“I’ve considered that and have no objections. In fact, the child will most likely be better off raised in a simpler fashion.”
Heidi took a deep breath and released it slowly. “I can’t give you an answer right now. I’ll need to talk it over with Lyle.”
“Of course.” Kendra placed her hand on Heidi’s arm. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. You and your husband are the parents I want for my baby.”
After the other students arrived, it was difficult for Heidi to concentrate on the lesson. How could she think about teaching someone to make potato salad when a short time ago she’d been offered the chance to become a mother? She could hardly wait for Lyle to get home this evening so they could talk about Kendra’s offer. Heidi closed her eyes briefly. Dear Lord, please let my husband say yes.
“Is something wrong with the way I cut my potatoes?” Charlene’s question cut into Heidi’s thoughts.
“Uh, no. Why do you ask?”
“You looked at them with a curious expression.”
Heidi blinked. “I’m sorry. My thoughts were someplace else.” She motioned to the ingredients set out. “Now that your boiled potatoes have been cut and placed in a bowl, you’ll need to combine the dry ingredients, vinegar, sour cream, onions, and bacon pieces, making sure to stir them well.” She waited for everyone to do as she instructed then said they should toss lightly, until the potatoes were coated well with the dressing.
“Do we eat the potato salad while it’s still warm?” Loretta questioned.
Heidi nodded. “It’s a bit different from traditional potato salad, but I personally believe it’s every bit as good, and hope you’ll enjoy it, too.”
“It’s not hard to make, either.” Eli looked at Loretta and grinned. “Don’t you agree?”
Smiling in response, she nodded.
Heidi noticed how Eli had taken a seat beside Loretta this morning. They’d conversed quite a bit, smiling and laughing whenever the other said something. It didn’t take a genius to see the attraction between them. Might there be a future for Eli and Loretta as a couple? If so, one of them would leave behind their way of life. Heidi hoped Eli would not abandon the faith he’d belonged to for so many years. But if he should choose to leave, she felt sure Eli would adhere to his strong religious beliefs and not stray from his faith in God. It would be difficult for Loretta to become Amish, but not impossible.
It’s none of my business. I have my own things to worry about. Redirecting her thoughts, Heidi glanced at Ron, to see if he might comment on the potato salad. However, he sat silently, toying with his wooden spoon. Was he still thinking about his brother who’d been killed in the Vietnam War?
Heidi had told Lyle what she’d overheard Ron saying to Bobbins in the barn, and Lyle had a talk with Ron the following day, but he wouldn’t respond.
It wasn’t good for a person to hold their feelings inside, but if Ron didn’t want to talk about it, at least they’d tried. Their prayers would continue for him, in hopes that he would someday find peace.
Turning her attention to the task at hand, Heidi posed a question to her students. “I have some German sausages, as well as a package of hot dogs we can barbecue on the grill. How would you all like to join me for lunch outside?”
All heads nodded, even Ron’s.
Eli chuckled. “And this time we won’t be eating outdoors because I smell like a skunk.”
“Did you ever solve the problem with the skunks in your yard?” Charlene asked.
“I believe so. At least I haven’t seen or smelled any around my place lately.” Eli gestured to his bowl of potato salad. “Think mine’s as done as it’s gonna get.”
“It looks fine, Eli.” Heidi smiled. “If everyone else is finished, we can move outside and start the grill.”
“How are Conner and Abby?” Eli asked as he sat on a picnic bench beside Loretta.
“Doing well. Of course, those two are always full of energy, which keeps me on my toes.”
“How about Donnelly? Is he settling in okay?”
She nodded. “The pup can be a handful at times, but the children enjoy him so much. I’m happy about that.”
Eli leaned closer to Loretta and was about to whisper something when Charlene stood up and tapped a fork against her glass, making a tinkling sound.
“I have something I’d like to share with all of you.” Charlene’s dimples deepened when she smiled. “I took your advice, Kendra, and entered a photograph in the contest you told me about.”
“To tell you the truth, I’d forgotten all about it. Did you enter the picture you showed us a few weeks ago?” Kendra asked.
“Yes. It was the one of the foal and mare,” Charlene continued. “After I entered, I’d forgotten about it, too—until a lady from the magazine called me this morning.”
“And?” Heidi waited, as did the rest of the group.
“Well …” Charlene held back.
“Oh, please,” Loretta coaxed. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”
Even Ron seemed eager to hear, as he leaned slightly forward.
Charlene took a deep breath before announcing her news. “Well, I found out this morning that I won first place.”
“Wow, that’s great!” Kendra left her seat and gave Charlene a hug.
There were many congratulations, and a few more hugs.
“What did you win for coming in first place?” Ron questioned.
“The photo I submitted is on the front cover of this month’s photography magazine.” Charlene shook her head, as if still trying to comprehend it. “It’s so weird. I usually stop by the stand and browse through the magazine when I’m at the store, but I haven’t done it in a while. If I had seen the recent addition, I’d have discovered the picture of the mare and foal I’d taken.”
“Is that all you get—just the satisfaction of having your picture on the cover?” Ron’s brows furrowed. “Seems like a lame prize.”
“It’s an honor for me to have one of my photographs on the cover of a prestigious magazine, not to mention I’ll get a free two-year subscription to the magazine.”
“Now you won’t have to stand in the store and read the magazine.” Everyone laughed at Kendra’s remark.
“You got that right,” Charlene agreed.
“With your interest in photography, maybe this will open the door to other opportunities for you,” Heidi commented.
“It might, but if it doesn’t, I’m okay with that.” Charlene sighed. “Having a photograph I took be good enough for the cover of this magazine is a dream I never expected to see fulfilled. It speaks volumes for me—more than money.”
When things settled down, Heidi scurried about, making sure everyone had what they wanted. While everyone else engaged in conversation, Eli took the opportunity once again to ask Loretta a question. “Do you have plans for supper this evening?”
She shook her head.
“Would you and the children like to join me at Der Dutchman here in Walnut Creek? I could come by your place later this afternoon with my horse and open buggy. Then after we visit awhile, we’ll head out to eat.”
Loretta glanced around, as though worried someone might be listening. “Since Sugarcreek is a ways for you to go, how about I drive my car and meet you at Der Dutchman?”
Eli dropped his gaze to the table. He’d hoped for some extra visiting time with Loretta and the children before they went out for supper. “How would it be if we ate at one of the restaurants in Sugarcreek? It would be closer to your house, and I believe you and the children might enjoy riding in my open buggy.”
“It sounds like fun. Once Abby and Conner find out you’re coming, they’ll be excited. Don’t be surprised if they’re waiting on the porch, like the last time you came by.”
Eli smiled. Despite his mother’s warning, his yearning to get better acquainted with Loretta and her children increased. If he had his way, he’d drop by to see them every day this coming week. But with work piling up in his shop, he wouldn’t h
ave time for that.
Chapter 34
Sugarcreek
Noticing how quiet her children had become, Loretta glanced over her shoulder. The motion of Eli’s buggy must have put them to sleep, for Conner’s head leaned against his sister’s arm, and both children’s eyes were closed. Since neither Abby nor Conner had taken a nap today, it was nice to see them resting. Hopefully, they would both be in good moods when they got to the restaurant.
“Traveling in an open buggy is fun.” Loretta looked over at Eli and smiled. “It reminds me of riding in my dad’s convertible many years ago.”
“My friend Dennis had a convertible when we were going through our rumschpringe. We enjoyed running around in it. Of course,” Eli added with a snicker, “for me, it wasn’t nearly as much fun as taking my horse out with the open buggy.”
“It is kind of nice to travel at a more leisurely pace.” Loretta motioned to the trees alongside the road. “While driving my minivan, all these lovely trees wouldn’t be much more than a blur.”
Eli grinned. “Don’t believe I’ve ever met an English woman who sees things the way you do. I find it refreshing.”
“Must be my Amish heritage.”
“What?” Eli’s mouth opened slightly.
“My grandparents were Amish but have since passed away. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to be with them much because my parents never joined the Amish church. Mom and Dad moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, Ohio, soon after they were married. They live in Pittsburgh now.”
When Eli shook the reins and made a clucking noise, the horse began trotting a little faster. “Well, no wonder you’re different. The Amish way is in your blood.” He cocked his head to one side, looking at her through narrowed eyes. “How come you never mentioned this before?”
She pursed her lips. “I wasn’t sure how you’d respond.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was worried you might frown on my dad and mom moving away from their Amish families and choosing the English way of life.”
Eli shook his head. “It’s not my place to cast judgment on others. Your folks must have had their reasons. Besides, not everyone raised Amish decides to join the church and remain part of the Amish culture. We’re all given the opportunity to choose. Course,” he quickly added, “most Amish parents are disappointed when one of the children doesn’t join.”
“It’s understandable. In all honesty, a part of me has always wondered what my life would have been like if my parents had joined the Amish church. I wish I knew their reasons, but it’s never been talked about, and I wasn’t sure if my folks would be upset if I asked.”
“Did they teach you some of the Pennsylvania Dutch language? Is that how come you know a few words?”
“No, I learned those words from my grandparents when we went to visit them one summer. Wish I could have known them better, though.” Loretta fiddled with the straps on her purse, wondering if she should say more. “Umm … I’ve been wondering about something, Eli.”
“What’s that?”
“How hard would it be for someone like me to join the Amish church?”
His brows shot up. “Are you serious?”
She gave a decisive nod.
“A few English people have made the transition, but it’s difficult, due to the language barrier, plus giving up modern conveniences and following the church rules.”
“I believe I could give up modern things, and I am interested in raising Abby and Conner in the kind of life where the emphasis is on God and family, rather than gaining material things.”
Eli smiled. “If you’re serious about this, I’d be happy to help you take the necessary steps to make the transition.”
“Yes, yes. I’d appreciate it.” Loretta didn’t admit it to Eli, of course, but in addition to seeking a simpler way of life, if she joined the Amish church, it would open the door for a possible relationship with him. That is, if he was interested. So far, Eli hadn’t given any indication that he cared for her as more than a friend.
Dover
The muscles in Charlene’s shoulders felt strained as she stood on the deck at the back of her condo. For the last fifteen minutes, she had been holding her camera in the same position, hoping for a close-up picture of a hummingbird. She’d hung a feeder out the other day after seeing a couple of hummers flitting around an azalea bush behind her place, but so far she hadn’t seen any at the feeder. Oh well, maybe another time. I can’t stand here all day.
Charlene took a seat in one of the deck chairs and leaned against the cushion behind her head. She hadn’t called Len yet, and the longer she put it off, the more difficult it became. What if he didn’t want to talk to her? Maybe in his mind, their relationship was already over.
But if I don’t call, how will I know? Charlene rose from her chair and headed to the kitchen, where she’d left her cell phone. Punching in the first three numbers, she paused when the doorbell rang. Placing her phone on the table, Charlene went to the door and leaned toward the peephole to look out. She gasped, seeing Len standing there. With no hesitation, she opened the door.
“Mind if I come in?” Rubbing the back of his neck, he shuffled his feet and gave her a sheepish grin.
“Of course not. I was punching in your phone number when you rang the doorbell.” She opened the door wider, and he stepped inside.
Len handed Charlene her ecru-colored shrug. “You left your sweater in my car the last time we were together, and there’s something wrapped inside.”
Charlene looked down. “Our date did end abruptly.”
Len pointed to her sweater. “Go ahead; open it.”
Charlene unfolded the shrug and was surprised to discover a floating frame—the kind used for protecting and displaying magazines. Framed inside was the photography magazine, exhibiting the winning cover. “How did you get this?”
“Saw it on the magazine rack at the drugstore.” Len smiled. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you.” It touched Charlene that he would go to the trouble of framing this special edition.
“It was worth getting my car banged up so you could get this great shot and win the competition. I’m proud of you, honey.”
Her throat constricted, and she swallowed hard. He’d called her honey, and it nearly melted her heart.
Len took a step toward her. “The magazine isn’t the only reason I came by, though.”
“Oh?” Her hand trembled as she placed the frame and sweater on the entry table. Did she dare hope they could work things out? Charlene held her breath as Len clasped her hands.
“I’m sorry for not calling you since our disagreement. Believe me, it was a struggle not to, but I needed time to think things over.” Pausing, Len cleared his throat. “I love you, Charlene, and I don’t want anything, or anyone, to come between us. Seeing you standing here now, I don’t know how I stayed away this long.” He squeezed her hands more snugly. “I guess what they say about ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ is fact, not fiction.”
“You’ve always had my heart, Len.” Unconsciously, she parted her lips.
“Ditto. I want to tell you something else, too. I’ve come to a decision.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“If you really feel relocating is the best thing for you, then I’m willing to move. In fact, I’ll start looking for another job right away. You just need to tell me where you’d like to go.”
Love swelled in Charlene’s heart, and with no hesitancy, she rushed into his arms. “I’ve been thinking things over, too, and it wouldn’t be fair to ask you to give up your job in the family business. I don’t want to give up my teaching position here, either.”
“But what about my mother?”
“I need to quit worrying and make the best of the situation with her.”
Len pressed his forehead against hers. “I don’t want you to make the best of the situation, honey. I’ll talk with Mom again and try to make her understand how hurtful she’s been to
ward the woman I love and plan to marry.” His lips brushed hers with a tender kiss. “Now, how about going out to dinner with me so we can make up for our last dinner date that ended on a sour note?”
She took several deep breaths, savoring the moment. “I have a better idea. Let’s eat here, where we can talk without the distraction of other people and restaurant noise.”
“Good idea. Should I make a call to get some pizza delivered?”
Charlene shook her head. “Tonight, I’d like to fix something special for you. It’s a simple yet tasty meal the Amish enjoy.”
Len’s eyebrows squished together. “I’m confused.”
“I have been waiting to tell you this, but every other Saturday since the first part of April, I’ve been attending cooking classes at an Amish home in Walnut Creek. Heidi Troyer, the woman who teaches the classes, is an excellent cook. She’s helped me feel more confident in the kitchen.” Charlene squeezed Len’s arm playfully. “You can be my first guinea pig.”
He lifted his gaze toward the ceiling. “So I’ve gone from being your future husband to a guinea pig now, huh?”
She giggled. “It was only a figure of speech. I am anxious to see what you think of haystack, though.”
His brows lifted a bit. “Haystack? Will we be eating a meal or harvesting a field?”
Charlene felt lighthearted since the worry had been lifted off her shoulders. “You’re silly.” She gave his stomach a gentle poke. “The way to a man’s heart is through his belly, you know.”
Len placed Charlene’s hand against his chest. “You’ll always have my heart, too, sweetheart.”
Charlene didn’t resist when he pulled her close for another kiss. When the kiss ended, she linked arms with Len. “Okay now, future husband, come to my kitchen, and I’ll show you my newfound culinary skills.”
Walnut Creek
Heidi paced the kitchen floor, waiting for Lyle to come home. He’d gone to another all-day auction, and she had been counting the hours until his return.
Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers Page 24