Now that he and Ellen were getting close, he had to put some thought into their relationship and decide how serious he wanted it to get—especially with how his son felt. If only Jeremy could learn to appreciate Ellen as much as Darren did.
Chapter 37
Walnut Creek
Sure hope if Heidi found Mom’s barrette, she didn’t throw it away.” Jeremy sounded desperate.
“Try not to worry,” Darren called over his shoulder, keeping his eyes on the road.
“But Dad, today’s already Wednesday, and if she did find it someplace in her house, she wouldn’t have known who left it.” Jeremy grunted. “Most likely she’d have thought it belonged to one of the girls in our class. Someone could’ve already come and claimed it by now.”
“Not likely, Son. Since it doesn’t belong to one of the girls, there’d be no reason for them to claim it. Now stop fretting. We’re almost there.”
When Darren pulled into Heidi’s yard, he spotted her on the grass, tossing a ball back and forth to the children. They looked like they were having a good time.
Darren parked the car, but before he could open his door, Jeremy hopped out and raced over to Heidi. Darren sprinted across the lawn to catch up with his son.
“Did you find my mom’s barrette?” Jeremy stepped in front of Heidi after she threw the ball to Randy.
She quirked an eyebrow. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Jeremy had his mother’s hair clip with him last Saturday, and he thinks he may have dropped it someplace in your house or yard,” Darren explained. “Did you happen to see it anywhere? The barrette was gold, with little red stones along the top.”
“I haven’t seen anything like that around the house or in the yard.” Heidi gestured to Randy. “Have you seen a fancy hair clip?”
“Nope.” Randy bounced the ball a few times.
Heidi looked at Marsha, and the little girl shook her head.
Jeremy groaned. “I had it with me Saturday; I know I did. Dad, remember when you asked me what I was holding in my hand, before I got out of the car?”
“Yes, I do remember.” Darren felt his boy’s frustration.
“You’re welcome to look around out here if you like.” Heidi made a sweeping gesture of the yard.
“Thanks.” Darren pointed to the driveway. “Let’s start where we parked the car that day.” He headed in that direction, and Jeremy followed. Heidi joined them in the search. They looked everywhere Jeremy remembered walking, but found nothing.
“What about the house? Can I look in there?” Jeremy bit down on his bottom lip. “I’ve gotta find it. The barrette was special to my mom, and now it is to me.”
Heidi suggested they all go inside and search for the hair clip. Marsha and Randy looked none-too-happy when she asked them to put the ball away and go into the house, but they did as they were told.
Darren and Jeremy followed her and the children in, and Jeremy retraced his steps. “I was here in the living room, and when everyone got here, we all went to the kitchen.”
“All right, let’s look in those two rooms,” Heidi said.
“You also went to the bathroom,” Darren reminded. “Why don’t you look there, while I check out the living room?”
“While you two are doing that, I’ll search in the kitchen.” Heidi offered Jeremy a sympathetic smile. “If it’s here in the house, I’m sure one of us will find it.”
Another hour went by, but the barrette was not found. “I’m sorry.” Darren clasped his son’s shoulder. “We may as well give up and go home.”
With shoulders slumped, Jeremy lowered his head. “Guess it’s my fault for bringin’ it to class with me. I shoulda put it somewhere safe in our house.” He shuffled toward the front door.
“I’ll keep looking, Jeremy,” Heidi called. “If I find it, I’ll let your father know right away.”
Jeremy went silently out the door.
Darren turned to face Heidi. “Thank you for taking the time to help us look. Jeremy took his mother’s death pretty hard, and on top of that, he’s having a difficult time accepting the fact that I’m interested in another woman.”
Curious, Heidi tipped her head to one side. “Ellen?”
“Yeah. To tell you the truth, I don’t think her daughter’s too thrilled about it either.”
“Children, like adults, can find it difficult to move forward after losing a loved one. We can try to be patient and find ways to encourage them along.” Heidi rested her hands against the front of her apron.
“I’ve been trying to be patient, and I’ll keep at it.”
“Dad, are you coming?” Jeremy called from outside.
Darren looked over his shoulder, then back at Heidi. “We’ll see you soon.”
Heidi stood by the front door, watching them get into their vehicle. I need to keep Darren and Jeremy in my prayers. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a single parent, and I pray that never happens to me.
Millersburg
“I don’t see why we have to see a bunch of animals with Jeremy and his dad this Saturday,” Becky complained as she and Ellen filled the bird feeders in their yard. “I’ve been to the farm before with my class at school, and it wasn’t that exciting.”
“Really?” Ellen stopped what she was doing and placed both hands on her hips. “As I recall, when you came home that day, all you could talk about was the llama that spit, and how much fun it was to see the baby giraffe. I would think you’d want to go back and see how all the animals are doing. You’ll get to feed them again, you know.”
Becky folded her arms. “Well, it might be more fun if it was just the two of us. Jeremy will probably say a bunch of stupid things, and his dad…” She stopped talking. “Oh, never mind. I can tell you wanna go, so I’ll get through it.”
Get through it? Ellen could hardly believe her daughter’s attitude. Is she jealous of Darren? Does she think he will come between us?
“Sounds like those birds are mighty hungry.” Ellen looked toward the trees. “We have one more feeder to do, and then we’re done.” Ellen reached for the feeder, and slid open the top, while Becky held the funnel to fill it with seeds. If Becky’s attitude toward Darren didn’t improve, Ellen realized she may have to stop seeing him.
New Philadelphia
Trent sat at his desk in the dealership, staring at the paperwork for the sale of a mid-size car he was considering buying at a reasonable price. If he went through with the deal, he’d take the vehicle to the cooking class a week from Saturday and give it to the woman who needed a car. I bet Miranda will be surprised that I went through with my plan. I hope Velma will be willing to accept my gift.
From where his desk was positioned, Trent could watch the lot where all the new and used vehicles sat. It had been a slow day so far, and only an elderly couple browsed up and down the rows of cars.
Trent paused at what he was doing and held his breath. Oh no, not that one. The man and woman stopped at the car he was thinking of purchasing. He watched as they walked all around the vehicle and peered inside at the interior.
Should I go out and see if they have any questions? Truth was, he hoped they’d move on to another car. When he saw them reading the information sheet attached to the passenger window, Trent walked out and joined them.
“May I help you?” he asked, approaching the couple.
“We’re looking for a used car, and this one caught our attention.” The man smiled.
“I’m not sure I like it, though.” The woman walked around the car again. “I was hoping for something a little smaller.”
“My name is Trent Cooper.” He extended his hand to the man. “I’ll let you look around some more, and if you decide on anything, please come inside so we can talk.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cooper.” The man had a good grip. “My name is Howard Witmer, and this is my wife, Marie. We’ll keep looking and let you know if we decide on a car.”
“Okay, I’ll be at my desk. It’s to
the left of the door.”
Trent walked back inside. He hoped they would find another car better suited for their needs.
As he sat back down at his desk and watched the couple go down another row of vehicles, his thoughts turned to the seminar he’d agreed to attend with Miranda in two days. He didn’t see how it could repair their marriage, but he was desperate to get Miranda back, and hoped by going it might be his ticket home. And who knows. Maybe I’ll learn something.
Walking over to the water cooler, Trent filled a cup and took a drink. Glancing back outside, he saw the couple get into their car and drive off the lot. “Guess that takes care of that.” Trent smacked his hands together and smiled as he walked back to his desk. “Looks like my plan for Velma is going to work out after all.”
Chapter 38
Walnut Creek
Look over there—here comes some animals eager to be fed.” Darren pointed to the deer running toward the wagon where he, Jeremy, Ellen, and Becky were seated on a long wooden bench. An elderly Amish man drove the wagon, pulled by two sturdy horses.
Across from them sat five other people, all here for the same fun-filled tour. Everyone had been given a small bucket full of food to feed the animals.
“You must stay in the wagon at all times, and you’ll need to remain seated whenever we’re moving,” the Amish man instructed. “Most of the critters will need to be fed by pouring some of the feed out of the containers and onto the floor of the wagon so they can reach it. However, the two-legged feathered animals with beaks can be fed directly from the bucket,” he added. “Just be sure to hold on tight, because if the bucket drops we won’t be able to stop and pick it up.”
“Oh, look, there’s a zebra coming,” Ellen shouted, as several deer ate the food on the floor of the wagon. She was obviously enjoying herself, but Darren wasn’t sure about Ellen’s daughter. Even though Becky had poured food on the wagon floor, she sat with a placid expression. Darren watched Jeremy. He sat quietly too.
When the zebra came up to the wagon, Ellen reached out and stroked behind the animal’s ear. “It feels so soft and silky.” She gestured to Becky. “Why don’t you try it?”
“No, that’s okay.” The girl shook her head. “I’ll just watch.”
Ellen turned to Jeremy then. “Why don’t you pet the zebra? It’s really…”
Jeremy’s brows furrowed. “If I wanted to pet the critter, I would.” He looked away.
Darren was stunned by his son’s sharp tone. “Jeremy, you need to apologize to Ellen.”
“Sorry,” his son mumbled without looking her way.
Darren rubbed his forehead. This day was not going like he’d planned.
Next, they saw an ostrich with a long neck and pointed beak. Darren couldn’t help but chuckle as he held his bucket out, allowing the ostrich to stick its beak in and get some food. In and out. In and out—the big bird’s head bobbed back and forth.
Ellen laughed too. “I think this enormous bird is trying to eat all the food.”
Jeremy and Becky remained quiet. It was obvious to Darren that neither of them wanted to be here. I don’t think Becky likes me, and Jeremy doesn’t care for Ellen either.
Darren looked at Ellen and swallowed hard. Without our kids’ blessing, this isn’t going to work. As soon as I have a chance to speak to Ellen alone, I’m going to tell her that I think it’s best if we don’t see each other socially again.
As the wagon tour concluded, Ellen’s shoulders sagged. This outing could have been such a fun day, but Becky and Jeremy’s disinterest put a damper on things.
Ellen bit the inside of her cheek. If only my daughter could see Darren for the nice man he is and realize there’s room in my heart for both of them. Becky hasn’t given him a fair chance.
She glanced over at Jeremy, staring at the wagon floor. He’s not happy about his father seeing me either. I bet it’s just a matter of time before Darren says he doesn’t want to see me anymore. Ellen pulled in a quick breath and released it slowly. Maybe it would be best if I break things off. The first opportunity I get to speak to Darren alone, I’m going to tell him I don’t think we should see each other outside of the cooking class.
Berlin
Trent squirmed in his chair, trying to find a comfortable position. Already it felt like he’d been here all day. Last night he and Miranda had attended the first two-hour session of the marriage seminar. Today’s gathering, which had begun early this morning, would go on until late afternoon. Trent was glad there was more than one speaker. Listening to the same voice for hours on end would have probably put him to sleep.
He looked around at the other couples who had come here today and wondered if they were all having marital problems. Or perhaps, as one of the earlier speakers had pointed out, some had come to merely strengthen an already healthy marriage. Trent recognized a few of the people from Friday night’s meeting. Some were young couples, and a few others looked to be around the same age as he and Miranda. What surprised him, though, was the elderly couples who’d come to the seminar. I would think those old timers would have all the answers by now. But then, I guess a person is never too old to learn new ways to improve their marriage.
So far, Trent hadn’t gotten a lot out of the class, other than being reminded that a husband and wife should do nice things for each other and work on their communication skills.
Rubbing a hand across his forehead, he felt worry lines creasing his skin. I’ve tried to be nice to Miranda, and where has that gotten me? And how am I supposed to communicate with someone who doesn’t want to talk to me most of the time and thinks nothing I say is important?
He glanced in his wife’s direction, noting her serious expression as the speaker brought up a new topic.
“A husband’s role as head of the house is to be the spiritual leader.” The gray-haired man spoke with a tone of authority as he quoted a verse from Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
Trent leaned forward, listening intently as the minister read the thirty-third verse of the same chapter: “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Trent swallowed hard. Oh, boy. How can I expect Miranda to respect me when I haven’t earned her trust? Trent leaned back in his seat, and when he glanced in his wife’s direction, he saw tears dribbling down her cheeks.
“I love you with all my heart,” Trent whispered, clasping her hand. “And with God’s help, I want to be the spiritual leader in our home.”
“Does that mean you’ll start going to church with us as a family?” Miranda spoke quietly against his ear.
He nodded and gently squeezed her warm fingers. It was too soon to ask if he could move back home, but when he’d proved himself and earned her trust, he would ask.
Miranda could hardly believe the words her husband had whispered to her. For the first time since she and Trent had separated, Miranda felt a ray of hope that there might be a reconciliation. It would take some time for him to prove he was serious about attending church and becoming the spiritual leader of their home, but at least he was willing to try. She also felt confident that once it was proven, learning to trust him would be easier.
She closed her eyes and offered a prayer: Heavenly Father, please lead my husband down the path You want him to follow, and help me to be an encouragement to him. Help me say the right words whenever I speak to Trent, and grant me the wisdom to know when it is right to invite him to come home. If Trent and I resume our marriage, I want it to be for good this time.
Walnut Creek
After they’d left the farm, Darren had stopped at an ice-cream stand, hoping it would ease some of the tension. All kids loved ice cream, and he’d anticipated Jeremy and Becky would be in a better mood after they had a sweet treat.
Unfortunately the kids’ moods had grown worse, and now as they headed to Millersburg to take Ellen and Beck
y home, his vehicle was filled with nothing but silence. Darren rehearsed in his mind what he would say to Ellen when he dropped them off. He planned to walk them to the door and then, before they went into the house, ask Ellen if he could speak to her alone.
His insides twisted as he thought about saying goodbye and never having the chance to see where their relationship might take them. But he saw no way they could keep seeing each other without their children’s approval.
“Hey, Dad, did ya hear those sirens?” Jeremy asked as they approached the road where they always turned off to go to Heidi’s.
“Yes, I did.” Darren looked in his rearview mirror and saw a fire truck approaching. Then another one, coming from the opposite direction, appeared.
Darren pulled his SUV onto the shoulder of the road to let them pass and was surprised when both vehicles turned up the same road where the Troyers lived. He turned to look at Ellen, sitting beside him with an anxious expression. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to follow the trucks and see what’s going on. It might be someone we know or maybe they could use some extra help.”
Ellen was quick to nod. “I hope nothing has happened at Heidi’s place.”
Chapter 39
Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration Page 26