“You don’t think they’d mind?”
“From what Susanna has told me, I think they’d be happy that you’re reaching out to them. Actually, I asked Susanna to come over one day and spend some time with Mamm. Susanna likes to bake cookies, too.”
The wrinkle in his brow eased. “That would make your mother happy. I’ll go talk to her about that, and about visiting the old place. Maybe she’ll want to go visiting as well.”
Neil was pretty sure that his mother wasn’t the one who needed encouragement to go to their old property. “Let me know what you want to do. I plan to see Susanna regardless.”
“The two of you really have gotten close, haven’t you?”
“We have. Susanna is bold and kindhearted, and tries so hard to make everyone around her feel better. I really admire her.”
“She sounds a lot like someone else I know,” Daed said with a slight smile.
“Danke.”
He sighed. “The sun is still rising, which means it’s time I had my breakfast and another cup of coffee. Then I had better go see what your uncle has in store for me.”
There it was again, the steady reminder that something wasn’t right between the two of them. “Maybe you should look for something different to do.”
His father raised his eyebrows. “Different than what?”
“Different than farming. Different than working for Onkle Joseph.”
“I canna really do that, Neil. Farming is all I know. It’s all I’m good at.”
“But what about working for someone else? The Costas treat Roy really well.”
“I don’t know, Neil. Plus, I owe Joseph so much.”
“You paid him back, Daed. You don’t owe Uncle Joseph anything anymore.”
“I’d like to say I only owe him money, son, but that wouldn’t be true. And he? Well, he owes me something, too.”
While Neil stood there, trying without success to make sense of his words, his father walked back into the house, his coffee cup already forgotten.
Neil reached for it, intending to give it to his father, then decided to take care of it himself. As he walked back to the house, Neil realized the errand had much in common with how his relationship with his father had become. No longer was Neil depending on him for either support or comfort. No, more often than not, he was the one who was looking out for his father.
He just hoped he was doing enough for his father. If he wasn’t, Neil wasn’t sure what would happen to him next.
WHEN NEIL ARRIVED at Horse Cave Salvage two hours later, he had a good sweat even though it was below the freezing mark outside. His spirit had been so disturbed, he’d race-walked practically the whole way to work.
Unfortunately, all that had happened was he had arrived sweaty and tired for an eight-hour shift. He ran into the washroom to clean up.
When he saw his glassy eyes and flushed cheeks in the mirror there, he wished he would have taken some time to rest and pray before walking into the employees’ entrance. He looked as stressed and distraught as he felt.
Since it was too late to do that, he walked over to Diane. She was the store manager, and his boss when Junior, the owner, wasn’t around. “Okay if I get to work early today?”
Diane’s gaze softened on him like it always did. “You know we are never going to fault you for wanting to work, Neil.”
“You sure Junior won’t mind about the overtime?”
“He’ll be fine with you working an extra hour. We just got in a pallet of bulk foods.” Her lips curved up. “We need every strong and fit man who’s available to carry them into the clean room so the women there can bag and tag.”
After signing his time card, he walked to his locker in the corner of the office. There, he removed his heavy coat and watch. Then he grabbed one of the company shirts and went into the employees’ area to change.
Outside on the loading dock was a large truck with the back open. Scattered around were four or five men, a good dozen large cardboard boxes, and various coats and sweaters tossed against the wall.
“Neil!” Jerry called out. “Good to see you! How did you know to come in early? Did the boss give you a call?”
“Nope, I just thought I’d see if you needed help.”
“We needed help about two hours ago.” Wiping his brow, he added, “It’s been slow going and hard work, too. I hate sweating in the winter.”
“I was just thinking that same thing,” he joked. As he pulled on his gloves, he looked around. “Where do you need me?”
“Out here on the loading docks. Put on a back brace and help us load boxes onto the dolly,” another guy said. “This truck is packed and we haven’t even gotten halfway through.”
Though Neil didn’t need a back brace, he put one on, then stepped into the truck. The moment he carried the full weight of one of the containers and slid it toward the ramp, his muscles clenched and burned.
And at that moment, he welcomed the pain. This was something normal and clean. It was something anyone could relate to and had nothing to do with regrets and hurts, uncles, fathers, or pretty girls with tear-filled eyes.
CHAPTER 25
Saturday, December 23
Christmas was just around the corner. Planning for their first holiday in their new home was presenting everyone in Amanda’s family with a welcome break from the stress surrounding the fire. Susanna had finished her Mason jars and they were now for sale in several stores in the area. Mamm had ordered a ham and, for their Christmas dinner, was making a new table runner. Amanda had been sewing her little crafts and helping her mother finish a quilt for a cousin.
She had also been speaking to more people about babysitting. She wanted to have a couple of jobs lined up in January. That would be a wonderful way to start the new year, she thought.
Because of her plans, she’d jumped at the opportunity to meet with an English couple at Bill’s Diner to discuss a part-time nanny position.
When Traci had asked to accompany her, Amanda had thought it would do them both a lot of good. Traci had been so patient while recovering from her fall and cold. And Amanda still wasn’t eager to go anywhere in Horse Cave completely by herself.
“Are you worried about meeting the family who asked you to be their nanny, Amanda?” Traci asked as they walked through the field toward the Kaufmanns’ house.
“Of course not. I’ve babysat for lots of families over the years. I enjoy it. Plus, I’m anxious to earn a little extra money this winter.”
Traci’s hands were snuggling in her thick wool muff as she nodded. “I wish I had some extra money for gifts right now. All I’ve done is make coloring books for everyone.”
“You are a talented artist. Everyone is going to enjoy your pages. It’s a wonderful-gut gift to give to us all.”
“Even Daed?” Traci asked.
Amanda laughed. “You’ve got me there. Even I can’t see our father relaxing enough to spend a Sunday afternoon coloring pages.”
“Me, neither.” She sighed. “Susanna said since I helped her fill those jars and decorate them, she’d pay me when she gets paid.”
“I’m sure she will.”
“Maybe, but that didn’t seem right,” Traci said around another sigh. “This is her project. She should keep all her money, not be passing it to her little sister.”
“You shouldn’t think about it that way. Susanna has been working hard, but you helped her.”
“I suppose.” As they continued through the field, Traci pointed out a hawk flying overhead and a pair of deer contentedly eating winter grass in the distance.
Amanda loved walks like this. It made her feel like she was taking the time to enjoy the Lord’s blessings instead of merely rushing to get from one place to the other. She was thankful that her little sister seemed to be of the same mind.
Just as she was about to call attention to a redheaded woodpecker perching on a fence, Traci pointed over Amanda’s shoulder. “Look, Manda. There is the Kaufmanns’ haus.”
; “Yes, it is.”
“I don’t see anyone outside. Doesn’t that surprise you?”
“A little bit, given that they have such a large family.” Hoping she wasn’t being too obvious, Amanda scanned the yard, hoping to “accidentally” spy Dale. However, Traci had been exactly right. No one was outside. No doubt that family was as busy as hers was, getting ready for the approaching holiday.
“They were sure nice when we went over there. And when they came over to our house to help clean up after the fire.”
“I agree.”
As they walked along, Traci glanced at the house again. “They sure got a lot of kids. Mamm said she doesn’t know how Mrs. Kaufmann does it.”
Amanda laughed. “Did you talk to Jimmy much when we were there?”
“Nee. Why?”
“Dale told me that he is thirteen years old, just like you. Maybe the two of you will become good friends.”
Traci grunted. “I don’t think so.”
“Because?”
“Because he’s a boy, Manda. And don’t you start telling me about you and Dale, because we both know that’s different.”
“You are right,” she said softly as she thought about how much she’d enjoyed being in Dale’s arms just the day before. “That is different.”
“Do you think you’re going to marry him one day?”
Last night when she’d gone to bed, Amanda had prayed about that very thing. Even though they’d just started courting, there seemed to be something between them that was special.
It was far too soon to speak about it with her sister, though. “Time will tell,” she murmured as they continued on the path. The curved bridge was just up ahead. She had already decided to direct Traci over to the shallow place where Dale had helped her cross days ago. She had been afraid, but it was far safer than chancing the boards on the bridge.
Traci did not look impressed. “That’s what Mamm says.”
She chuckled. “Don’t tell Mamm I said that, okay? I don’t want her to know I’m already quoting her.”
“Don’t worry. Oh, Manda, look!”
Concerned, Amanda stared at the bridge, wondering if Traci was scared of it. “Dear, we’re not going to step one foot on it. Instead—”
“Nee, look,” she said again as she rushed toward the bridge.
As Amanda followed, she finally noticed what her little sister had been talking about. Someone had not only fixed the board that had broken when Traci had fallen, but had replaced another five or six. The new wood’s pale color practically glistened compared to the other pieces of aged wood in the structure. “Someone repaired it already. It looks to be in good shape now, don’t it?”
“Who do you think repaired it?”
“I’m sure it was Dale or someone in his family. Remember, the bridge is half theirs.”
Some of the wariness in Traci’s eyes eased. “Oh. Did he tell you that they repaired it yesterday?”
“Nee, but I’m sure they forgot with all the commotion about the fire.”
She stopped at the beginning of the little bridge, her hand clasping one of the posts in a death grip. “I guess we should go over it, then.”
Truthfully, Amanda was feeling a bit of foreboding, too. But surely she was letting her imagination get the best of her. “Want to go over it together?”
Traci took one step forward, now both of her hands clasping the railing on either side. “Maybe we should go one at a time. Just in case both of our weights are too much?”
Amanda swallowed and pasted yet another too-happy smile on her face. “That’s a good idea. Do you want me to go first?”
“Nee. I’m already on it.”
“Then cross whenever you are ready, dear,” she said gently.
Looking more determined than ever, Traci stepped forward, slowly walking over the expanse. When she got to the other side, she exhaled loudly.
Amanda did the same.
As she crossed, a sudden burst of anger suffused her. This bridge was nothing. She and Traci should be walking over it without a second’s thought. Yet, here they were, worrying about every little piece of wood.
It was so wrong.
When she got to the other side, she held out her hand. “We did it!”
Traci was beaming. “I can’t wait to tell everyone that the bridge is as good as new.”
“Better than that, even,” Amanda declared as they made their way toward the main road.
Obviously happy to have that event behind her, Traci started chattering away, telling Amanda about books she read and a special fluffy robe she had hinted to their mother that she wanted for Christmas.
Amanda smiled, listened as best she could, and made all the appropriate responses. But her mind kept drifting back to Dale and her upcoming interview.
And then her heart practically stopped when she saw a man in the distance watching them. His arms were crossed and he had on a black hat like most Amish men wore in the winter.
He seemed slighter than Dale. He definitely had a slimmer build than Neil Vance.
Traci’s voice drifted off as she noticed him, too. “Is that Dale?”
“Nee.”
“Who could it be, then?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why do you think he’s just standing there?” Traci asked, her voice turning more wary. “Why is he watching us?”
“He might be taking a break or something,” Amanda replied, but even to her ears the answer sounded weak. “Don’t forget, we actually don’t know too many people around here. He might take walks out here all the time.”
“That’s the difference between here and back home, isn’t it?” Traci asked. “Back in Berlin, we knew everyone for miles and miles. Here, we hardly know anyone, but they all know us.”
A chill ran down Amanda’s spine as she considered her sister’s words. “Let’s go, Traci,” she said, picking up her pace. “I don’t want to be late.”
AN HOUR LATER, things seemed brighter, indeed. Mr. and Mrs. Parker had been so nice. When they first walked into Bill’s, Amanda was charmed: Mr. Parker was carrying an infant carrier; and Mrs. Parker, a pink-striped tote bag filled with enough baby clothes, bottles, toys, and diapers to take care of their tiny baby girl for several days.
Later, when she got to hold two-month-old Pippin, she’d sighed in contentment. She so loved babies.
Mr. and Mrs. Parker had been sweet to Traci and had bought them all lunch. They had lists of questions, but as soon as they saw how easily Amanda cared for Pippin in her arms, all they wanted to do was schedule a first session.
To celebrate, Amanda took Traci to Horse Cave Salvage to do some shopping. While Amanda picked up some items for their mother, she gave Traci a couple of dollars to buy fried pies at the Amish bakery in the back of the large store.
Just as Traci bit into a cherry pie, they saw Neil Vance coming out of one of the back rooms. The moment he spied them, he walked over to say hello.
“This is a nice surprise. Did you come in for pies?” he asked after they all greeted each other.
“We came inside to celebrate,” Traci said.
When Neil looked completely confused, Amanda laughed. “What she meant is that we came in so Traci could enjoy a fried pie.”
“Not you, too?”
“After our big lunch, I canna eat another thing.”
Neil winked at Traci. “I don’t know about you, but I can always find room for cherry pie.”
“Me, too,” Traci said around a giggle.
As Amanda eyed Neil, she reflected that he seemed much more at ease and warm around them. Since she knew Susanna really liked him, she was glad about that. “How is work going?” she asked.
“It’s all right. I came in early, so I’m almost done for the day. Um, how is Susanna?”
“She is gut. She’s at home, helping our mother around the house,” said Amanda.
“I hope things aren’t in too much disarray after the fire?”
“Not too much. Lu
ckily, we didn’t have anything stored in the shed. We’re shaken up, but we’ll survive.”
He smiled. Cleared his throat. “I’m glad to see you both. Now I can let you know that my family is planning to come over to see yours this evening.”
“Tonight?” Amanda hoped she didn’t sound as alarmed as she felt. “Is something wrong?”
“Nee. It’s just . . . Well, I think we’re all feeling terrible about the fire. And the other things that have been happening to you. My mother thought it was time to lend our support.”
“That is kind.”
“So, you don’t think it would be a problem if we stopped over, unannounced?”
“Of course not,” Traci said with a grin. “Susanna is going to be so happy,” she continued in a singsong voice.
Amanda felt her cheeks heat. If Susanna heard Traci, she would be so embarrassed! “Traci is right, we’ll look forward to seeing you tonight. And consider yourself announced. I’ll tell my parents.”
Neil looked relieved. “Danke. Well, I’ll be seeing you, then.” After sharing another smile with Traci, he turned and walked down an aisle.
The moment he was out of sight, Amanda stuffed the rest of Traci’s fried pie back in her white paper sack. “You can finish this later. We’ve got to go.”
Luckily, Traci didn’t argue. After swiping her mouth with a paper napkin, she looked up at Amanda. “What do you think Susanna is going to say?”
“I don’t know, but I do know what Mamm will say,” she said as she grabbed her paper sack of groceries and shuttled her little sister back outside. “She’s going to wonder why we didn’t say no.”
“Because she doesn’t like Neil’s family?” Traci asked with a frown.
Amanda laughed. “Nee, silly. Because she’s not going to have enough time to bake two pies and a cake for them.”
CHAPTER 26
Saturday, December 23
I would have preferred to have had more than one hour’s notice that we would be having company tonight,” Susanna’s mother chided as she moved around the kitchen like a nervous hummingbird. “You should have told me that Neil Vance and his family were coming over the minute you found out, Amanda.”
The Gift Page 15