“Okay.” Heidi filled one of the glasses with water and placed it in front of Nicole. Then she poured herself a glass of apple cider and sat in a chair next to her young student.
“Thanks.” Nicole took a drink then cleared her throat. “I did like you said and forgave Tonya—I mean, my mom. I told her that when she called last week. Mom’s going to Alcoholics Anonymous, and she’s trying to do better, so I need to at least give her a chance.” She closed her eyes briefly and released a puff of air. “I felt better after we hung up—like a sense of relief. I’ve been angry at Mom ever since she left, and it’s made me disagreeable. Sometimes the resentment I felt made me feel almost sick.”
“I’m glad you were able to forgive her. With forgiveness comes healing.” Heidi’s eyes filled with joyous tears as she clasped Nicole’s hand. “What a wonderful thing to learn on this last day of class.”
“I have something for you, Heidi.” Nicole opened the manila folder she’d carried into the house. Heidi hadn’t even noticed it until now. She pulled out a piece of heavy paper and handed it to Heidi. “It’s a picture I drew of your dog. I wanted to surprise you with it.”
Heidi gazed at the picture. “It certainly does look like our Rusty.” She shook her head slowly. “I had no idea you were an artist, Nicole. This is a wonderful gift.”
Nicole tucked her arms in at her sides, looking down at the floor. “It’s nothing, really. Drawing is something I do just for fun. I’m not really that talented.”
“Oh, but you are.” Heidi placed the picture on the table and gave Nicole a hug. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
Bill stepped onto the Troyers’ porch at the same time as Lance. “How was your Thanksgiving?” he asked.
“It was good. I spent it at one of my daughter’s.” Lance gave a wide smile. “How was yours?”
“I was alone at my cabin on Thanksgiving, but my two hunting buddies showed up the next day.” Bill puffed out his chest a bit. “Got me a nice-sized buck on Monday, opening day, with a good set of antlers.”
“You gonna hang ’em on the wall in your cabin or display them at your house?”
“Probably at the cabin. I have several others there, too.”
“Do you eat the deer meat?” Lance questioned.
“I have in the past, but this year I made a decision to donate the venison to a local food bank. They are always in need of meat.”
“That’s a nice thing to do.” Lance gave him a friendly smack on the shoulder.
Bill knocked on the door. “I can’t believe this is our sixth and final cooking class.”
Lance nodded. “I know. I’m gonna miss coming here every other Saturday.” He chuckled. “Gonna miss the good-tasting food, most of all.”
“Yeah, same here. But I’ll also miss the time we’ve spent getting to know each other, as well as our cooking instructor. Heidi’s a special young woman. I have the utmost respect for her.”
“Me, too.” Lance tugged his earlobe. “It’s interesting how we all come from different walks of life, yet have found something in common—specifically our interest in Amish cooking.”
Heidi opened the door and greeted them both, asking the men to join her and Nicole in the kitchen.
The minute Bill entered the room and took a look at Nicole, he knew something was different about the girl. Gone were her drooping shoulders and downturned mouth. They’d been replaced by a relaxed posture and eyes that sparkled. It had to be something other than better school grades and more time to do homework. He stood with arms folded, staring at Nicole as she fingered her glass of water. Did he dare ask what had brought on such a change?
As if she could read his thoughts, Nicole offered Bill a wide smile. “I wasn’t gonna say anything, but it’s only fair that you know—I’m not mad at my mom anymore. It feels good to have let it all go.”
He stepped behind her and placed both hands on her shoulders. “That’s good news. Life’s too short to carry a heavy load of anger in our souls.” Bill thumped his chest. “Ask me—I know.”
“I wholeheartedly agree,” Lance put in. “I’ve had my own share of things to deal with concerning my brother, but I think it’s all good now.”
“Life ain’t perfect,” Bill added, “but it’s a lot better when we’re at peace with others. I’ve learned a lot more than cooking from taking these cooking classes.” He lifted both hands. “And who knows … I may even start goin’ to church sometime in the future.”
Heidi smiled. “That’s good news.”
Bill moved closer to Heidi. “By the way, I know something I think you’ll want to know.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Really? What’s that?”
“My son, Brent, who came with me to meet you before Thanksgiving, had a date last weekend with your previous student, Kendra.” Bill scratched the back of his head. “Well, they didn’t actually go out on a date. Kendra’s babysitter fell through, so they ended up ordering pizza, and Brent spent the evening with Kendra at her folks’ house.”
Heidi placed a hand on her hip. “Somehow I’m not surprised. I saw the way those two looked at each other when you three were here that day.”
“Yep.” Bill snapped his fingers. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Kendra and Brent don’t get hitched someday.”
“That would be something all right. Now, did you both remember your aprons today?” Heidi asked, looking at Bill and then Lance.
“Sorry, I forgot,” Bill mumbled. This wasn’t the first time he’d forgotten his, either.
“I brought mine.” Lance held up the paper sack in his hands. Bill hadn’t even noticed Lance had been carrying it until now.
“I don’t have any clean aprons today, but I can give you a big towel to drape around your neck, if you’d like to keep your clothes clean.” Heidi moved across the room and opened a drawer.
Bill waved his hand. “Naw, that’s okay. My jeans and sweatshirt are old, so it doesn’t matter if something gets spilled.” He glanced at the piles of vegetables on the table. “What are we making today, anyway?”
“Since Christmas is only a few weeks away, I decided to show you how to put together what I call Christmas Crunch Salad. It’s simple to make and quite tasty. We’ll get started on it as soon as the others arrive.” Heidi gestured to some empty chairs at the table. “Why don’t you men have a seat?”
Lisa was getting out of her car when Todd’s vehicle pulled in. I hope he doesn’t pressure me to go out with him again. I’m still not ready for that.
She gave him a polite wave and started for the house. With Todd’s long strides, he caught up to her before she reached the porch.
“Too bad this is our last cooking class.” Todd stepped close to Lisa and reached out to support her elbow. “I’m gonna miss the friendly banter, and I’ll especially miss seeing you.” He gave her elbow a little squeeze. “Sorry if I’m being too pushy.”
Lisa’s purse strap slipped off her shoulder, and Todd quickly repositioned it. Her face grew warm when an electrifying sensation went through her from the touch of his hand. “I’ll miss everyone, too. The classes have been fun, and I’ve been able to try a few of the recipes for myself, as well as some of my clients.” Even though her heart had begun to flutter, Lisa couldn’t bring herself to say she would miss seeing Todd, too.
Todd moved closer to Lisa—so close she could feel his warm breath on her cheek. “Think you might ever go out with me again?”
“I don’t know, Todd. Maybe. We’ll have to wait and see how it goes.” Lisa stepped onto the porch and knocked on the door. Todd was so charming that it was difficult to say no to him. But she had other, more important things on her mind right now, and they didn’t include dating. In addition to meeting her brother and wanting to get to know him better, she’d been asked to cater a large Christmas party next week. It would take lots of planning, not to mention preliminary prep work. And she needed to find someone who could assist her with all that, as well as help set everything up. So, with the ex
ception of being with her folks on Christmas Day, she wouldn’t make any social plans until after the New Year.
Lisa felt relieved when Heidi answered the door. No more pressure from Todd—for now, at least. She was anxious to tell Heidi about the meeting she’d had this past week with one of her previous students.
Heidi greeted Todd and Lisa, leading them to the kitchen, and suggesting they take a chair.
“Oh, yes, I will, but before I do, there’s something I want to share with you.” Lisa spoke excitedly.
“What is it? I’m eager to hear.” Heidi took a few steps closer to Lisa, as Todd pulled out a chair at the table and sat down.
“I met with one of your former students on Thursday evening. Her name is Charlene Higgins.”
Heidi gave a nod. “I enjoyed getting to know Charlene. She’s a sweet young woman.”
“Yes, based on the phone call I had with her, she seems nice. Charlene is going to take some pictures I can use on my new website to help promote my catering business.” Lisa’s face broke into a wide smile. “You can only imagine how surprised we both were when the topic of food came up and I mentioned that I’ve been taking cooking classes from you. Then Charlene said she was a student in your first set of classes, and after that, we had a lot to talk about.”
“Oh, my, that’s wonderful. How is Charlene doing these days?”
Lisa leaned against the counter near Heidi’s desk. “She mentioned that she’ll soon be getting married to a wonderful guy. And in addition to teaching school, Charlene’s started a part-time photography business.” She paused to tuck a short strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, and she also mentioned having to move her wedding date out a bit.”
Heidi tipped her head. “Oh? I hadn’t heard. I figured by now she and Len were already married. I believe they’d planned for a September wedding. I wonder why the delay.”
“I don’t know. She didn’t say. She did, however, ask me to tell you hello.”
“When you speak to Charlene again, please give her my regards.” Heidi clasped her hands to her chest. “Charlene won a photo contest for a prestigious magazine during the time she was taking my classes. When she showed us the beautiful picture of a colt and its mother with a glorious sunset behind the animals, I knew she had talent. I’m pleased to learn she’ll be using her abilities in a positive way. And I’m doubly happy to hear she and Len are still planning to be married.”
“Let us know when your new website is up and running, Lisa,” Lance called from across the room. “I’m sure we’d all like to check it out.”
A faint blush crept across Lisa’s cheeks as she joined the others at the table. “Yes, thank you. I will keep you posted.”
Heidi noticed when Todd fixed his gaze on Lisa, and she gave him a brief smile. There had to be something special going on between them, even if neither of them knew it. Perhaps a new romance would come out of this class, after all. Heidi hoped if it happened, Todd and Lisa would keep her informed. It was nice keeping in touch with former students and finding out how they were doing.
No wonder Aunt Emma enjoys teaching her quilting classes so much, Heidi mused. It’s not just about instructing people how to make something; the real joy comes from getting to know the students personally and feeling like you’re a part of their lives.
A knock sounded on the door, and Heidi excused herself to answer it. She was pretty sure it had to be Allie.
A few minutes later, Heidi returned to the kitchen, with Allie at her side. After everyone washed their hands and put on their aprons, Heidi explained how to make the salad. “I also made some Christmas cut-out cookies we can have as a treat afterward,” she added.
“The salad sounds good. Think I’ll make it to go with our Christmas dinner.” Allie smiled. “This is going to be one of our best Christmases, because my husband is alive.”
Heidi’s brows furrowed as she tipped her head. “What do you mean?”
Allie explained how Steve had been shot by a robber, and ended the story by saying he was going to be all right and wouldn’t be working so many long hours anymore. Bill and Todd asked a few questions about the details of the robbery, and then everyone got busy cutting up their vegetables and placing them in a bowl.
“I’d like to tell you all something.” Todd looked at everyone individually. “I’m sorry I wasn’t honest up front with all of you about my job and the reason I took this class.”
Before anyone could respond, he continued. “As soon as I finish writing my last article, which will be about the cooking classes I’ve taken part in, I’m going to quit my job at the newspaper as a food critic.”
Heidi’s mouth opened slightly. She wondered what he might say about her classes.
“I’ve come to realize I can no longer have a job that could rip the rug out from anyone’s feet.” He looked at Heidi. “Don’t worry, because I will have nothing but good to say in my article about your cooking or the classes you’ve taught. In fact, I’m gonna give it a five star review.”
Heidi smiled. “Why, thank you, Todd.”
“What did you mean about ripping the rug out from anyone’s feet?” Nicole questioned.
“I don’t want to chance giving a negative review on a restaurant, and because of it, having the place close down. Who knows what the owner’s situation might be?” He lifted his hands as if in defeat. “It’s happened before, and I could not live with myself if it happened again because of me.”
“What are you going to do now?” Lance questioned.
“I’m not sure. I’d like to work with food in some capacity, though.” Todd stroked his chin. “Guess I’ll have to start reading the classified ads and see if there’s something out there for me.”
“Todd, it took a lot for you to admit that to all of us, but I can see a burden has been lifted from you,” Heidi commented.
“Yes, and don’t fall over, but I’ve even started going to church.” Todd smiled. “The minister there met with me this week, and he’s going to help me develop a closer relationship with God.” Todd heaved a sigh. “Hopefully with his guidance, and by studying the Bible, I’ll be on the right path for once in my life.”
As Lisa listened to Todd, she could not believe the transformation. It thrilled her to know he was seeking a relationship with God. There was something about his manner that seemed different, too. Todd genuinely seemed sincere.
She also considered what he had said about finding another job and wanting to work with food. Should I say something, or would he be offended by my suggestion? Oh well, here goes … “Todd, before you look at the classified ads, we need to talk. I may have an opportunity for you.”
Todd turned to face her. “Oh?”
Lisa looked around and noticed that everyone seemed to be listening. “I have a huge Christmas party to cater soon, and I’m going to need someone to help me with it. I cannot cater this party alone—it’s too big for one person to handle. There will be even more guests than there were at Melanie and Shawn’s wedding reception.” She paused briefly. “Also, my business is slowly growing, and I’m considering the idea of teaming up with someone who might someday, down the road, want to partner with me in the catering business. We can take things slow, and see how it goes, but Todd, do you think you might be interested?”
“Interested? Are you kidding me? You bet I’m interested!” Todd bumped shoulders with Bill, who sat next to him. “I have a lot to learn about cooking and all the things I’ll need to know concerning the catering business, but if you’re willing to teach me, Lisa, I’m more than eager to learn.”
Smiling, she said, “With your sophisticated palate and understanding of what foods go together well, we should make a great team.”
Everyone clapped when Todd and Lisa sealed the deal with a handshake. Afterward, Todd got up from his chair and gave Lisa a kiss on the cheek.
The blush Lisa felt spread from her toes all the way up to the top of her head. “I’d like to also make an announcement.”
All heads turned to look at her.
“My family has suddenly increased.”
“Oh, how’s that?” Heidi questioned.
“Well, I found out on Thanksgiving Day that I have a half brother. I’ll tell you all about it when we’re eating our snacks.”
“Lisa, that’s wonderful news. I’m eager to hear the details.” Heidi’s smile was deep.
“Now it’s your turn, Heidi. How have you been since we last saw you?” The question came from Allie, but everyone watched and waited.
“I’ve been well,” Heidi responded. “Lyle and I had a nice Thanksgiving with my family in Middlefield, and yesterday we got word from the caseworker helping us become foster parents that we’ll be getting two foster children a few days before Christmas.”
“Two kids, huh?” Bill reached for another piece of broccoli to cut up. “Sounds like you’ll be kept pretty busy.”
Heidi nodded. “But we’re looking forward to it. Besides, this will be a good kind of busy.”
“How old are the children?” Lisa asked.
“Marsha is three, and her brother, Randy, is five.” Heidi clasped her hands, placing them under her chin. “The caseworker explained that the little girl hasn’t spoken since her mother and father were killed in a car accident. She also mentioned that the boy has a negative attitude, so it’s going to be a challenge.”
Todd whistled. “Wow, I hope you’re up to it. Sounds like those kids will be hard to deal with.”
“If anyone can do, it’ll be Heidi and Lyle,” Lance interjected. “As their mail carrier, I’ve gotten to know them fairly well. Why, I bet within a few weeks they’ll have those kids wearing smiles, big as you please.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. My husband and I will do the best we can.” Heidi relaxed in her chair. Even though she didn’t know how long these children would be with them, she determined in her heart to do the best she could in caring for and offering love to Marsha and Randy. She looked forward to giving them a wonderful Christmas, and thanked God for His special blessings in allowing her and Lyle this unexpected opportunity.
Amish Cooking Class--The Blessing Page 30