The Christmas Quilt

by Patricia Davids

  “Don’t forget to empty the water from the washer tub. I don’t want to find a giant ice cube in it the next time I need to use it.”

  “I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry,” he assured her.

  She cocked her head to the side slightly, as if listening, then she turned around and headed straight toward the back door. He realized the wind chimes were a means to help her find her way.

  She opened the porch door, but paused. “You weren’t shallow and always up to no good when we were young. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Before he could reply, she went inside. Gideon watched her disappear into the house and seeds of happiness sprouted in his heart. Things might be looking up for him, after all.

  Inside the house, Rebecca moved her pie filling off the stove and set it to cooling on the counter. Nervous butterflies churned in her stomach. She felt like a teenager waiting to sneak out of her first date. Gideon Troyer was back.

  She had spent a sleepless night building up her defenses against the charm he possessed. A lot of good it had done.

  Hearing him stutter an apology for reminding her that she was blind made her remember the little boy she used to know. The boy who had gotten in trouble in the third grade for cutting the ribbons off her kapp. The boy who dared her to ride standing up on the back of her papa’s plow horse and bore the brunt of her father’s displeasure when she fell off and sprained her ankle.

  Gideon had charmed her from the age of eight. Why did she think it would be different now?

  She heard the back door open and close and then his footsteps coming up the hallway. If he would be living in Hope Springs she would have to accustom herself to meeting him now and again. They had been friends long before they became starry-eyed teenagers in love with the idea of being in love.

  “Have you anything else that needs fixing?” he asked.

  Could he fix an old broken heart? Where would he find the parts for that?

  “Nee, I don’t believe we do. Would you like some coffee before you go?”

  “I would. Will you be making one of your pies soon?” She heard the smile in his voice and smiled back.

  “I’ll be making apple strudel soon.”

  “Sounds great. What can I do to help?”

  “Stay out of my way and enjoy your coffee.”

  “Bossy as ever, aren’t you?”

  She rose to his bait. “I was never bossy.”

  “Yes, you were.”

  “Do you want strudel or not?” she demanded with mock severity.

  “You’ve always had a wonderful personality, a giving nature, a sweet temper.”

  “That’s better.”

  “Was that good enough for hot strudel with maybe a touch of cream?”

  She chuckled. “Ja.”

  “Wunderbaar!”

  “See, it is always better to tell the truth, Gideon. The truth earns its own reward.”

  A warm glow of satisfaction settled in the middle of her chest. She would hold fast to their friendship. Perhaps in time, she would even learn to let go of the love that was never meant to be.

  The sound of the front door opening signaled her aunt’s return. Vera came into the kitchen along with a gust of cold winter wind. “I believe we are going to get more snow. Hello, Gideon. I see by the clothes on the line that my washer has been repaired. Rebecca, I told you not to worry about getting the wash done.”

  “It was not me. It was Gideon who did your laundry.”

  “I only did one load to make sure the machine was working correctly,” he said.

  “Perhaps I should take out a piece of the motor before every wash day and call you to come out and fix it.”

  “Then the price of my service call will go up sharply,” he said with a chuckle.

  “How is Mr. Pater?” Rebecca asked. When Vera learned their English neighbor was suffering from a bad chest cold, she started taking soup to him each day.

  “He is much better today. Gideon, how is your family?” Vera asked.

  “As far as I know they are all well.”

  Vera pulled out a chair and took a seat at the table. “What a wonderful time you must have had getting to know them and their spouses.”

  He said, “I still have trouble telling Levi’s kinders apart. They all look like their father did when he was a child.”

  Rebecca listened with delight to his account of meeting his newest family members. She could hear the happiness beneath his words as clearly as she heard the wind chimes that hung from the rear of the house. She put her pan of strudel in the oven and set the windup timer for twenty minutes.

  Gideon said, “Catch me up on your family, Rebecca. I know you said you have nieces and nephews. Which of your brothers and sisters have children of their own?”

  “They all have children,” Rebecca replied. A tang of regret touched her but she brushed it aside. She was happy for every one of her siblings.

  “Who did Grace marry?” Gideon asked. “I remember the way she tormented my brother Levi. She liked him—she didn’t like him—she liked him again. It drove him crazy.”

  Rebecca froze. He didn’t know. No one had told him.

  He must have seen her distress because he asked, “Did I say something wrong?”

  She folded her arms across her middle. “Grace isn’t with us anymore.”

  “She died? How?” he asked, shock clear in his voice.

  Vera said quietly, “She isn’t dead, but we no longer mention her name.”

  Rebecca bit her lip and remained silent. The disgrace should have been hers, not her sister’s.

  On Sunday, Rebecca rode in silence beside her aunt in their buggy as they traveled the ten miles to an outlying farm for the preaching service. Even with the curtains tied down and quilts on their laps it was chilly inside the buggy. The bricks they had heated to keep their feet warm on the journey were growing cool by the time they reached their destination.

  During the long ride she had plenty of time to think about Gideon’s visit the day before. Far from being as awkward as she imagined it would be, Gideon’s company had felt comfortable.

  “We must be among the last to arrive judging by the number of buggies here,” Vera commented as she drew their horse to a stop.

  The door opened and a young man’s voice greeted them. It was one of the farmer’s sons. “I will take care of your horse.”

  “Danki,” Vera replied. “There is grain for her in the back.”

  Leaving the buggy, Rebecca wondered if Gideon was there before them. She wanted to ask, but she didn’t. Knowing her aunt, she would soon have the details on everyone in attendance. Vera’s love of gossip was well known.

  “Now that is odd,” Vera said with a lowered voice.

  “What?” Rebecca prompted, waiting for more of an explanation.

  “There is an English woman here. That must be Ada Kauffman’s English daughter. I see the resemblance. She’s the one I told you who offers taxi service.”

  Rebecca was more interested in finding out if Gideon had arrived. She knew he was staying with Adam and Emma so she asked, “Do you see Emma? I hope her pregnancy is going well.”

  “Yes, she is chatting with Katie Sutter, Faith Lapp and Karen Imhoff. Emma has that glow about her. Pregnancy certainly agrees with her.”

  “I wonder if Adam feels the same way. Do you see him?”

  “Ja, he’s looking more like a proud papa now that he has some chin hair. His cousin is with him.”

  “His cousin? Oh, you mean Gideon.” She tried to sound barely interested, but she could feel her aunt’s gaze boring into her.

  “He’s looking this way.”

  Rebecca perked up. “Is he?”

  “He is indeed, and so is Daniel Hershberger. He’s coming our way. The man is interested in you, mark my words.”

  “Gideon? That’s ridiculous.”

  “No, silly. Daniel.”

  “Guder mariye, Rebecca.” Daniel’s booming voice filled the farmyard.

&nbs
p; “Guder mariye, Daniel,” Rebecca replied in a soft tone, hoping he would take the hint and lower his voice. It was a foolish hope.

  “I thought what a beautiful day this is, but it is much brighter now that you are here.”

  Rebecca lowered her voice further. “You should not say such a thing.”

  “A modest woman is a man’s true treasure.” He wasn’t shouting, but he might as well have been. The hum of conversations around them died away.

  Rebecca pasted a smile on her face and pinched her aunt’s arm. “Isn’t it time we went inside?”

  “If you wish. Daniel, we will see you later.”

  “I look forward to speaking with you and your niece again. I must go tell Reuben I’m waiting for a rematch on our checkers game.”

  Rebecca had endured one long, tedious evening with Daniel at her grandfather’s home a week after the fire. She would avoid a repeat if it were possible. How could she have entertained the idea of marriage to the man?

  As she took her place beside her aunt on the women’s side of the wooden benches lined up inside the farmhouse, she wondered if Gideon had overheard Daniel’s compliments to her. Although it was vain, some small part of her hoped that he had.

  Gideon joined Adam and his friends in the airy barn following the three-hour-long service. Bishop Zook was a gifted preacher, clearly inspired by God to bring the Lord’s words to his flock. Up at the house, the benches were being rearranged to make seating for the congregation to share a midday meal. Because the elders would eat first, the younger members amused themselves with games or visiting while they waited their turns.

  Gideon stood among the men and saw a few faces from the night of the fire around him. He wondered if any of them recognized him from his time in Hope Springs as Booker. If they did, no one mentioned it. Perhaps they were willing to accept him for who he was now and not for who he’d been. He prayed it was so.

  “How are you adjusting to Amish life again?” Jonathan Dressler asked. Beside him, fifteen-year-old Jacob Imhoff was trying to look as if he belonged in this group of men twice his age.

  Gideon folded his arms over his chest. “I will admit it’s tough sometimes. How are you doing? English to Amish, that’s a rare move. Not many can accept our ways. At least I knew what I was getting into when I came back.”

  “I miss my computer,” Jonathan answered with a grin.

  “I think I miss having my pickup the most,” Adam said, a tinge of wistfulness in his voice.

  “Is it true you were a pilot?” Jacob focused his awe-filled gaze on Gideon. “I can’t believe you don’t miss flying.”

  “I do, but I try not to dwell on it.” That didn’t always work. He missed the freedom of the air, but he was striving to find contentment on the ground.

  “What he needs is an Amish wife to take his mind off his English ways,” Adam suggested with a chuckle. “It worked for me.”

  Jonathan nudged Gideon and tipped his head toward the young women grouped together across the way. “See one you like?”

  Gideon accepted their good-natured ribbing and pretended to look over the women. “Jacob, your sister is single, isn’t she?”

  “Nee, she will soon be taken.” Jonathan’s sharp reply set Adam, Gideon and Jacob to laughing.

  Adam stroked his beard. “The bishop’s oldest daughter is of age.”

  The men looked toward the bishop’s hawk-faced wife, then looked at each other. They all shook their heads. “Not a chance,” Gideon said.

  His new friends continued to suggest possible mates, but no one brought up Rebecca’s name. Finally, he couldn’t keep silent any longer. “Rebecca Beachy is still single. She’s not a youngster, but she’s not too old. We’re the same age.”

  Jacob frowned. “She’s pretty enough, but she is blind.”

  “That doesn’t mean she can’t be a wife and mother. Adam, do you know what became of her sister Grace?”

  Adam shrugged. “She left the Amish, that’s all I know.”

  “Rebecca said her family doesn’t speak of her anymore. I wondered why.” It was the change in Rebecca’s expression at the mention of her sister that had piqued his interest. He’d never seen such sadness on her face.

  Eli Imhoff joined their group. “Gideon, how did my washer part work out?”

  “It fit like a glove,” Gideon assured him.

  Jacob spoke up. “Papa, we were trying to find a woman for Gideon. Any suggestions?”

  “Find a woman who can cook,” Eli stated firmly. “Looks fade, cooking doesn’t.”

  “Rebecca is a good cook.” Gideon was happy to list her accomplishments. He didn’t like that she had been overlooked in her own community.

  “There are plenty of healthy women to choose from around here. A man needs a strong wife to stand by his side,” Jacob insisted with all the assurance of a teenager who had yet to go on his first date.

  Gideon glanced toward the house and saw Rebecca come out with her aunt. He said, “What a man needs most is a woman who loves him.”

  The problem he faced was how to convince Rebecca that they were meant for each other. When he looked her way again, he saw her grandfather standing at her side. Reuben was staring straight at Gideon.

  Chapter Ten

  “Emma, Gideon is desperately in need of your help.”

  Gideon caught Adam’s cheeky grin and wanted nothing more than to stuff a sock in his cousin’s big mouth. Muttering under his breath, Gideon said, “See if I confide in you again.”

  The two men were stacking chairs on tables in the café in preparation for cleaning the floors after closing. Outside the windows, the street of the town blinked with Christmas cheer as the townspeople and businessmen turned on their holiday lights.

  “What help can I give, Gideon?” Emma asked. She was sweeping beneath the tables and booths.

  “Never mind,” he said quickly.

  “My cousin wants to court a woman and he has forgotten how we Amish do it.” Adam chuckled with glee as he ducked Gideon’s halfhearted punch.

  “Adam, stop teasing Gideon.” Her stern tone made both men look in her direction. She leveled a no-nonsense glare at her spouse.

  Adam wasn’t the least bit intimidated. He grinned at her and said, “I’ll go fill the sugar dispensers.”

  He took the tray of glass containers and carried them into the kitchen. When he was out of sight, Emma turned to Gideon. “Pay no attention to your cousin. He loves to tease. Who is this special woman?”

  “I’d rather not say. Courting was much easier when I was young.”

  “You are not so very old.”

  “Maybe not, but I’m too old to attend the singings and such. I can’t ask her to a movie. I’m at a loss.”

  “There are many ways for you to get together. You can take her to visit her family. You can take her on a buggy or sleigh ride, just the two of you some evening. You can bring her here for a meal. Every woman likes a break from cooking.”

  “I’ve already thought of those things, but I’m not sure they set the right tone.”

  Emma tilted her head to the side. “Isn’t showing her you want to spend time together the right tone?”

  “The thing is, I’m afraid she’ll say no if I come straight out and ask her to dinner or to go for a sleigh ride. I want her to get to know me better, but in a friendly way. I want her to feel comfortable in my company.”

  “You are new to our church. Well, perhaps we could get up an ice-skating party and make sure she is invited.”

  “I’m pretty sure she won’t skate.”

  Emma laid her broom aside and planted her hands on her hips. “I could make more useful suggestions if I knew who I was talking about.”

  Gideon knew Emma and Rebecca were friends. He took a second to wonder what Emma would think about him courting her friend. After all, how could Emma be certain he would remain Amish? He knew a lot of people had their doubts. Unless he found a few dozen things to repair in Rebecca’s house he didn’t have an excuse
to spend much time in her company.

  If he could convince Rebecca of his feelings before she had her surgery, he could be by her side no matter what her results were. He needed her to understand his affection had nothing to do with her sight or lack of it. He decided to take this chance.

  Drawing a deep breath, he said, “It’s Rebecca Beachy.”

  Emma’s brows arched in surprise. “You wish to court Rebecca? You don’t mind that she is blind?”

  “Why should I mind? She is funny, she is devout, she is hard-working and she has a wonderful smile. I loved her when we were young. I never thought I’d have a chance to love her again, but God has been good to me. After all these years she is not married and beyond my reach. Rebecca is the woman of my heart.”

  Smiling broadly, Emma said, “Rebecca enjoys ice-skating.”

  It was his turn to be stunned. “She does?”

  “Have you solved my cousin’s woes?” Adam asked as he brought the filled sugar containers back from the kitchen.

  Emma winked at Gideon. “Nee, but we have decided to have a skating party this coming weekend. Do you think Elam Sutter will let us use his pond?”

  Adam plunked down his tray on the table beside her. “No harm in asking. It sounds like right goot fun.”

  Laying a finger on her lips, Emma tapped them slowly. “I will make up a picnic basket and bake some pies. We may even close the café so the girls who work for us can come.”

  Adam grinned. “She will let our English guests starve. It does not matter that they pay the bills.”

  “Nonsense. I will make sure there is plenty of bread and meat for sandwiches on the sideboard.”

  She started sweeping again. “This is a goot idea if I do say so myself.”

  Gideon didn’t care whose idea it was as long as Rebecca was there.

  Emma stopped what she was doing. “Gideon, I almost forgot. Reuben Beachy came in today. He wanted me to tell you he has a used leather-cutting machine being delivered next week and he wants you to make some repairs on it.”

  A shiver of unease slipped down Gideon’s spine. “He asked for me, not for Adam?”