by Beth Wiseman
“What a wonderful meal.” Joan closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and blew it out slowly. “They were insistent on no gift giving, and I respected that, even though it was hard. But now I wish I’d broken the rules and gotten them at least a little something in appreciation of not only this great meal, but for . . .” She clamped her mouth closed, her cheeks dimpling.
“For setting us up like this?”
Joan smiled. “I only went out with Matt to light a fire under you. But I also let him know that it was just a friendly dinner so he didn’t think otherwise.”
Bruce almost spewed tea when he chuckled, then said, “It certainly worked.”
“I hope Mary, Gabriel, and the children are having a wonderful time. Family is so important.”
Bruce smiled on the inside, keeping his eyes on his plate. “I think they will all have a wonderful Christmas.”
Joan squinted her eyes at him and grinned. “What have you done?”
He couldn’t look her in the eyes. Bruce never wanted to lie to her about anything. But Rachel was right. Combining the magic of Christmas with prayer could certainly work miracles.
Smiling, he finally locked eyes with Joan and winked at her. “Santa never tells his secrets.”
CHAPTER 12
Gabriel stacked wood in his arms alongside his father, and then they began the trek from the barn back to his sister’s house, fighting random gusts of snow, careful to keep their footing as they walked across the frozen yard.
“I’m glad you, Mary, and the kinner came. And I’m glad your mamm is having a gut day.”
Gabriel was still adjusting to his mother’s illness. “Will she remember this day?”
His father offered up a weak smile. “I hope so.”
They walked quietly for a while before his father spoke again. “Your mamm wants to talk to you and Mary privately. She feels bad that she didn’t share about her condition with you.”
Gabriel enjoyed getting to know this more intimate side of his father, but he dreaded having a conversation with his mother about her illness.
He and his father set down the wood they were carting, placing it right outside the front door for easy access.
“How’s Mary’s new elf friend working out?” His father grinned.
“They’ve become gut friends. She works for an Englisch man that has come to visit us also. He even did some work around our haus. They like our kinner real well.”
His father smiled. “A child can never have too much love.”
They were quiet again, shivering, and Gabriel’s bottom lip trembled, but more from fear than cold. “Is Mom going to . . . to, um?”
“Die?” His father’s eyes left Gabriel’s as his gaze drifted to a place somewhere over Gabriel’s shoulder. It was several long seconds before his father said anything. He stared into Gabriel’s eyes, and Gabriel braced for the worst. “That was the initial diagnosis, that your mudder’s dementia would continue to take her downhill, to a point where she didn’t remember or know much at all. But something has happened. Something that has given us far more hope than we’ve had.”
Gabriel raised his eyebrows and waited, even though his heart still hammered in his chest.
“I’ll let your mudder explain. She’s waiting for you and Mary in the downstairs guest bedroom.”
Mary sat down beside Elizabeth on the bed. Gabriel eased into the rocking chair nearby. The sounds and smells of Christmas wafted underneath the closed door. Hot cider simmering on the stove. Turkey baking in the oven. And children’s laughter could be heard from the living room. The love of family everywhere.
A tear rolled down Elizabeth’s cheek, and Mary reached for her mother-in-law’s hand and squeezed. “Please don’t cry. I wish I had known all along that you were ill. I could have tried to help more, or—”
“Nee, nee. You have your hands full with young kinner, so please don’t say that. I’m just very sorry that you thought we didn’t want to be around your children because of their behavior. They are just children, lively and full of energy. I was just always fearful of not being up for the task. What if something happened, if I had a bad spell or something, and I was watching the children at the time?” She covered her face with her hands. Mary didn’t think she’d ever seen her mother-in-law cry before, and such an outpouring of emotion soon had Mary in tears as well.
“But it isn’t all doom and gloom.” Elizabeth swiped at her tears and smiled. Then she told Mary about a new medication she would be starting to take soon. “Isaac and I had ruled out the medication because it is very expensive and not widely available. Even my doctor said it’s hard to get. But . . .” She paused, shaking her head. “My doctor received word that an anonymous donor is paying for this medication for as long as I need it.” Her eyebrows drew inward as a confused expression took over. “I just don’t know anyone who would be able to afford such a thing,”
“Then there is hope that you will get well?” Mary brought a hand to her chest.
“Ya, there is hope. It is a blessing we couldn’t have foreseen. And there is more. We love visiting your sisters and their children, but traveling to Philadelphia every two or three weeks is expensive and hard on us. But now we have a doctor, a therapist type person to work with me, who will come to our haus as often as need be.” Elizabeth drew her eyebrows together until her eyes were thin slits. “And it’s all paid for. We don’t have to pay anything, which means we can travel to Philadelphia when we want to, but not nearly as often. And it’s confidential, so I can choose to tell members of the district what I’m going through, or not. I’m leaning toward telling some of my close friends. Even my doctor said the support will be helpful.
“Who would do such a kindness for us?” Elizabeth asked again.
Mary glanced at Gabriel, his eyes wet with emotion. But they both smiled, and Mary was pretty sure her husband was thinking what she was thinking. Bruce.
She reached for a tissue in her apron pocket, dabbing at her eyes, just as Rachel Marie came bursting into the room, closing the door behind her. “I’m hiding,” she said, snickering, but her smile faded when she realized Mary and Elizabeth were crying. Gabriel sat taller and quickly swiped at his eyes. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” She slowly edged closer to the bed.
“We’re fine,” Elizabeth quickly said, sniffling.
“Ya, ya. These are happy tears.” Mary smiled broadly. “We just got some very gut news. You know how our friend Joan helped Mommy and became my friend?”
Rachel nodded.
“Well . . .” Mary considered how to explain this blessing to a five-year-old. “Someone is helping out mammi, making things easier and better for her while she is trying to get well from this sickness.”
“Who?” Rachel Marie’s eyes grew round as saucers.
“We don’t know,” Elizabeth said. “The person wishes to remain anonymous, which means they don’t want anyone to know about this blessing, about the kindness they are showing us.”
Rachel Marie took a few slow steps toward Mary and Elizabeth, then tapped her finger to her chin. Then her face lit into a big smile. “Santa isn’t magic, but when Santa and God get together, I think magical things can happen.”
Mary smiled, even though her mother-in-law looked confused, looking back and forth between Rachel Marie and Mary.
Rachel Marie took another step closer to Mary, whose Christmas blessing was also seeing her daughter’s rosy red cheeks today. “Do you think that our Englisch friends will get to become husband and wife?”
Mary suspected they were all hoping that their efforts at home would lead to Joan and Bruce seeing their relationship in a new light. “Maybe so. I hope so.”
Rachel Marie grinned even larger than before. “I told him to pray while wearing the Santa suit. Maybe he did.”
“I will fill you in later,” Mary whispered to her mother-in-law before she looked back at her daughter. “All things are possible through—”
“—Christ who strengthens us.
”
A warmth filled Mary’s heart from head to toe as she reached for Rachel Marie’s hand, then her mother-in-law’s. “Indeed,” she said in a whisper as she squeezed their hands.
As Gabriel closed the distance between them, he wrapped his arms around them all, and somehow Mary knew everything was going to be okay.
CHAPTER 13
Bruce knocked on Mary and Gabriel’s door, then glanced down at his slightly enlarged waist. He’d packed on a little winter weight, but with his retirement and spring around the corner, he planned to take on some home improvement projects. He’d even canceled his yard service, opting to reunite himself with his lawn mower soon.
“I look forward to this day so much.” Joan’s face dimpled and lit up as she spoke. She and Bruce had been having dinner— supper as the Amish called it—with Mary, Gabriel, and their children every Saturday evening for the past few months. “And Mary is doing so much better.”
“Thanks to you.” Bruce squeezed her hand.
Still smiling, she said, “Oh, I think you had a hand in this couple’s happiness also.”
“Ach!” Mary opened the door and ushered them inside.
March had arrived, yet the winter temperatures lingered. Bruce was ready for spring, and he was happy to see a warm fire going, orange sparks wafting upward. As always, Rachel was the first of the children to greet Bruce and Joan, and today she had a new faceless doll to show Joan.
“Isn’t this lovely,” Joan said as she leaned down to hug Rachel.
Bruce heard voices coming from the kitchen, and it sounded like either Leah or Katie banging a spoon on the table or high chair. Laughter was coming from that direction also.
Mary reached for both of Joan’s hands, then smiled. “Elizabeth and Isaac are here. I hope that’s okay. They’ve been spending more time with us, but they’d really like to get to know you and Bruce better.”
Joan cupped Mary’s cheeks. “Darlin’, we are thrilled they are here.”
Bruce smiled. Joan’s Texas accent slipped out from time to time, even though she’d been in Pennsylvania for decades. Bruce was looking forward to seeing all of Joan’s children in a couple of months. With the exception of Phillip, he hadn’t seen the others in years. And he was eager to meet her grandchildren. Both he and Joan felt like grandparents to Mary and Gabriel’s kids, but Bruce knew how much Joan missed her own grandchildren.
After introductions were made, everyone took their places at the kitchen table.
“That’s my recipe,” Joan whispered to Bruce as she slid into a chair beside him. “It’s called chalupa casserole.” She pointed and still spoke softly. “A bit spicy, but with a nice cheesy, Texas flair.”
After the blessing, everyone dove in, and Mary was quick to give credit for the meal by announcing that the recipe was Joan’s, who waved a dismissive hand at Mary.
“Each cook makes it her own recipe, with her own special touches,” Joan said modestly.
Bruce tried to keep his manners intact as he gobbled up the chalupa casserole. If he had a weakness, it was cheese, and this dish was loaded with it. He glanced down at his stomach again. Hurry up, spring. But he had another motive for his hastiness in finishing the meal. He waited patiently for everyone to finish eating. Only Leah had anything left on her plate. He’d noticed the children were all having ham and green beans, which made sense. As Joan had mentioned, the casserole was a little spicy.
Bruce cleared his throat, then formally tapped his fork to his iced tea glass. He hadn’t realized until now how nervous he was. “I, uh . . . I have an announcement to make.”
As the fire crackled and popped in the next room, Bruce waited for Mary to finish wiping Katie’s face, and once all eyes were on him, he said. “I’ve asked Joan to marry me, and she has made me the happiest man in the world by saying yes.”
Joan turned his way as a blush filled her cheeks. “I’m going to love this man for the rest of my days.”
Mary was already standing up and rounding the table to get to Joan. Mary threw her arms around Bruce’s fiancée. “We’ve been hoping for this.” Then Mary hugged Bruce.
A round of congratulations was followed by embraces from everyone, and Elizabeth picked up Leah when all the excitement seemed to unnerve the child and she started to cry a little. But as Elizabeth nuzzled her, Leah quieted. Mary had already told them that the medication Elizabeth had received was working miracles. She still had an occasional bad day, but overall she was thriving and spending much more time with Mary, Gabriel, and the children.
“I’d like to offer a prayer for this union,” Gabriel said with a taut nod of his head before he bowed. Everyone followed suit.
“Dearest heavenly Father,” Gabriel began. “Danki for sending Joan and Bruce into our lives, and we pray their marriage will be filled with joy and love for all of their days.” The young man paused. “And Lord, we thank you for the miracle of healing that you have bestowed upon Mamm.”
As everyone lifted their heads and said amen, Gabriel locked eyes with his wife and smiled. The difference in the couple had been amazing. Bruce wondered how things might have turned out if little Rachel Marie hadn’t braved the crowd and stood in line to talk to Santa.
“Who is ready for dessert? It’s banana pudding.” Mary pressed her palms together as she smiled and looked at her mother-in-law. “And this recipe came from Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s face grew a little red, and she also waved off Mary. “As Joan said, each recipe becomes your own, dear.”
Bruce recalled what Joan had said to him awhile back about the many ways that God saves us all, the ways He works in all of our lives. He glanced around the room at everyone and smiled. Thank You, Lord.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
THE GIFT OF SISTERS
1. What were your feelings about Rachel at the beginning of the story? Did you sympathize with her? If not, what are some of the ways that Rachel changed throughout the story that might have softened your opinion of her?
2. Most women don’t get through young adulthood without a run-in with a “bad boy.” Did you know someone like Abraham when you were a teenager or older? How did you handle the situation?
3. Hannah and Rachel could feel it when the other twin was hurting or in trouble. Have you ever known twins who seemed to share this ability? Or, maybe not just twins. Have you known siblings with this type of instinct?
A NEW BEGINNING
1. What are some instances that the characters either took things out of context or misinterpreted an action? Has this ever happened to you, and if so, what was the outcome?
2. What do you think would have happened if McKenna wasn’t involved with Paul and had been as infatuated with Noah as he initially was with her? Would Noah’s love for Rebecca have won out in the end?
3. At various times in the story, there were reasons to root for each of the characters, and there were reasons not to in some scenes. But, in the end, did you end up rooting for all of them? Or, did one particular character steal your heart?
A PERFECT PLAN
1. Priscilla wants to have a perfect wedding day, but she loses sight of what’s really important. How might things have been different if she hadn’t let worry creep into her heart?
2. Chester likes that Priscilla is organized and structured, but is there ever a point when he wonders if her need for perfection will do harm to their relationship?
3. Rachel writes letters to both Priscilla and Chester, letters that hit on exactly what they are both feeling prior to the wedding. Do you think God is speaking to Priscilla and Chester through Rachel? Has this ever happened to you or to someone you know?
4. In what ways does an Amish wedding differ from a traditional Englisch wedding? Is there anything about an Amish wedding that you think should be incorporated into an Englisch wedding? Or vice versa?
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
1. Anyone who has parented a child knows that it is rewarding, but it can also be very challenging, especially having as
many children as Mary and Gabriel. What do you think would have happened to Mary if she hadn’t met Joan? Have you ever known anyone who struggled like Mary to raise a family?
2. The spirit of Christmas is prevalent throughout this story. How are some of the ways this is expressed?
3. What was your opinion of Elizabeth? And did your feelings about her change by the end of the story?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As an author, I aspire to write stories that deliver what my readers expect from me—an entertaining plot combined with messages of faith, hope, and love. After writing these novellas, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to thank those of you who read my books. Thank you for staying with me, believing in me, and for all of the emails and letters I have received over the years.
To my publishing team at HarperCollins Christian Fiction, we’ve been on this journey for ten years now, and what a ride it has been. You are all awesome, and it’s an honor to work with each of you.
Natasha Kern, my fabulous agent, what would I do without you? It’s no secret that you are a fabulous agent, but you are also a wonderful friend. I’m blessed to have you in my life, professionally and personally. Thanks for all you do!
To Janet Murphy, “thank you” hardly seems enough anymore. But thank you, thank you, thank you for being my assistant, voice of reason, and my dear friend . . . and I know you always have my back, lol.
My husband, Patrick, and friends and family, a huge thank you. Yes, for your support, but also for loving me. I’m blessed.
My most heartfelt thanks goes to God. This was a journey I could have never predicted. When I tried to get published thirty years ago, I wasn’t ready. I had a lot to go through before I would be able to write books that hopefully make a difference. Thank you for my life, my family, and an abundance of blessings. And also for nudging me to keep writing until I was ready and able to do Your work.