A Pregnant Widow's Amish Vacation

by Samantha Price

  Zac nodded.

  “That’s a lot of pressure. Where’s Lizzie?”

  “She’s at Deirdre’s house—she’s sick again.”

  “That’s no good.”

  Zac said, “You’re both going to have to help me. If I get it wrong, I’ll hear about it for years.”

  “I’ll show you what’s been the most popular. You can’t go too far wrong. Follow me; we’ll start with the bedroom furniture.” Micah headed off to the far end of the warehouse showroom.

  Chapter 16

  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to

  destroy both soul and body in hell.

  Matthew 10:28

  * * *

  An hour and a half later, they were driving away from the warehouse.

  “Thank you for all your help.”

  “I hope I helped you make the right choices.”

  “I’m confident we’ve made the right decisions. Now, you must be hungry.”

  “I’m always hungry.”

  “There’s a nice place just up a little further where we can have lunch. That is if you like hamburgers and fries—nice ones.”

  “I do.” Jane was pleased that she was going to be spending more time with Zac. She wondered again if he knew she was growing so fond of him.

  * * *

  Once they were sitting with their hamburger lunches in front of them, Jane hoped he wouldn’t mind her asking some questions that had been plaguing her mind.

  “Can I ask you something about Ralene?”

  He finished the mouthful he was chewing. “Yes. You can ask me anything.”

  Now that he’d said that, everything left her mind. “There are so many things racing through my mind. I suppose there are many things I want to know that you won’t be able to answer. I guess the biggest thing in my mind was that they’d been hiding their affair for a whole year.”

  “Do you want to know if I had any suspicions?”

  Jane nodded. “I was suspicious of Sean all the time, and I even checked on him, but found nothing. I would’ve thought he was having multiple affairs, but I never would’ve guessed that he was having an intense affair.”

  “I know how you feel. You’re feeling just as betrayed as I am and wondering where you went wrong—what you could’ve done differently.”

  “That’s right; I do. He was always telling me I was in love with my job and not with him. I know I didn’t give him enough attention.”

  “I had no suspicions like you had. Ralene was troubled, I knew that much. She could’ve slipped away to meet someone every day. She was always leaving Gia with people.” He sighed and then wiped his hands on a napkin. “For the first few weeks after she died, I kept going back and seeing all the wrong decisions I made—they played out in front of my eyes. Firstly, that I shouldn’t have married her. She was reluctant, but I thought she was the right woman for me—I was very protective of her. I thought she’d grow up and mature once we were married and had children. She didn’t change at all.”

  This was the first time she’d seen Zac upset.

  He looked up at her and said, “We both probably did things that didn’t help our situations, but we weren’t the ones who crossed the line.”

  “I know that, but that doesn’t make it easier. I keep wondering why he chose the other woman, Ralene, and didn’t stay with me. It makes me feel that I wasn’t good enough.” She’d never given voice to her feelings before, but if anyone could understand what she was feeling and going through, it would be Zac.

  “Maybe they both chose the unknown which seemed more exciting than what they already had. I think it was an escape for both of them.”

  She looked down at her food and ripped off a piece of hamburger bun wondering if he’d experienced low self esteem from his spouse leaving him, just as she had. “Sean was escaping from me?”

  “From life, from you—who knows? We’re never going to have all our questions answered. All we can do in life is learn from any mistakes we’ve made, and then move past them.”

  Jane’s lips turned slightly upward at the corners. “It’s the moving past them that I have a problem with.”

  “It’s going to take time.”

  Jane nodded. “I’m always after the quick fix—the fast track.”

  “Maybe it’s time to do things differently.”

  “You’re right. I know you’re right. How come you’re so wise?”

  He laughed and picked up his hamburger. “It’s logical. I was going to say male logic, but I thought I might get hamburger all over my head.”

  “You would’ve.”

  “If one way of doing something isn’t working, it’s time to change.” He bit into his hamburger. When he finished chewing, he continued, “I might sound like I have all the answers, but I don’t. I’m fighting off bitterness in my heart that Ralene could leave Gia and run away without a word to her. All she did was leave me a note that she was leaving with Sean. From what you’ve told me, your husband at least had the decency to tell you to your face that he was leaving, and leaving you for another woman.”

  He was right. Jane picked up her soda and sipped on the straw. She would’ve felt much worse if Sean hadn’t told her he was leaving. But no matter how bad a wife she’d been, she was having his baby. Would that have meant anything to him, had she told him?

  * * *

  Something came into Jane’s mind that Gracie had said to her, and she said, “I suppose you think that everything that happens is God’s will?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “I guess that makes you okay with whatever happens?”

  “It still hurts when things don’t go my way, or someone I love is harmed.”

  Jane rearranged some of the fillings on her hamburger so she could eat it without it going everywhere.

  When they were both finished, Jane said, “It’s been nice spending time with you today. Thank you.”

  “Thank you for coming with me. I enjoy your company—very much.”

  When they headed back in the buggy, their conversation was devoid of late spouses.

  Before Jane got out of the buggy, she said, “I’m glad I came here. Even though I didn’t want to leave work, I’m happy I did.”

  “I’m pleased too.”

  Zac had brought Jane right to the front door of the bed and breakfast. “I’ll see you at the evening meal,” Zac said when she got out of the buggy.

  Jane went to her room and looked out the window to see Zac’s buggy heading down to the barn area where he would unhitch the horse.

  She pushed the easy chair over and sat down intending to see what he was doing. No sooner had she sat down then she saw another buggy coming to the house. It was Lizzie and Tobias. Feeling like some company, Jane left her bedroom and made herself comfortable in the sitting room hoping that Lizzie would come in and speak to her.

  Just like Zac had done, Tobias had brought Lizzie right to the front door, going by the sound of the horse’s hooves. She heard the front door open and Lizzie’s footsteps. Then Lizzie appeared in the doorway of the sitting room.

  “How has your day been?” Jane asked.

  “Tiring.” She walked in and sat opposite Jane in an easy chair. “My friend has her good days and her bad days. Today was one of her better days and I’ve been trying to help her organize her house to make things easier for her.

  Jane didn’t like to inquire what was wrong with Lizzie’s friend.

  “Did you go with Zac?”

  “I did.”

  “That’s good. He told me he was going to ask you. I hope you helped him make the right choices.”

  Jane cringed. “I hope so, too. Both Zac and I liked the suggestions that his cousin made.”

  “I could’ve done it tomorrow. I suppose another day wouldn’t have made a difference, but one day Zac will be taking over this place so he might as well start taking some of the responsibility.”

  “I’m glad you h
ave confidence in me to help with the choices.”

  “It doesn’t hurt to have a customer’s viewpoint.” Lizzie stood up and pressed a button on the wall. “I think it’s time for some hot tea and something to eat.”

  “Sounds good.” Jane couldn’t eat much in one sitting. She’d found it better to eat a little at a time, and eat more often to avoid heartburn.

  When one of the staff appeared, Jane realized that the button must ring a bell in the kitchen. Lizzie ordered tea and food for them, and while they waited for it to arrive, Jane told Lizzie all about the furniture she’d helped Zac order.

  Chapter 17

  For whether we live, we live unto the Lord;

  and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

  Romans 14:8

  * * *

  “I know what you might like, Jane,” Lizzie said.

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m helping out a lady on a quilting bee next week because she’s not too well. Why don’t you come with me?”

  “When is it?”

  “Tuesday next week.”

  “Okay. I’d like to see what happens at a quilting bee.”

  Lizzie giggled. “A lot of quilting, and gossip, and eating.”

  “Sounds like it might be fun.”

  “Good! Now, are you still having appointments with Gracie?”

  “I haven’t booked any more. I must admit I do like the idea of using a midwife. It’s a shame she can’t travel to New York.”

  “Why don’t you come back here to have the baby? You can stay here as my guest. Of course, you’d have to be here a couple of weeks before your due date just in case of an early arrival. We have a room upstairs that we don’t often let out because it’s small, but it would be a good place for you to have your baby.”

  “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”

  “Mind? I’d love it. You’ve been like a bright light sent to us. We were all in the doldrums with what had happened to Ralene, on top of dealing with the renovations, and then that friend of yours talked us into having you stay. I’m glad we agreed.”

  “So am I, in so many ways. Can I let you know? I’ll have to give it some serious thought and also have another talk with Gracie.”

  “The offer’s there.”

  Jane had always thought the Amish would be private people or even secretive, but the Yoders were all open, friendly and honest. Zac had opened his heart to her and talked about things that he might not have told anyone else.

  It was after lunch the following day when Jane had the next chance to be alone with Zac. Gia was at school and Zac and she were in the sitting room in front of the fire.

  * * *

  “I miss a fireplace. I don’t like the work of cleaning it, though. We had one when I was growing up.”

  “Do you live in an apartment?”

  Jane nodded. “I do—with central heating. Your mother is taking me to a quilting bee next week.”

  His lips twitched at the corners. “Somehow I can’t see you going to one of those.”

  “Have you been to one?”

  He laughed. “Quilting bees are for women who like to talk.”

  “And sew,” Jane added.

  “From what I’ve heard, not much sewing goes on.”

  “I’ll soon find out.”

  “My mother invited you?”

  Jane nodded.

  He shook his head. “That surprises me.”

  “Why?”

  “The woman are all plain women and you’re…”

  She arched an eyebrow.

  “You’re not very Amish, in fact, you’re the opposite.”

  “I could become Amish, couldn’t I—if I chose?”

  He chuckled. “You could, and people have joined us from time to time.”

  “How would I go about joining?”

  “You’d have to speak to the bishop. Then he'd suggest you stay with an Amish family for a few months to see if you think you’d be suited to live as we do and abide by the Ordnung.”

  “I’ve heard about the Ordnung. They’re a list of unwritten rules, as far as I could ascertain.”

  “It’s our way of living.”

  “I’ve got a head start because I’ve been here for a few weeks already.”

  He laughed. “Staying at a bed and breakfast is not the same as staying with an Amish family. You’d have to leave everything you know behind.”

  “I might have nothing to go back to.” She lowered her head and glanced at Zac from underneath her dark lashes. He seemed to be interested in her, but she hoped she wasn’t reading him incorrectly. She daren’t tell him his mother had offered for her to give birth at the B&B.

  “How are the men doing?”

  “Men?”

  “Your workers? I haven’t been driven crazy with hammering or dust like you said I would be.”

  “They’ve been delayed a few more days because of the plumbing work. The plumber has given his word he’ll be here tomorrow.”

  “I’ll keep out of their way.”

  “They’ll be working at the other end of the house to start with. In the old section, which isn’t the old, old section, it’s the new old section.”

  Jane joined in his laughter. “I know what you mean, not the stone part of the house where we are now.”

  “Exactly.”

  They both heard a car and turned around. Jane looked harder and saw that the car was Tyrone’s black Mercedes.

  “It’s my boss, Tyrone.”

  Tyrone pulled the car into the parking lot and Jane hurried to him. “Tyrone,” she called out a little too loudly. She looked back at Zac, who had been following close behind. “He's been my boss for awhile.”

  Once he’d stepped out of the car and caught sight of Jane, he opened his arms widely. She stepped into his arms and he enclosed her in them.

  She took a step back from his hug. “What are you doing here?”

  “I keep my word. I told you I’d come and visit. Don't you remember?”

  “That's right, but I never thought you'd actually… I thought that was just something you were saying.”

  Tyrone laughed at her. Then he looked over her shoulder at Zac. Jane turned around to see Zac standing right behind her and she introduced the two men. They shook hands, all the while looking warily at one another.

  “Is this your B&B?” Tyrone asked Zac.

  “My parents own it,” he replied. “We’ve been taking good care of Jane and keeping a close eye on her.”

  “Thank you, but now that I'm here, I can take over that job.”

  Jane sensed tension between the two men. “How long are you here for, Tyrone?”

  He shot Zac a glare, and then looked back at her. “I can’t stay. I'm only here for a few hours.”

  “You drove all this way just for a few hours?”

  “I wanted to see how you were rather than just phoning you.” He looked her up and down. “You’re looking well, and the baby has grown.”

  Zac took another step forward. “As I said, we’re looking after her.”

  “I’m sure you are.” Tyrone took his eyes off Zac and focused on Jane. “Is there somewhere we can talk in private?”

  Jane felt embarrassed over Tyrone’s rudeness and Zac's apparent newfound possessiveness. “We could go into the living room. Come with me and I'll see if we can arrange a cup of tea.” She looked around at Zac. “Will you join us?”

  He shook his head. “I’ve got work.”

  “What about a stiff drink instead of a cup of tea?” Tyrone said as he walked to the house with Jane.

  Jane laughed. “I'll see what we can arrange. Excuse us, Zac.” She looked after Zac as he walked away.

  Zac called over his shoulder, “I'll see you later tonight, Jane.”

  Tyrone put his arm around Jane’s shoulders as they walked. Once they were seated in the living room, he said, “I’m here because I want you to come back with me.”

  “Yo
u do?”

  He gave a sharp nod. “I think you should come back.”

  “Right now? What’s going on? Why do you want me to come back all of a sudden?”

  “It's Derek and the O'Connor account.” He rubbed his nose, and from his edgy body language, Jane knew he was lying.

  “What's happening with the O'Connor account?” she asked.

  “Derek’s not handling it at all well. I need you back, Jane, and I need you back now!”

  Chapter 18

  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

  and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:

  for the former things are passed away.

  Revelation 21:4

  * * *

  This is what Jane had wanted—to go back and take over the O’Connor account. But now that she was getting to know Zac and feeling at peace for the first time in a very long time, she wasn't ready to leave. Her reluctance must have shown.

  “What's the matter with you? Don't you want to come back? You didn't want to come here. Why are you so reluctant to leave? I thought you’d pack your things and head for the car as soon as I told you I wanted you back at work.”

  She inhaled deeply. How could she tell him so he’d understand?

  “You’ve been here for weeks already; all I'm asking you to do is come back early. Am I asking too much or do you think that your pregnancy hormones have taken over?”

  She shook her head. “Not at all. I'll come back. You don't want me to come back in the car with you right now, do you?”

  “That’s what I had in mind; unless you want to go back by bus again.

  “No, the bus trip was awful.”

  The housemaid brought in a tray of tea, and a glass of apple cider for Tyrone.

  He lifted up the apple cider and held it up to the light. “Is this alcoholic?” he asked the housemaid.