“No he didn’t. I thought he planned to stay until the end of June, when the cooking classes are over.”
“So did I, but when I spoke to him earlier this morning, he said he’d gotten his RV running and figured on heading out today right after class.”
Heidi’s forehead creased. “It seems strange he’d want to leave now, with only two classes left to take. Did he say why?”
“Nothing clear-cut. Just mumbled something about not wanting to take advantage of our hospitality anymore.”
Heidi pursed her lips. “That’s silly. He’s been here this long. He should stay and finish the classes.”
“I told him the same thing. Not sure he’ll listen, but at least I tried.” Lyle went to the kitchen sink and filled a glass with water. “Ron shared a few things with me the other evening when I went out to his motor home, just before our cookout.”
“Oh?”
“The poor fellow was grieving because if his brother hadn’t been killed in the Vietnam War, it would have been his birthday.” Lyle slowly shook his head. “I feel sorry for Ron. He seems almost lost, and I think he needs a friend.”
“You’ve said before you thought God brought Ron here for a reason. Maybe it’s so we can be his friends,” Heidi suggested.
“Jah, I believe you’re right.”
Heidi glanced out the window and spotted Ron sitting on a camp stool outside his motor home with his hands pressed against his head. “I hope by the time my cooking classes are done, that my students, Ron included, will feel as if they’ve made some new friends. I also hope, due to the scriptures I’ve shared, that some will have found help for whatever problems they might be going through.”
Lyle kissed Heidi’s forehead. “Jah, God can minister to them through His Word, as well as things you might say during class, just as He’s done to many of your aunt Emma’s quilting students.”
Sugarcreek
“There ya go.” Loretta gave Abby a hug. “Why don’t you take Donnelly outside? Then you can sit on the porch and wait for Sandy to arrive.”
“Okay, Mommy.” Her daughter skipped out of the room, with the dog frolicking at her side.
Loretta smiled. Abby looked cute in her bright red top. It was a summery shirt her mother-in-law had given Abby at Christmas. Thank goodness, she’d purchased a large enough size. Abby was growing fast, and the cotton shirt, which was too big in December, fit her perfectly now.
“All right, big boy.” Loretta scooped Conner up to get him ready as she heard the screen door slam. Glancing out the window, Loretta saw Abby walking the puppy toward the backyard.
Loretta hummed while she changed Conner from his pj’s to a pair of jeans and a striped T-shirt. She’d dressed both kids in something comfortable since they’d all be going with Eli later today.
She closed her eyes, breathing deeply. After having the windows closed all winter, it was nice having them open, as the comfortable breeze wafted through the screens. Loretta appreciated the opportunity to allow her children to grow up in this environment. There was plenty of space for them to run, play, and use their imagination. Abby and Conner enjoyed pretending while they played with their simple toys. She’d decided early on not to own a TV so it wouldn’t be a distraction for her or the children.
Loretta also felt grateful for the elderly neighbor next door who’d do about anything for them. It was a comfort being able to call on him if needed. Sam took good care of himself, too. Instead of wasting away in front of TV, he kept moving and doing, many times offering to take care of outside chores for Loretta.
Through the open window, Loretta heard Abby coaxing Donnelly. “Come on, puppy. Do your business now.”
Eli had given her children such a wonderful surprise. Even with all the pup’s little accidents, once again, Loretta wished she had gotten a dog for them sooner. Although the puppy wasn’t consistent yet, the new member of their family was learning quickly. The other night, for the first time, Donnelly scratched on the door to be let out. Afterward, they all praised the dog and gave him a treat for being good.
“Donnelly! Donnelly!” Conner giggled, pointing to the window.
“Yes, I hear him barking.” Loretta combed her son’s hair. “Okay, let’s join your sister now, and we’ll wait for Sandy to arrive.” Loretta was grateful Sandy was available to watch the kids again while she went to class. When she got home, Eli would swing by with his horse and buggy, and off to his parents’ house they’d go—Donnelly included.
When Loretta went outside to the porch with Conner, she didn’t see her daughter in the yard. She’d assumed Abby was with Donnelly, but the barking pup, straining against its leash, sat on the porch by himself. Abby had apparently wrapped the end of the dog’s leash around one of the lawn chairs, and Donnelly, even though little, had dragged the chair over and was about to go down the porch steps with it trailing behind him.
“Conner, do Mommy a favor and stay right here with Donnelly, while I go look for your sister.” It wasn’t like Abby to leave the puppy alone. She’d been watching over Donnelly like a mother hen ever since Eli gave them the dog.
Loretta’s heart filled with gratitude when Sandy pulled in. She sprinted to the babysitter’s car before the motor was even turned off.
Sandy rolled her window down. “Is everything all right?”
“Oh, Sandy, I’m so glad you’re here. I have an emergency, but I need you to stay with Conner.” Loretta pointed to the porch. “He’s waiting there, and I’ll explain later.”
“Of course.” Sandy turned off the ignition and ran toward the porch.
“Abby, where are you?” Loretta hurried toward the garage. She turned the knob, but the door was still locked, so her daughter couldn’t be there. Don’t panic. Stay calm. Her brain sent messages, but her mother’s instinct kicked in, ignoring all reason. As she headed toward the back of the property, something red caught her eye.
The property that adjoined the back of her and Sam’s lots belonged to a farm over the ridge. Normally the cows didn’t graze this far. From Loretta’s home, the farm buildings weren’t visible, but on rare occasions, the herd would venture farther and wind up at this end. Abby and Conner always wanted to see the pretty black-and-white Holsteins, so Loretta would take them to the fence to watch. Sometimes they’d feed them grass. But what Loretta saw now made her eyes grow wide as her hand went to her mouth. Abby stood in the field, a few feet from a monstrous black bull. Holding a clump of grass, her daughter walked slowly toward the massive animal. Loretta faintly heard Abby coaxing, “Here’s somethin’ for you to eat.”
Loretta took no thought of the beautiful wildflowers blooming along the fence row or the birds tweeting merrily from the trees. Her focus was on the giant beast flicking its ears while staring back at her precious child.
As Loretta ran toward the fence, her breath burst in and out. Abby probably thought this was one of the gentle cows. The bull looked Loretta’s way then back at Abby. Oh, why did I put a red shirt on my little girl this morning? Maybe it was a myth, but Loretta had heard bulls didn’t like the color red.
“Abby.” Loretta spoke calmly as she climbed over the fence and walked slowly toward her daughter. “Don’t go any closer, honey.”
Loretta approached Abby and scooped the child into her arms then stood trembling as she kept an eye on the bull. His neck and shoulders were huge and muscular. Loretta’s impulse was to run, but it might set him off. Without breaking contact with the bull’s steady gaze, she backed slowly away. Despite her best efforts, the beast began pawing the ground with both his front feet, sending dirt flying in all directions. What to do now? Loretta trembled when Abby asked, “Mommy, is the cow mad at us?”
“I’ll explain later. Just hold on to me.” Loretta turned. The fence was at least sixty yards away, but it might as well have been five miles. If the bull wanted to, he could run the distance in seconds, before she reached the fence.
Loretta’s lungs burned as she sprinted toward safety, the whole t
ime praying for help. She looked back once and shuddered when the bull lowered his head, shaking it from side to side. Big puffs of air escaped the animal’s nostrils. All Loretta wanted to do was get her precious child to safety. Please Lord, help us.
As though God heard her plea at that very moment, there was Sam, running past her, waving his arms and shouting, “Boo-Boo. It’s all right now, settle down.”
The bull lifted his head and, for the moment, seemed subdued. Was it the name Sam had called him?
“Walk to the fence, Loretta. Don’t run,” Sam instructed. “I called the Blakes. It’s their bull, and as you heard, his name is Boo-Boo.”
Abby laughed as she clung to Loretta’s neck. “I like his name, Mommy. Don’t you?”
All Loretta could think about was how in the world an animal that massive could be called Boo-Boo and how grateful she was that Sam had shown up when he did. God most certainly had answered her prayer.
Walnut Creek
Charlene glanced at the clock on her dashboard and grimaced. She’d never seen so much traffic on this stretch of road.
Ah, so there’s the reason. Everyone seems to be heading for the Walnut Creek Cheese store today. The parking lot was full of cars. Even the hitching rail for Amish horse and buggies looked full to capacity. The store must be having a sale. Either that or everyone picked this particular Saturday to do their shopping.
After pausing to let a car turn in front of her, Charlene moved on. Even though she looked forward to attending the fourth cooking class, her nerves were a bit on edge this morning. This time, however, it wasn’t for fear of making a fool of herself in front of the class. Today she struggled with her plans to speak with Len about his mother during their dinner date this evening. Charlene had spoken to him only once this week, to make plans for tonight. While she could have told Len what was on her mind then, Charlene preferred not to do it over the phone. It might go over better if she discussed it with him in person.
She held tightly to the steering wheel. What will I do if Len says no to my request? If he’s not willing to move, maybe I should end our relationship before his mother ends it for us.
Tears pricked Charlene’s eyes, and she blinked rapidly to keep them from spilling over. She loved Len and couldn’t imagine spending the rest of her life without him. Is it right to make him choose between me and his mother?
Charlene sniffed deeply and kept her focus straight ahead. If I get the chance to speak to Heidi alone today, maybe I’ll ask her opinion.
Eli couldn’t stop smiling as he guided his horse and buggy in the direction of the Troyers’ house. Normally, he wouldn’t have bothered to take the buggy such a short distance, but since he’d be heading to Loretta’s as soon as the cooking class was over today, it made sense. No point walking or riding his bike then going home and hitching the horse. This way would save time.
He looked forward to seeing Loretta again and taking her and the children to meet his folks. Bet Mom will enjoy seeing the puppy again, too. Wonder what she’ll think of the name Abby and Conner gave the hund. Personally, I like it. It’s a catchy name. Course Loretta’s kids are cute, so everything they say and do is liable to impress me.
Eli shook his head. They’re not angels, though. I’m sure Conner and Abby are naughty sometimes. But I’ll bet their mother handles it well. Loretta seems kind and patient. Even so, I doubt she’d let her kinner get away with anything.
With little coaxing, Eli’s horse turned up the Troyers’ driveway. Of course, since they were in the same church district and Eli was Lyle’s friend, he’d been here a good many times. The trusty animal could have probably found the way, even without Eli’s guidance.
As he pulled up to the hitching rail, Eli spotted Ron walking toward the house with his head down and shoulders slouched. Wonder what his problem is. Maybe he’s not happy to be here today.
When Loretta pulled her van into the Troyers’ yard, she spotted Eli’s horse and buggy. Her pulse raced a bit as she thought about his invitation to take her and the children to visit his parents this afternoon. Abby and Conner looked forward to it, and if Loretta was being honest, so did she.
Her hands still shook from the morning’s experience, but thankfully, her daughter had been unscathed. In fact, when they’d walked back to the porch, Abby couldn’t wait to relay the story to her brother and Sandy.
Loretta was eager to tell Eli but would wait and let Abby share her adventure. In her childlike eyes, it had been an adventure, and Loretta wanted to keep it that way. She did not wish to instill fear into her children’s minds but had calmly explained how most bulls were uncomfortable around people.
Thank goodness Sam heard me calling for Abby and saw the bull when he looked out his kitchen window.
Loretta thought’s returned to Eli. Did I do the right thing agreeing to go with him this afternoon? I hope his parents won’t get the wrong idea and think Eli and I are courting.
Loretta thumped her head. What am I thinking? We’re only friends. I’m sure Eli’s informed his parents of that. I do have to admit, though, I enjoy his company, and if he were English …
Loretta turned off her engine and stepped down from the van. She was almost to the house when her shoe caught on an odd-shaped rock. All the contents of Loretta’s purse spilled out as she lost her balance and landed flat on her back.
Chapter 29
Straining his ears, Eli hoped it was Loretta’s minivan he heard pulling in. She was the only one left to arrive. When he went to the living-room window to look out, he was stunned. Loretta lay flat on the ground. Without a second thought, he rushed out the door and dropped to his knees beside her. “Loretta, what happened? Are you hurt?” His heart beat so fast he found it hard to breathe.
“I tripped on a rock, and …” Moaning, she turned onto her side and sat up. “My ankle hurts. I … I hope I can stand.”
Heart still pounding, Eli stood and swept Loretta into his arms as if she weighed no more than a feather.
Heidi was at the door waiting for them when he stepped inside. “What happened? Is she hurt?”
“She tripped on a rock and fell.” Eli spoke between ragged breaths. “She injured her ankle. I hope it’s not broken.”
“Better take her to the couch.”
As Eli placed Loretta gently down, everyone gathered around.
“I’m okay. Don’t look so worried.” Loretta winced when Heidi touched her ankle. “Guess I should have been paying closer attention.”
“You might want to go to the hospital and get an X-ray taken,” Kendra suggested.
Loretta shook her head. “I’m sure there’s no need for that.” She stood and took a few steps then lost her balance and fell back onto the couch.
“Here, let me take a look.” Charlene stepped forward, and Eli moved aside. “I’m trained in first aid.”
Eli held his breath as Charlene examined Loretta’s ankle. “The good news is, I’m almost sure it’s not broken—maybe just a sprain. Heidi, do you have an ice pack we can put on Loretta’s ankle?”
“Yes. I’ll get it right now.” Heidi hurried from the room.
Eli felt relief hearing Loretta wasn’t seriously hurt. His main concern now was that she might not feel up to visiting his folks this afternoon. What’s wrong with me? I’m being selfish. Above all else, Loretta’s comfort is the important thing.
“How do you feel now?” Heidi asked after Loretta sat for fifteen minutes with her leg propped up and an ice pack on her ankle.
“It feels a little better. Look, it’s not even swollen.” Loretta twirled her ankle in a circular motion. “Sorry for holding up your lesson, Heidi. We should head to the kitchen now so you can get started.”
“Are you sure? If no one’s in a hurry, we can wait awhile longer.”
“Oh, please don’t.” Loretta waved her hand and pushed herself to a sitting position. “I’m fine, really.”
Heidi led the way to the kitchen, and everyone followed. Glancing over her shoulder,
she saw Eli offer his arm to Loretta as she gingerly walked beside him. After observing the look of concern on his face when he carried Loretta into the house, Heidi wondered if Eli had more than a casual interest in Loretta. Although she was a sweet woman, Loretta wasn’t Amish. It would be difficult for them to develop a serious relationship without one of them giving up their current way of life.
Pushing her concerns aside, Heidi pointed to the table. “Today we’re making apple cream pie, so we’ll take turns mixing and then rolling out the crust.” She gestured to the finished pie she’d made this morning. “This is what it looks like when it’s taken from the oven. Once we’re finished, you’ll each have your own pie to take home today, along with the recipe for it.” The scripture Heidi had written on the back of their cards was Ephesians 4:32: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” She hoped it might speak to someone this week.
“Is your oven big enough for all the pies to bake at once?” Kendra asked.
“No, but two pies can bake at the same time. If no one’s in a hurry to go, there should be plenty of time to get them all done.”
“The young woman I hired to watch my children today has somewhere she needs to go later this afternoon, so I’ll have to leave by one o’clock,” Loretta spoke up.
“Not a problem. We’ll make sure yours is one of the first pies to go in the oven.” Heidi looked at the others. “What about the rest of you?”
“I can stay awhile longer,” Charlene responded. “I have plans with my boyfriend, but not till this evening.”
“I’ll leave when Loretta does, because …” Eli paused and moistened his lips. “Well, I have some plans for this afternoon.” He glanced quickly at Loretta then back at Heidi.
“It’s fine. Your pie can go in with Loretta’s.” Heidi looked at Kendra. “How about you?”
Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers Page 20