The Gift

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “It’s about time you got up,” Cora snapped when Jared made an appearance at noon. “What were you planning to do—sleep all day?”

  Jared yawned and stretched his arms over his head. “Cut me some slack, Mom. You’re getting yourself all worked up for nothing.”

  Cora’s jaw clenched. “Don’t talk to me like that, young man. I’m your mother, not one of your friends.”

  “Sorry,” he muttered, while sauntering over to the refrigerator. Pulling out a carton of milk, he drank right out of the container and then flopped into a seat at the table.

  Cora rolled her eyes. What had happened to the manners she’d taught her son? “Jared! Don’t drink from the carton. How many times have I told you that?”

  “You don’t have to get so bent outta shape, Mom.” Jared smirked. “There was hardly any milk left. See.” He turned the carton upside down, and only a few drops dripped onto the table.

  “It’s still an unsanitary habit, and I wish you wouldn’t do that.”

  “Thought I was saving you a glass to wash.” Jared sauntered across the room and threw the empty milk carton away.

  “Would you like me to fix you a piece of toast?” she asked, lowering her voice in the hope that she and Jared could have a sensible conversation for a change.

  He shook his head. “Naw, I’m not that hungry. I’ll just get some more milk and head back to my room.”

  “Please drink it from a glass this time.”

  “Yeah, okay… whatever.”

  Cora bit the inside of her cheek. If Jared hid out in his room all day, she’d be sitting here alone with nothing to do but feel sorry for herself. “I thought the two of us could go for a ride. Then maybe we can stop somewhere for a bite to eat.”

  Jared looked at Cora as if she’d lost her mind. “What’s the big deal in going for a ride? That sounds really boring.”

  “Well, I just thought—”

  “Scott and I planned on doing something today.”

  “Like what?”

  Jared shrugged. “We’re just gonna hang out.”

  Cora shook her head. “I don’t think so, Jared. You saw Scott yesterday, and today is going to be our family day.”

  “Family day?” Jared jammed his hands into his jeans pockets. “We ain’t no family anymore, Mom. Not since you made Dad leave.”

  Anger bubbled in Cora’s chest. “I did not make your father leave! He’s the one who wanted a divorce so he could marry someone else.”

  Jared finished the rest of his milk and set his glass in the sink. “I don’t blame Dad for leaving. Listening to you yammering away all the time would make any man leave.”

  Cora’s hand shook as she pointed at Jared. “Now, you listen to me young man, your dad left because—”

  “I don’t wanna hear it, and I’m getting sick of you bad-mouthing Dad all the time!” Jared tromped across the room, opened the back door, and stepped outside, slamming the door behind him.

  Tears streaming down her cheeks, Cora sank into a chair and sobbed. She was almost at the end of her rope. Would things ever be right between her and Jared again? The other night, she had felt good about the decisions she’d made. But now, Cora wasn’t so sure. Had she made a huge mistake leaving Chicago? Should she give up and move back or keep trying to make a go of things here?

  CHAPTER 35

  Leah, are you up?” Dad called from the hall outside Leah’s bedroom.

  “Jah, Dad, I’m out of bed,” she responded. “Just putting my head covering in place.”

  “That’s good, because Adam is here with the girls, and if you’re feeling up to it, they’d like to visit with you awhile.”

  “My koppweh is better. Tell them I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

  “Okay.”

  It pleased Leah that Adam cared enough to come by. Perhaps he had missed seeing her at church and stopped on his way home to check on her. She took one last look at herself in the mirror to be sure her covering was on straight and that no stray hairs stuck out. After smoothing the wrinkles from her dress, she hurried from the room.

  Downstairs, she found Adam and the girls in the living room, visiting with Dad.

  “We missed you at church,” Adam said, rising from his seat on the couch. “Your daed said you stayed home because of a koppweh, so we decided to drop by and see how you’re feeling.”

  As Adam moved closer to Leah, she could see such a look of concern in his eyes that it made her wonder if he might feel something more for her than friendship. Don’t be ridiculous, she chided herself. If Adam cared for me in a romantic sort of way, I’m sure he’d have said so by now.

  “I’m doing better,” she said, smiling up at him. “A couple aspirin and a few hours’ rest in a darkened room cured the headache.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Adam motioned to the door. “Do you feel up to going for a walk? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

  Leah glanced at the girls, and seeing that they were occupied with some of her childhood books Dad had given them to look at, she said, “That would be fine, Adam.”

  Leah slipped her shawl over her shoulders and followed Adam out the door. Then, taking a seat in one of the wicker chairs, she turned to him and said, “What did you wish to talk about?”

  Looking more than a little nervous, Adam lowered himself into the chair beside Leah’s. “Umm… guess here is fine for us to talk.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. You wanted to take a walk, didn’t you?” Leah couldn’t believe she’d forgotten that. I must be as nervous as Adam appears to be.

  “That’s okay. We can talk here just as easy. It concerns my mother.”

  Leah waited quietly for him to continue, sensing that he was having a difficult time talking about this sensitive subject.

  Adam clasped his fingers together and flexed them as he stretched his arms out. “I’ve been wondering why Cora came here to Arthur.”

  “She’s recently gone through a divorce and was looking for a new start.”

  Adam snorted, as he tapped his foot against the floor of the porch. “Another divorce, huh? Why am I not surprised by that? If I could just find some way to get that woman to leave town, I’d feel a whole lot better.”

  Leah gulped. She wasn’t sure how that could happen. With Cora working at the clinic, it wasn’t likely that she’d quit her job and move. If she really was Adam’s mother, then Leah wished Cora and Adam could meet and find healing from the past.

  After Elaine finished eating at the Gingeriches’, following their church service, she’d come right home and decided to rest, since she had no plans until the evening, when Ben would be coming over for a visit. Before lying down, however, she took out the rock she’d painted for Leah to see how it looked now that the paint had dried.

  Painting rocks had always been a relaxing diversion for her, especially when she needed a break from her everyday routine. It was fun to see the transformation of an ordinary stone as it turned into something unique and pretty.

  Elaine had found this particular stone among her collection of rocks she hoped to paint someday. It was one she hadn’t really noticed before, but after looking at it closely, she realized the stone would be perfect for Leah. Along with the quilted pot holders and table runner she planned to give Leah and Adam for their wedding, the rock would be something special just for Leah—a gift from one good friend to another. It was because of her friend’s interest in hummingbirds that Elaine had painted this unusually shaped rock. It was similar to the shape of a hummingbird. Even the piece that had been broken off left enough of the stone to resemble a beak. The rest of the rock was in the shape of outstretched wings, looking like most hummingbirds taking flight.

  Thumbing through some magazines, Elaine had found a picture of a ruby-throated hummingbird, which she used as a guide for painting. It was nearly done, except for the hummingbird’s red throat, which she would work on tomorrow.

  Reclining on the living-room couch, Elaine let her thoughts drift. She thou
ght about how busy she kept hosting dinners since Grandma died and how little time she had to herself these days. Although Elaine enjoyed having the tourists come to her home for a meal, it was nice having some time off to relax.

  Elaine’s thoughts continued as she reflected on all the memories she’d accumulated in this stately old house. Even the backyard, where her favorite swing still hung, held pleasant memories. Elaine had enjoyed that swing during her childhood, as well as during her teenage and young-adult years. Many times she’d dreamed there of a future with a wonderful man and children.

  Her mind drifted back to a special night when she’d been sitting on the porch with Jonah, gazing at a beautiful sunset that had taken her breath away. Even after all this time, Elaine couldn’t help thinking how different her life would be now if she had said yes to Jonah’s proposal.

  Today in church, she had overheard someone say that on Friday night Sara had given birth to a baby girl. If Elaine had said yes to Jonah that evening, perhaps she might have had Jonah’s baby by now.

  This isn’t right, Elaine scolded herself. I should not be thinking such thoughts. Jonah is happily married, and he’s the father of a brand-new baby. He will never know how badly I’d wanted to say yes to his proposal that night. The timing just wasn’t right.

  Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Elaine got up from the couch. Things happen for a reason, and maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Besides, now that Ben is in my life, I should be happy about that and enjoy his friendship.

  “Take it slow and easy now, Sara,” Jonah cautioned when they entered the house. Sara clutched his arm as he carried their baby girl.

  “I’m fine. Just feeling the need to sit while we introduce Mark and your folks to the newest addition in our family.”

  As soon as they stepped into the house, they were greeted by Jonah’s mother. “Oh, let me have a look at that baby.” Tears welled in Mom’s eyes as she touched the baby’s downy head. “How are you feeling, Sara?” she asked.

  “I’m a little weak and shaky, but I guess that’s to be expected,” Sara replied.

  “Go on into the living room and take a seat,” Mom instructed. “Mark’s in there with his grandpa, and I know they’ll be excited to see you.”

  After Jonah saw that Sara was situated on the couch, he placed the baby in her arms and invited his dad and little Mark to come take a look.

  “She’s a nice-looking girl.” Dad smiled down at the baby.

  Sara motioned to Mark. “Come over here and meet your little sister.”

  With a dubious expression, he inched his way over to the couch. “Boppli?”

  Sara nodded. “Her name is Martha Jean.”

  Mark reached out and touched the baby’s small hand.

  “I think he likes her.” Jonah grinned.

  “Of course he does. What’s not to like?” Mom extended her hands. “May I hold her?”

  “You sure can.” After Mom took a seat in the rocker, Jonah picked up the baby and placed her in his mother’s arms.

  “When are your parents coming, Sara?” Mom asked as she began rocking the baby. “I’m sure they’re as anxious to see this little girl as we’ve all been.”

  “I believe they’ll be here by the end of the week.” Sara yawned. “Excuse me. Guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

  “Why don’t you go lie down in bed and rest awhile?” Jonah suggested. “You didn’t get much sleep last night at the hospital, so a nap might be just what you need right now.”

  “You’re right. Think I’ll go rest for a bit. Bring the boppli to me if she gets fussy and needs to be fed.” Sara rose from the couch and started across the room. She was almost to the door leading to the hallway when she let out a little gasp and fell to the floor.

  “Sara!” Jonah shouted, dashing across the room, fear clutching his heart. Had she just gotten up too quickly, or was something else wrong?

  CHAPTER 36

  Sara’s body was damp with perspiration, and her eyelids felt heavy, but she forced them open. “Wh—what happened?” she asked as Jonah’s anxious expression came into view.

  “When you were heading to our room to lie down, you fainted.”

  Feeling the familiar comfort of the pillow beneath her head and realizing that she was lying on her bed, Sara asked, “How did I get here?”

  “I carried you.” Using a damp washcloth, Jonah wiped the perspiration from her forehead. “You really gave us a scare.”

  “Where’s the boppli?” Sara asked, rubbing her temples before trying to sit up.

  Jonah put his hands on her shoulders and held her gently in place. “She’s fine. My mamm’s rocking her in the living room, and my daed’s waiting to hear whether he should call 911 or not.”

  Sara shook her head. “There’s no need for that. The doctor said I might feel a bit light-headed for a few days from a loss of blood, but I’m sure it’s nothing to be concerned about. I probably got up too quickly and should have asked for some assistance instead of trying to walk to the bedroom by myself. I’m so thankful I wasn’t holding the baby when I fell.”

  Jonah’s mother stepped into the room just then. “How is she, Jonah? Do we need to call for help?”

  “I’m fine,” Sara replied before Jonah could respond. “But I’m kind of hungerich.”

  “Of course.” Jonah’s mother gave her forehead a thump. “Don’t know what I was thinking. I should have offered to fix you something to eat or drink as soon as you got home. Little Martha’s sleeping in Raymond’s arms right now, so I’ll just run into the kitchen and fix you and Jonah some lunch.” She hurried from the room.

  “I’d really like the boppli here with me,” Sara said, looking up at Jonah. “She might wake up and need to be fed or have her windel changed.”

  “I’ll get her.” Jonah leaned over and kissed Sara’s cheek. “Now please stay put and just rest.”

  When Jonah left the room, Sara closed her eyes and lifted a silent prayer. Heavenly Father, please help me get my strength back soon so I can take good care of my family.

  An hour after Adam and the girls left, Leah heard Sparky barking. She had just let the dog out. “What in the world has that pooch so worked up?” She glanced out the living-room window and saw a car pull in. Normally, her dog was pretty docile and rarely barked when someone pulled into the driveway. Suddenly, Leah knew why Sparky was carrying on. She grinned, surprised to see her mother get out of the passenger side of the vehicle.

  “Wake up, Dad! Mom’s home!” Leah called.

  Roused from his nap on the couch, Dad bolted upright. “Really?”

  Leah nodded. “She just got out of her driver’s car.”

  Dad clambered to his feet and hurried out the door. Leah was right behind him, struggling not to laugh at the way his hair stood up. Any other time, she was sure he would have taken the time to comb it, but he was obviously so excited to see his wife that he hadn’t given a thought to the way his hair looked.

  Though Mom and Dad rarely hugged in front of Leah, not to mention with Mom’s driver in plain view, Leah was pleasantly surprised to see her parents embrace. She giggled, watching Sparky trying to get Mom’s attention as he jumped up and down, pawing at her dress. It was as if he had springs on his feet.

  “It’s been too long, and it’s so good to be home,” Mom said, while Dad patted her back.

  Leah held back until Mom pulled away and Dad went around to retrieve her luggage. She gave Mom a hug. “This is such a surprise. We didn’t expect you until sometime tomorrow.”

  Mom smiled, giving Leah’s arm a tender squeeze. “I decided to leave a day sooner than planned because I wanted to be here to help with all those last-minute things that will need to be done before your wedding.”

  “I appreciate that. How’s Aunt Grace doing?” Leah asked.

  “She and the boppli are fine. You’d hardly know she’s recently had a baby. Grace was up the next day, acting like everything was normal. I’m so glad I was there for the birth and was
able to stay awhile to help out,” Mom said. “You should have seen the look on James’s face when the midwife announced that it was a boy.”

  “Now they have five sons.” Dad grinned, while wiggling his brows. “What’d they name the baby?”

  “They chose Paul.” Mom smiled. “I know James had mentioned that he’d like a little girl this time, but that was all forgotten when they put baby Paul in his arms. No father looked more pleased.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Dad chuckled. “I was pleased as fruit punch when I held Nathan and Leah for the first time.”

  As if in protest of Mom’s lack of attention, Sparky sat down and started barking. “Come here, you sweet pooch.” Mom leaned down with outstretched arms. “I missed you, too.”

  Dad and Leah both laughed as Sparky bounded into Mom’s arms, almost knocking her down. Mom chuckled when Sparky slurped her cheek. “I’m guessing that even our hund must have missed me.”

  Tears sprang to Leah’s eyes. “Oh, Mom, I’m really glad you’re home. Dad and I have both missed you so much. And you’re right, so did Sparky. We never heard so much whining going on. From the minute you left, and then every day after, he’d go to the window or sit by the door, waiting and watching for you.”

  Mom put Sparky down, and after sniffing her luggage for a bit, the dog sat right down on Mom’s feet. “You know what they say: ‘Absence makes the heart grow—’”

  “My heart couldn’t be any fonder of you—even if you never went anywhere without me.” Leah gave Mom another hug. She couldn’t help thinking about Adam’s mother and how she’d abandoned her children. What an awful thing to do. “I really appreciate having you as my mamm. You’ve always been so good to me and Nathan, and I want you to know that I’m grateful for everything you and Dad have ever done for us.”

  Sparky barked, as if agreeing with what Leah had just said.

  Mom smiled. “I appreciate you saying that, Leah, but it’s our responsibility, as well as privilege, to love and nurture our kinner. Your daed and I have always been thankful that God blessed us with two special children. We love you and Nathan so much and want only the best for you.”