Unlikely Sweethearts (An Amish Christmas Story)

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  EIGHTEEN

  Holly, Randy, and their entire singles group tromped through the snow and piled back into the church van. “Is everyone still having a good time?” their leader, Eddie, asked.

  Everyone responded positively.

  “Not too cold?”

  “Nah, we’re fine,” one of their group members said.

  Holly knew she was fine. Especially when she got to cuddle close to Randy in the van.

  Eddie looked down at his clipboard. “Okay. We just have two more places to visit.” He zeroed in on Randy. “We’ll visit your people first, then we’ll wrap up with Holly’s.”

  Randy nodded, slipping his arm around her shoulder. Holly leaned in as close as she could to absorb as much of his warmth as possible.

  Not ten minutes later, they pulled into Wesley and Shannon’s driveway.

  “This ought to be fun.” Excitement danced in Randy’s eyes.

  “I think you might enjoy this more than Jaycee will,” Holly teased.

  “Oh, I know I will. I get to stand next to the most beautiful girl in the world.” His gloved hand grazed her cheek.

  She stared up at him, wishing they were the only two people in the van. “You’re a flatterer, you know that?”

  He lifted his hands in defense. “Hey, I only tell the truth, little lady.” His southern drawl was back.

  She smiled in spite of herself.

  “You two coming?” One of the guys in the row behind them gestured for them to exit ahead of him.

  “Yep.” Randy stood, guiding Holly by the hand toward the other carolers awaiting them outside.

  As they had done at the previous residences they’d visited, the group quietly walked up to the home’s entrance, formed a semi-circle, then began with the first line of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Holly glanced at Randy, who winked when he caught her looking. His voice rang out just as loud as the others, even though he lacked confidence in his singing ability. But Holly thought he sounded just fine. As far as she could tell, he hadn’t sung off-key or anything. And if he had, it wouldn’t have bothered her. The Bible said to make a joyful noise. God looked on the heart.

  Halfway into the first line of the song, Wesley opened the door. Soon, Shannon and most of the children joined him. Holly guessed the youngest was likely in bed already. Jaycee and Brighton sung along as they moved on to “Jingle Bells,” then “Silent Night.” They ended the ensemble with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

  A designated caroler handed out candy canes, along with a copy of the Biblical Christmas story.

  Soon, they said their goodbyes and piled back into the van, heading to their final destination.

  “Did you tell me whose house you picked?” Randy stared at her.

  She shook her head and lifted a mischievous grin. “You’ll see.”

  “Wait. We’re not…” He leaned forward in the seat and tried to make out which road they were on. It was a little hard to tell since everything had been covered in white. “I know where we are. We’re going to my grandparents’ house, aren’t we?”

  She shrugged.

  “I know we are.” His brow furrowed. “You do realize that they turn in for bed around seven, right?”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope. We’ll probably wake them up.”

  Holly bit her fingernail. “Do you think they’ll mind?”

  “Beats me. I guess we’ll find out in a few more minutes.”

  ~

  Christopher awoke to a rocking motion. His fraa’s hand shook his shoulder until he fully awakened. “Christopher, what’s that sound I hear?”

  “It sounds like the angels in my dream.”

  “It’s singing, ain’t not? Go see who’s here.”

  He rolled out of bed, then lit the lantern on the nightstand. He yanked his shirt on, then pulled on his suspendered pants his fraa had lovingly sewn for him some years ago. He wouldn’t bother with shoes.

  He ambled toward the front door, lantern in hand. He pulled the door open. To his delight, his gross sohn Randy and his aldi stood outside singing with several other youngie.

  “Who is it, Christopher?” Judy called from behind him.

  “It’s Randy and his aldi, with some others,” he quietly called over his shoulder.

  “Well, invite them in. They must be freezing out in that air.”

  “They’re singing, fraa.”

  “Well, they can sing inside. Have them come in and I’ll ready some water for coffee.”

  “As you wish, fraa.” He chuckled. “Why don’t you put some popcorn on, too?”

  “Gut idea.”

  Christopher beckoned the group inside, holding the door open until each one entered. “Have a seat.” He gestured toward the benches. Then he moved to pull a few extra chairs in from the living room.

  The group continued to sing Christmas songs, then their joyous melodies finally came to a halt.

  “Thank you. We enjoyed that very much,” Judy said as she set a large bowl of popcorn on the table. “Help yourselves. I’m making a second batch right now.”

  “And there’s hot water for anyone who’d like coffee,” Christopher offered.

  “I’ll take some,” his gross sohn said.

  Judy set several mugs and spoons on the table, along with a pot of hot water with a ladle, a jar of instant coffee, a Mason jar of cold milk, and a bowl of white sugar.

  Several of his kinskind’s friends indulged in food and beverage as well. Each one seemed very appreciative and polite.

  “Well, what a way to end the evening. This is a blessing,” the oldest one from the group said. “We appreciate your hospitality, sir, ma’am.”

  Almost a half hour later, the group said their farewells and thanked them again for the snacks. Judy managed to send each one off with a small bag of her cookies.

  After Christopher closed the door, he turned to his fraa. “Well, that was a pleasant surprise, ain’t so?”

  “Jah. It is always a blessing to see our gross sohn. It seems like he might be finally coming around.”

  “It was his aldi’s idea to come here, he said.”

  “She is a good one, that young lady.”

  “Holly is what he said her name was.”

  “I’ll have to try and remember that.”

  Christopher nodded. “I have a feeling she might be the one Der Herr has picked out for our gross sohn.”

  “She seems to be perfect for him.” Judy yawned. “I don’t know about you, husband, but I plan to count a few more sheep before the sun rises.”

  “I’m right behind you, fraa.”

  ~

  “Your grandparents are amazing,” Holly spoke the words into Randy’s warm coat, which currently enveloped both of them.

  The others in their singles group had emptied out the parking lot five minutes ago, leaving only the two of them. Holly didn’t want to say goodbye.

  Randy stroked her hair. “You think so?”

  “I love them. They remind me of my grandparents.” She stared up into his eyes. “I’m so glad you reconnected with them.”

  The corner of his mouth lifted and his fingers slid over her cheek. He leaned down and claimed a kiss, his breath a mixture of coffee and peppermint. “What would your father say if he saw us like this?”

  She shrugged. “He’d probably warn us to be careful.”

  “You don’t think I’d be reprimanded for kissing you?”

  “Maybe. I’m sure he’d say we’re rushing into things.”

  “I think I might be addicted to you. When we’re not together, I want to be with you. You’re all I think about.” He shook his head. “I’ve never felt this way about anybody.”

  “I feel the same way.”

  He sighed. “I wish I had my act together so I could marry you.”

  Her eyes widened and she stepped back, but not out of his embrace. “Really? Randy, I think it’s too soon. We don’t even know each other well.”

  “I feel like you kn
ow me. I mean, what’s there to know?”

  “I have no idea what your favorite color is—”

  “Blue.”

  “Or your favorite food—”

  “You do know that one. Spaghetti.” He grinned.

  “Good. Because spaghetti’s easy to make.” She smiled, and he leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose.

  “What’s yours?”

  “My favorite color is purple. My favorite food is…” Her lips twisted. “I don’t know if I have a favorite food, actually. I like most things. Mexican, Italian, Chinese, American, seafood.”

  “Me too. I’m not picky. So you could probably make me tofu surprise and I’d eat it.”

  She smiled. “Really? Because I have a lot of great tofu recipes.”

  “I was kind of joking. But I’m definitely willing to try them. Especially if you’re the one making the meal.”

  “You’re so easy. I love that about you. You seem to just go with whatever comes your way.”

  “Aah, for the most part, I guess. What about you?”

  “Not so much. I have strong opinions about things, especially where morality is concerned.”

  He nodded. “Hence, wanting me to reconcile with my Amish grandparents.”

  “Right. And I tend to be skeptical about things.”

  “Like what?”

  She shrugged. “Whatever, really. I mean, if I hear something, I’ll want to look it up and research to make sure what I’m hearing is accurate. I don’t take a lot of things at face value, because there are usually underlying facts that you never hear.”

  “Did you research me?” He raised his eyebrows twice.

  “No. I think you’re pretty transparent.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about you?” His fingers wiggled against her, tickling her side. “Do you have secrets?”

  She giggled at the motion. “Maybe.”

  “Maybe?” He stepped back, examining her. “Uh-oh. I don’t know if I like you keeping secrets from me.”

  “I’ll divulge them when the time is right.” She winked.

  “A woman of mystery.” He eyed her cautiously. “I mean, it’s not like something major, right? Like, you’re not already married or anything?”

  She laughed and playfully slapped his arm. “Randy Travis Stoltz, what kind of girl do you think I am?”

  “So you are married,” he teased, pulling her close for a kiss. “Your husband isn’t going to like me very much then.”

  “Stop that. What if someone overhears? They might get the wrong idea.”

  “The wrong idea? That you’re cheating on your husband?”

  “You.” She shook her head. “What am I going to do with you?”

  He leaned down and claimed another kiss. “Oh, I don’t know. Divorce your husband and marry me?”

  She giggled. “I think I might do that. Someday.”

  NINETEEN

  Church had been amazing.

  Church had been amazing? If Randy didn’t know better, he’d think he had become a different person. Because, it wasn’t just the fact that Holly had been standing beside him. He honestly loved every part of the service. From the singing, to the testimonies, to the fellowship, to the preaching, it felt like God had been present and moving. Truthfully, he didn’t think he’d ever experienced being in God’s house like this. Was this what he’d been missing out on?

  It seemed it took a wonderful woman like Holly to open his eyes to everything that God had for him. Namely, a real relationship with his Creator. When he’d gone home and opened his Bible, after his awesome night with Holly and the singles group, it seemed like the words had jumped off the page and into his heart. He now reminisced on the passage from Ephesians chapter three. About how God talked about the riches of His glory, and about knowing his strength and His power that dwelled inside the hearts of believers. Randy was certain that’s what was happening.

  Life was exciting. His college party days paled in comparison to the life he was now living. Those days had always left him feeling empty. But now, he had a feeling of completeness, a feeling of confidence and overwhelming joy. As the song they’d sang earlier, “Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory.” He wished it would never fade away.

  Holly’s voice yanked him from his musings. “My dad’s grilling out. Do you like steak and chicken?”

  “No tofu?” He snapped his fingers and frowned. “I guess steak and chicken will have to do.” He sighed heavily.

  Holly giggled. He loved the sound of her voice. She almost always seemed happy. Except when she’d been put out with him.

  “You know you’ve found the right girl when she laughs at your jokes.” He squeezed her hand.

  “You ready to go?”

  He patted his stomach. “My tummy is already rumbling.”

  “Your tummy? I think helping me teach Sunday school and being around the children is rubbing off on you.” She giggled. “I know. I heard it during church. Didn’t you eat breakfast?”

  “At my mom’s insistence, yes. But, truthfully, I was a little nervous about today, so I didn’t eat all that much.”

  “You? Nervous?”

  “I know you thought I was super human, but alas, my armor’s cracks have emerged.”

  She shook her head. “Are you always this entertaining?”

  “Afraid not. Eight hours a day I’m out like a light.”

  “Well, no doubt, during those sleeping hours your mind is conjuring up clever things to say.” She gestured toward her parents. “I’m going to see if they mind if I ride with you.”

  He rubbed his hands together. “Now we’re talking.”

  ~

  An hour later, Holly and her mom cleared the lunch dishes from the table.

  “What can I do to help?” Randy offered. “My mom says I’m an expert dish washer.”

  “Why don’t you come join me in the den?” her father said. “I’ve got a nice fire going in there. We can chat.”

  Holly caught the worried look in Randy’s eye. She lifted a reassuring smile.

  He followed her father into the den, but Holly tried to keep a pulse on the conversation, just in case she needed to rescue Randy.

  “How are things going with you and Holly?” she heard her father ask.

  “Amazing,” was Randy’s enthusiastic response.

  “My daughter tells me the two of you have decided to discard the courtship rules?”

  Holly imagined Randy cringing about now.

  “Well, actually, not totally. We’re still doing the chaperoned dates.”

  “But not completely chaperoned,” her father stated.

  “Uh, no. But we’ve agreed on some rules.”

  “Like?”

  “Like saving…uh…intimacy for marriage. And not touching inappropriately,” he added.

  “Where do you see yourself a year from now? I know I asked that before, but have your plans changed?”

  “Hopefully, married to your daughter, sir.”

  “Just Bruce is fine.”

  “Okay, Bruce.” Randy continued, “I’ve kind of rearranged my plans. In addition to finishing my degree, I’d like to get a part-time job so I can save up for a down payment on a house.”

  Holly’s heart flipped at his words. Being married to Randy would be like a fairy tale.

  “Marriage isn’t like a fairy tale.” Had her father just read her mind? “I know it seems that way now, but you and Holly will encounter many difficult things. There will be times when you will disagree and argue. There will be times when your will, or Holly’s, or both, will have to bend. You’ll face hardships. It could be the death of a child. It could be a complete financial disaster caused by a tornado or a storm that leaves you homeless. Will your commitment survive when everything is seemingly against you? Are you willing to hold on when it seems like there’s nothing to hold on to?”

  “I would hope that our faith in God would get us through those situations, should they come our way.
”

  “Now would be a good time to get into the Word. Strengthen your faith and memorize some Scripture verses that will help you weather those storms. Like John 14:27.”

  “What does it say?”

  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

  “Wow. That’s a great verse.”

  “Also, John 16:33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

  “Those are both encouraging verses. Thank you for sharing them.”

  “The fact is, a lot of people get saved and think that their troubles will disappear. But the opposite is often true, because those living for Jesus basically have a large bullseye on their back. Satan’s going to try his best to knock us off our feet. He knows that if we are down or distracted, we won’t be doing anything for the kingdom of God. But we are not ignorant of his devices.”

  “What are his devices?”

  “It could be any number of things. Distraction. Fear. Discouragement. Anger. Lust. Envy. Any type of sin we allow into our lives. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. I’m confident that the end, and His coming, are nearer than we think.”

  “Wow. That’s a lot to consider.”

  “Someone once summed it up this way: Only one life, it soon will pass. Only what’s done for Christ will last. When we get to the end, that will be all that matters, according to 1 Corinthians chapter three. After salvation, of course.”

  “That sounds pretty intense.”

  “Not that there won’t be great and wonderful times. There are plenty of those too. The Bible also says to rejoice with the wife of thy youth. I’ll let you read the rest of that passage on your own.”

  Holly peeked around the corner in time to see her father wink at Randy.

  “What do you mean by that?” Randy grinned.

  “Look up Proverbs chapter five when you get home.”

  “Proverbs five. Okay, I’ll try to remember.”

  “Oh, you won’t forget it once you’ve read it.” Her father chuckled. “But be sure to read 1 Corinthians 7:1 for good measure. That verse applies to you now.”