An Unexpected Christmas Gift Read online

  Well, at least I’d picked a good place to skip Christmas. I didn’t miss the jolly Christmas songs on the sound system at the mall nor the never-ending merry-Christmas-happily-ever-after reruns on TV.

  “Is there anything more I can do to help you, Maria?” Troy said. “We haven’t really had a chance to talk since our phone conversation.”

  “Maybe. You and your family must know most of the Amish in this area.”

  “Except for going away to college for four years, this has been my home. Why do you ask?”

  “I came here on a fool’s mission, thinking I could find my mother.” Gathering my thoughts, I paused for a moment. “I keep thinking about that DNA test. In fact, I took the test three times using three different companies because I didn’t want to be in the idiotic position I find myself now.”

  “I shouldn’t have let Nancy use our Internet,” he said. “I knew her father wouldn’t like it, especially being a minister and all. But I figured since she’s not yet baptized it was okay. And she begged me like crazy.” He flattened his palms together. “I never dreamed anything would come of it. She gave the website permission to post her contact information, using the business’s email and phone number.”

  I couldn’t help but smile in return. “Believe me, no one was more surprised than I was.”

  “I’ve heard that sometimes people who get tested find out more than they expected.”

  “That’s for sure.”

  “What do your parents have to say about it?”

  “My mother died a couple of years ago. The whole time she was sick she never mentioned a thing. Dad’s the one who admitted I was adopted, as if it was no big deal.”

  “Maybe it isn’t to him. Maybe he loves you as his own daughter.”

  “Possibly, but growing up it always felt as though he favored my sister. In fact, I know he did. I sure wish my parents had just told me the truth as a child.”

  “Would that knowledge have helped?”

  “I don’t know.” I shrugged one shoulder. “With so many Amish in this area, not to mention those who have probably moved away, I may never find my bio mom.” Speaking this reality made my heart feel as if it were caving in.

  “Hey, Maria.” Troy reached over and took my hand, as if my fingers were the most delicate things on earth, then let go. “I’m not sorry I helped Nancy. Without that DNA test, you and I never would have met.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Minutes later in the kitchen, Isaac’s arrival ignited a robust blast of chatter through the back door. I assumed from Nancy’s and Anna’s elevated voices speaking Pennsylvania Dutch that they were both thrilled to see him. I could understand why. Except for that funky hairdo and his clothes, he was a fine-looking man.

  I decided I needed to put a stop to Nancy’s worries now. I slid my arm through Troy’s bent elbow as we stood up and walked into the kitchen. “This is for Nancy’s sake,” I whispered in his ear.

  “You don’t hear me complaining, do you? But I must warn you, the Amish don’t outwardly show their affections. Dating is all very hush-hush.”

  “All the better.” I retrieved my hand and glanced at Isaac, who looked surprised. But not Nancy. Exuberance fluttered through her like a spring breeze.

  Isaac puffed out his chest. “Sorry, Troy, but there isn’t room for all of us in the sleigh.”

  “Why don’t you just take the girls?” I sidled up to Naomi, who stood measuring out flour into a ceramic bowl. “I promised Naomi I’d help her with the cooking.”

  Both Nancy and Anna grinned, but Isaac said, “You’re missing out on a chance of a lifetime.”

  “You may be right. I do want a ride in a sleigh someday. But I’d better stay here to help care for Linda, too.”

  “I’m so excited.” Nancy punched her fists into her coat sleeves. One step ahead of her, Anna was already buttoning her coat.

  “There’s still much to get done this afternoon,” Naomi said to Anna and Nancy.

  “But, Mamm, we’ll be the envy of every girl in the county.” Anna’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

  Naomi’s brow furrowed. “Shush, you want your father to hear you? Eliciting envy is nothing to be proud of. Pride in itself . . . Well, you know it’s a bad thing, so I won’t give you another one of your father’s sermons.”

  “No worries, Naomi, I’ll fill in for them,” I said. Not that I knew my way around a kitchen. Certainly not when it came to desserts. “Too cold out there for me anyway.”

  Part of me wished I’d taken Isaac up on that ride as I listened to their laughter exiting the back door. I peeked out the window and watched as they climbed into the sleigh. The horse gathered speed, and the sleigh departed. I hoped Isaac found Nancy to his liking.

  Troy said, “I’d better go help shovel my parents’ driveway, although it seems to be a never-ending battle.”

  “Are you coming back later to decorate?” I didn’t want him to leave.

  “Sure, I don’t want to miss out on all the fun.”

  “Did I thank you for charging my phone?”

  “Yes, you did. Glad to.” He turned to Naomi. “I might go outside and help Silas for a few minutes.”

  “Even if he says he doesn’t need help, don’t believe him,” Naomi said. “I know he’d appreciate it, even if he doesn’t act that way.”

  “Yeah, I know Silas well enough.” Troy chuckled. “My dad’s the same way.”

  As he left through the back door, I was tempted to run after him and hug him good-bye, because I figured I might never see him in private again. When the snow stopped, I’d be forced to leave—not that I knew my next destination.

  “Maria, would you do me a favor?” Naomi’s question yanked me into the present.

  “Sure. Anything.”

  “Would you please go sit with mei Schweschder? I feel uneasy about leaving Linda out there by herself. If one of the girls were home, I’d ask them.”

  I would have rather stayed in the kitchen with Naomi, but I said, “Okay, if you’re sure you don’t need my help.”

  “Sitting with Linda is the help I need the most. Seriously. And take your cell phone with you, just in case.” She handed me a scrap of paper. “Here’s Charlene’s telephone number.”

  “But Silas made such a fuss about using the cell phone.”

  She winked. “I don’t recall him telling you anything.”

  “But—”

  “Please encourage her to drink fluids. She has always been a strong-willed person. Well, not as a child. She was the most compliant in the house, but when she became a teenager something changed her. I have no idea what.”

  As I entered the living room with more tea, I felt mean-spirited as I acknowledged I didn’t particularly like Linda, although I admired her spunk, her ability to live by herself all these years with no man to help her.

  Don’t judge a book by its cover, I kept reminding myself as I set the tea down on the table.

  Linda lay sprawled on the couch, her face buried in a pillow. Her shoulders shook.

  “Linda? Are you all right? Is there anything I can do?”

  “I’m fine,” she croaked, dabbing at her cheeks with her handkerchief. “Just feeling sorry for myself, which is a sin.”

  “I feel sorry for myself all the time,” I said in an attempt to elevate her mood. “At least recently.” Now what should I do? “Are you sure you’re feeling all right physically? I can call Charlene.”

  “No, don’t.” Her voice was barely a squeak. “I deserve to die. God is punishing me, as He did before when He kept me barren and then took my husband away.”

  “But why?”

  Her words were too slurred for me to understand.

  I felt her forehead. Her skin seemed warm. “Naomi,” I called. “Please come in here.”

  She hustled into the living room. “Did she pass out?”

  “I don’t know. She was talking just a minute ago.” I decided not to reveal the subject of our conversation. “Do you think we shoul
d call Charlene?”

  She glanced toward the kitchen. “Yes, go ahead.”

  “But what about Silas?”

  “He’s out in the barn . . . Never mind.” She took the phone from me and tapped in Charlene’s number. She and Charlene had a short conversation, then Naomi said, “Hold on,” and set the phone aside without hanging up.

  “Linda?” Naomi shook Linda’s shoulders gently. “Can you hear me?”

  Linda’s eyes opened halfway. “I guess I fell asleep.”

  I had a difficult time believing anyone could fall asleep that quickly, even if they were ill, but maybe I was being overly critical. I recalled my mother accusing me of playing possum when I was a child.

  Naomi spoke into the cell phone. “Hi, Char. Linda’s awake. What do you think? Give her another couple of hours to rest?” A long pause ensued. “Okay, if she’s not better by tomorrow then I’ll ask Troy to take her to the urgent care clinic.”

  Naomi hung up and gave the phone back to me. “Charlene said to keep watch on her. She said to let Linda sleep. When Silas comes back in the house, we’ll put her to bed.”

  An hour later, Silas and Bart carried Linda to one of the first-floor bedrooms, then sat at the kitchen table, enjoying hot chocolate. Isaac returned with Nancy and Anna. Jubilation and laughter filled the room as they described their ride.

  “Everyone stared at us,” Nancy said, removing her bonnet and wriggling out of her coat. “Not that we were trying to make anyone jealous, Dat.”

  Troy appeared at the back door, carrying a platter of assorted cookies and candies. I felt a wave of giddiness traveling through me.

  “Take these plates into the living room and bring out the board games.” Naomi seemed as excited as the girls. Maybe she really was happy to have extra people over on Christmas Eve. She must miss her sons and grandchildren.

  After supper, Nancy, Anna, Isaac, Troy, Bart, and I played Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, and other board games from my childhood. We laughed and joked, and I forgot my troubles.

  During a lull, while Nancy cooked more popcorn, I stepped out into the utility room with my cell phone to call my sister. She’d been worried about me but was excited to share her updates about her wedding ceremony to her longtime boyfriend, who had a job waiting for him in Texas. I told her I’d be delighted to be her maid of honor, all the while thinking how much I would miss her when she left. We assured each other that we would keep in touch, but of course I knew it wouldn’t be the same. I was both happy for her and forlorn at the same time.

  Back in the living room, we played more games, decorated with the greenery, and nibbled on snacks until ten. Bart fell asleep on the couch. I recalled my childhood fantasy that Santa Claus would arrive at midnight with a bag full of presents, knowing ahead of time exactly what each child would want. I realized I’d have to be content not receiving my most treasured gift, and I asked God to give me peace.

  As Troy and Isaac prepared to leave, Troy took my hand for a moment. I felt like sinking into his arms and relying on his support. I wasn’t strong enough to make it on my own anymore.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Sometime in what must have been the middle of the night, I heard rustling and then a door shut. An intruder? Isaac paying Nancy another midnight call? Was that what the sisters had been snickering about?

  Ordinarily, I would have gotten up to find out what was going on. But the chilly air persuaded me to snuggle in my bed. Who in their right mind would break into this Amish home? And I hadn’t heard a car’s engine.

  The next morning, the tantalizing aroma of coffee, sizzling bacon, and baking muffins traveled up the stairs and under the crack beneath my door. I checked the battery-operated clock on my bedstand and was amazed that I had slept in until nine. Had I missed all the Christmas morning festivities? Then I reminded myself I wasn’t even planning to celebrate Christmas this year. Yet, being in this unique home with its quaint customs and charming people, I wanted to.

  I wondered how Linda was doing. The staggering thought that she’d succumbed to death’s jaws gripped me. Had that been what I’d heard last night? Had they taken her to the hospital while I slept?

  I showered, dressed, and trotted down the stairs. I passed Bart’s tousled blanket in the living room, but he was nowhere to be seen. Silas stood, stoking the fire in the hearth.

  “Bart’s Dat fetched him at eleven-thirty last night. I told him what a wonderful help Bart had been to me and his Dat was most pleased.” He expelled a lengthy sigh. “I also reminded both of them that we are to forgive one another as the Lord forgives us. Bart lives in a different district, so I’ll have to leave their problems to their own deacon and ministers to sort out. I’ll send word to them in a few days.” Silas seemed sad as he smoothed his upper lip. “I promised Bart a job when the weather clears and it’s time for plowing. Or maybe earlier.”

  Strolling into the kitchen with Silas on my heels, I was delighted to see the family sitting at the table, drinking coffee. Including Linda.

  They all grinned at me. A chorus of “Merry Christmas!” resounded through the room.

  I couldn’t help but smile. “Merry Christmas to you.” I looked out the window to see blue sky and a frozen world cloaked in glittering white.

  Naomi sprang to her feet and told me to have a seat. She fixed me a plate of food, including eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, and freshly baked blueberry muffins, while Anna poured me coffee and offered me milk. I scooted into a vacant spot across from Linda.

  “Thanks. This looks fabulous.”

  Anna set the cup before me. “Hurry up so we can open our presents.”

  “Hush, Anna.” Silas silenced her, and she found her seat.

  I guessed they’d already prayed, so I took a moment and bowed my head. When finished, I gazed across the table at Linda. “You look much better today.”

  “Denki, I feel better, too.” Her voice was still scratchy but sounded stronger.

  Naomi steepled her fingers. “And her temperature is back to normal.”

  “That’s fantastic.” Although now Troy and Charlene would have no excuse to come over. Phooey.

  Under Anna and Nancy’s scrutinizing stares, I consumed my breakfast as quickly as I could.

  Searching for scraps, Saucy wandered over, then sat with her full attention on me. I’d forgotten how much I liked dogs. Trish was allergic to them, so my parents had never gotten one. Plus, Mom had complained about any kind of animal hair. Saucy didn’t look like she’d shed much.

  “You can have more to eat later,” Naomi assured me as I took my last bite. “The girls are excited to open their presents. We can clean the table after.”

  “Okay.” I dashed up the stairs to retrieve my gifts. The fresh white tissue paper would suffice as wrapping paper. I wished there was something I could give Naomi, Silas, and Linda, but it was too late to worry about it.

  When I returned minutes later, the family had gathered in the living room by the hearth. The girls ripped open their presents from their parents and squealed with excitement.

  Nancy marveled at her plush purple velour bathrobe. “Just what I wanted.” She stroked the robe’s fabric and brought the softness to her cheek. She’d also received an assortment of books, both fiction and nonfiction. I saw horses on the front of several.

  Anna dug through a handled wicker basket holding a silk floral arrangement in a glass vase with a battery-operated light inside it, and an abundance of soaps, shampoos, and lotions. “Denki, Mamm and Dat.”

  They opened presents sent from Ohio from their brothers and their wives, and several other relatives. All were utilitarian items such as towels embellished with embroidered trim, but the girls were delighted and couldn’t contain their glee.

  Finally, they came to my gifts. “These are the potholders I loved so much. Denki.” Anna glanced to her mother, who had obviously helped me select them.

  Nancy opened her quilted purse and hugged it. “I love it.” She looked to her father. Fortunately,
Silas said nothing negative.

  The girls presented me with a meticulously wrapped present, much to my surprise. A teal-colored scarf and a pair of matching mittens. Finally, Naomi gave me a large gift from the whole family: the incredible quilt I’d admired at the shop.

  “This is too much,” I exclaimed, although I found myself clasping it. Now I needed a bed. But where would I land?

  Naomi’s gaze flitted to her sister. “Linda wanted us to give it to you.”

  I turned to Linda, who looked away. My guess was that Naomi had talked her into giving it to me. Still, I needed to show gratitude. “Thank you very much, Linda, I will treasure this the rest of my life.” I felt salty moisture pricking the backs of my eyes. More than ever I wanted to be a member of this loving household.

  An hour later, Anna and Nancy trundled up to their bedrooms with their gifts, leaving Naomi, Linda, Silas, and me to sip coffee together.

  Naomi brought out a box. “Linda, you haven’t opened your gift from Silas and me.”

  “I can’t accept a gift until I’ve made a kneeling confession.” Linda looked at Silas. “May I make it to you right now, seeing as you’re a minister?”

  “Nee, that’s not the way we do it. I’d need a deacon or another minister with me to hear a confession. And a kneeling confession is made before the whole congregation. You know that.”

  “Now open our present.” Naomi scooted the box closer to her.

  Linda cleared her throat. “I don’t deserve gifts. Not after what I’ve done. A lifetime of deceit.” She seemed to be shrinking. “But I have something I need to tell all of you.”

  Silas stroked his beard. “Can’t it wait?”

  “What could be so terrible?” Naomi asked.

  Linda wrung her hands. “Many years ago, I worked for a couple in Connecticut as a housekeeper.”

  “I seem to recall that, now that you mention it,” Naomi said. “When you were a late teen.”