by Amy Clipston
TWENTY-FOUR
Madeleine was sweeping her kitchen floor when she heard squealing tires and a crash. She dropped the broom and ran to the front window, where she spotted a buggy twisted at the side of the road, at the end of the driveway and near a sedan with a smashed front end.
“Oh no!” Madeleine grabbed her first aid kit from under the bathroom sink and her phone before rushing out the door with her coat thrown over her shoulders. She ran to the buggy and pried the door open. She found Marcus slumped over the seat and moaning. His head was bleeding profusely.
“Oh, Marcus.” Her hands trembled as she gently held his head to protect his neck and spine from injury. She snapped into trauma nurse mode, mentally clicking through the list of procedures she’d learned while serving in the military. “Talk to me, Marcus. Stay with me.”
Marcus continued to moan.
“Miss?” A man walked up behind her. His face was pasty white and his hands were shaking. “I didn’t mean to hit him. I didn’t see him at first, and when I did, I couldn’t stop. The roads are icy from the snow we got yesterday.” His voice quavered. “I didn’t mean to hit him. I really didn’t. Is he okay? Is he alive?”
“He’s alive, but he needs help.” Madeleine pulled out her iPhone, unlocked it, and handed it to the man. “Call nine-one-one right now.” She used one hand to open the first aid kit and fish out gauze pads. “Marcus? Stay with me, buddy. Marcus? Can you hear me? Answer me if you can hear me.”
“Ya.” Marcus’s voice croaked, but his eyes remained closed while blood poured from his forehead.
She pushed the pads up against his head while silently saying a prayer for him.
“Where are we?” The driver stuck his head back in the buggy. “I have the paramedics on the phone, but I have no idea where I am.”
Madeleine rattled off the address. “Tell them to hurry.”
The driver moved away with her phone still against his ear.
“Marcus?” Madeleine pressed the gauze against his head, and it was immediately soaked with blood. She applied pressure to the wound while continuing to stabilize his neck. “Stay calm, Marcus. I’m here with you.” Sirens blared in the distance, and she swallowed a sigh.
“My leg.” Marcus breathed the words. “It hurts.”
“The paramedics are on their way. They’ll take good care of you. I promise you.”
“What’s happened?” Saul’s voice boomed nearby. “Oh no. Marcus?”
“He’ll be okay,” Madeleine called. “We’ve called for help.” She looked over her shoulder as Saul approached.
“How is he?” Saul’s eyes were full of worry.
“He’s hanging in there,” she said. “He has a head wound. I think his leg is injured, and the paramedics will have to put it in a splint when they arrive.”
“What can I do?” Saul asked.
“You might want to take care of his horse. He looks awfully scared over there. And the driver of the car could use a kind word. He doesn’t look hurt, but he’s shaken up.” She turned back to Marcus. “Just breathe and relax, Marcus. Everything will be okay.”
After Saul made sure the driver of the car was all right, Saul moved back by the buggy and lingered behind Madeleine for a moment, marveling at how she was caring for his best friend. She was gentle but confident as she tended to Marcus’s wounded head and assured him that help was on the way. He was overwhelmed by the Christian love in her eyes and her nurturing heart. For the second time in less than a week, Madeleine was taking care of someone he loved.
Sirens sounded as an ambulance barreled down the road, shaking him from his thoughts.
Neighbors from nearby farms began to gather in their shared driveway.
“Saul?” A young man from a neighboring farm appeared behind him. “Who’s in the buggy?”
“It’s Marcus Smucker,” Saul said. “He was on his way to see me. He must have just been turning into the driveway when the car hit him.”
“Is he going to be all right?” the young man asked.
“Ya.” Saul nodded. “It looks like he will.”
“Can I do anything to help?” the young man asked.
“Ya.” Saul pointed toward the horse. “Would you take his horse to my pasture?”
“Ya.” The young man walked over to the horse. “I’ll make sure he’s okay.”
“Danki,” Saul said as a crowd gathered around him.
“Is that Marcus Smucker?” a neighbor asked.
“Who’s caring for him?” a second asked.
“What happened?” someone else yelled.
“My neighbor, Maddie, is taking care of him,” Saul said. “She’s a nurse.”
The ambulance stopped in front of the buggy, and two paramedics jumped out. Saul stood with his neighbors while the paramedics talked to Madeleine. A fire engine blared its sirens and horns as it roared down the street and stopped near the ambulance. Soon a group of firefighters and emergency medical technicians were caring for Marcus and the driver of the car, and a police car arrived as well.
Madeleine finished talking to the emergency responders and then joined Saul. His eyes moved down her gray blouse and blue skirt, which were both stained with blood.
“How is he?” Saul asked her.
“Marcus has a gash on his head, and I suspect his leg or ankle may be broken.” Madeleine crossed her arms over her blouse. “He was talking when the paramedics came. They’re going to take him out of the buggy on a board just to make sure he doesn’t have any back or neck fractures.”
“Oh.” Saul studied her, taking in her beautiful face and eyes. He was thankful for her and for her caring heart. “Danki for taking care of him.”
She gave him a strange expression as if she were shocked by his words. “You’re welcome.”
One of the police officers asked if anyone in the crowd had seen the accident happen, but no one had. Then a woman with an EMT uniform came over as well.
“Does someone know this man’s name?”
“Ya, he’s Marcus Smucker. He was on his way to my farm.” Saul pointed behind him. “Mei haus is back there. He was going to help me with a project.”
“Would you mind helping with some paperwork?” the woman asked. “Would you also inform his family?”
“Ya.” Saul turned to Madeleine. “Then would you give me a ride to get Sylvia and take us both to the hospital?”
“Of course.” She glanced down at her blouse. “Let me just get changed. I’m a bit of a mess.”
The EMT touched Madeleine’s arm. “Miss, you did a wonderful job keeping Mr. Smucker stable before we arrived.”
“Thanks.” Madeleine gave her a shy smile. “I’ve had a lot of experience with trauma patients, and I’m glad I was here to help.”
“I am too,” Saul told her.
She turned toward him, and her gaze locked with his. It was as if they were the only two people in the world. His heart turned over in his chest. He longed for her friendship. I miss you, Maddie. I miss you so much I ache.
“I’ll go get changed.” Madeleine’s voice wrenched him back to reality. She walked over to the EMT vehicle, retrieved her phone from the driver of the car, and then picked up her first aid kit. After jogging to her house, she disappeared through the front door.
Madeleine changed into a black skirt and plain blue blouse before pulling on her coat. She checked her hair in the mirror to make sure her hair was still secure in the tight bun she’d fixed earlier in the day. When she returned to the scene of the accident, she found Saul still talking to the EMT who was filling out paperwork on a clipboard. She stood back by the crowd of neighbors and waited until he was done.
Saul walked over to her as the ambulance pulled away with the lights flashing. She had been surprised by the tenderness in his eyes earlier when she was helping Marcus. Had he felt a spark between them? Or was he only worried about his friend? She had to have misread the heat in his eyes. Certainly he was only concerned about Marcus.
“You
don’t need to worry,” she assured him as he stood next to her. “He was lucid when the EMTs arrived.”
He nodded. “The woman told me the same thing. She thinks he’ll be okay. I pray she’s right.”
“Do you want to go get Sylvia now?” Madeleine pointed toward her truck.
“Ya, please.” He looked up the driveway. “Why is there a For Sale sign in your truck?”
“I’ve decided to get rid of it.” She pulled the keys from her coat pocket.
“Why?” he asked as they walked side by side toward the vehicle.
“I need a change.” She opened the door and hopped into the driver’s seat. Although she knew he’d find out soon that she was going to become Amish, she didn’t want to tell him just yet. She was more concerned about Marcus and his family.
“Oh.” Saul climbed in next to her in the passenger seat.
They drove to the Smucker farm in silence. What was going through Saul’s mind? Although he was stoic, there was something different about him. The cold vibe she’d felt from him before she went to California was gone. Was the way he felt about being her friend changing? Was he ready to be her friend? The questions echoed through her mind while they steered through Paradise toward Marcus’s home.
When they pulled into the Smucker driveway, Madeleine hopped out of the truck and followed Saul to the front door.
Sylvia opened her inside door, then the storm door, and stepped out onto the porch before they even knocked. “Was iss letz?” She looked at each of them. “Where’s Marcus?”
Madeleine touched Sylvia’s arm. “Marcus was in an accident, but he’s going to be fine. I just need to take you to the hospital.”
“An accident?” Tears filled Sylvia’s eyes. “What happened?”
Madeleine looked at Saul. “Tell her what happened, and I’ll go get her things. Where are your coat and purse, Sylvia?”
“By the back door in the mudroom,” Sylvia said before turning to Saul. “Is Marcus okay?”
Madeleine rushed into the house and grabbed Sylvia’s things. When she returned to the porch, Sylvia was sniffing and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
“Madeleine took gut care of Marcus until the paramedics arrived,” Saul said. “He will be fine. I promise you.”
“Danki.” Sylvia hugged Madeleine. “You’re a blessing, Madeleine. Danki for taking gut care of my husband.”
“You’re welcome.” Madeleine met Saul’s gaze, and her pulse skittered. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”
Sylvia sat between Madeleine and Saul in the truck. When they arrived, Madeleine steered up to the emergency entrance.
“Do you want me to stay with you?” Madeleine asked.
“That won’t be necessary,” Saul said as he climbed out.
“I’ll call my driver when Marcus is ready to go home,” Sylvia said. “Danki, Madeleine, for all you’ve done.”
“You’re welcome. Do you want me to call anyone?” Madeleine offered. “Do you need me to take care of the girls?”
“I’ll call my mother-in-law,” Sylvia said. “She’ll meet the girls at the school and take them home.”
“Okay.” Madeleine nodded. “Saul, you have my number if you need anything. I’ll be home today.”
“Danki,” Saul said.
“That’s what neighbors are for,” Madeleine said.
Later that evening, Madeleine noticed headlights reflecting off her family room wall while she was reading her Bible. She rushed to a window and saw a van parked by Saul’s house. She pulled on her coat and hurried up the rock driveway, then waved at the van as it steered back down the driveway toward the road.
Madeleine climbed Saul’s back porch steps and knocked on the storm door.
Emma pulled open the inside door and then smiled as she swung open the storm door. “Maddie! How are you?”
“I’m fine,” Madeleine said. “How are you?”
“I’m gut.” Emma looked over her shoulder. “Dat! It’s Maddie!”
Saul came to the door. His eyes were tired. “Maddie. We just got home.”
“I saw the van, and I came right over,” Madeleine said. “I don’t mean to intrude, but I want to know how Marcus is doing.”
“He’s fine.” Saul unbuttoned his coat. “He has a sprained ankle, and he has stitches in his head. They ran all sorts of tests to make sure his injuries weren’t any worse than they appeared. He’ll be as gut as new in a few weeks.”
“Good.” Madeleine breathed a deep sigh. “I’m relieved to hear that. Are Sylvia and Esther okay?”
“Ya, they’re fine. Sylvia and I stayed at the hospital with him, and her mother-in-law took care of the girls.” Saul gestured toward the kitchen behind him. “Do you want to come in?”
“Oh no, thank you.” Madeleine backed away from the door. “I’m letting the cold into your house, and I’m certain you’re tired and hungry.”
“Come in,” Emma insisted. “I made some brot that you have to try. Esther and I baked with her mammi. We had a lot of fun.”
“Oh no, thank you. Maybe I can try it some other time.” Madeleine shook her head. “It’s late.”
“Danki for the cookbook,” Emma said. “I love it.”
“You’re welcome.” Madeleine looked at Saul. “I never got a chance to tell you that the cabinets and countertop are gorgeous. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you like them.” His expression softened. “And thank you for the screwdrivers.”
“You’re welcome.” Madeleine jammed her thumb toward her house. “I’d better go. I’ll see you soon.”
“Good night!” Emma called after her.
Madeleine hurried down the driveway and sent a prayer up to God, thanking him for protecting Marcus. She then asked him to give her strength as she prepared her heart to begin living as a member of the community.
“How are you feeling?” Saul stood with Marcus after the worship service the following Sunday.
Marcus shrugged while leaning on crutches. “I’m all right. I’m just very sore. I feel like I’ve been thrown from a horse.”
“I know that feeling,” Joshua Glick chimed in. “I’ve been thrown a few times, and it’s rough. I hope you feel better soon.”
“Danki, Josh.” Marcus frowned. “It’s not easy to work when I have to stay off my ankle.”
Saul glanced across the barn to where a pretty young woman was talking to Emma while they delivered platters of food for lunch. The young woman had dark hair peeking out from under her prayer covering, and she was dressed in a traditional purple dress and black apron. While the woman seemed vaguely familiar, he couldn’t put his finger on how he knew her.
“Josh.” Saul leaned toward the other man. “Who is the maedel talking with Emma?”
Joshua glanced over at the woman and then turned to Saul. “That’s Madeleine Miller. You don’t recognize her?”
“That’s Maddie?” Saul asked, surprised. “But she’s dressed Amish.”
“Are you sure that’s Madeleine?” Marcus asked. “I was trying to figure out who she was too.”
“I’m certain it’s Madeleine. She was talking to Carolyn before the service started,” Joshua said. “I guess she’s converting?” He looked across the room to where Carolyn was waving at him. “Mei fraa is calling for me. I’d better see what she wants.”
Saul’s mouth gaped open as Madeleine smiled and talked to Emma and Esther. Madeleine was a vision of beauty in her traditional Amish clothes. Although he’d always found her beautiful, this was different. Seeing her in the raiment of his community made her more appealing than ever. It was as if his heart opened up and he could finally allow himself to feel close to her. She was no longer forbidden. His heart and soul warmed at the thought of her becoming Amish.
He loved her. Truly loved her. He was ready to trust another woman, and Madeleine was the one who had shown him how to let someone into his heart again. He’d seen glimpses of Madeleine’s heart when she talked to Emma after she’d run away and al
so when she helped Marcus after the accident. She was the woman he wanted to marry; she was the woman who would be a proper mother to Emma. But Madeleine would also be a wonderful wife, someone with whom he’d want to share his life.
Instead of being selfish and cold like Annie had been, Madeleine was warm and caring. This love was different and deeper than anything he’d ever felt for Annie. He had never felt secure with Annie because he wasn’t her first choice. But when he was with Madeleine, he was certain he was her first choice. She made him whole; she made him feel loved. Madeleine would be his partner, his helpmate.
The realizations settled in his soul, and the wall he’d built around his heart finally shattered.
Emma grabbed Madeleine’s hand and pulled her toward Saul. “Dat!” she called. “Dat!”
Madeleine smiled and laughed as they weaved through the knot of people and headed toward Saul. His gaze was glued to Madeleine’s beautiful face.
“Dat,” Emma said as she brought Madeleine to a stop in front of him. “Look at Maddie! She’s decided to become Amish.”
“Hi, Saul.” Madeleine gave him a shy smile. “Wie geht’s?”
“Maddie.” He shook his head, unable to express the words in his heart. “You look schee.”
“You think so?” Madeleine smoothed her hands over her apron. “I’m still getting the hang of sewing, but I’m practicing.”
“Maddie is keeping her promise to me.” Emma looked up at Madeleine. “She promised she wouldn’t leave me, and she’s going to be Amish like us. She’ll be a member of our church district.”
“That’s right.” Madeleine looked down at Emma with love shimmering in her eyes. “I made a promise to you, and I will keep it.”
“Maddie,” Saul said. “Can we talk somewhere alone?”
“Ya, of course.” Madeleine touched Emma’s arm. “I’m going to go talk to your dat for a few minutes. Would you please help Carolyn fill coffee cups?”
“Ya.” Emma rushed off toward the women who were serving the meal.
Saul and Madeleine headed toward the barn door. She picked up her cloak from the back of a chair, and he pulled on his coat before they walked out into the cold air. They walked together toward a pond at the back of the property.
