“Gut, he is getting stronger every day. I know he doesn’t like the fact that my mamm is catering to him and that my shveshtahs and I have had to all get jobs to help with the family income, but this is the path that Gott has sent us and we must follow him.”
“What about you Adam? We spend most of our time talking about everything else except you. Tell me more about your life.”
“Nothing really exciting about my life. I live with my mamm and daed, I have five shveshtahs and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life farming That’s why I took this job. I want to explore other things.”
“Why would you not want to help your daed? Isn’t that what Gott wants us to do?”
“Jah, but my daed’s farm is not very big and I don’t know if that’s what I want for my life,” he said looking up to the sky. “I want adventure. I want to travel. The world is so big. Haven’t you ever wondered what is out there?
“Of course I have wondered, but Gott is leading me down this path and I must follow Him,” Beth said, finishing her lunch. “My shveshtah is a teacher and she has let me look at her map books. The world is a big scary place. You would honestly leave your family and Gott to go in search of adventure?”
“The world is a scary place, but that’s what draws me to it. I just don’t know if I will be content to stay here all my life,” Adam said, getting up to go back to work. “I am of age to leave if I want to. I have prayed to Gott but have not received any sign yet.”
“Keep praying, He will show you the way, Adam.” Beth said, hoping he truly wasn’t serious about what he had told her.
* * *
After work, she walked down to the Quilt Cabin before heading home. Frowning, she discovered the door was still locked and the store in darkness.
She peered into the store through the dark glass. It definitely looked like Kathryn had not been back to the store since last week. I wish I knew where she lived. I would stop by and see if she is okay.
On the way home, she couldn’t take her mind off of Kathryn and the Quilt Cabin.
“Mamm, have you spoken to Kathryn Wilson lately?” Beth asked.
“Nee, Beth. I haven’t been in town for a while. Not since your daed’s accident. Why?”
“Her store has been closed and that isn’t like her. She’s always been there during store hours,” Beth said. “I’m worried that something might be wrong.”
“I’m sure she has just gone on a vacation or something. I can’t think of anything else that could have happened. That store is her life,” her mamm said. “Gott is watching over her.”
After supper, Beth went into the back room to work on another quilt she was making. Her father had turned an empty room in the back of the house into a quilting room and as a surprise, had built Beth a large quilting frame. He also built shelves to put all her quilting material and supplies. Beth loved her room and would spend most evenings getting lost in her work.
“One day, my Beth, your quilts will be sought after,” he had said to her when he had completed the room. “A great quilter needs a place to work.”
Beth smiled to herself when she thought of this. She hadn’t really thought that much of her future. She did know she wanted to find love, get married, and have many children one day. She never thought about her quilts being in demand, though.
Whatever path Gott chose for her, she hoped it would include a wonderful husband and lots of kinner and couldn’t help wonder if perhaps Gott’s plans included Adam in her life.
* * *
Chapter 3
By Friday, there was still no sign of Kathryn, and Beth was really starting to worry. Standing in the front of the Quilt Cabin, Beth peered once again into the store window.
“It’s a shame isn’t it,” a voice said behind Beth.
Beth turned around and saw the woman from the craft shop down the street. “What do you mean?”
“Oh dear, I guess you haven’t heard. The owner passed away. That’s why the store has been closed. Her niece found her the other morning. She apparently died in her sleep.”
Beth put her hands to her mouth and cried, “that is terrible!"
“Seems to have been a heart attack. Not sure what will happen to her store, which is a shame, because it was always so popular during tourist season,” the woman said walking away towards her own store.
Tears filled Beth’s eyes. Kathryn was almost like a grandmother to her. She had taught Beth everything she knew about quilting and when Beth was younger she would spend hours with her in her store, watching and learning. Kathryn had told her that no one in her family was interested in quilting and that it was so wonderful that Beth had such a strong interest and that she’d be willing to teach her.
After Beth went back to work, she had a hard time trying to be happy for the customers. She felt as though she had lost a member of her family. Kathryn’s passing seemed to be the talk of the store as many folks knew her and admired her.
“Why so sad, Beth?” Adam asked when he stopped by her counter to say hello.
“Ach, Adam, Kathryn Wilson, the owner of the Quilt Cabin has passed.” She looked at him with tear rimmed eyes.
“Jah, I hear everyone talking about her.”
Beth nodded her head. “She was the nicest woman you could ever meet. She was almost like a gross-mammi to me and I’ll really miss her.”
“I think I remember my mamm mentioning her. That is too bad that she died.”
“Jah, Gott must have other plans for her. It is very sad indeed,” Beth said feeling her eyes fill up with tears again.
Going home that night, Beth couldn’t stop thinking about Kathryn and life in general. It was strange how a person can think one minute that everything is good and then in the next minute Gott calls them home.
She walked into the house and went into the kitchen where her mother was finishing preparing supper. Sitting down at the table, Beth gave a heavy sigh.
“What on earth is wrong, my dochtah? You look like you have lost your best friend,” she said, putting some plates on the table.
Beth’s eyes filled up with tears. “I found out today that Gott has taken Kathryn Wilson to be with Him.”
“Ach, I am so sorry, Beth. I know you loved her and she was such a good teacher to you,” she said, hugging her daughter. “I wonder if she had been ill?”
“Nee, Mamm, folks are saying she may have had a heart attack,” Beth said sadly. “Why would Gott take her, Mamm?”
“I don’t know, Beth, but you have to believe there was a reason. Gott must have other plans for her.”
“Going into town will never be the same,” Beth sighed, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her dress.
“I wonder what will happen to the Quilt Cabin?” her mother said.
“I don’t know, but I hope someone buys the store and keeps it open. There are no other places for me to buy my quilting supplies.”
* * *
The next week was very difficult for Beth to get through. She was still mourning the loss of Kathryn and it was a real effort for her to be happy in front of the customers at work.
“You look like you could use a friend,” Adam said one day. “Let’s go and have lunch again.”
She smiled and looked at him. “I would like that Adam, although I’m not sure if I will be good company.” They had enjoyed their visits over the last few weeks; sharing thoughts, dreams and wishes. She didn’t know how he felt about her, but she began thinking of him more and more and wondered if this was a sign from Gott.
Sitting on the park bench at lunch, they made small talk for a while, then Adam turned very serious and looked into Beth’s eyes.
“Beth I need to speak to you about something very serious and important.”
Getting nervous, Beth wondered if this was the moment she had been waiting for. She had practiced over and over in her head how she would respond if he asked her to be his wife.
“Yes Adam, you can talk to me about anything,” she said secretly crossing her f
ingers.
Adam cleared his throat and said, “I am thinking of leaving.”
She looked at him with shock and disappointment. “What do you mean by ‘leaving’?” Do you want to move to another community?”
“Nee, not leaving the community— I want to live among the Englisch.”
Closing her eyes, Beth thought, I have already lost Kathryn, I can’t lose him too. “But you would give up your family and Gott?”
“I haven’t really decided yet, but I just want more out of my life. I don’t want to sit back a few years from now wondering what my life would be like if I had left.”
“But what about your family? And your duties to Gott? Are you willing to throw those all away?”
Adam looked down at the ground. “I don’t know, Beth. I am very confused, but a part of me feels I must do this and face whatever consequences are involved—while I still have time.”
Beth picked up her lunch box to go back to work. “I am curious about the world too, but I don’t think I could ever leave my family or leave Gott. They are so important to me. Have you spoken to your parents about your plans?”
“Nee, not yet. I know my mamm would understand, but I’m not sure my daed would. I’m waiting to tell them until I decide exactly what I want to do.”
Beth went back to work, but felt like she was drowning in emotions with the loss of Kathryn; and now there was a chance she could lose Adam. I finally meet a nice boy and he may be leaving. Gott , please help Adam to make the correct decision.
* * *
Beth kept herself busy that afternoon, organizing the shelves behind the cash register. She found that as long as she kept herself busy, she didn’t think as much about Kathryn or about the fact that Adam may be leaving and she might never see him again. Looking up, Beth recognized the woman from the craft store walking towards her.
“Hello, how may I help you today?” Beth asked, putting on her brave face.
“Hello. I don’t think we have been formally introduced. My name is Janice.” She gave Beth a wide smile.
“Janice, my name is Beth. I recognize you from the craft store.”
Janice nodded. “I thought it would be a nice gesture for some of the shop owners in town to send a floral arrangement to Kathryn Wilson’s family. I have the information here,” she said handing Beth a piece of crumpled paper and an envelope of money. “We took up a collection and I thought you could create something beautiful.”
Beth reached for her order pad. “I think that is a wonderful idea. I still can’t believe she is gone. Do you know what will happen with the Quilt Cabin?”
“No, I don’t. She never married so has no children to leave it to. I have no idea what the family will do with it,” she said. “I suppose they will sell it if there was no will. Anyway, from what I understand, her funeral is the day after tomorrow and I guess she will be buried with her parents in Ohio.”
Beth rang in the sale. “I’ll get working on an arrangement right away. We have a delivery going out tomorrow morning. I’ll make sure it is on the truck so it arrives at the home of the funeral in time.”
Beth spent the rest of the afternoon working on the floral arrangement. She took great care in selecting some of her favorite flowers and colors. When she was finished, she was certain that Kathryn would be giving her two thumbs up. She filled out the address for the delivery, and carefully wrapped the arrangement and carried it down to the shipping area and placed it in the fridge to make sure it would get on the truck in the morning.
Checking the wall clock, she realized that it was almost time to leave for the day. She said goodbye to some of the other workers and went outside to wait for her ride. She had been too busy all afternoon to think about Adam, but now she found her mind filled with thoughts of him.
They were not promised to each other nor had he made any type of commitment to her. He was free to leave if he wanted and there really wasn’t anything she could do to stop him. Why does Gott have to be so unfair at times? she wondered, as she watched her sister’s buggy come up the road.
* * *
Chapter 4
A few evenings later, Beth was helping her mother and Emma clean up after supper, when a car pulled up in front of the house. A man in a dark suit carrying a rather bulky briefcase stepped out of the car and walked towards the house.
Going to the door, Beth’s mamm opened it and smiled at the stranger. “Can I help you?”
The man smiled back at her. “Yes, I think I am at the right place. I am looking for Beth Miller.”
Coming up behind her mamm, Beth said, “I am Beth.”
“My name is Tom Vickers and I’m with the law firm that is representing the estate of Kathryn Wilson. May I come in and speak with you for a moment?”
“Yes, please, come in,” Beth’s mother said, standing back to allow the man to walk inside.
Beth followed them into the kitchen looking a bit confused. She couldn’t understand why a lawyer would want to speak with her. Kathryn had been a friend, but other than that she knew nothing about her family or her life.
Sitting down, he opened his briefcase and pulled out a brown envelope. “It appears that you have inherited the Quilt Cabin, Beth.”
Looking shocked, Beth said, “How can that be? I am not family.”
“Yes, I know you are not family, but Mrs. Wilson has included you in her will. It is specified that the entire contents, including the building and all financial income from the store be given to Beth Miller upon her death.” Handing Beth the papers, he said, “Congratulations, Beth, you are the new owner of the Quilt Cabin.”
“But surely someone in her family would want it,” Beth stammered, not sure if she should accept.
“Apparently, no one wanted it, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is what is specified in her will and it is clearly stated that the Quilt Cabin is yours. There is also an envelope that is addressed to you from Mrs. Wilson,” he said handing Beth a white envelope. “If I can just have you sign these forms, I’ll be on my way.”
After signing the papers, she said goodbye to Mr. Vickers then turned and looked at her shveshtah and her mamm in disbelief.
“Gott is surely looking down on you, Beth. What does the letter say?” her mother asked.
Beth opened the envelope and pulled out the letter. Inside the letter was a check for $10,000 and a key to the store. Beth looked at the check in shock and began to read the letter.
My Dearest Beth,
If you are reading this, it is because I have passed on. In every person’s life there comes a time when they must start thinking about what happens after they die. I have been having heart problems lately and the doctors told me that there was nothing more they could do for me, aside from a very expensive operation, which most likely would not help much. So I have had to start making plans before my end comes.
I have no living family here. My sister lives in Ohio and my husband passed on many years ago, so I had no one except my store and my friends I made here. I loved your visits and I loved teaching you the skills of quilt making. You always made me smile, and I began to look at you often as the granddaughter I never had. You will go far in life, Beth. Trust in yourself.
It was only natural that I would leave the Quilt Cabin to you. I loved that store and it was my life. I know you will love it as much as I did and you will make me proud. The building is paid for, so there will be no other expenses other than the taxes and regular bills that come in but I know you can handle that with the money the store brings in. Along with the store, I leave you the amount of $10,000. This will help you and your family. I know things have been hard on your family since your father’s accident. I am hoping this will ease the burden.
You will find all the books and ledgers in the back of the store and if you have any questions, you can always contact Mr. Vickers.
Take care, Beth. I know you will do me proud and I am giving you two thumbs up.
Love,
Kathryn
&
nbsp; Beth looked up at her mother, and her father who had just walked in. Her cheeks were wet with tears.“Ach, Mamm, Daed, I can’t believe this is happening.” She picked up the key to the store and stared at it. “I worried so much about what was going to happen to the store, and now I own it.”
“I prayed every night that the Quilt Cabin would not close and that someone would open it again. Gott heard my prayers,” her mother said.
“But I don’t know anything about running a business. I don’t know if I can do this,” Beth said rather hesitantly
Her father placed his hand on her shoulder. “My dear Beth. This is truly a gift from Gott. He will help you. We must all spend time tonight praying to Gott and thanking Him for His wonderful gift of provision.”
Her sister Emma went over and hugged her. “Beth, you will be fine. Quilt making is your love. If you need any business advice, I am sure Caleb and Joseph could help you. In fact, we will all help you. I can’t wait to tell Rebecca!”
Beth smiled and looked at her family. “Thank you all. But I have some thinking to do as to whether I will keep the store or sell it. And I will be saying many prayers to Gott to ask for his guidance.”
* * *
Chapter 5
Beth held her breath as she took the key out and put it in the slot. Turning it, she heard the click of the lock. She sighed, and turned the door knob, letting the door swing open. She stood and stared into the store, hesitating before taking that first step over the threshold.
She could still smell the sweet scent of Kathryn’s perfume and could even hear her voice — Awww, my sweet Beth. How are you on this wonderful day? She would always greet Beth this way when Beth came in the store.
She stepped inside the store and reached for the wall switch to turn on the lights. The room burst to life with its many colors of material. Beth walked over to the counter and put down her lunch box and stared at the papers still piled neatly on the counter. This was probably the last thing that Kathryn did before she went home.
AMISH ROMANCE: Three Amish Sisters Box Set: PLUS NEW BONUS BOOK - Grace's Hope Renewed! Page 10
