Wanted (17 page)
Authors: Shelley Shepard Gray
Hesitantly, her friend stepped through the threshold. “Are you sure it's okay that I'm here?”
Katie reached out and clasped her hand. “I can honestly tell you that there's never been a better time for you to visit. Please come meet my parents. And then we'll have some tea in front of the fire.”
As they crossed the foyer, Katie knew everything was going to be all right.
“So, you'll forgive me?” Katie asked Jonathan later that evening. After they'd eaten dinner and got the girls settled, she'd asked him to listen while she told him a story.
Oh, it had taken some time. They'd sat in the cozy
sitzschtupp
with mugs of hot tea, and with little fanfare, Katie recounted her story one more time.
Through it all, Jonathan had been silent, only asking questions to clarify information, not to judge her. Katie was mighty grateful for that. But when she thought of how different things could have been if her parents hadn't been so supportive, if she hadn't had Anna, who had already been through so many trials of her ownâ¦Katie couldn't help but feel blessed.
But so far, this telling had been the hardest, even harder than facing her parents or even Holly. Perhaps it was be
cause she had so much to lose. Katie knew that she wanted a future with Jonathan, but only a marriage and union based on realities, not his imagined ideas about her.
Her worries made her emotions run high. Tears streamed unchecked down her cheeks, though she'd tried her best to keep them at bay.
Tenderly, Jonathan wiped a stray teardrop away with the side of a thumb, then rested his palm against her face, cradling her cheek. “I've told you, there's nothing to forgive.”
“Are you sure? I had assumed you would be terribly mad at me.”
“Why?”
“Because I've kept so much from you. Jonathan, I know you never dreamed I would've been involved in such things.”
Jonathan smiled wryly. “Well, that is true.”
Had she lost him?
Tears rushed forth again as she remembered their afternoon in the woods when time had seemed to stand still and so much of their animosity had fallen away, leaving only true, tender feelings. She wished she had thought to keep a reminder of the day for her memory box. That, indeed, would bring her much happiness months and years from now. “I know you wanted someone far more perfect.”
But his expression didn't waver. Almost regretfully, he lowered his hand from her cheek and clasped her hands, his two work-roughened thumbs gently stroking her knuckles. “Come, now. We both know that was never true. In God's
eyes, we are all worthy of His grace. Do not be so hard on yourself.”
“I'm merely being
ehrlich,
being honest.”
“I will admit that I had wanted a wife who would make me happy, and who would make my daughters happy. In my rush to do that, I built expectations that could never be met. None of us is faultless, Katie, and, I don't want anyone who pretends to be.”
She couldn't keep the surprise from her voice. “Truly?”
“Truly.” A bit uncomfortably, he looked at her.
“I don't know what to say.”
“There is nothing to say, not really,” he said with a smile. He looked away. “I don't want to blemish Sarah's name. She was a
gut fraa,
a good wife. She tried her best and so did I. I just want you to know that I do understand what it is likeâ¦to keep so much inside.”
“Thank you. Your words mean a lot.”
“As do yours.” Tugging on her hand, he pulled her toward him, so close that their thighs and shoulders touched. “I would be lying now if I did not say that you are perfect for me.”
“Still?”
He squeezed her hands. “Especially still.”
Katie's heart seemed to stop beating. Never in a million years had she expected to find forgiveness so easily. As their eyes met, a thousand words passed between them, unspoken.
When she remained silent, his lips curved. “You don't have anything to say?”
“I can't seem to think.” Truly, she couldn't. What was happening was far more special than any of her dreams or imaginings.
“That's all right, I think. I seem to have enough words for both of us. See, the thing is, Katie, when I look at you, I see everything I ever wanted. I see everything I once dreamed of having but had given up hoping of receiving.”
“I feel the same way.”
“Are you sure?” His eyes betrayed his doubts. “I know I've been difficult to live with. I canna promise you a future without problems.”
“I never asked for a future like that. I only want a future that is real. That I can count on. And Jonathan, you are not so difficult.”
Jonathan leaned close and clasped her hands. “Katie, I have fallen in love with your bright blue eyes and your sweet disposition. I've fallen in love with the way you point out my faults and encourage me to be a better man. I like how you make me smile, and I love how my girls adore you.”
At last Jonathan looked into her eyes the way she'd always dreamed he would. “Katie, I want you to be my wife. I can't promise I will be the easiest man to live with, but I can promise I will treasure you always. Pleaseâ¦please say you'll be mine. Please say you will marry me.”
Katie bit her lip. Maybeâjust maybeâdreams could come true, after all. “Yes, Jonathan, I will marry you,” she whispered.
And when he leaned his head down to kiss her, and
carefully held her close, Katie knew she had just gotten everything she'd always thought she had wanted. Everything she always hoped to have.
And so very much more.
“I canna eat another bite of this wonderful Christmas dinner,” Jonathan said to the large gathering surrounding the oak table in the Brennemans' dining room. “You
damen
prepared a mighty fine table, that is for sure.”
Katie's mother smiled. “I have to admit to being pleased with how everything turned out. What do you think, girls?”
Katie turned to Anna and Winnie, her two best friends, and in so many ways, the sisters of her heart. One day soon Anna would marry Henry and she would marry Jonathan. Eventually Winnie, too, would find love. All of them could look forward to many years of meals prepared and enjoyed together. “I think it was a fine meal, indeed.” More hesitantly, she looked to her sister. “Rebekeh, what did you think?”
“The same as you,” she said, smiling in just the way their mother did. “It was mighty fine. Especially since I only brought a pie.”
“That was enough this year,” their mother said, as Rebekeh awkwardly stood up. “You should be off of your feet as much as possible.”
Chuckling, Rebekeh's husband, Olan, said, “I wish you could pay a call on us every day and tell her that. My Rebekeh never seems to want to sit and rest.”
“She never did,” Henry said with a wink toward Katie. “Though, I have to admit to wishing she would have relaxed more when she was younger.”
“Then we could've relaxed, too!” Katie said with a laugh.
Primly, her older sister clucked her tongue. “You two needed me to watch over you. At least
Mamm
did.”
As their mother looked at all three of them, she shook her head. “Come, Rebekeh, come sit with me for a bit in the front room. If you stay here much longer, Katie and Henry will tease you even more.”
Henry whistled low. “Katie, should we tell everyone about the time Rebekeh made us set the table twice?”
Katie laughed at Rebekeh's expression. “We'd better not. Go sit down, Rebekeh. We'll take care of things here.”
Laughter echoed through the inn as Rebekeh followed Katie's directions and followed their mother to the front room. As the men moved to the couches near the fire, Katie motioned to Mary and Hannah to help her carry dishes to the kitchen. “We best get these dishes cleared and washed. They won't get finished without our hands.”
“I've got the carrots!” Mary proclaimed.
Hannah rushed to keep up. “I'll carry the basket of rolls.”
“Do be careful, girls,” Katie called out.
Beside her, Winnie picked up an almost empty dish of potatoes. Katie thought she'd been especially quiet all evening. As they walked far more circumspectly to the kitchen, Katie murmured, “Are you all right?”
“Oh,
jah
,” Winnie replied, though Katie noticed that her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. “I am just glad to be home, and am excited about my new job in town.”
“I'm sorry things didn't work out with you and Malcolm.”
“I am, too.” Winnie shook her head. “Oh, Katie, that Malcolm was nothing like his letters. I guess Anna really was right when she said that nothing takes the place of conversations face-to-face. In person, I found him to be difficult and inattentive. I'm verra glad to have my new job.”
Almost the moment Winnie returned from Indiana, she'd informed Jonathan that she was going to take a position at the Crazy Quilt. Jonathan, knowing that she was hurting and needed to move on, understood.
Katie had moved back home, but now went to Jonathan's the few afternoons that Winnie worked late. During those visits, she spent time with the girls, fostering their relationship and working on the quilt together. Sometimes she stayed and visited with Jonathan for an hour or two before returning to the inn.
After four more trips to the kitchen, Winnie, Anna, and Katie were put in charge of sorting leftovers while Irene, Mary, and Hannah carried cakes, pies, and dessert plates to the dining room.
When they were once more alone in the kitchen, Anna
said, “Katie, Henry told me you received another letter from Holly. What did this one say?”
“All kinds of good things. Holly has met someone, and even went on a second date.”
“I hope she'll bring him over soon,” Anna said. “We're going to need to approve.”
“Something tells me she'll wait to bring over any of her dates, though she did tell me she wants to come over soon and spend the weekend with me.” When Winnie and Anna looked at her in surprise, Katie announced her news. “She wants to make a quilt!”
Winnie burst out laughing. “You'll have everyone you know quilting soon, Katie.”
“Maybe I will! All I know is that Holly's letter and good news was a wonderful Christmas present.” So was her friendship. That, truly, was what made her heart sing the most.
Jonathan peeked his head in. “Katie, are you almost done? I thought we could maybe take a walk outside for a bit.”
His gaze was so warm and loving, Katie felt her cheeks heat. “Yes. Iâ¦I'm almost done, Jonathan. I would most certainly enjoy a walk with you,” she replied quickly, ignoring the giggles of her girlfriends.
Anna playfully bumped Katie with her shoulder. “While Holly's news is wonderful good, I'd say you received a far better Christmas gift, Katie. Jonathan Lundy is mighty attentive these days.”
Even Winnie chuckled. “He acts like it's not blustery
and cold outside, he's so anxious to be alone with you. We better hurry with the dishes.”
Katie hastily rolled up her sleeves with a smile. Yes, Jonathan's love was a wonderful present. He'd given her joy and his family, and a reason to be herself. Most of all, he'd reminded her that by the grace of God, every one of them was blessed and special in the eyes of the Lord.
And that was, indeed, a most wonderful present to receiveâ¦. especially on Christmas Day.
Dear Reader,
I always look forward to winter. The shorter days and longer evenings provide lots of opportunities to spend more time with my kids. When the weather gets colder, I start baking. I dig out our crock pot and start making stews and pot roasts. Holidays bring opportunities to see family and friends, and before we know it, old traditions will be remembered and new ones begun.
Things aren't so very different in the Amish community nearby. Families there, too, will look forward to many of the same things. Cookies and pies will be baked, special events will be organized, and moments spent with loved ones will be treasured. And their childrenâjust like mineâwill eye the evening sky in hopes of an upcoming snow day.
These similarities remind me of Katie Brenneman. She, just like me, has made mistakes that she must overcome. She has dreams she hopes to achieve. More than anything, Katie wants to belong and be loved. I'm very thankful to have been given the opportunity to write her story.
Special thanks go out to my editor, Cindy
DiTiberio, for all her help and guidance with
Wanted
. I'm so lucky to be able to work with a lady who is so gifted and positive. I'm also extremely grateful for the many kindnesses of Celesta, the quilting group at our church, to Cathy, Heather, Julie, and Hilda, for reading rewrites quickly and with such a careful eye, and of course, to the members of our small group at church, who couldn't be any more supportive and helpful.
Most of all, I'm thankful for your letters of encouragement and support. I truly love to write, and I'm always excited for the opportunity to work on a new book.
Blessings,
Shelley
Hidden
was
SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY
's first foray into inspirational fiction. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis.
Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.