A Promise of Hope (11 page)
“Luke,” Eli called, approaching. “How was lunch?” The older man waggled his bushy, salt-and-pepper eyebrows, and Luke sighed.
“Appeditlich.”
Luke hoped to leave it at that.
“She’s a
gut
girl.” Eli smacked his arm. “She’d be a
wunderbaar fraa.”
Luke pushed his hat back on his head and scratched his scalp. “I hope she’s not getting the wrong idea. I’m not looking to court anyone.”
“Take your time, son.” Eli idly pulled on his beard. “I wasn’t looking to court when I met my Elizabeth. The Lord has a way of leading us to roads we never imagined we’d take. Just keep your heart and mind open to endless possibilities.”
Luke nodded and then headed over to Jake’s work area, where the young man studied plans for another project. “So, what are we starting now?” he asked.
“My grandpa asked me to take a look at this new design for a hope chest. It’s similar to the one you helped me finish last week before you completed that triple dresser.” Jake pushed the papers over to Luke.
“Hey, Troyer.” A strong hand on Luke’s shoulder nudged him backward.
Luke turned to find Timothy smirking.
Timothy gestured toward the back door. “I see you were getting cozy with Naomi King at lunch.”
“We’re friends,” Luke said. “That’s all. Now, if you’ll excuse us, Jake and I have work to do.”
“I thought you weren’t going to stay here permanently,” Timothy said, his expression hardening. “Don’t you have a job, family, and friends to return to in Ohio?”
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but I know for sure I’m not ready to court anyone.” Luke turned his attention back to the plans, hinting it was time for him to leave.
“Don’t forget our conversation,” Timothy said. “I think you know what would be best for everyone involved.”
Luke met Timothy’s stare. “I know what you’re saying, and I’m not promising you I’m going to stay, and I’m not promising I’m going to leave. I’m going to wait and see what feels right to me. But I can promise you one thing: I won’t hurt Sarah.”
Timothy shook his head. “You’re making a mistake if you stay here. You will hurt her, and no one in my family will be happy.” He turned on his heel and stomped back over to his workstation.
Luke stared after him and gritted his teeth with frustration.
“What was that about?” Jake asked.
“Timothy is convinced my being here is detrimental to Sarah because I remind her of how Peter lied about his past. He wants me to leave, and he won’t let me forget it.” Luke looked back at the plans, hoping his stomach would stop churning.
“I think Timothy needs to leave the future to God and let it go,” Jake said. “You’re not the type of person to hurt anyone, and you know how precious life is since you’ve lost your parents and your cousin.”
Luke met the young man eyes and smiled. “You are wise beyond your years, Jake. I wish more people thought like you.” He then studied the plans. “All right, we better get to work before your grandpa gets impatient.”
1 cup sifted flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 – 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
4 large apples
Shortening
2 Tbsp cinnamon (For use after draining on paper towel)
2 Tbsp sugar
Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Add egg and milk. Beat well. Peel and core apples and slice into rings about 3/4 – inch thick. Dip rings in batter and drop into skillet containing 3/4 inch of hot melted shortening. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towel. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over fritters. Makes 18 to 20.
S
itting across from Naomi Friday afternoon, Luke popped another large piece of vanilla crumb cake into his mouth. The cake was superbly moist and sweet, just like it had been the previous four days this week.
He smiled while Naomi prattled on about amusing English customers and new quilt designs. She had appeared in the showroom of the furniture store precisely at a quarter of twelve each day with her basket and a delicious lunch. Each day he accepted her invitation, even though he knew by spending time with her he was leading her to believe he wanted to court her. Yet he couldn’t seem to form the words “I want to just be friends” or “I don’t want to court you.” Extinguishing her hopes and dreams felt wrong, but so did letting her believe he wanted to be more than friends.
Today Naomi had brought a mysterious large black garbage bag, which she’d refused to allow him to carry to the table for her—and which she also refused to open. It sat next on the ground at her feet like a loyal pet.
“Would you like to join my family for supper tonight?” she asked, a tentative smile spreading on her lip. “I’m making my
appeditlich
ham loaf.”
“Oh,” Luke said, setting his fork down on the empty plate. “I wish I could, but I can’t.”
She frowned. “That’s a shame. I guess you already have plans?”
“Ya,”
he said quickly, hoping a half truth wasn’t too much of a sin. “I’m going to join the Kauffmans tonight. I haven’t made it over to their place all week, and Eli’s been asking me to come by.”
It wasn’t a complete lie. He hadn’t had a chance to make it to Eli’s because he’d been working late helping Jake with a project for a loyal customer, and he’d been working on Sarah’s cradle late into the night at the house. He’d longed to see Sarah all week, and while her father hadn’t invited him over, he hoped to pop in and see her around suppertime tonight.
Naomi suddenly brightened. “I plan to get on your schedule soon. Perhaps you can join us Saturday night.”
“Perhaps.” Luke cleared his throat and began piling up their dirty plates. “I’d best get back to work before I lose my job.” He put the dirty dishes into a small bag and then added the used cups.
Smiling, she hefted the bag onto the bench beside her. “I brought you a gift.” She untied the knot and pulled down the sides of the bag. “Since you’re all alone in Sarah’s old house, I thought you might get cold at night.” She slowly lifted a white quilt with purple-and-blue panels. “It’s my favorite design, Log Cabin. I thought you might like deep purples and blues.”
“Oh, Naomi.” Reaching across the table, he ran his fingers over the soft material and intricate stitching. Guilt nipped at his soul as he imagined her slaving over this beautiful blanket for him. “You shouldn’t have done this for me.”
“Don’t be
gegisch,
Luke.” Her eyes were trained on his—intent and purposeful. “I wanted to.”
“Danki,”
he whispered. “I’m not worthy.”
“But you are, Luke. You truly are.” She gave him a hopeful smile. “I hope you’ll stay here in Bird-in-Hand.”
He nodded, overwhelmed by her frank admission of feelings and her generous nature. “I guess we’ll see what God has in store for me.”
“I can hardly wait,” she whispered with a smile.
“Naomi,” he began. “I appreciate your friendship. You’re a lovely
maedel,
and you’ll be a
wunderbaar fraa
someday.”
He paused to gather his thoughts, and her smile fell in anticipation of his unspoken “but.” Leaning over, he took her hands in his. “I’m not sure what my future holds or where I’ll wind up living, so you shouldn’t waste your time waiting to court me. You should find someone who is available for you now.”
She shook her head and pulled her hands back. “No, no. I want to wait for you, Luke. I’m willing to wait as long as it takes you to move here. You’re the one for me. I can feel it.” She placed a hand over her heart. “I know in my heart God wants us together. I truly believe that.”
Luke sighed, lamenting that he had to be more direct. “Naomi, I’m not ready to court anyone. Please don’t wait for me.” He nodded toward the quilt. “I can’t accept that quilt from you.”
She frowned, and her eyes glistened. “I’ll wait as long as I need to. You are the one for me, and you must take the quilt. I insist.”
“Naomi, please look into my eyes.” He held her hands tight. “I want to be your friend.”
Her lip trembled. “Are you breaking up with me?”
He paused, debating how to respond. “I want to be your friend. I enjoy spending time with you, and I enjoy our lunches. Right now, I’m trying to figure out where I belong. Please don’t wait for me. You’re a beautiful
maedel,
and I’d hate to see you wasting your time on me.”
She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “You’re not a waste.”
He gave her a sad smile.
“Ya,
I am.” He touched the quilt. “That’s a beautiful quilt. I’m honored you made it for me, but I can’t accept it.”
Clearing her throat, Naomi forced a smile. “We’re friends,
ya?”
“Ya,
we’re friends.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Friends give each other gifts,
ya?”
A smile crept over his lips. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope.” She lifted her glass of iced tea.
“Danki.”
He smiled. “I appreciate the gift.”
They chatted about the weather and their weekend plans until it was time to head back to work. She packed up her basket and then stood.
“Danki
for having lunch with me.”
He folded the quilt into the bag and rose alongside her.
“Danki
for the
appeditlich
meals and fabulous cake. I will cherish the quilt.”
“Can friends have lunch together sometimes?” she asked as they walked toward the front of the store.
“I don’t see why not.”
“Gut.
Enjoy your afternoon.” She gave him a quick hug.
Before he could respond, she trotted across the street toward the farmer’s market.
Sarah wrapped a quilt around her shoulders and stared off across the dark pasture toward her former home. She breathed in the fresh scent of wood burning in the fireplace, mixed with the newly harvested hay.
The past month had dragged by at a turtle’s pace. At the doctor’s orders, she’d spent most of her time on the sofa with her swollen feet and achy legs keeping her from baking the dishes she loved and sewing clothes for the children. Her sweet niece, Nancy, had waited on Sarah and worked around the house. While she loved spending time with Nancy, she missed the bakery.
Gazing across the fields, she thought about Luke. She had expected him to stop by to visit or for supper. However, she hadn’t seen him once since Thanksgiving dinner last week. She wondered what had kept him away all week. They’d chatted briefly after Thanksgiving supper, and he’d asked how she was feeling. After that he was dragged outside to the barn for the usual men talk.
She’d found herself missing him all week. She longed for their previous conversations on the porch and hoped she hadn’t scared him off by being too bold that Sunday when she had shared the twins’ kicks with him. She had felt at the time their friendship allowed for that level of intimacy, but she must’ve been wrong. Letting him touch her may have been too much for him. She hoped he didn’t think she was…forward. Or, worse yet, loose.
She pushed that idea away and reflected on her week. Norman had dropped in for supper on Wednesday, and they’d spent the evening chatting about the children. She enjoyed their time together and appreciated his friendship. However, she sensed something more in his eyes lately. More than once, she’d found him staring at her with an intensity that made her uncomfortable.
Sighing, she cradled her belly and smiled when a baby kicked in response. Hearing her twins’ heartbeats at the doctor’s had deepened the excitement she already harbored for them. In a couple of weeks or so, she’d be holding them in her arms and gazing into their eyes
Cupping a hand over her mouth, she tried in vain to stifle a yawn. The screen door squeaked open and banged shut, and Timothy’s boots scraped across the porch before he sank into a chair nearby.
“It’s cold out here,” he said, hugging his coat to his chest. “You should go inside.”
“I will soon enough,” she said through a second yawn. “I was just enjoying the cool air for a moment.” She nodded toward her house. “I’m surprised Luke hasn’t stopped by this week. Have you talked to him at all?”
“He’s been real busy at work. Tonight he’s working late helping Jake with a project that’s due to a customer tomorrow.”
“That’s nice he’s helping Jake,” Sarah said, ignoring the disappointment flickering through her. She wondered if Luke and Naomi were still friends. She hesitated, since the question would sound like she was gossiping, which was a sin, but her curiosity won out. “Does Naomi come by the shop at all?”
“She brings Luke lunch sometimes,” Timothy said. “She was by a couple of times this week.”
“Oh?” Sarah pushed the rocker back and studied her dark house across the pitch-black pasture.
“I think she would like to court him,” Timothy said. “But I have the feeling Luke isn’t going to stay around here.”
She looked at him. “You don’t think so?”
Timothy shook his head. “He belongs in Ohio.”
“He said that?”
Timothy shrugged. “In not so many words, but
ya.”
Sarah battled the disappointment bubbling up inside her. “I thought he might stay to be with the
kinner.”
“He’ll probably be gone right after Christmas. He’ll stay long enough to see them born and then head back home to live his own life.” Yawning, Timothy stood and started down the stairs. “I reckon I should hit the hay. The alarm goes off early in the morning.
Gut nacht.”
“Gut nacht.”
Sarah heaved herself from the swing and started toward the door.
Climbing the stairs to her room, she wondered what would become of Luke Troyer. Somehow she couldn’t imagine losing him. And yet, she couldn’t figure out why she felt so attached to him.
W
hat do you think,
Aenti
Sarah?” Nancy nodded at the poinsettia she’d placed on the mantle in preparation of Christmas dinner tomorrow night. “Do you like the flower there?”
“Oh, it’s love—” Sarah gasped and groaned, her words stolen by a unexpected sharp stab of pain, slicing through her lower back like a knife.
She sucked in a breath and rubbed her stomach as a cramp radiated through her abdomen. All week she’d endured pressure and occasional cramps. Today they felt more intense as she sat in her father’s favorite easy chair.
“Aenti
Sarah!” Nancy yelped, rushing over and dropping at Sarah’s feet. She grasped Sarah’s hand in hers. “Are you all right?”
Sarah could only manage a slight nod as the pain radiated again, more intense than ever.
“Katie!” Nancy yelled. “Katie, come quick! We need help!”
Her older sister trotted in from the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”
“Something’s wrong with
Aenti
Sarah.” Fear shimmered in Nancy’s big, blue eyes.
“I think it’s time,” Sarah whispered, her voice raspy and breathless. “I think I’m in labor. Please get help.”
Katie pulled Nancy to her feet and pushed her toward the kitchen. “Go! Run! Get help!”
Katie then looked at Sarah. “I’ll get you a glass of water and a compress for your head.” Her expression was calm, her words steady and even—evidence she’d been present when her
mamm
delivered her younger siblings at home.
“Danki,”
Sarah whispered. She sucked in a breath when another cramp gripped her.
Katie returned with a cold washcloth and swiped it over Sarah’s clammy forehead and cheeks. She then held a glass of water to Sarah’s lips. Sarah held her breath through more cramps while Katie brushed Sarah’s hair back from her face and chatted about their plans for Christmas dinner.
After what seemed like an eternity, the back door slammed open and
Mamm
entered, followed by Rebecca and Lindsay. Sarah only heard the echo of voices as another cramp hit, stronger and more intense this time. The pressure on her abdomen felt like fire and stole her breath.
“Sarah Rose!” Her mother’s voice cut through her fog of pain. “I’m with you now. Everything’s going to be just fine. We’ve called Nina, and she’s on her way. We’ll have you to the hospital soon,
mei liewe.
I promise.”
Pulling up a chair, Rebecca sat next to Sarah and took her hand. “Squeeze when it hurts.”
“I’ll get your bag.”
Mamm
hurried up the stairs.
Sarah stared into Rebecca’s eyes and gripped her hand. “It’s time.”
“Ya.”
Rebecca smiled, pushing a wet wisp of hair that had escaped Sarah’s prayer
Kapp
back from her face. “It’s time. I’ll stay with you the whole time. I promise.”
“Danki.”
Sarah sucked in a breath as another cramp set in.
Rebecca quietly counted.
When it released, Sarah felt a dribble between her legs and gasped. “I think my water just broke.”
Rebecca squealed and squeezed her hand.
Closing her eyes, Sarah said a silent prayer the labor would be smooth and the twins would be healthy. She couldn’t help but wish Peter were with her.
The following afternoon, Christmas Day, Sarah stared down at the beautiful baby girl in her arms. After twenty-four hours of labor, she had delivered two perfect babies, each weighing a little over six pounds.
“A boy and a girl,”
Mamm
cooed while holding Sarah’s son. “They are just precious, Sarah Rose, just precious.”
“I’m so blessed,” Sarah whispered. Her heart had been bursting with love and joy ever since she’d laid her eyes on her twins. “I had no idea being a
mamm
would be like this. There’s no joy like it.” She glanced over at
Mamm
and wiped a tear.
“Danki.”
Mamm
chuckled. “Why are you thanking me? You’re the one who delivered them.”
“No.” She held her free hand out, and
Mamm
leaned over the hospital bed and took it.
“Danki
for being here. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You’re welcome, Sarah Rose.”
Mamm
squeezed her hand and then pulled back, staring down at her new grandson.
Sarah studied her daughter. The baby’s chubby, pink face was accented with bright eyes. Her bald head was shielded by a pink stocking hat, and her little body was covered in a white blanket trimmed in pink and blue. “I’ve decided on names.”
“Oh?”
“Rachel Elizabeth and Seth Peter.” When
Mamm
didn’t answer, she glanced over to find her wiping her eyes.
“Mamm?”
“Danki,”
her mother whispered. “I’m very touched.”
Sarah looked down at her daughter just in time to see her yawn. Her little mouth opened wide, revealing bright pink gums and a matching little tongue. Sarah grinned.
If only Peter were here to see his beautiful twins.
No, she would not be sad now. He was in her heart and in the eyes of her babies.
Rachel fell asleep, and Sarah ran her finger over the baby’s head. While she watched her daughter sleep, she opened her heart to God, silently thanking him for her two wonderful miracles, her children.
For the first time since Peter’s death, she felt true happiness.
Turning to
Mamm,
Sarah found her humming softly to Seth, who slept in her arms.
Mamm
met her gaze and smiled.
They sat in silence for a few moments. Sarah stared down at her baby girl, thinking of Peter. He would’ve been elated.
“Merry Christmas, Peter,” she whispered. “I wish you were here to hold your babies. They are a gift from God, the perfect Christmas gift to fill my heart.”
“Ya,” Mamm
whispered, her voice trembling as she wiped again at her eyes.
A knock sounded from the door.
“Come in,” Sarah called.
The door squeaked open, and a knot of Sarah’s sisters and nieces paraded through into her room, oooing and ahhing with love. The littlest nieces pushed forward and stood on tiptoes to view the new babies.
Sarah smiled, scanning the crowd and finding her brothers standing near the door. She searched the sea of faces and a twinge of disappointment hit her when she didn’t find Luke there.
Kathryn appeared from the crowd, her arms extended, and her face expectant. “May I?”
“Of course.” Sarah handed over Rachel and sighed.
“Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, little one,” Kathryn cooed, rocking her niece to her chest.
Luke paced outside Sarah’s hospital room, gripping the brim of his hat. Laughter and voices rang through the door. Although he knew most of her family members were there celebrating the birth of the twins, he felt like an intruder. Or perhaps he felt more like a fraud, since he was posing as a cousin to the children when he was really an uncle. However, he was so kneedeep into the falsehood that there was no turning back for fear of being ostracized.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t a lie. He’d never said he was a cousin; the family had assumed it. Just the same, he hadn’t corrected them either…which made him a liar.
Taking a deep breath, he marched to the door and knocked. Receiving no response, he pushed the door open to find a crowd of Kauffmans surrounding Sarah, who was propped up in the bed, smiling and laughing with her family.
She looked breathtakingly beautiful dressed in a blue hospital gown with her golden blonde hair hidden under her prayer
kapp.
He couldn’t help but wonder if his brother had ever spent time staring at her and contemplating how something so perfect existed in nature. God had blessed Eli and Elizabeth when He created their youngest daughter.
Her eyes met his and lit up as if her heart swelled with joy. His smile broadened at the thought that he could bring her such happiness.
“Luke.” She extended her hand in his direction. “I’m so glad you came. I was hoping you’d heard the news.” She beckoned him over.
He weaved through the knot of visitors and stood next to her. “You didn’t think I’d come?” He wished he’d brought her something—a bouquet of flowers or a small gift. However, the gift he had waiting for her at home would be special enough.
“I was afraid no one told you.” She started to adjust herself in the bed and then winced in pain.
“Are you okay?” He reached for her hand but stopped himself from touching her.
“Ya.”
She forced a smile. “I’m a bit sore.”
Elizabeth leaned over her daughter. “You want me to call the nurse for more medicine?”
Sarah shook her head and waved her mother off. “I’m fine. It passed.” She then faced Luke. “Have you seen them? Aren’t they exquisite?”
Luke nodded, staring at the baby in Beth Anne’s arms.
“That’s Seth Peter.” Sarah beamed. “Doesn’t he look like Peter? It’s uncanny. His eyes are the same shade of hazel.” She pointed to the baby in Kathryn’s arms. “Rachel Elizabeth has blue eyes, like me.”
Luke studied his nephew, and warmth washed over him. His eyes filled with tears as he was overwhelmed with a mixture of love and grief for his brother. He fought the urge to flee the room in order to deal with the confusing emotions in private.
A gentle hand encircled his arm.
“Luke? Are you okay?” Sarah asked.
The concern and affection in her eyes caused the emotions within him to churn. He cleared his throat and wiped his eyes, hoping to stop the tears.
“I’m fine. It’s just warm in here.” He hoped he sounded convincing.
Beth Anne angled the baby boy toward Luke. “Would you like to hold him?”
“No,” Luke said, shaking his head in protest. “I don’t want to—”
“You won’t hurt him,” Sarah said with a chuckle.
“Bopplin
are resilient.”
“I couldn’t,” he said. “I don’t know the first thing about them.”
“Don’t be silly.” Sarah hoisted herself up from the bed, wincing slightly as she moved toward him.
His eyes raked over her, taking in how tiny she was.
She lifted the baby from her sister’s arms and held him close to Luke. “Seth, meet your
onkel
Luke.”
His eyes snapped to hers at the word
uncle.
Did she sense the truth? Did she know who he was?
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Her pretty face flushed a bright crimson. “It’s just automatic for me to say
onkel
since I have three brothers.”
“It’s okay,” he whispered, his voice quavering. He cleared his throat, but emotion ruled his words. “They can call me
onkel.”
“I think the
zwillingbopplin
would be happy if you were their
onkel
Luke.” Her smile was bright, and he feared he might shed a tear or two after all. She held Seth out to him, her arm resting against his, mixing their body heat. “Would you like to hold him?”
“I don’t think I could,” he whispered.
“It’s not so hard, Luke,” Daniel chimed in. “I’ve held my nieces and nephews plenty.”
“It’s good practice,” Rebecca said with a grin.
“Just don’t drop ’im,” Timothy added, and the crowd laughed in response.
Luke succumbed to the request and took the tiny child in his arms. His heart felt as if it would overflow with love as his brother’s tiny offspring opened his hazel eyes, yawned, and fell asleep again.
Lowering himself into the chair next to the bed, Luke held the baby. The rest of the world disappeared, and he was alone with the boy who would never know his father.
At that moment, Luke silently vowed to help raise his niece and nephew, in honor of his brother, whom he missed more than words could express. He was going to stay with the twins in Bird-in-Hand. There was no doubt in his mind or his heart; this was where he belonged.