Daybreak: The Days of Redemption Series, Book One

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  “Indeed you are.”

  “I’m going to go see her at work later this week.”

  “I wish you the best with your visit.” Ed was genuinely happy for John. And if he was a little envious, too? Well, that was something he intended to keep to himself.

  Later that night, as he stoked the fire, planning to get some reading done before bed, the phone rang.

  “Ed?”

  Surprised to hear Viola’s voice, he gripped the receiver tighter. “Viola, why are you calling?”

  “Why? Oh . . . well, I just . . . uh . . . wanted to make sure you knew you were welcome to attend church at our haus on Sunday.”

  “Danke. That is kind of you to let me know.”

  “So, do you think you’ll be coming?”

  He recognized the hope in her voice—it was the same thing he was feeling. “I’ll plan on it,” he said. He couldn’t help but smile into the empty room.

  “I’m glad. But, ah, I should warn you that my parents will likely pepper you with questions. It’s their nature to be nosy.”

  “It sounds like someone else I know,” he teased. “I don’t mind questions from you, or your parents.”

  She laughed. “I guess I have been letting my curiosity get the best of me. But I didn’t want you to be taken off guard by my parents’ nosiness.”

  “I promise, it won’t be anything I can’t handle.”

  “Oh. Yes, I suppose you would be used to talking about yourself with lots of people.”

  “It’s the nature of my job.” He cleared his throat. “Hey, Viola?”

  “Yes?”

  “I hope you and I will be able to spend some time together, too.”

  “Me, too.” Finally, some of the uncertainty in her tone was replaced by happiness.

  He was glad about that . . . because that was kind of the way he felt, too.

  chapter twelve

  It would have been impossible to avoid Viola Keim at the luncheon after church. Ed didn’t even try. Everywhere he’d looked, she flitted like a butterfly, seeming to make sure everyone had what they needed at the same time.

  Dressed in a pale green dress that contrasted well with her dark hair and eyes, she drew his gaze like little else could.

  Inside the barn, next to the long tables laden with food, Viola’s parents hovered nearby. From the time he’d arrived, he had felt as if his every gesture toward Viola had been watched carefully.

  Ed didn’t mind the scrutiny, though. He wanted to get to know Viola better . . . and that meant getting to know her family, too.

  “Edward, how are you liking being back in Ohio?” her father asked politely.

  “I’m enjoying it.”

  “And being back in your own bed?” Mr. Keim chuckled. “Whenever my wife and I go on a trip, that’s always the first thing we talk about missing.”

  Mrs. Keim joined them. “Sometimes we miss the comfort of our own bed and pillows more than the kinner,” she joked.

  Edward grinned. “I have enjoyed being home, though to be truthful, being home doesn’t have the same feeling it used to, now that I’m there by myself.”

  “Yes, Viola told us that your father was living over at Daybreak,” Mrs. Keim said.

  Ed braced himself for the criticism he was sure was about to come. But instead of sounding judgmental, both of Viola’s parents looked as if they didn’t find anything out of the ordinary.

  “Now that I’m back, I thought my daed might want to move back in, but he said he likes where he is. He didn’t even want to venture over here with me today. He said they have services there on Sunday that he enjoys.”

  “I’m afraid I would side with your father on that,” Mr. Keim said. “The weather is cold, for sure. Too chilly to be going out and about if one doesn’t have to.”

  “But we’re certainly pleased you are here, Edward.”

  “Thank you for allowing me to worship here, even though I’m out of your church district.”

  “It was Viola’s invitation, but we were happy you decided to join us. It’s nice to have you here. Plus, we’re mighty proud of you. Not everyone is called to go to other countries to spread God’s word. Well, it’s a blessing for sure. Ain’t so, Viola?” Mrs. Keim asked as she passed by holding a tray of cookies.

  “Pardon?”

  After snatching a snickerdoodle cookie, her father said, “We were just telling Ed here that we are all proud of his good works.”

  Mrs. Keim chimed in. “And that we’re glad to get to know him.”

  She smiled at Ed. “Me, too.”

  Just like that, the bond that he’d felt over the telephone line came right back. Feeling a little like a lovesick pup, he smiled back.

  When her parents conveniently excused themselves with the tray of cookies, leaving just the two of them standing together, Ed couldn’t resist teasing her. “I’m impressed. You sounded almost excited about my mission work.”

  “You know I feel bad about how hard I was on you. My sister, Elsie, pointed that out to me. And don’t forget, I’ve already apologized.”

  “It’s okay. I didn’t join CAMA in order to receive praise.” He smiled to take the bite out of his words, then looked around the room. “Where is Elsie? I need to meet the woman who can change your mind.”

  Viola scanned the room. “Elsie does have a way of making me realize when I’m being shortsighted.” She laughed. “Ah, there she is.”

  Viola led the way.

  The first thing he noticed was that they weren’t identical, though they had many of the same features. Brown eyes, brown hair, slim build.

  “Elsie, this is Edward Swartz,” Viola said when they approached her sister.

  “Hi,” Ed said.

  Slowly, Elsie got to her feet. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said with a sweet smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Elsie,” Viola warned, “you know I haven’t been talking about Ed.”

  Looking mischievous, Elsie turned to Ed. “Please tell me about this little dog Viola said discovered you.”

  Next thing Ed knew, he was talking about Gretta just as if she’d been a special part of his family for years, not days.

  Elsie was easy to talk to, and Viola seemed softer and more at ease by her side.

  Which Ed found very interesting.

  Before long, he knew it was time for him to take his leave. The majority of the church attendees had already left, and he had a feeling the Keims were ready to relax.

  As he headed toward the door, he pulled Viola aside. “When will you be back at Daybreak?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “What time?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why?”

  “I’d like to see you. And,” he added in a rush, “I thought maybe we could go out for a slice of pie this time.”

  “But we had lunch together twice last week.” He’d impulsively asked her to a brief lunch on Thursday afternoon. She’d looked like she wanted to say no, but gave in, and they’d had a wonderful time laughing and sharing stories. He just couldn’t seem to get enough of her.

  “Yes, so far we’ve had pizza and sandwiches together. Not a single slice of pie. Not even my father’s chocolate pie.”

  Her lips twitched.

  He didn’t blame her amusement; he knew he was acting a bit foolish. “Come on, Viola, say yes.”

  He felt her gaze on him. Measuring him. “I work at Daybreak from nine to four. If you wanted to go out for pie, it would have to be after that . . .”

  “That suits me perfectly. I’ll see you then, if not before. I’m sure I’ll be passing the afternoon with my father and his friends—most likely losing hand after hand at cards.” And trying to find a way to ask her out on a real date, in the evening.

  Her cheeks bloomed. “You are too funny, Edward.”

  He was a lot of things. At the moment, he was smitten with Viola. Though he wasn’t sure it was the best decision he’d ever made . . . and he had no idea how to stop it from happening.


  In spite of all the commotion and work leading up to it, church had been wonderful. Viola had sat next to Elsie like she always did and felt the warm caress of God’s guiding hand on her spirit as she prayed beside her sister. Sometimes she took having a twin for granted, but at times, like church, when they were next to each other but not saying a single word, Viola was again reminded that their bond was terribly special.

  Surrounding them were their circle of friends, as well as their aunts Lorene and Mary Beth. Two rows behind them had sat her mother and grandmother. For a few hours, all the turmoil that had been brewing fell away as they focused on something far greater than all of them.

  After the service was over, she’d enjoyed visiting with their many friends. And, of course, spending more time with Ed.

  It had caught her a bit off guard, seeing the way he’d gotten along so well with her parents and Elsie. Perhaps that was his personality—he was a real charmer. Or maybe it was her family who’d gone out of their way to make him feel welcome. Any opportunity for a respite from the present drama unfolding in their home had been very much appreciated.

  But Viola knew that there was more happening than just that. For the last two years, she’d done her best to try to make a connection with one of the eligible men in the congregation. She’d smiled and chatted. Had done her best to be interested in what they had to say.

  But even as the men talked about their jobs and their farms and their families and their horses . . . she knew she’d only been going through the motions. She’d felt curiously empty. She’d felt no spark igniting, or even warmly simmering. Instead, there was an emptiness as she realized yet again that she wasn’t interested.

  But now, she felt different.

  She didn’t know what she was going to do about that.

  chapter thirteen

  After stewing about her feelings for Edward most of the afternoon and evening—and enduring a great amount of teasing from Elsie—Viola was especially eager to go to Daybreak on Monday morning.

  She was happy to ride for once, too. Because Lorene had ended up spending the night after church, her parents were letting Viola take the buggy to work. She’d drop her aunt off on the way.

  They’d just fastened their cloaks when her mother spied her down the hall.

  “Viola, is it already time for you to go to work?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  Brow furrowed, her mother approached. “When you took this job, I never imagined that they’d want to work you so hard. Sometimes it feels like they need you most every day of the week.”

  “They don’t make me feel that way. Mrs. Ames is a mighty charitable woman.”

  “Is she? Because if she was truly charitable, I would think she would hire more of you girls so you wouldn’t have to work so many hours.”

  “I like the work, and the paychecks, too. Most days it doesn’t even feel like I’m working. It feels more like I’m simply visiting with the residents.”

  “Viola, you’re splitting hairs.”

  “No, I’m telling you the truth.” Wearily, she glanced Lorene’s way, silently begging for help.

  Lorene rested a hand on her mamm’s shoulder. “Work can be a blessing, Marie,” she murmured.

  But instead of being mollified, her mamm continued with her questioning. “What time do you stop today?”

  “Four o’clock.”

  “All right. I’ll look for you then.” Her mother started to bustle back to the kitchen.

  “Actually, Edward Swartz is taking me out for pie after work. So I’ll be home after that.”

  Her mother swirled around, a glint in her eye. “My goodness! You’re planning to see him again? So soon?”

  “I see him almost every day when I work now. He likes to spend time with his father.”

  “Well, make sure he sees you home. It will be dark by five o’clock.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “We’d best be on our way,” Lorene said. “Viola promised to take me on a little tour of Daybreak before I go home. I’m looking forward to seeing all her friends.” Lorene winked.

  God bless Lorene! Viola knew she’d specifically used the word friends to support her.

  Folding her arms across her chest, her mother nodded. “Well, I suppose you two should go. The day isn’t getting any shorter.”

  As if she hadn’t been the one keeping them here!

  “Danke, Mamm,” Viola said before shutting the door. “And thank you, Lorene,” she said when they were alone. “If you hadn’t been here, I don’t know if I would’ve gotten out of there without a dozen more questions.”

  “Anytime, dear. I promise, I know what you’re going through.”

  Moments later, they were riding side by side in the buggy, Star easily plodding down the quiet road next to their property.

  Viola held the reins easily, though part of her whimsically wondered if she even needed to do that much work. Star knew the route, and never seemed to mind the journey, either.

  It probably had something to do with the slices of apples Nancy the receptionist always kept on hand for her.

  “Do you still want to come inside for a few moments?”

  “Of course. I didn’t want to stay at your house any longer, but I am not quite ready to spend the rest of my day off by myself.”

  Thinking about Lorene’s problems with her lost love, and how her grandmother had ruined her happiness, Viola felt so sorry for her.

  She, too, was starting to know what it felt like to fall for the wrong man. So far, the only man she’d felt any spark for was Ed, and he was going to be leaving soon.

  What if she never met anyone else who struck her fancy? Was a future like Lorene’s in store? Was she destined to get a small house by herself because she was being too choosy?

  Her thoughts shamed her. If she never married, it meant she could always be there for Elsie. Certainly, there would be no greater gift than the opportunity to always be there for her twin?

  She was still thinking about that when they greeted the receptionist, said that Star probably wouldn’t mind having a few apple slices, and then made her way to see Atle.

  “This is a nice place,” Lorene murmured.

  “I forgot, you haven’t been here before, have you?”

  “Nope.” Lorene looked at everyone curiously, smiling at a few of the ladies. But then her face froze when they entered the card room.

  “What is it?”

  “John is here.”

  It took a moment for Viola to figure out who Lorene was speaking of, but then it clicked. “Your John?”

  “Jah.” She stood awkwardly, looking like she might run away at any moment. But it was too late to go anywhere.

  Both John and Ed were staring at them. Only Mr. Swartz was motioning them forward. He had a smile on his face, just as if they had shown up late for a party.

  “Viola! You came, after all.”

  “I’m right on time,” she said crisply. She paused, feeling the tension between John and Lorene as fiercely as if she were the one with the many regrets. Clearing her throat, she began the introductions. “Mr. Swartz, Edward, this is my aunt Lorene. Lorene, please meet Edward Swartz; his father, Atle, and . . .”

  “This is my old friend John Miller,” Ed finished with a slight look of amusement. “But I do believe that John and Lorene already know each other.”

  “We certainly know each other, don’t we, Lorene?” John said. Even Viola heard the trace of sarcasm in his voice.

  “We do.” Lorene stared at him for a long moment before shaking her head, clearing out the cobwebs. “Please forgive my manners. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Swartz. And nice to see you again, Ed.”

  The other men added their greetings, and Ed said something, but Viola missed what he said. She couldn’t help but watch Lorene and John. They kept staring at each other like the other one would disappear if they blinked.

  Then John stepped forward. “Lorene, I need to apologize to you for the way I acted la
st week. My only excuse was that I was caught off guard, seeing you out of the blue like that.”

  “I can understand that,” Lorene said. After a moment, she smiled at him.

  And he smiled back.

  And that’s when Viola realized that her grandmother had been wrong when she’d gotten involved with Lorene’s love life. She’d been foolish to try to stop what was there in front of all of them. No matter how much she had wanted to keep John and Lorene from each other, one thing was certain. Even after being apart for a decade, they’d managed to keep a connection.

  John was still as perceptive as ever. That had been the first thing that Lorene had noticed about him—that he seemed to sense things deeply.

  So much so, she’d soon realized she could never lie to him. Not even about the most inconsequential thing. If she said she wasn’t cold when she was, he’d still find a blanket to put around her shoulders. If she said she wasn’t bothered or upset about something, he had always shaken his head a bit sorrowfully. “Come now, Lorene,” he’d say. “Don’tcha think it’s time you were honest with me?”

  Then, before she’d realize what was happening, she would be telling him what was really wrong, even if it had something to do with him. His kindness and openness had been a revelation. In her family, appearance and orderliness had been valued above personal happiness. Until John, she hadn’t realized that it was possible to be completely open with anyone.

  But things between them hadn’t lasted long. When her mother had found out about John’s intentions, she’d been horrified, and had quickly and brutally pointed out every one of his flaws. And his family’s flaws.

  And then compared his weaknesses to their family’s strengths. From every angle, a relationship with John had seemed full of folly. Like the worst sort of romance.

  And so she’d broken things off, and had been completely honest and open with him, just in the way John had taught her. She’d told him how she felt, and what she was sure was wrong with him. She’d been careful to not leave out a single problem. Before her eyes, he’d distanced himself from her.

  Told her to leave.

  Only weeks later did she realize that while she’d been honest with him about her feelings, she’d been wrong. All the things that had seemed so very important at the time hadn’t mattered in the long run.