One could probably hear a hairpin drop with the quietness of the house. Heidi found herself at a loss for something to do. At least the nap did her some good, and the headache was gone.
“Wish I could get away for a few days,” she murmured. “Maybe go over to Geauga County and visit with Mom and Dad.” Since Heidi’s next cooking class wasn’t for another week and a half, she couldn’t come up with a reason not to go, unless Lyle preferred she stay home. When he returned this evening, she would ask if he’d mind if she hired a driver so she could visit her folks.
Some time away might be good for me. She glanced at the calendar on the kitchen wall. If I share my situation with Mom, she might help me deal with what I’m going through right now.
Heidi put the dishes in the sink and glanced out the window. It surprised her to see Ron’s RV pulling out of the driveway and onto the main road.
I wonder where he’s going. Maybe Ron is low on food or supplies and is heading to the store. Since Ron’s motor home was running well again, he went in and out of their place, although he usually mentioned to either Lyle or Heidi where he planned to go.
Heidi filled the sink with warm water and added detergent. I’ll bet he told Lyle he’d be going out.
A short time later, Heidi was surprised when she spotted Kendra getting out of her car. Because of her job, she usually didn’t stop by on a weekday—especially at this time of the day.
Heidi dried her hands and went to answer the door. “I’m surprised to see you, Kendra. Did you get off work early today?”
Kendra shook her head, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. “I lost my job at the restaurant. The person I’ve been filling in for came back, so now I’m once again out of a job.”
“I’m so sorry.” Heidi gave her a hug.
Kendra sniffed. “Guess I should have expected it. Nothing ever works out well for me.”
Heidi cringed. When Kendra finds out Lyle and I won’t be adopting her baby, she’ll be even more disappointed.
“Would you like to come in and have a glass of iced tea?” Heidi offered. “I made some fresh this morning.”
“Sounds good.” Kendra followed Heidi to the kitchen and took a seat at the table.
Heidi took the jug of cold tea from the refrigerator, put ice in two glasses, and poured some for both of them. Should I tell Kendra right out about not adopting her baby, or wait till she asks?
Heidi didn’t have to wait long for Kendra to bring up the subject. “Have you talked to your husband about adopting my baby?”
Heidi sat in the chair across from her, wishing she could vanish in thin air when she saw the hopeful look in Kendra’s eyes. “Yes, I have spoken to Lyle, but he feels it’s not the right thing for us to do.”
“How come?”
Heidi swallowed hard, hoping her swirling emotions wouldn’t spiral out of control. “Lyle believes if it were meant for us to be parents, I would be able to get pregnant.”
Kendra’s brows furrowed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “If every person who couldn’t bear children felt the same way, no baby would ever get adopted.”
Heidi couldn’t argue with that, but at the same time, she wouldn’t say anything negative about her husband. Lyle was the head of their home, and whether Heidi agreed with him or not, she must accept his decision.
Kendra’s chin quivered as her eyes filled with fresh tears. “I’m sorry to hear it. I truly thought, and still do, that you would be the best choice for my baby.” She placed one hand on her stomach, rubbing in circles. “Guess now I’ll have to look for someone else who might want my baby, or contact a lawyer who specializes in adoptions.”
“You could also get in touch with an adoption agency. I’m sure there are some listed in the phone book or on the Internet.” It hurt to make the suggestion, but Heidi wanted to give Kendra some positive feedback.
“Yeah, I’ll check on those options.” Kendra gulped down her tea then pushed the chair aside and stood. “I’d better get going. My friend let me borrow her car today because I told her I’d be stopping by to see you. But she’ll be getting off work soon, and I need to pick her up.”
Heidi left her seat and walked Kendra to the door. “This may not be much consolation, but I wish things had worked out differently.” She slipped her arm around Kendra’s trembling shoulders, wishing there was more she could say.
“Yeah, me too.” Sniffing, Kendra turned and hurried out the door.
Struggling to squelch the sob rising in her throat, Heidi shuffled into the living room and lowered herself to the couch. She sat several seconds, staring at the floor, before grabbing the throw pillow and giving in to her tears. One thing was certain: her future was clear. She would never become a mother.
Sugarcreek
Eli grinned when he pulled his horse and buggy into Loretta’s yard and spotted Abby and Conner frolicking on the front lawn with their puppy. He’d no sooner secured his horse to a post than the children ran up to his buggy. Eli was thankful they’d held back until he had the horse safely tied. Of course, with Loretta sitting on the porch, he felt sure she would have warned them.
“Mr. Eli, come see what our puppy can do,” Abby shouted.
Conner clung to Eli’s hand. “Donnelly sits. Donnelly speaks. Donnelly—”
“Plays fetch,” his sister interrupted.
Eli chuckled. “It sounds like you two have been quite busy teaching your dog some tricks. I’m anxious to see for myself what little Donnelly can do.”
Conner ran over and grabbed a stick. He threw it across the yard, and the pup chased after it. Tail wagging, Donnelly dropped the stick at Eli’s feet.
“Oh, so you want me to play now, do ya?” Eli bent down and picked it up. Then he gave the thin piece of wood a hefty toss. Eli laughed, and the children jumped up and down when the dog leaped into the air and caught the stick in his mouth.
“All right you two, settle down now.” Loretta called the children to the porch. “Here you go. I packed a surprise lunch, so why don’t you go over to the big tree and have a picnic?”
“Oh boy, a picnic just for me and Conner,” Abby squealed. “Thank you, Mommy.”
“I’m hungry.” Conner thumped his stomach.
“While Mr. Eli and I talk, you and your sister can eat what’s in the picnic basket.” Loretta handed the wicker basket to Abby. It was one they had used many times when Rick was alive. “Conner, you can carry this tablecloth and help Abby spread it over the grass to sit on.”
“Okay, Mommy.” After Loretta gave him the checkered tablecloth, Abby took her little brother by the hand, and they ran toward the mighty oak, with Donnelly at their heels.
“Have fun!” Eli called.
“We will, Mr. Eli.” Conner turned and waved.
Eli joined Loretta on the porch. “Those two are sure well behaved. You’ve done a good job with them, Loretta.”
“Believe me, I try.” She smiled. “My husband was a good father. In fact, he set a fine example for all of us.”
Eli quickly changed the subject, so he wouldn’t end up feeling sorry for himself because he had no children. “I came by to tell you what I found out about the things you’ll need to do in order to become Amish.”
Her eyes brightened. “Wonderful! I’m anxious to hear, but before you explain, would you like something cold to drink? Oh, and have you had lunch? I made two extra sandwiches.”
Not one to pass on an invitation that included food, he gave an eager nod. “That’d be nice.”
Loretta excused herself. When the door closed behind her, Eli sat quietly, listening to the squeals of laughter as Abby and Conner sat on the tablecloth, enjoying their picnic lunch. If I married Loretta, I could help raise her children. He removed his straw hat and placed it on his knees. Now, don’t hitch the buggy before the horse. Loretta would have to be Amish before I could consider asking her to marry me. And if she does decide to join the church, I’ll need to make sure we truly are compatible. Eli couldn’t de
ny the definite attraction he felt, but he didn’t know Loretta well enough yet to be sure it was love.
Loretta came out of the house and handed him a glass of lemonade and a sandwich. She also had one for herself. “Here you go. Hope you like ham and cheese.”
“Danki. I like most any kind of sandwich.” Eli bowed his head for silent prayer. It pleased him when she did the same.
When he finished praying and opened his eyes, Loretta smiled and took a sip of lemonade. “I’m eager to hear what you have to tell me.”
“One of the things you’ll need to do to become Amish is learn the Pennsylvania Dutch language.” He shifted in his chair. “That might be the most difficult part.”
“I believe you’re right. What else, Eli? I want to know everything that will be expected of me.” She leaned slightly forward with an eager expression.
“Well, first off, one of the ministers in our church said you should live in an Amish community for at least a year.” He winked at her. “Think you’ve already covered that one, since you live here in Sugarcreek where there are many Amish folks.”
Loretta moved her head slowly up and down. “Rick and I came here because the community is slow paced and peaceful. I’ve always felt comfortable around my Amish neighbors.” She paused to take a bite of her sandwich. “What are some other things I’ll need to do?”
Eli held up three fingers. “Attend Amish church services every other Sunday. If you’d like to attend church in my district, I’ll act as your go-between to introduce you to the church and its members.”
“I would like that. At least then I’d know someone and wouldn’t feel like a stranger.”
“Also, if you decide to seek employment, it would be best if you found a job working among Amish people. It’ll help you understand our work principles and get more familiar with Amish customs.”
“If my husband’s insurance money holds out, I plan to get a job once Abby starts school. I’ll either hire a babysitter for Conner, or put him in preschool or daycare. Of course, any of those choices will cost money.”
“I’m sure one of the Amish women in this area would be willing to watch the kids for a reasonable price while you’re at work.” But if you married me, you wouldn’t have to work outside the home. Eli kept his thoughts to himself. It was too soon to speak of marriage.
Loretta looked out in the yard. “Just listen to those two.” Smiling, she shook her head. “Ever since you gave Abby a whistling lesson, she’s been trying to teach Conner.”
“Your daughter is smart and learns quick.” Eli finished his sandwich and brushed the crumbs off his pant legs. “The day I showed her what to do, she began whistling in no time.”
“Don’t I know it?” Loretta laughed. “I hear Abby nearly every night after I put the little munchkin to bed. I believe she whistles herself to sleep.”
Eli clapped his hands. “Now that’s cute.”
“Is there anything else I’ll need to do in order to become Amish?” Loretta questioned.
“Jah. After a year’s gone by, which could be sooner where you’re concerned, you’ll receive instruction in the ways of the church and its ordinances. Then the church members will take a vote on whether to allow you to join. If they vote yes, you’ll become a full member of the Amish church.”
“There’s a lot more involved than I realized.”
“Also, I’ve been trying to find a well-trained horse you can borrow for a time, as well as a used buggy. As I stated before, I’d be glad to teach you how to handle the horse and get used to using a carriage.”
“It would be most helpful.” Loretta released a lingering sigh. “It won’t be an easy road, but I’m willing to try. In fact, I’ll give it my best.”
Walnut Creek
“Whelp, guess it’s about time we head for bed.” Lyle looked at the clock on the fireplace mantel. He yawned and stretched his arms over his head. “It’s been a long day, and I’m bushed.”
“I’m tired, too, but before we go to our room I want to tell you something.”
He turned to look at her. “I’m all ears.”
“Kendra dropped by early this afternoon. I told her we wouldn’t be adopting her baby.”
“How she’d take it?”
“Upset, of course, but I suggested she contact an adoption agency, so I’m sure things will work out for her and the baby.” Heidi looked away, hoping to hide her disappointment. The decision had been made, so no point in trying to get Lyle to change his mind. Besides, she’d promised not to ask again.
“Before I forget …” She moved toward the living-room window. “Did you notice that Ron’s motor home is gone?”
Lyle’s forehead wrinkled. “It is?” He walked over to the window and stood beside Heidi, looking out.
“Jah. I saw him pulling out earlier today, but figured he’d be back by now.”
“I hope his RV didn’t break down.”
“Does he have our phone number? Do you think he would call if he had a problem?”
“I believe so. If he isn’t back by morning, I’ll check the phone shack for messages.”
“Good idea.” Heidi walked beside Lyle toward the bedroom. “Say, I have another question. Would you mind if I went up to Geauga County to see my folks for a few days?”
“I don’t have a problem with it.” Lyle clasped Heidi’s hand. “You’ve been working hard lately. A little getaway might do you some good.”
“Okay. I’ll call my driver in the morning. If she’s available to take me, I’ll let Mom and Dad know to expect me sometime tomorrow afternoon.”
Geauga County, Ohio
When Ron had first pulled out of the Troyers’ yard, he had no destination in mind. He’d driven around Holmes County a few hours and then headed toward Geauga County. He’d heard some Amish communities were in the area and hoped he could park his rig at one of their farms.
All afternoon and into the evening hours, the conversation he’d heard earlier today, between Eli and Lyle, came back to haunt him. Even now, the man’s words echoed in his head: “Every time I drive past that old silo on County Road 172, I think of how Mavis was killed that evening, a year ago on April 24. I can’t understand how the person who hit her bike could have left the scene of the accident and never called for help or reported it to the sheriff.”
Before, when Ron dreamed about hitting a deer, he’d felt like he was a murderer. Now the proof was there—it was true, only it wasn’t a deer. He’d thought the flashbacks were bad. How could he deal with what he now knew was reality?
Chapter 37
Middlefield, Ohio
As Heidi sat in the front seat of her driver’s van, she felt herself relax. They were almost to her parents’ house, and she was eager to see them. The Geauga County Amish were fewer in number than those in Holmes County, but growing up here had been slower paced. In some ways, Heidi missed it. Fewer tourists came here. Where she and Lyle lived, people often gawking at the Amish and snapping pictures became annoying at times.
But the main reason Heidi wished she still lived in Middlefield was to be closer to her folks. It would be nice to drop in at the spur of the moment and have tea with her mother, or invite Mom and Dad for dinner at her place. As it was, they only saw each other a few times during the year. Heidi missed going shopping, canning, and baking with her mother, as they’d done before she married Lyle.
Guess I should be glad we’re only a few hours away. Some of their Amish friends had family living in a different state, which meant costly trips to hire a driver or travel by train or bus for visits.
Heidi reflected on Philippians 4:11: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” It was the scripture she’d included on the last recipe card she’d given her students. The message was meant for Heidi as much as for those who attended her class.
Closing her eyes, she sent up a silent prayer. Thank You, God, for all I have. Help me remember to count my blessings.
As Heidi’s driver, Sally Par
ker, turned onto the next road, Heidi spotted a motor home. If she wasn’t mistaken, it looked identical to Ron’s. The RV was pulled into a deserted-looking lane. But if it is Ron’s, what’s he doing here? Surely Ron is back in our yard by now. I’ll ask Lyle about it when I call to let him know I got here safely.
“When do you want me to come back for you?” Sally asked when she pulled into the yard of Heidi’s parents’.
“How about Monday of next week? It’ll give me a chance to go to church with my folks on Sunday, and I’ll be home in plenty of time to prepare for my last cooking class next Saturday.”
Sally smiled, pushing her short brown hair behind her ears. “Monday works for me. If I leave Walnut Creek around ten in the morning, I should be here shortly after noon. Or would you rather I pick you up a little later in the day?”
“Why don’t you try to be here around noon? Then you can join me and Mom for lunch. I’ll say goodbye to Dad in the morning, since he’ll be at work when I leave. We can head home after we eat. It’ll be better to travel on a full stomach, and we won’t have to look for a place to stop along the way.”
“Good point,” Sally agreed. “I’ll make sure I’m here as close to noon as possible.”
When Heidi got out of the vehicle, she spotted both of her parents heading toward her with happy smiles.
“It’s mighty good to see you, daughter.” Mom gave Heidi a welcoming hug, and Dad did the same. “We’re so glad you came to spend a few days.”
Dad bobbed his head. “Your mamm’s right. It’s been too long since we had a good visit. I’m only sorry Lyle couldn’t join us. I’m always interested in hearing about things that go on when he’s conducting auctions.”
“He has a few of them to preside over this week,” Heidi explained, “but we’ll both come up some other time when he isn’t so busy.”
“Sounds good.” Dad said a few words to Sally before taking Heidi’s small suitcase out of the van. “Have a safe trip back.” He waved before turning to Heidi again. “Now let’s go up to the house so we can catch up on each other’s lives.”
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