Amish Romance Box Set: Finding Home

by Brenda Maxfield

“Sam!” Wilma called, hustling across the front porch. “Where are you? We’re leaving!” She carried a pot filled with creamed potatoes and peas. All the women would bring a contribution of food for a hearty meal at noon.

  “We’ll be the last there,” warned Ephraim. “Where is the child?”

  “Boys, where’s your brother?” Wilma asked, handing Andrew her pot.

  “Probably in the barn,” Josh offered.

  “Run see, would you?” Wilma hoisted herself onto the front bench. “Land’s sakes, I don’t like to be late.”

  “I’m coming!” Sam called, running from the barn. “Wait for me!”

  Josh was standing in the wagon, and he reached down and heaved his brother inside. Sam fell on top of Andrew, who worked to keep the pot balanced. No sooner was everyone inside that Ephraim whistled and slapped the reins on the horse. With a gentle heave, the wagon was underway.

  The ride to the Waglers was pleasant enough. The morning was already warm, and Beth wished she’d put on her lighter weight dress or not worn her cape dress at all, for it had more fabric to hold in the heat.

  Birds flitted through the air, chirping in rhythm with the horse’s clip clop. The mild sway of the wagon as it jostled over the grooves in the side of the road was mesmerizing. Beth found herself nearly lulled into a light sleep. But the antics and conversation of the children kept her alert. She was eager to learn all she could about them, even those too old to attend school. If she was going to live with the Millers, she wanted to be very familiar with them.

  “Are we almost there?” Sam asked.

  Wilma turned around. “Right soon. And Sam, you be on your best behavior, do you hear?”

  Sam nodded. “Jah, Mamm.”

  “We’re going to play kickball. Does that sound fun?” Beth asked him.

  He shrugged. “I wanna help build the shed.”

  “Next time,” Josh said, tousling his youngest brother’s hair. “Enjoy playing while you can.”

  Sam grimaced. “I can swing a hammer.”

  “Sure you can. Everyone knows that,” Josh agreed. “But still. Play while you can.”

  “How about races? You like them?” Beth asked.

  Sam perked up. “Races? Jah, I like them fine.”

  “All right, then. You can help me set up for them.”

  After that, Sam was in a much happier frame of mind, grinning shyly at Beth more than once. Sitting squished on the hard wooden bench, Beth’s backside was a bit sore by the time Ephraim turned onto the Wagler’s land. From the long row of buggies and wagons already parked, Beth feared Ephraim’s prediction was correct, and they were the last to arrive. Once their wagon joined the long line, everyone jumped out, males going one direction, females another. Except for the youngest ones who followed Beth.

  Beth surveyed the front yard. It was dotted with towering trees, but there still seemed to be enough space for a good game of kickball. She handed the larger rubber ball to Sam and the two of them stood beneath an elm tree.

  “What do you say this be home base?” she asked.

  Sam considered it for a moment. “Jah. I think it’d be right gut.”

  Beth looked toward the house and saw children walking slowly across the yard. She recognized some of them from the day before. Most of them smiled shyly at her, but there were a few who didn’t meet her eyes. Beth raised her hand in greeting.

  “Gut morning, children. Sam and I are setting up a kickball game. Would you like to play?”

  It was as if the floodgates opened at her words. They all ran toward her then, laughing and choosing teams. Beth stood back and watched, her heart full to bursting. In no time at all, the sides were chosen and the ball was in play. Beth acted as both referee and ardent cheerleader.

  The sun streamed through the leaves of the tree hot and steady, dappling the ground with pools of light. Beth was perspiring, but she didn’t care. The children were having a great time, and she’d learned nearly all their names.

  “That’s three outs!” a tall boy named Gus called out. “Switch sides.”

  There were groans and cheers, depending on which side the child was on. Beth laughed and got the children in line for kicking.

  “Gut morning, Beth,” said a low resonant voice behind her.

  She swirled around to see Timothy Plank standing there, one child in his arms and two young girls at his side. Seeing him sent a jolt through Beth, and to her dismay, she felt her cheeks go hot.

  “Gut morning, Timothy,” she said. She gazed at the girls. “Hello, girls. I’m so happy to meet you.”

  “This one’s Missy,” Timothy said, nodding toward the taller of the two. “And this is Frances. Benny here is my son.”

  Beth smiled, trying to stuff down the sudden nervousness she felt. “Would you like to join the game, Missy and Frances?”

  The two girls nodded solemnly.

  “Hey, Missy, be on our team,” called Becky.

  “We’ll take Frances!” Susan hollered from the field.

  The two girls glanced at their father. He nodded, and they ran to join the game. Beth took a step closer and tweaked Benny’s hair from his forehead. “Nice to meet you, too, Benny.”

  Timothy’s blue eyes were as clear as the hot sky above. He shifted Benny’s weight in his arms. “Some of the older girls are babysitting the young ones,” he said. “So I should be taking Benny to them.”

  Beth nodded. “I’m sure he’ll have a nice time.”

  Timothy turned as if to leave but hesitated. Beth waited, wondering what more he had to say. She gazed at his arms as he held his son, and she couldn’t help but notice how solid they were. He was a strong man—that was easy to see. She wondered what it would feel like to have his arm around her shoulders. Safe, she thought. It would feel safe and warm. Her face flooded with heat. What was she thinking?

  “Just wanted to welcome you to Meadow Lark,” he said. “Don’t rightly remember if I did the other day.”

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  She stepped back, completely flustered. Timothy frowned, and she could see the questions in his eyes. Had he guessed what she’d been thinking about him? Mortified now, she turned abruptly around to the children. Shame burned through her. Never had a man had such an effect on her. Not even Caleb, and she had liked him fine.

  She could feel Timothy still looking at her, but she didn’t dare turn back around. What if her interest in him showed in her eyes? What then? She stumbled to the children waiting their turn to kick the ball. She couldn’t afford to fall for a man. If she did, her dream of teaching would be over.

  “Teacher! Can I take a break? I’m thirsty!” called Tamera from outfield.

  “Let’s all take a five minute break,” Beth said, regaining her composure. “What’s the score?”

  “Seven to three,” John announced.

  “All right then. Five minutes to go get a drink. Then we’ll continue,” she said. She looked over her shoulder and was relieved that Timothy was not in sight.

  The children ran off. Except Penny. She slipped her hand in Beth’s, and together they walked toward the wide porch of the big house.

  It was easy to tell where the kitchen was by the stream of laughter and chatter pouring forth. Beth poked her head inside and saw the women bustling about, washing jars, hulling peaches, and measuring sugar into the pots of boiling syrup.

  “Why Beth,” Wilma exclaimed. “Come meet everyone.”

  All the women paused what they were doing to look at her. Beth felt as scrutinized as if she’d appeared in public with her hair let down.

  “Hello,” she said.

  Some of the women she already knew. They’d come to the schoolhouse. But others were strangers. They nodded at her, and one of the younger women with deep auburn hair stepped forward.

  “We’re mighty glad to have you,” she said. “My name is Sarah.”

  Beth exhaled. The woman’s kind tone and welcome warmed her heart. She knew instinctively that Sarah was going to be a
good friend. The other women chimed in with their welcomes and their names. Beth got dizzy trying to keep them straight. At least, she had the children’s names learned, which was more important.

  “Seems you have a mighty fine game of kickball going out there,” one of the women said.

  “Jah, we do. The children were thirsty. We’ll get back at it in a minute.”

  “We sent them around back to the hose,” a stout woman with piercing black eyes commented. Then she chuckled, and her stomach rippled beneath her apron. “They’ll be getting themselves wet, I’m thinking.”

  “Won’t hurt ’em a bit,” said another. “It’s gonna be a scorcher today.”

  “You always think it’s a scorcher,” interjected a gray-haired woman.

  “And it always is!” came the reply.

  The women all laughed. Beth wondered if they’d rather she help them with the canning. Wilma had suggested she entertain the children, but she knew that the older girls usually did that at a frolic.

  “Do you need my help?” she asked.

  The stout woman waved her hand. “Land’s sake, child. You’re helping by keeping the kinner happy out there. You go on, now. We’ll visit more during the noon meal.”

  Beth grinned, glad to be given the go-ahead to stay with the children. She didn’t mind canning; she’d done it plenty. But she’d much rather be with the children. As she left the house, she noted two teenage girls watching a parcel of young children, most of them crawling over the quilts they’d set out on one corner of the porch. She spotted Benny right away. Beth decided that the child looked just like his father. He had the same blue eyes and the same sandy-colored hair. The boy grinned and stuck two fingers in his mouth, sucking eagerly.

  Beth wondered if his smile was like his father’s. She realized that she hadn’t seen Timothy smile. Well, perhaps a perfunctory smile. But not a real one. Not one that reached his eyes.

  Disgusted that her mind had traveled down that path again, Beth hurried back to the tree and the children. Most of them had returned now, and just as the woman had predicted, they were quite wet. Much more so than getting a drink merited.

  “All right, children, let’s continue.” Beth reorganized everyone, and the game went on. Two more innings saw many of the younger children growing restless. Beth decided that a change of activities wouldn’t go amiss.

  “Shall we begin some relay races?” she suggested when the teams changed spots.

  “But what about this game?” Sam asked.

  “Okay. Let’s have your team up one more time to make it even. Then we’ll have the races.”

  That satisfied Sam and the other boys, who also looked a bit disgruntled. It took only five minutes for three outs. Beth was secretly glad it was fast. She was losing the involvement of some of the children which was the last thing she wanted.

  “Can I be the first one in my group?” Becky asked after being put in line for the first race.

  “Of course, Becky. You can be first. Get everyone on your team organized, won’t you?”

  Becky gave Beth a huge grin and promptly began placing the children behind her. When all three teams were ready, Beth put John in charge of starting the race and making the final declaration of the winners.

  “Beth?” came a voice behind her.

  Beth turned to see an older woman with a plump face and rosy cheeks standing there.

  “Jah?”

  “Might I have a minute or two?” she asked.

  “Of course,” Beth responded, stepping away from the race. “John, you’re in charge now,” she added.

  John smiled, his cheeks creasing in dimples. “Okay, teacher. I’ll be in charge.”

  Beth and the woman walked to the side of the yard.

  “I’m Debra Plank,” the woman said.

  Plank? Was this Timothy’s mother?

  “Glad to meet you,” Beth said.

  “I wanted to know if you were aware what happened come two years ago.” She glanced around Beth to where the children were racing. She lowered her voice, and Beth had to lean close to hear her. “Timothy is my son. I care for little Benny for him. The girls, too, when they’re not in school.”

  Beth nodded. She was mortified to feel a sudden urge to weep.

  “Them girls had their hearts mighty broken. The Lord Gott has watched over them, but they still have sore hearts every now and again.”

  “I’m sure they do. Losing their mother had to be so painful.”

  Debra nodded, rocking back and forth on her feet. “For all of us.” She gave Beth a sharp look. “It’s been long enough to move on, but I don’t think we’re ready. Timothy, neither.”

  Beth nodded again, wondering why Debra felt it necessary to tell her about Timothy’s grief. The children’s, of course. But Timothy’s?

  “His dat has urged him to get on with his life, but he seems stuck. We’ve implored the Lord Gott on his behalf.” Again, an intense look. “We’re glad you’re here. My husband and I were talking about it. We’re glad you’re here.”

  Beth’s forehead creased. She couldn’t understand exactly what Debra was saying. Were they glad for the girls’ sake? Or for Timothy’s? Beth’s face went hot as she realized the implications. Was Debra trying to steer her in the direction of her son? Or ward her off?

  Debra reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. “We’d like to have you over for supper one evening,” she said. “The girls would like that very much.”

  “Do they live with you?”

  “Timothy and the kinner live in the daadi haus. He moved in with them after … well, after his wife’s death.”

  Beth’s eyes misted over, and she blinked rapidly to hide it. “Thank you for the invitation. That would be nice,” she said, her voice soft.

  “We’ll count on it then. I’ll be in touch with what evening works best.” Debra gave her a wide smile and promptly walked back to the big house.

  Beth watched her go, noting her purposeful stride, and the gentle sway of her body as she went. Debra was a bit on the stout side, but she moved with the grace and ease of a young girl. Beth drew in a long breath. So … dinner at the Planks.

  She didn’t know how she felt about the invitation. Certainly, she’d be glad to get to know two of her students better. But the truth be told, she felt excitement building to get to know Timothy better, too. Which, of course, was the problem. She didn’t want to get to know him better. For deep in her heart, she knew what that would mean.

  And she wanted to teach. Yes. She wanted to teach.

  She turned back to the laughing, yelling children. They were ready for a new race.

  Chapter Four

  The first day of school dawned. Beth was up, bathed, and dressed way too early. She packed and re-packed her satchel of papers. She’d made an attendance sheet, a seating chart, and she’d studied and re-studied all the lessons. She had chosen the Bible reading to begin the day.

  Her stomach hurt.

  From nerves or excitement or both, she didn’t know. All she knew was that she was petrified. What if she was no good? What if the children hated her? What if the School Board disapproved of the way she taught?

  She’d assured the board that she didn’t need to be an assistant first, something she now regretted. She’d been vain to conclude that she didn’t need that training. What had she been thinking? Vanity. Vanity. Vanity.

  She closed her eyes and sent up a prayer for forgiveness. She paced from one window to the other of her daadi haus, checking the sky to be sure it didn’t look like rain. How would they play outside for recess if it rained? She’d forgotten to check for board games. Where was her head? She should have thoroughly checked that last cupboard when she’d been there the day before.

  What if someone had gone into the schoolhouse and erased all her lessons printed so painstakingly on the chalkboard?

  Wilma would expect her to eat a big breakfast that morning, and Beth didn’t think she’d be able to manage even one bite. Her stomach was in full re
volt now, growling and twisting and downright churning.

  What if she needed to use the outhouse in the middle of class? Was she to just rush out and leave the children alone? Beth plopped down in her rocking chair and groaned.

  She was totally unprepared for the day.

  There was a knock on the door. “Teacher? Mamm said to tell you breakfast was ready!” Becky called through the screen door.

  Beth jumped up and went to the door. “Thank you, Becky. I’m ready.”

  The two hurried to the big house and through the side door. The smell of eggs and bacon and biscuits met them. Beth inhaled the comforting aroma. She might be able to get some food down after all. Becky led her to the table where the rest of the family was already assembled.

  “Big day,” Mr. Miller said.

  The four children attending school all giggled. Even Sam looked pleased.

  “Now, you see that you mind your teacher,” Wilma instructed. She looked at Beth and grinned.

  “Sam will be one of my most trusted helpers,” Beth commented. Sam’s cheeks grew red and he gazed down at his plate.

  “Shall we say the silent blessing,” Mr. Miller said. He bowed his head and everyone followed suit.

  Beth thanked God for the food and asked for his special blessing on the school children. She asked for mercy and grace on her teaching. Mr. Miller coughed slightly indicating that the prayer was over, and everyone dished up their plates. Beth managed to nibble on her biscuit and get a bit of eggs down. She didn’t try the bacon, fearing the grease would settle in her stomach like a brick.

  Before anyone else was finished, she asked to be excused. She rose and thanked Wilma.

  “I best be getting to the schoolhouse,” she said. “I don’t want any of my students to beat me there.”

  “No fear of that,” Wilma said, glancing at the large grandfather clock in the corner. “I suspect most of them are still eating or doing morning chores.”

  Beth laughed. “Jah, I suppose I am a bit early, but I’ll feel better if I’m there.”

  “Go on with you,” Mr. Miller said, waving his hand to the side. “You have a nice day, you hear?”

  Beth smiled at him. “Thank you, Ephraim. I’m sure I will.”