AMISH ROMANCE: Three Amish Sisters Box Set: PLUS NEW BONUS BOOK - Grace's Hope Renewed!
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THREE AMISH SISTERS BOX SET
PLUS BONUS BOOK -
(GRACE’S HOPE RENEWED)
by Rebekah Fisher
Three Amish Sisters Box Set & Bonus Book Copyright © 2017 by Rebekah Fisher. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents are used fictitiously and are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locations are entirely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Rebecca’s Journey
Emma’s Journey
Beth’s Journey
Grace’s Hope Renewed
Bonus Chapter – God’s Unforeseen Path Book 1 (Sarah’s Change of Heart)
Bonus Chapter – The Troyer Sisters Book 1 (Miriam’s Story)
More Books By Rebekah Fisher
THANK YOU!
Rebecca’s Journey
Chapter 1
Rebecca Miller sat nervously in the emergency room of the local hospital, holding onto her mother’s hand for strength and praying silently to Gott. Life can be so cruel at times. Two hours ago, she was talking to her mamm as they worked in the kitchen preparing lunch for her family; laughing and making plans for the future when suddenly life as they knew it was changed.
Her daed, who was out plowing the fields for the spring planting that afternoon, had had a terrible accident and as he lay unconscious in the hospital bed, they waited for the doctor to tell them if he would ever walk again.
Emma, her younger sister, came running into the waiting room. “What happened? Jacob came to get me and just said I needed to go to the hospital immediately.”
Marta Miller held her hand out for her daughter and Emma sat her down beside her. “He was plowing the field when it looked like something scared the horses. They bolted and your daed fell behind into the plough. They don’t know if he will lose the use of his legs. There seems to be some damage to his spine.”
“Nee!” Emma cried.
“Jah, if it wasn’t for Beth being outside, Daed would have been dragged through the field by the horses and maybe even died,” Rebecca said. “She ran next door and got Jacob who quickly got Daed to the hospital.”
Beth, the youngest of the Miller sisters, came in carrying hot coffee for everyone. “Any news yet?”
Marta shook her head no. “I think we should clasp hands and pray to Gott. We desperately need His guidance to show us what to do.”
They sat for several minutes, praying to God. Praying that He would save their daed and allow him to walk again. Finally the doctor came in and interrupted them.
“Mrs. Miller, I have good news and bad news,” he said, sitting down beside her. “John is a very fortunate man. His heart is strong and he will get through this. The bad news, is that we will have to operate to see if the damage to his spine can be repaired. There is a good chance he may never walk again.”
Gasping, Marta put her head down and sobbed. Rebecca tucked the loose strands of her red hair under her kapp and looked up at the doctor. “Do what you need to do, Doctor. When will this be done?”
Well, there are some forms your mother will need to sign. My nurse will come and go over everything in a few moments. Once that’s done, we’ll start prepping him and let you know when it’s over.
“Thank you, Doctor Morris,” Rebecca said, going back to sit down beside her mother. Her mother didn’t handle stress very well, so as the eldest, Rebecca felt it was up to her to take charge.
Rebecca sat down and held her mother’s hand. “It’s okay, Mamm, we will get through this. Try not to worry.”
“Ach, Rebecca, what are we going to do? If he can’t work, we won’t have any money coming in. We will lose everything. Everything we have worked so hard to get,” her mother cried. “We have savings, but after paying these hospital bills, there won’t be much left.”
“Mamm, please don’t worry,” Rebecca said, hugging her mother and looking over at Emma and Beth. “Gott will guide us and show us the way. We must be strong and pray to Him.”
“Mamm, we can all get jobs to help bring in money if we need to,” Beth added. “And I am sure some of the neighbors could help plough the fields so we can plant at least some of the crops.”
They spent the next few hours in the waiting room in prayer. Rebecca tried very hard to be brave so as to not worry her mother, but deep down inside she felt as though her stomach was tied in a knot. Without their father, who would guide the family? They relied on him for so many things. Lost in thought, Rebecca didn’t hear the doctor come in.
“I can’t make any guarantees, but we did what we could. Time and rest will be the main factors as to whether your father will be able to walk again,” he said, sitting down beside Marta. We’ll need to keep him here for a few days to monitor him.
“Thank you, Doctor Morris. What should we do to help him once he’s home?” Marta asked.
Smiling gently, the doctor said, “lots of love and prayers, as well as making sure he does the exercises I listed on the information sheets. And then I want to see him in two weeks and we can take it from there.”
* * *
Nearly a week later, the girls brought their father home. The Community had worked together to build a ramp on the porch for the wheelchair and to widen the front door. Marta had converted the sewing room on the first floor into their bedroom. Rebecca was worried about her father and how he was going to handle this change in his life. He was such a strong man who disliked having to rely on others. It would be very difficult for him to have to be waited on.
The girls looked for ways that they could make things easier for their father when he arrived home and they decided they would look for work outside of the farm. Rebecca knew her father would not approve of this, but was unsure of what else to do.
* * *
John Miller had been home for a week and he seemed to be in good spirits considering what happened. Going out on the porch one evening after supper, Rebecca found her father sitting by himself.
“Ahh, my Rebecca, come and sit with me for a while,” he said when he saw her.
Rebecca sat down on the floor and rested her head on his lap, just like she had been doing since she was a little girl.
“I’m sorry, Rebecca, for bringing this sorrow into our home. Gott must have plans for me or he wouldn’t have let this happen.” He reached down and patted her head. “I hate being a burden to your mamm and you girls.”
“Oh Daed, you aren’t a burden. Gott is guiding us. We will get through this, “she said, looking up at him. “We’ll find ways to keep the farm going. We just want you to get better and adjust.”
She wanted him to take a bit more time to get stronger and adjust to his situation before she told him about her and her sisters looking for work. He was being very brave but she knew that deep down inside, he was very depressed and was upset that everyone had to wait on him. Being the eldest, Rebecca now felt that she was the one that needed to take charge. Her mother lacked the needed strength and she always relied on her husband for everything.
Rebecca looked up to the sky and prayed, Gott, please guide me and show me a way of getting work so I can help support my family. She knew that Gott would show her, bu
t a small part of her was still worried. She was determined though, and didn’t care what she had to do, she was not going to disappoint her family.
* * *
Chapter 2
Rebecca always loved going into the fabric store when she came into town. Her mother had sent her to do some shopping and she wanted to buy some fabric so she could sew her father some new pants and maybe even get some material for herself.
“Morning, Rebecca. How are you today?” The Englisch owner of the shop asked, when Rebecca walked in.
“I’m doing fine, Shirley. How are you and your family doing?” Rebecca answered, walking over to the rows of fabric bundles laid out on the tables.
“They’re all doing wonderful. I heard about your father’s accident. How is he coping?”
“He’s doing as best as he can. It’s a big adjustment for all of us.”
“What is he going to do about the farm? I only buy my vegetables from your farm in the summer. Are you going to continue growing?” Shirley asked.
“We’re going to try. I don’t know if we will grow a full crop this year, but between my sisters and my mother, we will do our best,” Rebecca said, smiling. Selecting her material, she brought it over to the counter to pay.
“Please tell your parents that I am thinking of them and if there is anything I can do, don’t hesitate to let me know,” Shirley said, ringing up the sale. “I miss the wonderful conversations I used to have with your mother when she came in to buy her quilting material.”
“I’ll let them know.” Standing at the register, Rebecca noticed a small bulletin board with some advertisements on them. She started to glance over them. One in particular caught her eye and she pulled it off.
“Do you know anything about this advertisement for a nanny, Shirley?” Rebecca showed her the paper.
Putting her glasses on, Shirley looked at the ad. “Oh yes, that is Caleb Troyer. He’s the widower who moved to the old Henderson farm recently. Nice man, very handsome if I do say so myself.” Shirley grinned. “He builds furniture and does quite well for himself, too.” She looked up at Rebecca. “Are you looking for a job, my dear?”
“Yes, my sisters and I have decided we need to find jobs, at least for now. It will take the pressure off of our parents if they know that money is coming in. Then we might be able to hire some farm hands to help out as well.” Rebecca put the piece of paper in her apron. “I might just stop by his place on my way home.”
“Your parents are very lucky to have you girls,” Shirley said, handing Rebecca her bag. “Please give my love to your mother and remember, if I can help in any way, please let me know.”
“Thank you, Shirley. I will pass that onto her.”
Rebecca was deep in thought on the way home. Could I be a nanny? I don’t have much experience with children. It is a job though. I wouldn’t imagine it would be too difficult.
She reached the Henderson farm, but hesitated before turning the horse into the yard. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to hear what the job is all about.
Getting out of the buggy, she was amazed at how quiet it was. She didn’t know how old the children were, but she figured she would have seen them out playing.
She went to the back door and knocked. After waiting for a few moments, she knocked again. She was about to turn and leave when the door opened.
“Can I help you?” a voice asked as Rebecca turned back towards the door.
“Um…my name is Rebecca Miller and I am looking for Caleb Troyer,” she said to the tall dark haired Amish man who answered the door.
“I’m Caleb. How can I help you?”
She took out the piece of paper from her apron. “I’d like some information about your advertisement for a nanny.”
He smiled and opened the door wider. “Ach, yes, please come in.”
Rebecca walked into the house, and looked around. It looked like a tornado had hit it. There were clothes and toys all over the place and from what she could see of the kitchen, the dishes had not been washed in a while.
“Pardon the mess. I’m finding things a bit hard since my wife passed and we moved,” Caleb apologized as he moved some clothes off of a chair in the kitchen so Rebecca could sit down. “Would you like some coffee? I just made some.”
“That would be lovely, thank you. How many kinner do you have?”
“I have five. Elizabeth is 5, Timothy is 3, Mary and Irene are twins and they are 2, and Kathryn is 9 months. They are a handful, and I am desperate for help,” Caleb said as he poured Rebecca a cup.
“Are you looking for someone full time?” Rebecca asked, stirring some sugar into her coffee.
“Yes. I guess I should tell you a bit about myself.” Caleb sat down across from Rebecca. “My wife died after Kathryn was born. Near the end of her pregnancy, she began to have some health problems. We discovered that she had cancer in the 9th month. She rejected any procedure that would harm the baby and after Kathryn was born it was too late. She lived for almost 2 months and then passed away. Gott had called her for another purpose.”
Rebecca quickly wiped a tear from her eye. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Jah, Gott has another purpose for her. Are your kinner here? I would love to meet them.”
“My shveshtah has come for a visit and took them for the day to give me a break,” Caleb said. “I’m looking for a full time nanny to help me with the kinner and to keep up the house.” Caleb re-filled Rebecca’s cup with more coffee. “I will pay $80.00 a day, Monday through Saturday. I would expect meals to be prepared, cleaning and laundry to be done and of course the children to be looked after. The oldest will be going to school next year.” Looking around the kitchen he said, “as you can see Rebecca, I am not very good at housekeeping and I am very busy with my furniture business. I have too many orders and not enough time.”
“Well, I will be honest with you— I don’t have a lot of experience with children, but I need a job to help my family. My father had an accident on the farm and can no longer work. I am willing to give it a try and do my best, if you’d like to hire me.”
“Ach! Is your daed John Miller? The one who lost use of his legs in the tragic accident?”
“Jah. That’s him.”
“What a terrible accident. They announced it at the church service last weekend. I understand the community is going to get together to help with some planting.”
“Jah, we are very appreciative. But my daed can be very stubborn and does not always accept help from others so my shveshtahs and I are hoping that by getting work, it will help the family and we wouldn’t have to rely on others too much.”
Caleb stood up and held out his hand. “Well, Rebecca Miller, welcome to my home.”
“I have the job?”
“Jah, but you have to promise me that if you find the children too much for you, you will let me know,” he said, shaking her hand.
Driving home, Rebecca was overjoyed. She had a job. She would be able to bring in money and help her family. Gott was showing her the way. She made sure she gave Him plenty of thanks for providing the job.
* * *
Chapter 3
Rebecca had been working for Caleb for a week and found she was thoroughly enjoying her new job.
The children really seemed to like her and despite the fact they had no mother, they were quite well behaved. Caleb made sure that he raised his children with a love for their God and that they were polite and respectful; but they were still young and would get into little spats among themselves that required her to intervene.
Her days were very busy. She arrived at Caleb’s house around 7:00 every morning and didn’t leave until after 7:00 some evenings. When she came home, she would work in the fields for a couple of hours before she fell into her bed at 9:00. As busy as she was, in a strange way, she was extremely happy.
* * *
“Rebecca, can I go out and play?” Elizabeth asked one morning. Elizabeth, being the oldest, didn’t need a morning nap any longer.
“N
ot right now, Elizabeth. When your bruder and shveshtahs wake up from their nap, we will all go out then and play. Right now, I need to make some bread. Do you want to help me?”
“Jah!” Elizabeth cried excitedly, as she pulled the chair over to the counter so she could help.
Rebecca smiled to herself. Elizabeth loved to help out in the kitchen and always followed her around like a little shadow. She gave Elizabeth her own little bowl of dough, and spent the next hour baking while Elizabeth asked question after question. Rebecca had never met a child who was so curious about everything.
Putting the last loaf in the oven, she heard the other children stirring. “I think I hear your bruder and shveshtas. We can all go out and play now.”
It was a beautiful day and Rebecca sat on the grass under the willow tree, playing games with the children, reading them books or watching them play with the ball. The baby played contentedly with a few toys on a blanket. In the distance, she could hear hammering from the barn where Caleb was working.
“Why can’t we go in the barn and see Daed?” Elizabeth asked staring in the direction of the barn.
“Your daed is very busy, Elizabeth, and he has work he needs to do. We don’t want to disturb him.”
“But I just want to see what he is doing.”
Rebecca patted the blanket beside her. “Nee, your daed has warned me of the dangers in the barn and told me kinner were not allowed in there. Why don’t we read a book until it is time to go in for lunch?”
Putting her arm around Elizabeth, Rebecca heard the sound of a car door slam. She looked in the direction of the house and saw a well-dressed Englisch woman coming around the corner and walking towards her.
“Hello, my name is Beverly Smith. Is this the farm of Caleb Troyer, the furniture maker?”
“Jah, it is. You can find Caleb in the barn,” Rebecca answered, pointing towards the barn.
The woman looked at the children, who had all stopped their playing and were staring at Beverly. Then she turned her attention back to Rebecca. “And you are...?”