by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean; Brunstetter, Richelle
“Is that a shoofly pie I spy there on the counter?”
Luella jumped at the sound of Atlee’s voice. How long had he been standing there? When had he come in from his shop? “Umm… jah, I took the pie out of the oven a few minutes ago, so it’s still quite warm.”
He smiled, although it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “That’s okay. It’ll be a treat to have later in the day. I don’t believe I’ve had shoofly pie since the last one you made when Dena was still here.” Atlee paused, stroking his beard. Then he added, “Did ya know it was Dena’s favorite pie, too?”
“I don’t think she ever told me that. I’m sorry if it stirs up sad memories for you. I would have made another kind if I’d known.” Luella could hardly look at him.
“No, no, it’s fine. As hard as it is, I have to teach myself to think of these remembrances as a good thing and not have them bring me down. So I’m glad you made shoofly pie. Lately, I’ve had a hankering for some.” Atlee took a few steps closer. “Oh, I almost forgot. I came in to let you know I’m going out to run a few errands and wondered if there’s anything you need me to get.”
“Maybe. Let me see.” Luella went to the desk, where she kept the grocery list.
Atlee glanced around. “Where’s that son of mine? I thought he might like to go along for the ride.”
“He’s upstairs in his room playing.” Luella was pleased Atlee wanted to spend time with Daryl, but she felt a little hurt that she’d been excluded. It would have been nice to get out of the house for a while on this cold but sunny day. It was wrong to be selfish, though. Atlee probably figured I have plenty of work to do here. Besides, he’s under no obligation to take me anywhere, much less a shopping trip with Daryl.
Luella smiled and handed Atlee the grocery list. “I’m sure Daryl will be excited to go with you. And by the time you get back, I’ll have supper started.” Normally, Luella joined Atlee and Daryl for the evening meal, and then after she got the dishes done, she would head for home. Sometimes, however, like yesterday, Atlee would offer to do the dishes, saying Luella was free to go home and join her family for supper.
Atlee started out of the kitchen but turned back to face Luella. “You know, now that I think about it, maybe you’d like to go with us. I can run a few errands of my own while you do some shopping. When we’re done we can stop by a restaurant for supper, and afterward I’ll drop you off at your place.”
“That sounds nice, but what about my horse and buggy? If I leave them here overnight, I’ll have to walk to work in the morning.”
Atlee tipped his head, looking at her strangely. “As I recall, you walked here this morning, and since I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to walk home in the dark, I was planning to give you a ride home after supper.”
Luella’s cheeks warmed, and she brought her hands up to touch them. “Ach, how silly of me to forget such a thing. I walked here this morning because my horse is getting shod today.” Luella didn’t know why she felt so jittery all of a sudden. Was it the concern she saw on Atlee’s face, or the fact that he’d invited her to join him and Daryl for shopping and then eating a meal out afterward?
“That’s okay. We all forget things sometimes.” Atlee pointed to himself. “I’m sure guilty of it, and especially so since Dena died.”
Luella nodded. “I would enjoy a little shopping for a while, and eating supper out sounds real nice.”
“Okay then, I’ll go round up my boy, and while I’m doing that, you can get your things ready.” Atlee paused near the kitchen door. “Don’t think I’ve ever said this before, Luella, but I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve been doing to help around here.” He turned and quickly left the room.
Luella smiled as she heard Atlee’s boots clomping up the stairs to his son’s room. It was nice to be appreciated, and even nicer to be asked to join them for shopping and supper this evening. Her grin grew even wider when the sound of Atlee’s laughter and Daryl’s giggles echoed down from upstairs.
As Atlee sat across the table from Luella at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, a lump formed in his throat. The last time he’d eaten here, Dena was with him. They’d stopped for lunch after her doctor’s appointment. Dena hadn’t felt well that day, but she’d put up a good front, no doubt for his sake. Her favorite meal was fried chicken, with a side dish of pickled beets. Even when she’d felt poorly, she had managed to eat them.
Sitting across from Luella as she ate that same special meal was particularly difficult. All he could think about was the void in his life left by his wife’s untimely departure. Life isn’t fair, Atlee thought for the hundredth time. What good could come from Dena’s death? I’m missing a wife and Daryl has to grow up without a mother. Where’s the fairness in that?
Atlee took a deep breath, trying to think his way through all this. Didn’t he tell Luella earlier that these precious memories, such as Dena enjoying fried chicken, were the little things that summed up who she was?
“You’re not eating much. Don’t you care for the hinkle?” Luella’s question pulled Atlee’s thoughts aside.
He glanced down at his half-eaten meal but couldn’t tell Luella the real reason his appetite had left him. “The roast chicken’s good. I’m saving room for that piece of pie we’ll have when we get home. I’ll ask our waitress to box up the rest of my meal. It’ll be enough to heat up for my lunch tomorrow or the next day.” Atlee looked over at Daryl’s plate, noting that it was almost empty. “Guess my son’s eating his share and mine.”
Luella smiled. “Daryl’s a growing boy. I’ve noticed his pant legs are getting shorter.”
“I’m a growing boy,” Daryl repeated, grinning at Luella.
“I’ll bring my mending basket with me tomorrow and let the hem down on all of his trousers that are too short.”
Atlee shook his head. “You don’t have to do that, Luella.”
Tiny wrinkles formed across her forehead. “You don’t want me to let the hem down on Daryl’s trousers?”
“No, no, I have no problem with that. I meant you don’t have to bring your sewing basket. You can use Dena’s sewing supplies.”
“Oh, okay.” Luella picked up the crunchy chicken leg and took a bite.
Atlee reached forward then quickly pulled his hand back before he flicked a crumb of chicken coating that was stuck on Luella’s face. Many times he and Dena did that for each other, and he recalled fondly how Dena would joke and say, “I’m saving that crumb for later.”
This was Luella, though, not his wife. Whatever was I thinking? Atlee sat quietly, watching as Luella took a napkin to wipe her mouth and fingers.
“This fried chicken is so good, and there’s just no easy way to eat it, except with your fingers.” Luella giggled, looking over at Daryl, who was licking his fingers clean after eating a drumstick.
That’s how Dena used to eat her chicken, too. Atlee had to look away so Luella wouldn’t think he’d been watching her and be embarrassed.
They ate in silence the rest of the meal, until Daryl asked if he could have a dish of ice cream for dessert.
“I don’t see why not.” Atlee poked his son’s belly. “After all, a growing boy needs a little ice cream once in a while to help him grow even more.”
Daryl giggled, and Atlee even managed a smile.
As Eugene approached the Ebersols’ house, he began to have second thoughts. He’d come here to give Luella a Valentine’s card, since tomorrow was Valentine’s Day, and he knew he wouldn’t see her then because he had to go out of town with his dad. But now he wondered if the card was too mushy or if Luella might think he was being too forward.
“Well, I’m here now,” Eugene said aloud. “So I may as well go through with it.”
He guided Chip up the driveway and to the hitching rail. After securing the horse, he stuck the card inside his jacket and sprinted for the house. Every time Eugene visited the Ebersols’, his hope for more than just a friendly relationship with Luella was reenergized. He knocked only twi
ce when Luella’s mother answered the door.
“Is Luella here?” Eugene shifted from one foot to the other.
“Sorry, she’s not home from Atlee’s yet.”
“Oh. I was hoping she would be here by now.” He tried to give Esther a smile, but he couldn’t get his lips to move.
“I’d invite you to wait for her, but I’m not sure what time she’ll be home.” Esther shivered. “Luella walked to Atlee’s this morning, so he’ll probably give her a ride home after supper and the dishes have been done.”
Eugene frowned. “She works too many long hours.”
“I agree, but Luella enjoys her job, and she feels it’s important to keep the promise she made to Atlee’s wife before she died.”
“What promise was that?”
“To take care of Daryl and to keep helping Atlee. He has a lot more responsibility now, when it comes to raising his son.”
Eugene nodded. Then, remembering the card, he reached inside his jacket and pulled out the envelope, which ended up being a bit crinkled. Running it through his fingers to get the wrinkle out, he handed it to her mom. “Will you please give this to Luella when she gets home? I’d planned to give it to her tomorrow, but my daed needs me to go out of town with him. We’ll be looking at buying some more hogs.”
Esther took the card. “I’ll make sure Luella gets this. Have a nice evening and a safe trip tomorrow.”
“Danki.” Hope deflated, Eugene headed back to his buggy. Maybe it’s a good thing Luella wasn’t home this evening. If she didn’t like my card, I’d feel even worse right now.
Eugene’s horse trotted as soon as they started down the main road, no doubt eager to get home. As they approached the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, Eugene did a double take. Was that Atlee Zook coming out of the restaurant with his son and Luella?
Eugene gripped the reins tighter, slowing his horse so he could get a better look. Sure enough, it was them, and they were headed toward the line of buggies at the hitching rail.
Now why would Atlee take Luella out for supper? Could he be interested in her? Eugene’s jaw clenched. Luella’s not free to let me court her, but she can go out to eat with him? What’s going on here, anyway?
When Luella stepped into the house, she was greeted by her mother, who sat reading a book in the living room.
“Where is everyone?” Luella asked.
“They all went to bed.” Mom gestured to the grandfather clock on the other side of the room. “It’s late, Luella, and you’re home later than usual. I stayed up because I was worried about you.”
“I’m fine, Mom. I went shopping with Atlee and Daryl this afternoon, and then we had supper at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant. Afterward, we went back to his place to eat some of the shoofly pie I made earlier today, and then Atlee brought me home.”
Mom gestured to the envelope lying on the coffee table. “Eugene came by earlier and left this envelope for you. He was disappointed that you weren’t here.”
Seeing the red envelope, Luella put both hands on her head. “Ach, I’d forgotten all about tomorrow being Valentine’s Day. I’ll have to do something special for Daryl.”
“I’m sure he’ll like whatever you do.” Mom set her book aside. “I hope you going out with Atlee for supper doesn’t happen again, Luella.”
“What do you mean? Why would you say that?”
“If people see you and Atlee out in public together—especially having a meal at a restaurant—they might get the wrong idea.”
Luella pursed her lips. “Wrong idea about what?”
“They might think… Oh, well, never mind.” Mom started to get up.
“No, wait. What were you going to say?”
“Well, some folks might think he’s set his cap for you.” Mom’s shoulders lifted. “But then, that would be ridiculous. Atlee’s way too old for a young woman like you.”
“Not to worry,” Luella said with a shake of her head. “Atlee’s still in love with Dena, and he may never get over her death.”
“And what about you, Daughter? Are you interested in him?”
“Course not, Mom. Why would you even ask me such a question?”
Mom gestured to the card, still lying on the table. “You haven’t bothered to open Eugene’s valentine. I figured you’d be eager to read the card.”
Luella reached for the envelope. “You’re right. I’ll take it up to my room and read it before I go to bed.” She yawned. “It’s been a long day, and I’m tired. Gut nacht, Mom. See you in the morning.”
“Good night, Luella.”
As Luella left the room, she couldn’t help but wonder if her mother could see into her soul. Does Mom have an inkling of the way I’ve begun to feel about Atlee? If she knew for sure, what would she say? Probably nothing in a good way.
Luella thought back to earlier this evening, while sitting at the restaurant with Atlee and Daryl. She’d forgotten something until now. Halfway through the meal, she’d looked toward the restaurant’s exit in time to see her friend, Ruth Yoder, about to leave the building. But what Luella noticed most was the backward glance her friend gave her before going out the door. I wonder why Ruth didn’t come over to our table and say hello? Especially when we haven’t visited in a while. Maybe Mom’s right. I should have thought everything through before I accepted Atlee’s offer to join him and Daryl for supper. She released a heavy sigh. I don’t want to be the cause of any gossip or bring embarrassment to Atlee, so maybe it would be best if we weren’t seen together in public anymore.
CHAPTER 7
Luella had finished doing the lunch dishes, when Daryl tugged on her apron. “Let’s go outside and play in the schnee.”
She looked down and tweaked his freckled nose. “I guess we can do that. A little fresh air will do us both good.” Luella led the way to the utility room, where jackets, hats, and boots were kept. After she helped Daryl into his outer garments, she put on hers as well.
When they stepped out the door, a cold blast of air hit her face. With all the snow still covering the ground, it was hard to believe spring was only a month away. While the snow was pretty, Luella was eager for warmer weather.
Except for Saturdays, when Atlee closed his shop and stayed home with Daryl, Luella would have no time to help her mother plant a garden. Sara would have to take over that job this year. Luella wondered if she should ask Atlee if he’d like her to plant a garden here once the weather warmed. It would be nice to have fresh vegetables and herbs to use for meal preparations. While she worked in the garden, Daryl could run around and play in the yard.
Luella had begun to think of Atlee’s place as her second home; especially since she spent more time here than she did at her parents’ house these days. She watched Daryl romping in the snow and smiled. The boy was good-natured and easy to please. He had quite an imagination, as well, and because of that had no problem entertaining himself. Atlee was fortunate to have the child. Once more Luella found herself wishing she had children of her own.
Splat! Luella’s thoughts took another direction when Daryl tossed a snowball that hit her arm. “Why, you little dickens…” She scooped up some snow, formed it into a ball, and threw it at the boy’s leg.
Daryl squealed with glee and tossed more snow her way. This time it hit her foot.
“You’d better run, because here I come!” Luella formed another snowball and took off in hot pursuit.
Slipping and sliding, the boy hurried across the yard and ducked behind the trunk of a tree. Luella snuck up on him and touched his face with her cold hands. As expected, he took off in another direction, laughing all the way.
“Hey, what’s goin’ on out here?”
At the sound of Atlee’s voice, Luella stepped back, slipped on a patch of ice, and landed flat on her back.
“Are you okay? Did ya hurt yourself?” Atlee came racing toward her.
“I don’t think so.” Luella moved her arms and legs back and forth. “Nothing seems to be broken. She could only
imagine how foolish she must look.
Atlee pointed to her and chuckled. “Well, would ya look at that? You’ve just made a snow angel.”
As he held out his hand and helped Luella to her feet, she had a sudden urge to throw some snow at him. Acting on her impulse, she stepped back, scooped up some snow, and tossed it at Atlee. At first, he stood looking at her with a dazed expression, but then he took a handful and chucked it at her. After it hit her square in the shoulder, a sly thought came to mind as Luella’s gaze went upward. Time for me to get serious now. Carefully forming another snowball, then throwing it higher this time, she held her breath, watching Atlee as he followed her aim then paused looking right above his head. Quickly his gaze shot back to Luella, as though contemplating what was about to happen. Seeing his eyes grow large, Luella’s hands instinctively covered her mouth just as the snowball connected with her intended mark—a snow-laden branch precariously bobbing up and down from the weight of the snow.
Before Atlee could react, the snow was released and showered down over him. Atlee’s shoulders hunched from the frozen spray, and Daryl squealed, “Daadi, you look like a snowman.”
Luella tried to cover her giggles, but the hysterics of the moment kicked in. Holding her stomach, she laughed even more and pointed to Atlee’s head when he removed his hat and whacked it against his leg. His brown hair was a sharp contrast with the white of his beard, now stuck fast with snow. To prolong any retaliation before Atlee could put his hat back on, Luella quickly scooped up more snow and aimed it toward the top of his head. Splat! Snickering, Luella pointed again. “Now your hair matches your beard.”
Soon Daryl got into the act, as all three of them enjoyed a snowball battle with one another. Time flew by as they laughed and frolicked in the snow. Luella laughed so hard her sides ached, and she could hardly catch her breath. The lower half of her dress was thoroughly drenched, but she didn’t care. It felt so good to have a little fun like this, and hearing Atlee’s laughter made it all worthwhile. It was good for him to unwind and not be working all the time. His laughter was contagious.