The Beloved Christmas Quilt

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean; Brunstetter, Richelle

  “What?” Her single word was barely a whisper.

  “I’ve found someone else to care for Daryl.”

  “Oh, no, please, Atlee. I love that little boy as though he were my own.”

  “He loves you, too, but under the circumstances, it would not be good for any of us if you kept working for me. Daryl would become more attached to you, and so would I.” He gave his beard a tug. “It’s best if we don’t see each other anymore.”

  “But that’s not possible,” she argued. “We’ll see each other every other week during church services, and we might run into each other in town.”

  Atlee shook his head. “I’ll be putting my house up for sale soon and moving to another location.”

  Luella’s eyes widened. “But Bird-in-Hand is your home, and your business is here.”

  “I can begin again someplace else.” He folded his arms. “I need to start fresh, and so do you. Until my house sells and I’m ready to move, Mary Jane will be watching Daryl. We will attend church in a neighboring district.” Atlee took a step back, afraid if he didn’t, he might succumb to his desire to hold Luella in his arms for the first—and last—time. “Someday you will look back and be thankful for the way things turned out.”

  “No, I won’t.” Luella shook her head. “I will never love anyone but you.”

  Atlee stood silently, wondering if he and Luella could be happy if they got married against her parents’ wishes. No, that would not be the right thing to do. Having such a conflict surrounding a marriage would put strain on the marriage itself.

  “I’ll go inside and get Dena’s quilt. It’s not right that I should keep it.”

  “No, Luella. Dena wanted you to have the quilt. Please keep it as a remembrance of the friendship you and she had.” He turned, unable to endure the pain written on her lovely face. “Good-bye, Luella. May God bless you in the days ahead.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Throughout the month of June, Luella could barely function. She was crushed beyond measure and could not come to grips with Atlee’s decision to ask Mary Jane to watch Daryl. Worse yet was knowing he planned to pack up and leave Bird-in-Hand. How could he declare his love for her one day and less than a week later, set her free to be courted by someone else? It was a bitter pill to swallow, and Luella was at loose ends about what to do. She had no appetite and only slept a few hours every night.

  Feeling as though she were in a fog, Luella helped her mother with chores around the house and in the yard, but her heart wasn’t in it. It was difficult to go to church, with Atlee and Daryl no longer attending their own district’s services. She’d heard Atlee had put his house up for sale, but to her knowledge he hadn’t yet moved. Luella hoped Dena couldn’t look down from heaven and see that she wasn’t able to keep the promise she’d made to her.

  At her mother’s request, Luella had gone a few places with Eugene, but it was only to please Mom. Last Sunday night he was supposed to pick her up for a young people’s singing, but he never showed up. She remembered back to the day he hadn’t come to help with Dad’s new fence posts and concluded that Eugene was unreliable. Even if he wasn’t unreliable, Luella felt no more than friendship for him. Mom said love could come later, but Luella doubted it.

  “Are you going to kneel there in the garden all day with your eyes closed, or did you plan to pull a few weeds?”

  Luella’s mother’s voice broke into her contemplations, and she jumped to attention. “Sorry, Mom. I was deep in thought.”

  “Jah, I could tell.” Mom leaned close to Luella. “From your expression, I’m guessing they weren’t happy thoughts.”

  Luella sighed. “You’re right, they weren’t.”

  Mom gave Luella’s shoulder a tender squeeze. “You need to move past this, daughter, and try to find some happiness again. Even if things don’t work out between you and Eugene, someone else will come along. You’ll see.”

  I’ll always love Atlee, and no other. Luella picked up the hand shovel and attacked an ugly weed. There was no point in saying anything more about this. Simply put, her mother did not understand.

  That evening, as Esther got ready for bed, she reflected on the conversation she’d had with Luella earlier today. The poor girl was miserable and might never get over the love she felt for Atlee and his boy.

  Esther turned to look at her husband, propped up in the bed, reading his Bible. “Do you think we may have been too hasty in refusing to give Atlee and Luella our blessing?”

  Owen set the Bible aside. “Are you suggesting we should change our minds?”

  Her face tightened. “I… I’m not sure what I’m suggesting. I only know that our daughter has been miserable since we refused to accept a relationship between her and Atlee.”

  “Jah, well, it was for her own good. And now that Atlee is selling his place and relocating, Luella will get over the silly notion that she’s in love with him and move on. Why, by this time next year, she and Eugene will probably be married.”

  Esther took a seat on the end of the bed, pulling her hairbrush through the ends of her long hair. “I’m not so sure. Haven’t you noticed Luella’s expression when she’s with Eugene? She’s not in love with him, Owen.”

  “Well, maybe not now…”

  “Luella’s expression is one of pure joy when she simply speaks about Atlee. He was a good husband to Dena. I’m sure he would be good to our daughter as well.”

  Owen looked at Esther over the top of his reading glasses. “What about their age difference?”

  “It might not matter in their marriage. Shouldn’t we allow them the chance for happiness with a life together?”

  Owen motioned for Esther to come closer. When she moved to sit beside him, he clasped her hand. “Let’s pray about this and make our decision in the morning.”

  When Luella came down to breakfast the following day, she was surprised to see both of her parents at the table, drinking coffee. Normally Dad would be in the barn doing chores while Mom got breakfast ready.

  Dad motioned to the chair across from him. “Luella, please take a seat. Your mamm and I have something we’d like to say to you before your sister and brother get up.”

  Luella did as he asked, curious to know what this was about. Her parents’ expressions were so serious, making her wonder if she’d done something wrong.

  Mom looked at Dad. “Do you want to tell her, Owen, or should I?”

  “Why don’t you go ahead?” He smiled and patted her arm.

  Luella leaned forward, anxious to hear what her mother had to say.

  Mom set her coffee cup on the table. “Your daed and I did some talking last night—”

  “Praying, too,” Dad interjected.

  Mom nodded. “We’ve decided to give you and Atlee our blessing.”

  “Are you serious?” Luella clasped her hands under her chin.

  They both nodded.

  “So you’re saying you wouldn’t mind if Atlee and I got married?”

  “That’s right.” Dad rapped his knuckles on the table. “It wasn’t fair of us to try and keep you two apart. It might just be that God brought you together.”

  “Ach, my!” Luella squealed. “This is the happiest day of my life.” She pushed her chair back and stood then raced for the back door.

  “Where are you going?” Mom called.

  “This can’t wait. I need to see Atlee and tell him you and Dad have changed your mind and are giving us your blessing.”

  Before going out the door, Luella ran back and gave Mom and Dad a warm hug. “Danki. You don’t know what this means to me.”

  Luella didn’t take the time to hitch Dixie to a buggy, so she ran all the way to Atlee’s house, eager to tell him the good news. It was a beautiful, summerlike day, but she barely noticed. She’d never expected Mom and Dad to change their minds and felt like pinching herself to see if she were dreaming.

  I know Eugene will be disappointed, but he’ll find someone more suited to him. I’m going to be Atlee’s wife.
I’m going to be Daryl’s new mother. Luella felt like shouting the words. Just a little way to go and she would be there.

  When Luella approached his house, she saw the FOR SALE sign on the front lawn, with the word SOLD pasted across it. Oh, no. He can’t move now. Atlee has to stay here in Bird-in-Hand.

  Luella dashed up the porch steps and knocked on the door. When no one responded, she knocked again, a little louder this time. Still no one came.

  She stepped off the porch and ran out to Atlee’s shop. Finding the door locked, she peered in the window. No sign of Atlee inside, nor any of his woodworking equipment. Her heart pounded. Oh, no. Surely he couldn’t have moved already. Is it too late for us?

  The birds tweeted merrily from tree branches above, and blossoms waved lightly in the breeze. She barely noticed. Luella walked over to the porch steps and sat down. Her head hung low, and it was hard to swallow as tears gathered and threatened to spill over. One minute she’d been filled with happiness and hope. Now emptiness coursed through every fiber of her being. Are Atlee and I not meant to be together?

  Luella looked around the yard, remembering the good times she’d had in this place. It seemed like only yesterday when the three of them had played in the snow. Her heart ached like never before as she raised her head and gazed toward the sky.

  The clippety-clop of a horse’s hooves caused Luella to look toward the road in front of Atlee’s house. Her mouth went dry when the horse and buggy turned up the driveway and came to a halt in front of the hitching rail. Quickly she wiped her eyes.

  A few seconds later, Atlee stepped out of the buggy and tied the horse to the rail. Then he went around and helped Daryl down. The boy was the first to spot Luella. Waving excitedly, he ran across the yard. Luella bent down and scooped the child into her arms. Daryl wrapped his arms around her neck and gave it a squeeze. Oh, how she had missed those hugs.

  Atlee strolled across the yard and joined them. “Luella, I’m surprised to see you. Do your folks know you’re here?”

  She stifled the laughter bubbling in her throat. “As a matter of fact, they do.”

  He blinked. “Really?”

  “Jah, and they’re okay with it. In fact, they’ve given us their blessing.”

  “That’s wunderbaar!” A huge smile spread across Atlee’s bearded face. “Does this mean you will marry me?”

  Tears of joy welled in Luella’s eyes, as she nodded her head.

  Atlee took Daryl from Luella and set him on the ground. Then he pulled her into his arms. As he lowered his head, Luella unconsciously parted her lips. Atlee’s kiss was tender but firm. Luella’s pulse raced, and her knees felt so weak she could barely remain standing. Had it not been for Atlee’s strong embrace, her legs might have given way.

  “What about your house?” she murmured against his chest.

  “What about it?”

  “The sign says SOLD.”

  He nodded. “A young Amish couple with three kinner are buying the place, and I’ll be moving out over the next thirty days.”

  “But where will you go, and how will this affect us?”

  “I’m ready to start over, and I found a place in Paradise that will work well for my needs.” His cheeks reddened. “I mean our needs—yours, mine, and Daryl’s.” Atlee turned and picked the boy up. “Since Paradise is only a few miles from Bird-in-Hand, we can visit with your folks often.”

  Luella reached up and stroked Atlee’s beard. No words were needed. Whatever the future held, their love for God and each other would see them through. She glanced up at the clear blue sky and smiled. Dena, if you’re watching, I hope you approve of how things turned out. When I made my promise to you, I didn’t expect life would lead me to this. But be assured, for as long as I live, Atlee and Daryl will be deeply loved.

  EPILOGUE

  Paradise, Pennsylvania Two years later

  Luella sat beside Atlee in the living room of their new home, watching their son Daryl’s happy expression as he looked down at his baby sister, Karen, lying in her father’s arms. Draped across Luella’s lap was the beloved quilt Dena had given her for Christmas a few weeks before she died.

  Luella’s heart swelled as she reached over and stroked the baby’s soft cheek. Someday, when Karen got married, she would pass the special quilt on to her. Until then, Dena’s quilt would remain on Atlee and Luella’s bed, as a reminder of the love Dena had for her husband and son. She cared about them so deeply that she wanted to make sure their needs were met, even after she was gone.

  Luella lifted one corner of the quilt and silently read the embroidered verse once more. “For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me”—Psalm 31:3.

  How thankful she was for the wisdom in God’s Word, for He surely had led her to the right man—a man she would cherish for the rest of her life.

  LUELLA’S SHOOFLY PIE

  Ingredients for filling:

  1 cup molasses

  1 cup warm water

  1½ teaspoons baking soda

  2 unbaked pie shells

  Ingredients for crumb mixture:

  2 cups flour

  1 cup sugar

  1½ tablespoons butter

  1½ tablespoons shortening

  ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  ½ teaspoon nutmeg

  ½ teaspoon ginger

  Pinch of salt

  Preheat oven to 350°. In mixing bowl, combine molasses, water, and baking soda. Divide mixture equally into unbaked pie shells. Blend ingredients for crumb mixture and sprinkle evenly over top of both pies. Let stand for 10 minutes, then bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until done.

  New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to ninety books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

  Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

  When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

  CHAPTER 1

  Lykens, Pennsylvania

  As Karen Allgyer rode home from church with her family, she gazed at the bundle of sweetness in her arms. The baby subtly stirred as Karen brushed against its soft, light, downy hair. Nancy Anne was three weeks old. Though the infant had arrived early and her birth weight was low, so far she appeared to be healthy.

  The doctor had said there could be some problems, not only because of the baby’s early birth, but also because Karen had contracted German measles during her pregnancy. Amish parents were not required to vaccinate their children if they attended a one-room Amish school, and given that there weren’t any outbreaks of the disease when Karen was a child, her parents hadn’t had her vaccinated.

  Unfortunately during her fourth month of pregnancy Karen had a casual conversation with a person who was infected with German measles but didn’t have any symptoms at the time. Two weeks later, Karen came down with the measles.

  When Nancy Anne was born, Karen had felt so relieved that the doctor pronounced the baby normal. In follow-up appointments with the pediatrician, he reassured Karen and her husband, Seth, that he couldn’t detect anything wrong with little Nancy Anne, but he reminded them to keep an eye on her and call if they noticed anything unusual. The next appointment wasn’t for a while, and Karen was feeling more
confident that her baby girl might not suffer any birth defects. Karen looked down at the sleeping child and smiled. Nancy Anne is our special gift, she thought. A perfect baby from head to toe.

  Karen glanced over at Seth as he handled the reins. Usually he urged their buggy horse, Millie, to get moving because she poked along. But today he let Millie go at her own pace. He was quite handsome, this husband of hers—especially dressed in his Sunday best. Seth’s deep blue eyes beamed with contentment, and the curl in his brown hair and beard framed his face nicely. Karen had to admit, Seth’s good looks were what first attracted her to him.

  Rounding the corner, Karen shielded her eyes from the bright afternoon sun shining through the front window of their closed-in buggy. Today had been her family’s first real outing together since the baby arrived, and Karen would treasure every moment.

  She looked over at Seth. “It’s a beautiful day, especially for late March.” She shifted on the unyielding seat. “It felt so good to be away from the house for a while, but all the activity left me tired.”

  “Jah. I like being out with my whole family, and I’m so glad you are doing well, my fraa.” He leaned close to Karen and peeked at the baby. “She sure is pretty, just like her mother.” Seth smiled. “We’ll be home soon, and then you can rest awhile.”

  “Danki.” Karen leaned against his shoulder, looking up at him.

  Seth urged Millie to speed up as her plodding slowed. “It felt great to be in church today. I enjoyed the meal afterward and the chance to visit with some of the men. The women in our community sure know how to cook.”

  “I’m glad you had a nice time.” Karen’s mind trailed off to all of the church families who’d come by their home to welcome Nancy Anne. Some had brought food. Others had gifts for the baby and treats for Karen and Seth’s two older girls.