As Jessica tasted the fresh peas, she closed her eyes in delight and swallowed. “These are the most delicious vegetables I’ve ever tasted!”
On the opposite side, Levi smiled. “I would say thank you, but God gets the credit.”
As friendly chatter picked up volume and ice cubes clinked against glasses, Jessica contemplated this outing, and as she absorbed the kindness, she realized something that surprised her. She was more at ease with these gentle people than she was with her coworkers.
In her entire life, she’d never been this happy. While she plucked a bright red strawberry and put it into her mouth, Levi’s prayer replayed in her mind. If Jessica still wants to sell when the place is fixed up, please bring a nice family to Old Sam’s. To make new memories at Pebble Creek. Please bless Old Sam’s great-niece with love, joy, and true happiness that can only come from You.
Chapter Seven
Monday, on the way home, Eli fastened his seat belt while Chuck pulled away from Old Sam’s home.
“That kitchen sure is comin’ along just fine. In fact, it looks so good, it could be on the cover of one of them home magazines.”
“It’s one of our best projects,” Eli agreed.
As Eli rolled his window down, the driver’s cell phone beeped. “Chuck here.”
As he conversed with his wife, Eli considered everything on his plate. He let out a sigh. Before meeting Jessica Beachy, his life had been simple.
Now, his head swam with things he’d never given much thought to: How to make someone believe in God. Pebble Creek going up for sale and who would live here. Even the gift that Jessica was so determined to find and the possibility that Old Sam had been a romantic.
As the driver continued discussing where he and his wife could find the best deal on a new washer and dryer, Eli lowered his gaze to the pop can that he held with one hand on his right thigh. Jessica not knowing the Creator of the universe is by far the biggest issue I’ve ever come across. But there’s something else that’s weighing me down. I have feelings for Old Sam’s niece. She’s not only non-Amish, but she doesn’t even know the Lord. Not to mention that she’s going to leave in two or three weeks. And I want her to stay. But if she would decide to stay, then what?
Eli recalled that Doc Zimmerman hadn’t been Amish before marrying his wife, Rachel. And Eli’s own father had been Englisch before joining the Amish church with Maemm. But why were his feelings for Jessica more of an issue than his daed’s or Doc Zimmerman’s? No, they weren’t Amish, but they’d believed in God. And they lived here, not out-of-state.
Eli attempted to prioritize every issue that flitted through his mind. But right now, there was too much chaos going on inside of him. He pulled in a deep, determined breath and crossed his legs. What could he do?
Then the answer came. The moment it did, he closed his eyes and smiled as a feeling of both guilt and relief swept up his arms and settled in his shoulders. But he didn’t try to rid himself of the sensation. Because it consoled him.
Finally, he was fully aware of how to manage his struggles. His entire body relaxed. The nervous, quick pace of his heart slowed.
The tenseness in the back of his neck evaporated. The pain in his chest went away. Maybe Jessica didn’t know God. But Eli was acting like he didn’t, either. A huge sense of shame overtook him, and he lowered his gaze to his boots.
How could he have forgotten that God guided his life? His Heavenly Father was in charge of everything. These issues were more difficult than others in his past, but in the entire scheme of things, with God in charge, how could Eli make the wrong choices? He had forgotten that his Savior was stronger than any problem.
He bowed his head. Dear God, please help me to do Your will. You know my heart. My feelings for Jessica Beachy. Please fill her heart with Your love so that she may know You and serve You. And please let the unspoken bond we feel for each other be focused on You. Please guide me. Amen.
*
In Jessica’s kitchen the following afternoon, she glimpsed the Conrads’ shiny black buggy in her drive and smiled a little. The bright sun coming in through the windows lightened the brass handles on the new cabinets a notch. As Mary prepared her special formula for Old Sam’s rosebush, the fan made a light noise while the blade whirled at high speed.
Jessica sat down at the table and eyed the room with satisfaction. “So what do you think of the improvements?”
Mary glanced her way a moment before returning her attention to measure a powderlike substance and adding it to her plastic bowl. “They’re marvelous. In fact, I love everything Eli has done. And the cabinets …”
Jessica noted a light pink that shaded the girl’s already rosy cheeks.
“I love the makeover Daed did,” Mary continued. “But you know the change I love most?”
“What?”
“The new window. It’s so much larger than Old Sam’s. And sunlight’s a good thing. I always feel that it’s God’s way of smiling at us.”
The corners of Jessica’s lips curved upwards. Not because she agreed with the Conrad girl, but because of the conviction and certainty in her voice as she’d said it. The statement had been spoken like God was her friend.
“Fertig!” Jessica assumed that the word meant finished.
Jessica rose and pushed her chair in while Mary gave her mixture a final stir.
Jessica opened the door, and the two stepped around a pile of plywood and plaster from the remodel before making their way back onto the sidewalk that led to Old Sam’s flower bed.
Excitement edged Mary’s voice as she bent to touch a purple coneflower. “It seems like they get more beautiful every year.”
Without saying anything, Jessica motioned to the only plant that wasn’t green and in bloom.
She stood next to Mary as the girl knelt for a better view of the stems. Her glasses slid down her nose a notch, and she pushed them up and pressed on the earpiece. Jessica observed her with a combination of curiosity and admiration.
Auburn wisps of hair had escaped Mary’s kapp. It amused Jessica that the Amish called it a kapp, because when she heard the word cap, a young boy with a baseball cap immediately came to mind.
Sturdy black shoes covered Mary’s feet. A white apron protected the front part of the girl’s long-sleeved navy dress, which hid her legs. Jessica was sure that Mary didn’t look at herself in the mirror and specifically think that she was attractive; by now, Jessica was fully aware that the Amish focused on a person’s heart, not looks.
But even her long dress didn’t hide curves that most English girls would love to have. Despite the thick glasses on her face, the girl could be considered stunning. But what impressed Jessica most about Mary Conrad was her keen interest in plants and her knowledge.
Most teenagers that Jessica knew were mainly interested in cell phones, makeup, and clothes. But as far as natural beauty went, Mary had the complete package: looks, brains, and most importantly, kindness. And what made her even more special was that she didn’t seem at all aware of it.
Mary made herself comfortable on the ground in front of the rosebush. Jessica sat down next to her and pulled her feet close to her body. Mary pulled clippers from her small bag, and began snipping some dead branches.
As she did so, she darted a smile at Jessica. “First, I’ll prune it to get it in the best shape possible. After that, I’ll feed it my special formula. I want to do everything I can so that it will absorb the vitamins and minerals.”
The girl’s fingers were delicate looking, and the expression on her face was a combination of thoughtfulness and enjoyment. For an odd moment, Jessica wondered what her own life would be like today had she been raised Amish.
When Mary’s glasses slipped down her nose again, the girl shoved them back up. “What did you think of last night’s dinner?”
“Oh! It was so much fun, Mary. The food was delicious, but you know what I enjoyed even more?”
Mary looked up before returning her attention to her task
at hand. “What?”
“The camaraderie.”
“I’m so glad! I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that we Amish folk like to get together.”
“And you’re good cooks, too!”
Mary lifted her shoulders in an undecided shrug. “Some of us are, and some of us aren’t.”
Jessica eyed the girl with speculation. “Do you like to cook, Mary?”
“Not so much. Maemm would like me to take a more serious interest in the culinary field, but to be honest …” She shrugged again. “I’d be telling a lie if I said I like being in the kitchen.”
She laughed, and Jessica joined her.
“At least you’re honest. But surely, there are worse things in life than that.”
Mary shook her head as she clipped a dead rose and added it to her growing pile. “If I were Englisch, it might not be such a big deal. But when I’m an Amish maemm, I suppose it will matter to my house full of children.”
Jessica leaned forward a bit and raised an inquisitive brow. “You plan on lots of kids?”
“Jah.” Mary gave a big nod of her head and continued tending to the bush. “I can’t wait to have little ones running barefoot in the house. To read the Bible to them at night. Say prayers with them. But Jessica …”
“What?”
Mary wagged a dismissive hand. “Oh, it’s nothing.”
“It must be something. Tell me what you were going to say. Please.”
“Jessica, if I’m going to have a houseful of children, that means I’ll need a husband. And”—she hesitated before continuing—“that means I’ll have to find one.”
Jessica laughed. “You’ve got plenty of time for that.”
A disappointed expression crossed Mary’s face, and she shrugged before returning full attention to her job.
From Mary’s reaction, Jessica was sure there was more to the story than Mary had mentioned. At the same time, she didn’t want to appear nosy, but she felt compelled to reassure this kindhearted girl.
“Mary, you’re only sixteen.”
“But other girls my age already know who they want to marry, Jessica.”
Jessica considered the statement before saying gently, “And you don’t?”
Mary rolled her eyes, and they lit up in excitement. “Jah. I know who I’d like to spend my life with.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
The corners of Mary’s lips took a sudden drop. “I think he’s got his eyes on someone else.”
“Oh.” Trying for something upbeat, Jessica edged her voice with enthusiasm. The last thing she wanted was to see this special girl be sad. “Things could change.”
“I don’t know. For some reason, no one’s interested in me. I mean, not to marry.”
After contemplating the statement, Jessica’s words came to her, and she said with confidence, “Consider us in the same boat.”
When Mary stopped what she was doing and looked up, Jessica raised her palms. “I’ve never had a love interest. And no one seems to be vying for my attention. Yet I’m still breathing.”
“But have you wanted to get married and have a dozen kids since you were five years old?”
Jessica raised a surprised brow. “No, I can’t say that I have. In fact …” She wagged a dismissive hand. “Oh, never mind.”
“What?”
The stressful past rushed back into Jessica’s memory, and she breathed in a sad breath. “Mary, for most of my childhood, I didn’t have time to think about it. So many other issues took priority.”
Mary stopped her task and looked at Jessica with interest.
The last thing Jessica wanted was to dump her problems on this delightful plant-guru. So she shrugged dismissively and tried for a positive, casual tone.
“I think my past was probably much different than yours, Mary. You see … I didn’t have time to think of marriage and kids.” She swallowed an emotional knot. “My father was an alcoholic.”
“Oh!”
“It’s okay. Please don’t worry about me. I survived. And now he’s gone. So is my mother. But growing up … I guess you could say it was … tumultuous. In fact, I’m just starting to recover and get on with my life.”
“I’m so sorry, Jessica. And I thought my problems were serious. I won’t talk about it anymore.”
“No. It’s okay. I enjoy chatting with you. But excuse me for prying, and you don’t have to answer this if you don’t feel comfortable, but who is this boy you like?”
Mary put her weight on her other hip and lowered her voice. “It’s Wayne Miller.” With an innocent smile, she pressed her pointer finger against her lips and said, “Shh. This stays between us, okay?”
“Absolutely.”
Jessica cupped her chin in her hand and nodded acknowledgment. “I can certainly understand why. He’s a nice young man. Very responsible and hardworking.”
“Jah. I see him at church.”
“Does he know you like him?”
“I’m not sure. I mean, how would he?” She rolled her eyes. “When we’re together, I never know what to say to him. Tell me, what on earth do I talk about with a boy my age?”
Jessica looked away a moment. When she returned to look at Mary, she wasn’t sure what to tell her. “Let me think on that, Mary. Without a doubt, he’s really into woodworking. But to be honest, I’m not sure what his hobbies are. What does he enjoy? Is there an interest you could share with him, maybe?”
“Not that I know of. Oh!” She snapped her fingers in sudden recollection. “He’s really into horses.”
“Is he into plants?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Let me ask you this, Mary. Why do you like him so much if you have nothing in common?”
Mary laughed. “I have no idea!”
Jessica laughed, too.
Mary went on. “That’s not really true. I like him for what’s important. It’s about how he makes me feel. He’s extremely thoughtful and kind. Once, when we were little, we were walking to school together on the blacktop, and a car came out of nowhere and nearly hit me. He pulled me out of the way. Then he walked me to my house and told my folks what had happened. Of course, Maemm asked him to stay for dinner, and he did.”
Mary put down her clippers and shifted to better face Jessica. She sneezed.
“Bless you!”
Mary pulled a tissue from her apron pocket and blew her nose, then apologized. “My allergies are at it again.” But as she started to get back at her task, she stopped and smiled again at Jessica. “Do you want to hear another reason I like him?”
“Yes!”
Mary cleared her throat before continuing. “One time, when it was raining so hard after church, he held an umbrella over my head while he walked me to my buggy. I’ll never forget when his shirt sleeve touched my wrist.” Mary paused and drew in a dreamy breath before pushing it out. “Jessica, haven’t you ever met someone like that? A person you’re just drawn to? A guy you love being with because they make you feel special without even saying anything?”
Eli immediately came to Jessica’s mind, and she stiffened. She strummed her fingers nervously against the concrete patio. As she did so, a fly landed on her hand, and she swatted it away. “Now that you mention it, yes.”
Mary turned her attention back to the bush and snipped away. “So you understand exactly what I’m talking about.” After a slight hesitation, she went on in a hushed voice. “So do you want to marry this man who makes you feel special? Do you want a family with him?”
Jessica fidgeted with her hands and pressed her lips into a straight line. Her breath rose and fell to a nervous beat. Her shoulders stiffened until a dull pain at the back of her neck prompted her to reach behind her head and rub it.
Without warning, this pleasant conversation had taken an intense turn. Jessica felt compelled to explain, but wasn’t sure what to say. Because she didn’t know the answer. A long silence ensued while she focused on Pebble Creek. Even from a distance, she
could see the winding stream and the hill that seemed out of place.
Suddenly, the pain at the back of her neck ceased. She breathed easier, and it came to her that just the mere sight of Pebble Creek had done more to relax her than anxiety pills had ever accomplished. If only she could take this beautiful, comforting view with her.
When she realized that the Conrad girl eagerly awaited a reply, she finally decided on a response. “Mary, just because I like being around someone doesn’t necessarily mean that I want to marry them.”
“No?” Before Jessica could answer, Mary went on. “Does the guy you like being with enjoy being around you, too?”
Careful not to give away that the individual they discussed was someone Mary knew very well, Jessica considered the potent question. Finally, she said, “I’m not sure. I think so.”
They looked at each other. As Jessica took in the curious expression on Mary’s face, she considered this unusual conversation with a teenager. The girl sought advice about what she obviously considered a serious dilemma, and Jessica couldn’t help her. But she wanted to. But how could she advise about something she knew nothing about? Suddenly, an idea came to her. “Mary, I know what Eli would tell you.” Before Mary could question her, Jessica continued. “He’d tell you to pray to God.” Jessica shrugged. “It seems to work for him.”
“Eli.” She shoved out a breath of relief. “He always knows just what to do. Prayer.” When Jessica didn’t respond, Mary asked in a more curious tone, “You pray, don’t you?”
Jessica slowly shook her head.
Mary’s eyes seemed to double in size. “No?”
“ No.”
“Why not?”
Jessica shrugged. “How do you know He exists?”
Several heartbeats passed while Mary stared at her with devastation and shock. Finally, she smiled softly and eased the tone of her voice. “I just do. Pray, Jessica. And I’ll pray for you. God is with you all the time, whether you realize it or not. He brought you to us, didn’t he? I consider that a tremendous blessing. When Old Sam went, I was devastated. I knew he was old, and his death at over one hundred years of age certainly wasn’t a surprise; still, it was hard letting go of someone I loved so much. I can’t imagine not being close to God. I depend on Him every single minute. I pray for guidance. To stay safe. And to serve Him and only Him.”
Secret at Pebble Creek Page 13
