A Daughter's Dream (3 page)

That same day

A
lone at last.

After closing the schoolhouse door, Rachel Mast walked back down the row of desks, running a hand along the surface of the wood as she did so. All in all, everything was fairly neat and organized. She already had her lesson plans for the next day neatly written out. All she had to do was record some grades and write the morning activity on the chalkboard. If she hurried, she could grab her tote and purse and start her walk home within the next twenty minutes.

But she wasn't in a hurry.

Instead, she walked to the gliding rocker in the corner of the room, sat, and leaned back with a smile. At last, she could finally let Agnes's words settle into her heart. She was going to have a baby.

Rachel had been almost certain that was the case, but today's appointment with the midwife had confirmed it. In a little less
than nine months, she and Marcus were going to have their own family.

Thinking about her husband, she sighed with happiness. Marcus was going to be so happy. Overjoyed.

Though they'd only been married a little more than a year, he'd been open about how much he hoped they'd start their family soon. This wasn't a surprise. He was ten years older than she was. He'd been courting her ever since her father had given him permission when she was seventeen. It had been a slow courtship, too. For months, she spent only a few hours with him every week. Though she'd been flattered by his attention, she hadn't been sure that she'd wanted a husband who was so much older than she.

But over three years, he'd proven himself to be everything she ever wanted. He was easy to talk to, handsome and strong, and had a good job. A really good one—he was a team leader over at Kinsinger's Lumber. He'd also been supportive with her dreams. She'd always wanted to be a schoolteacher. When the position at Charm Amish School opened up, Rachel had jumped at it.

She'd soon discovered that the job was everything she'd ever hoped it would be. She loved her students and loved being with them all day. But now it seemed that things were changing again.

Hopefully, Rebecca Kinsinger would eventually settle in to the swing of things and be able to take over the class when the baby came. Then? Well, Rachel supposed her future was up to the Lord.

She was pretty sure that her teaching days were almost over, though.

Rocking back and forth, Rachel sighed. As much as she wanted a baby and to make Marcus happy, she was going to
miss this place. Her mother had always assured her that the Lord gave each person special gifts. Her mother's gifts were in her quilting. She not only designed and made beautiful quilts for their family and friends, but she also made several a year to sell in order to help the family's finances. Daed always said Mamm's nimble fingers were responsible for their comfortable savings account. Because of her, they'd never had to worry about illnesses or their future.

From the time she was five or six, Rachel had known her gifts revolved around teaching children. She'd taught her little brother and sisters, even her dolls and stuffed teddy bear. She'd practically had tears in her eyes on her first day of school, she'd been so excited.

But now that she was going to have a child of her own, she was going to have to give up her time in this classroom. Of course she looking forward to the opportunity to teach her own
kinner
. But it wasn't going to be the same.

“Wishes and dreams are for children. Shame on you, Rachel, for thinking about anything negative on such a special day.” It was time to go home and tell her husband the happy news.

She'd just gathered her things together when the door burst open.

Her heart hammering in her chest, she gasped, then laughed at her husband's panicked expression. “Marcus Mast, what are you doing here?”

Striding forward, he reached for her hands. “The question should be why are
you
still here? And what were you doing today at Agnes's
haus
?”

“I'm still here because I had to put this room to rights. You know how I like to spend time in here after all the children go
home.” With a bit of trepidation, she said, “How did you know I saw Agnes?”

“One of the men at work mentioned that he saw you enter her
haus
.” He frowned. “Are you ill? And if you are, why didn't you tell me?” Before she could reply, he reached for her hand. “Besides, you know how I feel about Agnes. She's old and crotchety. If you aren't well, you need to go to the clinic, not to that old woman.”

Squeezing his hands, she smiled. “Which question would you like me to answer first?”

“Don't tease me, Rachel.” His dark eyes scanned her face. “You don't know what I've been going through. I had to wait to get over here until we finished completing our order of trusses for that home builder in Michigan. It took forever.” Exhaling, he said, “What is going on?”

Well, this certainly wasn't the way she'd hoped to tell him about their babe. But ever since the accident at the mill, her sweet husband seemed to be on edge. He liked to know where she was at every moment of the day. “I'm pregnant,” she said simply.

His expression went blank. “Already?”

Taking care not to look amused at his shocked expression, she nodded and squeezed his hand again. “I thought it might be the case, but I didn't want to get your hopes up until I was sure.”

“Ah.”

Her amusement at his confusion faded and was replaced by concern. “This isn't how I thought you'd react. Aren't you happy?”

“
Jah
. I mean, yes. Yes, of course.” He took off his hat, closed his eyes, and rubbed a hand over his face. “I'm just surprised. It
took my
mamm
years to have a child. I had assumed that would be the case for us, too.”

Letting go of his hand, she stepped closer so she could lean in for a hug. When he exhaled, she leaned close, enjoying how strong and solid he felt. “You know my mother had five children in seven years. Sometimes these things don't take too long.”

“I guess not.” With obvious care, he wrapped his arms around her and cuddled her close. At last. “
Danke
, Rachel. You made me mighty happy. Before you know it, I'll be rushing off work to get home to you and our babe, and this classroom will be a thing of the past.”

His words pinched. But instead of going down that path, she pressed her face into his neck and breathed in his familiar, clean scent. He was a good man. The best. He cared for her deeply and he always had. She had just made him happy. That was what mattered—not that she was going to have to give up her dream of being a teacher far too soon.

She needed to remember that.

R
EBECCA GOT HOME
just in time for supper. After washing up, she helped Darla and Amelia place the country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, thick cream gravy, and roasted carrots on the table.

A few months ago, she had apologized for not helping to prepare the meals. But when she'd seen the flash of hurt in Amelia's eyes, Rebecca had realized that she needed to simply be appreciative of Amelia's efforts. After all, her sister was an excellent cook and an even better homemaker. She didn't need help cooking their meals. Now, Rebecca simply made sure that she complimented her sister on a fine meal.

Having Darla in the house was a welcome change, too. When she married Lukas, Lukas had offered to move to her family's home so she could continue to help care for her siblings.

But Darla's oldest siblings, Aaron and Patsy, had firmly pushed aside that idea. After depending on Darla to do so much, they were happy to take over the running of the family. Darla had accepted their wishes without argument. Rebecca thought she was grateful to have some time to concentrate on herself and her new husband.

Darla's presence also seemed to ease Lukas's worries about Levi's absence. And her large family helped, too. Whether it was because of Amelia's talents in the kitchen or because Darla was missed, usually one or two of Darla's siblings joined them each day for the evening meal. Rebecca enjoyed the novelty of having guests for supper. Each one of Darla's six siblings added something different to the conversation. It was also heartwarming to see how much Darla enjoyed their company.

Tonight, it was Evan, one of Darla's younger twin brothers, who stopped by. He was fourteen and had a good sense of humor. After Rebecca, Amelia, and Darla joined Evan and Lukas at the table, the five of them bowed their heads in silent prayer.

Then the chaos began.

It had always been like this. When they were little and both of their parents had been alive, whoever was present at dinner seemed to transform once they sat at their old, sturdy oak table. Suddenly everyone had an opinion about everything and had a need to voice it, loudly and proudly. If someone disagreed, they were ignored or talked over.

Usually Rebecca enjoyed the conversations. They were lively and fun and often a bit humorous, but never without laughter.

Tonight's conversation centered on something near and dear to her heart—her bulldog puppy, Oscar.

“My Oscar is a
gut
hund
,” she said. “The best.” Looking down at him, she thought again how handsome he was, with his white coat and brown spots and ears. She'd always thought he looked as if he'd gotten mixed up in a bucket of white paint.

“Not hardly,” her normally sweet-natured sister countered. “Your puppy ate my
kapp
.”

Rebecca couldn't help but point out the obvious. “Since it's on your head, I don't think you're much worse for wear.”

“This is my second-best
kapp
. My best one, the one I just bought at Miller's, is shredded to pieces. Your dog had a mighty fun time destroying it, too.”

“I doubt he enjoyed it. He didn't know what he was doing. He's just a puppy. And remember, puppies chew.”

“I am sorry to say this, Rebecca,” Darla commented, “but I think I must side with Amelia. I saw Oscar running around the house with its remains. The
kapp
's ties were hanging out of his mouth. He looked right proud of himself.”

“He lumbered,” Lukas corrected. “I don't think that chubby dog is capable of running.”

“He's not chubby. It's how he is made.”

“He's cute, for sure,” Evan said.

“
Danke
, Evan. You may come over for supper tomorrow night, too.”

While Rebecca grinned at the boy, Darla tilted her head as if she was actually trying to weigh Lukas's words. “
Lumbering
is a good description, I think.”

Amelia scowled. “Whatever he did, my
kapp
is ruined.”

“Honestly, Amelia, it's not the end of the world.”

One perfectly arched eyebrow lifted. “It's the end of that
kapp
.”

“Fine. I'll buy you a new one.”

“Danke.”

Considering how easily her little sister accepted that, Rebecca suspected that had been her goal all along. “But, just for the record, I think you need to start putting your things out of his reach. Or maybe close your bedroom door.”

“Really, Rebecca?” Amelia said, a look of irritation playing over her usually composed features.

Lukas groaned. “Let's not start this. I canna take another argument about nothing.”

Amelia jutted out her chin. “Just because this doesn't concern you, it don't mean it's nothing,
bruder
.”

“Don't twist my words, sister.”

Darla placed a steadying hand on Lukas's arm then turned to Evan with a bright smile. It was obviously pasted on, but Rebecca was impressed with her effort.

“Evan, how was seeing your sister-in-law at school today?”

And just like that, all thoughts about Oscar and shredded
kapps
ceased to be important. Bracing herself to hear the boy's criticism, Rebecca set her fork down and waited. She knew she hadn't done a good job filling in for Rachel.

After looking at her warily, Evan averted his eyes. “Oh, I don't know.”

“What does that mean? I'm sure it was a nice change to have Rebecca there.”

Evan moved a couple of beans around on his plate before replying. “Um, well, we all really like Miss Rachel. She's a
gut
teacher.” Looking a bit apologetic, he added, “We're real used to her ways, too.”

Rebecca felt her face heat. There it was. A teenaged boy carefully sidestepping her inadequacies, right there for everyone to see. Not wanting to meet Evan's eyes, she speared a couple of beans on her fork, too.

After helping himself to another heaping spoonful of mashed potatoes, Lukas looked her way. “What did you do, Rebecca?”

“Nothing.”

“Really?”

“Well, I was only in charge for an hour.”

“Was that all? It seemed a lot longer than that,” Evan said.

Of course, it had felt that way, too. Rebecca caught Amelia's eyes widening before she carefully hid her expression.

Something about seeing that even her little sister knew she was a hopeless teacher was a rather bitter pill to swallow. “I was there longer, but I didn't do too much while Rachel was in charge.” Rebecca felt her cheeks flush. “If you want to know the truth, I soon learned that looking after twenty-five
kinner
is harder than it looks.”

Lukas rolled his eyes. “How can it be so hard? They're just children.”

“Trust me. Children are not easy to handle. Some of them, like that Peter Schlabach, are right difficult.”

“He was only difficult because you called him a child, Rebecca,” Evan said. “All the kids made fun of him on the way home.”

“I didn't mean anything by it.” She sighed. “But
jah
. I figured that out really fast, too. Still, he should have acted better.”

“He always acts good when he's at work,” Lukas pointed out. “He's one of the hardest-working teenagers we've ever had. We're going to let him deliver mail soon.”