“Parents sometimes have disagreements, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to leave each other.” Denise reached for the phone and punched in Greg’s cell number. A few seconds later, he answered.
“Hey, I was getting ready to call you. Things got pretty bad on the golf course today when the storm blew in.”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but one of the guys I don’t know well was slightly injured while playing golf.”
“Oh, my! What happened?”
“Lightning struck a tree close to where he was playing. From what we were told, the man started back to get the clubs he’d left under the tree, and that’s when the lightning hit.” Greg went on to say that the power of the strike knocked the man to the ground, but other than ringing ears and tingly arms, he wasn’t seriously hurt.
“That’s good to hear. Kassidy and I were worried about you.”
“Well, you can set your concerns aside now, because I’ll be home soon.”
When Denise hung up, she turned to Kassidy and smiled. “It wasn’t your dad who got hurt, and the man who did is going to be okay.”
“I’m so glad.” Tears pooled in Kassidy’s eyes, and she hugged Denise. Maybe today had been a turning point for her daughter. For all of them, really.
Berlin
Miranda couldn’t get over Trent’s generosity toward Velma and her family. She’d invited him over for supper to spend time with her and the children and as a way of saying thank you for his selfless deed. Although she still wasn’t ready to invite Trent to live with them again, Miranda felt as if they might be headed in that direction.
She glanced out the kitchen window. The storm they’d had earlier had died down, but a steady rain continued. Tomorrow, if the sun came out, it would no doubt be humid.
“Well, that’s what summer often brings,” she murmured, turning on the water to fill the teakettle. At least the yards in the area were nice and green, unlike some years when they didn’t get much rain at all.
“Who are ya talkin’ to, Mom?” Kevin skipped into the kitchen and tugged on her arm.
Miranda tickled him under his chin. “I was talking to myself.”
He giggled. “Do ya answer yourself too?”
“No, but sometimes I’m tempted to.”
“Is Daddy still comin’ for supper?” Kevin asked.
“Yes, and I’m trying to figure out what to fix. What do you think he would like?”
“Hot dogs and potato chips!” Kevin gave a thumbs-up.
Miranda lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “Tell the truth now, Kevin. Hot dogs and chips is what you’d like to have, not what you think your dad wants, right?”
He moved his head quickly up and down.
“Daddy likes hot dogs too.”
“You’re right, so maybe if the rain lets up we can sit outside around our portable fire pit and roast hot dogs. We can also have potato chips, and I’ll make a yummy macaroni salad to go with it. How’s that sound?”
Kevin’s smile stretched wide. “Okay!” He turned and started out of the kitchen, but turned back around. “Is Daddy movin’ back with us?”
Miranda bit the inside of her cheek. “I don’t know, Son—maybe. But not tonight. Your dad and I still have some things we need to work through.”
Kevin grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “I’m goin’ to tell Debbie the good news.”
Miranda shook her head. “Please, Kevin, don’t say anything about the possibility of your dad moving back home. I’ll tell you both if and when anything is decided.”
He looked up at her and grinned. “No worries, Mommy. I was only gonna tell Debbie we’re havin’ hot dogs tonight.” Kevin darted out of the room.
Miranda set the teakettle on the stove and turned on the burner. She hoped things would work out between her and Trent, for it would be difficult to disappoint the children.
Chapter 43
Millersburg
Ellen and Becky had left the grocery store, and were heading to the car, when Becky stopped walking and clasped her mother’s arm. “I can’t quit thinkin’ about something, Mom.”
“What is it, honey?”
“During the last cooking class, Jeremy was talking about how his mom died, and it was really sad. It got me to thinking about the woman who’d given birth to me. I keep wondering if she’s alive, and if so, where does she live?”
Ellen moistened her lips. “Let’s talk about this in the car.”
“Okay.”
Once the groceries were put in the trunk, and Becky was seated in the back seat, Ellen slid in next to her. This was the first time Becky had brought up the topic of her birth mother since learning she’d been adopted.
Ellen reached for Becky’s hand. “There are usually ways for a person to locate their birth parents, and as I’ve mentioned before, when you are older and ready to do that, I’ll help you with it.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Becky squeezed Ellen’s fingers. “Even if I do find my birth mother, you’ll always be my mom.”
Ellen swallowed hard. “And you, sweet Becky, will always be my daughter.”
Walnut Creek
“I still can’t believe this beauty is ours. Sure never figured someone we don’t know would up and give us a car.” Hank tapped the steering wheel of their secondhand vehicle, then ran his hand over the dash. They’d had the car a week already and driven it someplace almost every day since. This morning Velma and Hank went to the grocery store to pick up a few things for Heidi and had just now returned.
Velma looked over at her husband and touched his tattooed arm. “There’s something I need to ask you.”
“Ask away.”
Velma wadded up the tissue she’d pulled from her overalls’ pocket—the only pair she had left from before the fire.
Hank’s forehead wrinkled. “What’s wrong? You look so serious all of a sudden.”
“I’m kinda nervous.”
“Whatcha got to be nervous about?”
“The question I’m about to ask.”
He swatted her arm playfully. “Never had any problems askin’ me questions before.”
“This is different. You might not like what I’m about to say.”
He grabbed hold of her hand. “For heaven’s sakes, woman, just tell me what’s on your mind.”
She drew a quick breath, hoping to calm the fluttering in her chest. “It’s about my folks.”
“What about them?”
“I’d like to call them, Hank. They need to know about the fire that destroyed our home, and I’d like to ask if they’ve heard anything from Clem or Bobbie Sue.” There, it was out. Velma released a breath of air that lifted the hair off her damp forehead.
Hank rubbed his jaw then moved his hand to the back of his neck. “Guess it would be all right. It’s been a long time since you talked to your ma and pa. It’s not been fair of me to come between you and your folks.”
Releasing her hand from his grasp, Velma sagged against the seat, pressing both palms against her cheeks. “Thank you, Hank. Think I’ll go out to the Troyers’ phone shed and make a call to my mama right now.”
“Okay, and while you’re doin’ that, I’ll haul the groceries in, and see if Randy and Marsha wanna go with me, Eddie, and Peggy Ann to our place to feed and water the chickens.”
“Sounds good. I’m betting the kids will be eager to help.” She grinned. “Randy never has to be reminded to care for his chickens. Heidi and Lyle are doin’ a good job raising him and his sister.”
“Yeah. They’re sure cute kids, and polite too. They’ve had a lot to deal with in their young lives. Let’s hope when Marsha and Randy get older they don’t decide to up and run off the way our two oldest did.”
Velma shook her head. “I’m sure they won’t. Heidi and Lyle love those kids, and they’re raising them well. Teachin’ them all about God too.” She opened the car door. “Well, I’d best get on out to the phone shed. I’ll let ya know later what my mama has to say.” Velma hopped ou
t. Truth was, she could have stayed here all day talking with Hank. But things needed to be done—beginning with a long-overdue phone call to Kentucky.
Velma entered the small wooden building and took a seat on the folding chair. Her fingers tingled as she picked up the receiver. What if Mama doesn’t want to talk to me? What if she hangs up the phone as soon as she hears my voice? They’d had a pretty nasty argument with Velma’s parents before moving to Ohio, so a reconciliation might not be possible.
“Well, ya won’t know till ya try,” Velma muttered. She punched in her folk’s number and held her breath.
“Hello.”
“Mama, it’s me, Velma.”
Silence.
“Did ya hear what I said?”
“Yeah. Never thought I’d hear a peep outa you again.”
Velma’s left knee bounced uncontrollably. She placed her free hand on it and pressed hard. “I wanted to let you know that our place here in Walnut Creek caught fire, and it burned to the ground.”
“Oh, my! Is everyone all right? Are you okay, Velma?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Hank wasn’t home when it happened, but thanks to the firemen, me and the kids got out okay. Except for breathin’ in a lot of smoke, all three of us, and even our dog, were fine.”
“That’s a relief.” Her mother paused. “By the way, how are those youngsters doing these days?”
“Eddie and Peggy Ann are good.”
Velma explained about the cooking class and how she’d been doing some chores for Heidi to pay for Peggy Ann’s lessons.
“If you need any help financially, all ya have to do is ask,” her mom offered.
“I appreciate that, Mama, but thanks to the help of some people in the area, we’re managing. Losing everything in the fire was horrible, but some positive things happened because of it.”
“Good to hear. So, where are ya staying?”
“Heidi, the Amish lady who teaches the cooking class, and her husband, Lyle, took us in. Some other Amish folks from the community are gonna help build us a new house. The community support’s been amazing.”
Velma went on to tell about the car they’d been given, and then brought up the subject of Bobbie Sue and Clem. “Have ya seen or heard anything from either of them?”
“As a matter of fact, Clem called a few months ago. He joined the army and is stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.”
“Is he doin all right?” Velma’s voice trembled a bit.
“Seems to be.”
“What about Bobbie Sue? Do you know where she is?”
“Sure do. That girl’s sittin’ right here at my kitchen table.” Another pause. “She and that creepy boyfriend broke up, so she came here, askin’ if she could live with us.”
“So they didn’t get married?”
“Nope. Bobbie Sue got a job as a waitress at a place not far from here. Seems to like it there.”
“Can I talk to her?”
“Sure, but first, there’s somethin’ I wanna say.”
“What is it, Mama?”
“Just wanted to say I’m sorry for all the hurtful things me and your pa said about Hank before you all moved. It was wrong of us to drive a wedge between you and your man. Hank was your choice for a husband, and we should have accepted it and welcomed him into the family instead of pointing out his faults. Had we done right from the start, you’d still be livin’ here and not in Ohio among strangers.”
“Heidi and Lyle have become our friends, Mama. But you’re correct. Had it not been for the things said about Hank, and even to his face, we’d most likely have stayed put.” Velma opened the door of the phone shed a crack and drew a deep breath. “I’m sorry for my part in the blowup we had with you and Papa before we moved.”
“All’s forgiven. It’s in the past. So, do ya think ya might ever come back? You’d be welcome.”
“Maybe for a visit, but we like the area here, and we’re settling in.”
“That’s important, Velma. I’m glad everything’s workin’ out for you.” Velma heard her mother blow her nose. “We’ll look forward to you comin’ to see us, and hopefully that won’t be too long.”
“Maybe once we get the house built we can make the trip.” Velma doodled on the writing tablet next to the phone as she thought about a verse her grandma had taught her when she was a girl. She couldn’t remember where it was found in the Bible, but knew what it said: “Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.” By making this phone call, and apologizing, Velma felt that she had honored her mother, even in some small way.
“I’m ready to talk to Bobbie Sue now,” she said.
“Okay, sure. Take care now, ya hear?”
“You too, Mama.”
Velma’s knee started twitching again. She hoped she wouldn’t mess up and say something to aggravate her daughter.
“Hi, Mama.” Bobbie Sue’s voice sounded far away—like she might be holding the receiver away from her ear.
“It’s good to hear your voice, Daughter. I’m glad you’re okay and are livin’ with my folks. I’ve been worried about you.”
“What about Dad? Has he been worried too?”
Velma shifted on the chair. “I’m sure he has. You know how things are. Your dad don’t talk about things the way I do.”
“Yeah, well I’ve been worried about you, too, but scared to reach out. Figured you’d be plenty miffed with me for leavin’ like I did.”
Velma was tempted to ask Bobbie Sue to come back to Ohio, but thought better of it. She was obviously content to live with her grandparents, and if she came back to Ohio, there might be conflict again. “Bobbie Sue, we all make mistakes. I sure know that. But the good part about mistakes is you can learn from ’em.”
“I’ve had my eyes opened,” Bobbie Sue admitted. Then she changed the subject. “How are things going there, Mama? Is everyone okay?”
“We are now, but… Well, your grandma can fill you in. I told her all the details of what’s been happening with us.”
“Okay.”
They talked until Bobbie Sue said she had to hang up and get ready for work.
“All right then, I’ll let ya go for now, but let’s not be strangers. We need to talk now and then.”
“I’m fine with that. Oh, before I go, would ya give my love to Papa, and also to my little brother and sister. I kinda miss them sassing me.”
Velma chuckled. “I’ll be sure and give ’em the message. They’ll both be glad I talked to you. They miss their big sister too.”
“I miss them too.”
When she hung up the phone, Velma noticed the light blinking on the answering machine. No doubt, the Troyers had several messages. Since it wasn’t her place to check them, she left the phone shed and headed for the house to tell Heidi about her call home, and also mention the blinking light.
Chapter 44
Heidi hummed as she dusted the living-room end tables. It was amazing how quickly a film of dirt could develop when the windows were open during the hot summer months. August would be over soon, though, and then fall would be on its way, with cooler days and chilly nights, which she found most welcome. It would certainly be a pleasant change from the sticky humidity that came after the summer rains.
Heidi thought about Randy, and how he would be starting first grade the week after next. For sure, it would be an adjustment for him. But he was a smart little boy, and Heidi felt confident he would do well in school.
She stopped humming and turned toward the door when Velma stepped in. “Did Hank bring all the groceries in?” Velma asked.
“Yes, and they’re all put away.”
Velma snapped her fingers. “Sorry, I shoulda been here to help with that. I went to the phone shed to call my mom.”
Heidi nodded. “Hank mentioned it. How did things go? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”
“Don’t mind a bit.”
Velma took a seat in the rocker, and Heidi seated herself on the couch across from her.
She sat quietly, waiting for Velma to speak.
“It went better than I expected. Mama and I had a good talk. And guess what?” Velma grinned. “Bobbie Sue was there, and I got to talk to her too.”
“I’m glad. Is she staying with your folks?”
“Yeah.” Velma let her head fall against the back of the chair. “Bobbie Sue broke up with her good-for-nothing boyfriend, and she’s got a job at a restaurant near my folks’ house. I’m sure glad she’s all right. Oh, and Mama said they’ve heard from our oldest boy. Guess Clem joined the army.”
Heidi smiled. “It must be a relief to know your children are safe and doing okay.”
“You got that right. After everything we went through with those two, it sounds like they are going down a better path in life—one they’ve chosen on their own. Guess it’s good to let kids learn from their own mistakes rather than tryin’ to make ’em do something you think they should do. That causes resentment and rebellion—at least in our case it did.”
Velma closed her eyes and rocked silently for a few minutes, but then her eyes snapped open, and she sat up straight. “Whoa! I better not get too comfy here or I’ll be out like a light.”
“Maybe you should go up to the guest room and take a nap,” Heidi suggested.
“No way.” Velma stood. “I need to get busy doin’ something. So what have ya got for me?”
Heidi straightened her headscarf, which she wore whenever she worked around the house and didn’t want her white covering to get soiled. “Let’s see now… You could go out to the garden and see if any of the produce needs to be picked. I’m fairly sure more string beans are ready. We got a lot the last time we picked them, and it looked like more were on the way.”
“No, problem. I’ll get to it right now.” Velma started for the door, but turned back around. “Oh, I almost forgot… When I was makin’ the call to my mom, I noticed the light on your answering machine was blinking. Figured you’d probably like to know, so you can check the messages.”
Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration Page 29