A Precious Gift

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  “Gee, I don’t know. Probably that I had sex with my boyfriend and got pregnant.”

  Looking even more furious, her mother marched up to her. “Watch your mouth.”

  “You watch your mouth,” Gabby retorted. “I’m trying to talk to you. You’re the one who is being so hateful.”

  “Gabrielle—enough!” She raised her hand.

  To do what, Gabby wasn’t sure. Her mother had never hit her, but at the moment it didn’t seem like she was being herself.

  Before she knew what to do, Kyle stood up and stepped right in front of her. “Don’t touch her.”

  “What is going on?” Lane said from the front doorway. “Mom? Kyle? Gabby?” As he took in everyone’s position in the room, he started toward her. “Gabby, are you all right?”

  “Go to your room, Lane,” Mom called out.

  “Uh, I don’t think so.” He walked to Gabby’s side. “Why are all of you so angry?”

  Gabby knew there was no sense in delaying the inevitable. “You might as well find out now. I found out I’m pregnant and we just told Mom.”

  Lane’s expression went slack. “Oh, wow.”

  “That’s one way of putting it,” her mother said.

  “Can we calm down now?” Kyle asked.

  Her mother was literally shaking, she looked so mad. Pointing a finger at Kyle, she said, “I want you out of here. Now.”

  But Kyle didn’t move. Instead, he stared at Gabby. “What do you want me to do?”

  “Stay.”

  “Then I’ll stay.”

  Relief poured through her. Kyle really was amazing. Here her mother was being completely terrible, but he was simply standing next to her, so calm and stalwart, making sure Gabby realized that his only concern was for her. “Thanks,” she whispered.

  “No, this is not how it’s going to go,” her mother said. “Gabby, there’s only one way for me to forgive you. You are going to say goodbye to him and promise to never see him again.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” And why did her mom think Gabby owed her an apology anyway?

  “That’s your only option.”

  Lane cleared his throat, signaling to Gabby that he was just as shocked as she was by how miserable their mother was being. “You know what? We ought to sit down.”

  “No,” Mom blurted. “He needs to leave.”

  Gabby shook her head. “Mother, his name is Kyle, and I need him here.”

  “If you don’t do what I’m telling you to do, then you need to leave, Gabrielle.”

  “You’re going to kick me out?”

  “No, you’re going to be making that choice.”

  Lane strode forward. “Mom, you really need to calm down. You can’t just go and kick Gabby out..”

  “I can and I will.” She folded her hands across her chest. “What’s it going to be, Gabby?”

  She was hurt and scared and feeling betrayed. For years, she’d taken care of herself, taken care of Lane, and their house. In a lot of ways, she’d even taken care of their mother.

  But it all came down to whether or not she wanted to continue to live this way—or if she wanted to bring her baby up in this environment.

  And if that was the case, then there really wasn’t any choice. She looked at Kyle. He was standing still, and his face was a mask. But when she caught his eye, he nodded.

  All right, then. “Mom, if you’re going to make me choose, then I guess I’ll be leaving.”

  “Gabby.” Lane’s voice was hoarse. “What are you doing?”

  She turned to her younger brother, who now stood almost a full foot taller than she was. Their eyes met. She hoped there was some way he was going to be able to read her expression and would understand that she had no choice. “I … I’m sorry, Lane. You know that I love you, right? That no matter what happens, I’ll always be there for you?” When he nodded, she breathed a sigh of relief. “I’ll call you soon, but I have to leave.”

  “I know.” Lane’s voice was thick with emotion but resigned.

  Walking to Kyle’s side, she murmured, “I need to get my things. Would you come to my room and help me pack?”

  “Of course. I’ll do whatever you need,” he said.

  She paused, half-hoping that her mother would change her mind. But her mom turned away.

  Now that the decision was made, Gabby walked to her room, Kyle on her heels.

  She was leaving home.

  She couldn’t believe it.

  But maybe she actually could.

  EIGHT

  “Just when they were leaving, Harley tamped down the fire, and the woods turned black. I got scared and scrambled down the tree. But then one of the branches broke and I got stuck.”

  Kyle had called Harley’s friend Marie, who had recently married another one of the Eight, John Byler.

  Minutes after they’d gone into Gabby’s room, he’d known they were going to need some help. Gabby had started scurrying around her room, throwing clothes and a hundred other items into two duffle bags. He’d stood helplessly to the side and watched, unable to offer any words of comfort or advice.

  Unable to help her sort through her personal items.

  All he’d been sure of was that she had too much stuff to carry.

  And so he’d picked up her phone and called the one phone number he had memorized: Marie’s. Luckily, she’d picked up the phone right away and, after hearing his stilted explanation, had promised that she and John B. would be at Gabby’s house within thirty minutes.

  They’d done just that, texting Gabby when they were parked on the street.

  When Gabby had opened her bedroom door, the house had been silent. Neither her mother nor Lane had been there.

  Gabby, who’d been valiantly fighting off tears, seemed shocked by that. After a moment, she pulled her key ring out of her purse and set it on the kitchen counter.

  “Do you not need any of those keys?”

  “No.”

  “All right.” Still, he felt strange, just escorting her out. “Do you want to write a note or something?”

  For the first time in the hour, a smidgen of humor lit her eyes. “I don’t think there’s much left to say, Kyle.”

  “Let’s go, then.”

  They walked outside. John got out of Marie’s truck when he spied them and helped put the bags in the back.

  When Gabby and Kyle sat down in the backseat, Marie turned to them. “Where to?”

  There was only one place he knew to go, and that was his house. But he knew Gabby needed a few minutes before facing his family.

  “I’m not sure,” he said at last. “Could we … I mean, I know you probably have a lot to do, but could we drive around or something?”

  “Are you two hungry?” Marie asked. “We could drive over to Sugarcreek and get some food. There’s a good sandwich place there.”

  “What do you think?” he whispered to Gabby.

  She nodded. “That sounds good. Thanks, Marie.”

  Marie smiled before pulling away from the curb and driving. After asking a few questions about their comfort, making sure they had enough warm air blowing on them on the backseat, John kept quiet.

  Gabby closed her eyes, looking relieved for the silence.

  Kyle felt like he could finally pause for a moment and take a deep breath. For the last two hours, he’d been so tense, he’d felt like he could break in two. Now that there was nothing they could do except wait, it was like a giant boulder had just slid off his shoulders.

  He forced himself to think only of Gabby and their immediate concerns instead of letting their whole situation get the best of him.

  When they got to the sandwich shop, they all got out and placed their orders. John and Marie insisted on paying for their meals.

  Then they all took their seats in a booth in the back of the small restaurant.

  Kyle had ordered a turkey club. His first bite tasted so good. It tasted even better when he noticed that Gabby was eating her food, too. She was an in
dependent woman, but he still felt pleased to see that he was helping her take care of herself.

  When they were about halfway done, the door opened at the front and Harley and Beth walked through. As soon as they spied them, Harley waved a hand, then placed their order.

  “John, how did Harley know we were here?” Kyle asked.

  “I called Will at work and asked him to track Harley down.” He shrugged. “I’m guessing he got ahold of your sister next.”

  “It was that easy?” Gabby asked. She knew enough about Harley to know that he rarely used a cell phone and that Beth worked at an Englischer’s home.

  Marie smiled at Gabby. “You’ll learn that we Eight have our own methods of getting ahold of each other.”

  “That sounds impressive, and kind of sneaky.”

  Marie chuckled. “I don’t know about that. But I do know that we know each other so well we’ve learned to not let just any old obstacle get in our way.”

  “Jah. Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” John supplied.

  Gabby raised her eyebrows. “Now I’m even more impressed.”

  “You should be,” Marie teased. “But don’t worry. I’m more than happy to share my methods. Before you know it, you’ll be getting hold of Kyle at any time of day without a problem.”

  The others laughed.

  Their camaraderie and willingness to make Gabby feel at ease was a blessing. She was talking more, laughing more, and much of the tension that she’d been displaying was inching away right before his eyes. Kyle was glad about that.

  Though he attempted to smile, he knew he was managing to only look sick. But it couldn’t be helped. Every part of him was on pins and needles as he watched his brother and sister wait for their sandwiches.

  What were they going to say to him? He really hoped neither would embarrass Gabby in public.

  John B.’s palm on his shoulder brought him out of his reverie. “Don’t think the worst,” he murmured. “Harley sounded worried about you, not mad.”

  He exhaled. “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am.”

  “Gabby, I hope you don’t mind me showing up with Harley, but I couldn’t stay away,” Beth said as she scooted in next to Gabby and then pulled her into a quick, fierce hug. “I’m so sorry about what’s happened.”

  “Thanks,” Gabby said. She looked Kyle’s way before looking down at her feet again.

  Kyle knew she was embarrassed about the whole situation.

  Before he could try to comfort her, Harley spoke again. “Hey, now. Try not to look so glum. We’re family now, jah?”

  Her eyes widened. “Well . . .”

  “Come now. You’re making me an uncle and Beth an aunt.”

  John, who had been just about to take a bite of his sandwich, put it back on the plate. “You’re pregnant?”

  “Jah,” Kyle said.

  Marie blinked before recovering quickly. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you,” Gabby said with a watery smile. “I don’t know what to think right now. I mean, I guess it’s not good—”

  “It is,” Harley said. “Regrets don’t get you far, Gabby.”

  When Gabby looked even more mystified, Kyle slipped a hand under the table and took hold of hers. Of course they weren’t fooling anyone, but he had a feeling that the last thing Gabby wanted was for him to make more of a public spectacle of their relationship.

  Then he filled everyone in. “We told Gabby’s mother today. She didn’t take the news well.”

  “What happened?” Beth asked.

  “She kicked me out,” Gabby shared.

  John looked at her sadly. “I’m sorry. Maybe she’ll come around?”

  “I doubt it.”

  “No offense, but I bet as soon as she realizes what a blessing a baby is, your mother will come around.”

  “I don’t think so. She’s not just upset about the baby. It’s the fact that I love Kyle.”

  “Kyle is a good man,” Harley said.

  “It’s that he’s Amish. My mother . . .” Gabby took a fortifying breath, waving his hand away when he tried to interrupt. “My mother had a relationship with an Amish boy when she was a teenager. She also got pregnant, but the boy abandoned her.”

  “Was it an Amish man in the community?”

  “I think so. I mean, I don’t know. She never told me his name.”

  “So you’re half Amish.”

  “Nee, she ain’t,” John protested. “I can’t imagine that any man who was baptized in the faith would do such a thing.”

  “Just because a man says he’s a believer doesn’t mean he is good. Maybe he was a real jerk,” Beth said. “It can happen, you know.”

  Kyle hated the worry on Gabby’s face. “Look, all of this discussion isn’t helping Gabby at all,” he said. “Let’s drop it.”

  “No, I … well, I don’t think I mind,” Gabby said softly. Looking at all of them, she smiled. “Just a few minutes ago, I was thinking that the worst thing I could have imagined happening actually did. I got pregnant without being married—and as a teenager. The father is a part of the community my mother doesn’t like, and now I’ve been kicked out of my house . . .”

  “Gabby . . .”

  “But now, well, I’m thinking that while all of those things are true, it’s not all that is true. God has also been working to show me that all isn’t lost.” She lifted her chin. “I still have my brother’s love and support.” Turning to Kyle, she added, “And Kyle and our baby and even a little bit of hope. I’m grateful for that.”

  “You also have all of us,” Marie said. “I know you don’t know John and me, but I promise you, our pasts aren’t without a little bit of drama, too. We also love Kyle’s older brother, which means that we love Kyle, which means that we love you, too.”

  “It’s as easy as that?”

  “God loves us all. So, yes. It’s just that easy.”

  “What about me?” Beth asked, a smile in her voice. “I’m Harley’s sister.”

  John shrugged. “Sorry, Beth. We Eight only promised to love some members of each other’s families.”

  They all burst into laughter as Beth picked up a potato chip and tossed it at him.

  Moments later, when Kyle noticed Gabby was only moving around the food on her plate, he knew it was time. “Ready?” he asked.

  Her eyes widened, but she nodded. “Yes.”

  “We’d better get out of here,” Kyle said.

  Harley stood up as well. “Where are you going?”

  “Home. Gabby and I need to get her settled.”

  Gabby looked terrified. “I don’t know, Kyle. Maybe . . .”

  Harley shook his head. “No, Kyle is definitely right. It’s time you went home. To your new home,” he said meaningfully.

  His brother’s tone, if not his words, rang in Kyle’s ears the whole way to his house.

  NINE

  “So I started calling out to Harley. Actually, I started yelling all their names. Will Kurtz got to me first.”

  ONE WEEK LATER

  Gabby had known moving into the Lambrights’ house was going to feel strange. And it did.

  What she hadn’t counted on, however, was that it would also feel so comforting. William and Emma Lambright had a steady way about them that made Gabby feel more relaxed. Both liked their routines and to keep everyone else in the house on track, too.

  And while their children—Betty especially—seemed to find it annoying, Gabby found it to be a relief. She loved knowing what to expect. It had been a very long time since Gabby had felt like she only needed to worry about herself. For once she wasn’t having to worry about picking up Lane from football practice or finding the time to run to the grocery store. She wasn’t having to wonder if her mother was going to be home for supper or wonder how she was going to avoid the boys two houses down.

  Now, all she had to do was ask Mrs. Lambright how she could help with a chore and then do as she asked. It felt exhilarating.

  Kyl
e’s parents also were even-tempered. They didn’t get excited or stressed-out about much, perhaps because they were so used to managing their five grown children. Gabby figured that was why, even though she knew Mr. and Mrs. Lambright weren’t exactly pleased about the pregnancy, they seemed to take it in stride. Neither acted like Gabby was an interloper in their home or glared at her when she didn’t understand something someone said.

  In addition, Mrs. Lambright talked about the baby all the time, just as if it was the most natural thing in the world for their youngest son to be giving them their first grandchild.

  Kyle’s siblings’ interactions with her had also been a surprise. Though she wouldn’t say that they went out of their way to befriend her, neither did they make her feel like an unwanted guest. As soon as they knew that Gabby wanted to do her fair share of helping around the house, Betty and Beth took turns showing her how to help do laundry, garden, and cook in their Amish home.

  However, Gabby’s biggest surprise was Mr. Lambright himself.

  She’d known from hearing Kyle—as well as her other interactions with Mr. Lambright—that he wasn’t the most humorous or chattiest of men.

  In addition, his resting expression was pretty foreboding. He had ice-blue eyes that seemed to watch everything intently. He kind of reminded her of one of those gray wolves she’d seen on the National Geographic channel.

  She’d actually been trembling when Kyle told his parents about Gabby’s mother kicking her out of the house. Mr. Lambright’s expression had turned so foreboding that she’d wanted to be anywhere but standing in front of him. Then, she’d yearned to simply disappear when he turned and walked away without saying a word.

  Though Kyle had told her not to worry, she had. It had taken everything she had not to burst into tears when Mrs. Lambright led her to the empty dawdi haus—the attached grouping of rooms that Kyle’s grandparents had once occupied—and helped Gabby make up the bed in the bedroom. She’d been sure his parents were wishing they’d never opened their home to her.