“What’s that?”
“I’m sorry for getting upset with you during the time you were staying at my house. I overreacted on a few things.”
Dan waved his hand. “It’s okay, Brother. You do things different than I do, and living together was hard for both of us. Things are better now that I’m living in the other half of Lisa’s duplex, where I can pretty much do as I please.”
“So everything’s good?”
“Absolutely.”
“Glad to hear it.” Lance was tempted to ask if his brother was keeping the place picked up but didn’t want to start a discussion that could lead to an argument. Even if the place wasn’t being kept super clean, he felt sure Dan would not ruin any of Lisa’s furniture or mark anything up. “So, on another note—any idea how long till your own place is ready for you to move back to?” He asked.
“A few more weeks. It probably won’t be long after I move out before Lisa finds someone else to rent the side of the duplex I’m in now.”
“I hope so. She did us both a favor renting to you—especially knowing it wouldn’t be full-time.”
“True, but her place is nice, and I’m sure once I move out she’ll find another renter.”
Lance hoped his brother was right. He would feel bad if Lisa had a hard time finding another person to move in. Most likely she relied on the rent money to supplement her income.
New Philadelphia
Allie put the turkey in the oven and sighed. I wish Steve could be here to carve the bird when it’s done. The fact that her parents and in-laws would be here for Thanksgiving made Steve’s absence seem even worse. Would she be able to keep a lid on her emotions and not let on how upset she felt because her husband couldn’t join them? If she said too much, one or both sets of parents might figure out that things were strained between Allie and Steve. They could even think we’re headed for a divorce.
Should I consider divorcing Steve? Allie wondered. Would it be better for me? But what about the kids? I have to consider their needs. She cringed, having gone over this in her mind several times before. Even though Steve wasn’t around as much as he should be, Nola and Derek would miss their daddy. When he was home, the kids and their father were practically inseparable.
Tears welled in Allie’s eyes. Truthfully, I’d miss him, too. Allie had fallen in love with Steve a short time after they’d begun dating. He was everything she’d ever wanted in a man—nice looking, smart, strong, and brave. He had a pleasant personality and got along well with people, too. Allie’s father had taken to Steve the first time she’d brought him home to meet her folks. When she and Steve first got married, they were inseparable and communicated well with each other. But as time went on and Steve became more involved in his work, things began to change.
Before this year, Steve had always managed to get off on Thanksgiving, which made his absence today even harder. Allie felt empty as she washed the potatoes and laid them on a paper towel to dry.
Arf! Arf! The kids’ puppy darted into the kitchen with Derek at his heels.
“Come back here, Trouble!” Derek shook his finger at the dog. “You need to come when I call you.”
Allie glanced at the clock. “Your grandparents will be here soon, so you should put the pup in his cage now.”
Derek’s nose wrinkled. “Trouble don’t like it there, Mommy. It’s like bein’ in jail.” He looked up at her with a pleading expression. “You wouldn’t wanna be in jail, would you?”
“Of course not, Son, but Trouble will get into mischief if he’s left to run around the house all day.” She leaned over and scratched the pup behind his silky ears. “You can keep him out till your grandparents arrive, but then he has to go in the cage. Understood?”
Derek nodded. “When’s Daddy gonna be home?”
“Later this evening.”
His lower lip protruded. Allie figured she’d better change the subject or her boy would end up whining.
“Where’s your sister? Did she clear her toys out of the living room like I asked?”
Derek shrugged. “Don’t know. I wasn’t watchin’.”
Allie lifted her gaze to the ceiling. What else is new? She’d go check on Nola, then come back, wash her hands, and peel the potatoes. If she got all the prep work for dinner done ahead of time, the meal would be ready by the time the parents showed up. Besides, keeping busy took her mind off Steve and how much she missed him not being here today.
Cambridge, Ohio
Gravel crackled beneath the tires of Lisa’s van as she drove up her parents’ driveway. Living in a rural area, they’d never bothered to put pavement down. As Lisa approached the two-story house, she was surprised to see a vehicle she didn’t recognize parked outside their garage. Did Dad buy a new car?
She parked next to the SUV and stepped out of the van. Since she planned to spend the night, she took out her small suitcase and the plastic container with the whoopie pies in it.
A rustling wind slid through the trees as Lisa made her way to the house. She paused briefly to look at the well-used tire swing hanging from the stately maple. She’d spent many hours in that old swing when she was a girl, daydreaming and wishing she had a sibling. But it was not meant to be. Mom had complications when Lisa was born, and a hysterectomy put an end to her childbearing days. Of course, Lisa had friends to play with, but it wasn’t the same as having a brother or sister. She’d determined in her heart some time ago that, if she ever got married, she would have three or four children. Right now, however, marriage seemed to be in the distant future. She’d need to find the right man first, and at present, that seemed unlikely, too.
Halting her thoughts, Lisa stepped onto the front porch and rang the bell to announce her presence. Certain that the door would be unlocked, she opened it and stepped inside. The delicious aroma of roasting turkey greeted her, and she was tempted to head straight for the kitchen. But hearing voices coming from the living room, she set her luggage in the hallway, hung up her coat, and placed the whoopie pies on the entry table.
When Lisa entered the adjoining room, she was surprised to see a young couple with two little, tow-headed boys sitting on the couch. She’d never met them and wondered if Mom had invited a new neighbor or someone from church whom Lisa didn’t know.
“Oh, good, I’m glad you’re here.” Mom rose from her chair, and Dad did the same. They took turns hugging Lisa. Then Mom introduced their guests. “Lisa, this is Tim and Sandy Sawyer.” She gestured to the children. “And these two young men are Nicolas and Wesley. Your dad and I invited them to join us for dinner today.”
Lisa shook hands with Tim and Sandy, and told the boys hello. Her smile felt forced, however. It didn’t seem right that after Mom had specifically told her not to invite Todd, saying today was just for family, that she would invite strangers into their home for Thanksgiving. At least to Lisa these people were strangers. If Mom and Dad knew them, they’d certainly never mentioned it, nor had Mom informed Lisa they’d invited any guests.
I suppose it doesn’t matter, though, Lisa told herself, since I’m not seeing Todd anymore. And maybe these people had nowhere else to go for the holiday. Mom’s hospitable and has always reached out to those in need.
“Lisa, please take a seat. There’s something you need to know.” Mom pointed to one of the recliners.
A tingle of apprehension slid up Lisa’s spine. Mom’s tone and expression were so serious. She hoped nothing was wrong. “What is it?” Lisa asked, lowering herself into a chair.
Mom glanced over at Tim, then back at Lisa. “There’s no simple way to tell you this, except come right out and say it.”
Lisa leaned forward. “Say what, Mom? You’re scaring me. Is something wrong with you or Dad? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
Mom shook her head. “No, we’re both fine, and I hope you will be, too, when we share this news.”
Lisa sat quietly, waiting for her mother to continue and watching as Mom grabbed Dad’s hand. Something big wa
s going on here, and Lisa was eager to find out what it was.
Mom cleared her throat a couple of times. “Tim is my son.”
Lisa swallowed hard, touching the base of her neck. I must have misunderstood. I’m an only child. Mom couldn’t have more children, and if she had, I certainly would have known. “Wh–what are you saying?” Lisa could barely speak. Was Mom playing some kind of a joke on her?
“I know this must come as quite a shock,” Tim spoke up. “But as a baby, I was adopted. I’ve been looking for my biological parents for the last two years, and thanks to the Internet, I’ve found my birth mother.” He paused and moistened his lips. “I’m your half brother, Lisa.”
Chapter 37
Lisa sat in stunned silence as her mother explained how twenty-eight years ago she’d had a baby out of wedlock and put him up for adoption. It had pained her to do so, but she was young and immature, with no way to support a child. When Tim contacted her a few weeks ago, Mom invited him and his family here today so they could meet and share a Thanksgiving meal.
“Why am I just now hearing this, Mom?” Clutching the folds in her dress, Lisa tilted her head to one side.
“Your mother wanted to surprise you today.” Dad spoke for the first time. “We both thought this would be a good opportunity for Tim to not only meet his biological mother, but his half sister, too.”
Oh, I’m surprised, all right. Shocked might be a better word for it. Lisa glanced at Tim. He had blond hair like hers, and it wasn’t hard to see that they were related. Even his sons, who sat on the floor across the room, playing a game, resembled Tim, rather than their dark-haired mother. All these years of wanting a brother, and here she’d had one the whole time and didn’t even know it. As pleased as Lisa was to hear this news, she felt cheated and hurt by her mother’s deception. Didn’t Mom think I deserved to know the truth? Was she afraid I would think less of her because she’d given birth to a child and wasn’t married?
Lisa shifted in her chair. Would I have been condemning? Would knowing Mom had put my brother up for adoption have made a difference in the way I feel about her?
She had to admit, it would have been a shock, no matter when she’d learned the truth. But it may have been easier to accept and deal with it if she’d found out sooner.
Tim smiled at Lisa. “I’m anxious to get to know you. I grew up with three brothers and always wondered what it would be like to have a sister.”
Lisa’s throat constricted. It wasn’t Tim’s fault they’d been kept apart. If Mom had told me early on that she’d given birth to another child and put him up for adoption, I could have begun a search for him, and maybe found Tim sooner.
As the shock of it all began to wear off, Lisa relaxed a bit. Today would be a time to get to know Tim, his wife, and their children. It would be a new beginning for all of them. She truly had something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Middlefield
“You outdid yourself on this meal, Rachel.” Lyle gave his stomach a pat. “I ate too much, and I’ll probably sleep the rest of the afternoon, but it was worth every bite.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Heidi’s mother laughed. “And you probably won’t be the only one taking a nap today.” She looked at Heidi’s father. “Isn’t that right, Irvin?”
“That’s correct, because you’re a good cook.” Heidi’s dad grinned as he stifled a yawn.
Heidi looked at all the smiling faces gathered around the extended table, as well as a smaller one for the children. She was glad her brothers, Richard and Sam, along with their wives and children, had been able to join them today. Her sisters, Naomi and Elizabeth, were also present with their families. Now that everyone was together, it was the perfect time to share her and Lyle’s good news.
She picked up her spoon and gave her water glass a few taps. “Well, before anyone gets too sleepy—Lyle and I have a special announcement to make.”
All heads turned in Heidi’s direction, and Lyle clasped her other hand under the table.
A wide smile formed on Mom’s lips. “After all these years are you expecting a boppli?”
Heidi shook her head. “It’s doubtful that will ever happen, but Lyle and I are going to become foster parents.”
Now everyone smiled, and several people asked questions.
“What you plan to do is a real good thing.” Dad leaned closer to Lyle and gave his back a few hearty thumps. “I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say that we support your decision.”
Mom bobbed her head. Heidi’s siblings did the same.
Heidi inhaled deeply. She was almost certain becoming a foster parent was the right thing to do, and she felt ever so grateful for her family’s support.
Canton
Sitting alone at a table in a crowded restaurant on Thanksgiving Day was not Todd’s idea of having holiday fun. Maybe I should have booked a plane ticket and gone to Mom and Dad’s place after all. It would have been better than sitting here by myself, eating bland food that doesn’t even deserve a critique. He squared his shoulders. Well, maybe it’s not really bland. It’s just that nothing tastes good to me today.
The slices of turkey on Todd’s plate held no appeal, and neither did the piece of pumpkin pie the waitress had brought out with Todd’s dinner. She’d said they were getting low on pumpkin and wanted to be sure he got a slice.
“Ah, Miss …” Todd snapped his fingers to get the waitress’s attention. “Could I please have a little whipped cream with this pie?”
“Sure thing.”
He nodded in thanks when she returned, shaking a can, then squirted a design of whipped topping on his dessert.
If I hadn’t ruined things with Lisa, I would probably be with her right now, Todd fretted. I bet she’s having a great Thanksgiving with her folks. Why’d I have to mess things up by acting like such a jerk? I was on the brink of thinking we were establishing a relationship, but then everything went sour, and it’s all my fault.
Gazing at the pie, Todd thought about the verse Heidi had written on the back of the recipe card for pumpkin whoopie pie cookies. It was about forgiveness. Todd needed to forgive his ex-girlfriend for the things she’d said to hurt him. He also needed to ask God’s forgiveness for the things he’d done to hurt others, including Lisa. He’d had a good start when he visited the Carbonis. If their reasons for closing hadn’t turned out the way it did, Todd would have done something for them to make up for the negative critique he’d written about their restaurant. What that would have been, Todd wasn’t sure, but in his heart, he knew, his intentions would have been sincere. He could feel his heart soften and shift in another direction. He wanted to take a better path from now on. Trouble was, Todd didn’t know where to start when it came to God. He had never established a relationship with the Lord, but when the realization hit him, Todd knew what he had to do. The only place he could think to begin this connection was by going to church. Surely the pastor, or someone there, could show him the way.
Coshocton
Bill arrived at his hunting camp early, and after getting a warm fire going in the fireplace and eating a quick breakfast, he was bound for the woods to do a little pre-hunt scouting. When he got back to the cabin, he’d clean things up, set up the foldaway cots, and make sure everything was ready for when Russ and Tom arrived tomorrow. He also wanted to hang his orange blaze hat and hunting vest out on the porch. This way, by Monday morning, the items would have pulled in the natural smells from the woods. Today, though, since Bill wasn’t hunting, he’d dressed in camouflage clothes.
Bill couldn’t help but think how different it would be this year without Andy joining them. Going to Orlando this time of year certainly didn’t interest Bill. It wouldn’t feel much like the holidays, being in a warm climate without any anticipation of snow. But since Andy wanted to be with his family, he couldn’t blame his friend for that. Bill had to admit he felt a bit envious, too, for it would certainly be nice to have Brent here with him at the cabin.
&n
bsp; When he got to the area where his tree stand was located, Bill checked it over thoroughly, and all seemed secure. Climbing the ladder, and putting a camouflage cushion on the seat, Bill sat down to enjoy the scenery and watch for any deer activity. After pulling his thermos from the backpack he had brought along, he opened the lid, poured some out, and sipped the steaming brew.
“Sitting here in my tree stand with a good cup of coffee, now what could be better than this?” Bill grinned and raised his thermos lid in a toast to nature. He loved being up here this time of year. The silence and surroundings were pure delight.
After Bill sat there awhile, his feet grew cold and his legs started to cramp up. He stood and stretched them a bit, but there was not a lot of room on the small wooden platform, so he couldn’t move around much.
“I oughta have a bigger tree stand built,” he muttered. “There’s barely room for me up here, let alone my hunting buddies.”
It had rained a bit when Bill first got here this morning, but the downpour stopped after a few hours. The earthy scent from fallen wet leaves lying all over the ground wafted up to greet him. If he had a new stand built, he’d make sure it had a roof and was twice the size of this old one, or maybe even bigger. The tree stand had been here when Bill bought the property, and since he didn’t use it all the time, he’d made do. Maybe next year, after he’d built up his savings, he’d see about replacing it. In times past when his buddies were here, they’d traded off—two of them sitting on the platform in tight quarters, while the other two hunted from the ground.
I can’t wait till Monday morning. Bill smiled in anticipation. Opening day was always exciting. When would the first shot be heard? Would he get a chance to bag a big buck? Who’d be lucky enough to get the first deer, and would any of them go home empty-handed? It really made no difference to Bill if he got a deer or not; it was the experience of it all that he enjoyed. But once his buddies arrived and they got to talking, Bill knew he’d get excited about getting a deer, too.
Amish Cooking Class--The Blessing Page 25