All Is Calm

by Leah Atwood

  The implications terrified her.

  She’d wanted to say no, tell Erich she wasn’t comfortable leaving the children, but that was a flimsy excuse. Her one and only reason for almost declining was fear. Afraid she might fall in love and get hurt again, but as Mrs. Bachman had pointed out, she’d already fallen in love with the children.

  After the conversation with Mrs. Bachman, she’d spent many hours in prayer and contemplation. She’d concluded that it wasn’t possible to protect her heart. For three years, she’d cut herself off from the town she loved, and she realized with bittersweet clarity that it hadn’t stopped her from caring about anyone. If anything were to happen to them, she’d still hurt, but would suffer alone instead of having friends with whom she could share the sorrow.

  However, knowing she’d been wrong and changing her ways were two separate ideas. Relinquishing control of her life to God’s plans came harder than she could have imagined. She’d fought Him and argued with Him, pleaded to Him to spare her the pain of any more loss.

  Until this afternoon, oddly enough. Timmy and Mary had been at school, and Erich was visiting members of the congregation. She’d missed her quiet time that morning and had taken a few minutes—that turned into hours— of the day to spend with God. Her Bible had fallen open to Exodus, and she’d read the Hebrews’ story from leaving Egypt, to entering the Promised Land.

  She’d read the account numerous times over her life, but it hadn’t resonated with her until reading it this time. The Lord had provided numerous miracles for them along their journey in the wilderness, but time after time, they grumbled and doubted.

  How long had she been going through her own wilderness? Did she want to be a person who complained about God’s provision, or did she want to accept it with gratitude and recognition of His glory?

  Her answer was obvious. She was tired of holding onto her sorrow, and she wanted to live again.

  Hadn’t she prayed for a solution to maintain her livelihood, and within hours, Erich arrived at her door? And again, she’d prayed for strength and courage to move on from the grief to which she’d clung and accept Erich as a husband, and hours later, Erich appeared, asking her on a romantic sleigh ride.

  God’s path for her was as clear as if she’d heard his voice directly. Help me to enjoy tonight, Lord, and to open my heart to Erich. As she finished the prayer, she heard Mrs. Bachman dismiss the children.

  Lisbeth collected the costumes from those wearing one, smiling as Timmy pulled off his sheep ears. Arms full, she carried them to storage and carefully placed them on a shelf where they wouldn’t get mixed in with the mess of other items in the room. She returned to the sanctuary and gathered the costumes draped over pews and made a mental note to sew another angel gown. She’d spotted extra material in a crate, which should be enough for one gown if one of the shorter girls wore it.

  The church had cleared out by the time she had returned to the sanctuary again. Only Timmy, Mary, and Mrs. Bachman remained. Where had Erich gone? Was she to meet him back at the parsonage?

  Mrs. Bachman’s twinkling eyes caught hers. “I think someone is waiting for you outside?”

  Before she could glance out the window, the doors opened, and Horace and Nettie walked into the church.

  “We’re here for the children,” Nettie said, reaching for Mary’s hand.

  Timmy’s eyes burst wide with excitement. “We get to go home with you?”

  “Yes.” Lisbeth suppressed a chuckle. Horace had made quite the impression on Timmy.

  The Beans left with Timmy and Mary.

  “I’ll take care of the last minute clean up.” Mrs. Bachman winked. “Enjoy your night.”

  “Thank you.” She opened the church door to see Erich standing on the steps.

  An uncertain smile rested on his face. He held out her heavy wool coat and helped her slip her arms through the sleeves. He wrapped her scarf around her neck then slid her gloves on her hands.

  The tender gesture held a romanticism she hadn’t experienced in years. Erich’s actions left her with warm emotions, and she repaid him with a smile. It wasn’t much, but all she had to offer for the moment.

  When he held out his hand, she accepted and allowed him to lead her to the sleigh. The moon shone brightly, giving a spectacular view of the red sleigh with glossy black runners. Fresh pine boughs lined the shafts, lending a festive appearance, and the horse wore a bell harness.

  Her mouth gaped in awe. “How did you arrange this in such a short time?”

  Erich winked. “I have my ways.”

  He lifted her into the sleigh, and his hands lingered on her waist for extra seconds.

  To her surprise, she didn’t mind at all. Instead of fear, she felt safe with Erich. At the same time, the thrill of being courted sped up her pulse. After witnessing the care he’d put into their evening, she had no doubt that’s what this ride was about.

  He snapped the reins, and they took off, heading out of town. They passed through the wide-open land, passing the occasional farm, gliding up and down small hills. When they approached a stream, they slowed down and traveled alongside it for several miles.

  Daring a moment of affection, she leaned into Erich, brushing her shoulder against his. The comfort she drew from him came as a serendipitous surprise. “This is nice. Thank you for inviting me.”

  After moving the reins to one hand, Erich slipped an arm around her, and she snuggled in even closer. “Thank you for accepting.”

  “It’s so quiet and calm out here.” She drew a long breath of the crisp, invigorating air.

  “Look.” Erich pointed in the distance. “There are two deer over by that tree.”

  “They are sweet.” She laughed. “At least they are now that I don’t have to worry about them breaking through fences and destroying crops.”

  Erich’s face took on a somber expression. “Do you miss the farm?”

  She was quiet while she thought of her answer. “No. Farming was Henry’s dream, and I enjoyed it because he did. There was satisfaction in producing a bountiful crop, but I’m learning to be happy wherever God leads me.”

  “Are you happy now?” His voice held more than a trace of hope.

  Taking another deep breath, she leaned her head against his shoulder. Despite all her insecurities over the last few weeks, she didn’t have to think about her answer. Tonight had shown her she’d moved on from her life with Henry, though he would always hold a special spot in her heart. “Happier than I ever thought I could be again.”

  Chapter Seven

  Christmas Eve

  “Is everyone ready?” Erich eyed the children, making sure Timmy and Mary both were fully dressed, and their hair was done.

  Timmy’s hair stuck up in the back, no matter how many times he combed it down. How did Lisbeth manage to tame it? He’d brushed Mary’s hair until it shined, and he was confident Lisbeth would approve. Mary’s boots weren’t tied, and he bent down to secure the laces.

  When he stood upright, he stepped back, giving a final appraisal. A sense of pride entered him. He’d gotten the children ready for the pageant all on his own. And he was exhausted. Lisbeth made it seem effortless, and his appreciation and love for her grew even more.

  “Can we go to the church now, Uncle Erich?” Timmy’s voice spilled over with excitement.

  “Yes. You both pass approval.”

  They walked to the church where Lisbeth already was. She’d left an hour ago, to assist Mrs. Bachman in preparing the sanctuary with the props and to line up the costumes.

  When Erich entered the sanctuary, holiday cheer struck him immediately. The church hadn’t been this decorated since Lisbeth had last worked on the pageant before Henry’s death. Every pew had a small wreath on the end, the front of the church had been transformed into a miniature Bethlehem, and a single lit candle sat on each windowsill. The sweet smell of hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies drew his attention to a table set up in the back with treats for afterward.

&nbs
p; He spotted Lisbeth up front, carrying away the pulpit. Knowing how heavy it was, he rushed to help her move it out of the way.

  “The church looks great. Very Christmassy.”

  “Thank you.” She turned her head and looked around the church. “I’d forgotten how much I love working on the pageant.”

  “I’m glad you agreed to help Mrs. Bachman. You’re a natural at it.”

  “How did everything go with the children? Did Mary give you any problems brushing out the knots?”

  “A little at first. She said I don’t brush as gently as you.”

  Lisbeth smiled. “That’s because you don’t have a woman’s touch.”

  “What can I help with?”

  “Can you help all the children get in their costumes as they arrive?” Her eyes fell on the line of pews filled with sewn fabric. “I’ll pin the halos on the girls’ hair, right before we begin. Otherwise, they’ll pull them out.”

  “Sure.” He’d attended the last two practices and knew which child wore what.

  The next thirty minutes were a whirlwind of activity. At six o’clock, the doors opened to parents and the public, and within minutes, there wasn’t a single seat left. Twenty or so people stood crammed in the back.

  He stood in front of his congregation and led them in a prayer and a round of “Joy to the World” to open the service. The words to his favorite Christmas Carol flowed on his baritone voice. This year, they held more meaning than usual. At the beginning of the month, his faith had faltered when his sister and brother-in-law were killed. The world seemed bleak, but as the month continued, he saw God’s truth and grace.

  He didn’t understand why Edna was taken so soon, but her tragic death had led to his marriage with Lisbeth and falling in love with her. In no way, did that negate the horror of Edna and Bruce’s deaths, but at least there was good to be found, and he was grateful to be able to take in Timmy and Mary so they wouldn’t end up in an orphanage. He was also happy that Bruce’s sister hadn’t contested the arrangement. A telegram had come from Tamera earlier in the week in which she sent her condolences and wished Timmy and Mary the best. She’d been in the hospital with pneumonia at the time of the deaths which is why she’d just now responded.

  When the song ended, he called Lisbeth and Mrs. Bachman upfront. They introduced the play, and the pageant began. There were a few small mishaps throughout, some drawing a giggle from the audience, especially when one of the angels said bark instead of hark.

  He shouldn’t have been surprised, but he remained amazed at the efficiency at which Lisbeth and Mrs. Bachman worked. In two weeks, they’d pulled off a miraculous feat. No one could have guessed the pageant had been planned and produced in a two-week time frame.

  All the children took the stage and stood, holding hands, in two lines, to end the program with a rendition of “Silent Night”. Erich stood to the side, prepared to end the evening with a prayer, listening to the lyrics he’d memorized as a child. “All is calm, all is bright.” A fitting song for his current mood. At the end of the chaos that had defined this December, his future looked bright and right here, right now, with Lisbeth standing at his side, a calm settled over him.

  After the pageant and hot cocoa and cookies, he returned home with Lisbeth and the children. Timmy and Lisbeth hung their stockings on the mantle and were eager to get to bed, in hopes that St. Nick would come that night.

  “Before you go to bed, let’s read the Christmas story.” Erich grabbed his Bible and his small family gathered by the fireplace to listen. He opened to the gospel of Luke and began reading. “In those days…”

  He finished the account, and Mary came up and threw her arms around him, and then Lisbeth. Timmy followed his sister’s action.

  Several tears fell from Timmy’s eyes. “I miss my Pa and Mama, but I’m glad to have you and Aunt Lisbeth to care for us.”

  “Me too,” piped Mary.

  Timmy’s declaration and Mary’s agreement were the best Christmas present he could have received. From the corner of this eye, he caught Lisbeth crying what he was certain were happy tears. “We love you and are honored to have you with us.”

  He and Lisbeth agreed to let the children sleep together that night, sensing they needed each other. Scruff settled at the end of Timmy’s bed, and no one moved him. Once they tucked the children in bed, Lisbeth stood by the door watching them until they fell asleep. Erich stood by her, with his arm around his waist. When he heard the children’s breathing fall into a steady pace, he turned to Lisbeth. “They’re so peaceful.”

  She nodded but didn’t respond directly to his question. “May we talk?”

  “Of course.” He led her to the parlor where the fire still glowed. They sat down on the settee, with no space between them. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Have you thought about whether you’d like children of your own?”

  His brows shot up—he couldn’t have anticipated that question. “I love Timmy and Mary as my own, but if the opportunity arose, I wouldn’t mind more.”

  “I…I’m not sure if I can conceive.” Her bottom lip trembled.

  What was she trying to tell him? Was she hinting at something? Theirs wasn’t a true marriage that could produce a child. “Do you want more children?”

  “I always imagined a house full of them, but it never happened.”

  “I’m sorry, Lisbeth.” Her pain hurt him, made him ache for her unfulfilled desires.

  “Do you think…do you think we could try to have a baby?” Her words came out airy, and he knew how much courage it took for her to ask.

  His heart jumped with cautious optimism. “Does this mean you want a real marriage?”

  He wanted to declare his love, and he only held back because he’d promise she could set the pace of their relationship.

  Her head moved up and down, ever so slowly. “I’m ready to love again and begin a new life. With you, Timmy, and Mary, and whomever else the Lord brings along.”

  Standing up, he reached for her hand. Brought her to stand with him. “I love you, Lisbeth. There’s nothing I’d like more than to spend our days together and share our love for the rest of our lives.”

  Lisbeth swallowed. “I love you, too, Erich. Merry Christmas.”

  Epilogue

  Six Months Later

  Erich set down his newspaper and looked at her. “I’ve been thinking about our anniversary.”

  “That’s still five months away.” She knitted another loop on the sweater for Mary.

  “I know, but I want to make it special for you.”

  A contented sigh escaped Lisbeth. “If we’re together, it will be special, no matter what we do.”

  “Of course, but I thought we could take a trip since we didn’t have a honeymoon.”

  She sucked in a deep breath. “The timing won’t be the best.”

  “There’s always a chance of poor weather, but we can take the train somewhere. With all the advances, they can clear off tracks quickly now, and we wouldn’t have a problem.”

  “The weather isn’t the problem.”

  “Then what is it?” His eyes crinkled with concern, and he came to her side. “Would you rather not take a trip?”

  “I would love a trip, but it might be difficult with a newborn.” She pinched her lips, watching for Erich’s reaction as the news set in.

  “The Beans can watch…wait…did you say newborn?”

  She bobbed her head. “Yes.”

  “We’re having a baby?” His eyes turned to saucers.

  “Around Thanksgiving.”

  He whooped loudly, picked her up and spun her around.

  “Shh,” she said between laughter. “You’ll wake the children.”

  “What’s going on?”

  Too late.

  Two sleepy-eyed, mussy-haired kids came into the room.

  “What do you two think of having a little cousin around?”

  Mary and Timmy looked at each other, full of excitement. “We’d love it,
” they both said at the same time.

  Lisbeth wrapped her arms around Mary and Timmy, then Erich brought them all in for a family hug. Tears of gratitude pooled in her eyes. Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings.

  Letter from the Author

  Dear Readers,

  I hadn’t planned to write a historical Christmas story this year, but many of you requested one. All Is Calm is dedicated to each of you!

  Here is a little trivia/personal fact just for you. In All Is Calm, Lisbeth crochets Mary a stuffed bear for Christmas. The real-life inspiration is a bear that my great-grandmother made for me as a child. It’s a cherished keepsake that stays with and will pass to my children. You can see a picture of it on my Facebook page here.

  I pray you have a wonderful Christmas season, full of family, friends, and faith.

  Until next time,

  Leah

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  Other Available Titles from Leah

  Contemporary Romances

  Come to Me Series

  Come to Me Alive

  Come to Me Free

  Come to Me Again

  Come to Me Joyful (Bonus Novella)

  Modern Conveniences Series

  Love In a Fix

  Calling Love

  Lost in Love

  Waiting on Love (Bonus Novella)

  Love at the Lake

  Not This Time

  Standalones

  Wrapped in Love

  Historical Romances

  Brides of Weatherton Novellas

  After the Rain

  Fire and Ice

  Winds of Change