“That would be wonderful. I mean, I’m not expecting a miracle. I know ‘Sam Miller’ is a common name, but maybe, just maybe, I could get a lead on him through your family’s contacts.”
“Ya, maybe so. My folks are sort of the cornerstones of the Amish in this area, so they know everyone.” He sat in the folding chair.
“That’s great. If possible, talking to them sooner is better than later.” She sounded a bit unsure of herself, which wasn’t very Holly-like.
“Today would work for us.”
“Really? That’s short notice for your folks.”
“They won’t mind. I’m sure of it.” Mealtime conversations were often best for exchanging information in a slow, methodical way, so it made sense to invite her to eat with them. But the words stuck in his mouth.
She continued clicking on something in the background. “I’m sure I can get one of our regular drivers to bring me your way. What time would work best?”
Speak, Joshua. A little hope—and a whole lot of reluctance—nibbled at him. “Come as soon as you’re able. How about eating dinner with us? Say five thirty? By the time we finish our desserts, you should know all they have to share on the topic.”
“Denki.” She breathed deeply, sounding relieved and grateful. “I’ll be there. Denki, Josh.”
What time was it now? Based on the sun’s position, he’d guess around four. “Ya.” He just hoped that being a nice guy didn’t backfire. “Gern gschehne.”
“See you then.”
As he heard her hang up, he realized he was smiling, despite his reluctance and his earlier warnings to himself. He stood and wiped the grin from his face with his hand. It was just a work thing for her. It wasn’t like she wanted to meet his parents in order to date him. He placed the receiver on its rest and exited the phone shanty.
A few chickens squawked at him from behind their fence as he lightly jogged to the farmhouse. He crossed the weathered porch and entered through the bright blue door. One of his nieces had painted it the last time she visited, attempting to bring a little pep back to the old white farmhouse. Something smelled delicious, most likely bread baking. As much as his mouth watered at the aroma, he worried that his Mamm wasn’t taking her new dietary recommendations seriously enough. She was in a chair at the table, rolling dough into dinner rolls.
“Hallo.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I called Holly back. She’s coming for dinner around five thirty. Sorry for the short notice.”
She waved off the apology with flour-covered hands. “It sure took you long enough, but I had a good feeling about that one after you mentioned her several months back.” Mamm had the smile of a serene barn cat as she continued rolling the dough.
“No.” He tapped the table. “Uh, no.” He sat across from her. “I already told you and Daed that she just needs help finding an Amish man who picked up a prescription at Greene’s.”
“Of course.” She winked at him. “Don’t worry. I had a good feeling about your returning that call, and I was already making something special.”
Joshua eyed his Mamm. It was clear she hadn’t taken him seriously when he said Holly was coming only for work-related reasons. But even though Holly was coming to find info for the pharmacy, she’d probably take time to give Mamm more advice on how to manage her diabetes. So the visit would be beneficial for him and his parents, but he was sure to be ribbed the whole time about having a girl over. “Daed outside?”
“Ya, he’s checking on da Bobbelis.”
“They’re growing fast.” He really needed to get back to work and help his Daed check on the baby chickens, but the desire to sneak a few extra minutes with his Mamm since her diagnosis was undeniable. “Hopefully they’ll be strong enough before it gets freezing cold.”
“If anyone can make those chicks survive our winter, it’s you and your Daed.”
“Hope so.” He ran his fingers across the edge of the flour on the table, pushing it back toward her. “Listen, about tonight’s meal—don’t exert yourself.”
“I’m fine. I fix dinner every night. I’ve already started it, and having one more person won’t be any harder.”
Was that supposed to make him feel better? To tell the truth, he wondered if Daed and he took her for granted. “Okay, but let me know if you need help with anything for tonight.” He rose and went out the back door, heading toward the chickens and his father.
Since the start of November, the number of farmers’ markets that Joshua had attended to sell eggs had dropped substantially. That left the normal upkeep and egg-gathering chores and of course the new chicks.
He grabbed the measuring tape and a few metal poles to continue the project of the day: expanding the area of the yard for the young chickens that would soon need more space. He’d started this morning and then stopped at midday to have a bite of food with his parents before he began cleaning the lining of the chicks’ pens. The time passed quickly. Too quickly. It wasn’t until his stomach growled that he realized it had been an hour since Holly had called and it was nearing suppertime.
A quick sniff let him know his clothes stank. Also, Mamm might need a hand with dinner, so he hurried inside to grab a shower. In no time he was turning off the shower, smelling and feeling much more human. Steam rolled through the bathroom as he dried off and dressed. What time was it anyway? Buttoning his shirt, he headed down the stairs. Halfway down he heard his Daed’s voice coming through an open window in the kitchen. Uh-oh. Had Daed been the one to greet Holly in the driveway?
Joshua went to the front door and opened it, intending to politely interrupt his Daed’s sure-to-be-embarrassing storytelling session, but where was he? Joshua stepped onto the porch and saw his Daed in the yard, at the corner of the house. With Holly. Of course.
Her eyes met his with a look that seemed to indicate amusement. But she was here on business. Had Daed let her ask anything important, or had he just launched into storytelling mode?
His Daed laughed. “…and then, whoosh, he cleared the fence but accidentally landed in a giant mud puddle. Unfortunately for his sister, who had been watching from a place of supposed safety, mud splattered all over her newly sewn dress.” Daed made a splashing motion with one hand and then gestured for Holly to go toward the steps to the house. Joshua returned to the front door and opened it, and she gave a little wave as she passed him. She probably would’ve spoken except Daed was still talking.
Joshua rubbed the back of his neck. “Daed, I don’t think she needs to hear any more about that story.”
“Oh, the legend of Carlton, the original grumpy mule, definitely needs to be spread.” Daed grinned. “As well as your heroic escape from his wrath.”
Joshua chuckled. “That mule died years ago.”
“Ya, but his infamy never will,” Mamm piped in as they entered the kitchen.
He looked from his Mamm to his Daed. They appeared to be suppressing smiles and giggles and were failing. And now he was smiling too.
Even with all the teasing they gave him, he loved seeing their bond. They had a lifetime of stories, memories, and exploits from farm life and raising thirteen kids.
“Holly, meet my parents, Edith and Albert, very serious pillars of the community.” Joshua gestured to them while shaking his head. They had enthusiasm for life and especially for each other. He wanted to make sure that Mamm made her health a top priority so she and Daed could have as many years together as possible.
“We’re so glad to have you over.” Mamm set a pan on the stove, gave Holly a hug, and stepped back. “About time our youngest brought a girl home.”
And there it was. Despite his warnings, Mamm was going to act as if this were a first date.
Holly laughed as if she was taking everything his parents said as complete jesting. Good. “Denki for having me, Edith. It’s nice to meet you in person. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your family’s
help. How have you been feeling?”
“Much better, liewi. I’ll get this diabetes routine down. Dinner is ready. Are you hungry?”
Holly put her hand on her stomach for a moment. “Very.”
“Gut. Sit while I move the food to the table.”
“I’ll do no such thing. I insist on helping.” Holly washed her hands. Joshua and his Daed stayed out of the way while the two women poured drinks and filled the table with Mamm’s rolls he had smelled earlier, her salisbury steak, maple-glazed carrots, and Parmesan potatoes. How had Mamm pulled this off in such a short time? This was a step up from their typical fare.
Mamm ushered the group to sit down, and they bowed their heads for the silent prayer.
Afterward Mamm leaned toward Holly. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s been a while since we had a young visitor. All of our older children are married and have lives of their own in other districts. This one, however,”—she pointed at Joshua—“has never shown much interest in socializing. But one night he came home after a gathering and just couldn’t stop talking about this girl he’d met named Holly. Keep in mind it’s pretty unusual for our youngest to have much to say about anything. We knew this had to be one special girl.”
Joshua nodded, hoping his face didn’t reflect the embarrassment his Mamm’s words caused. They were true, and Holly knew it, but did his Mamm have to talk about it with Holly? “I’m sure Holly knows she’s a fine young woman. But remember, she’s here to learn about every Sam Miller you and Daed can think of. I was also hoping she could chat with you about some of the lifestyle changes the doctor suggested to manage your diabetes.”
Holly reached for her cup of water. Did she feel as uncomfortable as he did? If so, she didn’t show it. “Good suggestion, Josh.” She took a sip of water. “Edith, can you tell me what instructions the doctors had for you?”
Thank goodness for a new subject. Holly spent several minutes listening to Mamm’s answer, and then she shared some easy ways to implement better food choices in their daily meals and simple ways to keep her blood sugar from being on a roller coaster. Joshua appreciated the tidbits…and that the new subject made things feel less strained.
Daed dipped seconds onto his plate. “Joshua said you’re looking for an Amish man named Sam Miller.”
“I am, ya.” She glanced at him.
Mamm wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “You couldn’t find a more common name, especially around here.”
Holly’s eyes met his, and he saw concern.
He focused on his parents. “But you guys can come up with a list of Millers, and that would be a start for her, right?”
“Sure.” Daed nodded. “We can make a list. It’ll be a long one, but the good news is that even if the right Sam Miller doesn’t make it onto the list, he’s very likely to be related to someone who is on it—simply because he’s Amish and has the last name Miller. But I don’t think having the list will solve all the issues. Not all Amish in this area have a phone shanty, much less a cell number. Even if they did, we don’t have everyone’s number.”
“True.” Mamm narrowed her eyes, clearly mulling on that. She gasped. “Ach, you know what? There’s a fall festival this weekend not more than a few miles from here. It’ll be smack in the middle of Amish Miller country. That event would be a good place for Joshua and you to walk around and talk to any Sam Millers there.”
“A fall festival with Millers? That sounds great.” Holly sat up a little straighter. “She’s volunteering you, Josh.”
“So I heard.” Joshua was caught with no way to decline. “Not a problem.” Except everyone he knew would assume he and Holly were dating, and then she’d find her Sam Miller and be on her merry way.
Holly drew the glass of water to her lips and lingered there for several long moments. “That’s a great idea…if I haven’t located the right man by then.”
“If I knew a little more about why you’re looking for a Sam Miller,” Daed said, “I could make some phone calls and ask some questions. Seems like that would at least get you pointed toward the right Miller family.”
“A list would be fantastic, and I appreciate your offer to make calls. Unfortunately, privacy laws won’t allow me to tell you anything specific, such as his health issues or what medication he picked up. We can’t even tell someone who isn’t Sam Miller why we’re looking for him. If we’re talking to a Sam Miller, we can ask if he visited Greene’s Pharmacy on Sunday, October fifteenth. If he didn’t, we thank him for his time and move on. No elaboration or speculation allowed.”
“Ach, I’ve had to sign those papers…What are they called?” Mamm pursed her lips.
“HIPAA.”
“Ya, that’s it. I’ve signed a lot of them, but I had no idea about the laws behind that thin slip of paper.”
Holly nodded. “The laws are there to protect people, and I believe in them, but in this instance it’s making things difficult.”
“It won’t be too difficult.” Mamm clasped her hand over Holly’s. “We’ll make it a team effort. If you and Joshua do the dishes, Albert and I will go to our bill-paying desk and look for phone numbers and addresses of every Sam Miller we know.” Mamm eyed him, and Joshua knew she was excited to help…and perhaps even more thrilled at the prospect of getting Holly and him working side by side without anyone around.
Joshua’s chest felt a little funny. Was that hope or dread?
Holly beamed, taking a moment to look at each of them. “I can’t tell you how much this means. This pharmacy is everything to me. If this mystery isn’t solved, its fate will be in jeopardy. Until now I’ve felt powerless. Denki.”
Her smile was as if the sun had come out after a bleak winter, and the joy of it rushed through him.
How could he be around her and keep the level head he needed?
The sounds of children laughing and adults chatting filled the air, and Holly breathed in the aromas of the fall festival. The buttery-sweet scent of kettle corn blended with the earthy smells of fresh hay and fallen leaves. A dozen Amish children were lined up for the horse-pulled hayride, almost bouncing in anticipation. But she and Josh weren’t here to partake of the festivities. He stood nearby, talking with one of the Millers. It was clear to her this was not the lead they were looking for. So why hadn’t Josh brought this conversation to a close already?
“Well.” The middle-aged Amish man folded his arms across his chest. “I’m Simon Miller, but I got a cousin named Sam Miller. Everyone says he’s my spitting image, so I understand the confusion.” The man scratched his head through his straw hat. “His son is Samuel Jr., but he’s only nine, so I doubt he’s your guy. And come to think of it, I got at least one other Sam Miller, my great-uncle, but he goes by ‘Sammy’ on account of not getting confused with his father, who was also Samuel Miller, but he passed about two decades ago, so I don’t think he’s your guy either.”
“Definitely not.” Josh made a few notes on a small notepad. “I appreciate that you mentioned him.” He tapped the pen against the paper. Holly wanted to grab his arm and move on. How did Josh have patience to linger like this? “So the Sam Miller who is your cousin and the Sammy Miller who is your great-uncle—do you have their addresses or numbers for a phone shanty where we can reach them?”
“Not off the top of my head. My cousin lives about a hundred and fifty miles from here in Maryland.”
Josh took a deep breath and let it out. “Any chance he was visiting last month?”
“Well, I don’t think so. At least if he did, he didn’t tell me, which would be quite unusual as he is really fond of my wife’s apple pie, and it is apple season right now. Secret family recipe on her side.”
“Sounds like a smart man.” Josh grinned. “And your great-uncle?”
Simon Miller chewed his lip. “Well, I haven’t seen him since last year. He has trouble getting out of his
house, you see. Bad leg.”
Josh nodded. “So he probably didn’t walk into Greene’s Pharmacy.”
Simon’s eyes flashed as if he’d remembered something. “Hey, you know what? Usually this fall festival is the only annual event the family has, but there will be a whole bunch of Millers gathering for my grandparents’ seventy-fifth anniversary. Noah and Rachel Miller. Why don’t you come by? I bet you’ll meet several Sams. There’s even a Samantha.”
A desire to holler in victory rushed through Holly. Josh’s patience had just paid off. Big-time. “Well, denki, Simon.” Josh glanced at her, an endearing smile on his face. “That could be very helpful. Where’s the gathering?”
“Not too far from here, over in New Springs on November eighteenth.”
November eighteenth? That was next weekend. What a gold mine to have learned that piece of information.
As Simon gave the full address, Josh wrote it down, and then he closed the notepad. “Thank you so much, Simon. It was good to meet you.” The men shook hands.
“It’s no trouble at all. You tell your Daed I said hello.”
“Of course. Take care.” Josh nodded goodbye and motioned for Holly to walk with him. When they were out of earshot of Simon, Josh whispered, “If I ever have kids of my own, I’m naming each one something unique.”
Holly couldn’t help but laugh. “No more Joshua Smuckers?”
“Sadly one of my many nephews is already named after me. I better tell him to go by Joe or something else if he ever goes to the pharmacy. Avoid a mix-up.”
“The issue we’re having with Sam Miller has never happened before with anyone, not in the whole history of the pharmacy. We fill hundreds of scripts accurately every week, and we ask for way more information than just the patients’ first and last names. Send us ten Joshua Smuckers, and I guarantee we’ll keep them straight.” She put her hands on her hips, refusing to smile as she mocked setting him straight. “Now, come again?”
He put his hands up in surrender. “Only teasing. For sure, there’s no mistaking your identity, Holly Noelle. Your siblings have Christmas-sounding names too, don’t they?”
The Christmas Remedy Page 11