A Season of Love

by Amy Clipston

  Her father trained his unwavering frown on Katie. “You have two minutes.”

  “I want to come heemet,” Katie said, her voice thick with emotion. “I belong here, and you need to admit I’ve done nothing wrong. And I want your blessing for Jake and me to be together.”

  “Katie and I are in love,” Jake added. “I told you I’m joining the church with two bishops’ blessings, so now you must accept that Katie and I will be together.”

  “Falling in love is not a reason to join the church,” her father said, looking unconvinced. “You join because God has called you to it.”

  “I’m a solid Christian,” Jake said with a serious expression. “I’ve taken a lot of time to consider this. I’ve spoken to my parents, my grandparents, my friends, and two bishops. I know the conversion will be difficult, but it’s important Katie and I share the same faith. I want to be with her, and I’m willing to sacrifice for her. She’s suffered enough for me.” He smiled at Katie, and her heart turned over in her chest. “I hope by the time I’m baptized I’ll have my own house, and I can ask Katie to officially be my girlfriend once I am finished with the class. I look forward to living the life I feel God is leading me to live with the woman I’m meant to be with. I want to marry her next fall.”

  A surge of confidence filled Katie, and she looked at her parents. “I want you to accept that Jake and I will be together,” she said, her voice steady and strong. “We want your blessing. He’s a gut man, and you know his family. He’s already thought this through, and he’s gotten two bishops to support him. You should too.” She looked at her father. “I never did anything wrong, and you need to let me come back heemet and be a part of this family.”

  “The bishop told you the truth about what happened the day he saw us on the corner,” Jake said.

  Sadie nodded and touched Katie’s hand. “I’m so sorry I didn’t believe you, Katie. You needed my love, not my rejection that day.”

  “I forgive you,” Katie said, hugging her mother again. She then looked at her father and thought she saw tears glistening in his eyes despite his frown.

  Sadie touched Jake’s arm. “Danki for saving my Katie that day. Abner told us what his neighbor saw, and I shudder to think what could’ve happened if you hadn’t come along. You’re a blessing to my Katie, Jake.”

  “Danki, Mamm,” Katie said. “I’m so froh you feel that way.”

  “I’m sorry I was wrong that day,” Robert said. “I should’ve listened to you instead of worrying about what the bishop said.”

  Katie launched herself into her father’s arms as more tears sprinkled her cheeks. “Danki, Dat,” she said.

  He nodded without responding.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman,” Jake began, “will you give us your blessing? Katie and I want you to support our relationship.”

  “I give you my blessing,” Sadie said. “You’re a gut bu. You will be gut to my Katie.”

  When her mother leaned over and shook Jake’s hand, Katie couldn’t help but smile as she turned her gaze to her father. She hoped he, too, would have a change of heart.

  “This is unusual,” Robert said, his expression hardening once again. “You’re converting, and it’s rare folks who aren’t Amish convert.”

  “My grandparents are Amish, and my mother was raised in the community. It’s not foreign to me,” Jake said. “I’ve worked in the furniture store for years and I’ve always spent a lot of time with my grandparents. I’m a part of this community whether I am Amish or not.” He looked at Katie. “Now I know my heart is here, and I can’t wait to join it.”

  Her father’s expression softened. “You’ll be welcome here at the haus, but I would like you and Katie to not start dating until after you’re a member of the church. You know that’s the rule we live by.”

  Katie swallowed a squeal of joy.

  “Danki!” Jake said, shaking Robert’s hand. “Danki. I will respect all of your rules. I promise you that.”

  “Danki for listening to us,” Katie said, touching her father’s hand. “Ich liebe dich so much. I never wanted to hurt you. We won’t let you down.” She paused. “Does this mean I can come home?”

  Still frowning, her father’s nod was stiff. “Ya, you can come back. This is your heemet. Now I’m going to the schtupp to read the paper.” He then disappeared into the family room.

  Katie touched her mother’s hand. “Danki for standing up to him,” she whispered in her ear. “I can’t danki enough.”

  “I just wanted to see you froh, Katie,” her mother said, cupping her hands to Katie’s cheeks. “I couldn’t stand watching you suffer anymore. And, again, I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you. I was not a gut mamm.”

  “I forgive you,” Katie repeated. “It was all a horrible misunderstanding.”

  “Danki, Sadie,” Jake said. “I’ll make Katie very froh. I promise you.”

  Her mother’s expression sobered. “You two can’t visit all evening. It’s getting late. Jake, the youth singings are on Sundays as you know. You can attend them now if you’re joining the community.”

  “That’s right!” Katie smiled at Jake. “Now you can come and join them. That would be so much fun.”

  “Wunderbaar gut,” Jake said with a smile. “I need to get used to using Dietsch.”

  “Ya,” Katie said as they headed through the door. “You do.” She glanced at her mother. “I’m going to walk Jake out. I’ll be right back.”

  “Don’t be out long,” her mother warned before they slipped out the door.

  “I need to return Matthew’s horse and buggy before he thinks I stole them,” Jake said.

  She walked beside him. “Why did you bring Matthew’s buggy over to get me when your truck was sitting right here all the time?”

  “I wanted you to know I was serious about becoming Amish when I came to tell you the news.” He smiled down at her. “I’ve never been this froh in my life, Katie. I’m so thankful for you.”

  “And this is only the beginning,” she said, smiling up at him.

  They crossed over to Matthew’s sister’s property and found Matthew, Lizzie Anne, and Samuel standing on the back porch waiting for them.

  “Why are you all here?” Katie asked.

  “Matthew came over and told us Jake had gone to get you,” Lizzie Anne said. “We’ve been waiting for you to get back.”

  “What happened when you talked to Dat?” Samuel asked. “We’ve been waiting to hear the news.”

  “You’re smiling, so it must be gut,” Lizzie Anne chimed in, looking curious.

  “I’m welcome to come heemet, and Mamm and Dat apologized for not believing I was attacked. The best news is we got their blessing,” Katie said. “I can date Jake once he joins the church next fall.”

  “Dat gave his blessing?” Samuel asked with surprise.

  “You’re joining the church?” Lizzie Anne asked. “I missed that part of the story.”

  “This is wunderbaar!” Matthew said. “It went much better than I ever imagined.”

  “I agree with that. Danki for your help, Matthew,” Jake said. He then shared his story of visiting the bishops while Katie beamed beside him.

  “I’m so excited for you!” Lizzie Anne hugged Katie. “This is so wunderbaar gut! You’re going to be so froh together.”

  “I know,” Katie said. “God has blessed us.”

  25

  Lindsay! Dummle!” Rebecca called from upstairs. “Lindsay, come quickly! It’s time!”

  Lindsay glanced across the kitchen to where Jessica sat helping Emma with her breakfast. “It’s time!”

  “Time for the baby to come?” Jessica said, looking surprised. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Please stay with the kinner for now.” Lindsay dashed upstairs and flew down the hallway to Rebecca’s room. “Is it time for the boppli to come?” she asked, bounding through the doorway.

  Rebecca stood next to the bed with her eyes wide with excitement. “My water broke. I need t
o get to the hospital. Tell Daniel. I’ll get dressed and get my bag.” She pointed toward a small bag on the floor.

  “Do you need help getting dressed?” Lindsay offered, wringing her hands. She needed to calm down. She’d been through this with Rebecca twice before. Yet, it was still just as exciting as when Daniel Junior was born.

  “No, I can manage it.” Rebecca’s lips formed a nervous smile. “I can’t believe it. Today is Christmas Eve, and it’s the day the Lord has chosen for our new boppli to arrive.”

  “It’s a miracle!” Lindsay said. “I’ll go get Onkel Daniel.” She ran down the stairs and to the kitchen, where Jessica sat between their cousins.

  “What happened?” Jessica asked. “Is she okay?”

  “Her water broke.” Lindsay continued across the room and pulled on her cloak. “I need to go get Onkel Daniel.”

  “I’ll take them to the hospital,” Jessica said. “You can stay with the children.”

  “That sounds gut,” Lindsay said, but she wished she could be there too. “I’ll be right back.” She trotted out into the bitter cold and entered the barn where her uncle was feeding the animals. “Onkel Daniel!” she called, walking to the back of the barn. “Aenti Rebecca’s water broke. It’s time! You need to get to the hospital.”

  “It’s time?” Daniel appeared from a horse stall. “Already? But it’s not January yet.”

  Lindsay smiled. “Sometimes they come early. Remember Emma was a week early.”

  “Ya,” he said, rubbing his beard. “She was. We’d better go. I’ll call a driver.”

  “Jessica can drive you,” Lindsay said, falling in step with him as they headed for the house.

  “Oh, right.” He turned toward the phone shanty. “I’m going to call mei mamm and dat. Ach, and I better call the doctor too! I’ll be right in.”

  Lindsay rushed into the kitchen and hung her cloak on a peg by the door. “I’m going to go check on Aenti Rebecca. Onkel Daniel is calling his parents.” She hurried back up the stairs and found Rebecca fully clothed while sitting on a chair struggling to pull on her shoes.

  “I don’t think my shoes fit anymore,” Rebecca said, frowning. “I may have to wear a pair of Daniel’s.”

  “I don’t think they’d be comfortable.” Lindsay took one of the shoes. “Let me try.” She loosened the laces on the black sneaker and tried to slip it onto her aunt’s pudgy foot. She pushed and twisted, but the shoe wouldn’t go on.

  “My feet are really swollen. Actually my whole body is swollen.” Rebecca rubbed her abdomen and grimaced. “Oh, the contractions are starting. I’m so uncomfortable. I hope this boppli is born today.”

  “I do too.” Lindsay dropped the shoe onto the floor. “These don’t fit. Let me find your slippers.”

  “That’s a wunderbaar gut idea,” Rebecca said as she continued to rub her abdomen. “I keep you around because you’re a smart maedel.”

  Lindsay laughed. “Is that why? I thought it was because I’m an extraordinary babysitter.”

  “That too,” Rebecca said before sucking in a breath.

  Lindsay searched around the floor, finding the pink fuzzy slippers under Rebecca’s bed. “Here you go. These are the slippers I gave you last Christmas. They will be just perfect.” She slipped them on Rebecca’s feet. “You’re ready to go.” Lindsay picked up the bag. “Let’s get you downstairs. Onkel Daniel should be ready to go soon. He was just calling his parents.” She hefted the tote bag onto her shoulder and then held out her hand to her aunt. “Let me help you up.”

  “Danki.” Holding onto Lindsay’s hand, Rebecca grunted while coming to her feet. “I’m not looking forward to those stairs.”

  “We’ll take them slowly,” Lindsay said.

  Holding her aunt’s hand, she guided her down the hallway to the staircase. She then slowly walked down with her aunt gripping her shoulder and the banister. When they entered the kitchen, they found Daniel standing by the table.

  The children greeted Rebecca with smiles and claps.

  “Where’s Jessica?” Lindsay asked while Rebecca kissed the children.

  “She’s warming up her vehicle.” Daniel looked concerned while studying Rebecca. “How are you, mei liewe?”

  “Uncomfortable.” Rebecca stood up straight. “It’s started.”

  He took her hand. “Let’s get you in the car.”

  “Let me say good-bye to the kinner.” Rebecca leaned down to them. “I’m going out for a little while, but I will be back soon. You be gut for Lindsay, ya?”

  The children nodded and kissed her cheek.

  Rebecca stood. “I’m ready.”

  Lindsay tried her best to smile at her aunt. I wish I could go, but I know I’m needed here. “I’ll be thinking of you.” She hugged her.

  Rebecca kissed her cheek. “Danki for caring for mei kinner. I’m certain Jessica will be in touch with you soon.”

  The back door opened, and Jessica stepped in. “The Jeep is warm. I’m ready when you are.” She held out her aunt’s wrap.

  Daniel took the tote bag from Lindsay. “Danki,” he said.

  “Gern gschehne,” Lindsay said. She met Jessica’s gaze. “Call me.”

  Jessica frowned. “I wish you still had your cell phone.”

  “I’ll check the shanty as often as I can,” Lindsay said.

  “Let’s go,” Daniel said, helping Rebecca to the door. “We’ll pick up Elizabeth and Eli on the way.”

  Jessica wrapped the cloak around Rebecca’s shoulder. “Let’s go have this baby.”

  Lindsay smiled as they disappeared out the door. Glancing toward her little cousins, she sent up a silent prayer that their newborn sibling would arrive safely.

  Six hours later, Rebecca held her newborn baby in her arms. “It’s a girl,” she whispered while Daniel leaned over her shoulder.

  “She’s perfect,” he said before kissing her cheek. “She’s just as schee as you are.”

  Rebecca grinned. “I’m so froh.” She glanced up at Daniel. “I know what I want to name her.”

  “What name is that?” he asked, pulling a chair up next to the bed.

  “Grace,” she said with tears filling her eyes. “After mei schweschder.”

  He nodded. “Grace it is.”

  A knock sounded on the door.

  “It’s probably my parents and Jessica,” Daniel said as he stood. “They’ve been anxious to come in.”

  “Invite them in,” Rebecca said, sitting up straight and adjusting her new baby in her arms.

  Daniel opened the door, and Elizabeth, Eli, and Jessica filed in, scrubbing their hands with the liquid provided by a hand cleaner dispenser on the wall. As if on cue, Elizabeth and Jessica rushed to the bed while cooing.

  “She’s so beautiful, Aunt Rebecca,” Jessica said. “May I hold her?”

  “Of course,” Rebecca said as she pointed toward the chair. “Sit down and I’ll hand her to you.”

  “Oh, Rebecca.” Elizabeth leaned over and hugged her shoulders. “She’s perfect, mei liewe. I’m so very froh. What a beautiful little grossdochder.”

  “She’s my Christmas boppli,” Rebecca said, handing the baby to Jessica. “My best little Christmas gift.”

  “That’s so true,” Jessica said, smiling. “I’m so glad she decided to come early so I can enjoy her.”

  “How are you feeling?” Elizabeth asked Rebecca.

  “I’m doing fine,” Rebecca said. “I’m just a little sore, but the doctor said I can go home tomorrow if everything continues going well for me.” She looked up at Daniel. “It’s a gut thing you got the crib set up early, ya?”

  Daniel nodded while standing next to his father. “Ya, I’ll admit it. You were right, Becky.”

  “Did you call Lindsay?” Rebecca asked Jessica, who cooed and whispered to the baby.

  “I did.” Jessica looked up at her. “Does my newest cousin have a name?”

  “Grace,” Rebecca said.

  “Grace?” Jessica looked surprised. “Af
ter my mother?”

  Rebecca nodded, and tears filled Jessica’s eyes.

  “That’s beautiful,” Jessica said. “I can’t wait to tell Lindsay. She’ll be so happy.”

  “I think she will.” Rebecca settled back in the bed. “I’m so glad Grace is healthy and perfect. I was so worried for the last few months.”

  “We all were.” Elizabeth patted her hand. “You gave us quite a scare.”

  Jessica glanced at Elizabeth. “Do you want to hold her now? I don’t want to take over everyone else’s time.”

  “No, no,” Elizabeth said. “You enjoy her. I can hold her when you’re done. You’re going to have to go back to Virginia soon, but I’ll have little Gracie for a long time.”

  “Gracie,” Rebecca repeated. “I like the sound of that.” She watched her niece holding her newborn and smiled. She was so thankful her sister had made Rebecca their guardian. The last four years with them had been the most rewarding of her life. Although she missed Grace dearly, she was so thankful for the gift Grace had given her — her beautiful nieces who were now mature young ladies.

  Elizabeth and Jessica discussed how adorable the baby was, and Daniel and Eli talked while sitting at a small table on the other side of the room.

  Soon Rebecca’s eyes began to feel heavy and she cupped her hand to her mouth as she yawned. She pushed the button on the remote to recline the bed. “I think I’m going to try to get a little rest now,” she said, closing her eyes. “Wake me if you need me.”

  As she fell asleep, she thanked God for her beautiful Gracie.

  26

  Lindsay rushed around the house the next afternoon making sure everything was ready for Rebecca and Gracie’s homecoming. She’d cleaned the kitchen, swept the floors, and straightened the poinsettias and greenery decorating in the family room. The house was perfect for Christmas!

  A knock sounded at the door, and Lindsay hurried through the kitchen where the children sat at the table eating snacks. She hoped it was Rebecca and Daniel arriving home with the new baby.