A Baby for Hannah (Hannah's Heart 3)

by Jerry S. Eicher

  “Ah, let the old people enjoy each other,” Uriah said. “At least Mary’s not leaving the Amish for the Englisha world.”

  “Is that what you’re going to say when one of our children leaves for the Mennonites?” Ida asked, an edge in her voice.

  “I didn’t say it wasn’t a serious matter,” Uriah said. “But it’s a local church matter here, not anything we have a say in.”

  As Jake entered, Ida said, “Now, I want an answer to my question. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about it. Sit back down and start talking.”

  “You could at least remind Jake what the question is,” Uriah said. “He’s probably forgotten.”

  Jake shook his head. “I remember. And I don’t know that I understand everything, but I did think of something the other day that might help.”

  “I want you to explain the verse in Romans,” Ida said. “Where the apostle says we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For how can we continue to hope for what we already have?”

  “Jah,” Uriah said, nodding solemnly. “That’s a hard question, and one that I’ve never seen the answer to. It seems to me that if we can know we are saved, then there is no more reason to hope for it.”

  “Don’t you think Christ has brought salvation to us?” Jake asked.

  “That’s what the bishop tells us,” Uriah said. “But if He has then we don’t need to hope for it.”

  “It’s best not to make the Scriptures say what they don’t say,” Ida said. “I think the apostle wrote very clearly in Romans, and there is no way around what he says.”

  Jake countered, “But Jesus said that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to deliver the captives, to give sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are bruised. Doesn’t that sound like salvation has come?”

  “Jah,” Uriah said, stroking his beard. “But I do not like to set a Scripture against another Scripture like two bulls fighting each other. The apostle said what he said.”

  “I’d say it’s pretty plain,” Ida added.

  “I hope you don’t think me out of my place,” Jake said, his face pained. “But perhaps you’re not understanding properly what the apostle is speaking of.”

  “I don’t see how it could be better said. We are saved by hope,” Uriah said, taking a deep breath.

  “But what is being saved?” Jake asked. “I think the apostle said what it was a few verses earlier, and it’s not the spirit, it’s the body. When Christ came, He brought us spiritual salvation, but our body isn’t saved yet. If it would be, we never would get sick or have temptations anymore. That is what is saved by hope someday.”

  “He talks like a Mennonite,” Ida said. “Jake, who has been filling your head with these thoughts?”

  “I wasn’t trying to instruct you, Mom, or you either, Dad, but you asked the question.”

  “Jah, it does say that,” Uriah said, still stroking his beard. “But I have always thought this was a very dangerous doctrine.”

  “Then don’t go falling for it,” Ida said, getting up to refill his lemonade glass. “Now that I’ve heard your answer—if that is indeed your answer—maybe it’s time we talked about something else.”

  “Since we’re leaving tomorrow you’d better start talking fast,” Uriah said with a smile. “That is unless you plan to move back here with me. That Mr. Brunson has offered us the sale of his place.”

  “If I didn’t know you were teasing I’d leave right now,” Ida said, then softened by adding, “But I have to admit Montana is a wonderful place to live.”

  Forty-One

  Hannah remembered that the hardest part of carrying a baby was the waiting. Even with the first pregnancy and the tragedy of losing the baby, she had learned that patience was very much part of the process.

  The few weeks since Jake’s parents had visited had flown by with little to set the days apart. Now that her time was drawing closer, Hannah’s waiting seemed all the harder.

  The late morning found Hannah waiting by the front window of the cabin, glancing repeatedly down the graveled lane toward the road. If the midwife didn’t come soon, there wouldn’t be time to get to the bus station in Libby before her mother’s arrival. Seeing Mattie yesterday would have fit her schedule much better, but the midwife said in her letter that today was the only day she could come.

  Hannah glanced around the small cabin. It was spotlessly clean. She had tried to keep it that way since Jake’s parents had been here. Yesterday’s quick cleaning was all that had been necessary to keep it in good order. At least there was much to be thankful for—a clean house. Things could have turned out quite badly with Ida and Uriah’s visit, but it hadn’t. Jake’s parents had left on the bus with big smiles on their faces, and Jake seemed much happier now whenever he talked about them.

  A small cloud of dust rose in the distance, and Hannah went out on the porch and waited.

  The midwife’s car came to a halt at the end of the walk, and the woman got out of the car with her large bag.

  “I’m not late, am I?” Mattie asked.

  “Not really,” Hannah said making sure she smiled. “It’s just that I have to meet my mom at the bus station at noon. I think I can still make it.”

  “Oh my, how rushed everything is these days. It seems like I can’t keep up anymore. But it’s wonderful that your mother is coming to visit. She’s a bit early for the baby though. You’re not quite ready yet.”

  “She’s coming for my sister Miriam’s wedding in two weeks.”

  Mattie raised her eyebrows. “Well, in your condition I hope you’re not having a big part in it or anything.”

  Hannah laughed. “No, not if Jake has anything to say about it. He’s quite worried about me, so I suppose I’ll sit and watch everyone else do all the fussing around.”

  “Has the stress been getting to you?”

  “Not really. Not the wedding anyway. Jake’s parents were here for a visit. That was stressful enough, but we made it.”

  “Ah, the in-laws, well, sit down on the couch so I can look you over.”

  Hannah lowered herself down slowly. “I’m glad his parents came. I really am. They’re wonderful people, and Jake needed to talk some things through with them.”

  “Then we’ll count it a blessing in disguise. How’s your eating coming along? Any change in appetite?”

  “No, not really, unless it’s less of an appetite. Nothing much fits down there. I think it’s going to be a big boy.”

  The midwife laughed. “Did Dr. Lisa ever do an ultrasound?”

  “No, it’s just been my guess from the way the bobli’s carrying on.”

  “They can get a little rowdy, both boys and the girls, so that doesn’t tell us much. Are you still comfortable having the birth at home? It’s your first time, after all.”

  “I think so. Dr. Lisa said we could contact her if necessary. You’re not expecting any problems with the birth are you?”

  “No,” Mattie said. “Everything looks as it should. I’d like to leave you some herbal tea though. It’s not a miracle worker of course, but it can help prepare your body for the hard work ahead.”

  “I’m glad our child will be born in the cabin.”

  “Idealistic, are you?” Mattie said with a grin. “My guess is the stars in your eyes will grow dim once the contractions start. Childbirth is no picnic.”

  “I’ll be ready. In fact, I am ready.”

  “You’ll be fine, Hannah. The baby’s still turned right, seems healthy, and has a steady heartbeat. You don’t have any excess swelling in your feet.”

  “Just in the middle section,” Hannah said, laughing. “I must say it feels gut though, in a strange way. It reminds me that I’m bringing a child into the world.”

  “Yes, it’s a great privilege to bear a child, and a home birth is the best, if the Lord so wills. But we must not tempt Him with our foolishness.”

  “I’ll try not to. I’ll be honest with
how I feel.”

  “Just be sure you don’t overdo it with all the community activities. Perhaps your mom will calm things down for you while she’s here.”

  “She will only do me gut. I know that much.”

  “Do you want me to help with hitching up the horse for your trip into town?” Mattie offered as she put her instruments into her bag.

  “Jake already has Mosey’s harness on, but thanks.”

  “I’ll see you soon then.”

  Hannah nodded and followed Mattie outside. She waved goodbye, and then walked to the barn and pushed open the barn door. Mosey stretched his nose out to nuzzle her hand.

  “I didn’t bring anything, silly boy. We have to go to town today. Mom’s coming. Isn’t that just too wonderful to be true?”

  Mosey flicked his ears forward and stared out the barn door.

  “Come,” Hannah said, untying the rope from the stable door. “We have to go. We might already be late.”

  Leading the horse outside, she held the shafts up with one hand, swinging the horse in with the other. The maneuver left her gasping for air.

  “I don’t think I can do this much longer,” Hannah admitted with a laugh. “At least not until after the baby comes. I don’t think you’ll mind if you get to stay home for awhile.”

  With the tugs fastened and the lines thrown in the front, Hannah climbed in, taking a moment to settle comfortably on the buggy seat.

  “Get-up,” she called to Mosey and slapped the reins. He jerked his head and took off at a slow trot. At the end of the lane, Hannah held him at a stop until the highway was clear.

  As she passed Betty’s place, Hannah slowed down. There were no Englisha vehicles parked in the barnyard, so Miriam must not be busy with the horses. Should she stop and ask Miriam to come along? No, even if Miriam wanted to go along there really wasn’t room for all three of them and her mom’s luggage. Changing to Betty’s surrey wasn’t an option. Her mother’s bus might be pulling into the depot any moment. She clucked to Mosey to increase his pace again.

  Behind her Hannah heard her sister’s voice call her name above the beat of Mosey’s hooves. She turned to look back and saw Miriam standing on Betty’s front porch waving at her. Quickly, Hannah pulled back on the reins, bringing Mosey to a sliding stop. The horse shook his head and lowered it in disgust.

  “Sorry,” Hannah said. “But I think Miriam does want to go along.”

  “Hannah!” Miriam’s voice reached across the lawn, and Hannah leaned out of the buggy door. Miriam came racing toward her, tying her bonnet’s strings as she came.

  “Miriam, I don’t know if we have room for you and for Mom and her luggage.”

  “We’ll throw it on top,” Miriam said as she quickly climbed in. “We’re closed today. I had to insist, and I don’t care what Betty says about it. We can’t keep up this pace with Mom coming. At least I can’t keep up this pace with the wedding so close and so much to do. It’s my wedding, and I only get one in my lifetime. At least I hope there’s only one.”

  “Is Betty trying to squeeze the last riding fee out of the summer?”

  “You could say that, and it’s gone on long enough. I’ve made plenty of money to pay for my room and board, and lots besides that. Betty has no reason to complain.”

  “Sounds like it’s a good thing Mom is coming. You and Betty might drive each other out of the house before the wedding.” Hannah snapped the reins a bit to get Mosey started again.

  “I can always come up to your place.”

  Hannah glanced sideways at Miriam.

  “I’m just teasing. Betty gets on my nerves, but she’s letting me use her barn for the wedding, and for that I will always be grateful.”

  “What if the weather turns cold? Will you move the wedding inside then?”

  “No,” Miriam said. “We’re having it in the barn even if the snow’s flying, which it won’t be because it’s my wedding day. Betty’s been trying to scare me half to death with her predictions of an early winter, but I’m having none of it. Da Hah brought me out here by His mighty hand and is giving me a wonderful man in Dennis. Why would He make it snow on my wedding day?”

  “I don’t know. Da Hah doesn’t always explain Himself.”

  “Now you’re trying to scare me.”

  “No, I’m not. But I do agree that it’s not likely to snow. Jake said there’s talk among the long-term locals of an Indian summer. I suppose they know more about the subject then Betty does.”

  “There,” Miriam sighed deeply, settling back into the seat. “I knew you’d make me feel better. And when I see Mom, I’ll be floating above the clouds.”

  “So is everything going well with you and Dennis?”

  “Of course it is,” Miriam sat up straight. “What do you mean? Have you heard anything?”

  “How would I hear anything that you don’t already know? Don’t be silly.”

  Miriam sighed deeply. “I can’t imagine Dennis ever doing anything wrong. He’s so wonderful.”

  Hannah laughed. “You do have your head in the clouds.”

  “I know. I’ve had it there ever since I came to Montana.”

  “I hope you haven’t forgotten the real reason you came,” Hannah said, glancing at Miriam.

  “Nope, I haven’t,” Miriam said with a smile.

  “Would you take care of the baby if he came next week before the wedding?”

  “What!” Miriam shouted so loudly that Mosey jumped forward and Hannah clutched the reins. “The baby’s coming that soon?”

  “You don’t have to scare the wits out of me,” Hannah said, bringing Mosey back to his usual lazy trot. “No, he’s not coming that soon. I was teasing.”

  “Hannah, are you sure you’re teasing?” Miriam searched Hannah’s eyes. “Did the midwife tell you something this morning?”

  “Oh, so you do remember I was seeing the midwife?”

  “Hannah, stop this! Yes, I do remember. Are you all right?”

  “Yes, of course I am. And so is the baby.”

  Miriam leaned back in her seat. “And is Jake still being nice to you?”

  Hannah laughed. “Of course he is.”

  “Oh, Hannah,” Miriam groaned. “I want you to promise me you won’t have the baby until after the wedding. And I promise you I’ll take very gut care of your baby. I’ll kiss him every day and then some.”

  Hannah laughed again. “I can’t promise you that!”

  Miriam glanced ahead as they neared the depot. “Do you suppose that is Mom’s bus up ahead?”

  “It is!” Hannah gasped, slapping the reins so hard that Mosey lunged ahead. They rattled across the parking lot and pulled up beside the bus with a flourish. Their mother was standing beside it with two other passengers, her suitcase by her side, a happy smile on her face.

  “What have we here?” she asked as Miriam and Hannah climbed down from the buggy and ran up to her, leaving Mosey standing with the reins limp across his back.

  “Oh Mom!” both young women said together, wrapping their mom on each side with a hug.

  “My, my,” Kathy said. “What a welcome! And you come flying in the parking lot like I’m the Queen of Sheba.”

  “You are,” Hannah said. “And it’s so gut to see you.”

  “And you too,” Kathy said. “How are things going for you, Miriam? I assume the wedding is still on?”

  “Don’t start that, Mom,” Miriam said. “Betty and Hannah have already been giving me fits. Dennis is the most wonderful, handsome, godly man I have ever met.”

  “It sounds like you have it bad,” Kathy said with a smile.

  “What did Dad say about you coming two weeks early?” Hannah asked, taking her mom by the arm and leading her toward the buggy.

  “He’s fine with it. He’ll be coming out with the van load next week,” Kathy said. “So how is the baby?”

  “I just had a meeting with the midwife this morning, and everything’s fine. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “It i
s,” Kathy said. “You’d better get me to Betty’s place quickly. I’m sure the poor woman is half sick with worry from all the work that needs to be done.”

  “She’s almost in bed,” Miriam said, walking up with her mother’s suitcase.

  “You don’t say! Hannah, drive that old horse of yours as fast as you can.”

  “I’m just teasing, Mom,” Miriam admitted. “Just relax. Everything is under control.”

  Forty-Two

  Hannah walked toward the kitchen to check out the noise that had awakened her. The sun was not yet up and bright moonlight streamed in through the front window of the cabin, illuminating the living room. Hannah held her hand to her forehead, now throbbing with the warning of a coming headache.

  When she arrived in the kitchen, she saw Jake at the woodstove. “What are you doing in my kitchen?” she asked as she plopped into a chair, her hand still on her forehead.

  “You’ve been working yourself way too hard, and I decided to fix breakfast,” Jake said, puttering over a pan on the stove. For some reason he looked older this morning—wiser and disgustingly cheerful.

  “You haven’t fixed breakfast since your bachelor days.” Hannah groaned. “And who knows how it tasted then?” she added.

  Jake smiled broadly, stirring the pot of oatmeal. “Then sample my fare, dear lady, and tell me you detest my sweet offerings.”

  “Something has gone to your head,” Hannah said as Jake dipped out a bowl of oatmeal and set it in front of her.

  “Perhaps it’s love that’s gone to my head—on the day of Miriam’s wedding,” Jake said. “Now eat while I fix the toast.”

  “I could eat three eggs, if you can make them.”

  “Coming right up!” Jake said without turning around. “That sounds more like it.”

  “What’s the weather like? If we have snow Miriam will be so disappointed.”

  Jake didn’t even glance out the window. “I was outside an hour ago, and I’d say Montana has a beautiful Indian summer day prepared especially for your sister’s wedding.”

  “That’s a relief!” Hannah said, taking a second bite of oatmeal and feeling her headache slipping away.