As Bill headed across the school’s parking lot to his truck, he spotted Nicole walking in the direction of the buses waiting to pick kids up. For the first time since he’d met the young woman, he noticed a spring to her step. It was an even bigger surprise to see her walking beside another teenage girl, talking and laughing.
I bet she’s in a good mood today ’cause she found out some of her workload will be lifted by having a weekly housekeeper. Bill grinned. It felt good to do something nice for a person in need, even if he didn’t know her well. It had been hard to part with the money Bill had been saving for a trip to Alaska he wanted to take, but he had waited this long to go and could wait awhile longer. Besides, he had his upcoming hunting trip to look forward to and the hope of bagging a big buck this year. Bill could almost see a beautiful pair of antlers hanging on the wall in his cabin in Coshocton.
He turned back toward the buses and saw Nicole wave to her friend. Then she started walking down the sidewalk. Bill was tempted to go talk to her, but thought better of it. She might be embarrassed to have anyone see her talking to the school’s head janitor. Well, that was okay. He’d talk to Nicole at Heidi’s next cooking class. He was curious to hear how things were going for her in school now that she’d been given more time to study.
New Philadelphia
Allie finished putting the roast in the oven and had gone to the kitchen window to check on the kids and the dog, when she saw Steve’s SUV pull into the yard. Over and over she told herself, Keep calm, Allie. Keep calm and don’t say anything out of anger or start making accusations.
When Steve came in, the first thing he did was give Allie a kiss. But before she could ask him any questions, he told her about an unwed woman he’d arrested today for child abuse.
Steve shook his head. “It was sad to see her three kids taken from her, but they’ll be better off in foster care.”
“What a shame.” Allie felt bad for those unfortunate children, as well as for the mother who desperately needed help. Every child deserved to grow up in a stable, happy environment.
Steve ambled across the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. “There are so many kids in the system these days who need good foster parents. Too bad we’re not able to take one or two children in.”
Allie nodded. “It would be nice, but with both of our jobs, plus caring for our own kids, it’s not feasible.”
“You’re probably right.” He drank his coffee and set his mug in the sink. “I talked to the kids before I came inside. They want us to take them and the dog for a walk. Are you free to go with us?”
“I did tell them I would walk the dog, but now that you’re here, I’d like us to talk for a bit.”
“No problem. We can do that while we’re walking.”
She shook her head. “What I have to say is not for the kids to hear.”
He leaned against the cabinet, folding his arms. “Okay. What’s up?”
“I want to know why you’re always working late. And I want you to explain—”
Steve held up his hand. “I work late because I have to, Allie. We’ve had this discussion many times, and unless you want to start an argument and ruin the whole evening, there’s nothing more to say—end of story. Now let’s get our jackets on and join Nola and Derek.”
She heaved a sigh. “Give me a few minutes to change into my sweatpants, and I’ll be ready to go.”
When Allie walked into the bedroom, she stared at her image in the mirror. Pulling her thick, curly hair away from her face, she secured it with a clip. “I’m not a bad-looking person,” she mumbled to her reflection. Running her fingers over her cheekbones, it pleased Allie to have such soft skin. Having an olive-tone complexion, with no wrinkles other than a few laugh lines around the corners of her eyes, gave her a younger-than-thirty appearance. Steve should be satisfied with me. I’m a good mother, and I do my best to look nice for him.
She massaged her temples, trying to gain relief from a headache. Why does Lori Robbins have to be so cute? She can’t be much younger than me. Does Steve find her more attractive than I am? Would he rather spend time with Lori than his wife and children?
Allie turned sideways and ran her hand over her flat stomach. One would never know she had two children. Her arms and legs were toned, too.
She drew a deep, cleansing breath. Why am I doing this to myself? What am I afraid of? Steve and I have a good marriage and two wonderful kids. I need to stop dwelling on all this, or I’ll end up causing problems in our marriage. I knew soon after I married Steve, his being a police officer would not be easy. She pinched her cheeks. Come on, girl—toughen up.
“Hey, Allie, hurry up! The kids and puppy are raring to go,” Steve yelled from downstairs.
“I’m on my way!” With one last look in the mirror, Allie stuck her tongue out at herself and, as if she were a child needing to be scolded, added, “Shame on you. Now go enjoy the evening with your family. Isn’t this outing what you’ve been hoping for?”
Allie felt a little better when she headed outside to go for their walk. If Steve refused to listen to her concerns, there wasn’t much she could do. But one thing was certain: Allie planned to keep an eye on things. It truly wasn’t Steve she was worried about, though. It was the blond-haired cop. She had too much at stake to let some other woman steal her husband away.
Chapter 30
Walnut Creek
After Heidi got the mail Saturday morning, she decided to stop at the phone shack to check for messages that may have come in since last evening. She was pleased to find one from her mother, inviting her and Lyle to Middlefield for Thanksgiving. It had been a while since Heidi visited her folks, and she looked forward to going. Hopefully, Lyle hadn’t already made plans with his parents for that day. She would wait and check with him before responding to Mom’s phone message.
She listened to the rest of the messages and wrote down those that were important, then stepped out of the phone shack, pausing briefly to breathe in the fresh morning air.
Heidi was almost up to the house when a car pulled in. She recognized the vehicle, and waved when Kendra got out and took the baby from the car. How wonderful it was to see them again.
“I was hoping you’d be home.” Kendra smiled when she joined Heidi near the front porch. “Do you have time to visit?”
“Of course.” Heidi gestured to the infant held snuggly in Kendra’s arms. “How’s my little namesake doing?”
“She’s getting along well—gaining the weight she should, too. And as long as she’s fed and diapered regularly, my sweet little Heidi is a satisfied baby.”
“That’s good to hear.” Heidi gestured to the house. “Let’s go inside where it’s warmer.”
Kendra followed Heidi into the house, and they found seats in the living room. With a great sense of longing, Heidi gazed at Kendra’s precious daughter. I will not allow myself to feel jealous. “How are things going now with you and your parents?” she asked. “Any better?”
“Unfortunately, about the same as when I was here before. Dad’s still impatient, and Mom—well, she keeps reminding me to keep the baby quiet when Dad’s in the house because Heidi’s crying gets on his nerves.” Kendra’s shoulders lifted as she released a deep sigh. “I wish I could get out on my own, but there’s no way I can afford to rent a place right now. Maybe when I’m feeling strong enough to look for a job, but then there’s the matter of finding someone to watch the baby while I’m at work.”
“Won’t your mother take care of her granddaughter?” Heidi couldn’t imagine Kendra’s mother being unwilling to watch the baby. Most grandmothers she knew looked for excuses to be with their grandchildren.
“She probably would take care of the baby, as long it was during the day, when Dad’s at work. If I worked during the evening hours, it could be a problem, though.”
Heidi was tempted to ask Kendra why her father had agreed to let her move back home if he had no patience with a little one. Instead, she held out her arms. “May I hold the
baby?”
“Sure.” Kendra handed the infant to Heidi.
She moved from the couch to the rocker and got it moving back and forth as she stroked the infant’s silky head. I shouldn’t do this, Heidi told herself. Holding Kendra’s daughter only increases my desire for a child and makes me wish this little girl was mine.
Heidi sucked in her bottom lip. It wasn’t right to envy, but despite her best efforts, she couldn’t seem to help herself. Then the words of Hebrews 13:5 came to mind: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for [Jesus] hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Heidi paused to thank God for the reminders found in His Word, for she certainly had much in her life to bring contentment—a wonderful husband, loving parents, good health, and special friends. Those were the things she needed to focus on and feel thankful for.
Dover
Lisa rushed about the kitchen, getting things ready for dinner with Todd. She felt relaxed and at ease with the world today. Having a renter in the other half of the duplex again would be nice, and since Dan had no pets, she wouldn’t have to worry about the place becoming a mess.
Lisa lifted the lid on the crockpot and inhaled the zesty aroma. “Yum. If this smells even half as good as it tastes, I think Todd will be impressed.”
Her cell phone rang, and thinking it might be Todd, she hurried across the room to pick it up. Seeing in the caller ID window that it was her mother calling, she quickly answered. “Hi, Mom. How are you?”
“I’m fine, honey. How are things going with you?”
“Doing well.” Lisa put the phone in speaker mode and began to set the table.
“Are you busy right now? I hear some clinging and clanging going on.”
Lisa laughed. “Todd’s coming over for dinner this evening, and I’m setting the table.”
“Oh, I see. One of these days you’ll have to bring your new fellow by the house so your dad and I can meet him.”
“How about Thanksgiving? It would be a good chance for you both to get to know him.” Lisa rubbed an itchy spot on the side of her nose. The truth was, she didn’t know Todd all that well yet, either.
“You haven’t invited him to join us yet, I hope.”
“No, Mom, but I thought—”
“In all honesty, I would prefer it just be our family this year. I hope you understand.”
No, I don’t understand. Her mother’s request made no sense to Lisa. In times past, they’d invited many different guests to share their Thanksgiving meal. Why should it be any different this year? “Okay, that’s fine,” she murmured. “Todd may have other plans for the holiday anyway, and I haven’t mentioned Thanksgiving to him.”
“I’m glad you’re agreeable. We’ll see you then, and feel free to come a little early.” Mom’s tone sounded chipper. Since Lisa kept so busy with her business, she didn’t get to see her folks as often as she used to. Maybe that was the reason they wanted her all to themselves this holiday. If her relationship with Todd kept going, Lisa would make sure Mom and Dad got to meet him.
When Todd entered Lisa’s kitchen, he lifted his nose and inhaled deeply. “Something sure smells good in here. What have you got cooking?”
She smiled, pointing to the crockpot on the counter. “I made lemon chicken, a tossed green salad, steamed brown rice, and brussels sprouts cooked in coconut oil and fresh garlic.”
He jiggled his brows. “Sounds pretty good so far.”
Lisa poked his arm. “What do you mean, so far?”
He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’m wondering about dessert.”
“I made a banana cream pie. How’s that sound to you?”
“I like banana cream pie, but I bet it won’t taste half as good as your sweet lips.” Todd kissed her again, this time a gentle kiss on the mouth. He’d been right. Lisa’s kiss was sweet as honey.
Her cheeks colored, and she pushed him gently away. “You’re such a big flirt.”
“I’m not flirting; I’m serious.”
“I’m flattered by the compliment, but now it’s time to eat.” She gestured to the table. It had been set with fancy dishes and shiny goblets. There was even a scented candle in the middle, surrounded by a small autumn-colored wreath. “Now, if you’ll please take a seat, I’ll serve the meal.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
She shook her head. “It won’t take me long to set things on, so just sit and relax.”
Todd obliged. Being here in Lisa’s kitchen was nicer than going out to a restaurant, and much more relaxed. He could get used to spending time with her like this.
After everything was on the table, Lisa took the seat beside him and bowed her head. “Would you like to say the blessing, or should I?”
Todd squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. He hadn’t expected she would ask him to pray. Truth was, he wouldn’t know what to say. “Uh … why don’t you do the honors?”
Todd sat with his eyes partially open as Lisa offered a prayer, thanking God for the food and the opportunity to be with Todd this evening. He couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty for sticking her with saying grace, but he had not offered any kind of a prayer since he was a boy. And then it was only when he’d spent time with his grandparents, who prayed at every meal. Todd still remembered how Grandma used to make everyone at her table take turns saying a prayer. When it was his turn, he would hurriedly say a little prayer he’d memorized. “God is good. God is great. And I thank Him for this food. Amen.” He’d feel pretty foolish if he recited that prayer in front of Lisa, though. It was best that she offered the blessing.
As they ate their meal, Todd’s taste buds came alive. The succulent chicken all but melted in his mouth, and the brussels sprouts were done to perfection. “I’m duly impressed with your culinary skills.” He gave her a thumbs-up. “Everything tastes superb.”
Once more, Lisa’s cheeks turned rosy as she nodded her head. “Why, thank you, sir. I am pleased that you like what I cooked for you this evening.”
“I’m sorry I misjudged your abilities based on what you fixed for my friends’ wedding.”
She wrinkled her petite little nose. “Please, let’s not go there again.”
“Okay.” He winked at her and reached for another helping of chicken.
After the meal was over, Todd helped Lisa clear the table and load the dishwasher. Then they went to the living room and spent the next couple of hours visiting.
“Are you ready for some pie?” Lisa rose from the couch. “And how about a cup of coffee to go with it?”
Todd smacked his lips. “Both sound good. Need some help getting it out?”
“Thanks anyway, but I can manage. While I’m in the kitchen why don’t you turn on the gas fireplace? It’s a little chilly in here, and a cozy fire is always nice during an autumn evening.”
“Sure thing. I like the whole ‘flick a switch and instant flames’ thing. It beats dealing with messy wood and ashes you have to clean out of a wood-burning fireplace, like my grandparents have.”
She took a few steps toward the kitchen, but paused and turned to look at him. “Do they live in the area?”
“Nope. Both sets of my grandparents live in Oregon, not far from my folks.”
“I bet you miss them.”
“Yeah, but I enjoy my independence, so the positive outweighs the negative.”
Lisa turned and headed to the kitchen. Todd figured she probably thought it was strange that he’d chosen not to live close to his family. A slight muscle jumped in his cheek as he moved across the room to turn on the fireplace. Well, if she knew my mom, she might understand. Not everyone has a good relationship with their family.
Once the fire was going, and he’d set the remote for it to a nice, even temperature, Todd took a seat on the couch again, to wait for Lisa. She returned shortly, carrying a tray with two pieces of pie and coffee mugs, which she placed on the small table in front of the sofa.
&nb
sp; “Here we go. Please, help yourself.”
Todd didn’t have to be asked twice. Just looking at the banana cream pie, he knew he was in for a treat. After taking his first bite, Todd smiled and took hold of Lisa’s hand. “This pie is awesome. Not quite as sweet as your lips, but a close second.”
She lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “You’re incorrigible.”
He snickered. “Just trying to be honest.”
As they ate their pie and drank the coffee, Lisa told Todd a little about her family. They also visited about the cooking classes and agreed that they’d be sorry to see them come to an end. While the classes might be winding down soon, Todd hoped he’d have the chance to keep seeing Lisa. She was different than any woman he’d ever met, and he wanted the opportunity to see if their relationship could deepen.
When it came time for Todd to leave, Lisa walked him to the door. With no hesitation, he pulled her into his arms for a lingering kiss.
“Before you go, I have a question to ask,” Lisa said breathlessly.
“Sure. Ask me anything you like.”
“I was wondering if you’d like to attend church with me tomorrow morning. Maybe we can go out for a bite to eat afterward.”
He bit down on his bottom lip. Oh, great. Now why’d you have to go and ruin our nice evening? Do I try to weasel my way out of going or cave in and give church a try?
“Todd, did you hear what I said?”
“Umm … yeah.”
Lisa tipped her head and looked up at him. “Yeah, you’ll go to church, or yeah, you heard my question?”
“Both.”
She smiled and gave him a hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow then. Church starts at ten thirty, so if you could pick me up at ten, that’d be perfect. Unless you’d rather I give you the church’s address and we can just meet there.”
He shook his head. “No, I’d rather pick you up. See you then.” He leaned down, gave her another kiss, and rushed out the door. I must be out of my mind.
The next morning, when Todd took a seat on a church pew with Lisa, he looked around the sanctuary and cringed. How did I get talked into this? The only reason I agreed to come here is so I could spend more time with Lisa. Plus, I didn’t want her to think I’m not interested in religion, which she obviously is. Why’d I have to choose a woman who’s into spiritual things?
Amish Cooking Class--The Blessing Page 20