by Amy Clipston
Naomi chuckled. “Did he?”
“I thought he would never stop talking.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Why didn’t you look for me?”
She frowned. “I’d thought you were busy with Hezekiah and Irene.”
“Busy?”
“Talking business.” She lifted her mug and took another sip.
He shook his head. “No, we weren’t.”
She gave him a thoughtful expression.
“Danki for the gift,” he said. “It’s perfect.”
She cleared her throat. “Gern gschehne.”
He took a deep breath. It was time for him to be honest about his feelings. He pulled her note from his pocket. “I was touched to get this. It meant a lot to me.”
Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“I wanted to tell you that I —” he began.
“I think it’s time for you to get some rest, Naomi,” Irma interrupted, stepping into the room. “It’s very late and tomorrow is Christmas.” She tapped Caleb’s shoulder. “Robert is here. He stopped by to see if we’d found you. He’s ready to take you home.”
“Okay.” Caleb stood. “Let me just say good-bye.”
Irma gave him a stern expression. “Keep it short.”
Feeling like a teenager, Caleb nodded and suppressed a grin. Did Irma truly think he was planning on misbehaving with her injured daughter?
Caleb waited until Irma stepped out to the kitchen and then walked around the bed to Naomi. Taking her hand in his, he looked deep into her eyes, which rounded with surprise.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he said softly. “I was very worried about you.”
She nodded, looking speechless.
“Danki again for the note you gave me with the drill,” he said, holding the note up before putting it back into his pocket. “Your words touched me deeply. I, too, am looking forward to where our friendship takes us.” He shook her hand. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag, mei freind.”
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag,” she echoed, her eyes still wide.
He then stepped out into the kitchen. “Gut nacht,” he said to Irma.
“Danki, Caleb,” Irma said, shaking his hand. “We’re so glad you rescued her.”
Naomi adjusted herself in the bed. The pain from her ankle radiated up her leg in waves, stealing her breath.
However, the buzz in her mind affected her more deeply than the pain from her foot as she watched Caleb walk out into the kitchen. Her heart pounded and a smile spread on her lips as she remembered the look on his face as he’d held her hand. His words had left her both dizzy and speechless. The note she’d written to him had touched him, and he looked forward to a future with her.
A future?
But what did that mean exactly? Did he only want to be friends or did he want something more?
“You’re a very blessed maedel,” Irma said, stepping back into the bedroom. “You could’ve been lost out there all night.”
Naomi sighed. “I know.” She tried to move her leg and sucked in a ragged breath when the discomfort shot through her ankle.
“Ach,” her mother rushed over and took her hand. “Are you okay?”
Naomi nodded as the pain subsided a bit. “I think so.”
“Do you want more painkiller?” Her mother’s eyes were wide with worry.
“No, danki.” Naomi forced a smile. “I’ll be okay in a moment. The pain comes and goes.”
Her mother pulled a chair up next to her. “Caleb is a gut man.”
Naomi blinked, stunned by how direct her mother was.
Irma smiled. “I believe he may have feelings for you.”
Naomi cleared her throat. “I’m not certain about that, but I hope so.”
Irma raised an eyebrow. “I believe you know the answer to that.”
Shaking her head, Naomi smoothed the quilt over her nightgown. “Susie told me that Caleb found a house and they’re moving here, but I’m not certain of what that will mean for him and me. All I know is that I do care for him and Susie, and I hope to get to know them better.”
“He cares for you too, Naomi,” Irma said with a knowing smile. “I believe he cares quite deeply for you. I wish you could’ve seen his face when your dat carried you in.”
Naomi rubbed the back of her neck, which was stiff from the fall. “I don’t understand.”
Irma rubbed Naomi’s arm. “He was worried sick about you. I was wrong to tell you not to consider him because he’s a widower.” She smiled. “My mother’s favorite verse was from Romans. It went something like this: ‘But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.’ “
Naomi shook her head. “What are you trying to say, Mamm?”
“You’ve waited for your true love,” Irma said, still smiling. “Now let God lead you and Caleb down the road.”
“My true love?” Naomi whispered.
“I think so, but only time will tell. See where God leads you and Caleb. I think you’re off to a gut start.” Irma stood. “You need to get some sleep.”
“What about the Christmas table?”
Irma kissed Naomi’s head. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Danki,” Naomi said, trying to find a comfortable position on the bed despite the discomfort in her ankle.
“You get better.” Irma wagged a finger at her. “And don’t you ever take off alone in the snow again. You hear me?”
Naomi smiled. “Yes, Mamm. I definitely learned my lesson. Gut nacht.”
“Gut nacht.” Her mother left, gently closing the door behind her.
Naomi stared up at the ceiling, ignoring her injury and thinking of Caleb. She fell asleep with a smile on her face, dreaming of her possible future with Caleb and Susie.
Epilogue
Naomi smiled despite the pain in her ankle while sitting at the kitchen table the following afternoon. Around her, all of her siblings laughed, ate candy, and played with their new toys.
“Naomi,” her father said, tapping her on the shoulder. “You have visitors.”
“I do?” She looked up at him, hoping that her prayers had come true. She’d been thinking of Caleb and Susie all morning.
“Let me help you into the schtupp.” Taking her arm, Titus helped Naomi while she half hopped, half limped.
Moving to the doorway, she found Caleb and Susie standing in the room, and tears filled Naomi’s eyes. Her prayers had been answered. She was going to spend Christmas with her new friends.
Caleb rushed over and took Naomi’s other arm. “Let me help you.”
“Danki,” Naomi said, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
“Are you in much pain?” he asked, his green eyes filling with concern.
“I’ll be fine,” she said.
They helped her to the sofa, and she sank onto the end cushion.
Susie rushed over and hugged Naomi. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag!”
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag, mei liewe,” Naomi said before kissing the little girl’s head.
“Can I go see Levina and Sylvia?” Susie asked.
“Of course,” Naomi said, gesturing toward the adjacent room. “Have fun.”
Susie ran off toward the kitchen.
The sofa shifted beside Naomi as Caleb lowered himself down next to her. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag.” He handed her a bag.
“Oh, Caleb,” Naomi said, taking the bag. “You didn’t have to.”
He laughed. “Of course I did. Please open it.”
Naomi’s heart fluttered as she opened the bag and pulled out the black Bible she’d longed to buy for herself. She ran her fingers over the cover. “Caleb,” she whispered, meeting his intense stare. “You spent too much.”
“No, I didn’t.” He nodded toward the Bible. “Please open it. There’s something inside.”
She opened the cover and found a note in neat handwriting:
Naomi,
I thought it was only fitting to give you this Bible for Christmas. I know how mu
ch it would mean to you to have a new Bible for your nightly devotions. I hope that you realize how much you mean to both Susie and me. Your friendship is precious to us, just like the precious verses contained in this holy book.
I’m so thankful that God led Susie and me back to my hometown for Christmas and I’m even more thankful that He led me to you. You’ve taught me so much about finding joy in life again despite past heartaches. You’ve helped me remember what it means to be happy. I look forward to where God leads us on this journey together.
Frehlicher Grischtdaag!
Caleb
She read the words over and over again, and she was both stunned and confused by the sentiment they contained. Questions swirled in her mind. She needed to know what the inscription truly meant, but she couldn’t form the words to ask him.
Finally, with tears pooling in her eyes, Naomi looked up. “Danki. It’s schee.”
He touched her hand, and her pulse skittered. “I need to know something. What did you mean last night when you said you thought I was discussing business with Hezekiah and Irene?”
“Susie said you were going into business with Hezekiah,” Naomi said.
Caleb shook his head. “No, I’m not. I found a house that has a shop, and I’m going to open my own carriage shop.”
Naomi smiled. “That’s wunderbaar!”
“Hezekiah and Irene were talking my ear off last night, but it was nothing but idle conversation.”
Naomi took a deep breath and glanced down at the Bible. She needed to know the truth about him and Irene. “Are you courting Irene?” she asked while running her fingers over the cover of the Bible.
He snorted. “No. Why do you ask?”
She met his expression, not finding any sign of a lie. “I heard Sadie talking.”
He frowned. “What did mei schweschder say now?”
“She was telling someone that you and Irene would be a gut couple. She made a point of saying that Susie needed a mamm, implying that Irene could be a gut candidate for that role.”
Caleb rolled his eyes. “Sadie tries too hard to run my life. She means well, but she does more damage than good.” His frown deepened. “And the last role that Irene would be gut for would be a mamm. She’s terrible with Susie, and she’s been nothing but rude to my precious dochder.”
Naomi shook her head. “I can’t imagine ever being rude or nasty to Susie. She’s such a special girl. I’m sorry that Irene isn’t nice to Susie, but I’m so glad Sadie was wrong.”
“Sadie has been wrong about a lot of things,” Caleb said. “Most of all, she was wrong about who I belong with. I definitely don’t belong with Irene.”
“Is that so?” Naomi’s smile reappeared.
He nodded, his own smile growing. “She’s not any fun to go shopping with.”
“And I would imagine she doesn’t like root beer.” Naomi coyly tapped her chin. “I seem to remember that you promised me a root beer float.”
He grinned. “I did. And I intend to keep that promise.” His smile faded. “But I must ask you one question first.”
“What’s that?”
He took her hands in his, and the feel of his warm skin caused her heart to beat at hyper speed. “Naomi, that time we sat on the porch together, you asked me if I believed God gave second chances at true love. I told you yes, but I honestly wasn’t sure.” His eyes sparkled. “Since I’ve met you, I know that answer for certain. I think God has given me a second chance when he brought me to you. We would be a gut couple, and I would be honored to court you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “After I had my heart broken twice, I was certain I’d never find love. Now I see that God had a plan all along for me. I think this is the Christmas miracle Susie wanted for you. It’s also a miracle for me.”
“She told me that she’d asked you if you believed in miracles,” he said, running his finger down her jaw line.
She nodded, butterflies fluttering in her belly at the feel of his gentle touch.
“She also asked me if I believe in miracles, and I do believe in them,” he said. “And, ya, my little girl was right because you’re my miracle. No, actually, you’re a miracle for Susie and me. We both love you.” He nodded toward the Bible. “There’s a reason why I didn’t have your name engraved on the Bible. I thought that you might change your name someday and I wanted to be certain that I put the correct name on the cover.”
Before she could respond, he leaned over and gently pressed his lips against hers, sending the pit of her stomach into a wild swirl.
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag, Naomi,” he whispered against her lips.
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag,” she whispered, leaning her head against his shoulder and closing her eyes.
Acknowledgments
I’m thankful to my loving and supportive family, including my mother, Lola Goebelbecker; my husband, Joe; my sons, Zac and Matt; my mother-in-law, Sharon Clipston; and my wonderful aunts, Trudy Janitz and Debbie Floyd.
I’m more grateful than words can express for my amazing friends who critique and edit for me: Jean Love, Sue McKlveen, and Lauran Rodriguez. Special thanks to Lauran for admiring the character of Naomi King and inspiring this book.
Thank you also to Ruth Meily for her continued help with Lancaster County research and recipes. I’m also grateful to Cathy Zimmermann for her help and quick answers to my Amish and Lancaster County questions. Thank you also to Stacey Barbalace for her help with the Amish details and accuracy.
As always, thank you to my special Amish friend who patiently answers my endless stream of questions.
Thank you to my awesome agent, Mary Sue Seymour, for her professional expertise and her friendship.
I’m grateful for the fabulous team at Zondervan, especially Sue Brower, Becky Philpott, and Alicia Mey.
Thank you also to my faithful readers for your love and friendship.
Thank you most of all, God, for giving me the opportunity to glorify You. I’m so thankful and humbled You’ve chosen this path for me.
Special thanks to Cathy and Dennis Zimmermann for their hospitality and research assistance in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Cathy & Dennis Zimmermann, Innkeepers
The Creekside Inn
44 Leacock Road — PO Box 435
Paradise, PA 17562
Toll Free: (866) 604 – 2574
Local Phone: (717) 687 – 0333
The author and publisher gratefully acknowledge the following resources that were used to research information for this book:
C. Richard Beam, Revised Pennsylvania German Dictionary: English to Pennsylvania Dutch (Brookshire Publications, 1991).
Rose Heiberger, Buggy Seat Bare Feet, rev. ed. (Gordonville, Pennsylvania Print Shop, 1994).
RASPBERRY DREAM TORTE
1-10 oz. pkg. frozen raspberries
1¼ cup vanilla wafer crumbs
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup butter
1½ cups 10x (confectioner’s) sugar
¼ t. vanilla
¼ t. almond extract
¼ cup sugar
2 T. cornstarch
Whipped cream for garnish
2 eggs
Defrost raspberries. Combine vanilla wafer crumbs and ¼ cup melted butter. Press into bottom of 7 ½-inch spring form pan. Cream ½ cup butter and 10x sugar. Add eggs, beating well after each. Blend in extracts. Spread over crumb layer. Chill until firm. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and raspberries in a pan. Cook on stovetop at medium heat, stirring constantly until clear and thick. Pour raspberry filling over torte. Refrigerate several hours. Garnish with whipped cream.
Discussion Questions
1. At the beginning of the story, Naomi feels that she’s lost her chance to find true love. She thinks that after two failed relationships, God is telling her that she’s meant to be her mother’s helper instead of a wife. Have you ever felt as if God has given up on you, and you’ve lost your chance at happiness? Were your feelings validated or did your experience
change for the better? Share this with the group.
2. Naomi’s mother quotes 2 Corinthians 1:7, “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” What does this verse mean to you?
3. Sadie thinks she is helping Caleb by offering constant unsolicited advice, even though he frequently asks her to mind her own business. Think of a time when you may have had misguided intentions for a child or loved one. Share this with the group.
4. At the end of the story, Caleb and Naomi believe that their love is a Christmas miracle and God is giving them both a second chance at happiness. Have you ever experienced a second chance or a Christmas miracle? Share this with the group.
5. Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story?
6. How does Naomi grow and change throughout the story?
7. Gossip, even in a community that is supposed to be Christlike, can hurt and lead to misunderstanding. Do we do this in our own church communities —judge and gossip about our fellow Christians without considering the consequences? How does this impact the community?
8. Susie wants a real family and is willing to give up her life in Ohio for her life in Lancaster. Have you ever moved, giving up everything you’ve ever known with blind faith? Do you think it was God calling you to do something different?
9. How does Naomi’s friendship with Lilly guide Naomi on her journey to accepting her love for Caleb? How does Naomi’s mother impact the journey? What role does Susie play?
10. Although Irene is interested in Caleb, he does not want to court her since she doesn’t attempt to establish a relationship with Susie. Have you ever limited a friendship because all parties involved were not equally interested?