by Amy Clipston
Rebecca took another bite of her sandwich, chewed, and swallowed it. “You’re right. It’s not our place to get involved, but Katie must be lonely. I wonder if you could go visit her. Do you think her dat would allow that?”
A serious expression marred Lindsay’s features as she shook her head. “Samuel said Katie is completely cut off from all of her friends, except for seeing us at church. Her dat is very strict.”
Rebecca ate more of her sandwich and thought of her sweet niece. She’d always known Robert and Sadie were tough on their children. She could recall many times when Robert reprimanded his children for insignificant infractions in front of the whole Kauffman family, embarrassing the children and the rest of the family at once. On one occasion, he’d hollered and then spanked Samuel for turning his head just before one of the younger children fell off the swing set. In reality, it was an honest mistake, but in Robert’s eye it was an inexcusable lapse of attention.
After witnessing many incidents like those, Rebecca had always secretly vowed to be more loving and forgiving to her own children if she and Daniel were blessed to become parents. Now she and Daniel were parents, and she hoped she lived up to that promise to herself.
“I’m sorry to hear Katie is having a hard time,” Rebecca said. “I hope she is back at your youth gatherings to meet more buwe soon.” She smiled. “You mentioned you’re getting to know Matthew better. How’s that going?”
Lindsay’s pretty mouth formed an embarrassed smile. “It’s going well.”
“Oh?” Rebecca leaned in closer. “Can you share more with me?”
“He’s very thoughtful and kind.” Lindsay stared down at her half-eaten sandwich and moved the remaining pile of chips around on her plate. “He enjoys romantic walks when we’re at the youth gatherings. We talk about everything. I feel like I can share things with him without worrying he’ll think I’m gegisch or immature. He always seems to understand. And when we’re together, time flies by. We can start talking about something, and an hour goes by in a flash.”
“I remember those days with Daniel,” Rebecca said, smiling. “He and I used to talk for hours when we were getting to know each other. Those were some of our best times together. Be sure to enjoy getting to know him.”
“Oh, I am.” Lindsay picked up a potato chip. “Did you feel like you could see your future when you were dating Onkel Daniel? What I mean is — did you feel like you were always meant to be together? Did you know you would someday get married and have a family?”
Rebecca wiped her mouth while considering the questions. “I think I always knew in my heart Daniel was my future.”
Lindsay smiled. “I feel that way with Matthew. I think he’s my future.”
“That’s gut,” Rebecca said, lifting her sandwich. “I’m so glad you met him. I believe he’s a very nice young man and will treat you well.”
They discussed Lizzie Anne’s wedding while they finished their sandwiches.
When Rebecca ate her last chip, she glanced at the clock on the wall. “We’d better get going. I don’t want Nancy to worry. I’ll go ask if I can use the phone to call the driver.”
“No, no.” Lindsay stood. “You rest. I’ll call.”
As Lindsay walked toward the front of the restaurant, Rebecca smiled. She was so very thankful for her wonderful niece.
Lindsay sat on the porch later that evening and smiled at Matthew. “I’m so froh you stopped by. I’ve been thinking of you today.”
“Have you?” He grinned and his eyes sparkled. “I’m glad I had to return a few tools to Daniel.”
“Did you really have to return them to him today?” she asked.
“No.” He moved closer to her on the swing. “I just really had to see you.”
“Oh?” Her heart skipped a beat. “Why did you have to see me?”
“Because it’s been a few days,” he said. “How is your family?”
“Wunderbaar gut,” Lindsay said with excitement. “Rebecca, Daniel, and I went to her doctor today, and she received a gut report. The boppli is growing well, and Rebecca’s blood pressure is fantastic. She has to remain on bed rest, but everything is going as it should.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said. “I’m just froh to see you, Lindsay.”
He looked at her with an intense expression that made her heart thud in her chest. She studied his handsome face and wondered what he would look like with a beard. The thought excited and scared her all at once. Yet, it was difficult not to wonder if Matthew would ask her to marry him since Lizzie Anne and Samuel would marry in only a few weeks. Would Lindsay and Matthew possibly be the next married couple in their youth group?
“Tell me about your day,” Lindsay said. She listened with interest while he talked about his current projects at the furniture store. She loved hearing him discuss his work, and she wondered if someday he would create furniture for their home. She smiled at the thought.
The back door opened with a squeak, and Lindsay jumped at the sight of her uncle. “Onkel Daniel,” she said. “I didn’t hear you in the kitchen.”
“Matthew,” Daniel said, holding out his hand. “Wie geht’s? I didn’t realize you were here.”
“I came to return those tools you loaned me last week.” Matthew stood and shook Daniel’s hand.
“Oh,” Daniel said. “You didn’t need to do that, but danki.” He motioned for Matthew to follow him toward the barn. “Since you brought the tools, I guess we might as well put them away.”
Matthew glanced back at Lindsay with an apologetic smile before following Daniel to the buggy for the tools.
She watched as Matthew and Daniel disappeared into the barn and bit her lower lip, hoping they would return quickly so that her uncle would go back into the house and she and Matthew could talk more.
She clung to the thought as she stared at the barn door.
Eventually, she frowned.
What’s taking so long?
Matthew followed Daniel into the barn and placed the tools on the workbench. “Danki for loaning these to me.”
“Gern gschehne,” Daniel said. “How’s your project coming along?”
“Really well.” Matthew cleared his throat and folded his arms over his chest in order to stop his hands from shaking. Taking a deep breath, he mustered up the confidence to ask Daniel the question he’d wanted to ask for weeks. “Daniel, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Oh?” Daniel asked as he hung the tools on the pegboard. “What did you need to discuss?”
“It’s about Lindsay,” Matthew began, hoping he’d choose the right words. “You know I care for her, ya?”
After hanging up the last tool, Daniel faced him. “Of course I do. I see how you two are together. In fact, you and Lindsay remind me of Rebecca and me when we were your age.”
“We do?” Matthew asked with surprise.
“You do.” Daniel hopped up on a stool nearby. “What did you want to discuss about Lindsay?”
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” Matthew said. “And I’m at a point in my life when I’m ready to be out on my own. I love mei schweschder and her family, but I’m a man now and ready to have my own heemet. I can’t live with Betsy forever.”
Daniel nodded. “I understand.”
“Mei schweschder and her husband offered me a piece of their land, and I plan to start building a haus soon.” Matthew paused, gathering his thoughts. “Daniel, I want to ask Lindsay to marry me, but I need your blessing before I ask her.”
“Matthew.” Daniel jumped up from the stool and shook his hand. “Ach, of course you have my blessing, and I know you have Rebecca’s too. We think the world of you, son.”
Matthew blew out a sigh. “Danki. Danki so much, Daniel.”
Daniel slapped Matthew’s arm. “This is wunderbaar news. I know Lindsay will be thrilled.”
“Please keep it to yourself, ya?” Matthew asked. “I’m not going to ask her until Christmastime. I want to finish the project for
her first.”
“I won’t tell a soul, Matthew.” Daniel smiled again. “What a wunderbaar Christmas gift for Lindsay. And my brothers and I will help you with your new haus. You’ll have a crew of carpenters at your disposal.”
Matthew smiled while he thought of his future with Lindsay.
After what seemed like fifteen minutes, the men reappeared. Lindsay stood by the porch railing while they continued their conversation. She wondered what two men who worked together every day could possibly have to talk about for so long. She considered walking down to the barn and breaking up the conversation, but she knew it would be rude. Yet, it was still tempting.
Matthew and Daniel sauntered back toward the porch, and Lindsay tried her best to catch Matthew’s eye. He met her gaze before he climbed the stairs, and he looked apologetic.
“It was gut talking to you,” Daniel said while holding his hand out again. “I’ll see you at the shop.”
Matthew shook his hand. “Danki again for the use of your tools, Daniel. I truly appreciate it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Daniel turned his gaze up to the sky. “You better head heemet soon. It’ll be getting dark shortly.”
“I plan to leave very soon,” Matthew said. “I was going to say gut nacht to Lindsay now.”
Lindsay shot Matthew a sideways glance. And I hope we can talk a little before you leave.
Daniel turned to Lindsay. “Don’t be out here too late.”
“I won’t,” she said. “I want to call Jessica, but I’ll be in after I talk to her.”
“Keep it short,” Daniel said. “It’s almost bedtime.” He smiled at them both. “Gut nacht.”
“Gut nacht,” Matthew repeated as Daniel disappeared through the door. Once Daniel was out of sight, Matthew took Lindsay’s hand and gently pulled her down the porch steps.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked, as the warmth of his skin radiated up her arm.
Letting go of her hand, Matthew gestured toward the buggy. “I thought we could stand by the buggy so we’re out of sight of the kitchen windows.” They reached the buggy and he faced her. “I brought you something,” he said.
“You did?” Lindsay asked, smiling.
“Open your hand.” He pulled something from his pocket.
Lindsay held out her hand and he placed something into it. She looked down and found a duck carved out of wood. “Matthew,” she said. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I hope you don’t think it’s gegisch.” He looked embarrassed. “I was working on a project in my shop at the house, and I had an extra little piece of wood. I was thinking about the time we walked around the pond at Lizzie Anne’s house and we saw those ducks. You said the ducks reminded you of the pond behind your parents’ house back in Virginia. I thought maybe this would help you remember your former heemet.”
“I love it, Matthew.” She couldn’t hide her smile. “It’s beautiful.” She pulled the heart from her apron pocket. “I’ll keep it close like the heart you made for me.” She held up the heart, and he looked surprised.
“You carry the heart with you?” he asked.
“Always.” She stared into his eyes and warmth filled her as he smiled back at her. “Danki. I love the duck.”
“Gern gschehne.” He glanced back toward the house. “I better go. I don’t want your onkel to be upset by my overstaying my welcome. I need him to like me so I can see you often.”
“I know he likes you. You’re like a son to him.” She held the wooden heart and duck up. “I’ll treasure these always. Danki so much.” She gestured toward the buggy. “Drive safely heemet.”
“I promise I will. Gut nacht, my Lindsay.” He climbed into the buggy. “Sleep well tonight.”
“Gut nacht, my Matthew,” she said. “You sleep well too.”
She waved as the horse started down the driveway toward the road. She felt as if she were walking on clouds as she made her way to the phone shanty. She couldn’t believe Matthew had made her another special gift. He was so thoughtful and sweet.
She checked the messages and, after finding none, dialed her sister’s cell phone.
“Lindsay?” Jessica asked as she answered. “Is that you?”
“Yes, stranger,” Lindsay said. “It’s me. Long time, no talk.”
“Wow,” Jessica said. “You sound awfully happy. How are things?”
“Wonderful. Amazing. Perfect.” Lindsay sighed while winding the phone cord around her fingers. “I just had the most amazing day.”
“Tell me all about it,” Jessica said. “I’m all ears.”
Lindsay filled her in on Rebecca’s doctor’s visit and their nice lunch.
“I’m so glad to hear Aunt Rebecca is doing well,” Jessica said. “I’ve been praying for her and the baby. I’m thankful you can help her, so she can concentrate on resting and saving all of her strength for the baby.”
“I know. I am thankful I can be here too.” Lindsay settled back in the chair. “Matthew came to see me tonight.” She couldn’t stop her grin. “We had a really nice visit.”
“Oh?” Jessica sounded curious. “How nice was it?”
“He made me the cutest gift,” Lindsay said. She then explained how he’d previously made her a heart and how now he’d given her a duck to remind her of home in Virginia. “Isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard, Jess?”
“That’s so romantic,” Jessica said. “He obviously loves you. I’m so happy for you. What else is going on there in Bird-in-Hand?”
“Naomi had her baby a few days ago,” Lindsay said. “They’re both doing great.”
“Really?” Jessica asked. “What did she have?”
“She had a girl, and she and Caleb named her Priscilla,” Lindsay said.
“That’s a pretty name,” Jessica said. “I bet Susie and little Millie love her.”
“They do,” Lindsay said. “Everyone is very happy, and Lizzie Anne is enjoying babysitting for them.” She paused, thinking of the rest of the news. “Lizzie Anne and Samuel’s wedding is coming up fast. It’s only a few weeks away.” She crossed her legs at her ankles while she talked. “She bought the material for the dresses, and she and her mom will be working on making them.”
“That’s great. I wish I could come, but classes are just too much this semester.”
“Are you pulling straight A’s again?”
“I’m trying really hard,” Jessica said. “I think I may have all A’s but one B. I’m really disappointed, but Trig is just not agreeing with me.”
“I’m surprised. You’re so good at math. But still, a B is fantastic.”
“Thanks,” Jessica said. “I guess it’ll have to do. Oh, I talked to Aunt Trisha a few days ago. She’s doing great. She’s made a full recovery with her leg, but she’s not taking any chances climbing onto railings or even step ladders anymore.”
“That’s good.” Lindsay asked Jessica about her friends and listened while Jessica shared how everyone was doing.
“Oh,” Jessica said. “I meant to ask you if you’ve seen Jake lately.”
Lindsay paused, wondering if she should tell Jessica about Jake and Katie. Her inner voice told her to just keep the information to herself. “No, I haven’t.” It wasn’t a lie. She hadn’t seen Jake in at least two months. “Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering how he is. I talked to him over a month ago.”
“You did?” Lindsay asked with surprise. “You hadn’t told me that.”
“Yeah, I know. I finally got up enough nerve to call him.”
“And?” Lindsay asked. “What did you say and what did he say?”
“We didn’t talk very long,” she said. “I’d been looking through a box, and I found a photo of us from the time he came to visit me and we went to the beach. When I brought it up, he seemed annoyed at me for mentioning the trip. He said he didn’t know what to say, and I reminded him that we always wind up stuck in the same holding pattern.”
“You know that’s the truth,” Li
ndsay said.
“I know.” Jessica sighed. “I really want to settle things with him, you know? I think he’s still angry with me. I can never say the right thing to him.”
Lindsay was silent for a beat. She knew Jake and Katie had feelings for each other but couldn’t see each other due to their religious differences. Now Jessica was admitting things were unsettled with Jake. What a tangled web!
“Linds?” Jessica asked. “Are you there?”
“Yeah,” Lindsay said. “I’m here. I just don’t know what to say.”
“What can you say?” Jessica asked.
“I guess it’s like Dad used to say, the more things change, the more they stay the same, right?” Lindsay said.
“Right.”
“Are you coming for Christmas?” Lindsay asked.
“Oh yes,” Jessica said. “I’m not exactly sure what day I’m coming, but I’ll be there.”
“That’s great,” Lindsay said. “I’ll let Aenti Rebecca know.”
“Thanks.” Jessica yawned. “I guess I’d better let you go. I have a big test tomorrow in my accounting class.”
“Don’t be up too late,” Lindsay said. “You need your sleep.”
Jessica laughed. “There you go again acting like the big sister. Give my love to Aunt Rebecca, Uncle Daniel, and the kids.”
“I will. Tell Kim I said hello,” Lindsay said, referring to Jessica’s roommate.
“I will,” Jessica said. “Love you.”
“Love you too,” Lindsay repeated before hanging up. She sat on the stool and studied the receiver for a few moments while contemplating the situation with Jessica, Jake, and Katie. She couldn’t help but wonder what would happen when the three of them were reunited at Christmastime.
“Christmas will be interesting for certain,” Lindsay muttered, walking back toward the house.