The week dragged for Ada, but finally Saturday morning arrived. At the loud knock on the door, Ada flew down the steps. Josiah was early. Betty had arrived only a few minutes ago. Ada yanked open the door, and the welcoming smile she’d planned for Josiah slid into confusion.
Marcy Givens, her Englisch neighbor, stood on the doorstep, holding out her cell phone. “You have a call.”
A gust of frigid wind blew through the open door. “Come in, come in,” Ada said. She slammed the door shut behind Marcy and held the phone to her ear. “Hello?”
“Is this Ada Rupp?” a woman’s voice demanded.
“Yes.” Who would be calling her?
The woman identified herself and explained she was calling about Ada’s daed.
Dazed, Ada handed the phone back to Marcy.
“Is everything all right?” Marcy asked.
“Yes, but I need to leave right away. Thank you so much for coming all the way over here with the phone, especially in this weather.”
Marcy smiled. “It’s no trouble.”
Ada appreciated Marcy’s kindness, and when she returned, she’d drop off a few loaves of the homemade bread her neighbor loved, but right now she had to rush out the door.
The next few minutes were a flurry of activity as Ada explained to Betty, threw on her cloak, and raced out the door. She was racing for the barn when she stopped.
Josiah. He was coming soon to take her skating. She had to let him know she couldn’t go with him. She dreaded telling Betty that Josiah planned to come calling, but it had to be done. She was halfway to the door when Josiah pulled into the driveway. She raced toward his buggy.
When he stepped out, she hurried into an explanation. “I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice trembling. “I can’t go skating with you today. I just had an emergency call, and I need to leave right away.”
Josiah took her arm. “Wherever you’re going, I’ll drive you. You’re much too shaky to be on the road.” He led her around to the passenger side and tucked blankets around her. He turned his horse around. “Which way should I go?”
“You don’t need to do this.” She should go by herself. Once he saw where they were headed, he’d lose all respect for her.
“I want to do it,” Josiah assured her. “Should I turn right or left?”
Her hands clenched in her lap, Ada directed him at each intersection until they reached the last street. “It’s the last building on the left.”
Josiah slowed as he reached the driveway and looked at her with a question in his eyes. “Here?”
She nodded, and he pulled into the parking lot. Shame overwhelmed her, and she couldn’t bear to look at him as she mumbled, “My daed’s here.” No decent Amish family would ever put a parent in a nursing home. Although the previous bishop had encouraged her to do so, the rest of the community had condemned her. She feared Josiah would too. What man would want to court a woman who left her father’s care to strangers?
“You were with me for Nathan, so I want to be here for you.”
As soon as they walked through the door, a woman in a flower-printed dress with a white lace doily covering her bun approached them. “I’m Faye Hess. May I help you?”
“We’re here to see Ezekiel Rupp”—she lowered her voice—“in the dementia unit.”
“I’m so glad you made it. I understand you wanted to be called whenever he’s having a good day so you can visit.” She motioned for them to follow her down a nearby hallway. “I’m sorry it took so long to get the meds adjusted. I do want to warn you, though, that his mood may change quickly.”
Ada had seen that happen. That was the reason he’d been admitted.
“Whatever you do,” Faye said, “don’t contradict him or upset him. If he says it’s summer, agree with him and talk about warm weather. If he says the sky is green, tell him it’s a lovely color.”
Ada nodded. She’d learned that the hard way.
“I don’t know how long he’ll stay lucid, so if his mood changes, press the call button immediately and get out of the room. We keep his door locked so he doesn’t get out, but we’ll leave it unlocked in case you need to escape.”
“Escape?” Josiah repeated.
“Hopefully, it won’t be necessary,” Faye said. “But I always warn people, in case.” She motioned for them to step back before she unlocked and opened the heavy metal door, with torn padding on the back of it.
Josiah’s fingers tightened on Ada’s as they followed Faye down the hall. She stopped at another door and unlocked it. She opened it wide enough to stick her head inside.
“Are you ready for visitors this morning, Ezekiel?” she asked.
“It’s afternoon now, but I’m happy for visitors.”
At the sound of Daed’s voice, tears sprang to Ada’s eyes, and her gut twisted. Why had she agreed to put him in a home? She should have kept him at home. He sounded fine and so…normal.
When she stepped through the door, Daed looked up from the open Bible spread across his lap. “Ada, it’s about time. You’ve finally come to bring me home?”
She’d like nothing better, but she had no idea how to undo what she’d done. “We’ve missed you.”
His voice husky, Daed said, “I’ve missed all of you.” Then he turned to Josiah. “Do I know you?” His glance fell to their entwined hands. “You’re married?”
“Not yet,” Josiah said smoothly, “but we’d like to be. We came to ask for your blessing.”
Ada stared at him in shock. Then she recalled the nurse’s words. Oh, of course. Josiah was playing along.
Her daed stroked his beard. “You’ll take good care of her?”
“Yes, I love her, and I’ll do my very best to care for her.”
Ada’s heart ached. The words she’d always dreamed of hearing were flowing from Josiah’s lips, but only as playacting.
“Ada, you’ll be a good wife?” Daed asked.
“Oh, yes, Daed.” She hadn’t meant for her voice to come out so breathy and filled with yearning.
“Then I give my blessing.” The broad smile stretching across Daed’s face warmed Ada’s heart. He set his Bible on the bedside table and stood. “We should leave now so we’re not late for the wedding.”
“The wedding’s not yet,” Ada said.
Daed’s face darkened, and she realized her mistake. “The celery still needs to be picked,” she said hastily.
His tense shoulders relaxed. “Of course. I should have thought of that. Tell your mamm to hurry.” He tottered a few steps toward the door. “Better yet, I’ll tell her myself.”
Ada panicked. They couldn’t let him out of the room.
Josiah stepped in front of her. “Why don’t we go get everything ready, and then come back for you?”
A look of confusion passed over Daed’s face. He glowered at Josiah. “Who are you?” he thundered. “Get out of my house!” He picked up the Bible and hurled it at Josiah, who pushed Ada behind him and spread his arms wide to protect her.
The Bible hit Josiah squarely in the chest and bounced to the floor. Behind him, Ada scrabbled for the doorknob.
The door opened behind her. “It’s time for meds,” Faye said in a cheery voice. She stopped short at the scene in front of her. “Your Bible, Ezekiel?” Faye said sternly, scooping it off the floor. “I know you didn’t mean to throw God’s Word. I’ll keep it for you until you’re ready to treat it properly.”
She ducked when he swung a hand as if to slap her. With one swift motion, she pushed Ada and Josiah out the door, pulled it shut, and locked it.
Ada’s heart pounded so hard her chest hurt. “I’m so sorry he almost hurt you.”
“I’m used to it. He doesn’t know what he’s doing, poor man.” Faye hugged the Bible to her chest. “I’ll lock this up until he’s lucid, and I’ll let you out before I give him the meds.” She escorted them to the metal door, unlocked it, and closed it behind them.
At the click of multiple locks, overwhelming sadness swept through Ada. Deep insid
e, she’d always held out hope they would be able to bring Daed home someday.
Josiah wrapped his arms around her and hugged her right there in the hallway. “I’m so sorry you had to go through this.” He shook his head. “Losing your mamm, dealing with your daed, taking on the responsibility for the household, caring for your brothers and sisters.”
Ada relaxed against him. If only she could stay here forever in his strong arms, safe and secure.
Locks clicked, and the heavy metal door creaked open. Josiah released her before an aide stepped into the hallway. Without his arms around her, Ada felt lost and lonely.
Visiting Daed had made it clear he would never recover. Her heart ached to know they’d never have him back home again. Even with the best medical care, it wouldn’t be safe.
As if sensing she needed time to think, Josiah remained silent for the first few miles, and Ada was grateful. Lost in her thoughts, she tried to come to terms with losing Daed.
“I’m sorry about your daed. It must have been a difficult decision to make.”
“It was.” Ada had agonized for a long time. “I wanted to keep him at home, but his rages were dangerous. Most people in the community, including Bishop Troyer and Betty, believe I made the wrong choice.”
Josiah’s brow knotted into lines of concern. “Are they aware he can be violent?”
“I’m not sure. The previous bishop witnessed a few of Daed’s outbursts, and he suggested—insisted, really—on us placing him in a nursing home. Before Bishop Zook had his stroke, he and his wife helped me choose the Mennonite home.” Every time she remembered that time, the guilt came flooding back, and Ada’s stomach clenched.
“The staff seem compassionate and competent. I’m sure he gets good care.” Piled-up snow blocked much of the shoulder, but Josiah pulled over as far as he could. Several cars passed, spattering slush on the horse and buggy.
“It’s hard, though, having him away from the family.”
“I can imagine. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”
“Thank you. I also appreciate you driving me to the nursing home.”
“You’re very welcome.” In spite of the frigid weather, Josiah’s smile set her heart ablaze.
When they pulled up to the house, he said, “I know today was hard and you might not be ready to talk about anything else right now, but since I already invited Leah to the Sweetheart Dinner…”
Startled, Ada turned toward him. The twinkle in his eye indicated he was teasing, but she could barely manage a wan smile.
“I’d like to issue another invitation to the person I’d been planning to ask all along. Would you do me the honor of going to the Sweetheart Dinner with me?”
How could she say no? But she must.
Being together today had been magical, but on the way home, thoughts of Daed and her siblings kept intruding. Taking a deep breath, she forced the words through her lips. “Now that you’ve meet Daed, you can understand why I can’t court. Not you, not anyone.”
Josiah stared at her as if her words made no sense. “You don’t want to date me?”
Ada had to be honest. “I want to, but I can’t. I have seven siblings to care for. I’d always hoped Daed might get better, and I’d be free to marry and start a life of my own.” She blinked to hold back the tears. “Seeing Daed today made me realize it will never happen.”
“What if I told you I consider courting you part of a package deal, and I like the whole package? And that I meant what I said when I asked for your daed’s blessing?”
Ada managed a half smile. He really meant that? Her seven siblings didn’t scare him off?
“I have a son who needs more time and attention than all seven of your siblings put together,” he said.
“Nathan’s not a problem.”
“Then it sounds as if we’re in agreement about accepting each other’s families. Will you go to the Sweetheart Dinner with me?”
“Are you sure?” After all he’d seen today, he still wanted to be with her?
“I’ve never been more sure and certain in my life.”
Ada blinked back tears. She thought she’d never find love, yet she’d found someone who not only wanted to marry her, but someone who accepted her siblings too. And someone she loved with all her heart.
“Then the answer is YES!” The last word reverberated around the buggy, echoing many times over, the same way her heart kept repeating an unqualified yes!
Chapter Thirty-Five
Two days before the Sweetheart Dinner, Ada floated around, still feeling Josiah’s arm around her.
Loud knocking stirred her from her reverie. She longed to stay in Josiah’s imaginary arms, although she’d prefer his real ones, pressing her head against his strong chest, his heart beating in her ear.
The banging increased. Ada hurried to the front door.
“Ada,” Leah burst out, and practically fell into Ada’s arms.
“What’s wrong?” Ada opened the door wider so her friend could enter. After shutting the door, she took Leah’s arm, led her into the living room, and seated her on the couch. Then Ada sank down beside her.
Leah’s lips were pinched together, and her eyes swam with tears. “It’s Ben.” Her voice shook. “He came calling the other night, but I’d rushed off to help Sharon with a delivery. I forgot all about our date when I heard Esther’s labor had begun. I didn’t tell Ben that, but I think he sensed it.”
“Oh, Leah…” Ada laid a hand on her friend’s arm, wishing she could erase the guilt in her eyes.
Leah hung her head. “I apologized, and he said he forgave me, but it’s driven a wedge between us. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“Maybe the two of you should talk it over. If you tell him how much you love being a midwife and explain you can be called away suddenly…”
Leah clutched so hard at Ada’s arm, her fingers pressed into the skin. “He wants to talk about our relationship tonight. What will I do if he asks me to stop attending births?”
Ada gently pried up her fingers, and Leah’s eyes widened when she saw the marks on Ada’s arm. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“That’s all right. You’re upset.” Ada rubbed her forearm briskly until the red marks disappeared. “As for Ben, he’ll understand. If he doesn’t, maybe he’s not the right man for you.”
Leah laughed shakily. “He’s the only man who’s ever shown any interest in courting me. If I give him up, I’ll lose my chance of a future, of having a family.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Besides, I already care about him.”
Ada’s chest tightened. Assisting at births meant so much to Leah. Surely Ben would understand, but would he be flexible enough to adjust to Leah’s last-minute changes of plans? Ada wasn’t sure. “What will you do if he doesn’t agree?”
Leah sat lost in thought for several minutes. “I’ll have to follow my heart.”
“I’ll support you whatever you decide,” Ada said, “and I’ll pray for you as you make the decision.”
Leah leaned over and hugged Ada. “Thank you for listening and for being such a good friend. I hope your relationship with Josiah is going well.”
Ada couldn’t bear to share her own happy news when Leah was so troubled, so she tucked her memories of Josiah into the secret recesses of her heart. Perhaps after the Sweetheart Dinner, they’d both have wonderful gut news to share.
Each time Ada thought of that day in the store when she’d mistaken Josiah’s question and Leah’s answer, her heart clenched for a moment before returning to its joyful staccato beat.
Because all she could think about was love, Ada taught her students to say I love you to their families. First she taught it in sign language. Nathan, David, Emily, and Lizzie did well with the signs. Then she taught Will and Lukas on the letter boards. The two boys concentrated so much better when they were in their therapy swings, and after several tries, they could point to the letters in order. Ada used thick cardboard to
make them take-home letter boards so they could share the message with their families.
The day Ada sent the messages home, Josiah arrived for Nathan. Ada tried to stay professional and limit the amount of time she spent staring into Josiah’s eyes. Today she waited to see if Nathan would give his daed the heart he’d colored.
Nathan started toward Josiah, but as he passed Ada, he placed the heart in her outstretched hand.
* * *
On Saturday night Josiah prepared for the Sweetheart Dinner, his heart bursting with excitement. He’d have a chance to spend time with Ada alone. Seeing her every day at school made his heart trip faster, but they barely had time to exchange greetings and glances. She had, however, resumed teaching him sign language at her house when he picked up Nathan, but he’d been circumspect and kept the lessons brief. Every day, though, it grew more and more difficult to end the sessions.
Lizzie’s mamm had agreed to come in the evening rather than during the day, and Nathan was spending the night at Ada’s because Mamm was helping at the restaurant. When Josiah came downstairs, Nathan was already sitting by the door in his pajamas, clutching a small bag with his clothes for the next day. His eyes were shining, and he was so thrilled, he flashed Josiah a smile.
Although Nathan returned to his somber expression whenever Josiah looked at him, his face grew animated as he looked out the window. The minute they arrived and Josiah slid open the passenger door, Nathan jumped out of the buggy and raced to the front door. Josiah couldn’t blame him; he wanted to do the same.
Nathan banged on the door, and Mary Elizabeth opened it, her smile as wide as Nathan’s. Nathan dashed inside, but Josiah stood on the doorstep, mesmerized as Ada descended the stairs. Until tonight, he’d only ever seen her wearing black because she’d been in mourning for her mamm. Now she was dressed in teal. Other girls in their g’may wore that color, but he’d never seen anyone who looked as beautiful in it as Ada. The pink that splashed onto her cheeks when she caught sight of him contrasted beautifully with the dress. Then she smiled, and Josiah’s breath caught in his throat.
Staring at Ada had warmed him so much, he’d been standing there with the front door wide open without feeling the icy winds whipping behind him until Ada shivered. “I’m so sorry.” Tearing his gaze from her, he stepped inside and shut the door.
The Amish Teacher's Gift Page 28
