He took a seat, drank the rest of his lukewarm coffee, and stood. “We should get going, Brent. I’d like to get to the restaurant before it becomes too crowded. Saturdays are always busy with tourists and locals who like to go shopping and eat out.”
“Oh, okay.” Brent stood and handed Kendra one of his business cards. “Give me a call sometime. I’d like to keep in touch.”
She smiled. “That’d be nice.”
Bill and Brent said their goodbyes and headed out the door. As they climbed into Bill’s truck, he turned to his son and said, “Think she’ll call?”
Brent’s ears turned slightly pink. “I don’t know. Guess I’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Chapter 35
Millersburg
Nicole was in the kitchen, gathering up her apron and notebook in readiness for Dad to take her to the fifth cooking class, when she glanced out the window and saw her mother’s car pull up next to the garage. Oh, great. What does she want this time? I hope she hasn’t been drinking again.
Holding her breath, Nicole stepped back from the window, out of sight, but positioning herself so she could still see her mother. If I don’t answer the door, maybe she’ll go away. But it was too late. She watched as Dad went out the door and walked up to Tonya. I hope he holds his ground and tells her to leave. If she doesn’t go soon, I’m gonna be late for the cooking class.
Eager to know what they were saying, Nicole opened the door a crack and listened while peeking through the narrow gap.
“I’ve been going to Alcoholics Anonymous, and I’m working hard at staying sober.” Tonya moved closer to Dad. “Thanks to my drinking and irresponsible attitude, I made a mess of our marriage.”
Nicole clenched her fingers. You’ve got that right, Tonya. You made a big mess of everything. You don’t care about your family, so just go away and leave us alone.
“I’m sorry for all the hurts I’ve caused, and I want to do better.”
You’re lying. You always lie when you want something.
Dad said nothing; just gave a brief nod. Nicole hoped it didn’t mean he’d accepted Tonya’s apology. Surely he couldn’t be that weak where his ex-wife was concerned. Not after all the damage she’d done to this family.
Tonya touched Dad’s arm. “I hope once you see that I’ve changed you’ll allow me to spend some quality time with the children—especially around the holidays.”
“We’ll see how it goes, Tonya.” Dad’s tone held no malice. He didn’t even pull his arm away. “This is not something you can fix overnight, though.”
“I realize that, but please give me a chance to prove myself.” Her pleading tone was pathetic.
Nicole shook her head. Don’t let her get to you, Dad. She’s trying to pry on your sympathies. Do not give in.
“Do you forgive me, Mike?”
Dad took a deep breath as his shoulders raised, then lowered. Rubbing his forehead, he answered, “Yes, Tonya, I forgive you.”
Nicole’s spine stiffened. You’ve gotta be kidding! How can he forgive so easily? If Dad wants to be foolish where Tonya’s concerned, that’s up to him, but there’s no way I will ever forgive that woman for all she’s done. Nicole shook her head forcibly. Nope. I don’t want anything to do with Tonya—not now, not ever!
Nicole was relieved when a few minutes later, Dad came into the kitchen. “You all ready to go, Nicole?”
She gave a nod. “I saw you talking to Tonya outside—I mean, Mom. I assume she’s gone?”
“Yes, and we’d better get going so you’re not late for the cooking class.”
“Yeah, okay.” Nicole was on the verge of asking Dad if he believed all the things Tonya had said to him, but thought better of it. If he brought it up, she would offer her opinion. Otherwise she wouldn’t say anything. No point letting Dad know she’d been eavesdropping.
Walnut Creek
Heidi was pleased when everyone showed up at her house on time. Making the whoopie pies would take a bit of time, so she wanted her students to get started right away. Once everyone was seated at her kitchen table, she explained what they’d be making and handed out the recipe cards, along with all the ingredients they would need.
“I think you will all enjoy these special cookies,” she said, standing at the head of the table. “They’ve always been one of my family’s favorites, and the pumpkin whoopies make a wonderful treat during the fall and winter months.”
“I’m sure I’ll enjoy them.” Lance offered Heidi a big grin.
“Same here,” Bill chimed in.
Heidi clasped her hands together. “Well, all right then, let’s get started.”
Allie stared across the table at no one in particular. She had a hard time concentrating on the recipe Heidi had given them for pumpkin whoopie pies. She’d had an argument with Steve last night, and they’d both gone to bed angry. He’d gotten up early and left before she and the kids were out of bed, so there’d been no chance to talk more or offer any apologies.
She clenched her fingers around the mixing spoon, while stirring the cookie batter. Not that he would have offered any, and I probably wouldn’t have apologized either. Seems like all we do is argue lately, but no one ever wins. Steve doesn’t want to be with me or the kids anymore. If he did, he wouldn’t work unnecessary shifts for others.
“These cookies would be good for Thanksgiving, don’t you think?” Lisa leaned closer to Allie.
“Yes, I suppose so.” Allie hadn’t even planned what they would have for their Thanksgiving meal yet. She had originally hoped they’d be able to go to her parents for the holiday again this year, but Steve’s schedule didn’t allow that to happen. Instead, her folks and Steve’s parents were coming to their home, but Steve wouldn’t be there. He’d told her last night that he was scheduled to work Thanksgiving Day, which had led up to their argument. Allie had even been bold enough to ask if he was in love with someone else, and secretly seeing another woman, but he’d denied it and said Allie was paranoid and worried too much.
“I’ll be taking a pumpkin pie to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving, but I think I’ll take some whoopie pies, too.” Lisa interrupted Allie’s thoughts again. “There can never be enough desserts for a holiday, right?”
“My sentiments exactly,” Bill spoke up. “Think I’ll take some whoopies to the cabin with me.” He chuckled. “Course I may have them all eaten before my buddies show up the day after Thanksgiving.”
“I’ll probably take a batch of them to my daughter Sharon’s place,” Lance put in. “She called last week and invited me to join her family on Thanksgiving.” He gave an enthusiastic grin. “My other daughter, Terry, will be there, too, as well as my brother, Dan.”
Allie glanced at Todd, to see if he would say anything, but he kept stirring his cookie dough without a word. Same for Nicole. Her glum expression was an indication that she was not in a good mood today.
Well, join the club. Allie poked her tongue to one side of her cheek. But at least I’m trying not to let it show.
After everyone’s whoopie pies were baked and cooled, Heidi suggested they go into the dining room to sample what they’d made. “I’ll bring in some hot chocolate and coffee to go with the cookies. While you’re eating your whoopies, I’ll tell you the decision Lyle and I made about becoming foster parents.” She gestured to Allie. “I have you to thank for bringing up the topic at our last cooking class.”
Allie’s lips twitched before breaking into a grin. “That’s good news. I’m happy for you, Heidi.”
Nicole and the others all nodded.
“My husband and I are looking forward to caring for a child, but I’ll tell you more as we’re sharing our snacks.” Heidi opened a cabinet and took out a large serving tray.
“I’ll stay here in the kitchen and help you carry things out,” Bill offered.
Heidi smiled. “Thank you, Bill.”
Nicole gathered up her whoopie pies and placed them in the plastic container Heidi had given each stu
dent. Then she followed the others to the dining room and took a seat at the table between Allie and Lisa. Lance and Todd sat across from them. While everyone chatted about various things, Nicole studied the recipe card Heidi had given them to go with the cookies they’d made. The whoopie pies weren’t too hard to make and would probably be something her sister and brother would enjoy. Maybe I’ll make a batch sometime before Thanksgiving. Sure hope Tonya doesn’t get any ideas about coming over that day.
She turned the three-by-five card over and frowned when she read the verse of scripture Heidi had written: “[Jesus said,] ‘If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you’” (Matthew 6:14).
Nicole shifted in her chair, crossing and uncrossing her leg. Why is it so important to forgive? Tonya doesn’t deserve my forgiveness. She hasn’t asked for it, either.
Growing more uneasy by the minute, she pushed her chair back and stood. “Think I’ll go see what’s taking Heidi and Bill so long.”
Nicole headed for the kitchen, and was almost to the door, when she heard Bill mention her name. He was telling Heidi how he’d paid for a weekly housekeeper to help Nicole and her family out. “Not knowing how Nicole would take it, I decided it’d be best to remain anonymous.”
Nicole stood at the door, her lips pressed together, as her thoughts scrambled to understand. Why would Bill have done this for her? He hardly even knew Nicole. Should I go in and say something—tell him I overheard what he said?
Blinking rapidly, she stood like a statue, barely breathing as she weighed the pros and cons. If she said something, Bill might be embarrassed. If she kept quiet, he would not be thanked for his good deed. Nicole did appreciate it, after all. Still, it upset her that anyone had to even do this for her family. If Mom hadn’t bailed on them, there would have been no need. Having the housekeeper had given her more time for schoolwork, as well as the chance to do some other things. No one—especially a near stranger—had ever done anything this nice for her, and Bill deserved a thank-you.
Pushing her sweater sleeves past the elbows, Nicole was about to enter the kitchen, when Bill stepped out, carrying the tray with napkins and paper cups. Heidi came behind him with a coffeepot. Bill’s eyes widened as his head jerked back. “Oh, Nicole, I didn’t realize you were near the door. How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to hear what you said to Heidi about paying for someone to clean my dad’s house.” She lifted her chin and looked up at him. “I don’t know what to say, except thank you.”
He winked at her. “You’re more than welcome. I was happy to do it.”
Tears welled in Nicole’s eyes, and she was powerless to keep them from spilling over. Heidi was quickly at her side, slipping one arm around Nicole’s waist, guiding her into the kitchen. “Is there something you wish to talk about?”
Nicole gulped on the sob rising in her throat. Desperate to unburden her soul, she blurted out the details of her mother’s visit that morning and how Tonya had told Nicole’s dad she was going to AA and wanted to spend more time with her children.
A rush of heat flushed through Nicole’s body. “She asked for Dad’s forgiveness, and I can’t believe it, but he actually forgave her. I mean, how could he be so gullible?” She sank into a chair at the table with a groan. “Tonya may have quit drinking for a while, but she’ll be at it again, and probably soon. Nothing will change for the better. I can’t stand her, and I wish she wasn’t my mother.”
Heidi took the seat beside her. “Loving people is not always easy, especially if we’ve been hurt by them. But when we choose to hate and refuse to forgive instead of offering love and forgiveness, it’s as though we are roaming around in darkness.” She paused and placed her hand on Nicole’s trembling arm. “Hatred is disorienting. It takes away our sense of direction.”
Nicole sniffed deeply. “I—I don’t care. Tonya’s done too many bad things. She doesn’t deserve my forgiveness—especially when she’s just gonna do it again. And people wouldn’t have to be helping us out if she’d stayed home and been a real mom.”
Heidi handed Nicole a tissue. “I understand—it’s not always easy to forgive. Please think about it this week, and remember, I’ll be praying for you.”
For some reason, Nicole found comfort in knowing Heidi would be praying for her. This young Amish woman was so kind and loving—nothing like Nicole’s messed-up mother. It was a shame Heidi didn’t have any children of her own. She would certainly be a good mother.
Bill moved close to the table and cleared his throat. She hadn’t even realized he’d joined them in the kitchen until now. She’d thought he’d gone into the dining room with the others.
“You know, Heidi, as you’ve been talking to Nicole, I’ve been thinking about my own situation. I realize now that I’ve never forgiven my wife for her part in what turned out to be a painful divorce.” Bill shuffled his feet a few times. “I need to do that, and I’ll also talk to Michelle and ask her forgiveness for my part in the breakup of our marriage. It’s too late for us to get back together, because she’s remarried, but at least I’ll feel better knowing there’s no animosity between us.”
Nicole couldn’t listen anymore. With head down, she went back to the dining room to join the others and wait for Dad to pick her up. If Bill wanted to forgive his wife, that was his business, but it didn’t change the way she felt about Tonya.
Chapter 36
Burton, Ohio
The morning had started out with low, steel-colored clouds. But now, as Heidi and Lyle’s driver neared the town of Burton, on their way to Middlefield, the wind came up, pushing the clouds to the west, and revealing a milky sun. The closer they got to their Thanksgiving destination, the more eager Heidi became.
“Look over there.” Heidi pointed out the front window of their driver’s van. “It looks like smoke up ahead.”
“You’re right it does,” Lyle agreed. “But those huge puffs, resembling smoke, are nothing more than billowing steam coming off the manure being spread by that tractor over there. It’s a good time of year to get it done, before the snow falls and blankets the ground.”
Squinting, Heidi leaned forward as far as her seatbelt would allow. Sure enough, the man in the tractor drove the outline of the field. Then little by little, he worked his way toward the middle, leaving a steaming trail of manure behind him.
As the van continued on, she noticed all the barren trees on both sides of the road. Everything looked so dismal this time of the year. Dead leaves, brown with no color left, blew across the road in the wind. Several homes they passed, with their once-green yards, now matching the color of wheat, had smoke rising out of the chimneys. Heidi hoped they might have some snow by now, to give more color to the ground and trees. In fact, with the cooler temperatures, she’d expected snowy weather might have already come, or at least that they’d see some before Christmas arrived. It was always special to wake up on Christmas morning and view the beauty of everything blanketed in pristine snow.
I can hardly believe it’s Thanksgiving. Heidi shook her head. Wherever did this year get to? The holiday had approached so fast, and as they rode by an English man wrapping colored lights around a pine tree in the front yard, it was one more reminder that Christmas would be here soon, too. Two young children stood near the man, jumping up and down. No doubt they were excited about the upcoming holiday, too.
What fun it must be to have children around the holidays. Hopefully by this Christmas, she and Lyle would get to find out. But until then, Heidi had to be patient. What a blessing it would be for us to bring a child into our home at Christmastime.
She looked over at Lyle and placed her hand on his knee. “I wonder what Mom and Dad’s response will be when we tell them about our plans to become foster parents.”
“I imagine it’ll be the same as my folks when we told them the other day.” He smiled and placed his hand over hers, giving her fingers a tender squeeze. “Your parents will be happy for us, too, a
nd probably offer encouragement, as well as words of wisdom about parenting.”
Heidi gave a nod. “We are both so fortunate to have loving parents.” She thought about Nicole and the situation with her mother. “Not everyone is blessed with good parents.”
Zoar, Ohio
“Sharon sure lives in a dinky town,” Dan commented as he and Lance drove into the historical village south of Canton.
Refusing to let his brother’s negative comment rile him, Lance smiled and replied, “Zoar is more than a dinky town. It’s an interesting piece of local history.”
Dan let go of the steering wheel with one hand and gestured toward Lance. “Oh? How so?”
“For starters, the people who lived here more than a hundred years ago were part of the Separatist Society.”
“Is that a fact?”
Lanced nodded. “Due to religious persecution, they left their home country of Germany and fled to America.”
“Hmm … Sounds similar to why the Amish came here.”
“You’re right, only the Zoarites were communal and didn’t have their own homes. The community association here works hard to keep the spirit and lifestyle of the original village alive.”
“Guess that’s important.”
“Yep. And since the Zoar village used to be an apple orchard, the town is known for its delicious apple dishes. Fact is, Sharon said she was gonna make a dutch apple cake for dessert today. It’ll go well with the pumpkin whoopie pies I brought along.”
“Both desserts sound good.”
They rode in silence for a while, until Lance spoke again. “Say, Dan, before we get to Sharon’s place, there’s something I need to say.”
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