The Beloved Christmas Quilt

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

  “It’s okay, my mamm isn’t into it, either, but my daed loves it like me.” Seth spooned vanilla ice cream into his mouth.

  It was nice seeing Seth looking happy. Too bad every day couldn’t be this special. Karen rested her fork on her plate. “Are you ready for your gifts?”

  “I sure am.”

  “Yay, Daddy.” Roseanna took a bite of her ice cream.

  Mary bounced in her seat with some cake on her spoon.

  Seth reached over and grabbed the girls’ presents. “Look at these. Who made the nice pictures?”

  “It’s Millie and Ash. I made it for you.” Roseanna’s eyes twinkled. “Mary drew a picture of Star.”

  Next Seth unwrapped a bag of candy. “What’s this? Who remembered these are my particular favorite?”

  “Mom did.” Roseanna giggled, looking up at her dad.

  Mary got out of her seat and climbed into Seth’s lap.

  “I forgot your favorite candy,” Roseanna admitted. “Mom helped us.”

  “Thank you guys for my birthday gifts.” Seth hugged his daughters. “Well, I still have another gift to open, don’t I?”

  Karen nodded. “Jah, it’s my turn.” She pushed the present toward him. “Open this one.”

  He set Mary on the floor. “Go take your seat and eat some of the ice-cream soup you now have.” He looked over at Karen and winked.

  Seth unwrapped the gift from her. It was a new western novel he’d mentioned he wanted. Then he looked inside the package again and found a couple of new shirts and trousers. “I’ve been needing these for sure. Thank you.” Seth went over and hugged her.

  “You’re welcome.” Karen rose. “It’s time to put our dishes in the sink.”

  “Come on, Mary. Let’s take care of our bowls.” Roseanna waited for her sister to climb off her chair.

  Nancy Anne was in the playpen in the living room, and Karen took a seat in the rocker and watched Seth light a fire for some added heat, since the evenings were cooling off. She enjoyed watching the fire grow brighter. Soon its brilliant glow and the dancing flames lit up the room.

  “It’s nice having the fireplace warming us up again.” Karen rocked in her chair.

  Seth took a seat. “The fire is pretty to watch, and it’s relaxing. I wonder if the English ever stop to enjoy life’s simple pleasures like this.”

  Soon the girls came bounding in and flopped onto the couch. They sat quietly with their toys, looking at the fire.

  Seth pulled out his pocket watch then gestured to Roseanna and Mary. “It’s getting late. You girls need to get ready for bed.

  “After you put on your jammies, come back, and I’ll help you brush your teeth,” Karen interjected.

  When the girls had gone upstairs, Seth faced Karen. “There’s something I need to confess.”

  Karen tipped her head. “What is it?”

  “I bought a new rifle for my birthday and was afraid to tell you about it.” His voice lowered. “I hid the gun in the barn.”

  Karen’s eyes widened. “If you wanted a new gun, why didn’t you say so? We shouldn’t have secrets from each other, Seth.” She pressed her hands to her temples.

  “You’re right. What I did was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you for being honest. I forgive you.” Karen clasped his hand. “Let’s not have any more secrets between us. Okay?”

  He nodded and gave Karen’s fingers a gentle squeeze.

  Karen snuggled closer to her husband, leaning her head on his shoulder. She felt pleased that things between her and Seth were improving.

  CHAPTER 11

  Karen couldn’t wait to spend Thanksgiving with both her and Seth’s families. She had made herself and the girls new dresses for the occasion. Nancy Anne looked cute in her new little dress that Karen had just tried on her. The sleeves needed to be hemmed, so while the baby wore the dress, she marked the spots with chalk. Then Karen slipped it off and went back to the sewing machine.

  Mary entered the room. “Boppli Anne’s frack?”

  Karen turned toward her. “Jah, its baby Anne’s dress. Come closer and watch me finish it.”

  Mary did, yawning.

  “Are you getting hungry?” She ran the machine.

  “Jah, Mamm.” Mary looked up at Karen.

  “I’m about done. Only one sleeve left to hem.” She grabbed the scissors. “Then I’ll get our lunch started.” Karen snipped off the hanging threads. “How about we all have chocolate milk with our peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches?”

  Mary nodded and let out another yawn.

  As Karen worked, she thought about Seth’s behavior—how happy he was to be going home for the holiday. He’d called the folks and lined up the driver days ago. The house was abuzz of excitement over tomorrow’s trip.

  Karen refocused, checking the dress over and liking the end result. “Nancy Anne’s dress is done. Now, let me put some things away here, and then I’ll get lunch started.” Karen patted Mary’s head.

  As Karen went to the kitchen, she heard Roseanna singing upstairs. She got out the bread, peanut butter, and strawberry preserves.

  Roseanna dashed into the room with Mary. “I’ll help you, Mom.”

  “Thanks. Can you grab some napkins and find the chocolate syrup in the refrigerator?”

  “Okay.”

  Karen smiled as she made up their sandwiches. She was pleased to see her daughter being so helpful at such a young age. Karen’s stomach began to growl. She remembered they had some sliced cheese they could eat with crackers, so she quickly added that to the food on the table.

  “I’m happy to go see my grandpas and grandmas.” Roseanna’s voice raised.

  “Me, too! Me, too!” Mary hopped around, bumping into her sister’s arm.

  The unlidded new bottle of chocolate syrup Roseanna held hit the floor and bounced.

  Mary looked at Karen with teary eyes. “Ich leed, Mamm.”

  “I know you are sorry, Mary. It was only an accident.” Karen picked up the bottle and set it on the table. She hugged little Mary, and then they cleaned up the mess. Karen still had enough syrup for their chocolate milk.

  Soon they were sitting at the table for silent prayer. When they finished, they started eating their sandwiches. Roseanna helped herself to the cheese. “When do we leave for Grandpa and Grandma’s house?”

  “We’ll need to be ready by eight in the morning, and our suitcases need to be packed before bed this evening.” Karen took a drink.

  “I can’t wait to go.” Roseanna grinned.

  Mary bounced in her chair, while Nancy Anne watched her, smiling.

  Karen waited for the baby to look back, before spooning her some cereal with applesauce.

  “I’ll get some pecan pies going in the oven after lunch.” Karen took a bite of her cheese and crackers.

  Roseanna fiddled with her ponytail. “Will you make a custard pie, Mom?”

  “We don’t need a pie like that, do we?” Karen teased.

  “Yes, you make good custard pies,” Roseanna replied.

  “Mmm… boi.” Mary squirmed in her seat.

  “I can’t say no to so much praise. I’ll make a custard pie, too.” She wiped Nancy Anne’s face.

  After lunch, Karen took care of the baby and placed her in the playpen, dropping in a bright pink teething ring and Nancy Anne’s favorite light-up toy ball. She returned to the kitchen and set all the pie fixings on the counter. As she began work on the pecan pies, Roseanna wandered into the kitchen and watched her mom work.

  Karen checked the time on the wall clock. “Where’s Mary?”

  Giggling, Roseanna confided, “She fell asleep on her bed.”

  “Well, she was up early this morning, and Mary did let out a few yawns before she went upstairs.”

  “Can I help you, Mom? I’ll dry some dishes for you.” Roseanna got up and hugged her.

  “That’d be very nice. There’s a towel, Roseanna.” Karen pointed, then filled the sink with hot, soapy wat
er. “When I get these cleaned up, I’ll start getting the custard pie ready. How does that sound?” Karen looked at Roseanna.

  Her daughter nodded.

  When they finished the dishes, Karen started in on the custard pie.

  “I can’t wait to have some when we are at Grandpa and Grandma’s house,” Roseanna said as she watched Karen.

  “It will be nice to celebrate Thanksgiving together.” She poured the custard mixture into the piecrust. Then Karen picked up the nutmeg and sprinkled it over the pie.

  The timer went off and Karen checked the oven. “Mmm… These pecan pies look yummy.” She pulled them out, setting the pie pans on hot pads.

  Then Karen slid the custard pie into oven, closed the door, and set the timer again. “Now let’s check on Mary, and I’ll get some suitcases out of the spare bedroom for tonight’s packing.”

  They went upstairs and found Mary still asleep on her bed. Karen grabbed a folded blanket from the foot of the bed and spread it over Mary.

  Roseanna grabbed her crayon box and a couple coloring books to take to the living room. Karen stayed and picked up a few toys, then she went to the other room.

  Karen brought the small suitcase in and set it on Roseanna’s bed. She picked up the girls’ dirty clothes from their basket and carted them to the washer. The pecan pies were still cooling on the counters, so Karen started a load of wash.

  She peeked in on Nancy Anne, who was napping. The room was so comfy with the fire going. Karen decided to get a book out to read. Before opening the book, she recalled the dream she’d had that morning. Her family was still living in this house, and the dream took place on Roseanna’s wedding day. Karen had walked up the stairs to present the beloved Christmas quilt to her daughter as one of Roseanna’s gifts on the special day. Full of emotion, Karen had reached up to wipe at her tears. “It’s yours now, Roseanna,” she told the bride in her dream. “I’d like you to have it.”

  The book fell to the floor as Karen’s thoughts returned to the present. Over the past year, her marriage had improved, their children had continued to be well-adjusted to their surroundings, and her friendships had been strengthened and provided her with important support. Suddenly Karen realized her place was with her husband right here in Lykens. Although she would always miss her parents and siblings, Lykens had become her home. Karen would wait for the right moment to tell Seth, but she no longer needed to move back to Lancaster County.

  As Seth and Mike listened to the radio on the drive home, abruptly the Emergency Broadcast System came on, warning the public of approaching ice storms in the areas. The hairs on Seth’s neck stood up as he continued listening to news of the impending storm.

  “This isn’t good to hear, but it’s been so cold lately.” Mike turned up the heater.

  “A few drops of rain are hitting the windshield. If it starts raining more heavily, the streets will be a mess to drive on.” Seth groaned. “I can’t risk my family out on roads covered in sheets of ice.”

  “Boy, that’s sure the truth. No one wants to slide into a ditch or into another driver.” Mike turned on his signal and turned his truck into the driveway.

  Seth opened the door and grabbed his stuff. “You have a warm, safe, and happy Thanksgiving.”

  “You folks have a good one, too.” Mike smiled, handing Seth his Thermos.

  Seth came into the kitchen, which was filled with delicious aromas. Karen sat at the table, folding napkins for supper.

  “I’ve got a pizza casserole in the oven, green beans cooking, and a tossed salad made.” Karen got up and gave him a hug.

  Seth put down his lunch box and Thermos. “Hello, Karen.”

  “How was your day?” She smiled up at him.

  “Well, it was good until I heard the weather warning for our area and up near Bird-in-Hand and Paradise.” Seth frowned.

  “That doesn’t sound good. The girls and I have been filling our suitcases all day. I was still drying some clothes near the fireplace that I washed after lunch.” Karen sighed.

  “The ice storm warning is in effect starting later this evening and doesn’t lift until late tomorrow. I don’t think we should go.” He looked out the window.

  “Our daughters will be disappointed with the news. They’re still upstairs getting ready.” Karen popped open the oven to check on the casserole. She moved the foil away then set it back over the dish. “It’s about done.”

  “I need to go out to the phone shed and make a few calls. First our driver, second your folks, and then my parents.” Seth turned, going for a glass from the cupboard.

  “I’ll go upstairs and tell the girls we’re staying home.” Karen opened his lunch pail, pulling out a spoon and a used container.

  He drank his water. “I’d better go take care of the phoning and then check on the animals.”

  “Okay, I’ll keep dinner warming until you are back inside.” Karen turned down the beans bubbling in the kettle.

  When Seth headed out to the phone shed, he thought about his wife’s reaction to the disappointing news. It surprised him that she had taken it so well. Was she merely putting on a brave front?

  He shivered against the cold, pulling at the collar of his jacket. He dreaded making these calls. Seth wanted to go home, but the weather had changed their nice plans. He wondered how many other families were dealing with this same issue.

  Seth sat in the phone shed, his head bowed in silent prayer. Lord, give me clear direction. He called his driver first. Mark said he was going to call Seth and suggest not making this trip because of the dangers. They agreed they should stay close to home this holiday. He called Karen’s folks then his own. Both sets of parents told him to stay home, be safe, and to try to have a happy Thanksgiving.

  Seth closed the shed door and lumbered to the barn as the rain sprinkled lightly. He went to the bunny’s cage and opened the door. “Hey, Star, I hope you’re keeping warm in this weather.” Seth poured in food, topping it off.

  The rabbit hopped out of the hutch within the cage and looked at him, twitching its pink nose.

  “I’ll be back with your water.” He locked the cage door and went into the house.

  Karen was holding Nancy Anne when he came through the door. The baby saw him and held out her chubby arms. “Someone misses her daed.” She smiled.

  Seth put the water container in the sink as he washed his hands. “I’m going to hold Nancy Anne before I go back out in the cold.”

  The baby held out her hands again, making little squeals of joy when he came over and took her from Karen. He heard the rumble of a buggy pulling into their driveway. Seth looked out the kitchen window, trying to see who it was.

  “Who does it look like?” Karen joined him.

  “It might be Rachelle’s husband James by the hitching rail.” Seth moved from the window and stood near the back door opening it for his friend.

  James walked up to him.

  “Hello,” Seth greeted him. “Come in. What brings you out on a night like this?”

  “Good evening to you both. I came by to invite your family over tomorrow afternoon for Thanksgiving supper.” He pulled off his hat. “I figured with this storm, maybe you wouldn’t try to go out of town.”

  Seth looked at his wife and noticed Karen’s expression had brightened. “Actually, I canceled our trip after work today. It wasn’t easy, but I needed to do it.”

  “Are you sure you have room for us tomorrow?” Karen asked. “We don’t want to impose.”

  “We’ll have plenty to eat. Rachelle and the relatives always make a lot of food.” James chuckled.

  “Well then, it’s settled. We’ll come over for Thanksgiving supper.” Seth patted his friend’s arm. “Thanks for inviting us.”

  James put on his straw hat. “Not a problem for good friends like yourselves.”

  “Let Rachelle know I’ll bring pecan pies, and I’ve got a custard one, too.” Karen spoke with enthusiasm.

  Seth passed Nancy Anne to Karen and followed
James out into the cold. “Take it easy going home. It’s getting a little slippery.”

  James waved and untied the horse from the hitch rail. He climbed into his rig then backed out and waved again. “See you tomorrow!”

  Seth came back into the house. “I need to get the rabbit’s water then take care of the rest of the animals.” He winked at Karen. “I’ll try and hurry.”

  She nodded.

  About a half hour later, Seth came into the warm kitchen and removed his dripping wet coat. “I’m glad to be back indoors. It’s nasty out there. When I’m done washing my hands, I’ll go get the girls and have them wash up, too.” Seth took off his wet boots and hat then walked over to the sink.

  “It was nice of James and Rachelle to think of us.” Karen dumped the hot beans into a dish and set in a serving spoon.

  “What thoughtful people we have in this community.” After drying his hands, he headed out of the room and went upstairs.

  “Hi, Daed.” Mary hugged him.

  Roseanna reached out with a hug, too. “Mom says we can’t go see our grandpas and grandmas because the weather is bad.”

  “We all wanted to go for Thanksgiving, but it’s not worth risking the danger out there.” Seth motioned to them. “You both need to go wash your hands for supper.”

  Seth followed them downstairs then headed for the kitchen. Karen sat waiting at the table with the baby in her highchair.

  “I haven’t said anything to our daughters yet about the new supper plans.” He kept his voice down.

  “I hope they’ll feel better, like I am right now.” Karen smiled.

  Their somber-faced daughters took their seats. “Let us bow our heads for prayer,” Seth instructed.

  When they’d finished, the food was passed around. Karen made sure everyone had a taste of everything. Then she began to feed Nancy Anne.

  “I thought I’d share something with you, Roseanna and Mary.” Seth looked at his two older daughters.

  “What is it, Daddy?” his oldest spoke.

  Mary gave him her full attention.

  “We’ll be eating turkey in Lykens but not here.” Seth took a bite of the steaming casserole.