“There’s no need for apologies. If you are right, if it was your father, it certainly wasn’t your doing. And if you are wrong, well, that ain’t your fault, either.”
He didn’t reply, only tightened his arms around her.
She felt his desolation. Realized that he was hurting. But she didn’t seem to have any words for him. What could she say that could possibly ease his heart?
Instead, she relaxed against him. Showing him silently that no matter what happened next she believed in him. Looking up at the glimmer of light, she tried to think of positive things. Tried to stay positive.
Eventually, she relaxed enough that her eyes drifted shut.
Only when a loud crack and clang erupted above her did she awake completely.
“Neil? Susanna?” After a pause, the voice rang through the cavern again. “Neil Vance! Susanna Schwartz! Can you hear me?”
“We’re here!” Neil called out as he carefully slid away from her, then struggled to his feet. “You found us!”
Suddenly, Susanna was so overcome, she simply leaned back against the cave’s wall. Leaned back against the place where Neil had been just moments before . . . and looked up at the bright opening above them.
Looking down was Deputy Beck, her father, and Roy Vance.
“Susanna!” her father said.
“Hiya, Daed,” she said with a smile.
What had been lost had been found. And out of the darkness had come the light.
In all of its blinding goodness.
CHAPTER 33
Monday, December 25
I think it is still Christmas,” Amanda said as she crept into Susanna’s room late that night.
Susanna glanced at the digital clock by her bedside. The flashing numbers said it was a quarter after eleven. “We still have forty-five minutes until it’s over,” she said, still not quite sure if she was sad the day was over or relieved. Hands down, it had been both the best and worst Christmas of her life. “What are you doing here?”
Amanda stuffed one of her hands into a pocket of her new robe, looking unsure. In her other, she held a flashlight. “You’re going to think this is silly, but I wanted to sleep in here with you.”
“Just like we used to.”
“Jah. Do you mind?”
Susanna pulled the covers down on the other side of her double bed. “Of course not. I couldn’t sleep, either.”
“Were you afraid of the dark? The doctors told Mamm that you might need to sleep with a flashlight. I even brought us a second one in case you wanted it brighter.”
She looked at the flashlight her father had set on her bedside table. She’d used it to get ready for bed, but had turned it off when she got under the covers. “Nee. I don’t know why, but I’m not afraid. I was just thinking about Neil and Roy.”
Amanda winced. “Knowing that their father had been taken in for questioning had to have been so awful for them. Devastating.”
“Jah.”
“What do you think is going to happen to them all?”
“Based on how their uncle Joe wrapped his arms around Neil, I think they’re going to heal. But first, they’re going to have some difficult days ahead.”
“Dale is really worried about all of them.”
“I think everyone is.” She knew she was. She’d felt like half the population of Horse Cave was standing outside the cave’s entrance after firemen slid ladders down, secured them, then helped her and Neil climb up to safety.
The moment she’d gotten on solid ground and felt the sunlight on her face, she’d started crying. Her parents’ and sisters’ hugs had only made her cry harder.
Eventually, Deputy Beck had guided her to the ambulance. She’d sat on the tailgate and answered questions while Neil had hugged his mother fiercely, then learned that his father had already been taken to the sheriff’s office.
Later, she’d taken a trip to the hospital for X-rays and tests. She’d left two hours after with a temporary cast on her arm and strict instructions to get plenty of rest for the next forty-eight hours.
“When do you think you’ll see Neil again?”
“Tomorrow. He said he’d come over around noon.”
“You two seem really close now.”
“It would be hard not to be close after being stuck in the cave together,” she said.
“Sue, I’m serious.”
“I know. You’re right. We . . . We are close. We said we loved each other,” she shared softly.
“You did?” Pure wonder was in Amanda’s voice. Hesitancy, too.
“Jah.” She held her breath, waiting for Amanda to comment about that. She wouldn’t have blamed her for doubting Susanna’s feelings toward Neil, either. A tumultuous event like that could make anyone say a lot of things they regretted in the morning light.
“I told Dale I loved him, too.”
“Really?”
“Jah.” Sounding more like her confident self, she said, “Of course, he told me first. I think we are going to get engaged soon.”
“What do you think Mamm is going to say?”
“She’s probably going to ask for a long engagement. But the good news is that even if I do marry Dale sooner than later, we plan to live on his land. Both of us want to be close to our families.”
“That’s wonderful. Better than wonderful.”
“I think so, too.” Amanda rearranged the covers and slid down a couple more inches. “Do you need some more pain reliever or anything?”
“Nee. I’m good for now.”
“Oh! Look at that,” Amanda whispered.
Susanna turned her head and looked at the clock. It was now eleven fifty-eight. “I guess Christmas is just about over.”
“You were my wish,” Amanda said. “I prayed and prayed and prayed that you would come home. And you did.”
“I was praying and praying that I would come home, too. It seems Jesus gave us our wishes on His birthday.”
“Next year, we might each be married.”
“Who knows what the year will bring?”
“We should make another Christmas wish,” Amanda said. “Quickly. Before we run out of time.”
“Amanda, I don’t know if I can do one more thing today.”
“Come on, this isn’t hard. Hurry, now. Close your eyes and make a wish. It can’t hurt.”
Susanna couldn’t find fault with that logic. So, therefore, she did as Amanda asked. She closed her eyes and let her heart and mind open. Wished Jesus a happy birthday and asked for one more gift . . . if it wasn’t too much trouble.
She wished for peace.
Peace and love and hope and faith.
When she opened her eyes, she noticed a bright star out her window. Maybe it was Venus, maybe it was just a star.
But it was so bright it seemed to shine brighter than all the others. Making her darkness into something so bright, so luminous, that she knew Jesus had been listening, indeed.
For there, in her heart, lay only light.
“Merry Christmas, Susanna,” Amanda mumbled sleepily beside her.
“Merry Christmas, sister,” Susanna said. “And may God bless you. May God bless all of us.”
P.S. Insights, Interviews & More . . .*
About the Author
* * *
Meet Shelley Shepard Gray
About the Book
* * *
Letter from the Author
Questions for Discussion
Christmas Recipes for Gift Giving
Read On
* * *
A Sneak Peek from the Next Book in the Amish of Hart County Series
About the Author
Meet Shelley Shepard Gray
IN MANY WAYS, my writing journey has been like my faith journey. I entered into both with a lot of hope and a bit of nervousness. You see, I didn’t get baptized until I was in my twenties and didn’t first get published until I was in my thirties. Some people might consider those events to have happened a little late in life
. However, I feel certain that God knew each took place at exactly the right time for me.
To be honest, these days I rarely stop to think about my life before I was a Christian or a writer. I simply wake up, drink my coffee, and try to get everything done that I can each day! I feel blessed to be a part of a large church family, to have my husband and children, and to enjoy a busy career. But every so often, someone will ask why I write inspirational novels. Or why I write at all.
Then I remember how it felt to knock on a minister’s office door and tell him that I wanted to be baptized; and how it felt the very first time I wrote “Chapter 1”—both felt exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
Perhaps you are a little bit like me. Maybe you, also, developed your faith a little after some of your friends or family. Maybe you, also, began a new job in a field that you didn’t go to school for. Maybe you started on a journey where you weren’t sure you were going to be a success or even fit in.
Or maybe, like me, success wasn’t what you were hoping to attain. Maybe it was a matter of following a power bigger than yourself. If so, I’m glad I’m in good company. I’d love to know your story, too.
Now I have been a Christian for almost thirty years. I’ve been a published writer for about half that time. Both journeys have not always been easy. Both have been filled with ups and downs. Yet, both have given me much joy, too. I’d like to think that anything worth having takes some hard work. It takes some time to grow and mature, too.
And because of that, I am comfortable with the fact that I’m still on my journey, one morning at a time.
With blessings to you,
Shelley Shepard Gray
Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.
About the Book
Letter from the Author
Last year’s Christmas was really special! We had quite a houseful. Both of our kids were there. So was our new son-in-law, Alex. Tom’s mom and his brother, Mike, came, too. And so did Dan and Suzanne.
There’s a story about Dan. You see, we first met him when he was engaged to Betsy, who was Tom’s sister. Over the years, we spent lots of holidays together. For some reason, Dan and I used to end up in the kitchen after the big meals. We’d wash dishes so the rest of the family could enjoy some time together. (Boy, did we wash a lot of dishes!) Then, several years ago, Betsy passed away. When the next holiday rolled around, we all missed her tremendously. But we missed Dan, too! It just didn’t feel the same without either of them.
A couple of years ago, Dan met Suzanne and was gracious enough to invite all of us to their wedding. It was such a joyous occasion! Then, when it turned out that they were going to be near us for Christmas, Tom and I were thrilled to have them join us for the holidays once again. Actually, all of us were thrilled to have them join us. We all had a great time. We did the usual—ate too much, stayed up too late, and laughed a lot. We even washed dishes together! It was perfect.
I’ve thought about Dan and Suzanne a lot while writing this book. Maybe because so much of The Gift has to do with things that happened that were out of the characters’ control.
The “gift” in this novel refers to a person who has been a particular blessing in my heroine’s life. Maybe, like me, you can think of many people who fit this description.
If so, I hope you get to see them this holiday season. If not, maybe you’ll get the chance to let them know how much they mean to you. That’s a present worth giving, I think.
Merry Christmas!
Shelley
Questions for Discussion
1.The inspiration for much of the novel came from 2 Corinthians, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” What does this verse mean to you? When have you had to walk by faith?
2.I thought the Amish proverb—“Enjoy today. It won’t come back”—had a lot of significance for a Christmas novel. I often find myself spending much of December counting down the days until Christmas Day instead of enjoying each moment of the season! Do you ever need to remind yourself to spend a little bit of time being grateful for each day, too?
3.What were your first impressions of Neil and Susanna? What about Dale and Amanda?
4.Have you moved to a new city or town before? What do you think is the hardest part? What blessings have happened because of a move?
5.I really enjoyed writing about Susanna, Amanda, and Traci’s relationship. I enjoyed writing about three sisters who got along and wanted to support each other. Do you have such a relationship with one of your family members? How has that close bond helped you through the years?
6.My favorite scenes in the novel take place on Christmas Eve in the cavern. What were your favorite parts?
7.What is your favorite way to celebrate the Christmas season?
8.What relationships in your life have been an unexpected gift? How did the Lord lead you to these special people?
Christmas Recipes for Gift Giving
(From Our Family’s Favorite Recipes)
Apple Butter
2 qts. unsweetened applesauce
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
⅓ tsp. cloves
Mix together. Can be put in an oven at 200 degrees or in a Crock-Pot uncovered. Simmer until thickened.
Caramel Corn
8 cups popcorn
¾ cup packed brown sugar
6 tbsps. margarine or butter
3 tbsps. light corn syrup
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. vanilla extract
Put popcorn in baking dish. Measure sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt into saucepan. Cook and stir until butter melts. Boil and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in soda and vanilla. Pour mixture over popcorn. Bake 15 minutes in 300-degree oven. Stir and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer.
Read On
A Sneak Peek from the Next Book in the Amish of Hart County Series
Coming March 2018 from Avon Inspire!
SOMETIMES, THE SOUND of a phone ringing still caught Calvin Fisher off guard. When his cell buzzed for the second time, he pulled it out of his back pocket. Thumb hovering over the screen, he intended to press ignore, but then he noticed the area code.
Eight months ago, he promised he’d never ignore a call from Hart County again. As it buzzed a third time, the sound echoing through the dark alleyway, Calvin pressed answer.
“Hello?” he asked. “Mark, is that you?”
“Ack! Nee, Calvin. It’s Waneta,” his sister-in-law said in a rush. “Oh, Calvin. I’m so glad you answered.”
“Me, too, Neeta,” he murmured. “Hold on one sec, ’kay?” After motioning to the men nearby that he’d be right back, Calvin put the phone up to his ear and started walking. “You okay?” he asked, already feeling awkward. Of course Waneta wasn’t okay if she was calling him. She was Amish and didn’t get on the phone unless she had a good reason.
“I’m not okay at all. Oh, Calvin—Mark and me just got back from the doktah.”
“What’s wrong? Are you sick?”
“Nee, it’s Mark, Calvin.” She paused, her breath hitching something awful. “He’s been feeling poorly for a while, you see, but he didn’t want to let you know. Finally, he went to the doktah two days ago.” She continued, hardly stopping for breath, each word bleeding into the next so fast that he had to stop walking in order to understand her better. “Dr. Hanna sent him to the hospital for tests, then he called us in to his office this morning.”
“What did the doctor tell ya?” he asked as he unlocked the front door of the apartment complex where he lived and trotted up three flights of stairs.
“Th . . . That Mark has cancer.”
A wave of dizziness hit him hard. He stopped again, gripping the worn metal banister so tightly that the edge of it cut into his palm.
“Calvin?” she asked hesitantly. “Calvin, are you still there?”
He closed his eyes. Waneta needed him. “I�
��m sorry, sis,” he said, intentionally adding his new pet name for her in an effort to ease her worries. “I’m here. Um, what kind of cancer is it? Do you know?”
“It’s renal cell something.”
“Say again?”
“Oh, I can hardly pronounce it. I’m sorry, Calvin. It’s something to do with his kidneys.” Sounding more perturbed, she continued. “Dr. Hanna gave us some literature and a phone number of a nurse who can explain things gut, too. But I don’t know. All I remember him saying is that Mark has cancer and is going to need to have one of his kidneys removed.”
He’d finally made it to his apartment. Unlocking the door, he strode inside and bolted it firmly behind him. Then, as Waneta continued to talk about how worried she was, he did a quick walk-through, just to make sure no one had been in his place since he’d left six hours ago.
When he was assured that everything was undisturbed, he sat down on the chair in the corner of his darkened bedroom. Forced himself to remain calm and keep his voice steady. “Sis, where’s Mark? Can I talk to him?”
“Nee. He’s sleeping. Plus, I didn’t tell him I was going to call you. This is Lora’s phone.”
“Okay. Is Lora there?” Lora was an old friend. They’d all grown up together. She, like Calvin, had left the Amish faith. But also like him, Lora hadn’t wanted to remove her ties and live completely among the English. She’d married a local deputy in the sheriff’s department. She had also become a close friend to all of them.
“Um, jah.”
“Put her on the phone, Neeta,” he said gently. As he heard the phone switch hands, he attempted to gather himself again. But really, all he felt was numb.
“Calvin?” Lora said at last. “Hey.”
The Gift Page 20