He shook his head. “I drove over in my truck, parked it down the road a piece, and came the rest of the way on foot. Didn’t want to take the chance of anyone hearing me come in.” He leaned casually against the trunk of a tree and reached into his jacket pocket, hoping she wouldn’t know how nervous he felt. “I wanted to give you this,” he said as he pulled out a paper sack.
“What is it?”
“Just a little something for Christmas.”
“Ach, Luke, I wish you hadn’t done that.”
“Why not?”
She dropped her gaze to the ground. “Because I have nothing for you.”
“That’s okay. I didn’t expect anything.” Luke pushed the paper sack at her, and she lifted her gaze. “It’s not much, but I thought you might like it.”
With another smile that warmed Luke’s heart, Martha took the sack and peered inside.
“It’s a book on grooming and boarding dogs. I figured since you’ve had some trouble breeding dogs, you might like to try something different for a change.”
Martha removed the book from the sack and stood staring at it.
“If you don’t like it, I can take it back. I bought it at a bookstore in New Philly, so it won’t be hard for me to return.”
Martha shook her head. “No, no. I like the book. Danki, Luke.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’ve actually thought about boarding dogs, but the notion of grooming dogs has never occurred to me. It’s something to consider for the future.”
“If you got into boarding and grooming dogs, would you continue to breed them, too?”
“Probably so.”
“At least the dogs you raise are well cared for, and you always make sure they get good homes.”
“Jah. John Peterson is taking good care of Flo, and the same holds true for the Larsons and Esta Wengerd.” Martha’s forehead wrinkled. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to keep in close contact with everyone who buys my dogs.”
“Most folks who spend the money to buy a purebred dog will see that it’s cared for, don’t you think?”
“I hope that’s always the case.”
Luke glanced up at the house. “I didn’t wake your folks when I threw pebbles at your window, I hope.”
She shook her head. “Mom and Dad have been down with the flu. I’m sure they’re asleep.”
“What about Ruth?”
“She went to the Christmas program at the schoolhouse with the Wengerds, and she’s not back yet.”
Luke blew out his breath, wishing he could say all that was on his mind.
Martha pulled her jacket tighter around her neck and shivered. “It’s sure cold out here. I wish I could invite you in for some hot chocolate, but—”
He held up his hand. “It’s okay; I understand. If your daed knew you were out here talking to me, that would be bad enough. If he found me sitting in your kitchen sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies, he’d probably have a heart attack.”
She playfully poked his arm. “Who said anything about cookies?”
He snickered. “Guess my stomach was doing some wishful thinking.”
“I don’t know when or how it’s going to happen, Luke, but I feel confident that one day Dad will finally realize you’re a good man.”
“And that I’m not the one responsible for the attacks against your family,” he added.
“That, too.” Martha groaned. “I’m sure you heard about some of my daed’s cows being shot a few weeks ago.”
He nodded and was about to express his concerns, when he heard the distinctive clippety-clop of a horse’s hooves on the road out front.
“That might be Abe bringing Ruth home,” Martha said.
“I’d better go in case it is.” Luke started to walk away but turned back. “Would it be all right if I come over to see you at Irene’s place sometime? I’d like to talk some more about the attacks and who I think might be responsible.”
“I’d like that, too, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to talk in front of Irene or Carolyn. Maybe we can meet somewhere in town.”
“Okay. When and where do you want to meet?”
She shrugged. “The next few weeks will be busy with Ruth and Abe’s wedding coming up, so I probably won’t have much chance to meet with you until that’s behind us.”
“I understand. If we have a minute to talk after the wedding, maybe we can decide on a time and place then.”
The sound of the horse drew closer. Luke turned and saw the silhouette of a horse and buggy starting up the driveway. He had to go. “Have a Merry Christmas, Martha,” he called before racing around the side of the house and into the field.
As Ruth stood in front of the stove, stirring a pot of chicken soup, she thought about last Christmas Eve and how her whole world had been turned upside down. When they’d climbed into Martin’s buggy that night, Ruth had never imagined it would be the first and last Christmas Eve she would spend with her husband.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay here with Mom and Dad so you can join Grace and her family this evening?” Martha asked, halting Ruth’s thoughts.
Ruth turned and forced a smile. “You stayed home last night so I could go to the Christmas program at the schoolhouse. It’s your turn for an evening out.”
“I wouldn’t mind staying home again.”
“I’ll be fine here with Mom and Dad,” Ruth said. “Besides, if they’re feeling up to it, we’ll all be going to Aunt Rosemary’s for dinner tomorrow afternoon.”
Martha nodded. “I checked on them a few minutes ago, and they said they felt well enough to eat some of this delicious soup they’ve smelled.”
“If they’re getting their appetites back, it’s a good indication that they’re feeling better.”
Martha slipped into her coat and picked up the pan of frosted brownies she’d made. “I still feel guilty about leaving you here.”
Ruth waved a hand. “Well, don’t. You can’t always be the one making sacrifices. You deserve to have some fun.”
“Jah, okay. I’ll see you later then.” Martha slipped out the back door.
A few minutes later, Mom and Dad entered the room. Dad ambled over to the stove and peered at the soup. “Ah, there’s nothing better than a pot of homemade chicken soup,” he said.
“Especially after a body’s been without food for a couple of days.” Mom moved over to the stove. “What can I do to help?”
Ruth shook her head. “Not a single thing. You and Dad have a seat at the table, and I’ll bring you some soup and crackers.”
Mom looked like she might argue the point, but Dad nudged her and said, “Just do as your daughter says, Judith. You’re still weak and shaky; you ought to rest.”
“You’re right. I am a bit unsteady on my feet.” Mom pulled out a chair and sat down. Dad took his chair at the head of the table.
Ruth ladled soup into three bowls and brought them over to the table, along with a basket of saltine crackers. “Would either of you like anything else?” she asked as she took her seat.
“Soup and crackers will be plenty for me,” Mom said.
Dad nodded in agreement. “Shall we offer our thanks now?”
All heads bowed, and when the silent prayer was over, Ruth handed the crackers to her mother. “When I went out to the chicken coop awhile ago, the air felt like it could snow. I wonder if we’ll have a white Christmas.”
“It would be nice to have snow for Christmas,” Mom said. “As long as it doesn’t snow heavy and cause the roads to be icy, the way it did last year.” She covered her mouth and gave a muffled gasp. “Ach, Ruth, I’m sorry for bringing that up.”
“It happened, Mom. Not talking about it won’t change a thing.” Ruth blew on her soup and took a tentative taste.
“Even so, it’s Christmas Eve, and I think we should focus on positive things,” Mom said. “It always amazes me the way God can take a bad situation and turn it into something good.”
“Are you referring to anything specific?” Dad asked.
“Jah. I was thinking that even though both Ruth and Abe lost their mates, God brought them together. Why, in just a few weeks, Abe will have a new fraa and a mudder for his kinner.” Mom looked over at Ruth and smiled. “And you have been given the opportunity to raise Abe’s kinner.”
Ruth swallowed around the lump that had formed in her throat. “I’m not marrying Abe just so I can be a mother, you know.”
Mom reached over and patted Ruth’s arm. “No, of course not. I know you love Abe, as well.”
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Ruth jumped at what sounded like boots clomping up the back stairs. A loud knock sounded on the door.
“I wonder who that could be,” Mom said.
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Dad started to push away from the table.
Ruth jumped to her feet. “I’ll get it, Dad. Why don’t you stay here with Mom and finish your soup?”
He nodded.
Ruth hurried out of the room and opened the back door. Sheriff Osborn stood on the porch, holding a small box in his hand.
“Good evening, Ruth,” he said. “I just dropped by to see how you folks are doing and also to bring you this.” He handed the box to Ruth. “It’s a fruitcake from the bakeshop in Berlin.”
“That’s very nice. Thank you.” Ruth smiled. “Mom and Dad are in the kitchen, eating some soup. They’re just getting over a bout with the flu; otherwise, I’d invite you in.”
“That’s okay,” the sheriff said. “I need to be on my way home. Don’t like to keep the wife and kids waiting on Christmas Eve.” He started to walk away but turned back. “Oh, would you give your dad a message?”
“Of course.”
“Tell him I still have no leads on who shot his cows or blew up his shop, but I have requested that one of my deputies patrol your area throughout the holidays. Hopefully, that will keep the one responsible from doing anything else.” He popped a piece of gum in his mouth. “Have a Merry Christmas.”
“You, too, Sheriff Osborn.”
Ruth returned to the kitchen with an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Even if one of the sheriff’s men patrolled the area, that didn’t guarantee the attacks would end.
Martha watched Grace and Cleon, as they interacted with their children at the supper table. A pang of jealousy stabbed her heart. Unless someone takes an interest in me, I may never marry and have children. She toyed with the napkin beside her plate. Luke’s the only man I want, but that seems impossible.
She thought about Luke throwing pebbles at her window. She’d been so surprised when he’d given her a Christmas present. I wish I’d have had something to give him. He probably thinks I don’t appreciate him helping me find out who’s been attacking our family.
“How are Mom and Dad feeling tonight?” Grace asked.
“Better. When I left the house, they were getting ready to join Ruth for a bowl of soup.”
“Do you think they’ll be up to eating supper at my house tomorrow?” Aunt Rosemary asked.
“I hope so.” Martha smiled. “If Dad doesn’t come, I’ll eat his share of pie.”
“I’ll be sure to send some pie home with you in case they don’t come.” Aunt Rosemary sighed. “I wish Ken and Sharon could have come to Ohio for Christmas, but they used the last of their vacation time helping me move.”
“Had you considered going back to Idaho for Christmas?” Cleon asked.
She nodded. “With everything that’s gone on with Roman lately, I didn’t feel good about leaving. I’m needed here more than ever.”
“We appreciate having you here, too,” Grace said with a smile. “It means a lot to Dad to have you living in Holmes County again.”
Anna looked over at Martha. “I wish you could have been at the Christmas program last night. It was lots of fun, and Esta got to be Mary.”
“I’m sorry I missed it,” Martha said, “but I needed to be at home taking care of your grandpa and grandma.”
“Anna said a real nice poem.” Grace gave her daughter’s arm a little squeeze. “Why don’t you recite your poem so Aunt Martha can hear it?”
Anna looked over at Martha.
Martha nodded. “I’d like to hear the poem, Anna.”
“Okay.” Anna sat up straight, and in a clear, sweet voice, she said, “A long time ago, a sweet baby was born. God’s Son, Jesus, came to earth that special morn.”
“That was very nice, Anna,” Martha said with a nod. “You said your lines perfectly.”
Anna beamed. “Maybe next year, when I’m older, I’ll get to be an angel in the Christmas program.”
“Maybe you will.”
“Or maybe you’ll get to play the part of Mary,” Aunt Rosemary put in.
Anna’s eyes widened. “You think so?”
Aunt Rosemary nodded. “As well as you said that poem, I’m sure your teacher will consider you for a really good part.”
Anna’s smile stretched ear to ear as she reached for a biscuit and slathered it with butter.
Martha smiled, too. Aunt Rosemary had a special way with everyone in the family. It was a good thing she’d come back to Holmes County.
“Grace, why don’t you let Martha and me do the dishes?” Rosemary suggested when dinner was over and the women had begun to clear the table. “You worked hard preparing the meal, so I think you should go in the living room and enjoy being with your family before it’s time to put the children to bed.”
Grace hesitated but finally nodded. “If you’re sure you don’t mind, that does sound nice.”
“I don’t mind, do you?” Rosemary asked looking at Martha.
Martha shook her head. “Don’t mind at all.”
“Okay, danki.” Grace cleared the rest of the glasses from the table and headed for the living room.
Martha followed Rosemary over to the sink. “Can I ask your opinion on something?”
“Of course.”
“I’ve been wondering if I should give up on the idea of raising dogs and do something else.”
Rosemary smiled. “Are you thinking about getting married and raising a family instead of dogs?”
Martha’s face turned bright pink. “I’d need to find a man who was interested in marrying me first.”
“I wouldn’t think that would be a problem for someone as smart and pretty as you.”
Martha dropped the sponge into the pan of soapy water, and tiny bubbles rose to the ceiling. “I’ve never thought of myself as smart or pretty.”
“Then you’re not taking a close enough look.” Rosemary gave Martha’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Is there something you’d rather do than raise dogs?”
Martha shrugged. “I’ve thought about boarding dogs, but Dad hasn’t given his approval on that idea yet.” The color in her face deepened. “I’ve also considered grooming dogs, and the book Luke gave me says—” She clamped her hand over her mouth. “I mean—”
“Luke gave you a book on dog grooming?”
“Jah.”
“When was this?”
“Last night.” Martha’s voice lowered to a whisper. “He came over to our place after the folks were in bed and said he had something he wanted to give me for Christmas.”
“The book on dog grooming?”
Martha nodded as she sucked in her bottom lip. “Dad doesn’t want Luke to come around our place anymore, so he came over when he thought Mom and Dad would be asleep.
“I see.” Feeling the need to put Martha’s mind at ease, Rosemary said, “Your folks won’t hear about Luke’s visit from me.”
“Danki.”
“You know,” Rosemary said, “dog grooming might actually be something for you to consider.”
“Jah, I’m going to give it some serious thought, but I probably won’t do anything like that for some time. It would take awhile to learn everything, and it might take even longer to line up some customers.”
Rosemary picked up a dish to
wel and reached for the first plate, when a wave of nausea hit her. “Oh no,” she groaned.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think I might be coming down with the flu.” She raced out of the kitchen and headed straight for the bathroom.
Christmas Day dawned with snow lightly sprinkled on the ground and clinging to the trees like a dusting of powdered sugar.
Martha had just returned from Grace and Cleon’s place, where she’d gone to pick up her aunt. Since Aunt Rosemary had been so ill last night, Grace had insisted she sleep in their guest room. Thankfully, Aunt Rosemary was feeling a bit better, although she was still weak and shaky. Since Cleon’s parents were expecting Grace, Cleon, and the children for Christmas dinner, Martha had suggested she bring Aunt Rosemary home with her. Now she was upstairs resting in Grace’s old room. It wasn’t the Christmas they had planned, with dinner at Rosemary’s house, but at least none of them would have to be alone on Christmas Day.
As Martha scurried around the kitchen getting breakfast, she thought about Luke and the gift he’d given her. Since she didn’t want Mom and Dad to know he’d been here or that he’d given her a gift, she’d hidden the book in the bottom drawer of her dresser.
I hate sneaking around like this, she thought ruefully. I wish I felt free to tell Mom, Dad, and the rest of the family how much I care for Luke and that the two of us are working together to figure out who’s been attacking us.
“Do you need any help in here?” Ruth asked.
Martha whirled around. “Ach, Ruth, you scared me.”
“Didn’t you hear my slippers scuffling down the hall?”
“No, I was deep in thought.”
“What were you thinking about?”
“Nothing much—just Christmas and such.”
Ruth sighed and took a seat at the table. “With Dad and Mom just getting over the flu, and now Aunt Rosemary coming down with it, this isn’t much of a Christmas, is it?”
“It’s not the worst Christmas we’ve ever had.”
Ruth slowly shook her head. “No, it’s not. Last Christmas was the worst.”
When Martha saw the sorrowful look on her sister’s face, she wished she could take back what she’d said. She hurried across the room and took a seat beside Ruth. “I’m sorry, Ruth. My words were not the best choice, and—”
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