An Amish Second Christmas Page 8

  James closed his eyes and nodded. Katherine had turned her small sewing room into her bedroom. There was barely enough room for a twin bed, but she didn’t mind. She’d given James her bedroom so that they could all gather here with him for prayers each day. Katherine was sure James had seen and done things that would shock her and the children, but the man had stayed strong in his faith his entire life. She held his hand, hoping he could feel all the love they had for him.

  As the clock neared eleven, she encouraged her children to go to bed. And she told Mary Carol and Abe that they should go home.

  “He is sleeping now. These things can drag on,” she whispered as James snored.

  Reluctantly, they all did as she asked.

  After the door closed behind them all, Katherine grinned. “I can tell when you are fake snoring.” It was something he did when he didn’t want to talk or be bothered. “But you are stuck with me right now.”

  Her father-in-law opened one eye and gave her a weak smile, then he slowly opened the other eye. She had to lean close so she could hear him. “I didn’t figure you’d want them in here when I took my last breath. I might turn purple or have saliva dribbling down my chin.”

  Katherine smiled. “Do you realize the joy you have brought into our lives?”

  He squeezed Katherine’s hand. “You’ve made this old man very happy. Thank you for sharing your family with me. I have so much to tell Elias . . .” His voice had weakened so that his words were barely audible. She relaxed in the chair next to his bed and held his hand. They sat this way for an hour.

  Then suddenly she heard him try to speak again. She stood and gripped his hand.

  “They’re here,” he said, and a broad, luminous smile spread across his face. His eyes grew wider and he focused on the corner of the room.

  “It’s been a long time. Sarah . . . Elias . . . Take me home.”

  And he closed his eyes for the last time.

  Katherine sat there for a while and prayed. Then she slowly lifted herself from the chair and eased her hand from James’s. She kissed him on the forehead before she walked to the dresser drawers and pulled open the top drawer. She took out the envelope with Weldon’s name on it so that she could mail it first thing in the morning, along with a letter to a woman named Bonnie that she’d written the day before.

  She held both envelopes to her heart.

  “Go in peace, James Zook.” She smiled. “I’ll be seeing you . . .”

  Katherine was in the living room, looking out the window, when Mary Carol arrived for a visit. James’s burial had been earlier in the week and the family was still adjusting to his absence. Katherine was also still getting used to the fact that her sweet Mary Carol was a married woman and living somewhere else. “What’s going on, Mamm? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, just received some news this afternoon that made me smile.” Katherine was still holding the letter she’d gotten earlier. She looked at her daughter. “Do you remember your daadi mentioning a woman named Bonnie?”

  “Yeah, Abe and I didn’t believe for one minute that the first lady’s sister was baking him chocolate cakes. I know that Mr. Bartosh confirmed most of Daadi’s stories, but he never said anything about the White House or a woman named Bonnie.”

  Katherine chuckled. “No, he didn’t. But maybe we should have thought to inquire about Bonnie. I mailed a letter to the White House, to Bonnie, after your daadi passed on, just like he asked me to. I was doubtful I’d get a response. But I got a letter in the mail today. From the White House.” She handed the piece of stationery to her daughter. Mary Carol stared at it with wide eyes for a second before she looked up at Katherine. “No way.”

  Katherine smiled as she waited for her daughter to read the letter.

  Dear Ms. Zook,

  Thank you for your letter informing me about Paul’s passing (James, as you know him). He was an incredible man, someone I’m proud to have called a friend. I know that it blessed his life immensely to finally be with his family. It’s all he ever talked about during his time at the White House, how someday he would get home. He was a great source of strength to me during a difficult time in my life, and I would like to think that in some way, I had a positive influence on his life as well. He will be greatly missed.

  Sending you blessings at this difficult time.

  All the best,

  Bonita (Bonnie) Morgan

  “Daadi always said Bonnie was the former first lady’s sister, but that no one knew. Do you think that’s true?”

  Katherine was wondering the same thing. “I don’t know. Everything else he told us turned out to be true.”

  “Maybe that’s what Daadi’s letter to Mr. Bartosh was about.”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t open the letter because your daadi asked me not to. Mr. Weldon was your daadi’s friend, but he was also after some information that James wouldn’t share.” Katherine walked to the window in the living room, thankful for the bright sunlight. “Maybe it had something to do with Bonnie, or maybe not. But either way, your daadi was indeed friends with a woman named Bonnie at the White House.”

  Mary Carol read over the letter again. “I wish we knew for sure who she was.”

  “Well, maybe one day we can ask James about this ourselves. But not anytime soon, the Lord willing.” Katherine’s heart was still heavy at having endured another funeral service for someone she loved. But Bonnie’s letter lifted her spirits, and it seemed to do the same for Mary Carol.

  She grabbed her daughter’s hand and led her to the kitchen. She pulled out the new canister of cocoa and smiled. “I know the perfect thing to do in remembrance of your daadi.”

  Mary Carol beamed. “Chocolate cake!”

  READING GROUP GUIDE

  1. James tells Katherine that Gideon must “see” his own heaven to understand where his father is. Have you ever done this, visualized what your idea of heaven is? If not, take a few minutes to do so.

  2. Each family member expresses grief in a different way, as is the case in real life. Who could you relate to the most and why?

  3. After James witnessed the crime, he chose to stay away from his family in an effort to keep them safe. Would you be able to practice such unconditional love if it meant that you might not see your loved ones for a very long time, possibly forever?

  4. What were your thoughts about James—in the beginning, then later toward the end of the story? Did you believe his tall tales? Did you think he was crazy?

  5. At the end of the novella, Katherine keeps her promise and mails the envelope from the safety deposit box—without opening it. What do you think was inside the envelope? Was it really classified information? Can you speculate as to the contents?

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Karla and Joan, you’ve been with me on this journey from the beginning. You even set up my first radio interview six years ago. What an amazing journey this has been, and I’m blessed to know you both. It’s an honor to dedicate this story to such fabulous women.

  To my wonderful husband, Patrick—I’m your Annie, and I always will be, lol. You’re the best, and I love you with all my heart.

  Natasha Kern, thanks for all you do. What a wonderful agent and friend you are. So glad to have you on my team. xo

  Many thanks to the folks at HarperCollins Christian Fiction. You all ROCK! It’s a privilege to work with all of you.

  And, as always, God gets the glory for every story I write, but without the support of family and friends, it would be a challenging journey sometimes. Thank you!

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photograph by Saxton Creations

  Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House That Love Built, are contemporaries set in small Texas towns. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth’s highly anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story.

  Her Christmas Pen Pal

  RUTH REID

  To my sis
ter, Joy Droste Elwell, a great friend, beautiful sister, and wonderful baker. Your house is always full of laughter and loads of good food. Thank you for all the cherry pies you made just for me. I treasure the times we can get together!

  GLOSSARY

  ach: oh

  aenti: aunt

  boppli: baby

  bruder: brother

  daed: dad

  danki: thank you

  Englisch or Englischer: a non-Amish person

  fraa: wife

  grossdaadi: grandfather

  gut: good

  haus: house

  hiya: greeting

  jah: yes

  kaffi: coffee

  kalt: cold

  kapp: prayer covering

  kinskind: grandchildren

  kumm: come

  mamm: mother

  mariye: morning

  mei: my

  nacht: night

  narrisch: crazy

  nau: no

  nett: not

  Ordnung: the unwritten rules of the Amish

  sohn: son

  wedder: weather

  welkom: welcome

  CHAPTER ONE

  Joy Stolzfus tossed the basin of dirty water from the foot-washing service over the porch banister. The tradition of humbling herself before God and the members of her district during the foot washing was good for the soul, but Joy couldn’t think of anything but the loss of her parents in last year’s fire.

  Meredith came up beside her and laid her hand on Joy’s shoulder. “Are you doing all right?”

  Joy forced a smile. “The fire was a year ago today. It doesn’t seem possible.”

  “I know.”

  “I still think mei parents must have left the oil lamp burning for me. If Henry hadn’t been late driving me home . . .” Joy touched her throat. Dry with a lump the size of a bar of lye soap.

  “No one knows what caused the fire.”

  The bishop had tried to reassure her of that too. But the memory of flames shooting out the window where the lamp table sat led her to believe otherwise. Maybe the cat had knocked the lamp over as Joy’s sisters thought. Still, her parents couldn’t be saved. A section of the roof caved just as more help arrived.

  The screen door snapped and several other women brought their basins outside to empty. The women chatted about the upcoming annual quilting bee, which served to jump-start Sugarcreek’s fall tourism sales. Joy’s thoughts drifted back to her mother who had looked forward to the all-day frolic every year.

  Meredith took Joy by the arm. “Let’s go to the kitchen and get a glass of water.”

  Her friend always seemed to know exactly what she needed. Entering the house, Joy scanned the sitting room where Henry had been standing, but didn’t find him. He must’ve gone out the back door with the other unmarried men. She followed Meredith into the kitchen.

  “Are Lois and Sarah holding up all right?” Meredith removed a glass from the cabinet.

  “We had a gut cry earlier today and we spent some time reminiscing about Mamm and Daed. I suppose it’s gut for the soul.”

  Meredith handed Joy the glass of water. “I think you should focus on Christmas. Isn’t October when you start planning what you’re going to serve for the Second Christmas sleigh ride?”

  Joy nodded as she raised the glass to her mouth. The long drink brought a cooling relief to her sore throat. “Danki,” she said. Then added, “For everything, Meredith.”

  Her friend reached out and patted her arm. “Your parents would be proud of how you’ve taken over the bakery. But I don’t think they would want you to stuff yourself in a hole and become a recluse.”

  “I haven’t done that.” Joy tapped her thumb against her chest. “And I’m nett a recluse. Maybe a workaholic, but that isn’t all mei fault. Sarah isn’t interested in the bakery, and Lois isn’t able to spend time in town with a new boppli. Besides, I do get out of the kitchen. I have to wait on customers at the bakery, don’t I?”

  Meredith smiled. “There’s the spunk I’ve missed all week.”

  She had spent a lot of time alone this week, praying and preparing for the fall feast and communion service.

  “Well, nau that your mood has lifted, I have some news to share.”

  “Oh?” Joy expected with the way Meredith was smiling that she was about to share engagement news. Her friend and Walter had courted almost as long as she and Henry. Only, she and Henry hadn’t spent much time together since she started going into the bakery at four a.m. to prepare the daily specials. Lately it seemed whenever Henry would stop at the house to sit on the porch swing with her, she either had already gone to bed or would fall asleep sitting on the swing with him.

  “Your Henry must be ready to propose,” Meredith blurted. “I overheard him talking with mei bruder about the acreage for sale across the pasture from us.” Her voice rose with enthusiasm.

  “He did?” Joy covered her mouth to catch her gasp.

  “You and I both know when a man is looking for property to build a haus—he’s looking to wed.” Meredith opened the cabinet next to the sink and removed a glass.

  That certainly was the case with her sister. Matthew put a down payment on the farm the same day he proposed to Lois.

  “I’ve got so many goose bumps, mei arms feel like a plucked turkey.” Joy rubbed her arm. “Henry’s been acting a little strange lately. Even tonight he avoided direct eye contact with me.”

  Meredith refilled the glass with water and handed it to Joy. “He was watching you all right, the entire time you were washing mei feet.”

  “Danki.” Joy sipped the drink.

  Henry hadn’t always understood why Joy spent so many hours at the bakery. Occasionally he even accused her of preferring to spend time at the bakery over being with him. But learning the ins and outs of running Sugarcreek’s only bakery left her feeling like she had been stuffed into a pressure cooker and was about to blow. And even though she was a proficient baker, she had to learn how to manage a business. Things her parents did every day, like maintaining the proper amount of inventory on the shelves and knowing when and how many supplies to order.

  “Maybe he’ll ask you tonight? He’s driving you home, jah?”

  Joy shook her head. “I waited for him to ask all week but he didn’t. Sarah and I drove together, but she’s already secured a ride home with Abram.” Joy smiled. “Maybe if I leave nau, Henry will follow to make sure I arrive home safely.”

  “You be sure to share the news with me tomorrow.”

  “Jah, I will.” Joy hand-pressed a damp crease in her dress. It hadn’t fully dried since she sloshed water on it earlier. Vain. Here she was concerned about her appearance when the foot-washing ceremony had ended only minutes ago, but she worked out the wrinkles as best she could. “I look all rumpled, don’t I?”

  “Nay, you look fine.” Meredith placed her hand on Joy’s back and nudged her toward the sitting room.

  The bishop’s wife, Martha Byler, stopped Joy on her way to the door. “How are you doing?” She frowned. “I sure miss your mamm.”

  “I do too.” Joy looked away from Martha’s tearful eyes.

  Lois approached, cradling Stephen in her arms. “Are you going home so soon?”

  “Jah, I have to open the bakery in the morning.”

  “I was just telling Joy how much I miss your mamm.”

  “Excuse me,” Joy said, reaching for the door handle. She stepped outside into the cool breeze and pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders. She should have thought to bring her cloak instead. The sun was fading into the horizon and the temperature was plummeting.

  Joy meandered toward the buggies while keeping an eye out for Henry. He wasn’t with the unmarried men who were grouped near the barn. She proceeded down the row of buggies where she had tethered Candy.

  She located Henry’s horse tied one horse over on the opposite side of the rail. Drawing closer, she recognized his voice coming from the passenger side of his buggy.

&n
bsp; “You can lean on me,” he said.

  Joy shot under the railing, startling the horses nearby.

  A woman’s giggle stifled.

  Joy reached them as Henry was helping Priscilla Byler into his buggy. Joy clamped her teeth over her bottom lip and whirled around.

  Henry’s footsteps tromped at her heels. They reached Candy at the same time.

  “It’s nett what it looks like. She twisted her ankle.”

  Joy untied her mare from the post and boarded the buggy. She would regret anything she said right now.

  “Her bruder asked if I would see her home.”

  Without a chaperone? Joy bit back voicing her thought and reined Candy away from the other buggies. Once she rounded the tree-lined bend in the country road, she looked back as the Detweilers’ farm disappeared behind the crimson canopy of low-hanging maple leaves.

  The road ahead blurred. Joy was still sobbing two miles down the road when she reached the house. She unharnessed and fed Candy, then trudged across the yard to the house. At least she was alone. But Lois and Matthew wouldn’t be long—baby Stephen had been coughing most of the evening. Joy went upstairs to the room she shared with Sarah and pitched herself on the bed. If it wouldn’t raise questions with her sisters at this late hour, she would bake. Instead, she pulled out a pen and pad of paper from the lamp table drawer and wrote a letter to her cousin. Even though Emily couldn’t offer much support ten miles away, Joy still poured out her heart into the letter, which was the next best thing to baking.

  She finished and extinguished the lamp flame before her family returned. When Sarah entered their shared room, Joy pretended to be asleep. As much as she hated to admit it, she hoped Henry would appear outside her window. She lay awake half the night waiting for the tap of pebbles against the glass, his way of beckoning her outside so they could talk.

  By the time the bakery opened the following day, Joy had the display case chock-full with a wide assortment of apple pie turnovers, cookies, brownies, and sweet breads. She even mixed up a new peppermint-frosted sugar doodle, which she offered to the early-bird customers to sample. Yet even receiving rave reviews from her customers didn’t take her mind off of Henry.