As she expected, the house was quiet. After absently patting their new kitten—it seemed Mrs. Sadler’s cat, Serena, had been escaping a few months ago for a very good reason—Penny washed and sliced the fruit, arranged it on a plate next to one banana-nut muffin, and then poured a mug of coffee. When everything was arranged just so on a pretty tray, she walked down the hall to her husband’s office where she edged open the door with her hip. The kitten scampered through the opening with a meow.
“Knock, knock,” she said as she entered the room. “It’s time for a kaffi break.”
Michael glanced up from his computer with a smile. “Looks like you’ve brought me more than a simple cup of kaffi.”
“I did. When I was walking by Yoder’s, I noticed they had fresh strawberries on sale,” she said as she set the tray on the corner of his desk. “They looked so good, I couldn’t resist picking up some for you.”
He popped one in his mouth. “They’re delicious,” he said with a pleased expression. “You know me well.”
Taking a seat in the big, comfy easy chair next to his window, Penny reflected that his words couldn’t be truer. She did know Michael well. After he’d come back to her and they’d both become brave enough to share what they each truly wanted, it had been only a few days before they began with wedding plans and looking for a house to make into their home.
They’d agreed to have a simple, quiet wedding with just their immediate family and friends. Penny was still uneasy around large crowds of people, and Michael had feared that if they had a big wedding he and his family would have felt obligated to invite the many friends they’d made around the country. That had been the last thing he’d wanted.
Therefore, they’d had their ceremony in the Kauffmans’ backyard. The Kauffmans had a big house and lovely backyard, easily twice the size of Penny’s parents’. There, a group of about thirty had gathered one Wednesday morning in August and quietly helped them celebrate their special day. Penny had felt radiant in her blue dress. Michael still said he’d been the happiest man in the state of Florida.
Since the wedding, they’d spent a lot of time simply enjoying being around each other and sharing dreams for the future. Michael had begun his book. Amazingly, word had gotten to a publisher and an editor had visited him right there in Pinecraft. A few hours later, Michael had invited Penny to join them, and shared his news: Michael had been contracted to write his memoir and share some of the things he’d learned since his accident in the ravine.
Penny was glad for his new venture, but when she saw the look of peace in his eyes combined with the sense of satisfaction he’d been wearing since, she was even more pleased. Finally, Michael was done wandering and searching. He’d found a center for himself and a way to share his story and his vision without compromising his goals.
Later, when he’d asked her what she hoped to achieve, her answer had been very simple, especially since she’d realized that her dreams had already come true: she’d wanted a happy life, a husband to love, a home to care for, and a future filled with children.
With the Lord’s help and Michael’s love, she knew those things were coming true.
Which made her smile, because today she had something special planned for Michael, and she could hardly wait to set things in motion.
“Penny, aren’t you eating?” Michael asked as he pulled off a chunk of his muffin.
“I already did. Miss Beverly invited me in for breakfast.”
“Do you miss working at the inn?”
She sighed dramatically. “Oh, Michael, you ask me that at least once a week.”
“I simply don’t want you to feel like you’re giving up too much.”
“I’m not. And I’m glad I’m not working there now, if you want to know the truth. Miss Beverly and Mr. Eric seem to be at odds with each other all the time. Plus, Tricia is working full-time, too. They don’t need me anymore.”
He smiled. “And how is Tricia doing in your place?”
“About how you’d expect,” she said, thinking of Miss Beverly’s complaints about Tricia’s spills and disasters. “I don’t think the Lord ever intended for Tricia to be a maid.” She thought some more. “Or a cook.”
Michael’s smile broadened into a full-fledged grin. “Or to ever touch an iron.”
“Jah.” Remembering the pots on the back porch filled with scrawny snapdragons, Penny added, “Tricia ain’t too gut with gardening, either.”
“I hope she figures out what she is good at pretty soon.”
As Penny watched Michael bite into another strawberry, she gestured to his computer monitor. “How is your writing coming along today?”
Immediately, his expression changed. “It could be going better, I’ll tell you that. I don’t understand how it is so hard to put my experiences into words.”
“Remember what that editor told you? First get the words out, then we can think about making some sense of them.”
“I’ll do that. When Evan and Molly come out to visit, they both said they’d give me a hand, too.”
“I hope you will take them up on it.”
“With you here to remind me? I’m sure I will. So, what are your plans for the day?”
Doing her best to keep her voice sounding especially nonchalant, she said, “Well, at first I thought I’d wash the kitchen floors, then maybe visit my mother later this afternoon, but then I decided we should do something else.”
Taking hold of her hands, he pulled her to him. “And what is that?”
“What do you think about going to the beach today?”
“You want to go to Siesta Key?” He glanced at his computer screen. “I was kind of thinking I’d try to tackle another chapter today.”
She knew his work was important, but the news she had to share was important, too. “Oh, Michael, everything you’re writing in your book has already happened,” she teased. “Can’t you write about it tonight or tomorrow?”
“I suppose I could.”
“Maybe the words will even come easier if you get a tiny break.”
He squeezed her hands as he looked at her more closely. “You really want to go, don’t you?”
“I do. It’s our special place.”
He stood up. “In that case, I think I’d better head to the beach today with my wife.” After picking up the tray in his hands, he led the way to the kitchen. “How long is it going to take you to get ready?”
“Five minutes?”
In the kitchen, he laughed when he saw their beach bag already sitting by the door. It was overflowing with towels and snacks. “It looks like you were planning on me saying yes.”
“Maybe I was.”
“You are up to something, Mrs. Knoxx.”
She didn’t even try to deny it. Smiling, she nodded. “I am.”
“Care to give me another hint?”
“All right. It has to do with another proposal.”
His expression darkened as his gaze skimmed over her body. “Another proposal? Is it a good one?”
“Absolutely,” she said, teasing him by using his favorite word. “Michael, it’s absolutely the best news ever. Well, besides you asking me to marry you.”
“I can hardly wait to hear what you have to say,” he murmured as he wrapped his arms around her middle and tugged her to him. “Are you sure you have to be standing on the beach to tell me?”
No, she didn’t have to be standing on the beach in order to tell him that they were going to have a baby in nine months’ time.
But that’s where she wanted to tell him. She wanted to stand on the beach, feel the ocean breeze on her cheeks, the warm, silky sand under her toes, and to gaze into his eyes and then—and only then—give him her news.
“I’m positive, Michael. Go get ready so we can catch the shuttle.”
He brushed his lips against her cheek before releasing her. “All right. I’ll be ready in five minutes. I can’t wait to hear your news while I’m standing on the beach at Siesta Key. But first, wif
e, I think you had better kiss me.”
Before she could respond to that, he bent his head and lightly kissed her lips. Then he kissed her again.
And as Penny wrapped her arms around his neck, she decided she wouldn’t change this moment. Or their past. Or anything in their future. Not a single, solitary thing.
Everything was right in her world. Everything was wonderful. Absolutely.
P.S. Insights, Interviews & More . . .*
About the author
Meet Shelley Shepard Gray
About the book
Letter from the Author
Questions for Discussion
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Read on
Shelley’s Top Five Must-See Spots in Pinecraft
Scenes from Pinecraft
A Sneak Peek of Shelley Shepard Gray’s Next Book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn
About the author
Meet Shelley Shepard Gray
Photo by The New Studio
PEOPLE OFTEN ASK how I started writing. Some believe I’ve been a writer all my life; others ask if I’ve always felt I had a story I needed to tell. I’m afraid my reasons couldn’t be more different. See, I started writing one day because I didn’t have anything to read.
I’ve always loved to read. I was the girl in the back of the classroom with her nose in a book, the mom who kept a couple of novels in her car to read during soccer practice, the person who made weekly visits to the bookstore and the library.
Back when I taught elementary school, I used to read during my lunch breaks. One day, when I realized I’d forgotten to bring something to read, I turned on my computer and took a leap of faith. Feeling a little like I was doing something wrong, I typed those first words: Chapter One.
I didn’t start writing with the intention of publishing a book. Actually, I just wrote for myself.
For the most part, I still write for myself, which is why, I think, I’m able to write so much. I write books that I’d like to read. Books that I would have liked to have had in my old teacher tote bag. I’m always relieved and surprised and so happy when other people want to read my books, too!
Another question I’m often asked is why I choose to write inspirational fiction. Maybe at first glance, it does seem surprising. I’m not the type of person who usually talks about my faith in the line at the grocery store or when I’m out to lunch with friends. For me, my faith has always felt like more of a private thing. I feel that I’m still on my faith journey—still learning and studying God’s word.
And that, I think, is why writing inspirational fiction is such a good fit for me. I enjoy writing about characters who happen to be in the middle of their faith journeys, too. They’re not perfect, and they don’t always make the right decisions. Sometimes they make mistakes, and sometimes they do something they’re proud of. They’re characters who are a lot like me.
Only God knows what else He has in store for me. He’s given me the will and the ability to write stories to glorify Him. He’s put many people in my life who are supportive and caring. I feel blessed and thankful . . . and excited to see what will happen next!
About the book
Letter from the Author
Dear Reader,
Last February when Tom and I visited Sarasota, Florida, we ended up at Pinecraft Park around five that evening. My Amish friend walked us over, and the three of us stood on one side of the chain-link fence chatting with everyone on the other side who were playing shuffleboard. In the distance, some boys were playing basketball, while a group of young children were playing tag. The street nearby was filled with parked bicycles and a couple of scooters and a whole lot of people of all ages. Everyone was simply visiting and passing time.
Then I noticed that under the nearby pavilion, a crowd had gathered. A sense of anticipation filled the air. Soon, the benches were becoming filled and others crowded around the stage. I was kind of confused, and asked my friend what was going on. With a smile, she said a missionary group had come to talk. Tom and I were just as intrigued by the event as everyone else, so we walked over and stood on the outskirts.
After a brief introduction, a whole family took the stage, which was basically just a raised platform on one side of the pavilion. Then, the father spoke. And as he told his story, the crowd hushed. He told all of us about some trials his family had gone through, and how prayer and God’s light had gotten them through that difficult time.
It was a beautiful testimony.
And then, very sweetly, his daughters started singing “Amazing Grace.” Soon, almost everyone present was singing along.
I squeezed Tom’s arm, knowing that I would never forget that moment. It was absolutely beautiful!
That evening was one of the highlights of my time in Pinecraft. I also knew by the time I went to sleep that night that I wanted to write about a family like the one I’d heard. I hope I did them justice.
I hope you are enjoying this series as much as I am enjoying writing it! Next up is A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn. The romance features two people who have been widowed, their many children, and a beagle named Frankie. I can’t wait to share more of Pinecraft with you!
With blessings,
Shelley
P.S. I love to hear from readers, either on Facebook, through my website, or through the postal system! If you’d care to write and tell me what you thought of the book, please do!
Shelley Shepard Gray
10663 Loveland Madeira Rd. #167
Loveland, OH 45140
Questions for Discussion
1.At the beginning of the book, it’s obvious that both Penny and Michael need to make some changes in their lives after spending years of keeping everything the same. Can you remember a time in your life when you needed a change? What led you to make the change?
2.Both Penny and Michael have overcome traumatic incidents in their past. Though their situations were extreme, most people can point to difficult situations that they’ve had to overcome. How have you moved forward after a trying time in your life?
3.Showing Penny’s growth through her new job at the Orange Blossom Inn was gratifying for me to write about. Do you think she could have become as confident and self-assured if she’d been working at a different place? Why do you think her parents needed her to be the one to move forward first?
4.Michael’s conversation with Drew was a turning point for him. Who in your life has provided some desperately needed wisdom?
5.Beverly and Eric’s relationship continues to evolve in The Proposal at Siesta Key. They have begun to trust each other and now have slowly begun to form a friendship. Is there anyone in your life who became a friend over time?
6.Why do you think Beverly needs Tricia in her life?
7.The idea that bad things can happen to good people is one of the mysteries of faith. In the novel, Penny’s family certainly grapples with it. How have you come to terms with this idea?
8.I used the following Scripture verse to guide me while writing this book: Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions (Psalm 119:18). What wonderful truths has the Lord asked you to open your eyes to see?
9.I felt the following Amish proverb was particularly meaningful to many of the characters in the book: Growing old is easy—the hard part is growing up. What does it mean to you?
Chocolate Pecan Pie
2 tablespoons margarine
½ cup chocolate chips
3 eggs (beaten)
½ cup white sugar
1 cup light or dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1½ cups chopped pecans
1 unbaked pie shell
Melt margarine, then add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Set aside. Beat together eggs, sugar, syrup, and vanilla in a medium bowl until creamy. Add melted chocolate chips. Stir in pecans and pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 400°F until done, about 50 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Taken from Our Family’s Favorite Recipes by
Clara Coblentz. Used by permission of the Shrock’s Homestead, 9943 Copperhead Rd. N.W., Sugarcreek, OH 44681.
Read on
Shelley’s Top Five Must-See Spots in Pinecraft
HONESTLY, I FELL IN LOVE with everything about the tiny village of Pinecraft, nestled in the heart of Sarasota and nearby Siesta Key! Here are five places to start your journey:
1.Yoder’s Restaurant. I’ve been to a lot of Amish restaurants. I’ve eaten a lot of coconut cream pie at each one. But nothing has compared to this well-known restaurant. The line to get in is always long, usually at least a thirty-minute wait. But the long lines allow everyone to chat and make friends.
2.The Produce Market at Yoder’s. The market next to Yoder’s is full of beautiful Florida-fresh produce. We couldn’t resist picking up two pints of strawberries and five oranges. Just to snack on—in between servings of pie, of course!
3.Pinecraft Park. It’s the social center of the community! The night we were there, kids were playing basketball, men and women were playing shuffleboard (women have their own lane), and there were at least another forty or fifty people standing around and visiting.
4.The Bus Parking Lot. Behind the post office is a large parking lot where everyone meets to either board one of the Pioneer Trails buses or to watch who is arriving and leaving.
5.Village Pizza. It’s located right behind Olaf’s Creamery. You can order a pie and take it right over to one of the picnic tables outside. The pizza is delicious. Eating pizza outside in the sunshine in February in the Florida sun? Priceless.
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