The Stubborn Father (7 page)

“Dad didn’t even give me a chance. I would have paid it back,” he muttered. “Just like I’ll return the money to Kristi’s and my bank account. It’s going to take a little time, that’s all.”

Walnut Creek

“So what did you and Grandpa do today?” Elsie’s oldest son, Glen, asked, smiling at Verna from across the dining-room table.

She leaned slightly forward, cupping her hand around her ear. “Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.”

Glen repeated his question, while Eustace waited to see if his sister would respond. If she still didn’t get what Glen said, Eustace was prepared to answer for her.

“We spent some time looking at his tree house. Then we went to an auction with his friend Henry.” Verna smiled as her gaze touched each person gathered around Elsie’s table.

“It’s so nice to be here with all of you this evening. The whole family is here tonight—everyone except Joel.”

Eustace curled his toes. He was tempted to blurt out about Joel never coming around unless he wanted something but thought better of it. This wasn’t a topic to be discussed in front of the children.

Why couldn’t my son be a part of this family?
Eustace asked himself.
Doesn’t he realize how much he’s missing? Of course, he probably wasn’t told about our family gathering in honor of Verna being here. Even if he had known, I’m sure he wouldn’t have come.

Quickly redirecting his thoughts, lest he give in to negativity, Eustace announced he’d brought his harmonica along and would accompany Verna on her autoharp after the meal.

Elsie’s daughters, Mary and Hope, clapped their hands, which brought a round of applause from everyone else.

“We can listen to the music and sing all night,” enthused Lillian, Arlene’s eleven-year-old daughter.

Lillian’s father, Larry, tweaked her nose. “We can stay for a little while after supper, but it won’t be late. You have school tomorrow, remember?”

“Jah, I know.” Lillian looked over at Verna. “Would ya teach me how to play the autoharp?”

Verna grinned, after wiping her nose on a tissue. “I don’t see why not. I was about your age when I learned, so I bet you’ll catch on mighty fast.”

Lillian’s eyes brightened even more. “Oh, good. I can hardly wait!”

“Do ya have a cold?” Eighteen-year-old Blaine looked intently at Verna.

“No, it’s only my allergies kicking up from the ragweed pollen in the air right now.”

Eustace nodded his head as Verna glanced over at him and winked. She’d been paying attention earlier when he’d explained the difference between ragweed and goldenrod.

Scott turned to Eustace and clasped his arm. “Think I could learn how to play the mouth harp, Grandpa?”

“I believe so.” Eustace remembered back to the days when his father had taught him to play the harmonica. “It’s easy, my boy. Like my daed taught me, all you have to do is suck and blow.”

A knot formed in Eustace’s stomach as he thought about the day he’d told Joel those same words. Joel had caught on right away and was soon able to play nearly as well as Eustace. What a joy it had been whenever the two of them played duets, with Effie and Joel’s three sisters singing along. Those days were gone for him and Joel, but at least Eustace could enjoy the camaraderie of his grandchildren. He felt grateful for the new memories being made.

He reached for his glass of buttermilk and took a drink.
I wonder if Joel will ever have any children of his own.

Akron

Joel didn’t feel much like eating, so he grabbed a cup of coffee, along with his harmonica, and went outside. Fall-like breezes piggybacked on what was still left of summer—a perfect evening to enjoy the outdoors. Autumn was only one week away, and Joel couldn’t help anticipating what it would bring. He was definitely ready for it, especially with his type of job. Working in the construction business brought in good money when he had work to do and the jobs were big enough. It had its downside, though—especially during the sweltering summers and bitter cold winter months. Some days were so hot, he and his subcontractors had to start work before the sun came up and stop before the hottest part of the day. In the winter, it could get so cold at times that he couldn’t feel his fingers, even with work gloves on. With those extreme temperatures, Joel felt he really earned his pay. He just wished spring and autumn, with their more moderate temperatures, would last longer.

A niggle of guilt hit him, knowing he still owed money to the guys who worked hard for him. Plus, he needed to get the money back into the joint savings account.

Taking a seat at the picnic table, Joel lifted the harmonica to his lips and began to play a familiar tune—one his dad had taught him when he was a boy.

The longer Joel played, the more he thought about the past—days when everything seemed so much simpler. Soon, the calmness he’d first felt when he came outside was replaced with anxiety. He and Dad used to do many things together when Joel was a boy, but they’d drifted apart during Joel’s teenage years. From there, things went downhill quickly, and when Joel left the Amish faith, his close relationship with Dad ended.

“I’ve got to stop thinking about the past.” Joel put the harmonica in his pocket and headed for his shop to look at the Corvette. “I’m not going to get all sentimental about this. It is what it is.” If he sat in the comfortable car seat for a while, he might feel better. Maybe he’d take the Vette out for a spin. Driving around on the open road had helped the last time he’d done it—that is until Kristi showed up. He’d felt so humiliated dragging his friend Tom into a lie and had endured even more shame by being dishonest with Kristi. Yet he still didn’t have the nerve to tell her the truth.

When Joel entered his shop, he paused and looked around. The building was huge—more than enough room to house all his tools, plus several classic cars. Of course, at the rate things were going, it didn’t look like Joel would own any more than the one he had now. Classics—especially the kind he was after—cost a lot of money.

“Guess it’s just wishful thinking,” Joel mumbled. He was about to take a seat inside the car when he heard what sounded like Kristi’s car pull into his yard. Joel jumped out of the car, covered it with a tarp, and left the shop, closing and locking the door behind him. He was surprised to see her because she hadn’t mentioned anything about coming over.

Smiling, Kristi walked over to Joel. “You look surprised. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“Of course I am.” Joel pulled her close and gave her a hug. “I didn’t realize you were coming. Didn’t you say something about going to the gym to work out tonight?”

“That was my original plan, but I jogged after I got off work so I didn’t think I needed any more exercise.” Kristi reached for his hand. “What’s in your shirt pocket, Joel? Is it your harmonica?”

“Yep, it’s my harmonica. I played it awhile before you got here.” He stifled a yawn.

“Would you play something for me?” Her eyes lit up. “I haven’t heard you play in a long while.”

“Okay.” Joel placed the harmonica between his lips.

Kristi seemed to enjoy his song. Soon, she started clapping and singing along.

“How about we take a break now?” Joel paused after several songs. “I’ve had a long, busy day, and I’m tired.”

“No problem. Maybe someday you’ll teach our child to play.” She looked at him sincerely.

“Yeah, if we ever have any kids. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a father.”

Kristi’s forehead wrinkled. “You’ve never mentioned not wanting children before. I’ve always thought…” She dropped her gaze as her voice trailed off.

“Didn’t say I don’t want any.” Joel shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure I have what it takes to be a good dad.”

Looking up at him again, Kristi squeezed his hand. “Of course you do. You’re kind, smart, talented, and a hard worker.” She ruffled his hair. “You’ll make a great father.”

Joel thought about his own father and how he used to think the world of him. Since Joel was no longer a child, he saw Dad for what he was—eccentric, stingy, and unfeeling.
A good father who loves his children would not look the other way when his son has a need.

“Oh, Joel, there’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.” Kristi’s voice halted Joel’s thoughts.

Joel led the way to the picnic table and gestured for her to take a seat on the bench. “What’s up?”

“As I’m sure you’ve heard, our church is sponsoring a marriage retreat next week.”

“Guess I did read something about it in last Sunday’s bulletin.”

Nodding, she smiled. “How would you like to go?”

“To the seminar?” His jaw clenched. Seminars or spiritual retreats were not for him.

“Yes.”

“Why would we need that? We’re not married yet, Kristi.”

“It’s not only for married couples. It’s also for people who are planning to be married.”

“Oh, I see.”

Kristi’s forehead wrinkled. “We are still planning to be married, aren’t we? Or have you changed your mind about us?”

Joel shook his head. “Where did you get such an idea? Of course I haven’t changed my mind. Now’s not a good time to be making any plans.”

“I realize that, but if we go to the marriage seminar it might help strengthen our relationship.”

He crossed his arms. “What’s wrong with our relationship?”

“I… I can’t put my finger on it, Joel,” She paused and swallowed. “Things have been strained between us for a good many weeks. Even before your accident, I felt it.”

Joel’s chest tightened when he saw tears forming in her eyes. He slid over on the bench and pulled her into his arms. “Sorry, Kristi. I’ve had a lot on my mind.” Kristi felt so warm in his arms; he never wanted to let her go. Joel closed his eyes and held her even tighter.
I’d never be happy if something happened between us.

“I… I know you’ve been busy.”

He gently patted her back, then slowly pulled away, gazing deeply into her ocean-blue eyes. Joel’s body flooded with warmth. He could almost feel himself drowning in the depths of her eyes as he gently caressed her cheek. “If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll go to the marriage conference.”

“Thank you, Joel.” Kristi sniffed and dabbed at the tears on her cheeks. “I’m confident this will be a good thing for both of us.”

He nodded, softly brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Joel wasn’t so sure about going to the event, although he wouldn’t admit it to her. He didn’t need some so-called expert on marriage telling him how to be a good husband. Maybe between now and then he’d get a few more jobs lined up and would be too busy to go.

K
risti pulled up to her parents’ house, turned off the engine, and checked her watch. She thought about how she and Joel sat under the stars together last week. It had been wonderful to hear him play the harmonica. It was so nice to see Joel having a good time and looking so relaxed.

Tonight, Kristi and Joel would attend the marriage seminar, and she didn’t want to be late. But Mom had called and asked her to stop by. Even though it was Kristi’s day off, her Saturday schedule was filling up.

Entering the house, she found her father in the living room, watching TV. “Hey, Dad. How’s your back doing?” Kristi bent down and gave him a hug.

“It’s better, but the doctor reminded me about taking it easy so I don’t reinjure it.”

“You should listen to his advice. In the end, you’ll be happy you did. It’s important to take good care of yourself, because—”

He gestured toward the kitchen and grinned. “Your mother’s in there, doing one of her domestic things.”

“Okay, Dad, I can take a hint.” Kristi smiled. “Guess I’ll go join her.”

Placing her purse on a chair, Kristi entered the kitchen and spotted her mother lifting a quart jar from the canner. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”

Mom placed the jar on the counter, then gave Kristi a hug. “I’ve been making applesauce all morning and thought you might like to take some home.” She pointed. “I did all those at the far end earlier, so you can take from them if you like, because those have already cooled.”

Kristi studied the jars lined up in a row. The lids on the more recent ones started popping as they cooled.