The Amish Christmas Sleigh (21 page)

Aaron had always been an open book. She talked to him about everything. He had been a loving husband, but he had been frail and unable to do many of the chores or tasks around the haus. She had grown weary at times, handling most of the work. Luke had already come to her rescue and eased her daily workload. She liked having a strong, able-bodied man to help her. A gut-looking man like him must've had plenty of available women interested in him in Lancaster. Why hadn't he married?

 

Tuesday afternoon, footsteps trampled the snow outside. Charity peered out the window.

Beth and Josiah joined her. “Is Luke here?”

“Grossmudder's next to him. He's escorting her. She must've been walking over and met him coming to our porch. Mamm must be healed from her cough and sneezing.”

Beth and Josiah clapped.

Josiah took slow steps to the door and opened it. “Hello, Luke and Grossmudder.” He hugged them.

Beth reached for their coats and hats. “Grossmudder, I see you've met Luke. He's our friend.”

“He stopped and introduced himself the day Josiah got hurt. He was kind enough to let me know the doctor had bandaged his wound and sent him home.” She smiled and passed Beth her coat.

Charity greeted them.

Beth clasped Luke's hand and led him to the floor, where she had a game for them to play. Josiah sat close on his other side.

Charity kissed her mamm's cheek. “I'm glad you're here. Your color has returned and you're moving around better. Your voice sounds clearer, too. Are you feeling all right?”

“I am.” She whispered, “The kinner and Luke get along well.”

“Yes, they love him.” She recounted how Josiah had hurt himself and how Luke came to their rescue. “He comes over each day and changes Josiah's dressing and teaches him how to use his hand.”

“How's Josiah handling the loss of his finger?”

“It's been three days since his accident. He's adjusting, and he does have soreness now and then. He takes less medication each day. Luke created some games to teach him how to use his hand. He's the most patient man I've ever encountered. Josiah will do anything Luke tells him to do.”

Luke glanced over his shoulder. “I'm going to change the dressing now, if you'd like to go to the kitchen.”

Her mamm raised her eyebrows and leaned in close. “I take it you've told him about your reaction to injuries? It's thoughtful of him to consider you.”

“Luke's been a blessing. Would you like to join me?” Charity padded to the kitchen.

Her mamm followed and sat at the table. “I caught Luke stealing glances at you while we were talking. I'm certain he's smitten with you and the kinner. Are you interested in him?”

Charity pulled leftover ham from the icebox and corn bread from the bread box. “He's a smart and hardworking, God-fearing Amish man who has all the qualities I want in a husband and daed for Josiah and Beth, but he confuses me. One minute I find him gazing at me, and the next, he finds excuses to run from me. I don't understand him.”

“What has he told you about his life in Lancaster?

“Not much.”

Her mamm had been a great support for her and the kinner. Anytime she needed someone to mind the kinner, her mamm came to her rescue. She could talk over any subject, and Mamm listened and offered gut advice. She admired and respected the wisdom, caring attitude, and strength she showed after her daed's death. She shivered. The idea of her mamm leaving this earth one day frightened her.

Charity put her cooking pans on the already warm stove. “I'm sorry you haven't been able to get out of the haus for the last few weeks due to your health. I'll fill you in on what little I do know.” She recounted the story of Luke's acceptance in the church. “Friends and neighbors in our community have asked him to do repairs. I've not heard anyone say anything bad about him.”

“Why hasn't he married?”

Charity spilled beans on the floor and stooped to clean them up. “He's said nothing about why he's not married. Any suggestions on how I can encourage him to open up? I sense he's hiding something, but what?”

Her mamm stood, raised a pitcher, and poured water into a glass. “Ask appropriate questions, be attentive and listen to his answers, but don't pry into his personal life. Pray and ask God for guidance. God will work this out for you if it's meant for you and Luke to grow close.”

“He plays games, puts together puzzles, and patiently answers the kinner's questions. He listens to what they have to say, no matter how long they prattle on to tell their stories.”

“He sounds a lot like your daed.”

Charity missed her daed. They'd had a close daed and dochder relationship. Her daed and Luke were so much alike. Both were physically strong, Amish law–abiding men who were loving and kind. Her husband had been a kind soul, but frail and weak, not able to play or interact with the kinner like Luke could.

Her daed had loved her mamm, and it showed by the way he gazed at her, helped her, and talked to her about everything. She'd had a marriage like theirs once, and she wanted to experience it again one day. “Josiah and Beth obey and respect Luke like they did their daed. I would like to have a husband and daed in our lives again someday.”

“Maybe Luke will be the one God has planned for you.” She gently tapped Charity's nose. “Like I've told you several times throughout your life, be patient.”

She groaned. “Patience isn't my best quality. I'm not getting any younger.” She eyed Luke coming in the room and paused.

Luke sat at the table. “Josiah's injury has no sign of infection. It's healing as it should.”

Her mamm crossed the room, lifted plates and utensils, and began to set the table. “Luke, it's nice of you to help my dochder and the kinner. I appreciate it.”

“I'm happy to do it. Charity repays me with her gut cooking, and I get to play my favorite games with the kinner. I've never outgrown playing tiddledywinks or tic-tac-toe.”

They laughed.

Charity eyed Luke sitting and chatting to her mamm. He fit into her family like her favorite warm, cozy, and comfortable quilt. Did he dread going home to an empty haus?

C
HAPTER
3

A
week and a half later, Luke finished cutting wood and hung his ax in the barn. He snapped his fingers. He had an idea and strode to Charity's haus. He rapped on the door.

Beth answered and waved him in. “Are you gonna have time to piece together a puzzle?”

“I'll make time.” He approached Josiah. “How's the hand?”

“It doesn't hurt.”

Charity adjusted her apron. “Would you like some hot tea?”

“No. I came to take Josiah to Dr. Harris to have his stitches removed. He had said to bring Josiah in about this time.”

“I had planned to take him tomorrow, but today would be fine.” She untied her apron. “I should go, too.”

“You're wilkom to go, but it's not necessary. We'll be back in no time. Josiah, would it be all right if I took you to Dr. Harris to have your stitches removed?”

“Yes. Mamm better stay here. It might make her sick if she goes.”

Beth grabbed her coat. “I wanna go.”

Josiah clasped Luke's hand. “No, this is a boy's trip. Right, Luke?”

Charity put her hands on Beth's shoulders. “You can make bread pudding. I'll lay out the ingredients for you.”

“I like making bread pudding. All right, I'll stay here.”

Luke swiped his forehead. “You saved me from an awkward moment. Danki.”

They chuckled.

Luke and Josiah bid Charity and Beth farewell, went outside, and climbed in the wagon. He chuckled as Josiah prattled on about his day at school. Pulling in front of Dr. Harris's office, Josiah stopped talking. “Are you all right?” Luke asked.

Josiah's lips quivered. “I'm scared.”

“Let's pray.” He bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father, please protect Josiah as Dr. Harris removes his stitches. Comfort and strengthen him during this time. Amen.

“Are you ready?”

Josiah threw back his shoulders. “Ready.”

He loved the child as if he were his own son. Josiah had compassion and strength like his mamm. They walked inside. Dr. Harris sat at his desk.

“We're here to get Josiah's stitches removed.”

Dr. Harris stood and pushed his spectacles up his nose. “Very well, come with me.” He waved them toward the exam room.

Luke followed. He was determined to stay next to Josiah this time.

Dr. Harris glanced over his shoulder and stared at him for a moment.

Luke darted his eyes away from Dr. Harris and helped Josiah onto the table. He kept his hand on his shoulder. “I'm right here.”

Dr. Harris washed his hands and began to remove the stitches.

Josiah closed his eyes from time to time but didn't make a sound. The boy was a brave little soul.

The doctor applied saline solution. “Your wound has healed well. You no longer need a bandage. Keep it clean. You may go.” He walked out of the room.

Luke helped Josiah off the table. He couldn't understand why Dr. Harris had chosen this profession if he wasn't happy talking to people. He was glad they wouldn't have to visit him again anytime soon. “Did it hurt?”

“Not too much. God took care of me.”

He guided him out the door. “Jah, He always does.”

“Luke, danki for taking me. Your sitting next to me helped, too.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.” He pointed to jars sitting on the counter in the window. “Let's buy some candy to take home. You deserve it for being such a gut boy.”

Josiah beamed.

They went inside the general store, and Josiah picked out his favorite red and orange hard candy. He picked Beth's favorite color, green, and the store owner put the pieces in a bag and passed it to him.

Josiah held it up. “Can you put this in your pocket? I'm afraid I'll drop it.”

Luke stuffed the bag in his pocket, and they crossed the dirt-covered road and got in their wagon to ride home.

Luke halted the horse in front of Charity's haus. “You go inside. I'll take care of the wagon.”

“I want to help.”

He grinned. The boy never turned down time to spend with him. His heart warmed. They secured the horse in his barn and strolled inside Charity's haus. She stood in her flour-stained apron in the kitchen. Her kapp had shifted, and strands of blond hair hung loose. The word beautiful popped into his mind.

Josiah held up his hand. “Dr. Harris pulled out my stitches.”

Charity hugged him. “Did it hurt?”

“No.” He lifted his chin and shoulders. “Luke called me brave.”

“He held up his hand, watched the doctor, and didn't make a sound. I doubt I would've been as courageous as Josiah.”

Beth rushed over to her bruder. “There's no more blood.” Beth stretched out her hand and held it up next to Josiah's. “I can't imagine not having my finger.”

Charity hugged her dochder. “None of us ever consider that something like this will happen to us, but Josiah has taught us we can overcome anything with God's help. Right, Josiah?”

The child nodded and grinned. “I prayed and asked God to take the pain away, and God did. Luke, you prayed I'd be able to use my hand in no time, and I can.”

Luke met Charity's bright blue eyes. Jah, he loved her. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop his heart from racing at the sight of her. He had warned himself not to let it happen, but his heart wouldn't listen. Coming to her haus each day, he'd gotten accustomed to their routine. Could he put his fears aside and trust a woman again? Not yet. The familiar ache he'd suffered when Martha left him came rushing back.

Josiah scampered to the table. “I'm hungry.”

“Danki for taking him. You made this much easier for Josiah and me.”

“I enjoyed taking him. I like helping you.”

Beth and Josiah closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Neither said a word.

Luke chuckled. He accepted the hot, steaming chicken and dumpling bowl and quilted pads from her and centered it on the table. “We have two hungry kinner on our hands.” His “
we
” hung in his mind. He hadn't given it a thought, but “
we
” did have a nice ring to it.

They sat and she served them.

Josiah recounted his visit to Dr. Harris. “Luke bought me candy for after supper. It's in his coat pocket.”

Beth stared at her lap.

“Don't worry, Beth. We bought you and your mamm a bag of hard candy, too, but you must ask your mamm's permission before you eat any of it.”

Beth softened. “Danki, Luke.”

The kinner cleaned their plates.

Josiah asked, “May we be excused and get a piece of candy?”

“Yes, you may.” Charity waited until the kinner left and then pushed her plate aside. “You don't talk much about your past in Lancaster, Luke. Is there a reason?”

She'd finally asked him the dreaded question. He still wasn't ready to talk about it. How embarrassing and humiliating.

His jaw clenched. Anger flashed through him as the memory popped in his mind. “The passing of my parents and some other incidents prompted me to move and start fresh here.”

A loud knock on the door interrupted them. Charity rose. “I'm not expecting anyone.” She opened the door and her eyes widened. “Mrs. Troyer, what brings you here? Please come in.”

The Amish teacher stepped inside. “I should come back later. I don't want to interrupt your supper, and you have company.”

Josiah and Beth rushed in. “Who's here?” They frowned and stared at the floor.

Josiah stood stiffly. “Hello, Mrs. Troyer.”

Beth whispered, “Hello, Mrs. Troyer.”

Luke glanced at the kinner. Why the long faces?

Closing the door behind the woman, Charity said, “Mrs. Troyer, please have a seat.” She pulled an empty chair to the table for the teacher. “May I get you something? Let me take your burnoose.”

Mrs. Troyer sat.

Charity gestured to Josiah and Beth. “Come and sit.”

The kinner took slow steps to their chairs next to each other.

“Mrs. Troyer, have you met Luke Fisher? He's our neighbor.”

The teacher pinched her lips. “I've not been formally introduced, but I've seen you at church.” She addressed Charity. “I really should come back later. What I have to say should be told to you in private.”

Charity waved a dismissive hand. “Anything you have to say, you can tell me in front of Luke. He's a family friend.”

The stout, gray-haired Amish woman had a pinched face and a stern tone. She frowned and her demeanor appeared serious. What could Charity's sweet kinner have possibly done to bring this somber woman here today?

Luke stood. “Mrs. Troyer, Charity, I can leave if you wish.”

“No, please stay.” Charity glanced at Luke, puzzled.

He shrugged his shoulders slightly and sat. He hoped whatever news this teacher had to say wouldn't be upsetting to Charity. He furrowed his brow.

“What I have to say won't take long.”

Charity faced the woman. “Have the kinner done something to upset you?”

The woman darted her eyes at Beth.

Beth winced and shifted in her seat.

“During playtime outside today at school, Matthew Oyer said unkind words to Josiah about his hand and shoved him to the ground. Josiah asked him to stop. I headed in their direction to reprimand Matthew, when Beth pushed him. I understand her intention to defend Josiah, but she shouldn't have put her hands on Matthew. She should've let me handle the situation.”

Luke's eyes widened, and he held his breath for a moment. This woman couldn't be talking about the same sweet and kind Beth Lantz who was sitting at this table. He couldn't imagine her pushing anyone. She had a direct manner at times, but never had she exhibited this type of behavior before.

Charity gasped and put her hand over Josiah's. “Are you all right? Why didn't you tell me about this?”

He lifted his shirt. “I have a bruise, but I'm fine.” His lip trembled. “I didn't want Beth to get in trouble. Please don't punish her. She helped me, and Matthew scared me.”

Charity patted his arm. “I understand. I'm sorry this happened to you.” She eyed Beth. “You should never have put your hands on Matthew to settle this. Apologize to Mrs. Troyer.”

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Troyer.” Beth stared at her lap.

Charity turned to the teacher. “Is Matthew all right?”

“Jah, he's fine.”

Luke narrowed his eyes. “Have you talked to Matthew's parents?”

“Jah, I visited them before I came here. They asked me to tell you how sorry they are for Matthew's rude actions. They are punishing him, and so am I. He will be responsible for cleaning the school, stocking the fireplace wood, and writing Bible verses during playtime for two months.”

Luke cleared his throat. He'd be upset if Beth received the same punishment. Her actions were to defend her bruder, not to torment or start a scuffle. “What is Beth's punishment?”

“She's to write Bible verses at playtime for two weeks.”

Charity bit her lip. “Your punishment is fair, Mrs. Troyer. I'll speak to Beth concerning this. Danki for bringing it to my attention.”

Mrs. Troyer stood. “I wasn't sure Beth would tell you about the incident and thought I should make you aware of what happened.”

Beth's lips trembled. “I would've told her tonight at bedtime.”

Charity met Beth's eyes. “I do believe her. She isn't deceitful or secretive.”

Luke wanted to hug Beth. She shouldn't have put her hands on Matthew, but she loved her bruder and hadn't wanted anyone to hurt him. Mrs. Troyer's stern eyes and voice set his teeth on edge.

Mrs. Troyer frowned. “Nonetheless, I always visit the parents of a student involved in such matters.”

Luke clasped his hands. Mrs. Troyer must be one of those people who insisted on having the last word. He doubted she had a humble bone in her body, given her demeanor.

Charity opened the door. “I'd appreciate your keeping an eye on Matthew. He's older and bigger than Josiah. I don't condone Beth's behavior, but she was protecting Josiah. I wouldn't want this to happen again.”

Luke shifted his weight in the chair and glanced out the window. He couldn't have said it better himself.

“I understand, and rest assured, I will monitor him closely.” She turned on her heels.

“Gut day to all of you.”

“Gut day, Mrs. Troyer.” Charity shut the door behind her.

“Josiah, stay far away from this boy. He sounds like trouble.”

“I will, Mamm.”

“Why don't you go to your room and practice writing your alphabet, while I talk to Beth for a few minutes.”

Her son clasped Beth's hand resting on the table for a moment before he slid out of his chair. He dragged his feet to his room.

Luke smiled. What an endearing picture. The kinner loved each other. Mrs. Troyer, what a somber woman. The kinner had to endure her cold personality each day. He'd had young and kind teachers in school. There wasn't a sign of anything kind about this teacher. Maybe he should speak to the bishop about Mrs. Troyer. He glanced at Charity. No, he wouldn't interfere. She might not like it.

He sat and sipped his water.

Charity pointed her finger at Beth. “You will not be allowed to go outside and play for a week. You will go to your room right after school, do your homework, have supper, and go to bed.”

Beth's tears stained her face. “I'm sorry, Mamm. I told Matthew to stop, but he went to push Josiah again. I had to do something.”