Amish Willow

by Samantha Price

  “Do you know anyone who can do that?” Rhonda asked.

  “I can give you the number of a friend of mine.”

  “Jah, please.”

  “Come into the barn. You might as well call him from here if you want.”

  “That would be good, and then I can call the realtor and try to make arrangements for the builder to get into the haus. Is that how things are done?”

  “Pretty much, although it’s been awhile since I bought one.”

  “Me too. And David used to do all these kinds of things.”

  He walked into the barn with Rhonda following him. He leafed through his address book and then wrote down the number of his friend on a piece of paper. “I’ll give him a call if you like.”

  “Would you?”

  “Sure. I might as well, and then I’ll put you on the phone once I’ve told him what’s going on.”

  After she had talked to Ed’s builder friend and arranged things with the realtor, she replaced the phone’s receiver and turned around, smiling widely at Ed. “Denke. I don’t like to spend any unnecessary money, but I should, I suppose, because there might be something wrong with the haus.”

  “It’s always best to check,” Ed said.

  “Perhaps you’d like to come and have a look at the place with me?”

  “Sure. I’ll try to stop by at the same time as the builder.”

  “Good. I’d like to know what you think of it. It’s four bedrooms and it’s a two level home.”

  “Do you need one that big?”

  “I’m expecting visitors from Lowville. I hope people will visit me, anyway.”

  He nodded. “Of course they will.”

  “Well, denke for your help. I should be getting back to help Nancy with the evening meal.”

  “Any time, Rhonda.”

  When Rhonda headed back down the driveway in the buggy, Ed was pleased she hadn’t tried to prolong her stay by asking him if he wanted her to cook him dinner.

  Chapter 21

  News had reached Valerie that Nerida was on bed rest, ordered by the doctor. On her way back from the markets, she stopped by the needlework store and bought Nerida a sampler and some embroidery cotton. When she approached Nerida’s house, she was surprised to see Ed’s horse and buggy. It was unlike Ed to visit someone during the day. She secured her horse and picked up the box of candy along with the sewing items she’d bought Nerida and then hurried to the front door.

  John opened the door before she reached it.

  “Is Ed here?” she asked, forgetting her manners entirely.

  “Nee. Rhonda borrowed his buggy.”

  “Rhonda’s here visiting Nerida?”

  “Jah, that’s right. Come in.”

  Valerie walked through the door. “How has she been?”

  “She’s doing okay. A little depressed about spending months in bed, but she knows that’s what has to be done. Go on up. You know the way.”

  While John sat back down on the couch, Valerie made her way upstairs. Just as she put her foot on the top step, she heard giggling coming from Nerida’s room. She walked in to see Rhonda sitting on the edge of Nerida’s bed.

  “Hello,” Valerie said.

  “Valerie, this is a nice surprise. I’ve got so many visitors.”

  “I brought you candy and some sewing to keep you occupied.”

  Rhonda jumped off the bed and took everything from her. “Oh, what a nice little box of candy. I’ll put these with the things I brought Nerida.”

  Valerie’s eyes traveled to the nightstand where a large box of candies and several rolls of wool and various knitting needles sat. “Oh, you brought knitting. I didn’t even think of that.”

  “Rhonda has brought me enough knitting to keep me busy for quite some time.”

  “I can see that.”

  Nerida said, “Sit down by me, Valerie, and tell me all your news.”

  Valerie sat down and gave a little laugh. “You’ve only been here for a few days. Not much has happened.” She gulped and couldn’t help wondering how it had come about that Rhonda had borrowed Ed’s buggy. Ed was fanatical about his black horse. He was more of a pet than a work horse. Valerie looked over at Rhonda. “Anything new happening with you, Rhonda?”

  “Only buying the haus. That’s enough, isn’t it?”

  “Jah, I guess so.”

  Valerie was pleased to hear that was all she had to report. If something had happened between her and Ed, she would surely have said so, since she found it hard to keep other people’s secrets, much less her own.

  “I thought Ed was here when I saw his horse.”

  “I was visiting him at work and I admired his horse and he said I could take him for a run. He knows how careful I am with horses. Ed and I share that love.”

  “The love of horses?” Valerie asked, hoping that was all she meant.

  “Jah. I told Ed I was just on my way to visit Nerida and he said to take his buggy. He’s a lovely horse. Have you ever driven with him?”

  “I’ve never driven him, no.” Valerie wasn’t sure whether she was asking if she’d ever been in Ed’s buggy or if she’d ever actually driven Ed’s buggy herself. She answered as though she was asking about the latter. Valerie looked back at Nerida. “Are you doing okay? No more pains?”

  “Not since I’ve been resting. At least it’s a way of seeing more of my nieces. They’ve been very good about taking it in turns and coming over with their little ones.”

  “Good.”

  Nerida looked over at her sewing and knitting. “Denke for bringing the sewing. That will help pass the time and make me not feel so useless.”

  “Don’t feel guilty about having a rest. It’s about time you took things slower.”

  “I hope you’ll be able to help me with the boppli, Valerie.”

  “I’d love to.”

  “So will I, Nerida,” said Rhonda. “You can count on me. I’ll be over here helping you every day.”

  Valerie almost felt like God had put Rhonda there to replace her. The woman had quickly befriended all her friends and was all but throwing herself at Ed.

  “Oh, Valerie, I forgot to tell you. I took your advice and had someone look at the house. Ed gave me the name of a builder friend. Anyway, there was nothing wrong with the haus. Just a few little things, but nothing to stop me from going ahead with the purchase. So, I thank you for your suggestion anyway.”

  “That’s gut news,” Valerie said.

  “Jah. Except I had to pay the builder for doing the inspection.”

  Nerida said, “And now you have peace of mind, Rhonda. You wouldn’t expect the man to do the inspection report for free, would you?”

  “Ach nee, of course not. I’m glad I had it done because now I know that I was right and there was nothing wrong with it.”

  “Good.”

  “I signed the papers and I’m the owner of a haus.”

  “Wunderbaar! When do you move in?” Valerie asked.

  “About four weeks’ time. Nancy will have to put up with me until then.”

  Nerida said, “I’m sure she loves the company now that all her girls have gone.”

  “She has her grosskinner over there a gut part of the time. They can be noisy.”

  Valerie and Nerida laughed.

  “You can always stay with me if they get too much for you.”

  “Denke, Valerie. That’s very kind.”

  Nerida turned to Valerie. “I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it for your birthday dinner. I’ll be stuck right here in this bed.”

  “There’s nothing to be sorry about. Just make sure you do everything your doctor told you.”

  “Most things can be fixed with herbs,” Rhonda said.

  Valerie and Nerida exchanged glances.

  “Nettle tea is gut for most ailments. My mudder raised my schweschder and me to know which herbs to use, but I’ve forgotten most of it now. Raspberry leaf is good for women if I remember rightly.” She leaned over and patted Nerida�
�s arm. “I’ll get some for you and make you a nice tea.”

  “That sounds nice, denke.”

  “I’m going to have Ed put in all new windows when I move into my haus.”

  “What’s wrong with them?” Nerida and Valerie asked at the same time.

  Rhonda laughed at them, and then said, “They rattle. They weren’t put in properly. That’s what the builder said. They won’t have to be replaced if they can get them out and fit them better.”

  “Wouldn’t you wait until they break or something?” Nerida asked. “It seems an awful waste and a lot of trouble to go to.”

  Valerie remained quiet.

  “I like everything to be in nice condition and it would set my nerves on edge to listen to windows rattling in the wind.”

  “Jah, that would be annoying and it sounds like it might be dangerous, too, if they weren’t put in correctly,” Valerie said.

  * * *

  On the day of Valerie’s birthday, she’d been given strict instructions to show up at Nancy’s house at exactly seven in the evening.

  When she arrived, she saw many buggies lining the driveway.

  Willow ran out to her and Valerie barely had a chance to secure her horse before Willow wrapped her arms around her.

  “You’re back already?” Valerie said.

  “Jah. We’ve been gone for weeks.”

  “Time has gone by so quickly. Are you sure it’s been weeks?”

  “It feels like it, visiting all those relations.” She leaned in and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone I said that. Now, please don’t ask me how married life is treating me.”

  Valerie laughed. “I might have if you hadn’t warned me not to.”

  “Married life is good; I’m still in love, and no, we’re not expecting yet.”

  Valerie laughed again and put her arm around Willow’s shoulder. “It’s good to have you back. I’ve missed you. And I’m pretty sure I wasn’t going to ask any of those questions. Well, maybe just one or two of them.”

  Willow shook her head. “Please don’t, or I’ll scream.”

  Valerie looked up at Nancy’s house. “I’ve been given strict instructions to arrive at seven and it’s seven now.”

  “Come on,” Willow said, walking with her to the house.

  No sooner had Valerie stepped a foot through the door than everyone gathered around, wishing her a happy birthday. Once she thanked the well-wishers, she glanced over at Ed, who was smiling back at her. Her smile quickly faltered when she saw Rhonda next to him.

  Rhonda stepped forward and Valerie’s gaze lowered to a small giftwrapped parcel in her hands. “Nee. I told Nancy no gifts. Didn’t she tell everyone? Where is Nancy?”

  Nancy called out from the other side of the room. “I’ve come to learn that I can’t stop Rhonda from doing anything she wants.”

  Rhonda laughed. “It’s nothing. It’s just something very small. Just a token.”

  Rhonda was smiling so sweetly Valerie found it hard not to like the woman. “Denke,” Valerie said as she took the gift from Rhonda.

  “You don’t have to open it now. Take it home with you. Here.” She took the gift from her and set it down on a table by the door. “Take it with you on your way out—when you’re ready to go home.”

  “Okay, denke.”

  “Dinner is ready, everyone. Take a plate and help yourselves. Sit wherever you’d like. The birthday girl is served first. Come along, Valerie.”

  It was odd being first when Valerie was normally doing either the serving or the cooking at events. No one had made a fuss like this over her birthday for a long time. She took a plate and filled it with the roasted chicken, bologna, sweet corn, and her favorite pickled onions.

  Once she’d heaped her dinner plate, she sat down on one of the chairs and watched as a long line formed behind the table. The house was filled with happy conversation and the aroma of good food.

  “Happy birthday, Valerie.”

  Valerie turned around to face Ed, who sat down next to her.

  “Denke.”

  Then they were interrupted by Rhonda talking about how wonderful the food was and telling them which of the dishes she had cooked. “Oh, Ed, would you like me to fill you a plate?”

  He glanced at the table. “Nee, denke. I’ll wait until the crowd dies down and help myself then.”

  “You’re a man and you need to be fed. I don’t mind bringing you a plate.”

  “I’m fine, Rhonda. You worry about yourself. I’ll sit and keep Valerie company for a minute.”

  “Okay.” Rhonda walked off in the direction of the food table.

  Valerie sensed that he relaxed when Rhonda was gone. “Were you surprised Rhonda moved here so quickly?” Valerie asked.

  “Jah, and she didn’t tell me she’d already sold her haus back in Lowville. I only found that out when she was buying the one here.”

  Not wanting to keep talking about Rhonda, Valerie changed the subject. “Are you busy at work?”

  “It’s getting busier all the time. I’ve just put on another apprentice.”

  “So that’s two now?”

  “Nee, only one. I probably mentioned him the other day.”

  Valerie smiled at him. “Jah, you did.”

  Their conversation was forced and not easy like it normally was.

  “I see John’s not here,” Ed said.

  When Valerie swallowed a mouthful of chicken, she said, “Nee, he wouldn’t want to come and leave Nerida alone at home.”

  Ed nodded and looked around the room while his hands were fixed firmly in his lap.

  “Are you okay, Ed?”

  “Jah, I am.”

  “You seem nervous, or something.”

  He leaned in and whispered, “I’m nervous about Rhonda.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “I feel a responsibility that she settles in well.”

  Valerie glanced up to see Rhonda talking and laughing with people as they helped themselves to food. “She seems to be doing just fine with that.”

  “I’ve got a gift for you, Valerie. I didn’t want to bring it tonight. I tried to get it to you today, but by the time I finished work, it was time to come here. I’ll stop by and see you tomorrow.”

  “I don’t need a gift, Ed.”

  “It’s something I want you to have.”

  Other people came to talk to Valerie, and Ed moved away.

  The next time Valerie looked around to see Ed, she wasn’t surprised to see that Rhonda was talking to him. She put them both out of her mind and did her best to enjoy the dinner that Nancy and Rhonda had worked so hard to put on. When everybody had eaten the first course, Nancy produced the biggest cherry cake Valerie had ever seen.

  “You remembered my favorite cake!”

  “I hope it’s not too far away from the one that you make.”

  “It looks delicious.”

  “We found preserved Black Forest cherries,” Rhonda said, looking pleased with herself.

  “Yes, they are the best ones to use.”

  Nancy handed Rhonda a large knife and she sliced the cake down the center.

  “Now that you’ve done that, I’ll serve everyone,” Nancy said as she passed the first slice to Valerie. Valerie looked down at the cherry cake. They had remembered to make it with mock cream filled with sugar and butter and confectioners’ sugar instead of the fresh cream. Most people liked fresh cream, but Valerie didn’t; she liked the alternative that was richer and filled with sugar. The vanilla cake was moist and the cherries had been soaked in kirsch, a liqueur that tasted so good with the Black Forest cherries. Valerie closed her eyes and savored the flavors that worked so perfectly together.

  “You look like you’re enjoying that.”

  She opened her eyes to see Rhonda. She swallowed the mouthful. “It’s wunderbaar, and you helped Nancy make this?”

  “I did. This is the first time I’ve made this kind of cake, but everyone seems to be enjoying it, so I think I’ll make it again.�
��

  “It’s not a quick cake to make, but it’s so worth it.”

  “I don’t really like cake.” Rhonda lifted her chin.

  Valerie couldn’t believe her ears. Who didn’t like cake?” “I can’t believe you just said that. Everyone likes cake.”

  Rhonda giggled. “I like cookies and chocolate but not cake.”

  “I’ll have to remember that. I’ll have chocolate on hand for you the next time you stop by.”

  When the night was drawing to a close, Valerie tried to help with the cleaning up, but Nancy would not hear a word of it. “Don’t you dare,” she said when Valerie picked up an empty plate.

  “I don’t mind helping.”

  “Not on your birthday,” she said. After Nancy had looked around, she whispered to Valerie. “Now that Rhonda’s busy washing up, now’s your chance to talk with Ed.”

  Valerie smiled. “Thanks. Good idea.”

  When she walked out into the living room, she saw that Ed looked like he was getting ready to go home; he was standing by the door. “Are you leaving, Ed?”

  “Stop.”

  Everyone in the house fell silent, and Ed and Valerie whipped their heads around at the sound of Rhonda’s sharp voice.

  Rhonda took another step toward them. “If you’re leaving, Ed, you must take a piece of cake with you. And you too, Valerie.” She placed a wrapped up slice of cake in Ed’s hands and then said to Valerie. “Now I’ll get you a piece.”

  “Denke,” was all Valerie could say because she was still in shock at how loud such a tiny woman could yell.

  Ed put his hand over his heart. “My heart nearly stopped.”

  “So did mine.” They both laughed.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Valerie. I’m not sure what time.”

  “That’s fine. I should be home all day.”

  He gave her a lovely smile. “Happy birthday, Valerie.”

  “Thank you, Ed.”

  As soon as he’d walked out the door, Rhonda hurried to her with some more wrapped cake. She put her hands out and Rhonda put the cake in her hands, and then said, “Don’t forget your gift.”

  She reached over, clasped the gift-wrapped package, and passed it to Valerie.

  “Denke, Rhonda. It was very thoughtful of you, and thank you again for helping make it such a wonderful night.”