by Beth Wiseman
After allowing herself another fifteen minutes of self-pity, Katie Ann pulled herself from the tub, dressed in a clean blue dress, and went into the living room. It was too early to change into her nightclothes and go to bed. Jonas would be up for another feeding, plus she didn’t want to get caught in her nightclothes if Lillian or Samuel came calling after the wedding.
She sat down on the couch, crossed her legs, and opened up a book she’d bought in town about being a new mother. That is all I need to concentrate on . . . being the best mother I can to Jonas.
SATURDAY MORNING, KATIE Ann bundled up Jonas and herself and walked next door to her sister-in-law’s house. She knew Lillian would be baking, and Katie Ann often visited with her this time on Saturdays.
She lifted her tall black boots and picked her way carefully across the snow as she toted Jonas in his carrier. She was thankful to have gotten more sleep the past two nights. Thursday night after the wedding she’d been exhausted, and both she and Jonas had slept much better. She’d only gotten up once to feed him and once to soothe his gassy tummy by using Eli’s technique with the baby oil, which had worked— and twice she’d tiptoed into his room to make sure he was breathing. Friday she’d gone back to help Vera with cleanup, and again she and Jonas had gone to bed early and followed the same routine as the night before.
Martha had overstepped her bounds by inviting Eli to supper, but she’d worry about that later. This morning she needed to talk to Lillian about something else. As she eased up the porch steps to the old farmhouse, she marveled at all of Lillian and Samuel’s hard work. In a year they’d taken this run-down old house with no bathroom, no insulation, in need of an entire overhaul, and turned it into a beautiful home. She knocked on the door.
“Hi, Aenti Katie Ann.”
Katie Ann smiled at her youngest niece, Elizabeth. The five-year-old was Jonas’s biggest fan and loved to keep him company while Katie Ann chatted with Lillian.
“Hello, Elizabeth.” Katie Ann moved past the little girl and into the living room. “Is your mamm in the kitchen?”
“Ya. She’s making peanut blossoms!” Elizabeth bounced on her toes.
Katie Ann let out an exaggerated gasp. “Really! That’s special, Elizabeth. We usually make those only at Christmastime.”
“I know, I know!”
Katie Ann followed Elizabeth across the living room and into the spacious kitchen. Katie Ann recalled the chipping blue paint on the cabinets when Lillian and Samuel had first moved in, now shimmering with shiny white paint and gold knobs that bordered on being fancy . . . but Lillian said she deserved the knobs after having to live in that house prior to the overhaul.
Lillian hadn’t always been Amish. She’d married Ivan’s brother, Samuel, eight years ago and converted. Most of the time, you’d never know that she hadn’t been Amish her entire life, but occasionally she’d bend a certain rule based on her own way of thinking, and no one faulted her for it. Lillian was bubbly, happy, and kindhearted, and Katie Ann didn’t know of a soul who didn’t adore her.
“You are just in time for peanut blossoms,” Lillian announced.
Lillian’s older daughter, Anna, was sitting in a chair at the kitchen table mashing chocolate kisses on top of the warm peanut butter cookies. “Guder mariye, Aenti Katie Ann.”
Katie Ann placed Jonas’s carrier on the table. “Guder mariye to you, too, Anna.”
She was glad to hear Anna using their native dialect this morning. She’d worried about the girls when they were younger, because they didn’t know much Pennsylvania Deitsch. Normally, children didn’t learn English until they started school, but since English was Lillian’s native language, she’d raised the girls by speaking that to them. Samuel said it didn’t matter what language they spoke, only the meaning behind the words they said. And Elizabeth and Anna were good girls. Lillian and Samuel were doing a fine job with them. Katie Ann hoped she would do as well with Jonas.
Lillian wiped her hands on her apron, approached the table, and leaned down to kiss Jonas on the forehead. “Hello, my precious Jonas.”
Lillian looked up, and Katie Ann knew what she was going to say. She said it daily, and it had just become a “thing” between the women.
“Have I told you how glad I am that you named this baby Jonas?”
Anna spoke up before Katie Ann had a chance to. “Mamm! You say that all the time.”
Lillian cupped her daughter’s chin. “I know I do, and you’d know why if you had known your great-grandpa Jonas. The best man who ever lived, I believe.”
“I thought Daed was the best man who ever lived,” Elizabeth said.
Lillian smiled. “Well, besides your daed!”
Katie Ann sat down beside Anna. “So what’s the occasion? Why are you making peanut blossoms today?”
Lillian walked to the stove and pulled out a fresh batch of cookies. Without turning around she said, “Whatever do you mean?”
Katie Ann heard the playfulness in Lillian’s tone. “Ach, so there is a reason.”
Elizabeth skipped to Katie Ann’s side. “Martha asked Mamm to make them to have tonight for your date.”
Katie Ann stiffened. She took a deep breath. “Elizabeth, I don’t have a date tonight. Martha is just having a friend over to have supper with us.”
“That’s not what Mamm said. She said—”
“Elizabeth!” Lillian spun around. “Take your sister and go play in your room for a while so I can visit with Aenti Katie Ann.” She took a step forward. “Scoot now. After I chat with your aenti, you can both come back downstairs and have a double helping of cookies.”
Both girls nodded, then scurried upstairs. Katie Ann waited until they were out of earshot before she spoke. “Lillian . . .”
“Ya, dear sister-in-law.” Lillian grinned from ear to ear as she eased into a chair beside Katie Ann.
Katie Ann stifled a grin. She needed Lillian to understand that there was no chance of courtship with Eli Detweiler. “This is not a date tonight, but I am well aware that everyone is trying to play matchmaker between me and Eli.” She shrugged. “I suppose in some ways that makes sense. We are both alone, without spouses. But . . .” She held up one finger. “That does not mean that we are anything alike. And besides, Lillian, I am still mourning Ivan.”
Lillian reached over and patted Katie Ann’s hand. “I know, sweetie.” Lillian quickly sat taller and grinned. “But he sure is handsome, and Vera said Elam’s cousin would be a great catch. Did you know his wife died seventeen years ago and he raised his six children alone since then?”
Katie Ann stiffened again. “Ya. I know. And he is very proud of his accomplishments.”
Lillian put her elbows on the table and laid her chin in her hands. She spoke softly. “Don’t you think he should be a tad bit proud?”
“I don’t mean to sound harsh, Lillian. I’m sure he did a wonderful job, but I’m not ready to date anyone, and if I was, I don’t think it would be Eli.”
“I wouldn’t rule him out so quickly, mei sister.”
Katie Ann waved her hand in the air. “Never mind about Eli. I need to talk to you about something else.”
Lillian’s eyes widened. “What is it?”
Katie Ann took a deep breath. “It’s about Lucy Turner.”
Lillian grimaced. “What about her?”
“She sent me a letter a couple of weeks ago.” Katie Ann watched Lillian’s left eyebrow lift. “And she is coming to visit me.”
“What for?” Lillian placed her palms flat on the table. “She doesn’t need to come here for anything. I’d like to get my hands on that woman and—”
“Lillian!”
“I know, I know. It’s not our way. But I’d still like to rough her up a bit.” It was endearing the way Lillian had always been protective of Katie Ann, even if sometimes her old Englisch ways rose to the surface. “Did she say in the letter why she’s coming?”
“To discuss an urgent matter.” Katie Ann shrugged. “I have no idea w
hat could be so pressing. And, Lillian . . . I haven’t told anyone about the letter. Not even Martha.”
“Can’t blame you there. Martha would camp out at your house, and I wouldn’t put it past her to follow through and take that—that woman—to the woodshed for a gut licking!”
They were both quiet for a moment as Jonas squirmed, but he quickly grew still, sleeping soundly.
“Anyway, it’s just bothering me. I don’t want Lucy coming here, but I’m so curious about why she’d even want to.”
“It’s bound to be driving you crazy.”
Katie Ann sniffed. “Lillian, is something burning?”
“Ach! Mei cookies!” She jumped up, and Katie Ann waited while she pulled a fresh batch of cookies from the oven and set them on a cooling rack. “There, that was the last batch,” she said as she sat back down. “Wow. You have a lot to think about. First the letter from Lucy, and now your date tonight.”
“Lillian, what did I say?” Katie Ann shook her head. “I’m sorry to disappoint everyone, but nothing is going to develop between me and Eli.”
“We shall see.”
Katie Ann loved to be around Lillian. Her sister-in-law was always cheerful and happy. She recalled what Martha had said about Eli. “He smiles a lot, Katie Ann. He’s happy.”
Well, good for Eli Detweiler. I’m happy too.
“Do you think you could watch Jonas for a few minutes?” Katie Ann leaned over her baby, who was still sleeping soundly. “I want to carry a few logs to the haus.”
Lillian put her hands on her hips. “I’m always ready to watch my little nephew, but you should let Samuel haul that wood for you.”
Katie Ann waved a hand at Lillian. “Nee, I will do it. I can use the exercise, and besides, Samuel probably feels like he has two fraas half the time, the way he’s always doing extra chores for me.”
“He loves you, Katie Ann. He doesn’t mind at all.”
“He’s a gut man, but I need to stretch my legs.” She kissed Jonas on the forehead as she stood up. “I’ll be back shortly. I just want to make sure we have plenty of logs tonight.”
“Ya, for sure.” Lillian winked. “For your date.”
Katie Ann playfully swatted Lillian before she left the room through the door in the kitchen.
Pulling the barn door open, she was surprised to see that Samuel had split even more wood since the last time she was out here, and her brother-in-law made sure the logs were small enough that both she and Lillian could carry them inside. Katie Ann liked to keep several in her rack by the fireplace and a few more in her small mudroom at the back of the house. She lifted two logs, cradling them in front of her, and turned to leave, but was startled by a movement to her left. The three horses didn’t seem bothered, nor did the laying hens or four pigs farther down the way. She stood perfectly still and silently prayed that it wasn’t a skunk.
She was getting ready to head out when she heard a tiny cry from the far corner of the barn, back behind where the shovels leaned in the corner. She eased the logs onto Samuel’s workbench, then headed toward the pitiful meow.
“Hello,” she said softly as she reached her hand out toward a small black cat. The little fellow cowered back even farther against the wall, his fur standing on end and his ears pulled back as if taped to his head. “It’s all right.” She squatted down until she was at eye level with the animal. Poor thing was shivering.
She stood up, picked up her logs, and went toward the house. When she returned, she brought an old blanket. She laid it in the far corner on the other side of the workbench atop a pile of hay. “There. You have your own bed now.”
Ivan had never liked cats, said all they were good for was keeping mice away. Barn cats, he called them. So Katie Ann had never had one for a pet. But Ivan wasn’t here anymore.
Katie Ann jumped when the cat dashed out from behind the shovel, then ran across the barn like its tail was on fire. She’d barely focused on the animal when it took off again down the aisle, horses on one side, pigs on the other. One of the hogs let out a snort, but otherwise, the cat went unnoticed. Katie Ann tiptoed down the aisle, but the cat had either gone out a stall window or was hiding. Either way, she decided, she was going to name her cat Dash.
IT WAS SIX thirty when Eli readied his cousin’s buggy to travel to Katie Ann’s for supper. He’d spent most of the previous day helping with cleanup after the wedding. Katie Ann had come to help, too, but the woman seemed to steer clear of him all day. But tonight there would be no avoiding each other. He’d thought about canceling, but he hadn’t been able to come up with a good excuse, plus Vera would have been awfully disappointed. She’d made reference to his supper plans several times throughout the day.
Everyone was playing matchmaker, but none of them knew that it was all in vain. Eli and Katie Ann were moving in different directions in life, and he wasn’t about to step onto a different path.
By the time he arrived at her house, it was straight up seven o’clock.
Martha answered the door. “Come in, Eli.”
Eli took note of her bright green britches, matching blouse, and big gold earrings. Her hair was bundled atop her head in a mass of brownish-gray curls, and bright red lipstick matched her fingernails. Clearly Katie Ann was close to this woman, but it seemed an unusual friendship.
“Danki,” Eli said as he moved into the living room, which he found instantly inviting. As with most Amish homes, the walls were white and there were no pictures hanging, but the focal point in Katie Ann’s living room was a large bookcase that spanned one wall. In addition to books, she had several potted ivies on the shelves, two candles, a lantern, and a basket full of yarn and knitting needles. A light brown couch faced two finely crafted rocking chairs, and there was a small coffee table in front of the couch. A propane lamp lit the area, and Eli breathed in the aroma of what must be the chicken lasagna.
“Hello, Eli.” Katie Ann stopped a few feet in front of him. “Can I get you some iced tea or kaffi?”
“Tea, please.” He smiled, suddenly wondering what he was doing here. She was bound to know this was a setup, and he had no business leading her on.
“Let me take your coat.” Martha held out a hand, and Eli removed his long black coat and black felt hat. She hung them on a rack by the door, then pointed to the couch. “You have yourself a seat, and I’ll go see if Katie Ann has everything ready.”
Martha disappeared around the corner too, but instead of sitting down, Eli found his way to the bookshelves and gingerly ran his hand along the titles. In addition to novels, she had a large collection of books on parenting. He turned when he heard footsteps.
Katie Ann handed him a glass of tea.
“Danki.” He nodded toward his left. “You have a fine collection of books.”
“I like to read when I have time.”
A slow smile trembled over her lips, and Eli could tell that she was nervous. He stroked his beard, studying her.
Martha’s voice broke the trance. “Supper’s ready! Come and get it!”
Eli couldn’t help but grin at the woman’s loud voice booming from the other room. But Katie Ann laughed, and it was everything he could do not to tell her how pretty she was when she smiled.
“Forgive Martha.” Katie Ann scratched her forehead, grinning. “She’s the best friend I have, but we are working on her manners.”
Eli just smiled, and Katie Ann motioned with her hand for him to follow her. Martha was already seated at the table.
After they were seated, and following silent prayer, Martha scooped a generous portion of lasagna onto Eli’s plate first, then Katie Ann’s.
“Help yourself to some salad and bread, Eli.” Martha pushed the serving bowl closer to Eli from where she was seated across the table.
“Little Jonas in bed for the night?” Eli scooped some salad from the bowl.
Katie Ann sighed. “He doesn’t sleep through the night, but his tummy troubles have been better.”
Eli nodded but didn�
�t say anything. He already felt he’d been a bit boastful.
“This lasagna is very gut, Martha,” Eli said after he swallowed his first bite.
“Yeah, it’s not bad.” Martha grinned. “Our Katie Ann is the real cook around here.”
Eli glanced to his right at Katie Ann, whose cheeks flushed slightly.
He’d almost cleaned his plate and was considering a second helping when someone knocked at the door.
Katie Ann excused herself.
After several long minutes of silence with Martha, the older woman finished her lasagna. “I’d better go see who’s here and what’s taking our girl so long.” She flashed a toothy smile and pushed back her chair.
Our girl? Eli wondered again if this was a mistake. But the lasagna was excellent. He piled another helping on his plate but stopped cold when Martha bellowed from the next room.
“I don’t care why you need to talk to Katie Ann. You have no business coming here!”
Four
“STOP IT, MARTHA.” KATIE ANN CLENCHED HER hands into fists at her sides and wished Martha hadn’t overheard her call her visitor by name. Even though Martha had never met the woman, she’d certainly heard a lot about her. Katie Ann wasn’t sure what was worse—Lucy Turner on the doorstep, Martha yelling, or the fact that Eli Detweiler could hear everything from the kitchen.
“You got a lot of nerve showing up here unannounced.” Martha leaned around Katie Ann, her face twisted, her voice loud.
Katie Ann, holding a lantern, could barely see Lucy’s face by the dim light. But even in the darkness, she recognized the deceitful blue eyes of the woman who’d stolen her husband. “Now is not a gut time, Lucy.”
Lucy pulled her black jacket snug. “Didn’t you get my letter telling you I was coming?”
“What letter?” Martha glared at Katie Ann. “Did you get a letter from this tramp?”
“Martha! Stop it.” Katie Ann heard footsteps and briefly wondered if this situation could get any worse.
