A Plain and Simple Christmas (7 page)

Anna Mae shook her head. “You coddle me too much.”

“Enjoy it now,” Kathryn said with a laugh. “The focus will be on the baby once he’s here.”

“I’m sure that’s how it will be.” Anna Mae turned to Kellan. “A nap sounds like a wonderful idea. I am tired from the trip.”

“I hope you can still join us for dinner,” Kathryn said. “Tonight you can see our family before you visit with everyone else. David will be so anxious to see you, and the
kinner
are excited too.”

“Do David and the
kinner
know we’re here?” Anna Mae asked.

Amanda frowned. “He overheard my
mamm
and me talking
about your visit Monday night. I didn’t mean for him to hear, but at the same time, I felt like he needed to know.”

“It’s okay.” Anna Mae smiled and then turned to Kathryn. “Is David okay with it? The visit, I mean.”

Kathryn gave a slight shrug. “He was upset at first when he found out I’d planned it without his consent. He’s concerned that your parents aren’t going to take it well, but I believe that this visit is going to heal some family wounds.” Reaching over, she touched Anna Mae’s hand. “I think it will go just fine.”

“Do my parents know we’re here?” Anna Mae asked, praying that they were happy if they did know.

Kathryn shook her head. “No, but my family and Vera know. Before we try to see the rest of the family, we thought it best that you see how things go with
Daed
first.”

“That’s a good plan, but I would like to try to see my sisters too.” Anna Mae turned to Kellan. “I guess we’ll head back to the bed and breakfast for now.”

“Sounds good.” He looked at Kathryn. “What time should we be at your house for supper?”

“Five o’clock.” Kathryn stood. “Does that sound
gut?”

“Sounds fine. Can we bring anything?” he asked.

Kathryn waved off the question. “Don’t be silly. We’ll have plenty to eat. You just be sure Anna Mae takes a
gut
nap so she can enjoy our company.”

“I’ll get a good rest. Don’t you worry about that.” Anna took Kathryn’s hands in hers. “Thank you for everything. It’s so good to be here with you again. It’s been too long.”

“Ya,
it has.” Kathryn hugged her. “I look forward to seeing you in a few hours.”

“Me too.” Anna Mae took Kellan’s hand and started for the door. “We’ll see you later.”

“You rest up now,” Kathryn called. “I don’t want you in the hospital while you’re here.”

“I will,” Anna Mae promised. Stepping outside, she noticed that the snow flurries had picked up.

Kellan hooked his arm into hers as they headed for the truck. “You better tell me if you get too tired out. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

“I’ll be fine.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Don’t worry about me.”

That evening Anna Mae and Kellan walked up the front path toward David and Kathryn’s farmhouse. She grasped his hand and stopped him before they reached the door. “Let’s wait a minute before we go in.”

“You look beautiful.” He brushed a lock of hair back from her face. “You have nothing to be nervous about, Annie. They’re your family, and Kathryn invited you to come.”

Smiling, she swiped a snowflake that had landed on his nose. “I’m sure visiting with my family won’t be the most exciting way for you to spend your time off, but it means a lot to me. Thank you. Or maybe I should say
danki.”

“How do you say you’re welcome?” he asked.

Anna Mae smiled.
“Gern gschehne.”

He pulled her into his arms.
“Gern gschehne.”
He brushed his lips against hers, and courage surged through her.

“Danki,”
she said. “I needed that. Now let’s go see my
brother and his family.” Taking his hand in hers, Anna Mae climbed the porch steps and knocked on the door.

Voices sounded on the other side of the door before it opened, revealing four children, two boys and two girls, staring wide-eyed at Anna Mae and Kellan. All four were blonde like Kathryn. The girls were miniature versions of Amanda, and the boys reminded Anna Mae of her brother as a child.

“You’re our English aunt!” a little girl said.

“Aenti
Anna Mae,” the other girl said.

Amanda marched toward them, frowning at her siblings. “Lizzie, Ruthie, Junior, and Manny,” she snapped. “Please step back and let
Aenti
Anna Mae and
Onkel
Kellan come into the house.” After the children backed away from the door, she turned to Anna Mae. “They’re excited to see you. Please come in.”

Kellan held the door and Anna Mae stepped in. The warmth from the fireplace seeped beneath her wrap while the aroma of roasted turkey and potatoes caused her stomach to growl.

The children swarmed around her, asking questions and rattling off their names. Tears filled Anna Mae’s eyes as she spoke with them. It warmed her heart to be with her family again.

“Anna Mae,” a voice bellowed above the chorus of children’s voices.

Glancing up, Anna Mae found her brother David studying her, his brown eyes glistening. He looked just as she remembered: he was tall but stocky with his sandy blond hair cut in a traditional Amish bowl cut. His beard had grown longer during the past few years. Although a few lines around his
eyes revealed he was closing in on forty, he still wore youthfulness in his face.

“David,” she whispered, stepping over to him. “How are you?”

He nodded and gave a little smile. “I’m
gut.
How are you?”

Tears spilled from her eyes. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Ya,”
he said, his voice thick. “It’s
gut
to see you too.” He then looked at Kellan. “How are you?”

“I’m doing well.” Kellan shook his hand. “How are you?”

“Gut, gut.”
David gestured toward the family room. “Please come in.” He glanced toward the children. “Go wash up. It’s time to eat.” He then looked back at Anna Mae. “Kathryn told me that you’re expecting your baby soon. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Anna Mae said. “We’re very excited.” She took Kellan’s hand in hers. “It’s a dream come true. God has finally seen fit to make us parents.”

David nodded. “That’s
gut.
How are things in Baltimore?”

“Going well,” Anna Mae said. “I work part-time in the office at Kellan’s Chevrolet dealership, and I also run a quilting ministry at our church. Both keep me busy.” She rubbed her abdomen in response to a kick. “Of course, I’ll have to cut back after the baby is born.” She touched David’s arm. “How about you? Are you still working for
Daed
at the farm supply store?”

David absently pulled on his beard.
“Ya,
I am. We keep very busy.”

“How are
Mamm
and
Daed?”
she asked.

“Doing
gut.”
David shook his head.
“Daed
is the same. Still stubborn.
Mamm
is still a sweet angel and hasn’t changed a bit.”

“Wie geht’s?”
Kathryn came around the corner from the kitchen and hugged Anna Mae and shook Kellan’s hand. “I hope you both brought your appetite.” She gestured toward the table. “Everything is ready for you.”

They sat at the table with the family, and Anna Mae silently marveled that Kathryn hadn’t asked them to sit at a separate table alone since she was shunned. It warmed her heart that Kathryn and David included them as part of the family.

During dinner Anna Mae, Kathryn, and David reminisced about relatives and old friends. Anna Mae also listened to stories told by her nieces and nephews about their friends and school. They laughed so much that her abdomen and lower back were sore by the end of the meal.

After supper, they sat in the family room and ate cookies and talked about old times until nearly nine o’clock.

When Anna Mae began to yawn, Kellan stood and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I think you’ve had enough excitement for tonight,” he said, rubbing her shoulder. “You should get some rest, and we’ll visit again tomorrow.”

Anna Mae covered his hand with hers. “You’re probably right.” She glanced over at Kathryn. “Everything was
wunderbaar.
Thank you so much for arranging this visit.”

“Don’t be silly,” Kathryn said, waving off the comment. “It was no problem at all. We’re just glad you’re here.” She took David’s hand in hers and looked at him. “Right, David?”

“Ya.”
He smiled at Anna Mae. “We’re very happy you’re here.”

Anna Mae and Kellan stood and collected their coats.
They then hugged and kissed the children before heading for the door.

“You must join us for supper again tomorrow night,” Kathryn said. “We’ll have some guests along with you.”

Anna Mae’s heart leapt in her chest. “My parents?”

“Ya.”
Kathryn nodded. “It will be fine. Have faith.”

Anna Mae looked at her brother. “How do you think
Daed
will take my visit?”

“I pray it goes well.” David’s expression didn’t mirror the certainty of his words.

“Same time tomorrow night?” Kathryn asked.

“That sounds perfect.” Anna Mae hugged Kathryn and shook David’s hand before she and Kellan headed to the SUV.

While they drove down the road, Anna Mae sniffed back tears. Overwhelmed by the emotion of seeing her brother and his family again, she began to sob.

“Hey, Annie,” Kellan cooed, rubbing her arm. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She laughed in spite of herself. “I guess it’s silly to be so happy to see my family that I cry, huh?”

“No, it’s not. It makes perfect sense. I think your brother was feeling emotional too. He didn’t cry, but he looked like he might when we first got there.”

“I noticed it too.” Anna Mae fished a tissue from the center console and wiped her eyes and nose. She pointed at an approaching intersection. “Turn right here and then take the second left.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kellan negotiated the turns. “Where are you taking me?”

“You’ll see.” Anna Mae rubbed her abdomen as the familiar
farmhouse came into view. She directed Kellan to turn onto a long driveway leading to the large home.

Memories flooded her mind—long hot days working in the garden, lazy summer nights spent sitting on the porch singing, winter evenings spent watching the snow from the front windows. Her whole childhood had played out in that very house. Her first Christmas, her first birthday, her first kiss from her childhood friend Daniel Yoder, her first heartbreak when Daniel told her he was in love with Linda Chupp—every significant childhood memory came from that farmhouse.

A light shone from the center window on the second floor. “He’s still awake,” she mumbled. “Probably reading from the Bible.”

“Who?” he asked.

“My father,” she whispered.

“Oh. Do you want to go up to the house?”

She shook her head. “No. I don’t think he’d want to see me.” Fresh tears splattered on her cheeks.

“Come here.” He pulled her over to him and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t cry. You don’t know how tomorrow night is going to turn out. He may see you and break down in tears, realizing how much he missed you.”

“I doubt it.” She wiped her tears with the tissue.

Kellan rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “His heart will be full of joy when he sees you’re carrying another grandchild for him. You mark my words.”

A bump came from within her abdomen, and she giggled.

“What?” he asked, a smile growing on his handsome face.

“Feel this.” She put his hand over the area where the kicks were plunking her. “I think Butterbean hears her daddy.”

Kellan gave a little laugh. “See? Even our Junior agrees with me.”

“Junior?” she asked with a chuckle.

“Yes, Junior,” he continued. “You just see tomorrow night. His grandpa will be so thrilled to see you that he’ll welcome us back into the family. Right, little buddy?” He kissed her and then put the SUV in reverse and backed out of the driveway. “Let’s get you back to the room so you can get some rest. Tomorrow will be another exciting day.”

Kathryn gently closed the door to Lizzie and Ruthie’s room and then crossed the hall. Opening the door, she peeked in and found Junior and Manny snoring in their beds.

She tiptoed down the hallway with a smile and entered the bedroom. “They’re all sleeping,” she said.

David looked up from his Bible and nodded. “It was a long and exciting night for them,” he said, placing the Bible on his bedside table.

Kathryn sat on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath. “Are you still angry with me about the visit?”

He sighed. “I’m still not convinced it’s going to go well tomorrow. It was
gut
to see her and Kellan, but I don’t think this is the right time.”

She gave him a sad smile. “I respect your thoughts, but would you try to keep an open mind tomorrow?”

He shrugged. “I’m not certain it will help. You can’t change my father.”

“No, I can’t, but I can pray.” She nodded toward the Bible. “What were you reading?”

“I was reading in Colossians and a Scripture has been echoing in my mind: ‘Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’” He took her hands in his. “I’ll remind my
daed
of that verse if I have to.”

Kathryn nodded. “That sounds like a
gut
plan.”

He frowned. “I just hope my
daed
listens.”

“Have faith.” She leaned over and brushed her lips against his. “I do.”

T
he next morning, Anna Mae sat with Kellan at the long table in the formal dining room of the bed and breakfast. Platters of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, buttered toast, and hash browns cluttered the center of the table.

Anna Mae sipped a glass of orange juice and listened as Richard and Sandra Sheppard, the innkeepers, discussed the day’s weather. When a knock sounded on the door, Sandra excused herself and headed toward the kitchen.

Filling her plate with eggs and toast, Anna Mae contemplated the day, wondering what her siblings were doing and if she would get a chance to see them. Familiar female voices filled the kitchen, and her heart thumped.

Could it be?

“She’s right in here,” Sandra said, moving into the doorway to the dining room.

Anna Mae glanced over just as Vera stepped into the doorway and smiled. Fannie and Barbie followed with hesitant expressions.

Anna Mae gasped.
“Mei schweschdern.”
Her heart filled with joy.

“Anna Mae!” Vera came toward her with her arms outstretched.

Anna Mae stood and Vera engulfed her in her arms. “It’s so good to see you,” Anna Mae said. “How did you know we were staying here?”

“Kathryn told me. I went to see her this morning and asked if you’d made it for your visit. You look
wunderbaar gut!”
Vera held her hands. “How are you?” She gestured toward Anna Mae’s belly. “When are you due?”

“I’m doing well, and I’m due January fifteen.” Anna Mae gestured toward Kellan. “You remember my husband, Kellan.” She motioned toward her sisters. “Kellan, you remember Vera, Fannie, and Barbie.”

While Fannie and Barbie stood back by the door, Vera held out her hand to him. “How are you?” she asked.

“Fine,” he said, shaking her hand. He turned to Fannie and Barbie. “How are you?”

They nodded, muttering
gut
in unison.

Sandra appeared with a tray containing donuts, mugs, and a coffee pot. “Why don’t you ladies join Kellan and Anna Mae?” She deposited the tray on the table.

“Thank you,” Kellan said.

“We’ll let you all visit,” Sandra said, moving to the door.

“Please let us know if you need anything,” Richard chimed in before following her into the kitchen.

“Thank you so much,” Anna Mae said. She then gestured toward the chairs. “Please join us.”

Vera sat next to Anna Mae while Fannie and Barbie sank into seats at the end of the table. Kellan poured each of them a cup of coffee.

“How are your children?” Anna Mae asked.

Vera prattled on about each of her seven children, and Anna Mae nodded and smiled. Anna Mae then shared information about her life in Baltimore and her work in Kellan’s business and with the quilt ministry. She asked Fannie and Barbie about their families, and they gave her short updates. Anna Mae wished they would warm up to her like Vera had.

“Have you seen
Daed?”
Barbie asked while gripping her mug.

“No, not yet,” Anna Mae said. She idly fingered her napkin. “We’re having supper with
Mamm
and
Daed
at David’s tonight.” She glanced over at Kellan, who gave her an encouraging smile.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Fannie asked, lifting her cup to her mouth.

Anna Mae glanced at Vera. “Well,
I…”

“I think it’s a
wunderbaar
idea,” Vera said. “This is the best time of year for a family to get together and work things out.”

Barbie and Fannie exchanged looks of disbelief. Ignoring them, Vera updated Anna Mae on community news about friends who lived nearby.

“I would love to see everyone,” Anna Mae said. “It would be nice to get the whole family together.”

“It’s too bad you just missed a church Sunday,” Vera said. “That would be a good place to see everyone.”

“We could always come back in the spring and plan to be here on a church Sunday,” Kellan offered.

Anna Mae nodded. “That would be nice.”

They chatted and shared stories for more than two hours.
When Vera glanced at the clock, she stood. “I guess we’d better go. I told Lydia we’d be back by noon. I better call the driver.”

“Would you ladies like a ride somewhere?” Kellan offered, standing.

“Oh no,” Barbie said. “We can call our driver to come and get us.”

“Don’t be silly,” Kellan said. “Anna Mae can rest for a while, and I can take you back to your house.”

Barbie and Fannie exchanged cautious glances and Vera scowled at them. She then smiled at Kellan. “Of course we would like a ride.
Danki,
Kellan.”

Anna Mae stood next to Kellan. “I’ll ride with you.”

“No, you rest.” Kellan kissed her forehead. “I’ll take them. I’m sure we’ll see them again soon. I’m going to run and get my coat and keys. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

Anna Mae’s eyes filled with tears as she turned to Vera. “I hate to see you go.”

“I promise we’ll get together again soon.” Vera hugged her.
“Ich liebe dich, mei schweschder,”
she whispered.

“I love you too,” Anna Mae said, wiping her eyes. She turned to Barbie and Fannie, who gave her uncomfortable smiles. “It was so good to see you both.”

“You and your family are in my prayers,” Fannie said, touching Anna Mae’s hand.

“Ya,”
Barbie said with a nod. “May God bless you and your family.”

Anna Mae followed them to the door where they met Kellan. She waved as they hurried off toward the truck. Tears trickled down her cheeks while she headed back into her
room. It was wonderful to spend time with her sisters, but the cold manner in which Fannie and Barbie treated her was painful. Of course she’d expected it, but she’d hoped all of her siblings would’ve been warm like Vera and Kathryn.

Lying down on the bed, she hoped for a miracle, that her parents would receive her warmly too.

Anna Mae grasped Kellan’s hand while they walked up the path to Kathryn’s house later that evening. Her heart skittered with a mixture of anxiety and excitement when they reached the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked and then pushed the door open to find her nieces and nephews gathered around her parents.

When her gaze met her mother’s, Mary Rose stood and gasped. “Is that you, Anna Mae?” she asked in
Dietsch.
“Is this my Anna Mae?”

Anna Mae nodded.
“Ya,
it’s me,
Mamm.
It’s really me. Kellan and I came to see you for Christmas.” She turned to her father and found him staring at her, a deep frown imprinted on his face.

Mary Rose rushed to the door. “Oh, my! It’s a
Grischtdaag
miracle!” She gathered Anna Mae in her arms and wept. “God has answered my most fervent prayers.”

“Mamm,”
Anna Mae whispered, her voice quavering. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you so much.” Her mother smelled just as she’d remembered—vanilla mixed with strawberry.

“Oh, Anna Mae,” Mary Rose said, taking her face in her
hands. “Let me look at you.” She glanced down and gasped again. “You’re expecting!”

“Ya,”
Anna Mae said. “It’s our first.”

“When are you due?” Mary Rose asked.

“January fifteen.” She smiled at Kellan.

He held out his hand. “Mrs. Beiler, it’s so good to see you. You look well.”

“Oh, Kellan!” Mary Rose shook his hand. “Are you taking
gut
care of my
dochder?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kellan looped his arm around Anna Mae’s shoulders and beamed. “She’s the light of my life. I’m so blessed to have her by my side.”

Kathryn entered the room and rushed over to them. “Kellan! Anna Mae!” She held out her hands. “Hand me your coats, and let’s head into the kitchen. Supper is ready. I made my famous meatloaf and rolls.”

“It smells wonderful,” Kellan said, handing her his coat. He then helped Anna Mae out of her wrap.

“Kinner,”
Kathryn called. “Go wash up and then get to the table. It’s time to eat.”

The children filed out of the room with Kathryn in tow.

Mary Rose squeezed Anna Mae’s shoulders. “I’ve prayed for you every day since you left. Oh, you must tell me everything about your life in Baltimore.”

“Of course.” Anna Mae glanced over at her father and found him still scowling at her. With trembling legs, she cleared her throat and stepped over to him.
“Daed,”
she said. “It’s
gut
to see you. You look well.”

Still glowering, he studied her, but said nothing in response.

“Sir,” Kellan said, holding out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Daed
grunted and looked back at Anna Mae. “You will cover your head in this house. It’s only proper.” He turned to Mary Rose. “I will not eat at the same table as her.” He stood and marched toward the kitchen.

Anna Mae cupped a hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp. She then closed her eyes and took deep breaths to stop her threatening tears. When she opened her eyes again, she found her mother and Kellan studying her.

“This was a mistake,” Anna Mae whispered. “I never should’ve come.” She met Kellan’s concerned gaze. “You were right. I don’t belong here.”

“No, no. Don’t say that. It’s going to be okay,” Mary Rose said quickly. “Your father is just hurt that you left, but he still loves you. Kathryn has a kerchief you can borrow. Your
daed
will come around. Just do as he asks, and everything will be okay. We can set up a small table in the kitchen for you and Kellan. It will be just fine.” Her eyes pleaded with Anna Mae’s. “Please don’t leave. You just got here. I want to visit with you and get to know you again.”

“I won’t leave,” Anna Mae said. “I promise.”

“Gut.”
Mary Rose headed out of the room. “I’ll be right back.”

Anna Mae turned to Kellan. “This was much worse than I thought. I never should’ve come here.” Her voice was thick. “I thought for sure he would forgive me, but he won’t. Did you see his eyes?” She sniffed as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Shh.” Kellan placed a finger on her lips. “This wasn’t a mistake. You’ve answered your mother’s prayers, Annie.

You’re supposed to be here. Your father may take a little longer to reach, but we have a few more days. Just give him time and trust God.”

“I have a kerchief for you.” Mary Rose appeared with a head covering. “Let me put this on you.” She put the blue material over Anna Mae’s head and tied it under her chin. “Now, let’s go eat as a family.”

Anna Mae and Kellan followed Mary Rose into the kitchen, where the family was gathered around the large table. In the corner was a smaller table with two chairs and place settings. Anna Mae glanced up at Kellan, who gave a tentative smile.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “Just do as your father asks, and he’ll come around.” He took her hand and gently pulled her toward the table.

Anna Mae sank into a chair at the small table with Kellan sitting across from her. They followed her relatives’ lead and bowed their heads in silent prayer, and Kellan took her hands in his. With her eyes closed, she silently thanked God for the many blessings in her life and asked Him to work on her father’s heart.

When she heard the utensils hitting the dishes, she looked up and found the family filling their plates. Anna Mae turned toward the table and studied her parents. They looked exactly as she’d remembered them, except for maybe a few more wrinkles on their faces. Henry was still a brooding man with graying brown hair and a matching beard, while Mary Rose still had striking brown eyes and graying light brown hair peeking out from under her prayer
kapp.

Kathryn rose and brought a platter of meatloaf, potatoes, and green beans over to Anna Mae and Kellan.

“I’m sorry about this little table,” Kathryn muttered. “I tried to talk Henry out of it, but he insisted you sit over here.”

Anna Mae forced a smile. “I expected it but had hoped for something more inviting.” She filled her plate with the meatloaf.

“I’ll sit with you.” Kathryn frowned. “I think it’s wrong for you to be here alone, and I don’t care about the rules. You’re my family.”

“No.” Anna Mae touched her hand. “I don’t want to be the cause of problems between you and David.”

Kathryn stuck out her chin. “I refuse to treat you like an outsider.” She stepped over to the table and whispered something to David, who stared at her, frowning.

“She means business, huh?” Kellan whispered with a smile.

“Kathryn has always been known for speaking her mind and standing up for her convictions, sometimes to the chagrin of my brother,” Anna Mae replied.

Kathryn returned, carrying a chair. She grabbed a dish and utensils from the adjacent table and then seated herself next to Anna Mae. “Your brother isn’t too happy with me, but he’ll have to get over it,” she said. “You came to visit and I’m going to spend time with you.”

Anna Mae glanced toward the table and found her mother smiling at her. She moved her eyes to her father, who continued to frown. Feeling a lump swelling in her throat, Anna Mae studied her glass of water.

Kathryn filled her plate with food. “Tell me what you did today.”

“I had a surprise this morning,” Anna Mae said. “My sisters came to see me at the bed and breakfast.”

“Oh.” Kathryn grinned. “What a nice surprise.”

“Thank you for telling them where we’re staying,” Anna Mae said while filling her fork with meatloaf.

“Gern gschehne,”
Kathryn said. “How was your visit with them?”

Anna Mae explained how Vera was warm and Fannie and Barbie were cold.

Kathryn shook her head. “I’m sorry about that. They behaved the same way when I mentioned you might visit, and I’d hoped that Fannie and Barbie had come around. Still, it speaks volumes that they came to see you. That’s a step in the right direction.” She turned the conversation to the threat of a blizzard while they finished their meal.

After supper, David came over to their table. After giving Kathryn a hard look, he nodded at Anna Mae. “It’s
gut
to see you.” He then turned to Kellan. “Would you like to join me in the barn? It’s sort of a tradition for men to stand around and chat after a meal, even in the cold weather.”