Slowly, Marsha nodded.
“Now what do we do?” Jeremy asked after he’d made his circles.
“You will place half a hot dog on each of the circles. Then bring the sides of the dough up and pinch it in the center.” Heidi took one and demonstrated.
“This is easy-peasy,” Kassidy said. “If you want my opinion, it’s baby stuff.”
Jeremy squinted. “Nobody asked for your opinion.”
“Oh, yeah, well, for your information—”
Heidi broke in quickly, as though hoping to divert a confrontation. “The next step will be to place the frankfurters wrapped with dough on a greased cooking sheet. We’ll set the oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake them for twelve to fifteen minutes. Once they have cooled sufficiently, we can take the mini corn dogs outside and eat them at the picnic table.”
“Got any potato chips to go with ’em?” Peggy Ann wanted to know.
Heidi smiled. “Yes, I certainly do. We can also have some cold lemonade to drink.”
Peggy Ann clapped her hands. “Oh, good! It’ll be like a picnic. It’s been a long time since we had a picnic, huh, Mama?”
Velma nodded.
“We used to do picnics all the time before our daddy moved out of the house.” Kevin looked over at his sister. “Ain’t that right, Debbie?”
She scowled at him. “Ain’t isn’t good English, and you shouldn’t be blabbing stuff about us. It’s nobody’s business but ours.”
Kevin sneered at his sister. “Well, it’s not like I’m makin’ stuff up or anything. It’s the truth. We did a lot more fun things when Daddy lived with us.”
Denise felt sorry for these children whose parents were obviously separated, or maybe even divorced. She wondered if Kassidy knew how good she had it.
After everyone’s corn dogs were adequately browned, Heidi provided paper plates and suggested they take the food outside. “I’ll bring out the condiments, and if some of you parents don’t mind helping, you can bring the lemonade, chips, and some napkins.
“I’ll bring the chips,” Darren offered.
“And I’ll get the lemonade.”
Denise smiled. “Guess that leaves me to carry the napkins.”
“What about paper cups? Do you have any of those?” Velma asked.
“Yes, of course.” Heidi didn’t know why she felt so mixed up today. She’d had everything planned out ahead of time, but things hadn’t turned out the way she’d expected—starting with Velma and her daughter showing up before class.
“Always be prepared for the unexpected,” Heidi remembered her father saying.
It’s hard to be prepared for things you weren’t planning to happen, she mused.
After the children went outside with their plates filled, Heidi and the parents followed them out the door with the rest of the items. When Heidi saw Lyle look her way, she motioned for him to join them at the picnic table.
She was about to suggest that everyone bow their heads for silent prayer, when Jeremy picked up the plastic bottle of ketchup and held it over one of his corn dogs. Nothing came out, so he gave it a good squeeze. This time, though, he angled the container, while at the same time, looking at something across the way. The next thing Heidi knew, ketchup squirted out of the bottle and all over the front of Becky’s shirt.
Becky gasped, and so did all the adults. But, with the exception of Becky, the children must have thought it was funny, because they all laughed.
Becky started crying and raced for the house. Ellen followed.
Heidi cringed. So much for a nice picnic lunch. She debated on whether to go inside to check on Becky or stay put and let the girl’s mother handle it. She didn’t have to think about it long, for Darren got up and grasped his son’s arm. “Come with me, Jeremy. You owe Becky an apology.”
The boy shook his head. “Don’t see why I have to say I’m sorry. It was an accident, Dad. I didn’t mean to squirt her with ketchup.”
“That may be so, but you’re the one who caused it, so you need to apologize.” Darren held his ground and led his son up to the house.
“Eww… Mom.” Kassidy pointed. “Look what a bird just did on your shoulder.”
“Goodness, gracious.” Denise turned her head and grimaced when she saw a white blob on the navy-blue blouse she’d worn today. Taking a napkin, and trying to rub it off, Denise only managed to smear it.
“Guess when we get home you’ll have to soak your blouse and mine.” Kassidy snickered. “Maybe Heidi should have given you an apron to wear too.”
Heidi closed her eyes briefly. She would be glad when this day was over.
Chapter 17
New Philadelphia
The next Wednesday morning, Trent sat at his kitchen table, mulling things over. Although Kevin and Debbie hadn’t made a big deal out of him not staying for their cooking class last week, he felt guilty for bailing on them. At the time, he didn’t feel like sitting through the class, but in hindsight Trent wished he had hung around. He also knew if the kids had told Miranda, it would give her one more reason to be upset with him.
Trent rapped his knuckles on the table. There had to be something he could do to redeem himself with her. He’d had enough of living alone and cooking his own meals. Of course, that was only part of the reason he wanted to come back home. Truthfully, he missed his wife and kids. So it was time to take stronger measures in getting Miranda to let him come home.
Let’s see… What does she like? He snapped his fingers. Flowers. Miranda loves flowers. Probably not a good idea to get her a bouquet of cut flowers, though. Those don’t last long. Maybe he could find some nice potted flowers to plant. He’d be on the lookout for roses the same color as the ones Miranda had carried in her wedding bouquet.
Trent glanced at his watch. He didn’t have to be at work until noon today, so he had all morning to put his plan into action. And he knew exactly what it would be. He just hoped Miranda would like it.
Walnut Creek
“Them little chickens are sure cute.” Randy leaned close to the pen and peered in. Marsha had gone inside with Heidi soon after returning from Baltic, where they had gone to purchase the poultry.
“They’re fun to watch, aren’t they? Lyle leaned in, observing their cute behavior. “We have a good variety of breeds here. I especially like the Plymouth Rocks, but the Araucana chickens and Rhode Island Reds are nice too.”
“Those brown striped ones are sure neat lookin’.” Randy pointed at one and smiled. “I could watch ’em all day. Can I hold one again?”
“Sure, go ahead. The one you are after is a Rhode Island Red chick. We’ll get nice brown eggs from it when it’s fully grown.” Lyle knelt next to Randy.
The boy scooped up one with care and stroked the soft brown, down feathers on its back. “I like having these babies around to take care of.” Randy looked closer at the fluffy chick. “Are these its feathers growing out on its back?”
“Yep. They’re called pin feathers, and in no time, these little guys will grow them all over their bodies.” Randy and I have something fun we can do together now. Lyle smiled, observing the boy’s delight.
“It sure wants to move around in my hands.” Randy petted the chick.
“Taking care of these peepers will be a big responsibility,” Lyle said. “Are you sure you’re up to it, Son?”
“Umm… I guess so.” Randy’s forehead wrinkled a bit as he looked up at Lyle, while holding on to the peeping fledgling. “What all am I supposed to do?”
“Well, you’ll need to feed and water the chicks and keep their pen clean.” When Lyle saw the boy’s perplexed expression, he quickly added, “Would you be willing to let me help you? We can do the chores together until you have the routine down. Then, when you feel more comfortable with it, you can do the chores on your own. How’s that sound?”
“Sure, I’d be glad for the help till I know what I’m doin’.” Randy’s expression changed to one of obvious relief. At the moment, the little fellow l
ooked much older than his six years.
Lyle smiled. No way he’d let Randy take care of the chickens all by himself—at least not until he felt confident enough to take on the responsibility alone.
At times like this, Lyle felt as if Randy was actually his son. He didn’t think the feeling was mutual, however, because the boy kept a safe emotional distance most of the time. Lyle noticed Randy’s guard lowering, even though it may have been for brief moments. He hoped in the near future, he and Heidi would gain this young man’s trust.
Lyle hadn’t brought up the topic of adoption to Heidi for some time, and he certainly didn’t want to rush into anything where Randy and Marsha were concerned. But here lately, he’d begun to think adopting these special children might be the best thing—for Randy and Marsha, as well as for him and Heidi.
“Hi there. Is Heidi at home?”
Lyle rose to his feet and turned around. He’d been so preoccupied with Randy and the chickens that he hadn’t realized anyone had come into the yard. He recognized Velma right away, though. She wore the same pair of baggy overalls she’d had on last Saturday, but this time she had a dark blue hankie scarf on her head.
“Yes, my wife is here,” he responded. “She’s in the house.”
Velma joined them by the chicken coop. “I see ya got your chicks. They’re not as little as I thought they’d be.”
“That’s right.” Lyle nodded. “These chickens are four weeks old, so they should be fine out here in the coop.”
“I can tell by their color that those ones there are Rhode Island Reds.” Velma whistled, pointing to the brown striped ones. “You picked some good breeds. They’re not only good egg layers, but they are good eatin’ too.”
“No one’s gonna eat my chickens.” Randy looked up at Lyle and blinked. “Are they?”
“Definitely not.” Lyle raised his eyebrows at Velma. “These chickens are strictly for egg laying.”
“That’s good.” Randy crossed his arms and lifted his chin.
“Don’t blame ya none.” Velma pointed to the chicks. “I’d rather have the eggs too.” She ran her fingers across the chicken-wire enclosure. “It’s good you made a place so they can be outside for some sunshine and bug pecking.” She tucked her unruly hair back under her scarf. “Chickens need that, ya know.”
Randy looked up at her and tipped his head. “You seem to know a lot about chickens.”
“Yep. I’ve raised my share of poultry over the years. Even when I was growing up, we had chickens. We raised Leghorns mostly. They lay lots of eggs.” She swatted at a fly buzzing around her head. “Whelp, guess I’ll go on up to the house and talk to Heidi now. Came here to do some work for her today.”
She sprinted toward the house so quickly Lyle didn’t have a chance to say anything more. Although a bit unconventional and seemingly impetuous when she spoke, Velma seemed like a decent sort of person. He had a hunch she would work hard at whatever chores Heidi gave her to do.
Velma stepped up to the door, and seeing it was open a crack, she knocked once and stepped inside. Tipping her head to one side, she heard voices coming from the kitchen.
Velma moved in that direction. “Hello!”
Eyes wide, Heidi stepped out of the kitchen. “Oh, you startled me, Velma.”
“Sorry about that. The door was open so I came right in. That’s how it is at our place.” Velma’s lips twitched. “If a door’s open it means folks are welcome to come in.”
“I see. Well, come into the kitchen. Marsha and I are baking cookies. Perhaps you’d like one.”
Velma smacked her lips. “You bet I would.”
Heidi led the way. When they entered the kitchen, Velma saw little Marsha sitting on a stool at the table, forming cookie dough into balls with her delicate hands. “Well, aren’t you the big helper?” Velma placed her hands on Marsha’s shoulders, but the little girl shrugged them away.
“Sorry about that,” Heidi said. “She’s still a little shy around strangers.”
“I can understand that.” Velma moved away from the table, putting a safe distance between her and Marsha. “My Peggy Ann is a shy one until she gets to know ya.”
Heidi held a plate of ginger cookies out to Velma. “Here you go.”
Velma didn’t have to be asked twice. She grabbed a cookie and took a bite. “Yummy. Yummy. This is one good cookie. And your kitchen sure smells good from all the baking that’s been going on.”
Heidi smiled, brushing off some flour clinging to her apron. “Would you like another?”
“It’s real tempting, but I’d better not. I can’t stand around all day, shootin’ the breeze and eatin’ all your cookies. Came to work, so what have ya got for me to do?”
Heidi went over to her desk and picked up a piece of paper, which she handed to Velma. “I’ve written a few things down and thought you could decide which of the jobs you’d prefer to do.”
Velma studied the list. “Let’s see now… Gather the cut-up wood out behind the house and stack it by the barn. Dust the living-room furniture and shake out the throw rugs. Wash all the lower windows, inside and out. Paint the porch railing. Put new stain on the picnic table.” She paused, clamping both hands against her hips. “I don’t have to choose. I’ll do at least one of those chores each week to pay for my daughter’s cooking classes.”
“Oh, no,” Heidi was quick to say. “I don’t expect you to do all the chores. I only made the list so you could decide what you would rather do.”
Velma shook her head vigorously. “Nope. I insist on doin’ everything you mentioned. It’s the least I can do to repay your kindness.”
Millersburg
Gathering up her keys, Ellen hollered up the stairs for her daughter to hurry. If she didn’t drop Becky off at the sitter’s soon, she might be late for work.
“Okay, Mom, you don’t have to shout. I’m coming.” A few minutes later, Becky plodded down the stairs. She carried along a tote with a drawing tablet and colored pencils inside. “I have a book on animals, and I wanted to try drawing horses like the ones out by Heidi’s place.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I can’t wait to see your picture when we get back home this evening.”
Ellen was almost out the door when her cell phone rang. She pulled it out of her purse, and when she looked at the caller ID, she didn’t recognize the number. Figuring she ought to answer anyway, she said, “Hello.”
“Hi, Ellen. It’s Darren Keller. I hope this isn’t a bad time to call.”
“Well, I was about to head out the door, Darren, but I have a few minutes to talk.” She glanced over at her daughter.
Becky looked upward, rolling her eyes.
“I found out I don’t have to work this Friday, and wondered if you and Becky would be free to join me and Jeremy for a day of hiking and fishing.”
Ellen’s face grew warm as she glanced at her work schedule, pinned to the bulletin board in the kitchen. “As a matter of fact, I have Friday off too. So yes, we’d be glad to join you.”
“That’s great. If you’ll give me your address, we’ll be by around nine Friday morning to pick you up. Or is that too early for you?”
Ellen tried to swallow, but her throat had gotten dry. She grabbed the water bottle close to her purse and took a drink. “No, nine will be fine. I’ll pack a picnic lunch for the four of us.”
Darren laughed. “I was just going to say that I’d be happy to furnish our lunch, but if you really don’t mind, I’ll leave it up to you.”
“I don’t mind at all. Is there anything special you or Jeremy would like?”
“Naw. Just throw some sandwiches together and we’ll be content.”
“Any particular kind?”
“I’m not picky, and neither is Jeremy—except for tuna fish. He doesn’t like tuna sandwiches at all.”
“No worries. I won’t fix tuna fish.”
“Okay. See you Friday.” Darren paused. “I’m looking forward to it, Ellen.”
“Me to
o. Bye, Darren.”
When Ellen hung up, Becky clasped her arm. “Why’d ya tell him we would go, Mom? I don’t want to go fishing with Darren—and especially not Jeremy.”
“How come? You enjoy fishing. I’m sure you’ll have a good time.”
“No, I won’t. Jeremy is a know-it-all, and he doesn’t like me.” Becky held her stomach as though she was in pain. “The truth is, I don’t like him either.”
“Don’t be that way, Becky. Do you remember the Bible verse Heidi wrote on the back of the corn dog recipe card? It’s 1 John 4:7.”
“No, not really. What’d it say?”
“Beloved, let us love one another.”
“It’s hard to like some people, and I could never love Jeremy.” Frowning, Becky shook her head. “He gets on my nerves.”
“It’s not always easy to love or even like some people, but as Christians we are commanded to love one another. And who knows, once you and Jeremy get better acquainted, you might see him in a different light.”
“Can’t I stay with one of my friends on Friday? You can still go fishing with Darren and Jeremy, if that’s what you really want.”
Ellen shook her head. “Darren invited both of us, and I already said yes, so we’re going.”
Becky rushed out the door and trumped down the porch steps. She was obviously not happy about this. But she would get over it once they got to the lake and started fishing. At least, Ellen hoped that’d be the case.
Chapter 18
Berlin
The minute Miranda stepped out of her car, she knew something in the front yard was different. The space where she’d thought about planting some dahlias was now full of pink-and-white roses.
“What in the world?” She scratched her head. “Where did those come from?” Miranda couldn’t imagine how this happened. What a treat to find such gorgeous colors at home in the once empty spaces bordering her walkway.
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