by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean; Brunstetter, Richelle
Karen smiled, listening to Roseanna and Mary giggling behind them, as their rolling rig vibrated against the pavement. Roseanna was five years old. Mary, aka “the copycat,” had recently turned three. Both girls had hair like their father’s, and just as curly, too.
Karen glanced over her shoulder. Roseanna and Mary were peeking out the back window, waving at their grandparents, who followed in the open buggy Seth had loaned them. Karen’s folks had been staying with them since the baby came, but it wouldn’t last. They’d have to get back home to their own place in Lancaster County.
Sighing, Karen faced forward. I can’t believe we’ve been here in Lykens almost two years. I miss the familiarity of the town of Paradise. Most of all, I miss Mom, Dad, and the rest of my family. Her shoulders slumped. Why can’t my parents live closer? Sure I have friends here, but it’s not the same as being with the people I grew up with. I’d love to move back to the Lancaster area, even if my husband says it’s become too commercialized.
The buggy jarred against a rough patch in the road, causing Karen to jostle against the hard seat. Talking with Seth about where they lived was pointless. He wouldn’t budge. He liked it here and didn’t want to move back home.
Snapping the reins, Seth coaxed the horse onward. “How’s the boppli doing?”
“Still napping.” Karen adjusted the infant’s blanket.
“Nancy Anne sure grabbed the attention of all the ladies today. Did everyone get to hold her?”
“Not everyone, but a good many, I’d say. We even received a few more cards, as well as another present.” Karen pointed at the gift bag by her feet. “A new blanket for the crib.”
Seth smiled. “People in our community have been most generous.”
“Jah.” Karen appreciated the friends they’d made here in Dauphin County, and she’d tried to adjust and make the best of things. But hardly a day went by when she didn’t think of Paradise, the place where she’d grown up. Was it the town or the people who lived there she longed for? Perhaps all of the above and more.
They were almost home, and Karen began to think about what they could have for their evening meal. Something grilled outdoors would be good, along with a potato dish and vegetables from last year’s garden.
The buggy slowed and turned into the driveway. Seth pulled into the yard, leaving room for her parents to pull in next to them. After he secured the horse, he came around and took Nancy Anne from Karen so that she could step out and help their other daughters climb down from the buggy. Her folks soon joined them.
Mom readjusted her shawl as she moved toward Karen. “It was a nice ride home. Roseanna and Mary were so cute waving from the back of your buggy.”
“We have very special grandkids.” Dad’s brown eyes twinkled as he winked at Mom.
She smiled and nodded, pushing a wisp of faded blond hair back under her head covering.
“Grandpa, did you wink your eye?” Roseanna tugged on his jacket.
Holding on to her toy bunny, Mary came up to her sister and began to hop up and down. “Look, I’m a bunny. I’m a hop-hoppy bunny!” She giggled.
“I’m a bunny, too. Now follow me into the house.” Roseanna began hopping along, looking back at Mary, who did as she was asked.
“They’re busy kinner and full of energy.” Karen reached into the buggy and grabbed her diaper bag and purse. “I wish you and Dad could stay here or we could be there with you in Paradise. It’s easier when you’re both around to help me through the readjustment of having a new baby.” Karen kept her voice low.
Mom gave her a hug. “With the help of your church, I’m sure you’ll get through this.” She retrieved the gift bag with the crib blanket. “Maybe you can come visit us soon so the rest of the family can meet Nancy Anne. You’re always welcome to stay at our place. We would love it.”
“I’d enjoy coming so much, and the children would, too. I’ll need to talk to Seth about it and find out when the right time would be. We may have to wait until this summer.”
“There’s plenty of time to think about it.” Mom patted Karen’s shoulder. “But for now we should go inside and get settled for the evening. We can put our supper plans together and do what needs to be done.” She waited for Karen to go inside then closed the door behind them.
After supper that evening, everyone gathered in the living room to relax. Karen’s dad slept on the couch, with her cherished Christmas quilt draped over his legs. Seth sat reading The Budget, looking for a buggy horse for sale. Karen and her mother relaxed in their respective recliners, enjoying the luxury of having their feet up. The baby lay in her bassinet, sleeping soundly. Mary and Roseanna had gone upstairs for a while but crept back down to play with their dolls on the coffee table. All was quiet until Karen’s decorative seashell got bumped by Mary’s elbow.
Karen gasped and leaped out of her chair when the shell toppled over and banged on the floor, startling everyone except the sleeping infant.
Mary began to sob. “I’m sorry, Mama. I didn’t mean to knock over your shell.”
Karen bent down and pulled her daughter into her arms. “It’s all right, little one. It’s so heavy it didn’t break.”
As Mary calmed down, Karen looked at her mother. “Isn’t it strange the baby didn’t wake up from that loud crash?”
“Many babies sleep through loud noises,” Karen’s mother replied.
Karen knew this was true, but she still wondered if this might be a sign that her baby had hearing problems—one of the most common complications from measles.
Dad sat up and yawned. “I wish it were me still sleeping like Nancy Anne.”
Karen forced a smile. “We could have dessert now. All I need to do is get out the pies. Is anyone hungry yet?”
“I have room for pie.” Her father patted his stomach.
Seth set the newspaper aside. “I wouldn’t mind some myself.”
“I’m ready for a slice, and I’ll help you get things out for it.” Mom stood up and let out a yawn. “That little nap I got was nice.”
When the women entered the kitchen, Mom pulled the pies out of the refrigerator. “They all look so yummy.”
“I made our favorite lemon meringue and a custard one, too. The girls really like the sweet vanilla flavor.” Karen unwrapped the pies and took a deep breath. “They smell good, too, if I do say so myself.”
“I’m looking forward to having a slice of lemon pie with some hot tea.” Mom grabbed the plates and utensils. “There’s also plenty of coffee left to drink with our dessert.”
“Okay. I’ll heat some water, and there’s milk for the girls.” Karen carried the pies out to the dining-room table, and asked Roseanna to get down cups for her and Mary to use. Everything in place, they invited the men to join them.
Nancy Anne was awake, so Seth brought her out to the dining room. Everyone chatted and enjoyed their desserts, with the men going for seconds on the pies, along with more hot coffee.
“I’m going to miss the kinner when we have to leave on Tuesday.” Mom sipped her hot tea.
“Same here. I’m done with my pie, so how about letting me hold my newest grandchild?” Dad looked over at Karen.
She got up and gave Nancy Anne to him. “She’s awake for the moment, but who knows for how long?”
“That certainly brings back memories of you holding Karen when she was a baby.” Sighing, Mom folded her hands in her lap.
“Nancy Anne is smaller than Karen was at this age, but in every way, she’s just as cute.” Dad beamed.
“He’s not a proud grandpa, is he?” Mom left her seat and started to clear the dishes.
Karen followed suit. “I’ll collect the pies.”
When the men went back to the living room, Roseanna took her dirty dishes to the kitchen, and Mary quickly followed her big sister’s example. Their grandmother put the plates and forks with the other dishes awaiting washing.
“Danki. You two did a good job eating all your custard pie.” Mom’s praise brought sm
iles to their faces.
“I love you, Grandma.” Roseanna gave her a big hug.
Not about to be outdone, Mary raced over to hug her grandma, too.
“Look at these precious girls.” Mom leaned forward and hugged them back. “I’d take you two home with me and Grandpa, but your mom and dad would miss you both very much.”
“You girls will need to get ready for bed in a little while, but you can play until then,” Karen instructed.
Roseanna motioned to her little sister. “Let’s go upstairs and play teachers, Mary. We can use our stuffed animals.”
“Jah.” Like her big sister, Mary hurried out of the room.
“Walk up the stairs girls—no running!” Seth’s voiced boomed from the living room.
“We don’t want you falling down the stairs,” Karen’s dad spoke up. “You could get hurt.”
“Okay.” Roseanna responded.
When they had finished the cleanup, Mom set the sponge by the sink. “Let’s go relax in the living room.”
“Sounds good. But first I’ll go change Nancy Anne’s windel and put her in a clean sleeper. Then I’ll need to check on the girls.”
They both headed for the living room. “Your father is still holding our granddaughter.” Mom took a seat in the rocker.
“I’m going to take Nancy Anne from you for a while,” Karen told her father. “She needs a clean windel.”
“She’s kept her eyes open most of the time. I’ve enjoyed our little visit.” Dad handed Nancy Anne to her. “Nothing is as wonderful as a sweet little boppli.”
“I’ll be back soon.” Karen took off with the baby.
Seth folded up the newspaper. “I think the local auction in two weeks might be worth checking out. Our buggy horse is okay, but she walks like a slug.” He shook his head. “I appreciate my friend loaning us one of his horses for you to use while you’re here.”
“Jah. That horse did well today. I didn’t have any problems with him.” Atlee stood and stretched then ran his fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair.
“Next time you’re here, I should have another horse to use.”
“Maybe the horse you need will be at the auction coming up. Say, Luella, is there any more coffee?” Atlee asked.
“I believe so.” The lines around her pale blue eyes crinkled as Karen’s mother smiled over at him. “I wish we were going to be here for the auction. It sounds like it’ll be fun.”
“But we need to head back home. After almost a month, I’m sure the rest of our family would appreciate a break from taking care of both places.” Dad picked up his mug and made his way to the kitchen.
As Seth started discussing auctions with his mother-in-law, a crash reverberated through the house.
CHAPTER 2
Karen carefully placed Nancy Anne in her crib then bolted from the nursery toward the loud noise. She hoped no one had gotten hurt.
“Luella!” Karen heard her dad’s voice. “Don’t come any closer in your stocking feet. There’s broken glass and spilt coffee on the floor.”
“Oh my! And you’re wearing socks, too. You’ll need to wait until one of us can clean the floor around you.”
Karen halted in the kitchen doorway. “Are you okay, Dad?”
“My hand is burned a bit. Your mamm will need to take a look at it.” Karen could see the red mark, but fortunately he wasn’t cut.
“I’m wearing shoes, so hang on,” Seth said. “I’ll get the broom and dustpan.” Stray shards crunched and crackled under his weight. He returned and started to sweep up the glass, while Karen held the dustpan for him.
“Was is letz do?” Roseanna appeared at the doorway with her sister.
Seth paused and looked at his daughters. “What’s wrong is that we had a little accident with the coffeepot. Your grossdaadi burned his hand, and we need to pick up the glass so nobody gets cut. You two go and play. Everything should be okay.”
Roseanna looked at her dad. “I want to make sure Grandpa is all right.” She stood with a delicate hand on her waist.
Mary copied her big sister and put a hand on her waist, too, while holding her toy bunny, Big Ears.
“I thought I’d set the pot in place,” Karen’s dad explained, “but it slid back out and dumped hot coffee all over my wrist. Then it crashed, leaving this mess on the floor.” Grimacing, he shook his head.
“Don’t worry girls, I’ll take good care of your grandpa.” Karen’s mom gave them a reassuring smile.
Later, Karen’s dad sat on the couch with Roseanna right by his side, along with Mary and her long-eared stuffed friend. His hand was now bandaged in gauze and secured with first-aid tape. Karen watched her family. Mom sat working on a fall-motif, needlepoint table runner, adding beautiful colors that added depth to the pattern. Seth’s rocking became more inconsistent as his eyes grew heavy. Karen rocked Nancy Anne, while watching Roseanna being attentive to her grandfather. She couldn’t help feeling pleased with how nurturing her oldest daughter had become at such a young age.
“Does your hand hurt now, Grandpa?” Roseanna looked up at him expectantly.
“Just a little. It feels better than it did.” He patted her head. “I’ll be good as new in a couple of days.”
“When are you going to leave, Grandpa?” Roseanna leaned closer to him.
He tugged on his beard. “Tuesday morning after breakfast. Grandma and I will need to finish packing tomorrow night because our driver will arrive early to pick us up.”
“I wish you’d stay longer, Grandpa.” She hesitated, looking away from him. “I’ll miss you and Grandma a lot.” Her smile faded.
Karen’s dad reached around Roseanna’s waist and gave a hug. “We’ll miss you and the whole family, but we’ll come again to visit.”
Roseanna clung to her grandpa, and Mary got off the couch to give him a hug. Her daughters seemed to drink up the time they could be around her parents. Karen would not be the only one to miss her folks when they left; her daughters would, too.
On Monday, Karen made another custard pie, as well as a shoofly pie—her dad’s favorite—and everyone filled up with dinner and dessert. Later that evening the men went to the living room to relax, while Karen and her mother restored order to the kitchen. Karen had her daughters clean off the dining-room table. Glancing out to the living room, she saw Dad holding Nancy Anne in his arms. She stood for a moment, taking it in.
He looked up and grinned. “Nancy Anne’s still awake and looking at her grandpa with them curious eyes.”
Karen nodded and looked toward Roseanna and Mary. “Okay, girls, you can go play now.” They quickly went upstairs to get their dolls.
As the last bits of cleaning were taken care of, Mom suggested gathering everyone together in the living room for singing. Karen got the baby and called up to the girls to join them. While they took turns singing everyone’s favorite song, Karen watched her family closely, not wanting to miss anything. She wished this wonderful day would never end, but in the morning, her parents would be gone.
“Girls, it’s time for you to go upstairs and get ready for bed.” Karen stood up.
“Oh, Mom, I’m not ready yet. Can’t we stay up longer?” Roseanna’s tone sounded desperate.
“You need to get upstairs and brush your teeth. Come down when you’re dressed and ready for bed.” The girls scurried up the steps.
Seth sighed. “It was fun singing those songs with you both.”
“Danki.” Karen’s mom picked up her water and took a sip. “Our grandkids sure like singing, don’t they, Atlee?”
“All our grandkids enjoy singing together like this.” He beamed.
When Roseanna and Mary came downstairs, Karen had already put Nancy Anne back in her crib. “Give me and your daed kisses and hugs.” She held out her arms.
After the girls said their good-nights, Grandpa got up and took hold of their hands. He motioned toward the stairs with his head. “Luella, let’s you and me head up with our granddaughters to tuck them
in for the night.”
“Wunderbaar,” she replied.
The next morning, Karen put Nancy Anne into her playpen in the dining room. Her mother worked at the stove, browning potatoes in a large skillet. The aroma of butter and garlic mixed with a hint of bacon grease tickled her nose. A breakfast casserole Karen had made last night was already in the oven.
The table had been set, and her dad was still upstairs packing his bag. The timer went off, and Karen retrieved the casserole. She could hear the stairs squeak as someone descended.
“Is breakfast ready?” Her dad’s deep voice hung in the air. “I heard something ding. Is it time to eat?”
“The potatoes are ready. I’ll put them on the table alongside the hot breakfast casserole.” Mom picked up the skillet, wearing a pair of oven mitts, and carried it out to the dining room.
Seth came into the house from feeding and watering the animals. “Something sure smells good for breakfast. I better wash up quick, so I can eat. Don’t want to be late for work.” He walked over to the kitchen sink. “The birds are going to town on the feeders right now. It’s warming up nice this morning.”
“Spring is my favorite time of year.” Mom’s voice sounded chipper. “Getting the garden planted with vegetables and watching them grow.”
“I like spring, too, Grandma.” Roseanna bounded into the room, waving around a bubble wand. “I like playing outside the best.”
“Me, too.” Mary tripped on the fringe of the throw rug, wearing her little pink clogs.
“Careful, sister. Don’t fall,” Roseanna warned as she placed her toy on the side table.
“Are you girls hungry this morning?” Karen smiled at them as she poured apple juice.
Her daughters both nodded and took their seats.
“I wish there was coffee this morning,” Karen’s dad commented.
“The teapot is ready for making hot chocolate, tea, or freeze-dried instant coffee.” Mom waited by her seat.
Karen set the juice on the counter and placed platters of orange segments and apple slices on the table. “We have plenty to eat this morning, so don’t be shy.” She stood by her mother.