December 23, 4:00 A.M.
Oh, but sometimes she felt as if she could see her stomach grow bigger by the minute. Melody groaned as she dried her hands and turned off the bathroom light. As she waddled down the hall—as she was now doing every two hours—she felt as big as a mountain.
And twice as old. No longer did her body seem like her own; instead, it seemed to be owned by a wee baby in her belly, and she was at its beck and call. Tonight, the baby seemed to have a fierce need to go push on her bladder.
As she returned to her room, her blurry, sleepy eyesight righted itself. Out of habit, she glanced at the clock. Four A.M.
It was too early by most Englischers’ standards, but for the Amish, not so much. Melody knew before long she’d hear footsteps of Mr. Brenneman or Henry as the men lumbered down the stairs to attend to the farm animals.
Soon, Mrs. Brenneman would wake and she’d prepare breakfast. Such was their way.
It had been the same at Melody’s home, too. Her family of four rose before dawn and worked to get their chores completed as competently as possible.
May was their gardener and canner. In the spring, she rose early with her beloved plants and seedlings and coaxed them to yield more fruits and vegetables. Summer and fall brought hours of harvesting the bounty. Her father, who had found a lot of work making beautiful custom kitchen cabinets in rich peoples’ homes, would tend to the horse and buggy; then, after a quick breakfast, would ride his bike to his workshop.
And their mother, the heart of their home, polished and swept. She made everyone’s meals and organized their lives. She sewed and helped watch a neighbor’s children three days a week.
Melody was the baker. By all accounts, she baked bread better than the other women in the house. So each morning, she’d rise and prepare another batch of either Friendship bread or yeast bread. And then she, too, would leave for work.
Until recently, she had left on foot.
As the memory tried to resurface, Melody pushed it away. She’d already talked about it with Levi and Katie. Surely her mind didn’t need to revisit things again?
With a sigh, she moved to the rocking chair. Rocked back and forth, tried to clear her mind. Tried to only think of good things, like the way her family used to laugh at supper.
How good it used to be.
Before she’d been attacked, their home had been an organized one. A close one. A happy, if not terribly fufilled, and at least content, way of life. And then, one Friday evening, everything had changed.
May later told her that an elderly couple heard her cries for help and rushed to her side. Melody vaguely remembered the lady’s kind face assuring her that the worst was over. Soon, a police woman arrived on the scene and summoned an ambulance. Later, another officer had gone to her parents and told them the news.
Her parents and May had ridden in the back of a police car to the hospital. They’d been questioned by detectives and given updates by nurses. All three had stayed by her side for the night she’d stayed there. Never did they utter a word of complaint. But somehow their family had changed.
And became more strained when Melody learned she was carrying a baby.
Sometimes, her mother said that the hardest part to deal with was the knowledge that a lifetime of innocence could be ruined in mere minutes. That a lifetime of prayer and good works could be overlooked in a flash.
Every so often, Melody liked to think of her family as a beautiful puzzle that had been put together carefully, each piece fitting just right. Her rape had destroyed the picture, thrown her family into disarray, strewn into a thousand pieces.
Of course, the only thing to do had been to try to pick each part up, one at a time … only to find that some pieces were gone. Lost. And that picture would never be the same.
In her room, rocking, Melody wondered if she could ever forgive herself for that.
December 23, 10:00 A.M.
Leah liked Zack’s family from the moment she saw them shoveling their driveway together. They had on matching blue-and-white ski jackets and looked as athletic and fit as their son.
“Why isn’t Jack out here doing this?” Zack said as soon as he parked his truck off to the side.
“Your brother had to go to work,” his dad explained. “But don’t worry, we’ve got it.”
“I’ll finish it up,” Zack said, already pulling on his gloves. “This is Leah, the gal I called y’all about. Why don’t you take her on in?”
“Glad to meet you, Leah,” his mom said. “I’m Pam. This is Tom.”
Tom waved a snow-covered glove while Zack looked her way. “Will you be okay for a few minutes?”
Leah couldn’t help it, she was charmed. It was so cute to see how well Zack got along with his parents. “I’ll be fine.”
“The rest of this won’t take too long,” Tom called out as Leah started walking toward the house after Pam. “I’ll have Zack back to you in a jiffy.”
Leah grinned as Zack volleyed a snowball at his father. “Honestly, Dad—”
Pam shook her head. “Don’t mind my husband. He likes to tease our oldest. Zack is always so serious.”
“It’s fun to see,” Leah said. For years, it had been just she and her mom. She’d almost forgotten what it had been like when her parents were still married. “And thank you for letting me come out here.”
As they walked into the shelter of the garage, Pam smiled kindly. “We’re happy to meet you, though sad about the circumstances. I’m sorry you’re stuck here in Louisville.”
“It would have been worse if I hadn’t met your son.”
“He does have a nice way about him,” his mother agreed. “All right. Let me get my boots off and then we’ll get inside where it’s warm.”
Leah unlaced her boots and then followed Pam into a sunny blue-and-white kitchen. Flower-painted tiles dotted the walls and blue gingham curtains framed the windows. Instantly, Leah felt at home.
“How about hot chocolate?”
“That would be great, thank you.”
As Zack’s mother bustled around, heating up water and pouring mix into mugs, she directed Leah to the pantry for marshmallows.
Pam had just finished telling Leah about her job as a school secretary and Tom’s job for the fire department when the two men joined them.
“We’re kind of big into public service,” Zack said when she handed him his own hot chocolate. “Jack is an EMT, like I used to be.”
“I guess this is the best place to be if I ever have a problem, then,” she teased. “Someone here could always fix it.”
“Yeah. I think that’s kind of our way. All of us hate sitting around, waiting on other people,” Tom explained. “We’d kind of rather take care of things ourselves.”
“Or maybe, we’re gluttons for punishment,” Pam quipped.
After finishing their drinks, Zack stood up. “So, are you ready to see some puppies?”
“Of course.”
“Be careful, Leah,” his mom warned. “They’re so cute, you’re going to want one.”
As she followed Zack down the hall, she looked at him with a new perspective. Little by little, the man beside her kept revealing a new side to her, and she had to admit she was intrigued. Not only had he helped her, but it looked like helping others was a basic part of his life.
“I like your parents.”
“Thanks. I like them, too.”
“I liked learning more about you from your mom. You’ve done some pretty incredible things as a highway patrol officer.”
He looked down. “I was just doing my job, Leah.”
“You seem embarrassed. Are you?”
“I just don’t think my job is anything special. Not like yours. You’re going to have the ability to influence a lot of people as a guidance counselor.”
“Maybe I will. That is, if I can get a job.” Now she was the one feeling uncomfortable. While it was true that she had big plans, he had already accomplished so much, and only a few years older.
Something flickered in his eyes. A new expression that told so much. That he understood, and was glad that she, too, wasn’t the type to brag about achievements.
The hall ended in a small sunroom. Instead of a door opening into the area, a baby gate blocked the passage. “Here’s where Trixie and her pups are.” Eyeing the gate a little warily, he said, “This is a little high. My mom bought it at a garage sale, so it can’t be unlatched. Do you think you can step over it?”
“Without a problem,” she said. “I’m short but capable.”
“Somehow that sounds about right,” he said with a smile. But still, he reached out for her arm as she clambered over the gate.
As she grasped it, Leah thought it felt warm and solid. Like it was used to carrying burdens. Slowly, she met his gaze. For a moment, she wished he’d keep his hand on her arm. Or let it slip down to her hand and grasp it.
What was happening between them? They seemed to be rolling head over feet into a relationship without either of them really pushing. Their conversations were getting deeper, more meaningful, all at dizzying speed.
She was extremely grateful for the pup that toddled over and explored her ankle. “Oh, Zack!” she cried, crouching down to the tiny brown and white ball of fur.
While Zack merely looked on, it was the puppy that demanded an answer. “Yip!”
Reaching out, she gently patted its back, afraid to scare it. But it was no scaredy-cat. “Yip!” it cried again; then, with a spin, darted back to its brothers and sisters.
Leah was completely, utterly in love.
“Zack, they’re so cute! I don’t know how you’ll ever let them go.”
He grinned as he knelt down next to the box. “It’s hard. There’s nothing cuter than a puppy.”
Leah figured she would have a hard time topping that statement. The pups were extremely cute, and their mother, a pretty tricolored beagle, looked as proud as any human mom. Her chocolaty brown eyes automatically went to Zack and her tail thumped twice.
His hand looked gentle as he rubbed Trixie’s head. “How you doing, girl? Those kids driving you crazy yet?”
As Trixie thumped her tail again, Leah scooted a little closer to Zack. Soon, the adventurous pup who’d greeted her went back toward its mom. With a tiny push, it nudged its way in for some milk.
Leah tried to count the pups, but it took some doing. They were in a puppy clump. Some were nursing, others were asleep. Each one was cuter than the next. After a few minutes, a few left Trixie’s side and greeted Zack.
Knowing how protective mother dogs were, Leah stayed still, letting Zack be the guide. And that was okay, too, because seeing Zack Littleton in this way was mesmerizing. His hazel eyes gleamed as he let one of the pups chew on his finger. He laughed as another yipped and plopped on its rear.
“They’re wonderful, Zack,” she said. Not daring to add that she thought he was pretty wonderful, too.
Zack looked at Leah and smiled. “I thought you’d like them. Makes you almost forget it’s snowing outside.”
“Almost.”
When Trixie thumped her tail again, Leah reached out her hand to pet her, then stilled. She didn’t want to worry the new mother.
“It’s okay,” Zack murmured. “Trixie trusts me. Just go ahead and say hi to her first.”
Following Zack’s lead, she petted the beagle. “Your babies are beautiful,” she whispered, then grinned Zack’s way as one little puppy stretched and walked over to inspect her. Before she knew it, two others yipped and whined, and then jumped and raced her way.
Zack laughed. “Oh, you’re in for it now. They want to play.”
Pushing her legs out in front of her, Leah picked up the puppy who’d just yipped. The little pup was pudgy and squirmy. Unable to help herself, she cuddled him close. “Oh, he smells like a puppy.”
Zack reached over and rubbed the puppy’s head. “I knew you’d love them.” He paused. “Listen, I’m going to do a little bit of cleaning up and check my email before we get going. Will you be okay for a few minutes?”
“Playing with puppies? Take your time.”
Soon, all six wanted attention, and Leah literally had her hands full of wiggling, squirming pups. She picked up one after the other as Zack cleaned up shredded, soiled newspaper and refilled the water bowl. Soon, even Trixie got to her feet and stretched.
“She wants to go out. I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time.” Leah shooed him away. “I’ll be fine. Take all the time you want.”
As he left the room, she realized with some surprise that she was starting to feel more at ease with him. Maybe it was because she’d met his family. Maybe it was because he was a police officer. Or maybe, it was just because he was Zack.
Chapter 13
December 23, 11:00 A.M.
“We couldn’t stay away another day,” Winnie Miller said when she arrived at the inn with Sam and a suitcase full of clothes.
Looking at his wife fondly, Sam chuckled. “Just so you know, Winnie means that literally. If I hadn’t started loading up the buggy right after breakfast, I’m afraid she would have started walking over here.”
“I wasn’t that bad. Well, maybe I was,” Winnie said with a grin as she followed Katie and Anna into the entryway of the home. “I’ve just been on eggshells wondering what you all have been doing this morning without me.” She looked around. “What project are you working on today? Quilts, maybe? Cookies?”
“I believe the plan is to make doughnuts and wrap up Christmas presents for the girls,” Anna said. “And we’re going to have some venison stew. The men have been busy hunting.”
Katie smiled at her sister-in-law’s quick pace as she followed them into the hearth room to greet Mary and Hannah.
After admiring the napkins the girls were finishing up for their grandmother, Winnie eyed Katie more closely. “Are you all right? How’s Eli?”
“A little fussy today, if you want to know the truth. Jonathan’s rocking him in our room. I’m hoping he’s just out of sorts because of all the people.”
Winnie winked. “That’s understandable. I’ve been known to be out of sorts from time to time as well.”
Thinking of when Winnie had been recuperating from the fire and had been confined to a wheelchair, Katie said, “Perhaps my Eli takes after his aunt? He doesn’t like to be confined one bit.”
“Let’s hope he never has to have his leg in a cast, then,” Winnie teased. She looked to continue when Melody stuck her head in.
When she spied the three of them, Melody quickly stepped out. “I’m sorry. I was just looking for my book.”
Still mindful of Melody’s news, and her past behavior, Katie rushed to invite her. “Would you like to join us? We’re going to make lard cakes soon.”
“Thank you, but no. I seem to be all thumbs today. Who knows what trouble I’d get into near hot oil. I’m going to sit and read for a bit before I go outside.”
That surprised Katie. “Outside? It’s barely above freezing.”
“I know, but the sun is out. And, well … Levi offered to walk with me this afternoon.”
“Ah. Well, I imagine a little bit of fresh air will do you good.”
As Anna walked off with Melody to help her find her book, Winnie turned to Katie. “How are things going? Does she seem to be settling in better?”
“I think so.” Briefly she told Winnie about hearing Melody cry at night … and then also how she noticed Melody and Levi eating cookies together the night before. “Perhaps she had been right to come here for the holiday. She certainly needed to rest.”
Winnie, being Winnie, jumped from the story to her quick conclusion.
“Or, perhaps, there was more guiding here than simply a need to rest. Perhaps God put them both here for a reason.”
Katie did believe in the Lord guiding them … but she also believed in chance, too. “We’ve lots of people who stay here at the same time. Usually, it’s of no consequence.”
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sp; “But it could be. You never know,” she added, her voice turning dreamy. “Why, I think God put me in the hospital right next to Samuel’s place of work for a reason …”
“Perhaps,” Katie allowed. “Or, perhaps not. You’re such a romantic, Win.”
“Only recently. But truly, being romantic is a good thing, ain’t so?”
“Oh, Win. You do make me laugh. Come help me roll out dough for the lard cakes.”
December 23, 11:00 A.M.
The most wondrous things were happening at the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast. Sometime between when she’d first arrived in such an exhaustive state—and now, just two days later—Melody had begun to feel at peace.
Perhaps it was the homespun comfort of the inn, with the fresh scent of greenery draping the front door and the trio of candles decorating the front reception desk.
Perhaps it was the friendship she observed among the Brenneman family. They had a bustling, comfortable way about them. Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman were the obvious heads of the house, but they easily worked side by side with Henry and Katie. Yes, there was real love there.
Or, perhaps, what affected Melody most was the romantic love between the newlyweds. Seeing Katie’s blue eyes shine whenever she saw her husband made Melody smile, too.
And watching Henry’s ever-so-patient demeanor with his Anna truly made Melody sigh with longing. It was so obvious that these matches were made in heaven, and that they were fulfilling partnerships in every way possible.
And while seeing that should have made Melody feel even more nostalgic for the things that could never be, right here, right now at the inn … why, everything suddenly felt possible. Suddenly all her despair was leaving her.
But perhaps much of that optimism had to do with the man beside her. Levi Bender was secretive and quiet. His eyes seemed to see far more than he let on. And it was obvious that his feelings ran deep. But it was because of that pain—not in spite of it—that a sense of tranquility had been created between them.
Melody was grateful for it as they bundled up and walked outside.
There weren’t too many places to go, not really. It was either walk around the property or go into the woods. Or do what they were doing now, which was walk up and down the long, meandering driveway. Levi was one of the few men she’d ever met who didn’t seem to mind her small stature, or her slow walking pace. In fact, it felt as if he could have let their little walk take all day, if that’s what she needed. Every so often when she would stop, he would hold out a hand just in case she needed his support.
Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel Page 10