“Jah, Mary, it’s me.”
“Amos is gone, and I… I think I’ll be joining him soon.” Mary’s voice was barely above a whisper, but Adam understood every word.
A chill ran through him as he leaned closer to Mary’s face. “Don’t talk like that, Mary. You’re going to be fine.”
“No, Adam, listen. I… I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything, Mary. Anything at all.” Adam’s throat felt so swollen, he could barely talk.
“Please, take care of my girls.” Mary drew in a shuddering breath.
“Promise me, Adam. Please say that you will. I’ll not be at peace till I know.”
Tears pricked Adam’s eyes as he slowly nodded. “I promise, Mary. Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of your girls.”
A faint smile played on Mary’s lips while Adam gazed at her, knowing it would be the last time. Then her mouth opened as she shuddered her last breath.
The monitor changed from a sporadic beep to an eerie flat-lined tone, and a sob rose in Adam’s throat. When the doctor announced that Mary was gone, Adam closed his eyes in grief. Mary’s hand was still warm in his, and even though the nurse had switched off the heart monitor, Adam looked down at his dear sister, barely able to accept the fact that she was truly gone. They would never again share precious moments on this earth.
Several minutes passed. As the truth sank in, Adam felt as though a part of him had died with Mary. How brave and thoughtful his sister had been, thinking only of her girls’ well-being, while facing her own death. His stomach clenched as the reality of the situation hit him. Mary and Amos were dead, and he had just agreed to be responsible for their children. Who would tell those sweet little girls that their mom and dad had died? Amy was ten years old, but even at that age, would she understand why her folks had been taken? How could she? Adam sure didn’t. The younger ones—Linda, who was seven, and Carrie, who’d recently turned four—how would they grasp this tragic news?
And what about me? Adam swiped at the tears running down his cheeks. He loved his sister and would honor her wishes, but he knew nothing about raising children. Adam bowed his head and closed his eyes. Lord, how can I keep my promise to Mary? I’m scared. Please, show me what I need to do.
CHAPTER 13
Adam placed four plates, knives, and forks on the table and sighed. Two weeks had passed since Amos and Mary’s deaths, and Adam’s world had been turned upside down. In addition to seeing that his sister and brother-in-law received proper burials at the Amish cemetery back in Nappanee, he’d brought Mary’s three girls and their belongings to his house last night and didn’t have a clue how to properly care for them. Carrie, who was small for her age, seemed timid and whined a lot. Linda was full of nervous energy and had a bit of a temper. Then there was stubborn Amy. Because she was the oldest, she liked to take charge and tell her sisters what to do.
When they’d arrived last evening, Amy had made it clear that she didn’t want to live with Adam. Even when he’d been with them in Nappanee, it seemed nothing he said or did was good enough. The girl’s belligerent attitude didn’t help at all. Of course, who could really blame her? She’d not only lost both parents, but she’d also been uprooted from her Amish community and the only home she and her sisters had ever known. He understood how lost they must feel, because he felt bewildered and misplaced, too. Adam was sure the girls would miss their paternal grandparents, who lived in Nappanee, but since Amos’s father had become disabled after a fall from his barn roof, there was no way their grandmother could be responsible for the care of three young girls. Amos’s brother, Devon, who wasn’t married, would see that Mary and Adam’s home and other things were sold, but he was in no position financially to take the girls in.
Adam knew from personal experience how difficult moving could be for a child. Even though he had only been five when his mother had left, he could still remember the shock and confusion over her leaving. A few months later, Adam’s dad had packed up and moved Adam and Mary from their home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Ohio. After several more moves, they eventually settled in Nappanee, Indiana. Adam had not only struggled with resentment toward his mother, but he’d been angry at Dad for taking him and Mary to places where they didn’t know anyone and had to start over at new schools. Mary, being the outgoing one, had made new friends right away, but Adam held back and never allowed himself to get close to any of the other children. Mary was not only his sister but his best friend, so he’d never felt the need to develop any other friendships. Besides, with everything that had happened to him at such a young age, Adam wasn’t sure who he could trust. It wasn’t hard for him to understand what the girls were going through right now, even though he’d lost only one parent when he was child, not both at the same time.
Putting his thoughts aside, Adam concentrated on getting the girls’ breakfast made, knowing they would be waking soon and no doubt be hungry. He’d decided to fix pancakes this morning, so he set out a bottle of maple syrup. Adam was glad the girls wouldn’t have to start school for several more weeks. It would give them time to adjust to their new surroundings and hopefully help them get to know him better. Having the children home all day was a problem, since Adam needed to be at the hardware store. He certainly couldn’t take them to work with him every day, but he couldn’t leave them at home alone, either. After the girls had been released from the hospital and he’d taken them to Nappanee for their parents’ funeral, Adam had left Ben and Henry in charge of the store. But now that he was home, he needed to get back to work as soon as possible. At the very least, he planned to drop by the store sometime today to check on things.
Adam hated to admit it, but he didn’t want to be cooped up in the house on another rainy day with three nieces he didn’t know how to entertain. The girls would have to go with him to the store whether they liked it or not. Adam might not know much about parenting, but he wasn’t about to leave them home alone. He would need to ask around and see who might be available to watch the girls while he was at work. Once school started toward the end of August, they would only have to be watched for a few hours in the afternoon, until Adam came home from work. His evenings would certainly be different. The freedom he’d enjoyed to do whatever he pleased would now be replaced with the responsibility of caring for the girls’ needs. The only way to get through this was to take one day at a time and trust God to see him through.
Chicago
Cora Finley had never liked the rain, and today was no exception. She’d had trouble sleeping last night, thanks to the incessant raindrops beating on the roof of her house. She had finally succumbed to sleep well after midnight, and now it was six o’clock, and she needed to get ready for work. Glancing out her bedroom window, she grimaced. It was such a gloomy day. They’d had too much rain already this summer, and she was tired of it. Unlike some people, Cora didn’t find the continuous pelting sound relaxing at all.
In addition to that irritation, she was concerned about her fourteen-year-old son, Jared. He’d become a rebellious teen ever since the divorce, often trying Cora’s patience until she was at her wit’s end. He’d become friends with a couple boys from broken homes, and they seemed to find trouble at every turn. With Cora’s nursing job, she couldn’t be with Jared every minute, and since he was too old to leave with a sitter, he often hung out with his friends.
Cora punched her pillow and moaned. It was bad enough that her husband had left her for another woman. Did he have to abandon his only son, too? At least it felt like abandonment, since Evan spent so little time with their son these days. Didn’t he care how much Jared missed him? Didn’t it bother him that their son was without his father’s guidance much of the time? I was a fool to believe I’d met my Prince Charming and that my future held nothing but good things. Now I have to try and be both mother and father to Jared, and so far, I’m failing miserably.
When Cora had first met Evan during his residency at the hospital, she’d been convinced that they were meant
to be together because they had many things in common. They both had careers in the medical field and were dedicated to their jobs. They enjoyed traveling and had taken trips to several places around the country whenever they could. Once Evan got established in his own private practice, he’d bought them an upscale condo, with all the benefits of high-class living. When Jared was born, they’d sold the condo and bought a house. Evan was thrilled when he found out Cora was having a boy—said he couldn’t wait to build a relationship with his son.
“Yeah, right! Where’s Jared’s father now, when Jared needs him the most?” Cora grumbled. At this stage in their son’s life, he needed his father more than ever—especially when Cora didn’t have a clue what a teenage boy really wanted or needed. All she knew was that Jared hadn’t been happy since Evan walked out of their life, and she had no idea what to do about it. Apparently, Dr. Evan Finley wasn’t the dedicated father she’d thought him to be. Emily, the pretty blond nurse who’d stolen him from Cora, seemed to be all he could focus on these days. What kind of power did a woman like her have over a man? Was it because “Miss Blondie” was younger than Cora? Or did she have a personality that meshed better with Evan’s?
Sighing, Cora pushed the covers aside and rose from the bed, stretching her arms over her head. Maybe I should sell this place and move somewhere else—someplace where there aren’t so many temptations for Jared. Perhaps a rural area would be better than living here in the big city. Jared might find a better class of friends if he lived in a more wholesome environment. If we moved, I wouldn’t be the focus of the hospital gossip mill, either.
Cora moved over to the window and stared out at the drizzling rain. She and Jared were still living in the house Evan had bought for them several years ago. It had been their dream home, even though it needed some improvements. Over the years, they’d remodeled it nicely, choosing one project each summer, the last one being a new roof. Not thinking anything of it when they chose the type of roof, it was beyond Cora why she’d ever agreed to the fancy roofing tile. It just added to her annoyance this morning, with every ping of raindrops hitting the roof reminding her of what used to be. Looking out the window, Cora felt irked by how agreeable she’d always been with Evan—not just concerning the roof he’d chosen but about practically everything else he’d wanted.
We should have chosen regular shingles like most of the other homes in this area have, she fumed, folding her arms. But no, Evan had to have the best of everything. Humph! Guess that’s why he went for someone younger than me.
It still amazed Cora that Evan had let her keep the house. He was so selfish, she figured he’d not only want his new wife but the house he’d once shared with Cora, too.
Even though Cora’s home was lovely, her anger toward Evan made it difficult to look at his favorite chair or the bed they’d once shared. The death of a spouse, whom one loved so dearly, would be difficult for anyone, but divorce was a bitter path, filled with many regrets. Every time Cora saw Evan and Emily together, her slow-healing wounds reopened. A clean break might be the only way for her and Jared to get through this ordeal.
Think I’ll call a Realtor after I get off work today and see how much he thinks I can get for the house. Then I’ll put my résumé out to a few of the hospitals and clinics in some of the rural areas here in Illinois and see what happens.
Arthur
“What’s on your agenda for the day?” Leah’s mother asked as they prepared breakfast that morning.
Leah shrugged while stirring cinnamon-dusted apple slices in a frying pan. “Not much, really. I don’t have anyone coming for a reflexology treatment today, so I thought I might stop over at Adam’s and see how he’s doing since his sister’s death. I’m sure it must have been a terrible shock for him to lose his sister and brother-in-law.”
Stirring a batch of oatmeal, Mom turned her head toward Leah. “I didn’t realize he was back from Indiana. I thought Adam would stay there a few more weeks in order to take care of his sister’s estate.”
“I heard he was coming back last night, and I don’t know why he didn’t stay longer. I ran into Elaine yesterday, and she said that Ben told her Adam was bringing his nieces home to live with him.”
Mom’s mouth formed an O. “A bachelor raising three small girls? I don’t see how that’s going to work.”
“I’m sure he will hire someone to help out.” Leah removed the frying pan, took three bowls down from the cupboard, and placed them on the table. “Thought maybe I’d take some cookies for the children, because I doubt that Adam does any baking.”
Mom raised her eyebrows, giving Leah a questioning gaze. “Are you sure that’s the only reason you’re going over there?”
Leah’s face heated. “Of course that’s the only reason. What other motive would I have for going to Adam’s house?”
“Well, he is an attractive man.”
Leah held up her hand. “Don’t get any ideas about me and Adam, Mom. He may be good looking, but he’s definitely not my type.”
“Exactly what type of man are you looking for, Leah?”
“One who will love me for the person I am. Someone who respects my opinion. Of course, I’m not looking for a man, so there’s no point in discussing this.” Leah opened the silverware drawer and took out three spoons. She should have known better than to mention Adam, and maybe she shouldn’t go over there today. But she loved children and wanted to meet his nieces and see how they were all doing. They’d been through quite an ordeal and needed some reassurance. She was almost certain that Adam didn’t have a clue how to care for his nieces. The children needed nurturing, and with Adam working all day, how could he offer them that?
But if she ever decided to go over to his place again, she’d just go without mentioning it to Mom. No point in giving her false hope. Leah was not interested in Adam. And he’s certainly not interested in me.
CHAPTER 14
What’s that supposed to be?” Ten-year-old Amy squinted her brown eyes and pointed to the plate of pancakes Adam had placed on the table.
“It’s pannekuche.” Adam gestured to the maple syrup beside the plate. “You girls like pancakes, don’t you?”
“Jah, but these are burned.” Linda, who was seven and also had brown eyes, plugged her nose, backing away from the table. “They smell awful, too.”
“Aw, they aren’t so bad.” Adam absently rubbed his arms. “They’re just a little brown around the edges.”
Amy thrust out her chin and folded her arms. “Our mamm wouldn’t have burned the pannekuche, and we’re not gonna eat ’em. Besides, they don’t even look like pancakes. They’re too flach.”
Before Adam could respond to Amy’s comment about the flat pancakes, four-year-old Carrie looked up at Adam, her blue eyes brimming with tears. “I’m hungerich.”
Carrie reminded Adam of his sister—shiny brown hair and ice-blue eyes. He had to turn away so the girls wouldn’t see his tears.
Feeling more helpless by the moment, Adam was tempted to tell the children that the pancakes were all he had for breakfast, but then he remembered there was a box of cold cereal in the pantry. “If you three will take a seat, I’ll get some cereal,” he said, moving in that direction. “You like cereal, don’t you?”
Adam sighed with relief when they all nodded. “Okay, that’s good.”
When Adam returned with the cereal and milk, the girls were seated at the table. Three innocent faces guardedly watched him, as if to see what he would do next.
He then poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down across from Amy. “Let’s bow our heads for silent prayer.”
“Don’t you think we need some bowls and spoons? I mean, how do you expect us to eat cereal without ’em?” Amy questioned.
His face heating up, Adam got up and took three bowls down from the cupboard, then he grabbed some spoons from the silverware drawer. After placing them on the table, he sat back down. “There. How’s that?”
“Aren’t you gonna eat?” Linda want
ed to know.
He shook his head. “I’m not that hungry this morning. A cup of coffee’s good enough for me.” The truth was, Adam’s stomach was so knotted he didn’t think he could eat a thing.
Amy grunted and pushed a lock of blond hair out of her eyes. She’d obviously made an attempt to braid her hair, as well as her sisters’, when they’d gotten up. But Adam could see that the braids were loose and probably wouldn’t hold up all day.
“I’m gonna pray that Mama and Papa come and get us soon,” Carrie announced.
“They’re not coming to get us ’cause they’re in heaven with Jesus.” Linda’s brown eyes filled with tears. “Don’t you remember when we put Papa and Mama in the ground at the cemetery?”
Carrie shook her head vigorously. “No! They’d never go in the ground. It’s cold and dirty down there.”
Adam’s throat constricted. Carrie either hadn’t realized it was her parents they’d buried, or else the little girl was in denial. Then again, perhaps she was too young to grasp the concept of what death really meant. He tried to think of the best way to explain, but once again her older sister spoke up.
“There’s no point talking about this right now ’cause it won’t bring Mama and Papa back.” Amy took a drink from her glass of milk.
Carrie’s eyes widened, and she started to cry. “They’re gone for good?”
Amy nodded then grabbed the cereal box and poured some into their bowls, adding some milk. Pushing two of the bowls in front of her sisters, she said in a bossy tone, “Just eat now, and quit talking.”
“We can’t eat till we’ve prayed. God wouldn’t like it, and neither would Mama and Papa if they were here.” Linda looked over at Adam, as if waiting for him to comment.
“That’s right,” he agreed. “We always need to pray and thank God for the food.”
Amy wrinkled her nose. “It’s a good thing we don’t have to eat those pannekuche ’cause I’m sure they’d taste baremlich. I could never be thankful for that.”
The Gift Page 8