Why couldn’t my son be a part of this family? Eustace asked himself. Doesn’t he realize how much he’s missing? Of course, he probably wasn’t told about our family gathering in honor of Verna being here. Even if he had known, I’m sure he wouldn’t have come.
Quickly redirecting his thoughts, lest he give in to negativity, Eustace announced he’d brought his harmonica along and would accompany Verna on her autoharp after the meal.
Elsie’s daughters, Mary and Hope, clapped their hands, which brought a round of applause from everyone else.
“We can listen to the music and sing all night,” enthused Lillian, Arlene’s eleven-year-old daughter.
Lillian’s father, Larry, tweaked her nose. “We can stay for a little while after supper, but it won’t be late. You have school tomorrow, remember?”
“Jah, I know.” Lillian looked over at Verna. “Would ya teach me how to play the autoharp?”
Verna grinned, after wiping her nose on a tissue. “I don’t see why not. I was about your age when I learned, so I bet you’ll catch on mighty fast.”
Lillian’s eyes brightened even more. “Oh, good. I can hardly wait!”
“Do ya have a cold?” Eighteen-year-old Blaine looked intently at Verna.
“No, it’s only my allergies kicking up from the ragweed pollen in the air right now.”
Eustace nodded his head as Verna glanced over at him and winked. She’d been paying attention earlier when he’d explained the difference between ragweed and goldenrod.
Scott turned to Eustace and clasped his arm. “Think I could learn how to play the mouth harp, Grandpa?”
“I believe so.” Eustace remembered back to the days when his father had taught him to play the harmonica. “It’s easy, my boy. Like my daed taught me, all you have to do is suck and blow.”
A knot formed in Eustace’s stomach as he thought about the day he’d told Joel those same words. Joel had caught on right away and was soon able to play nearly as well as Eustace. What a joy it had been whenever the two of them played duets, with Effie and Joel’s three sisters singing along. Those days were gone for him and Joel, but at least Eustace could enjoy the camaraderie of his grandchildren. He felt grateful for the new memories being made.
He reached for his glass of buttermilk and took a drink. I wonder if Joel will ever have any children of his own.
Akron
Joel didn’t feel much like eating, so he grabbed a cup of coffee, along with his harmonica, and went outside. Fall-like breezes piggybacked on what was still left of summer—a perfect evening to enjoy the outdoors. Autumn was only one week away, and Joel couldn’t help anticipating what it would bring. He was definitely ready for it, especially with his type of job. Working in the construction business brought in good money when he had work to do and the jobs were big enough. It had its downside, though—especially during the sweltering summers and bitter cold winter months. Some days were so hot, he and his subcontractors had to start work before the sun came up and stop before the hottest part of the day. In the winter, it could get so cold at times that he couldn’t feel his fingers, even with work gloves on. With those extreme temperatures, Joel felt he really earned his pay. He just wished spring and autumn, with their more moderate temperatures, would last longer.
A niggle of guilt hit him, knowing he still owed money to the guys who worked hard for him. Plus, he needed to get the money back into the joint savings account.
Taking a seat at the picnic table, Joel lifted the harmonica to his lips and began to play a familiar tune—one his dad had taught him when he was a boy.
The longer Joel played, the more he thought about the past—days when everything seemed so much simpler. Soon, the calmness he’d first felt when he came outside was replaced with anxiety. He and Dad used to do many things together when Joel was a boy, but they’d drifted apart during Joel’s teenage years. From there, things went downhill quickly, and when Joel left the Amish faith, his close relationship with Dad ended.
“I’ve got to stop thinking about the past.” Joel put the harmonica in his pocket and headed for his shop to look at the Corvette. “I’m not going to get all sentimental about this. It is what it is.” If he sat in the comfortable car seat for a while, he might feel better. Maybe he’d take the Vette out for a spin. Driving around on the open road had helped the last time he’d done it—that is until Kristi showed up. He’d felt so humiliated dragging his friend Tom into a lie and had endured even more shame by being dishonest with Kristi. Yet he still didn’t have the nerve to tell her the truth.
When Joel entered his shop, he paused and looked around. The building was huge—more than enough room to house all his tools, plus several classic cars. Of course, at the rate things were going, it didn’t look like Joel would own any more than the one he had now. Classics—especially the kind he was after—cost a lot of money.
“Guess it’s just wishful thinking,” Joel mumbled. He was about to take a seat inside the car when he heard what sounded like Kristi’s car pull into his yard. Joel jumped out of the car, covered it with a tarp, and left the shop, closing and locking the door behind him. He was surprised to see her because she hadn’t mentioned anything about coming over.
Smiling, Kristi walked over to Joel. “You look surprised. Aren’t you happy to see me?”
“Of course I am.” Joel pulled her close and gave her a hug. “I didn’t realize you were coming. Didn’t you say something about going to the gym to work out tonight?”
“That was my original plan, but I jogged after I got off work so I didn’t think I needed any more exercise.” Kristi reached for his hand. “What’s in your shirt pocket, Joel? Is it your harmonica?”
“Yep, it’s my harmonica. I played it awhile before you got here.” He stifled a yawn.
“Would you play something for me?” Her eyes lit up. “I haven’t heard you play in a long while.”
“Okay.” Joel placed the harmonica between his lips.
Kristi seemed to enjoy his song. Soon, she started clapping and singing along.
“How about we take a break now?” Joel paused after several songs. “I’ve had a long, busy day, and I’m tired.”
“No problem. Maybe someday you’ll teach our child to play.” She looked at him sincerely.
“Yeah, if we ever have any kids. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a father.”
Kristi’s forehead wrinkled. “You’ve never mentioned not wanting children before. I’ve always thought…” She dropped her gaze as her voice trailed off.
“Didn’t say I don’t want any.” Joel shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure I have what it takes to be a good dad.”
Looking up at him again, Kristi squeezed his hand. “Of course you do. You’re kind, smart, talented, and a hard worker.” She ruffled his hair. “You’ll make a great father.”
Joel thought about his own father and how he used to think the world of him. Since Joel was no longer a child, he saw Dad for what he was—eccentric, stingy, and unfeeling. A good father who loves his children would not look the other way when his son has a need.
“Oh, Joel, there’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.” Kristi’s voice halted Joel’s thoughts.
Joel led the way to the picnic table and gestured for her to take a seat on the bench. “What’s up?”
“As I’m sure you’ve heard, our church is sponsoring a marriage retreat next week.”
“Guess I did read something about it in last Sunday’s bulletin.”
Nodding, she smiled. “How would you like to go?”
“To the seminar?” His jaw clenched. Seminars or spiritual retreats were not for him.
“Yes.”
“Why would we need that? We’re not married yet, Kristi.”
“It’s not only for married couples. It’s also for people who are planning to be married.”
“Oh, I see.”
Kristi’s forehead wrinkled. “We are still planning to be married, ar
en’t we? Or have you changed your mind about us?”
Joel shook his head. “Where did you get such an idea? Of course I haven’t changed my mind. Now’s not a good time to be making any plans.”
“I realize that, but if we go to the marriage seminar it might help strengthen our relationship.”
He crossed his arms. “What’s wrong with our relationship?”
“I… I can’t put my finger on it, Joel,” She paused and swallowed. “Things have been strained between us for a good many weeks. Even before your accident, I felt it.”
Joel’s chest tightened when he saw tears forming in her eyes. He slid over on the bench and pulled her into his arms. “Sorry, Kristi. I’ve had a lot on my mind.” Kristi felt so warm in his arms; he never wanted to let her go. Joel closed his eyes and held her even tighter. I’d never be happy if something happened between us.
“I… I know you’ve been busy.”
He gently patted her back, then slowly pulled away, gazing deeply into her ocean-blue eyes. Joel’s body flooded with warmth. He could almost feel himself drowning in the depths of her eyes as he gently caressed her cheek. “If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll go to the marriage conference.”
“Thank you, Joel.” Kristi sniffed and dabbed at the tears on her cheeks. “I’m confident this will be a good thing for both of us.”
He nodded, softly brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Joel wasn’t so sure about going to the event, although he wouldn’t admit it to her. He didn’t need some so-called expert on marriage telling him how to be a good husband. Maybe between now and then he’d get a few more jobs lined up and would be too busy to go.
CHAPTER 7
Kristi pulled up to her parents’ house, turned off the engine, and checked her watch. She thought about how she and Joel sat under the stars together last week. It had been wonderful to hear him play the harmonica. It was so nice to see Joel having a good time and looking so relaxed.
Tonight, Kristi and Joel would attend the marriage seminar, and she didn’t want to be late. But Mom had called and asked her to stop by. Even though it was Kristi’s day off, her Saturday schedule was filling up.
Entering the house, she found her father in the living room, watching TV. “Hey, Dad. How’s your back doing?” Kristi bent down and gave him a hug.
“It’s better, but the doctor reminded me about taking it easy so I don’t reinjure it.”
“You should listen to his advice. In the end, you’ll be happy you did. It’s important to take good care of yourself, because—”
He gestured toward the kitchen and grinned. “Your mother’s in there, doing one of her domestic things.”
“Okay, Dad, I can take a hint.” Kristi smiled. “Guess I’ll go join her.”
Placing her purse on a chair, Kristi entered the kitchen and spotted her mother lifting a quart jar from the canner. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”
Mom placed the jar on the counter, then gave Kristi a hug. “I’ve been making applesauce all morning and thought you might like to take some home.” She pointed. “I did all those at the far end earlier, so you can take from them if you like, because those have already cooled.”
Kristi studied the jars lined up in a row. The lids on the more recent ones started popping as they cooled.
“I always like to hear that sound.” Mom wiped her hands on her apron. “Then I know the lids have sealed.”
“They look good, Mom. I’d be happy to take a few jars home.” Kristi hoped to do things like this when she and Joel got married. She looked forward to canning and freezing produce from a garden and having fruit trees someday, but recently, some things she’d been wishing for seemed to be getting further out of reach. Kristi almost hated to wish for things, for fear they’d never happen. More than anything, she wanted to become Joel’s wife. Lately, though, something felt different between them. Kristi hoped she was wrong about the inner voice, warning her to be on guard. She wanted to trust Joel; after all, along with love, trust was the basis of any relationship.
“I got the applesauce recipe from the Amish cookbook I picked up when you and I visited Holmes County last month.” Mom glanced over at Kristi and snapped her fingers. “Hey, are you daydreaming? Didn’t you hear what I said?”
“Sorry, Mom. Guess I was zoning out for a bit. I did hear you, though.”
Kristi traced the rim of one jar with her finger. “Our trip to Holmes County was a fun weekend. I only wish I’d had enough money to buy a quilt.”
Mom gave a nod. “We did see a lot of beautiful quilts. It’s too bad they’re so expensive.”
“It’s understandable, though. A lot of work goes into making one.”
“It certainly does.” Mom opened the refrigerator and removed a jug of apple cider. “Boy, I’m glad it’s autumn now. The cooler temperatures make doing this canning a whole lot easier.”
“I’m with you, Mom. I love running when the air is cool and crisp and there aren’t a lot of bugs swarming around my head.”
“Would you like something cold to drink?” Kristi smiled. “Maybe half a glass, and then I need to get going.”
“What’s the rush?”
“Joel and I are going to the marriage seminar our church is hosting this evening. Besides, I have a few things I need to get done at home before it’s time to go.”
Mom handed Kristi a glass of cider. “Your dad and I thought about going to the seminar, too. Events like this are beneficial, even for people who have been married a long time. All couples need a reminder of the things they need to do to keep their marriage healthy.”
“I suppose that’s true.” Kristi took a drink, allowing the tangy cider to roll around on her tongue before swallowing. One of the best things about fall was enjoying the mouthwatering apples coming into season. “I’m certainly looking forward to going tonight. I hope the things we learn will strengthen Joel’s and my relationship.” She sighed. “Things have been a bit strained between us lately.”
Kristi waited for Mom’s response, expecting a reminder of what the Bible says about being unequally yoked. To her surprise, Mom merely patted Kristi’s arm and said, “I’m sorry, Kristi. I hope things will go better for you soon.”
Nodding, Kristi finished her cider and set the glass in the sink, filling it with warm water to soak. “I’d better get going or I won’t get any of the things done on my list today.” She gave Mom a hug and started for the back door.
“Don’t forget your jars of applesauce.” Mom put six jars in a cardboard box and handed it to Kristi. “If your dad and I decide to go, we’ll see you at the seminar this evening.”
“Sounds good.” Kristi headed out the door. She’d barely gotten into her car when her cell phone rang. The caller ID spelled out it was Joel.
“Hey, Joel, I was just thinking of you. I’m looking forward to our evening together.”
“Umm… about that… I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but the job I started yesterday isn’t done. I’m here right now at the job site, working on it again.”
“What time will you get done?”
“I’m not sure—probably not till quite late.”
“Can’t you finish it on Monday?”
“Nope. It’s a rush job and needs to be finished today. So I won’t be able to attend the marriage seminar with you tonight after all.”
“Oh, I see.” Kristi couldn’t hide her disappointment. But Joel needed the work, so she would try to be understanding. “Guess I’ll go without you then. Maybe I’ll get some helpful hints about being a good wife.”
“Sorry, Kristi. I feel bad about letting you down.”
“No, it’s okay. Sometimes work needs to come first. If you’re free after church tomorrow, maybe we can have lunch and I’ll share with you what I learned.”
“Okay, sounds good. See you tomorrow, Kristi.”
Kristi hung up, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes. I hope Joel really does have to work tonight and isn’t using it as an excuse t
o get out of going to the seminar. She opened her eyes and started the car. I’m sure he wouldn’t lie to me.
Charm
When Doris arrived at her dad’s place later in the afternoon, she was surprised to find him outside working on the tree house, along with her nephews Scott and Doug, as well as Eustace’s friend Henry.
“I see you have quite a crew working here today.” Doris walked around some of the boards as she stepped up to the maple Dad had chosen for his tree house.
Dad removed his hat and fanned his face. “Jah, and they’re all good helpers.” He smiled at Doris. “Did you come to help, too?”
She shook her head. “I heard Aunt Verna will be heading back to Burton this evening, so I came to say goodbye.”
“That’s right. She’s inside doing a little cleaning she insisted needed to be done before she leaves.” Dad’s forehead wrinkled. “I told her not to bother, but she was adamant.”
“Yoo-hoo!” Aunt Verna opened the door and waved. “I saw you pull in, Doris. I’ve got something I need to show you from the auction the other day.” She ambled toward them with a bird cage swaying by her side. It looked old and ornate. A blur of red flapped inside it, too.
Doris couldn’t believe her eyes when she recognized the blur as a beautiful red cardinal. The poor thing looked confused. No matter how pretty the cage was, the wild bird would be miserable enduring its sentence. Besides, it wasn’t a pet.
“How do you like my new bird cage and its occupant?” Aunt Verna spoke rapidly, her eyes dancing with joy.
Dad cleared his throat. “She’s a little proud of her purchase, I’d say.” He took over the conversation. “Did you notice my homemade table over there? The base is a wooden wire spool I picked up at the auction. When we got it home, I put a top on it. Not too shabby of a picnic table, either. Henry’s coffee cup is setting on it already.”
Henry nodded enthusiastically. “It was fun going to the auction with you and Verna. And with all the walking we did, we sure got our exercise, didn’t we?” He leaned down and rubbed the calf of his leg. “But it was worth it, because I left there with a few things myself.” Using a hanky he took from his pocket, he wiped his brow.
The Stubborn Father Page 5