The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1
Page 27
Henry wiped a trickle of sweat off his forehead. “Cause that’s what men do when greeting each other—they shake hands.”
Ezekiel was tempted to remind Henry that he wasn’t a man yet but chose not to say anything that might rile the boy. Instead, he smiled and said, “I hear you’ve made a pet out of a crow. Why don’t you tell me about it?”
Henry’s eyes brightened as he stood to his full height. “Charlie’s a beautiful crow, and he’s gettin’ more used to me all the time, and I’ve even gotten him to eat outta my hand for a while.”
Ezekiel had to hold back a chortle. “So, you’ve even given the voggel a name, huh?”
“Jah. Not every bird deserves a people name, but my crow sure does.” Henry’s lips parted slightly as he looked right at Ezekiel. “Wanna know something I’ve never told anyone else?”
“Sure, I’m all ears.” Ezekiel leaned a little closer to his brother.
“I’ve decided to take up a new hobby.”
“Oh, and what would that be?”
“Birding.”
“You mean, as in watching for birds and writing things down about them in some sort of a journal?”
Henry gave a nod. “Exactly.”
“Sounds like it could be a fun hobby.”
“And I’ll learn a lot too.”
Ezekiel gave his brother’s shoulder a squeeze. “Good for you, Henry. I like your idea.”
“I haven’t said anything about it to Mom, Amy, or Sylvia yet, so I’d appreciate it if you kept quiet and let me do the telling when I feel ready.”
“No problem at all. I won’t say a word.”
“Do you wanna go outside with me now and see if Charlie’s up in one of the trees or hanging out on a fence post?”
“We can do that, Henry, but it won’t be long till we’re called in for supper, so if the bird’s not around, we can’t linger. We’ll need to go inside.”
“No problem.”
Ezekiel lifted a silent prayer to God. Thank You for helping my brother find something to get excited about. And please, if Henry has been smoking, make him fall under conviction and admit what he’s been doing.
Belinda had showered and picked out a clean dress. They’d all been invited to have supper tonight at Mary Ruth’s house, where Lenore and her husband and children also lived. It felt good to do something fun for a change. I need to make more of an attempt to move on with my life.
Belinda got out her head covering and retrieved some white hairpins to pin it in place. Ezekiel seems to be moving on with his life, and I couldn’t be happier for him.
This was Ezekiel and his family’s second day in Strasburg, and the time was already going too fast. She appreciated the fact that Ezekiel had helped in the greenhouse part of the day while Michelle stayed in the house with Sylvia and their children. With her eldest son visiting, she found herself missing the days gone by, when he still lived at home. The extra pair of hands from the start of work today was a reminder of that, and it made things easier on her—especially given how busy it had been.
Ezekiel had pointed out the jars of honey that were being sold, along with jams, jellies, and other canned goods. He seemed impressed and stated his approval on it being a nice touch in the greenhouse. Belinda liked to hear the positive feedback, and in her heart she hoped Ezekiel would see that they were getting by okay. Of course, she had reminded him of the agreement they’d made back in April—that if she could prove they were doing fine on their own within four months’ time, he would stay put at his place in Clymer.
It gave Belinda a feeling of security having Ezekiel and his family here, but she’d accepted the fact that in three days they would return to their own home. Having a taste of them here and enjoying their company made it tempting to ask Ezekiel to move back to Strasburg. But Belinda, still determined to make a go of things, had made up her mind months ago to do it all without her eldest son’s help.
Belinda placed her head covering on and made an adjustment so it was squarely in place. Then she reached for a white hairpin to secure the kapp to her hair. I’d better do a good job since we’ll most likely eat outside. Don’t want the wind taking my head covering off.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Belinda gave a nod of approval. Think I’m done getting ready. I just need to grab my comfy pair of shoes and then it’s out the door for me.
A knock sounded, and Belinda turned her head toward the bedroom door.
“Come in.”
“Are you about ready, Mom?” Amy asked as she stepped into the room. “Our driver showed up with the largest of his vans, and everyone’s in the living room, all set to go.”
“I’m ready, and I’m glad our driver came in the van I requested yesterday.” Belinda picked up her black purse and slipped the straps over her shoulder. “We don’t want to be late for supper, and I’m sure Mary Ruth is eager to see Ezekiel and his family. She’s missed them too—same as we have.”
Amy nodded. “It’s hard not to have all our family members living close by. We miss out on so much by not seeing them often—especially watching the kinner grow.”
Belinda couldn’t miss her daughter’s wistful expression. Did I make a mistake insisting that Ezekiel remain in New York when he offered to move back home? She had asked herself this question many times since her husband and son’s deaths. But each time, Belinda reminded herself that Ezekiel had his own life to live and that she wouldn’t ask him to sacrifice the new life he’d made for himself and his family.
During supper last night, Ezekiel had sounded so enthusiastic as he talked about his work. And Michelle shared fondly what the family had been up to. Later, Ezekiel mentioned that he’d noticed the corner of the greenhouse near the parking lot and wondered why it looked new. Belinda filled him in on what had happened. He’d appeared surprised and then commented on how relieved he was that no one had been hurt and only a small portion of the building had suffered some damage. Ezekiel didn’t know about all the other things that had gone wrong, and Belinda intended to keep it that way. After all, they were all fine and still managing to stay afloat financially despite the setbacks.
As she and Amy left her bedroom and headed down the hall, the sounds of cheerful voices emerged. Now this is the pleasant noise I miss around here. I hope there will be lots more visits from Ezekiel and his family in the coming years.
Belinda shook her thoughts aside and followed Amy into the living room, where the others waited. She was eager to go and have some fun. Sharing time with her loved ones meant a lot, and the memories made tonight would not soon be forgotten.
Belinda smiled as she turned to face her family. “All right, everyone, let’s all pile into the van and be ready to spend the evening with some very dear friends.”
When they arrived at Mary Ruth’s house, Amy noticed a car parked in the driveway and a horse and buggy at the hitching rail, so she knew they had other company.
“Looks like it’s gonna be a full house this evening,” Ezekiel commented.
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Michelle interjected. “There’s plenty of room in Mary Ruth’s house, and from the looks of it, I’d say we’ll be eating outdoors.” She pointed at the folding tables and chairs set out on the lawn.
With Michelle holding baby Vernon and Sylvia holding Rachel, everyone headed for the house. Mom held Allen’s hand, and Amy guided Angela Mary up the front porch stairs, while Ezekiel and Henry brought up the rear.
When they entered the house, Mary Ruth gave them a warm greeting. “It’s ever so good to see you.” She slipped her arm around Michelle’s waist while leaning down to kiss the baby’s head. “And look at you, little miss.” Mary Ruth lifted Angela Mary into her arms and gave her a kiss. The child giggled and squirmed a bit, but she didn’t ask to get down.
Amy thought it was touching that Ezekiel and Michelle had chosen Angela Mary’s middle name in honor of their friendship with Mary Ruth. Since Michelle had lived with Mary Ruth and her husband for several months before
she joined the Amish church, she’d gotten to know them well. It was no wonder that Michelle wore a big smile this evening, as she answered the older woman’s questions about the children, their new community, and how she liked being a minister’s wife.
When they made it into the living room, Amy spotted Sara and Brad, along with Sara’s father, Herschel. The three of them stepped forward, and the joyful greetings began all over again. Although Sara and Michelle had not always been friends, once they’d set their differences aside, a close friendship had ensued.
A few minutes later, Lenore and her husband, Jesse, entered the room with their daughter, Cindy, and baby boy, Noah. This brought another round of greeting and excited chatter.
After all the chaos subsided, Mary Ruth announced that it was time to eat. They all gathered in the kitchen for silent prayer, and then everyone who could grabbed a container with food in it and took it out to the tables.
The three babies, now asleep, were placed in a playpen Jesse had brought out and set in the shade of a leafy maple tree.
Amy thought it felt wonderful to spend an evening with the two families. What a shame Dad, Abe, and Toby can’t be here with us, she thought as the food got passed around. Maybe there’s a window in heaven, where they can look down and see us all together. Even though we miss our loved ones very much, I’m sure it would please them to know we are carrying on with our lives the best we can.
“Sara, have you told these good people your exciting news?” Herschel spoke up.
“Not yet, but I guess this is as good a time as any.” Sara looked over at Brad. “Would you like to make the announcement?”
“Sure.” He pushed back his chair and stood. “My dear wife and I would like you all to know that in about six months, we’ll become parents.”
A round of cheers went up, and everyone clapped.
Although Amy was happy for the couple, she felt a twinge of jealousy like she always did whenever she saw someone with a baby or heard that they were in a family way. Will this great desire I have to be a wife and mother stay with me if I never get married? she wondered. Is my sister affected by this news too? Sylvia had loved Toby so much and would probably never remarry and have more children.
“Will you continue working after the baby is born?” Sylvia’s question cut into Amy’s thoughts.
Sara shook her head. “I want to be at home with our child as a full-time mother.”
“What about the flower shop?” This question came from Amy’s mother.
“I’ll either sell the place or hire someone who has a good business head to run the store.”
“We’re praying about the matter.” Brad returned to his seat and reached for his glass of lemonade. “Prayer is essential in a Christian’s life, and we feel sure that God will reveal His will for us about Sara’s business.”
Amy glanced at Sylvia, sitting beside her, and noticed her down-turned eyes. She reached for her sister’s hand under the table and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. I know our situations are different and we are hurting in separate ways, but I want to offer you comfort because that’s what sisters should do for each other.
Amy got a quick smile from Sylvia as she returned a soft clasp of her hand. Even so, Amy couldn’t shake the helpless feeling in her heart. It wasn’t easy to think about how broken her family still was. I shouldn’t be so impatient for us to rebound from something like what we’ve been through.
She watched little Allen come to his mom and give a big hug. What a blessing that the Lord had given Sylvia two beautiful and healthy children to care for. How can she not see the handiwork of our Maker who created them? Does she ever pray anymore and ask for God’s direction in her life? Even if her sister had given up praying, Amy was determined not to let her own prayer life slip. Not only did she need God’s guidance, but the rest of her family did as well.
Sylvia felt uncomfortable listening to Brad talk about prayer and God revealing His will. Where had prayer gotten her, anyhow? Ever since she was a teenager and had joined the Amish church, Sylvia had prayed and read her Bible faithfully. But that all stopped the day Toby, Dad, and Abe were killed.
She pulled her hands into tight fists and placed them in her lap, where no one could see them. Sylvia wasn’t sure she could ever let go of her bitterness and be able to trust God again.
She glanced across the table at Henry. As far as she could tell, he didn’t put much stock in prayer anymore either. Like her, he was probably angry at God for taking three people he loved. So far, Henry didn’t talk about the Bible, as he had done in the past. Sylvia remembered how Dad and Henry would chat about messages from the sermons given at church on Sundays. Other times, Henry would get into deep conversations with Abe about Revelations and what some of the things written in the last book of the Bible meant. She had to admit that listening in on some of those conversations had been interesting and sometimes funny with her brother’s interpretation of things.
It was difficult for a young teenager to be without a father, and with Abe gone and Ezekiel living over six hours away, Henry had no male guidance—and it showed. An uncooperative son with a rebellious spirit was not what their father would have wanted. If the accident hadn’t happened and our daed was still alive, Henry’s actions would be a disappointment. Of course, if Dad were still here, Henry probably wouldn’t be acting so rebellious.
Sylvia felt helpless when it came to dealing with her young brother. He didn’t listen to anything she or Amy said. Most of the time, Henry carried on as if he had a chip on his shoulder. That certainly did nothing to help the situation. Even around Mom, Henry often acted like a spoiled boy. Yet Sylvia felt sure he wanted to be treated like an adult. Henry needed the right help to get his act together before something else went wrong.
But what would help? she asked herself. If Mom got married again, would that make a difference in Henry’s life? He’d have a stepfather, but he might resent someone other than a family member telling him what to do.
Sylvia bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. If Mom should ever marry again, I’d accept it if I thought it would make her happy. But for me, I’ll never allow myself to fall in love or get remarried. Toby was the love of my life and always will be. There isn’t a man in this world who could ever take his place.
Ezekiel couldn’t believe how quickly their five days had gone, but tomorrow they would be making the journey back home. It felt bittersweet. Although he was eager to get back to Clymer and his growing business, he felt bad about leaving Mom and his siblings. Sure wish I could talk my mamm into selling the greenhouse and moving close to us. But I guess she’ll never consider that as long as her business is doing well and my siblings are willing to keep working there—at least until one of them gets married. Ezekiel shook his head. It seems like my mamm is becoming stronger and more confident. I’d say the Lord is at work in her life.
He tugged his beard. I wonder if Sylvia will ever remarry. Her children do need a father.
Ezekiel got up from the couch, where he’d been reading his Bible, and looked out the front window. So many memories had been made here while he was growing up. Most were good, but he also remembered some bad.
“Course most of the bad things that happened were my fault,” he said under his breath. I was a stubborn, rebellious teenager who thought he wanted something other than what he already had. Looking back on it, Ezekiel was glad he’d sold his truck and settled down to join the Amish church. That and marrying Michelle were the best decisions he’d ever made.
“What are you doing in here by yourself? I thought you’d be outside with the rest of the family, watching the sun go down.”
Ezekiel turned at the sound of his mother’s voice. “Just wanted to sit awhile and do some thinking.”
“Mind if I ask what you’ve been thinking about?” She joined him at the window.
He slipped his arm around her waist. “You and my brothers and sisters, mostly.”
“You’re not still worried about us, I hope.�
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“Concerned might be a better word for it.”
“There’s nothing to be concerned about.”
“That’s not what Henry told me this morning.”
His mother’s posture stiffened, and she let out a forceful breath. “What exactly did he tell you?”
“Said an old boyfriend of yours has been hanging around and that he even asked you to go out for supper with him.”
She took a step back. “Well I didn’t go, and if Monroe asks again, my answer will still be no.”
Ezekiel closed his eyes briefly, releasing a quiet exhale. “Good to hear. It’s too soon for you to be thinking about getting married again.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “Now who said anything about getting remarried? Monroe Esh is just a friend from the past, nothing more.”
Ezekiel didn’t say anything further on the subject, but he felt a sense of relief knowing his mother had taken a stand. He’d never met this old beau of Mom’s, but if and when he did, he’d make it clear to the man that Mom was still in love with Dad and hadn’t gotten past the pain of losing him in such an unexpected way.
“I think Sylvia and the little ones have the right idea. I’m a little tuckered out, so I’ll head off to bed too.” Belinda rose from her chair.
“Good night,” everyone else said.
“See you all in the morning.” Belinda left the living room and went to the kitchen to fetch something to drink. After filling her glass with water, she made sure the back door was locked. The odd things that had occurred on their property made the uncertainty resurface more at night. Belinda tried to shrug it off, but since there’d been no identification of who had done those things yet, the unresolved situation was frightening to her. It was a comfort to have her eldest son here to give that sense of security.
It’s funny how when my children were small, I protected them. Now there are times when it feels as though our roles have changed.