The Beloved Christmas Quilt

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

  “Maybe some of those snickerdoodles we made yesterday would be good with our drinks.” Mary slipped off her clogs by the back door.

  “I think you’re right. They would taste good.” Karen set the kettle onto the propane burner that she’d just turned on. “I’ll go see if Nancy Anne would like something hot along with some tasty cookies.”

  Karen strolled out to the living room and saw her daughter engrossed in her book. She approached her from the front so there was less chance of startling Nancy Anne. Karen noticed her daughter already had a half glass of water on the end table.

  Nancy Anne looked up and smiled.

  Karen took a seat in the chair closest to Nancy Anne and signed: “How’s your book?”

  She laid it upside down in her lap. “It’s a good story, full of mystery and suspense.”

  Karen nodded, then asked if she wanted something hot to drink or some cookies.

  Nancy Anne grinned, pointed to her water, and then signed: “I’ll come to the kitchen and get some snickerdoodles soon.”

  “Okay, I’ll let you get back to reading your story.” Karen headed back into the kitchen to check on the kettle.

  Once the hot beverages were ready and Mary had set out the cookies, they took seats at the table, where they were joined by Nancy Anne. Karen enjoyed times like these when the simple things they did together made her feel so good.

  Roseanna opened the door to her house. Leaning against the wall, she slid all the way down to the floor. Why did I have to bump into Mark of all people? Standing back up, she peeled her jacket off and hung it on the coatrack. I could tell he’s interested in me, like he was before. But I’m not sure how I feel about him. I only saw Mark as a friend. Nothing more.

  She went past the stairs leading to her room and headed down the hallway that led to her parents’ and Nancy Anne’s rooms. Roseanna knocked on her sister’s door. Oh, wait. She wouldn’t be able to hear that. What am I thinking? She opened the door a little and peered into Nancy Anne’s bedroom, where she saw her lying on the floor, reading a book.

  Nancy Anne placed her book down and smiled, signing, “Hello, Roseanna. How are you?”

  Roseanna came into the room and sat down. She signed an explanation of her encounter with Mark. She did her best to express how she felt during those moments when she was interacting with him and he’d offered to take her out sometime.

  “Is it too soon?” She spoke in unison with her hands. “It’s only been a few months since John left, and I’m not even sure if I like Mark that way.”

  Nancy Anne raised her hands and signed, “You’ll never know unless you give Mark a chance.”

  Her sister was right, but Roseanna still wasn’t sure if starting something with Mark was a good idea. Then again, perhaps she was overthinking the situation. Maybe Mark only wanted to catch up with her in a platonic manner. She signed while speaking again. “Should I accept his offer, or should I decline?”

  Nancy Anne clambered to her feet and clasped Roseanna’s arm. Then she signed: “All I want is for you to be happy.”

  “Happy?” Roseanna mouthed.

  Nancy Anne raised both hands. “You’ve been unhappy ever since John left. You have been less involved with all of us because of your unhappiness. I want to see you smiling again.”

  Roseanna nodded. “All right. I’ll give Mark a chance.”

  CHAPTER 7

  The sun peeked over the horizon with its alluring beauty cascading on the hills in the distance. Grass prickled Roseanna’s arm as she rolled over to meet Mark’s gaze. “The sunset looks beautiful,” she murmured.

  “It certainly does.” Mark crossed his arms over his head and turned onto his back. “But we’ll need to be heading home soon.”

  “That’s true. You have to wake up early for work, and I have to wake up early for chores.” Shaking the grass blades from her dress, Roseanna gathered the scraps from the snacks she’d brought and put them in the picnic basket. “It’s a shame the days can’t be longer.”

  “Well, there’s always another day.” Mark stood up and offered his hand.

  “Thank you.” Roseanna took his hand and stood up then leaned forward to grab the picnic blanket.

  Mark went over to his buggy and hitched his horse while Roseanna folded up the blanket. Then she climbed into the passenger side. As she waited, Roseanna looked again at the sun, which was disappearing behind the hills. I’ve never been so disappointed to have a day end.

  As they headed down the road, Roseanna leaned back on the cushion and peered out the window, eyeing the numerous stars appearing in the clear sky. To think that those stars are so much bigger than they seem.

  “The sky looks awfully nice tonight, don’t it?” Mark nudged her arm.

  “Certainly a lot nicer than when we went out last time.” Roseanna chuckled. “We both got soaked from being caught in a downpour after we had been nice and dry inside that restaurant.”

  “You ended up outrunning me to my buggy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you run that fast.”

  “Oh, trust me.” She sighed. “I’ve run faster than that before—on the day my wedding was canceled.”

  They grew quiet for a while. The only sounds were the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves as it continued to lead the buggy home. Roseanna had already told Mark what happened to her about four months ago, but she didn’t give all of the specifics—only the little bit she was ready to discuss. Roseanna’s heart ached whenever she talked about John leaving her, but every time she did it, a bit of weight lifted from her soul as some of her bottled-up emotions found release. Besides, if she hadn’t told Mark what had happened, someone else would have.

  Mark broke the silence. “I’m sorry you had to chase after John. It wasn’t fair of him to do that to you, Roseanna.”

  “I know.” Roseanna swallowed as she reached over and placed her hand on his. “But I’m kind of relieved things happened the way they did.” The heat of Mark’s fingers, wrapped around her own, surrounded Roseanna with comfort and care.

  “Me, too, Roseanna.” He squeezed her fingers and then turned to her with a grin. “Mostly because I would’ve been embarrassed if you were married when I invited you to have a date with me.”

  Roseanna poked his shoulder and laughed.

  “The next time we’re together, I hope to have worked on this rig of mine. I’m gonna be painting it and cleaning all the leather on the harnesses, as well as shining up the metal trim.” Mark gave her a promising gaze.

  “I’m sure it will look nice when you’re through with it.”

  “I’ve bought the necessary cleaners and oils to use for all of the tack. I have the paint and brushes all ready to start on my project.” He pushed back his straw hat as the buggy lurched forward.

  Mark seemed happy as he drove the horse along the country road. Roseanna watched him guide the animal as the evening sky darkened. She tried not to stare at his strong, tan arms. He looked rather nice in his light, yellow shirt.

  When they pulled into her parents’ driveway, Roseanna saw her father beneath the battery-operated porch light. He sat in the hickory rocking chair, no doubt, waiting for her. She waved to him as they headed to the hitching post. When the buggy came to a halt, Roseanna let go of Mark’s hand and moved the picnic basket and blanket over to the side. “I had a wonderful time with you today, Mark. Danki.” She climbed out of the buggy and grabbed her belongings.

  “It’s been my pleasure, Roseanna.” He grinned down at her. “Thank you, as well.”

  “You’re welcome.” Roseanna looked toward her house and back at Mark. “Do you want to come in for a little bit? I mean, I know you have to be up early tomorrow, but you’re welcome to, if you want.”

  “Sure. I don’t see why not.” He climbed down from the buggy and secured his horse.

  To avoid any questions from Dad, Roseanna led Mark to the back of the house. She opened the door and held it for him as they entered. She sat down on the inside stairs to unfasten her shoes. �
�You don’t need to take off your shoes since you won’t be staying too long. But make sure you rub them against the throw rug in case you track anything in.”

  When Roseanna stepped into the hallway with Mark, she went over to Nancy Anne’s slightly opened door and pressed on it.

  “Why are we going to your deaf sister’s room?”

  “Shh… Mark.”

  “What? She can’t hear us.”

  “Jah, but that’s no excuse for you to say that.” Roseanna walked in and went over to Nancy Anne, whose back was facing them. She nudged her sister’s shoulder to get her attention.

  Nancy Anne’s expression changed from a look of contentment to one of excitement when she turned to Roseanna. Placing her book down, a soft noise came from her as she signed “Hello, sister.”

  “Hello, Nancy.” Roseanna spoke and signed to her. “Did you have a good day?”

  Nancy Anne signed, “Mamm and I baked some cookies.”

  “Oh, that’s nice. May I have some later?”

  She nodded and then looked past Roseanna, motioning with her hands.

  “What did she say?” Mark came over and stood next to Roseanna.

  “Nancy Anne said, ‘You’re welcome to have a cookie, too.’”

  “Oh. Thank you, Nancy Anne.”

  Roseanna’s sister nodded again. Nancy Anne could read lips fairly well, but it didn’t work all the time when she communicated with people. Some words would appear similar when there was no sound to distinguish them.

  “Wait, Roseanna.” Mark touched her arm. “How do you sign those common greetings again? It’s a bit confusing to me.”

  “Oh, okay. Let me show you a few of them. You can always ask me for reminders whenever you want.”

  Roseanna knew Mark wasn’t fond of the idea of learning sign language, but she was relieved to know he was willing to try.

  “Come on, Roseanna!” Katie yelled from the volleyball field at the local park the following day. “We need you on our team!”

  Roseanna placed her belongings near the pile. After unzipping her bag and enjoying a refreshing drink from her water bottle, she hurried over to Katie and the rest of the group.

  “All right, I’m here.” Roseanna rubbed a drop of sweat from her forehead. “But I don’t see why you guys need me to play. I’m not very good at volleyball.”

  Samantha, another friend of Roseanna’s, patted her on the back. “Ach. You’re being too modest, like usual.”

  “Only being honest. Katie is a natural at it, though.”

  “Yeah, well…” Samantha wrapped one arm around her torso. “I suppose.”

  Katie ran over to Samantha and nearly tackled her. “You may not have done well this last match, Samantha, but I believe you can improve your overall technique.”

  “Katie, really? She did an okay job.” One of the girls from the other side of the net spoke up. “It’s just for fun.”

  “I know. I know.” Katie let go of Samantha and raised her shoulders in a proud manner. “But I must do my best to improve our team as a functioning unit for better results. We must think as one to be able to succeed in winning, because failure is not fun.”

  A buggy pulled in and parked. Mark jumped out and waved toward Roseanna. Katie eyed him tying his horse to the hitching post. “You’ve got company, my friend.”

  “You’re right. There’s Mark.” Roseanna waved at him then looked back at her best friend. “Now, about our playing method here.” She grabbed Katie’s shoulders. “We are not doing that. No need to take this seriously when we all have other things more important to worry about.”

  “I didn’t think he’d be here today since this was a girls’ day out. He must really like you to drop by and see you here unannounced,” Katie was quick to blurt out.

  “I don’t think so,” Roseanna countered. “He probably was on his way somewhere nearby and decided to pop in and watch us play for a little bit.”

  Mark took a seat nearby. The girls played out the match and were getting ready to change sides, so Roseanna stopped to grab her water bottle. She strolled over to Mark and sat next to him.

  “You remembered I’d be here playing today.” She smiled.

  “Yep. I’m on my way to take care of something and thought I’d stop and see you. Are you and the girls getting some exercise?” Mark laughed. “Now if it were all guys out there, you’d see some major game-playing going on.”

  “We’ve got a few good matches happening so far. Besides, we aren’t out there to hurt one another. Only friendly games, like it should be.”

  Mark caressed her hand. “You should know we fellas play more roughly and strive to be the best at times.”

  “Okay, if you say so.” Roseanna rolled her eyes but held on to his hand with tenderness.

  Mark motioned toward his horse and buggy. “I’ve been touching up the black paint on my rig, and it’s looking a lot better.”

  “You’ve mentioned that you might work on fixing it up.” She also looked at his buggy.

  “All of my horse’s gear has been cleaned up, and my horse had a bath yesterday.” Mark’s tone sounded self-assured, and his expression seemed confident.

  “Hey, Roseanna!” Katie yelled. “Are you playing or not?”

  “I better get back to my errand.” Mark let go of her hand and stood up.

  “Thank you for dropping by and visiting with me.” Roseanna grinned and moved toward her teammates. “Will I see you later?”

  “You can bet on it. I’ll be by soon, Roseanna.” He waved and headed back to the hitching rail.

  She watched him leave then walked back and rejoined her teammates. I like that Mark came by just to see me. I wonder what the other girls are thinking about this.

  “Roseanna, are you ready to play?” Katie tapped her shoulder.

  “Certainly, I am.” She cheerfully stepped over to her spot.

  After they played for another half hour, most everyone grabbed up their belongings and headed home. Before Roseanna finished drinking the rest of her water, Katie approached her with hesitation. “Hey, can I speak to you for a second?”

  “If it’s about my volleyball technique, then no,” Roseanna teased.

  “Actually, it’s about Mark. I mean—oh, where do I even start?”

  “What about Mark?” Roseanna’s heartbeat quickened. “Did it bother you that he came by here to see me?”

  Katie shook her head. “It’s nothing like that. It’s just… well, what if John comes back to Lykens? Should you be courting with Mark when John could still show up and decide to marry you?”

  Roseanna couldn’t believe what her friend had said. After speaking with Katie months ago about John running away from a previous chance at marriage, she should understand that he was not the right man for her.

  “Are you saying I should be with someone who keeps secrets?” Roseanna leaned forward. “With someone who disregards my feelings for his own? Not even caring how I feel? Is that it?”

  “No, but, Roseanna, I don’t think Mark’s suitable for you, either.”

  “Why not?”

  “He seems a bit full of himself and you’re nothing like that at all.”

  “Mark cares for me, and he makes me happy. And what would you know about who is more suitable for me anyway?”

  “Roseanna…”

  Clenching her teeth to avoid saying anything she’d regret, Roseanna grabbed her bag. Standing up straight, she looked at Katie one more time before heading to her buggy. Why would Katie want me to be with someone who betrayed me for his own selfish reasons? Do I not deserve to be happy?

  CHAPTER 8

  Roseanna sat on her bed as she finished sewing the hem, holding the dress up to look at her work. “See? That’s how you properly stitch with a needle and thread.”

  “I still don’t understand how you’re able to put it together so quickly.” Samantha reached over to touch it. “This is beautiful, Roseanna.”

  “Danki.” Roseanna handed her the dress. “I enjoye
d making it, so I hope you enjoy wearing it.”

  “Of course I will. It was made by a talented dressmaker.” Samantha held it up to the window, and the color of the dress glistened like stained glass.

  Roseanna laughed. “Okay, I don’t need to be praised.”

  Samantha scooted off the bed and placed the blue dress in the bag she’d brought with her. After she grabbed her purse, Samantha unzipped an outside pocket and held out the amount of money she owed Roseanna.

  “Danki, Samantha. But you don’t need to pay me. You’re my friend.”

  “No, no. I insist. This is what you’re doing for a living, and I’d feel awful depriving you of your pay.”

  Swallowing, Roseanna glanced at the money, while her muscles tensed. She tentatively reached out and took the money, placing it on her nightstand. “Danki, Samantha.” She stood up from the bed and picked up her purse. “We should probably get going.”

  “Jah. You’ll want to be back here before Mark shows up for your date.”

  “That is true. Then again, Mark seems to get along with Adam pretty well, so maybe it wouldn’t be too bad if I was late.” Roseanna threaded her arm through her purse straps. “They have bonded quite well, which is surprising, since Adam was not so talkative around Mark before he moved away.”

  “Really?” Samantha crossed her arms. “That’s a bit strange.”

  “I think it’s because Adam had a difficult time communicating with people older than him. Now he seems to enjoy listening in on adult conversations. But he can still be immature at times.”

  Samantha sighed. “I see. Speaking of being immature, Katie still hasn’t talked with you since we played volleyball together, has she?”

  “No…” Roseanna’s body felt weighed down when she recalled how she’d snapped at Katie. I know it wasn’t right for me to get mad at her, but I still don’t understand why she would want me to wait for John. She tugged on her ear. Would she wait for someone who had dumped her? It wasn’t as if it was the first time he’d done it, either. John couldn’t be trusted.

  Samantha placed a hand on Roseanna’s shoulder. “Will you and Katie be okay? You guys have been friends for more than eight years, haven’t you?”