She walked back to him, a bit uncertain. “Sure. What’d you wanna say?” Kendra picked nervously at her chipping nail polish.
“I wanted to explain my reasons for not wanting to adopt.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m aware. Heidi told me.”
“Okay, but there’s something you don’t know. After praying about it since Heidi’s been gone, and talking to a good friend who’s had adoptive parents since he was an infant, I’ve changed my mind. If you’re still willing to let us adopt your baby, I’ll contact a lawyer to get the paperwork started.”
Barely able to believe her ears, Kendra teared up. “I’m willing.” Maybe things will work out after all. Now if I could only find a job and a place to live.
Middlefield
Not wishing to ask favors of anyone, Ron had parked his RV in a secluded spot off the main road. He’d barely been able to eat or sleep since he left the Troyers’ place. When he managed to fall asleep, recurring dreams tormented him about hitting the deer.
“Only it wasn’t a deer.” Ron pounded the table where he sat drinking a bottle of beer to help numb the pain and shame of what he’d done. “It was Eli’s wife I hit. If he found out what I did, he’d probably hate me for the rest of his life.”
As the day wore on, it turned warmer and more humid. Ron felt like everything had closed in around him. At the Troyers’, where his RV had been parked, shady trees kept it cooler, not to mention their neat little farm was more scenic to look at than this dreary place.
Here it was secluded but hardly picturesque. From what Ron could tell, this was an old tractor path he’d pulled onto, no longer used by anyone. Somewhere farther down the path, Ron imagined there’d be a wide-open field once used for farming, although he didn’t care to find out.
Overgrown shrubs and out-of-control weeds made up the landscape Ron saw out his motor home windows. Even the worn-out gate off to the side of the path was held in place by invading weeds.
Not only did Ron’s nightmares keep him from getting a good night’s sleep, but the sounds and smells outside kept him tossing and turning, as well.
One night, two animals were out there fighting. Shortly thereafter, the disgusting odor of a skunk permeated his RV. Now he knew how Eli must have felt when he’d shown up at class with skunk smell on his arm. Another time, Ron heard something snorting. Later, headlights from a vehicle pulling in behind him lit up the inside of his living quarters. Ron heard someone yell about finding another place to go, and then a second person giggled. He figured this old path might be a parking spot young people frequented for partying. Ron remembered those days well, when he and his brother hung out with friends.
Not only did these new surroundings make him feel suffocated, but the knowledge of what’d he done to Eli’s poor wife seemed to choke the life out of him.
Ron shook his head, wondering where things had gone wrong. He hadn’t been aware of it then, but for a little while, he’d gotten used to a routine at the Troyers’, making him feel like he belonged somewhere. In an unplanned sort of way, Ron felt he had somewhat of a family. How long had it been since he’d believed someone actually cared?
He finished drinking the remainder of the beer and tossed the bottle in the garbage can under his sink. At first Ron thought he could run away from all this, but the guilt weighed so heavily, he felt as if he were drowning in his sins.
A plaque he’d seen on the wall in Heidi and Lyle’s kitchen came to mind. Burned into the wood were the word of Proverbs 10:9: “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely.” It had been a long time since Ron had done anything uprightly.
I need to go back and admit what I did. No matter what punishment awaits, it’ll be better than living with the agony of this. Eli deserves the truth, and I deserve to be punished.
Ron rubbed his pounding temples. He didn’t know where Eli lived, but Eli would be at Heidi’s last cooking class a week from today. Should I wait and go there to tell him, or would it be better if I bite the bullet and turn myself into the sheriff, and then let the law do the telling?
Chapter 39
Walnut Creek
Heidi stepped out of her driver’s van and smiled when her dog ran up to her. “Hey, Rusty. Did you miss me, boy?”
The dog wagged his tail and licked Heidi’s hand when she leaned down to pet him. Rusty had the softest wavy coat, and an almost fawn-like color mixed in with mostly white fur.
She glanced around the yard, wondering where Lyle could be and why he hadn’t come out to greet her. Figuring he might be busy in the barn, Heidi paid her driver and hauled her suitcase up to the house, with Rusty following close behind.
Once on the porch, she turned, waving to Sally as she drove out toward the road. She’d had a nice visit with her folks, but like always, it felt good to get home.
Heidi paused to look at the bird feeders, active with many types of birds. A quick glance around the farm told her all but one thing looked normal. Ron had not returned. It looked odd to see the empty spot where his motor home had been parked. She’d become used to seeing it there. A dry patch of grass where the RV once sat was the only evidence Ron had ever been there. Guess I’d better water that spot and hope it turns green again.
When Heidi entered the kitchen, she found a note from Lyle on the table, saying he’d gone out to run an errand and would be home in time for supper. In the center of the table, a vase filled with stems of honeysuckle sent a sweet fragrance throughout the room. Honeysuckle bloomed along the fence row on the far side of their farm, and depending on which way the wind blew, sometimes the pleasing scent drifted all the way to the house.
Heidi remembered when she was little her mother had taught her to get the droplet of nectar from the honeysuckle by pulling the stamen out of the flower. No wonder the hummingbirds enjoyed it, too.
A few daisies intermixed with the sweet-smelling blossoms made a pretty bouquet. Heidi loved when her husband made these simple, yet thoughtful, gestures. It was a pleasant reminder of what they had together.
Rusty seemed content to have Heidi home, as he made himself comfortable by the door. Round and round he went, until he plopped down with a grunt. Heidi giggled when the dog groaned and stretched his legs out to the side. “If only my life could be as easygoing as yours.”
The dog raised his head as his stubby tail wiggled back and forth.
Clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth, Heidi shook her head. What a life.
After inhaling more of the flowers’ sweet fragrance, she put away the banana bread Mom had given her before she left and then picked up her suitcase. By now, Rusty slept deeply, so he didn’t budge when Heidi left the room.
After she unpacked, she would find something to do until Lyle got home. No doubt there’d be plenty, because the house hadn’t been cleaned since she left for Geauga County.
Sugarcreek
Loretta paused in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom to get a better look at the Amish-style dress she’d put on. She had bought it, as well as a few other plain dresses, at a local thrift store the other day. Loretta hoped wearing the simple dresses might help prepare her for becoming Amish.
Eli would be coming over later today to give her a driving lesson with his horse and buggy, and she felt satisfied with her choice of clothing. Hopefully he’d approve and understand her reason for wearing it. Loretta wasn’t rushing things or trying to make a statement, and she certainly didn’t want Eli to get the wrong impression.
Since she didn’t own an Amish bonnet yet, Loretta had found a black scarf to wear over her bun and secured it to the back of her head. She’d seen several Amish women in her neighborhood wearing scarves when they worked in their yards and felt it would be appropriate.
Loretta’s stomach tightened as she tried to imagine how it would feel to drive a horse and buggy. Controlling a full-sized horse with a mind of its own would be a lot different than driving a car. She wouldn’t let her fears get the best of her, though. “I’ll h
ave to learn many new things if I want to be part of the Amish community.” She spoke out loud. More and more, the reality of this change grew stronger, but Loretta felt ready for the work and new challenge.
Sam had offered to keep an eye on Abby and Conner while she was having her first lesson from Eli. Anxious to help Sam pick raspberries, the children had asked to go to his place as soon as they finished eating lunch. Loretta walked them over and, after returning to the house, went to her room to check her attire, in readiness of Eli’s arrival. She tried not to feel too eager, but her emotions won out. Each time she and Eli were together Loretta found herself eagerly looking forward to the next time she would see him.
The affection Loretta had developed so quickly for Eli frightened her. She’d heard of people falling in love soon after meeting someone, but it had never happened to her. Even with Rick, it took several months of them dating before she acknowledged he was the one for her.
“Maybe my feelings for Eli stem from loneliness and missing Rick,” Loretta murmured. “Sure wish I knew how he feels about me.”
In an effort to keep her mind on other things, Loretta rose from her seat and went to the kitchen to make a jug of iced tea. Eli would likely be thirsty when he got here, so she’d offer the cold drink before they headed out for her driving lesson.
Walnut Creek
Eli stepped into the phone shack to check for messages and jumped with surprise when the telephone rang. Quickly, he picked up the receiver. “Hello.”
“Am I speaking to Mr. Eli Miller?” a man’s voice asked.
“Yes, I’m Eli.”
“This is the sheriff calling. Can you come to our office as soon as possible?”
Eli’s heart hammered. “What is it about?” He hoped no harm had come to his folks or anyone he knew in the area.
“Are you sitting down?”
“Umm … yes.” Eli lowered himself to the wooden stool.
“The person responsible for your wife’s death came forward and confessed. I’d like to give you all the details and would prefer to do it in person.”
A rush of adrenaline coursed through Eli’s body as he gripped the edge of the wooden shelf where the phone sat. “What did you say?”
The sheriff repeated himself. “I hate to spring it on you like this but figured you’d want to hear. We need to know if you want to press charges.”
Eli tilted his head from side to side, weighing his choices. “Umm … no, it’s not the Amish way. But I do wonder what type of person could have done this, and why they didn’t stop or report the accident when it happened.”
“I’ll explain it all when you get here. Oh, and since you’re not willing to take this person to court, the state will no doubt press charges.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m glad you called, Sheriff.” Eli’s hands shook as he hung up the phone. After more than a year of wondering who was responsible for Mavis’s death, the guessing would finally be over.
He stepped out of the phone shack and was about to shut the door when he remembered something. The driving lesson. I’d better call Loretta. He lifted a shaky hand to rub the perspiration from his forehead. He couldn’t teach her today. In addition to making a trip to see the sheriff, he felt so shook up he wouldn’t be able to think clear enough to teach anyone anything. And why risk putting Loretta in danger? After receiving such startling news, it could be some time before he felt up to doing much of anything. Already, his body felt drained from the anticipation of what would take place at the sheriff’s office.
Eli stepped back inside to call his driver for a ride and notify Loretta their plans would need to be canceled. Surely, she’d understand.
Sugarcreek
When Loretta hung up the phone, she sat at the kitchen table, pondering the things Eli had told her. She couldn’t imagine how he must feel right now. Most likely, there were mixed emotions. While it would be good to finally learn who was responsible for his wife’s death, he’d no doubt feel like someone opened an old wound and poured hot water on it. Now the agony of what happened to his wife would cause him to grieve all over again. Loretta could almost feel his pain.
She shifted in her chair. If I were in Eli’s place I could barely function right now. I wonder how he will handle all this. Closing her eyes, she sent up a prayer on his behalf. Please, Lord, be with Eli and send healing balm for his emotional wounds. He needs You now more than ever.
Sighing, Loretta opened her eyes. Guess I’d better go check for the mail. Better yet, think I’ll give my mother a call. She’d been meaning to talk to her folks about her idea of becoming Amish but had put it off, unsure of their reaction. With the children over at Sam’s place, guess now’s as good a time as any.
She reached for the phone and punched in her parents’ number. Her mother answered on the second ring. “Hi, Mom, it’s me.”
“What a coincidence, Loretta, I was just going to call you. How are you and the children?”
“We’re all fine. Uh, there’s something I wanted to tell you, though.” Loretta drew a deep breath.
“I have something to tell you, as well.”
“Oh. Should I go first, or do you want to?”
“You go ahead.”
Loretta sucked in another breath then blurted, “I’m thinking of becoming Amish.”
Silence on the other end.
“Did you hear what I said, Mom?”
“Yes, I heard. You took me by surprise, is all. When did all this come about?”
Loretta twisted a strand of hair around her finger, wondering how much she should share or where to begin. “Well, as you know, when Rick and I moved here to Sugarcreek, we wanted Abby and Conner to grow up in a quiet, simple community.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“For some time now I’ve yearned for a simpler way of life, without the distraction of modern things.”
“You don’t have to be Amish to simplify your life.” Mom’s tone seemed more like a caution, rather than one of disapproval, but Loretta figured she should explain a little more. “Before I go any farther, I need to ask you a question.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“What was the reason behind you and Dad not joining the Amish church and choosing to become part of the English world?”
Mom cleared her throat. “I was wondering when you’d get around to asking me that. I’m actually surprised you didn’t ask sooner.”
“Is it a deep, dark secret?”
“No, not at all. We just saw no reason to talk about it.”
“So what was the reason?”
“During your dad’s running-around years, he bought a car, as many young people do when they want to try out the English way.” Mom paused a few seconds. “The truth is, when we decided to get married and were trying to decide if joining the Amish church was right for us, your dad’s desire to own and drive a car won out.”
“I see.” Loretta toyed with the saltshaker in the middle of the table. “So instead of appreciating the simple life, he wanted modern, worldly things?”
“I wouldn’t say that exactly. Your dad and I have never gone overboard when it comes to buying, or even wanting, worldly things.” Loretta couldn’t argue with that. She remembered, growing up, her parents never had to have the best of everything. They didn’t, however, shun modern things like electric appliances, Dad’s truck, Mom’s car, and a home where decorative items were displayed. If not for the few visits they’d made to visit her grandparents, Loretta would never have known her parents had once lived the Plain life with their parents and siblings.
I wished I’d had this talk with Mom sooner. Loretta set the saltshaker aside. “Would you have any objections if I did join the Amish church?”
“None at all. The choice is yours, Loretta. Have you made friends with any Amish? You’ll need someone to mentor you.”
Loretta pursed her lips. Do I tell her about Eli? Would it make a difference? “Actually, I do have an Amish friend who is willing to help me wi
th the necessary steps.” Loretta wasn’t ready to share her feelings about Eli yet, especially when she wasn’t sure how he felt about her. If things got serious at some point, she would then inform her parents.
“That’s good. How do the children feel about all this?” Mom asked.
“They don’t know yet. I’m waiting to explain it to Abby and Conner until I’m certain it’s the right thing for all of us.”
“Makes sense. Please keep me informed, Loretta.”
“I will.” A slight breeze had picked up and filtered through the open window, giving Loretta some much-needed fresh air. In preparation for becoming Amish, she’d only been using electricity for necessary things like cooking, hot water for baths, and lights turned on as needed. The air conditioner had been staying off, with windows opened for ventilation. “So, what was the reason you were going to call me?”
“From years of going up and down ladders in his painting business, your dad’s knees have gotten pretty bad.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.”
“The doctor has finally talked him into getting knee replacements, and he’s agreed to have the left knee done next month. I was hoping you and the children could come here to visit for a few weeks during his recovery. It’ll help cheer him up, and you can assist me in keeping him from doing things he’s not supposed to do.”
“Of course, Mom, I’ll be happy to come, and I know the children will be eager to see you and Dad, too. I’d like to be there the day he has surgery.”
“Thank you, Loretta. I’d better go now, but I’ll talk to you again soon. Oh, and I’ll be praying that God shows you what to do in regard to becoming Amish.”
When Loretta hung up the phone, she sat several minutes, mulling things over. All this time she’d wondered why her parents left their Amish families to start over and had never asked why. She felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. From now on, if anyone asked, she wouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to tell them her parents had grown up Amish, or why they’d chosen not to stay. She appreciated Mom’s understanding about her desire to live the Plain life.
Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers Page 28