“I tried, but your folks’ voice mail was full.”
“Lydia got home late this afternoon.” Mae glanced over at Rueben and smiled. “Since we were both too tired to cook, my considerate husband suggested that we come here to eat.”
Rueben bobbed his head and grinned. “Always did enjoy eating their fried chicken dinners.” He motioned to the empty chair beside Lydia. “If you haven’t eaten yet, Levi, why don’t you join us? We’ve just put in our orders, and when the waitress brings our beverages, you can add yours.”
Levi didn’t have to be asked twice. He took the seat and picked up a menu.
For the next hour, the four of them visited as they ate, but Levi didn’t know how he managed to get through the meal without blurting out to Lydia the way he felt about her.
When the bill came, Levi offered to pay, but Rueben insisted it was his treat.
As they moved toward the cash register, Levi turned to Lydia and said, “I was wondering if I could give you a ride home. It’ll give us a chance to talk.”
Rueben nudged Levi’s arm. “Thought that’s what we’d been doing for the last hour. Fact is, I think we covered just about every topic under the sun.”
Levi’s face heated. He could hardly tell Lydia’s new stepfather that he wanted to spend time alone with her so they could talk about their future.
As though sensing his predicament, Mae smiled and said, “It’s fine if you want to bring Lydia home.”
Levi looked at Lydia and was relieved when she nodded.
They were almost to the door when Edith called, “Levi, don’t forget the pies your mother wanted.”
“Oh, right.” Feeling more flustered than ever, he moved back to the counter to pay for the pies, while Lydia waited for him near the door.
Once Lydia and Levi were seated in his buggy, he turned to her and said, “I’m sorry for the disagreement we had. I understand why you were upset with me. I had no right to tell you what to do.”
“I’m sorry for my part in the disagreement, too,” Lydia said. “I was oversensitive.”
Levi gathered up the reins and directed his horse onto the road. “I’m sure glad you’re home.”
She smiled. “So am I, but I know Marilyn appreciated the time I spent there, and I was glad I could be with her in such a difficult situation.”
They lapsed into a companionable silence, broken only by the sound of the horse’s steady clip-clop as it moved slowly up the road. Levi was apparently in no hurry to get her home.
When they reached the road leading to Menno’s old house, Levi turned his horse in that direction.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“You’ll see.”
A few minutes later Levi pulled his rig up next to the barn, climbed down, and secured the horse. “I wanted you to see what I’ve done with the place,” he said as he helped Lydia down from the buggy.
When they entered the house, Levi lit a gas lamp and motioned for Lydia to follow him into the kitchen, where he lit a second lamp.
“Did you make all this?” she asked, taking in the new oak cabinets lining the wall near the sink. A large table with eight matching chairs sat in the center of the room.
“I sure did, but my workers, Mark and John, helped, too.” Levi motioned to the other side of the room where a new, propane-powered stove and refrigerator sat. “Also bought some new appliances.”
“I knew you’d been working on the place so you could rent it out, but I had no idea you’d made it look so nice.”
“I’ve done a few things in other parts of the house, too, but there’s still a lot more I want to do before…” Levi’s voice trailed off as he moved closer to her. So close, she could feel his warm breath blowing softly against her cheek. “I shouldn’t have waited so long to say this, but the truth is, I love you, Lydia. If you’ll become my wife and move into this house with me, I’ll be the happiest man in Charm.”
Before Lydia could form a response, he clasped her hand and said, “There’s just one thing I’m concerned about.”
“What’s that?”
“If we have kinner, one or more of them could be born with dwarfism.”
“I’m not worried about that,” Lydia said with a shake of her head. “Over the last year, I’ve gotten to know your family quite well. Little people are no different than big people.” She smiled as she gazed at his face. “I’m open to and accepting of whatever God has for us. So if we were to marry, I’d love our kinner no matter what size they might be.”
“Does that mean your answer’s yes?”
She nodded, barely able to contain herself. “I’d be honored to be your wife.”
Levi’s face relaxed, and he pulled her into his arms. “That’s real good to hear.”
Lydia could hear his heart beating under her ear, and her chest fluttered from the sensation of being so near to him.
They stood like that for several seconds before Levi pulled slightly away. Slowly, he lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss so sweet it nearly took her breath away.
Never, in all the times that she’d been in this home, had she imagined herself living in it as Mrs. Levi Stutzman. She could hardly wait to see what the future held for her and her husband-to-be.
EPILOGUE
Two years later
Lydia glanced at the calendar on the kitchen wall. It didn’t seem possible that today was Levi’s and her second wedding anniversary, or that their precious daughter Nona Mae, who’d been named for both of her grandmothers, had just turned a year old.
She smiled as she watched her sweet little girl playing happily on the living room floor, rocking her doll in the small wooden cradle her father had made for her birthday. Even though Lydia knew that Nona Mae would grow up to be tall like her parents, she wouldn’t have loved her any less if she’d been born with dwarfism.
Lydia sighed. So much had happened since she’d lost her job in Illinois and moved to Charm—some good, some not so good, but all leading her closer to God.
“What’s that dreamy look about?” Levi asked, stepping into the room and placing his strong hands on Lydia’s shoulders.
“I was just thinking about how much God has blessed us and remembering back to the days when I first moved to Charm and had my doubts about whether I’d ever feel as if I belonged. Now I’m happy and content to call Charm my home.” Lydia tipped her head back so she could look at Levi’s face. “Would you like to know what I’m happiest about?”
He nodded.
“I’m happy to spend the rest of my life with you, Nona Mae, and any future kinner we might have.”
“And I’m happy that you looked past my imperfections and agreed to become my fraa.” Levi leaned over and kissed the top of Lydia’s head. “My mamm once reminded me of the words of Proverbs 31:10: ‘Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.’ I thank God for giving me such a woman. Happy anniversary, Lydia, and I hope we’ll have many more.”
NONA’S FROGMORE STEW
Ingredients for the Icky Stuff:
1 cup ketchup
1 cup cooking oil
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
Hot water to fill a large canner cooker about ½ full
1 (3 ounce) package crab boil seasoning mix
Ingredients for the Good Stuff:
15 to 18 small red potatoes, left whole
1 bag baby carrots, left whole
2 pounds smoked sausage (or Little Smokies), cut into 2-inch lengths
3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 (½ pound) packages of fresh mushrooms
Small onions (as many as you wish)
1 pound medium shrimp, cleaned
2 green peppers, cut into large pieces
Mix all ingredients for the Icky Stuff except for seasoning packet in large cooker. Once all the Icky Stuff is mixed well and salt is dissolved, drop seasoning pa
cket into cooker. Set wire basket into cooker. Once broth is at rapid boil, begin putting the Good Stuff into the wire basket in the order and for the times listed below. Lower basket into boiling mixture; then stir lightly after each addition so it mixes together.
To Cook:
Bring broth to rapid boil and make sure it keeps boiling all the time. Add potatoes and boil 5 minutes. Add carrots and sausage. Boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Add chicken pieces and boil 5 minutes. Add mushroom and onion. Boil for 5 minutes. Add shrimp and green peppers. Turn off stove burner, but keep kettle covered, and let it set for 5 minutes. Drain liquid broth away from food by lifting basket out. Dispose of the Icky Stuff, then dump the Good Stuff into roaster or big mixing bowl. Take it to a table that’s been covered with a clean, plastic tablecloth. (Make sure that no one is seated at the table yet.) Dump food out on the table so there’s a pile of food in front of each place where a person will sit. Pass around some barbecue sauce, shrimp cocktail sauce, sour cream, and melted butter so that everyone can put a glob of whatever they want in front of them on the table to drag their goodies through. Eat with your fingers and enjoy! Recipe feeds 8 to 10 people.
LYDIA’S MAPLE NUT COOKIES
Ingredients:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter
3 eggs
1¼ tablespoons maple flavoring
¾ cup milk
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cups nut, chopped
Frosting:
¼ cup butter
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
1¼ cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons water
To prepare frosting: Combine all frosting ingredients and mix well.
To prepare cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream brown sugar and butter in large bowl. Add eggs, flavoring, and milk. Beat well. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture. Fold in nuts. Drop by heaping teaspoons onto greased baking sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes. Frost cookies when cooled.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. When Lydia and her son moved to Ohio, she felt lonely and missed her home and friends in Illinois. Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, people are forced to move from a place where they feel comfortable to a place that’s strange and unknown. What specific ways might there be for someone to get used to living in a new place?
2. What are some things we can do to help others who are new to our neighborhood feel welcome and part of the community?
3. When Lydia and her mother faced financial challenges, many people helped, including someone who left anonymous gifts. Lydia and her mother, like many other people, had a hard time accepting help from others. What do you think is the reason for this? Is there ever a time when we should refuse help from others?
4. What are some ways we can help someone in need without making them feel obligated or embarrassed about their situation?
5. Some gifts are given directly to a person, while other gifts are given in secret. When is the time to give someone a gift without letting them know who it’s from?
6. Some people are prejudiced against those who are different. What do you think is the reason for most prejudices? What does the Bible say about prejudice?
7. Lydia’s mother was prejudiced against little people. Her prejudice came about because of a childhood trauma. Have you ever suffered a childhood trauma that affected you so much that you avoided someone you were afraid of or didn’t trust? What advice would you give to someone who’s dealing with a childhood fear?
8. Levi was worried that his parents couldn’t run the store by themselves, and he tried to do too much for them, often sacrificing his own needs and wants. What are some ways we can help others without making them feel as if we think they’re not capable?
9. Lydia’s mother tried so hard to please her father that her own needs went unmet. How far should an adult child go in honoring or caring for their parents?
10. The loss of a child can be devastating. How can a parent deal with such a loss? What are some ways we can help someone who’s lost a child?
11. What interesting facts about the Amish way of life did you learn by reading Lydia’s Charm?
12. What life lessons did you learn from reading this book? Were there any specific scriptures that spoke to your heart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard, live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have many Amish friends.
Wanda and Richard have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys beachcombing, ventriloquism, gardening, photography, knitting, and having fun with her family.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
OTHER BOOKS BY WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER
Adult Fiction
Prairie State Friends Series
The Decision
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
The Tattered Quilt
The Healing Quilt
The Discovery Saga
Goodbye to Yesterday
The Silence of Winter
The Hope of Spring
The Pieces of Summer
A Revelation in Autumn
A Vow for Always
Kentucky Brothers Series
The Journey
The Healing
The Struggle
Brides of Lehigh Canal Series
Kelly’s Chance
Betsy’s Return
Sarah’s Choice
Indiana Cousins Series
A Cousin’s Promise
A Cousin’s Prayer
A Cousin’s Challenge
Sisters of Holmes County Series
A Sister’s Secret
A Sister’s Test
A Sister’s Hope
Brides of Webster County Series
Going Home
Dear to Me
On Her Own
Allison’s Journey
Daughters of Lancaster County Series
The Storekeeper’s Daughter
The Quilter’s Daughter
The Bishop’s Daughter
Brides of Lancaster County Series
A Merry Heart
Looking for a Miracle
Plain and Fancy
The Hope Chest
Amish White Christmas Pie
Lydia’s Charm
Love Finds a Home
Love Finds a Way
Woman of Courage
Children’s Fiction
Double Trouble
What a Pair!
Bumpy Ride Ahead
Bubble Troubles
Green Fever
Humble Pie
Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere 8-Book Series
The Wisdom of Solomon
Nonfiction
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook Vol. 2
The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Desserts Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Christmas Cookbook
The Simple Life Devotional
A Celebration of the Simple Life Devotional
Portrait of Amish Life–with Richard Brunstetter
Simple Life Perpetual Calendar–with Richard Brunstetter
Want to know what Wanda’s up to and be the first to hear about new releases, specials, the latest news, and more? Like Wanda on Facebook!
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