Not only did she favor the color of the flowers, but for a special reason, roses were her favorite. Their beauty drew her toward them, and the intoxicating scent coming off the velvety petals made her bend closer to inhale the fragrance. Miranda stared at the beautiful roses a few more seconds, then hurried into the house. There, she found Debbie and Kevin watching TV with Carla, their middle-aged babysitter. “Hey, kids. Do either of you know where those roses came from in the front yard?” Miranda questioned.
Carla pulled out her earbuds and gave Miranda a blank stare. “What’s up?”
Miranda repeated her question.
“Daddy did it.” Kevin bobbed his head. “He said it was a surprise for you.”
Carla gave a twisted smile. “It was supposed to be a nice gift for your mother.”
“Yeah,” Kevin agreed, “but I think he did it ’cause he felt bad that he didn’t stay at Heidi’s last Saturday to watch us cook.”
Debbie’s elbow connected with her brother’s arm.
“Ouch,” Kevin rubbed the spot. “Hey, what’d ya do that for?”
“You weren’t supposed to say anything about that. You have a big mouth.”
Kevin squeezed his eyes shut and covered his mouth. “Oops! I forgot.”
Miranda’s skin prickled as agitation took over. “If your dad didn’t stay with you during the cooking class, where did he go?”
Kevin shrugged. “Don’t know. He never said.”
Debbie shot him an icy stare. “You’ve already ratted on Dad, so you shouldn’t be lying to Mom now.” She looked up at Miranda. “Dad went to the cheese store in Berlin. He said he bought some cheese for you, but then he decided to keep it for himself. Guess that’s because he didn’t want you to know he dropped me and Kevin at Heidi’s and then went off to do whatever he wanted.”
Miranda glanced at Carla. She was a pleasant woman, and Debbie and Kevin both liked her, but she tended to be a bit of a gossip. The last thing Miranda needed was for the kids’ babysitter to blab around the neighborhood, or even at church, anything about the Cooper family. It was bad enough that most of their friends and family knew Miranda and Trent were separated. Too many well-meaning people had already offered their unsolicited thoughts and opinions about the situation.
“Umm, we can talk about this later, kids.” Miranda gestured to the TV. “I’d like you to turn that off and go into the kitchen so you can help me get supper going.”
After Debbie hit the remote and she and Kevin had left the room, Carla rose from her chair. “Now that you’re home from work, you won’t be needing me anymore this evening, so I’ll head for home.”
“Thanks, Carla.” Miranda smiled. “I’ll see you next Monday, when I’m scheduled to work again, and I’ll pay you then if that’s okay.”
“Sure, no problem.” Carla gathered up her purse and started out the door with a farewell wave.
Miranda paused to think and offer a quick prayer before heading for the kitchen. She did not want to say anything negative to the children about their father. She would, however, have a talk with Trent when Debbie and Kevin weren’t around. He needed to know that he couldn’t buy her love or work his way back into her good graces through the act of planting flowers—especially ones that reminded her of their wedding day.
Walnut Creek
Heidi was getting ready to start supper when she heard a familiar thunk and knew wood was being chopped. Assuming Lyle had returned home, she went outside to tell him what time their evening meal would be ready. Instead of Lyle, however, she found Velma by a stack of uncut wood, holding Lyle’s axe in her hands.
“Velma, what are you doing?” Heidi walked across the yard, swatting at a cluster of gnats that seemed to form out of thin air. “When I asked you to stack the wood that had already been chopped, I didn’t expect you to do this.” She gestured to the pile Velma had already cut.
Velma lifted her hand, encased in a pair of dilapidated-looking work gloves, and slapped the dust off her overalls. “Well, I got the other wood stacked, so figured I may as well add some more to the pile.”
Heidi shielded her eyes from the evening sun—and the annoying bugs. “I appreciate you wanting to do some work as payment for Peggy Ann’s cooking classes, but you’ve worked several hours already and should really go home. I imagine your children are getting hungry and expecting their mother to fix supper.”
Velma’s head moved quickly from side to side. “Naw, I won’t be cookin’ supper tonight. It’s Bobbie Sue’s turn in the kitchen.”
“I see.” Although Heidi hadn’t met Bobbie Sue, she knew from talking to Velma that her oldest daughter was seventeen, certainly old enough to cook a meal. If Velma’s children had been with her right now, Heidi would have invited them all to stay for supper. Perhaps some other time she would extend an invitation. It would be nice to meet Mr. Kimball too.
“I appreciate the work you did here today.” Heidi smiled. “It more than covered Peggy Ann’s first cooking class. In fact, it probably covered two.”
“Naw.” Velma touched the side of her face, leaving a smudge of dirt behind. “I plan to do several chores and work at least one day each week that my young’un comes here for a class. It’s the least I can do for your kindness.” She leaned the axe against the side of the woodshed, and rubbed her eyes when more bugs aimed for her face. “Boy, these gnats are relentless. It must be gonna rain.” Velma swatted at them, but it seemed to aggravate the insects even more. “Well, I’ve had enough of this. Guess I’m a little sweaty, and I am gettin’ kinda hungry, so think I’ll call it a day and get on home.”
“Okay. Thank you, Velma. I’ll see you sometime next week.”
As Velma headed down the driveway, swinging her arms, Heidi paused and said a prayer for the woman. Moving into a new neighborhood in an unfamiliar state would be difficult for anyone—especially when they were having financial difficulties. Heidi planned to speak to Lyle about the Kimballs’ situation. Perhaps they could think of other ways to help. Allowing Velma to do some work in exchange for her daughter’s lessons was simply not enough.
Walking briskly toward home, Velma whistled, glad that the bugs had finally dispersed when she got to the road. She hadn’t minded working for Heidi today. Despite the pesky gnats, and the sore muscles she expected to end up with, it felt good knowing she was able to pay for Peggy Ann’s classes by helping the Troyers with things needing done. She’d meant to ask how Peggy Ann did during Heidi’s second cooking class, but she’d forgotten to say anything about it. Hopefully her daughter hadn’t missed too much by not attending the first class.
Velma reflected on how nice it would be to have a beautiful flower bed growing out front of her place, like the one Heidi had. It would take a lot of time and work, but it’d be worth it. However, she couldn’t afford to spend extra money right now—unless it was a necessity.
As Velma continued her journey, she thought about Hank. He’d be home, either late tonight or early tomorrow, and would probably stick around a few days. In some ways, she looked forward to him being there, but in other ways she dreaded it. He’d no doubt start harping at her again about the accident that had totaled their car.
“Well, I won’t let him get under my skin,” she murmured. “Everyone makes mistakes, and he’s sure not perfect.”
Velma remembered how one Fourth of July, Hank had thrown a firecracker into her birdbath and blew it to smithereens. Of course, that didn’t compare to wrecking a car. But the birdbath had been a birthday gift from Velma’s sister, Maggie. Velma was quite upset when Hank ruined it, although she’d decided not to make a big deal out of it. What was the point, anyway? Fussing and fuming wouldn’t bring back her birthday present, and it would have only made Hank mad. What really riled her, however, was Hank never even apologized for what he’d done. At least she’d had the decency to say she was sorry about wrecking their car.
Life sure has its ups and downs, she thought. Wish I’d been lucky and was born with a silver spoon in
my mouth. But no, my folks were poor as church mice.
Soon Velma’s driveway came into view, and as she turned to start heading toward their mobile home, she spotted a motorcycle parked near the small storage shed to the left of the trailer-house. She recognized the skull and crossbones insignia on the back of the cycle. It belonged to Bobbie Sue’s boyfriend, Kenny Carmichael. Her muscles tensed, and she bit the inside of her cheek so hard she tasted blood. What’s he doin’ here? That fellow never was anything but trouble.
Velma hurried her footsteps. She planned to march right in there and send the old boyfriend packing.
Velma was almost to the door when Kenny stepped out, with Bobbie Sue clutching his arm. “Look who came to see me, Mama.” Bobbie Sue gave Velma a wide grin, then looked adoringly back at Kenny.
“Nice to see ya again,” Kenny mumbled.
With a curt nod, Velma waited.
Kenny put his arm around Bobbie Sue and pulled her close to his side. “I sure have missed my girl. Wish you all hadn’t up and moved.”
“I’m goin’ for a ride with Kenny.” Without waiting for Velma’s response, Bobbie Sue followed him over to his motorcycle and climbed on the back.
Velma was almost too dumbfounded to say anything, but she found her voice before Kenny had a chance to start up the cycle. “You can’t go anywhere right now, Bobbie Sue. It’s time to eat supper, which you should have ready for us by now.”
Bobbie Sue shook her head. “I was thinkin’ about starting something when Kenny showed up. We’re going to the burger joint in Berlin.”
Anger bubbled in Velma’s soul, and she slapped both hands against her hips. “Oh, yeah? Who says you’re goin’ anywhere?”
“Well, I…”
“Aw, come on Mrs. Kimball,” Kenny interrupted. “It’s been way too long since I saw my girl. Ya can’t be mean enough to try and keep us apart.”
“I am not trying to be mean.” Velma spoke slowly, curbing her anger. “I’ve been workin’ hard most of the day for one of our neighbors, and my daughter was supposed to fix supper for all of us tonight. Then I show up here, dog-tired, and she wants to run off and spend the evening with you, which would mean I’d have to do all the cooking.” Heat flooding her face, Velma tapped her foot a couple of times.
Kenny pulled his fingers through the ends of his black, shoulder-length hair. “Now don’t go gettin’ yourself all worked up over nothin’. If ya don’t want Bobbie Sue to go out with me to grab a bite, I’ll eat supper here with your family.”
Velma blinked. The nerve of that boy! Just who does he think he is? She drew a deep breath and silently counted to ten. I suppose having Kenny here for the evening would be better than my daughter going out with him on that motorcycle and leaving me stuck with the cooking. At least if he’s here, I can keep an eye on things.
She forced a smile and said, “Sure, Kenny, you’re welcome to join us for supper. You’ll get to see what kind of a cook my daughter is.” You just won’t be staying long after we’re done eating, she added silently as Bobbie Sue gave her an icy stare.
Chapter 19
Canton
Denise stood at the living-room window, watching as Greg pulled out of their yard. Her husband had been in such a hurry to get to the office today he hadn’t even taken the time to eat breakfast.
She glanced at the stately grandfather clock across the room, gonging on the half hour. In a few minutes it would be time to take Kassidy to her friend’s house for the day. After she dropped her off, Denise would be hosting a Realtors’ open house for a new listing. If this home sold at the price it was listed for, she could make upwards of thirty thousand dollars.
Better not get my hopes up too high, at least not yet, she reasoned. Still, given that it was Friday, Denise hoped they’d have something to celebrate soon.
After pulling her sleeve back to check the time on her diamond-studded wristwatch, Denise turned and was about to call her daughter down from upstairs, when Kassidy burst into the room.
“Just look at my blouse, Mom. Those stains you said would come out are set in for good. I even tried scrubbing the blouse when I found it on the floor of my closet this morning, but it didn’t do any good.” Frowning, Kassidy held out the item in question. “It’s ruined, and now I’ll have to throw it away.”
Denise’s gaze flicked upwards. “If you had put it in the laundry when we got home from the cooking class last week, like I told you to, I most likely could have gotten the stain out.” She swept her hands impatiently. “I don’t have time to debate this with you. We have to go right now or I’m going to be late for my open house.”
Kassidy stomped her foot. “Mom, you’re not listening to me—my blouse is ruined.”
“Yes, I heard you—loud and clear. But there is nothing I can do about it, so get your things and let’s go.”
“I need a new blouse, and I want one today.” With an angry-looking scowl, Kassidy tossed the blouse on the floor, then grabbed her backpack and stomped out the door.
I think Greg and I created a monster by allowing our daughter to get away with her temper tantrums since she was a little girl. Denise picked up her purse and followed. There would have been a day she’d have given in to her daughter’s demands, but not anymore. Until Kassidy learned how to ask for things nicely, she would not be getting anything new other than necessities.
Millersburg
“I sure like this weather we’re having,” Darren commented as he walked beside Ellen on the trail leading to the lake he’d chosen for fishing today. Tall trees—a mix of evergreens and hardwoods—shaded the pathway, while a warm breeze tickled Darren’s bare arms. He wasn’t sure if it was the weather or strolling down the footpath this close to Ellen that seemed to make his senses tingle.
She looked over at him and smiled. “You’re right. We couldn’t ask for a better day.” Ellen turned and called over her shoulder, “Hurry up, Becky. You’re falling behind.”
Darren paused. “Maybe we’re walking too fast.”
Ellen shook her head. “She’s been dawdling since we got out of the car.”
“Not Jeremy.” Darren pointed ahead. “He acts like he’s rushing to a fire or something.” He chuckled and started walking again. “My boy’s always enjoyed going fishing with me. I’m sure that’s why he’s running ahead. Probably thinks if he gets to the lake first he’ll catch the most, or biggest, fish.”
“Maybe he will.” Ellen stopped walking and looked at her daughter again. Becky had almost caught up to them, but the grim twist to her mouth let Darren know she was anything but happy to be here today. Ellen had said previously that Becky enjoyed fishing and hiking, so he figured her lack of enthusiasm might be because of him or Jeremy. Does Becky feel threatened by my interest in her mother? Or is it simply that she doesn’t like my son very much? Either way, Darren was determined to win the girl over, because he definitely liked Becky’s mother. Maybe things would go better once they reached the lake.
When they arrived at the spot where Darren suggested they set up, Ellen couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. The area felt like some secret place, undiscovered by anyone but them. Wild grass grew up to the water’s edge, with trees surrounding the sides and far end of the lake. All the way around, the body of water looked promising to fish from its bank.
“It’s so pretty here.” Ellen glanced over at Darren as she set the picnic basket down, along with the duffle bag that held the blanket. “Do you and Jeremy come here often?”
“As much as we can. We’ve been to other places, but we like it here best.” Darren pointed to a trash can several feet away. “Other people fish here, too, because there’s usually evidence in the can. But we always seem to time it right and usually have this spot all to ourselves.”
Darren walked over to a level area under the shade of a tree. “How about we spread your blanket out here for later, when we have lunch?”
“Sure, this looks like a good place.” Ellen looked toward the water again, taking in
the alluring reflection from the sun and clouds overhead.
“I can tell you this. Jeremy and I have pulled some good-sized fish out of this lake.”
“Regardless if I catch a fish or not, it’s just nice being here.” Humming, Ellen rolled her shoulders forward. Up above, a robin sang its cheery melody, and a frog began croaking.
“I know exactly what you mean.” Darren took the fishing rods over to a log near the water, then came back to get his tackle box.
Unfolding the large blanket she’d purchased a few years ago at a yard sale, Ellen glanced over at her daughter. Tight-lipped, Becky stood with her arms folded. Ellen was about to suggest that her daughter grab the other end of the blanket, to help her spread it out over the grass, when Jeremy ran up to Becky. “Do you know how to skip stones over the water?” Jeremy held a few flat stones in his hand.
“Course I do.” Becky put her hands on her hips, giving him quite the stare.
“Well then, come on. Let’s see who can make one go the farthest.” Jeremy handed Becky a few stones, and off to the water’s edge they both ran.
“Here, let me help you, Ellen.” Darren reached down and took the other end of the blanket. After they had it spread on the ground, they got a few things out of the basket.
“Kids. Always trying to outdo each other.” Darren chuckled, looking over his shoulder at Becky and Jeremy. Their stones skimmed over the water’s surface before disappearing.
“I hope they don’t scare the fish.” Ellen knelt on the blanket to get a few snack bags out.
“Nah, Jeremy skips rocks every time we come here, and it never seems to bother them.”
Once Ellen made some snacks available, Darren reached his hand out to help her up. “Come on, let’s do some fishing.”
It was a peaceful morning, and while Darren and Ellen sat on the log, talking and keeping an eye on the red-and-white bobbers floating in the middle of the lake, her body relaxed. Jeremy and Becky were fishing, yards apart, over on the bank toward the right. Neither of them wanted to use a bobber, but preferred to throw their line out, then slowly reel it back in. It was easy to see they were competing again, only this time with casting their fishing lines.
Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration Page 13