Amish Christmas Joy (Mills & Boon Love Inspired) (Brides of Amish Country - Book 10)

by Davids, Patricia

  * * *

  “You look happy today, teacher.”

  Leah realized she was grinning foolishly and schooled her expression into something more appropriate for the classroom. Anna, Emmy, David and Kyle were gathered in front of her desk. “I’m happy because Christmas is almost here.”

  And because Caleb Mast had kissed her yesterday.

  It had been all too brief, but that hadn’t detracted from its impact. She started smiling again just thinking about the tender way his lips brushed hers. She would remember forever the sweetness of the moment.

  Anna said, “Christmas is what we wanted to talk to you about. Actually, about our Christmas program.”

  “What about our program?” The rehearsal had gone quite well. Only one child had forgotten his lines.

  “Joy doesn’t have a part in it,” Kyle said.

  Everyone but Joy had remained after school for the rehearsal. She had gone home with her father after having an entire day that was crisis-free.

  Leah frowned slightly. “Joy started school so late that I didn’t think she would have time to learn our songs or a part in the play or the skits you children are putting on. I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. I thought it would be best if she watched the program with her family this year. I promise that next year we will include her.”

  Anna looked at her friends and then said, “We have written a play for her. I know that it’s your job to choose the songs and plays, but maybe this once we could do one?”

  What wonderful children they were for wanting to include Joy. “I’m pleased that you have thought of this. But the programs have already been printed.”

  “Couldn’t you just announce that we have added one more play?” Anna handed Leah a piece of paper.

  Leah opened it and read the short play. She looked at the children standing in front of her as her heart swelled with happiness. “Are you sure you want to try this?”

  They all nodded vigorously.

  “All right. I will talk to Joy’s father and grandmother and find out if they can help her learn her part.”

  “Danki, teacher. We will help her, too,” Kyle said. He knew how hard it was to be an outsider coming into a small Amish community. It was generous of him to help make Joy’s transition easier.

  The children finished straightening up the desks and went home. Leah stayed behind to finish her own work. Picking up an eraser, she began to clean the blackboard. Now that she was alone, she was free to think about “the kiss” and what it might mean for her if Caleb stayed and joined the church.

  Laying down the eraser, she picked up a piece of chalk and wrote Caleb Mast in large letters across the board. Then beneath it she added Mrs. Caleb Mast, then Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Mast.

  She stared at the board and started to giggle. She wasn’t any better than the boy-crazy girls in her eighth-grade class. The possibility of marriage and family made Leah’s heart sing, but she was a practical woman, not a teenage girl. One kiss did not mean a lifetime together.

  Caleb hadn’t said anything about love or marriage. Although he was considering returning to the Amish way of life, he had not yet made that commitment. A kiss was just a kiss without it. But if he chose not to stay, her heart would break in a million pieces.

  On Saturday, she would spend the day with her sister and her family. While Caleb had made strides in repairing his relationship with his parents, he hadn’t made any progress in gaining her sister’s forgiveness. Although Caleb was a touchy subject, Leah hoped that she could find a way to help Rhonda accept, if not welcome, his return to the community.

  She stared at the blackboard and sighed. She was letting her foolish heart put the cart before the horse. She picked up the eraser again and wiped away her daydreams.

  * * *

  If the new mayor’s goal was to bring people to Hope Springs for the Christmas parade, the plan was a whopping success. Caleb held Joy’s hand as they made their way along Main Street. His parents walked behind them. The parade wasn’t due to start for another half hour, but already there were crowds of people seated on lawn chairs lining the street. The mix was equally Amish and non-Amish. There were sheriff’s deputies and town police officers directing traffic away from Main Street to keep it open for the parade vehicles. Caleb had left their buggy at the parking lot next to the Wadler Inn, near the edge of town.

  “Where are we going to sit, Daddy?” Joy tried to see around the people in front of them.

  He was searching the crowd for Leah, but he hadn’t seen her or his brother. He looked over his shoulder. “Where do you think, Daed?”

  “Down by the park. There is more space and we will be able to see more than just this narrow street.”

  “The park it is.” Caleb moved ahead quickly. If Leah was here, he wanted to see her. He didn’t have to speak to her, although he would like that very much. But just to see her would be enough today.

  It was hard to stop thinking about her. About the kiss they had shared. Did she regret it? Had he embarrassed her? Would she let him kiss her again? They were questions he was afraid to ask. He knew if they saw each other, he would read the answers on her face.

  His father was right. People were more spread out along the edge of the park. A number of children were making good use of the playground. He and his father set out their canvas folding chairs while his mother unpacked food from a small basket. As soon as they were settled, she handed out whoopee pies and bottled drinks.

  Caleb was amazed at the number of people who stopped to say hello and to meet Joy. He had dressed Plain that day, with the dark coat, dark pants and black wide-brimmed hat borrowed from his father. They had been sitting for about ten minutes when Joy suddenly bolted out of her chair and ran toward an English family. He rushed after her as she grabbed a little girl about her own age and squealed with glee.

  “I’m sorry,” he said to the startled father.

  “Look, Daddy. She’s just like me.”

  It was then Caleb realized the other child also had Down syndrome. Her father extended his hand. “I see you are blessed with a special child, too. Aren’t they amazing children?”

  “Yes. I hope she didn’t frighten your daughter. She doesn’t normally grab people. Joy, let her go, honey.”

  “Melissa hugs everyone. I’m Gerard Franks. Do you live in the area?”

  “Joy and I recently moved to Hope Springs. I’m Caleb Mast.”

  “Nice to meet you. We live near Millersburg. Not too far away. Maybe we can get together for a playdate with our girls one of these days.”

  “I think Joy would like that.”

  Gerard pulled out a business card. “I’m the treasurer of the local Down syndrome support group. We meet once a month so that our families can get together and enjoy each other’s company.”

  “I didn’t realize there was a support group for children like Joy.”

  Gerard looked surprised. “There are local as well as national chapters. If you’re interested, drop by one of our meetings. We’re working to change the world’s perception of our children and give them the future they deserve. We also help new parents face the special challenges our blessings bring. We have many Amish families in our group. Joy won’t feel out of place.”

  He took his daughter’s hand and they walked away. Joy turned to Caleb. “She has Up sindome just like me.”

  “I see that.”

  He stared at the card in his hand. It felt strange to know other people were dealing with the same issues that he faced. That they were working to ensure the same kind of future for their children that he was seeking for Joy. Somehow, he thought such acceptance only happened among the Amish. It seemed that he was wrong. If things didn’t work out, if he found he couldn’t accept the Amish way of life again, he and Joy wouldn’t have to face life alone.

  He walked back to his parents and held Joy on his lap so that she could see better. The shrill siren announced the beginning of the parade. Leading the way was the county sheriff’s S
UV with all its lights flashing. As it rolled down the street, the siren would sound every few minutes. Joy got off his lap and raced to the edge of the street. She covered her ears and grinned each time the siren sounded.

  Walking behind the sheriff’s vehicle was a color guard made up of veterans. They held their flags stiffly in front of them and marched with precision. Some of them were older than Caleb’s father.

  After that came the high school marching band, a saddle club with all the horses sporting red-and-white ribbons braided into their manes and tails, and numerous homemade floats from the local merchants and churches. Some of the car dealerships from as far away as New Philadelphia had convertibles and trucks decked out with holiday lights and Christmas trees. They threw candy toward the children gathered along the edge of the street as a fellow dressed like Santa Claus rode up and down and all around on a small motor scooter.

  When the local ambulance passed by, Caleb caught sight of Leah and her family on the other side of the street. David saw Joy at the same time and darted out into the street toward her.

  He didn’t see the motor scooter bearing down on him. Santa was waving to the crowd and didn’t notice the boy in his path.

  Caleb shot into the street, but a sheriff’s deputy had already grabbed David and hauled him out of harm’s way.

  Caleb and Rhonda reached him at the same time. There was something familiar about the man, but Caleb couldn’t place him. The officer tipped his hat toward Rhonda. “Long time no see, Rhonda.”

  The color leached out of her face. She reached for David, but the officer held on to him. The officer’s eyes never left Rhonda’s face. “You’ve got a nice-looking boy, Rhonda.”

  She reached out and yanked her son away from him. He smiled as she hurried back into the crowd. Caleb had a chance to study him. The uniform was different from those of the officers he had seen directing traffic. The patch on his arm bore the logo of the county to the south.

  When the man turned toward Caleb, he realized who it was. Drake Colburn, the deputy on the scene the night of Rhonda’s accident. He looked Caleb up and down. “What do you want?”

  “Just to add my thanks. How do you know my brother’s wife?”

  “That’s my business and none of yours. Have a nice day.” He walked away along the parade route, motioning to people to move back out of the street.

  Caleb returned to his family. The parade was soon over and they joined the flow of the crowd as they headed out of town. He scanned the area for Leah but didn’t see her. She would be at the church service tomorrow. It was unlikely that they would find time to be alone together, but tomorrow night they had something special planned for Joy. He knew he’d have the chance to repeat their kiss or discover if he was wasting his time. He walked on, disappointed but more than a little curious about Rhonda’s reaction to Drake Colburn.

  On the way to the buggy, Joy stopped to stare in the window of a shop with a white flocked tree on display. She pressed her nose to the glass. “It’s a pretty tree. Mama said we would have one like this someday.”

  He didn’t know what to say. He took her hand and gently led her away. “Did you like the parade?”

  She looked over her shoulder. Another family had stopped in front of the window to admire the display. “Christmas is for families to be together.”

  “Yes, it is. And I’m glad I have you with me this Christmas. You are making it very special. You are my very own Christmas Joy.”

  She smiled at him then, and he hoped the tree and thoughts of her mother would be forgotten.

  * * *

  Caleb had made up his mind, but he was still nervous as he rode in the buggy with his parents and Joy on Sunday morning. If he was coming back to the Amish community, and back to God, attending church was the best place to start. Then a job would be next on his list. He couldn’t live on his savings forever.

  “It will be goot to have our son and granddaughter listen to the Lord’s words with us.” His mother could not have looked more pleased. Even his father was in a happy mood. He let Joy take the reins for a while as they trotted along a deserted stretch of country road.

  It didn’t take long to reach the Yutzi farmstead, where the services were to be held. Caleb unhitched the horse and led it to a nearby corral where two dozen other horses were lined up in their harnesses, munching on hay and waiting to make the return trip with their families. When he approached the barn where the preaching was to take place, he saw that his parents and Joy had already gone in.

  He stepped inside the cavernous opening. Tarps had been used to cover the hay bales stacked along each side. The benches had been set out in rows with a wide center aisle. The men sat on one side and the women sat on the other.

  Caleb walked to the last row. A pair of teenage boys scooted over to make room for him. He was prepared to spend three hours sitting on a hard wooden bench. What he wasn’t prepared for was the swelling emotion that engulfed him when the first familiar hymn began.

  The slow and mournful chanting rose in volume as many voices blended in the ancient German song that had been passed down through the generations. No music accompanied the singing. Only the voices of the faithful poured into his ears and into his heart.

  Listening to the words of sorrow, hope and God’s promise of salvation, Caleb felt a stirring deep within his soul. Why had he stayed away from God so long? His life had been empty without faith, but God was filling him again.

  He quietly added his voice to the chorus. When the song was done, he listened intently to Bishop Zook as he spoke about the hardship of the journey that Joseph and Mary had undergone on the way to Bethlehem and the great joy that awaited them at journey’s end.

  When the second hymn began, Caleb opened the hymnal beside him on the bench and joined in the song. He looked across the aisle and saw Leah looking his way. She smiled at him, and it turned his heart inside out. He suddenly realized he didn’t just like her. He was falling in love with her. With her kindness, her wonderful bright mind and her adorable smile.

  God had given him a special daughter, and Joy had led him home, to his family and to his faith. Had God used Joy to bring him love, too? Did the Lord have more blessings in store for him?

  Caleb opened his heart and prayed that Leah would be one of them.

  Much later that afternoon, Caleb sat at the kitchen table and motioned to his parents that he was leaving the house. They smiled and his father winked at him, as happy as a kid to be in on the secret.

  Caleb said, “Joy, I have a surprise for you.”

  “What is it?”

  “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Put your coat, snow pants, boots and mittens on.”

  “Why?”

  “Because your surprise is outside.”

  She took her coat from the peg and buttoned it. “Is it big? Is it a pony? Is it a sled?”

  “It’s not a pony or a sled. Stop asking questions and hurry up.” He opened the door. She pulled on her snow pants and boots and joined him. He led her along the path they took to school.

  When they were at the place where the path made a small bend, he said, “Cover your eyes and no peeking.”

  She placed her mittens over her face. “I can’t see.”

  He picked her up and carried her the rest of the way.

  “Can I look now?”

  “No. Keep those peepers shut.” It was a bit of a struggle to walk through the thick snow, but he trudged ahead.

  She waited another minute. “Can I look now?”

  “I guess so.” He was standing in front of her tree.

  Her eyes opened wide with shock. “A Christmas tree.” Her voice was hushed with wonder.

  Leah stepped out from behind it. “Surprise. Do you like it?”

  Joy threw her arms around Caleb’s neck and squeezed hard as she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

  His heart swelled with love. “I guess that means you like it.”

  “It’s beautiful.” She struggled to get down. He
set her on her feet in the deep snow. Leah had tied red bows of yarn to the branches. With the newly fallen snow clinging to the needles, it looked sparkling and bright. Joy walked around the tree and clapped her hands.

  Leah smiled at him. The sight of her warmed his heart. Would she consent to share his life? It was too soon to ask, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to wait much longer.

  Picking up a basket, Leah said, “I brought more decorations. These are the ones the children made at school.”

  For the next half hour, they hung slices of oranges and apples around the tree, along with pinecones that had been smeared with peanut butter and rolled in birdseed. The brightly colored yarn would supply the birds with soft nesting material come spring. When Joy couldn’t reach the higher branches, Caleb lifted her and held her as Leah handed her more decorations. When they were finished, he put Joy down and she stood back. “Where’s the star?”

  “I have it right here.” Leah produced a large gingerbread cookie shaped like a star and frosted white. She handed it to Caleb. He raised one eyebrow. “It’s a little worldly for the birds, isn’t it?”

  “I think it’s nearly perfect.”

  He propped the cookie in the upper branches and took a step away. Joy, her cheeks red from the cold, turned to Leah. “Can I show it to Pickles? She’s never seen a Christmas tree.”

  “When she’s a little older. Her eyes are open now. You must come and visit her soon.”

  “Can I, Daddy?”

  “How about going there tonight?”

  “Yeah!” She threw her arms around his legs. “This is the best surprise I ever had.”

  Emotion choked off Caleb’s voice. What a true blessing this child was. If she had to go back to Valerie, he didn’t know how he would face it.

  “You are going to make many, many birds happy with your Christmas gift to them,” Leah said.

  Caleb cleared his throat. “Are you ready for another surprise?”

  “Yes!” She jumped as she shouted.

  He pointed toward the lane. “Go right through there. Mammi and Daadi are waiting for you.”