that they headed back in. Kade was worried he’d miss the main event, but they came back just in time. He helped Tyler to his seat and scooted in beside him. Kade smiled when Bishop Ebersol began the part of the service he was looking forward to the most.
“It is a blessed day,” Bishop Ebersol began. “We are gathered together for this joyous occasion, to unite Jonas Ivan Miller and Elizabeth Mae Esh in holy matrimony . . .”
Jonas glanced Kade’s way and smiled, then focused on his bride-to-be. What a scare those two had given everyone. Sarah Jane had told Kade on the phone about the adventure that had landed both Jonas and Lizzie in Lancaster General a week earlier. Luckily, neither was injured seriously. Following their one-night stay at the hospital, both Jonas and Lizzie wanted to push the wedding up. Sarah Jane had laughed, saying they’d both be safer if they were together.
Kade gazed at the couple. Jonas stood tall and proud, and Lizzie was a glowing bride, clothed in a blue dress, white apron, and white prayer covering, her face radiant as she smiled at her husband-to-be. He remembered Sarah Jane saying that when Lizzie and Jonas had split up for a short while, Lizzie’d had a bout with forgetfulness. They worried that she might have had a stroke, but Lizzie had been so depressed, she’d forgotten to take some of her medications. There was no evidence of a stroke.
Kade could hear sniffles throughout the room, and he struggled with his own building emotions. It was a glorious day, and Kade was honored to be included
Everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief once Jonas and Lizzie had repeated their vows to each other. What a blessing this day is, Kade thought with a smile.
When Bishop Ebersol closed the service, Jonas and Lizzie made their way through the small crowd. It was heartwarming to see Jonas practically pushing past everyone to get to Kade, extending his hand two feet before he arrived. “I was worried you might not make it.”
Kade latched onto his friend’s hand, but then pulled him into an embrace. “I wouldn’t have missed it, Jonas.”
Lizzie joined her husband. “It’s so gut you and the boy are here, Kade.” She leaned in to hug Kade.
Kade’s eyes scanned the room. “Where’s Tyler?”
Jonas pointed to the far corner. “With Sadie. We see who’s number one on his list.” Jonas chuckled. “And I thought it was me.”
Sadie hugged Tyler and caught Kade watching her. Kade took a deep breath. Being here—with Jonas, seeing Sadie, the feel of the place, the fellowship, the spirituality in the room—Kade felt almost overwhelmed. And to think that these people have this every single day.
He couldn’t take his eyes from Sadie, who was now holding Tyler, laughing, and whispering something in his ear. There were so many things Kade wanted to say to her. But just then, Jonas spoke to him.
“Kade, me and Lizzie have something to give you, later, when things calm down a bit. Just don’t run off until we’re able to talk with ya for a few minutes.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Jonas. I can’t think of anywhere
I’d rather be. And I’ll be staying for several days. There are some things—”
“Kade! Wonderful to see you,” Noah Stoltzfus said. The doctor extended his hand to Kade.
“Great to be here,” Kade responded. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”
Jonas and Lizzie excused themselves to mingle with the other guests. “Just remember what I said, K
ade,” Jonas reminded him. He tipped his black hat as he walked away. Kade nodded in acknowledgment.
“I’m very excited about our project, Kade,” Noah said when Jonas and Lizzie were out of earshot. “What you’re doing is a wonderful thing, a great thing for the community. I think it will be wonderful for Tyler too.”
Kade turned back toward Noah. “This place, and everyone here, will be good for Tyler.”
“I agree,” Noah said. He rubbed his chin for a moment. “Listen, I don’t want to be overstepping my bounds—”
“What is it?”
“Well, as we discussed, I haven’t mentioned your plans to anyone. But I was wondering if Sadie knows?” He paused. “I mean, people talk, even here, and word around the community is that perhaps something is going on with you and Sadie, and—”
“What?” Kade frowned. “I’ll do whatever I have to do to protect Sadie’s reputation. We’re just friends, and Sadie has been very good to Tyler and me. If people are talking—”
“Wait, wait. Hold on, there, buddy,” Noah said. “That’s how we in the Englisch world think, but that’s not what I meant. Sadie’s reputation isn’t being questioned. That would never occur to anyone here. What I meant was—in the words of the Amish—there is talk that a courtship is going on, even perhaps long-distance. I think that got started when Sadie returned from Texas, with no plans to marry Milo. I’m mostly wondering if you are considering converting?”
“I know people will probably think that, especially when we move here to stay. But God led me here, and this is where Tyler and I will stay.” He paused for a moment. “Do I fantasize about what it would be like to convert, to be with Sadie as a family? Yes, I do. We became very close while I was here, and I care about her a great deal. But Noah, I’m wise enough to realize that a decision like that must be carefully weighed, and a change in faith of that magnitude would require more time, and a better understanding of the Ordnung.”