by Amy Clipston
“Oh no,” Caleb said. “She’s done this before?”
Titus nodded. “Ya. She made it home okay that time, but I’m not certain the wind was blowing like it is tonight.”
Caleb shook his head as dread pooled in his gut. “I pray she’s not hurt.”
“I know.” Titus looked grim. “Maybe you can find her footprints in the snow. Be careful.”
“You too.” Caleb set out across the pasture, his boots crunching as he trudged through the deep snow. He silently sent up prayers, begging God to lead him to Naomi. He hoped and prayed she was okay.
While he walked, he thought about her note in his pocket. Naomi had to be okay. They could have a future together, as a family, with Susie.
He couldn’t imagine losing her. He’d just met her, and she already meant so much to him.
Losing another person he cared about would simply be too much …
As he moved through the snow, he lost his footing and nearly slipped. He righted himself again and then moved forward.
As he crossed the pasture the visibility worsened, and he couldn’t see the house behind him or the fence in front of him. Lifting the flashlight, he searched the surrounding snow, looking for footprints. He thought again of Titus’s story about Naomi walking home in a blizzard and he wondered if she’d taken this path. Was that why she thought she could make it home alone in this fierce storm?
Caleb spotted faint tracks that he thought might be her footprints, and he followed them, moving slowly despite the frigid wind. “Naomi?” he called. “Naomi, are you out there?”
He trudged forward, following the tracks and shouting her name. Holding the flashlight up higher, he silently begged God to lead him to her. He needed to find her. He needed her in his life. Caleb continued on, marching through the snow and praying while he moved the flashlight back and forth and searched for any sign of her.
Suddenly, off in the distance, he thought he spotted something in the snow. Tenting his hand over his eyes, he tried to focus his eyes against the blowing flakes. The object looked like a black blanket peppered with snow.
Could that be her cloak?
His heart pounded against his rib cage as he quickened his steps.
“Naomi!” he shouted. “Naomi! Are you there?” As he approached, the black blanket came into view, resembling a person lying in the snow.
“Naomi?” he called, nearly running through the snow. “Is that you, Naomi?”
His heart beat faster when she didn’t respond. Anxiety shot through him. She’s hurt!
Caleb broke into a run, slipping and sliding over to the person. “Naomi?” he called. “Is that you?”
He found Naomi lying on her back with her eyes closed. Her cheeks were bright red, and her lips were a light shade of blue.
“Oh no,” he moaned, praying softly. “Lord, please don’t let it be too late. Don’t take her from me now.
Please, don’t!” Placing the flashlight in the snow, he pulled her into his arms. “Naomi. Please answer me.” When she didn’t respond, panic gripped him, stealing his words for a moment. “I can’t lose you, Naomi. Please answer me. Please, Naomi. I need you. Susie and I both need you.” He sucked in a breath and silently prayed with all of the emotional strength he had left in him.
She moaned and stirred, causing him to release the breath he’d been holding.
“You hear me,” he said. “It’s okay if you can’t answer. I’m going to get you home, and I’m going to take care of you.” He liked the sound of that. He wanted to take care of her on a more permanent basis starting right now.
Slowly, he grabbed the flashlight and then lifted her into his arms. He heard the hum of a car and the clip-clop of hooves in the distance and he knew that he would locate the road if he followed those sounds.
Holding Naomi close to his chest, Caleb managed to balance the flashlight in one of his hands. In a hurry to get her to safety, he moved as quickly as he could while trying his best to not lose his footing in the snow. He slipped twice and slowed his pace down slightly.
He marched through the snow, praying that he would find his way to the road and Naomi would be okay. The sounds of the cars and hooves grew louder, and he knew he was heading in the right direction.
“We’re almost there, Naomi,” he said. “I can hear road noise up ahead of us.” When she stirred again, he hoped she’d answer him. “Naomi? Are you awake? You’re going to be just fine. I promise I’ll take gut care of you.”
“Caleb?” she asked, her voice tired and hoarse. “Caleb?” She looked up at him. “Where am I?”
“I found you in the pasture,” he said, still trudging through the snow. “I’m so thankful I located you in this horrendous storm. Are you hurt?”
“Ya. I think so.” She sucked in a deep breath with her face red and tears spilling from her brown eyes. “It’s my ankle. I fell, and it twisted. It hurts so much.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he relished the feeling of holding her so close.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “We’re almost there. I promise I’ll get you home safe.”
“Danki.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
Caleb felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He was thankful that she was awake and talking. Now he just had to get her home into the warmth and then have someone look at her ankle. She was lucky that only her ankle was hurt. A twinge of frustration nipped at him as he considered how much worse this situation could’ve turned out.
“What were you thinking trying to walk home alone in these conditions?” he asked.
“I thought I’d be okay,” she said, holding tight to his neck. “I thought I could find my way. I’ve done it once before, and I found my house despite the snow.”
“I don’t think that would be possible in this blizzard.” He spotted the fence in front of them. Relief flooded him. If they were close to the fence that meant they were almost to the road! “You’re lucky I found you. You could’ve been out there all night and wound up with pneumonia or worse.”
“I know,” she said with a sigh. “It wasn’t very smart.”
Although the questions of why she left were still haunting him, Caleb carried her in silence while he concentrated on balancing her and the flashlight in his arms and continuing their trek through the blowing snow. She shivered against him, and he wished he had a blanket to shield her against the frigid weather.
When he stepped onto the road he spotted a buggy bouncing toward them with lanterns blazing like a beacon. “I hope this is Elam,” he said, picking up his pace.
The buggy approached, and Titus jumped out. “Naomi!” he called. “You found her!” He trotted over and took Naomi from his arms. “What were you thinking, dochder? You scared us to death.”
“I’m sorry, Dat,” she said, her voice breaking into a sob.
Caleb hugged his arms to his chest. He could only imagine the fear Titus and Irma had felt for their daughter. He’d felt the same terror when he thought he’d lost Susie at the farmers market.
Titus looked at Caleb. “Danki.”
Caleb nodded. “Gern gschehne.”
Titus looked down at Naomi. “Let’s get you home where it’s warm and dry.”
Caleb sat in Naomi’s family room while he awaited the news on her injuries. Titus had carried her into her bedroom where her mother was going to examine her ankle and help her change into dry clothes. He’d spent the time drinking cocoa and talking with her siblings, but his mind had been focused on her, worrying and thinking of what he’d say when he finally got to talk to her again.
“Caleb,” Irma called. “Naomi would like to see you.”
He made his way to the bedroom located behind the kitchen and stood in the doorway.
Naomi gave a forced smile while she lay propped up on the bed with pillows. A quilt covered the length of her, and only her foot, wrapped in bandages, and the white sleeves of her nightgown were visible. Her cheeks and nose were still pink from the cold. She sipped from a mug of cocoa and
then motioned for him to come in.
“I’ll be right outside the door,” Irma said as she stepped past Caleb.
“How are you feeling?” Caleb asked, moving to the end of the bed.
“I’ve been better,” Naomi said. “The gut news is it’s not broken.” She nodded toward her foot. “It’s a few pretty shades of red, but my mamm thinks it’s just a real bad sprain. I was really cold, but there’s no sign of frostbite. Cocoa helped warm me up right away.”
“You’re very lucky,” Caleb said, sinking into a chair. “Everyone was worried about you. Robert was out looking in his buggy too. I’m glad I found you.”
“I am too.” She nodded. “Danki.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled and then wagged a finger at her with feigned anger. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again.”
She laughed, revealing her adorable dimple. “I’ll try not to.”
“Now, tell me,” he began, leaning against the bedpost, “why did you rush out of the party after you gave Susie her gifts?” He was certain her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.
“I didn’t feel well,” she said, fingering the ties on her prayer covering.
He raised an eyebrow with disbelief. “Then why didn’t you ask Elam or me to take you home?”
She shrugged. “I didn’t want to take anyone away from the party.”
He snorted. “I would’ve been froh for you to steal me away from Hezekiah Wagler. That man held me captive with his boring stories for hours.”
Naomi chuckled. “Did he?”
“I thought he would never stop talking.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Why didn’t you look for me?”
She frowned. “I’d thought you were busy with Hezekiah and Irene.”
“Busy?”
“Talking business.” She lifted her mug and took another sip.
He shook his head. “No, we weren’t.”
She gave him a thoughtful expression.
“Danki for the gift,” he said. “It’s perfect.”
She cleared her throat. “Gern gschehne.”
He took a deep breath. It was time for him to be honest about his feelings. He pulled her note from his pocket. “I was touched to get this. It meant a lot to me.”
Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“I wanted to tell you that I—” he began.
“I think it’s time for you to get some rest, Naomi,” Irma interrupted, stepping into the room. “It’s very late and tomorrow is Christmas.” She tapped Caleb’s shoulder. “Robert is here. He stopped by to see if we’d found you. He’s ready to take you home.”
“Okay.” Caleb stood. “Let me just say good-bye.”
Irma gave him a stern expression. “Keep it short.”
Feeling like a teenager, Caleb nodded and suppressed a grin. Did Irma truly think he was planning on misbehaving with her injured daughter?
Caleb waited until Irma stepped out to the kitchen and then walked around the bed to Naomi. Taking her hand in his, he looked deep into her eyes, which rounded with surprise.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he said softly. “I was very worried about you.”
She nodded, looking speechless.
“Danki again for the note you gave me with the drill,” he said, holding the note up before putting it back into his pocket. “Your words touched me deeply. I, too, am looking forward to where our friendship takes us.” He shook her hand. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag, mei freind.”
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag,” she echoed, her eyes still wide.
He then stepped out into the kitchen. “Gut nacht,” he said to Irma.
“Danki, Caleb,” Irma said, shaking his hand. “We’re so glad you rescued her.”
Naomi adjusted herself in the bed. The pain from her ankle radiated up her leg in waves, stealing her breath.
However, the buzz in her mind affected her more deeply than the pain from her foot as she watched Caleb walk out into the kitchen. Her heart pounded and a smile spread on her lips as she remembered the look on his face as he’d held her hand. His words had left her both dizzy and speechless. The note she’d written to him had touched him, and he looked forward to a future with her.
A future?
But what did that mean exactly? Did he only want to be friends or did he want something more?
“You’re a very blessed maedel,” Irma said, stepping back into the bedroom. “You could’ve been lost out there all night.”
Naomi sighed. “I know.” She tried to move her leg and sucked in a ragged breath when the discomfort shot through her ankle.
“Ach,” her mother rushed over and took her hand. “Are you okay?”
Naomi nodded as the pain subsided a bit. “I think so.”
“Do you want more painkiller?” Her mother’s eyes were wide with worry.
“No, danki.” Naomi forced a smile. “I’ll be okay in a moment. The pain comes and goes.”
Her mother pulled a chair up next to her. “Caleb is a gut man.”
Naomi blinked, stunned by how direct her mother was.
Irma smiled. “I believe he may have feelings for you.”
Naomi cleared her throat. “I’m not certain about that, but I hope so.”
Irma raised an eyebrow. “I believe you know the answer to that.”
Shaking her head, Naomi smoothed the quilt over her nightgown. “Susie told me that Caleb found a house and they’re moving here, but I’m not certain of what that will mean for him and me. All I know is that I do care for him and Susie, and I hope to get to know them better.”
“He cares for you too, Naomi,” Irma said with a knowing smile. “I believe he cares quite deeply for you. I wish you could’ve seen his face when your dat carried you in.”
Naomi rubbed the back of her neck, which was stiff from the fall. “I don’t understand.”
Irma rubbed Naomi’s arm. “He was worried sick about you. I was wrong to tell you not to consider him because he’s a widower.” She smiled. “My mother’s favorite verse was from Romans. It went something like this: ‘But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.’”
Naomi shook her head. “What are you trying to say, Mamm?”
“You’ve waited for your true love,” Irma said, still smiling. “Now let God lead you and Caleb down the road.”
“My true love?” Naomi whispered.
“I think so, but only time will tell. See where God leads you and Caleb. I think you’re off to a gut start.” Irma stood. “You need to get some sleep.”
“What about the Christmas table?”
Irma kissed Naomi’s head. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Danki,” Naomi said, trying to find a comfortable position on the bed despite the discomfort in her ankle.
“You get better.” Irma wagged a finger at her. “And don’t you ever take off alone in the snow again. You hear me?”
Naomi smiled. “Yes, Mamm. I definitely learned my lesson. Gut nacht.”
“Gut nacht.” Her mother left, gently closing the door behind her.
Naomi stared up at the ceiling, ignoring her injury and thinking of Caleb. She fell asleep with a smile on her face, dreaming of her possible future with Caleb and Susie.
Epilogue
Naomi smiled despite the pain in her ankle while sitting at the kitchen table the following afternoon. Around her, all of her siblings laughed, ate candy, and played with their new toys.
“Naomi,” her father said, tapping her on the shoulder. “You have visitors.”
“I do?” She looked up at him, hoping that her prayers had come true. She’d been thinking of Caleb and Susie all morning.
“Let me help you into the schtupp.” Taking her arm, Titus helped Naomi while she half hopped, half limped.
Moving to the doorway, she found Caleb and Susie standing in the room, and tears filled Naomi’s eyes. Her prayers had been answered. She was going to spend Christmas with her new friends.
“Danki,” Naomi said, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
“Are you in much pain?” he asked, his green eyes filling with concern.
“I’ll be fine,” she said.
They helped her to the sofa, and she sank onto the end cushion.
Susie rushed over and hugged Naomi. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag!”
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag, mei liewe,” Naomi said before kissing the little girl’s head.
“Can I go see Levina and Sylvia?” Susie asked.
“Of course,” Naomi said, gesturing toward the adjacent room. “Have fun.”
Susie ran off toward the kitchen.
The sofa shifted beside Naomi as Caleb lowered himself down next to her. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag.” He handed her a bag.
“Oh, Caleb,” Naomi said, taking the bag. “You didn’t have to.”
He laughed. “Of course I did. Please open it.”
Naomi’s heart fluttered as she opened the bag and pulled out the black Bible she’d longed to buy for herself. She ran her fingers over the cover. “Caleb,” she whispered, meeting his intense stare. “You spent too much.”
“No, I didn’t.” He nodded toward the Bible. “Please open it. There’s something inside.”
She opened the cover and found a note in neat handwriting:
Naomi,
I thought it was only fitting to give you this Bible for Christmas. I know how much it would mean to you to have a new Bible for your nightly devotions. I hope that you realize how much you mean to both Susie and me. Your friendship is precious to us, just like the precious verses contained in this holy book.
I’m so thankful that God led Susie and me back to my hometown for Christmas and I’m even more thankful that He led me to you. You’ve taught me so much about finding joy in life again despite past heartaches. You’ve helped me remember what it means to be happy. I look forward to where God leads us on this journey together.
Frehlicher Grischtdaag!
Caleb
She read the words over and over again, and she was both stunned and confused by the sentiment they contained. Questions swirled in her mind. She needed to know what the inscription truly meant, but she couldn’t form the words to ask him.
