“She was the love of my life.” His voice was raspy, tight with emotion. “I’m grateful for that. Sarah was like a sun at the center of the universe. She gave off more light in one day than some people share in a lifetime.”
“She was a bright light. I’m glad your sorrow didn’t rob you of all your faith.”
“I’m back on track. I need to keep my head screwed on straight for my girls.”
The image of a head being screwed on seemed cartoonish to Miriam, but Sully was right. “Your girls need you to be a steady influence for them.”
He nodded. “But what you’re giving them here—a family—that’s what they need most right now.”
“Mem!” Essie’s arms were full of serving bowls as she passed the grill. “The ribs are going to burn!”
“I got distracted!” Miriam said, hurrying back to the grill with a smile.
Sully was right behind her, the first to pick up the grill tool. “Sorry about that.” He turned a rib over with the tongs. “Looks perfect.” He started stacking the meat on a platter.
“All right, then. I’ll ring the dinner bell.” The sweet chime of the bell brought the children running in from the field and the older ones ambling over from the porch. Miriam sent the younger ones inside to wash their hands, and then they all settled at the table and bowed their heads.
Gratitude filled her from head to toe at the delicious smells of the supper and the animated faces of the folk gathered around her, asking for Gott’s blessing over their meal. Her own children, her trio of teen nieces, her pint-sized nieces and nephews, her dear friend Greta and brother-in-law Lloyd, husband, mother-in-law, and Sully, their special guest.
These were the people who filled her heart with love.
Her family.
Chapter Fifteen
For weeks, Serena spent every spare minute restoring the dresser. She had removed the drawer pulls and carefully applied two coats of chalk paint. Swishing the brush over every inch, she had let her mind relax into the beautiful new color that reminded her of tropical waters and cotton candy. And then she’d used a sanding sponge to distress the edges. And then the wax coating, and the new knobs. The work had been a kind of therapy for her, taking her mind off her old life, her schoolwork, and the social media friends who seemed unreal to her on the rare occasions when she checked her social media accounts.
It was late, but she still had a little time before Scout got here. She pulled on her sneakers, slipped one of Aunt Miriam’s knitted throws over her shoulders, and set off into the night. The battery lantern was stark and bright, making the ground before her look like some strange planet. This had been her nightly trek, out to the woodshop to spend a little more time on the restoration.
She smiled at the thought of everyone who had helped her. Scout and his mom. Essie and Harlan. Even Uncle Alvin had given her a ride to the hardware store to pick up knobs and flowered paper to line the drawers, and he’d seemed pleased with what she was doing. It had been a true team effort.
Serena had tried to pull her sisters in on the project, but their minds were elsewhere now that school had begun. Megan was working hard to get accepted into a good college, and Grace seemed to be biding her time until Dad would let her go home. “It’s fine here,” Grace had told their father when he’d driven out to deliver clothes and visit last weekend. “The family is really nice to me, and I’m glad to be with Megan and Serena, but I still want to go home.”
Home—that word again.
Right now Serena couldn’t imagine herself back in high school in Philadelphia. The pressure, the parties, the popularity contests . . . She didn’t really miss any of that. She did miss Dad, and his visit had been fun, but way too short. Of course, she didn’t like doing without cell service or a computer, and it would be heaven to sit and watch a TV show. But she figured those things would happen someday when she left Amish country.
The door to the woodshop opened smoothly now, having been oiled by Harlan, and she held the lantern inside before stepping in.
There it was—the finished dresser.
She put the lantern on the ground, snuggled into the blanket around her neck, and stared at her masterpiece. Two months ago, if someone had told her she’d pour her energy into restoring a piece of furniture, she would have looked at them cross-eyed.
Not tonight.
Tonight she was happy with her accomplishment, grateful for the convenience the dresser would provide, and delighted by its beauty. She had the ability to turn an ugly piece of furniture into something really nice. A frog transformed to a prince. It felt good, and it meant that much more because of the obstacles she’d faced.
There were so many responsibilities that tugged on her time here. Household chores like making her bed each morning and helping with the dishes after dinner and helping with the laundry on wash day. School had also been a time-sucker. Her English teacher wanted a book report every month, and Serena wasn’t a fast reader. But she had chosen a short book from the reading list and plowed through for September. Next month, she was determined to read To Kill a Mockingbird, even if it took extra time.
It didn’t help that she was sometimes tired in class from staying up late to see Scout. She usually managed to stay awake, unless there was a film, and all the lights went out. More recently she’d taken to napping after school to boost her energy for the best fifteen minutes of the day, the time she spent with Scout. She could tell he enjoyed being with her, too, but she didn’t want to pressure him too much by trying to pin down and define their relationship. For now, she was going with the flow.
She thought she heard a rumble outside, probably Scout’s truck. Looping the yellow blanket around her neck like a jaunty scarf, she picked up the lantern and headed toward the milking barn. The red taillights of the milk truck glowed like a beacon, guiding her across the farm’s wide lawn. The ground was bumpier in the dark, and a cool breeze stirred the leaves of trees lining the lane, scattering dried leaves, but nighttime on the farm didn’t scare her the way it once did. She was getting used to the quiet darkness, and even appreciated the country nights that revealed thousands of stars in the sky.
“Hey Serena, how’s it going?” Scout called as she drew close.
“How’d you know it was me?”
“That lantern gave you up.”
“Oh my gosh, I forgot I had it.” She held the lantern up, shaking her head. “Are you good on time tonight? I mean, can you get away for a minute?”
“Actually, I am a little bit ahead of schedule.”
“Come with me.” She waved him on. “There’s something I want to show you.”
As they walked, she told him that she’d completed the dresser. Her cousins, Pete and Paul, had been ready to haul it up to the bedroom so the girls could use it.
“But I asked them to wait one more day,” she said. “I wanted you to see it, especially since you were so instrumental in getting me started with the project.”
Scout shrugged. “I just knew my mom had a collection of old stuff that you might be able to fix up. You did all the hard work.”
“But you got me started, and you delivered the dresser here, and I’m really grateful.” Serena glanced over at Scout, but the darkness and the bill of his cap kept his face in shadow. “This is a new thing for me, this gratitude thing. I wasn’t quite this nice back in Philly.”
“Well, I’d say gratitude is a good fit for anyone.”
As they approached the woodshop, Serena felt a tingle of excitement. “Are you ready for the big reveal?” she asked. “We need a drum roll.”
Scout paused at the door. “How about this?” He started tapping rapidly on the doorframe. “Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the fine artistry of Serena Sullivan!”
She laughed. “I love it!” She pushed the door open and stepped inside with the lantern. “Ta-da!”
“Wow. I mean, wow! It’s really beautiful, Serena.”
“And practical too.” She stepped forward and opened and closed t
he top drawer, then the next one down. “Remember how the drawers used to stick? Now they glide, as smooth as silk.”
“Who fixed them?”
“Essie’s boyfriend Harlan. He’s really good with carpentry. That’s his job. And you know what? While they were helping me, I got to know them better. We sort of bonded. Did you know Harlan’s father left his family years ago, and he hasn’t been heard from since?”
Scout ran his palm over the waxed surface of the dresser. “I didn’t know that.”
“And Essie told me on the sly that he’s been trying to find his dad, but no one has any leads for him. It makes me sad for Harlan, but he just powers through it.”
“That must be tough. Well, you did a great job, and now you have two new friends and a dresser to show for it.”
She threw her arms out wide. “I can’t wait to start using this, but I have to say, I’m going to miss having a project. It was time-consuming, but the work was sort of therapeutic. You know?”
He nodded. “Work can be good for the soul. In your case, the end product is pretty spectacular. Looks like you found your hidden potential. I believe there are special abilities in all of us. You just need to find them.”
“That is so sweet.” She gave him a playful nudge. “I think you might be right.”
“I’m going to take some photos to show Mom. She’ll be thrilled that one of her furniture rejects has been transformed.”
Serena basked in the joy of accomplishment as Scout took out his cell and photographed the dresser from different angles. Funny, but she’d taken on the dresser as a way to get closer to Scout. In the long run, she’d learned how to find some alone time with peace in her heart.
“I can’t get a signal here, but I’ll send them to Mom later,” Scout said.
“I’ll let you get back.” She picked up the lantern. “We need to keep the milk truck on schedule.”
Walking back beside Scout, in the limited light of the lantern, Serena’s senses were alive. The coolness of the air, the smell of damp leaves, the warmth of his body beside her. There was a coziness between them, as if they were the only two people on earth.
“I was just thinking,” Scout said. “Since you liked working on the furniture, and my mother has a garage full, maybe she’ll want to give you a few more pieces to work on. You could sell them when you’re done, and give her a share of the money.”
Serena whirled toward him. “That would be great!”
“I’ll talk with her tomorrow.”
They were no longer walking, but faced each other on the broad lawn in front of the house. Scout reached toward her, his arm brushing her shoulder for a moment as he pulled the knit blanket back in place. “Your shawl was falling off,” he said, smoothing it over her shoulder.
His touch left a sweet, tingling sensation in its wake. It gave her the nerve to step closer to him and place her free hand on his chest.
Her palm glided over the buttons of his denim shirt as she drank in his gaze. “You have such a good heart.” She pressed her hand closer. “I can feel it beating.”
He smiled. “Beating a little fast. That happens when I’m with you.”
“Aw.” She leaned into him, and he touched his fingertips to her cheek. She longed to toss the lantern aside and throw her arms around him, but the lantern might break, and she couldn’t do that to her aunt and uncle. “Thanks for your help, Scout. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. Friends help friends.” He cupped her cheek, staring down at her with affection.
“But we’re more than friends,” she said. “Everything is special when we’re together. The world is, I don’t know, kind of sugar-coated. Covered in glitter.”
He sighed. “You’re really wearing down my resolve to keep this friendly.”
“Good.” Her free hand reached up to his shoulder as she rose up on tiptoes. Holding her breath, she let her eyes close as she lifted her lips to his.
The brush of his lips stirred feelings inside her, but it was a fleeting touch. A butterfly kiss.
Disappointed, she was lowering herself to her heels when his arms surrounded her and lifted her off her feet. The second kiss was deeper and more fulfilling. Her lips parted slightly, and he let her in, allowing her a connection to the vibrant energy that defined him. He was a tall, grand tree in the forest. A mountain of rock that held the wisdom of the ages. A river cutting through stone and field, ever moving, ever changing.
One kiss, and she felt that she knew him that well.
Chapter Sixteen
The late September sun was not quite warm enough to chase away the chill in the air as Essie drove the buggy out of town. Serena sat beside her, a fine companion on a busy day. Their horse Comet walked past the bank, where Essie and Harlan often enjoyed easing through the drive-through lane. Essie would have liked to stop and deposit the money tucked into her shoe....
But not today. That could wait until Essie was in town with Harlan. Today Essie and Serena had just delivered items to a shop in Joyful River, and both girls were abuzz with excitement over their new cottage businesses.
“I’m just texting Scout and his mom to tell them the news and see if Bonnie has any more nightstands and small tables.” All business, Serena’s fingers tapped her phone. “Everyone seems to want small, light furniture.”
“It takes up less space in the shop, and it’s easier to move,” Essie said. While waiting at a traffic light, she pulled the blanket onto her lap, though Serena waved it off. Dressed in blue jeans, boots, and a short, red and blue jacket that said “Phillies” on the back, Serena probably didn’t notice the cool gusts of wind that made it clear autumn was here. When she was floating on a cloud of excitement, Serena didn’t notice much.
“Did you hear what she wants to charge for the furniture?” Serena said. “And she loved the robin’s egg blue paint. I bet those nightstands will sell in no time.”
“I bet they will,” Essie agreed. They had just dropped off a case of strawberry rhubarb jam and two pieces of furniture at Joyful Gems. Janice had been thrilled to have the items. “Bring me more!” she had said. Shifting her feet on the floor of the buggy, Essie could feel the wad of money Janice had given her, safely tucked away in her shoe. The second case of Essie’s jam had sold out quickly, as had the jam placed in other boutiques in nearby towns.
Last Saturday when Harlan had come courting, he and Essie had gone over the numbers together and hugged each other in glee. With the way they were making money, they would reach the goal in their savings account within a month.
That meant one wonderful good thing.
“We’re getting married in November,” Harlan had said, taking her hands and planting a kiss on her knuckles.
“Gott in heaven has blessed us,” Essie had said, tucking away their bank statement into a little book the bank had given them. “Our marriage is truly meant to be.” She had leaned into Harlan, settling in as he put his arm around her. “I have to admit that I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment for years.”
“It feels that way because it has been years,” Harlan had teased her.
“Well, you’re worth waiting for, Harlan Yoder.” She had tipped her face up to his, and their lips had touched in a sweet kiss.
“We’ll tell our parents next week, before September’s out,” he had said. “I know it doesn’t give them much time for planning, but they’ll have to make do.”
“Planning?” She had laughed, so joyful that their dreams were about to come true. “There’s been lots of planning going on, even without our announcement. My mem has a garden full of celery and a gaggle of friends who will cook and bake and clean for our big day.”
“How did she know?” he had asked. “Did you tell her?”
“A mother can tell when her daughter’s fallen in love,” Essie had said, nuzzling his smooth chin with her nose.
“Then she’s wiser than I knew.” Harlan had paused, scratching his head. “Do you th
ink my mem knows, too?”
“I’m sure she does,” Essie had said with a smile.
Harlan was smart and precise when it came to woodworking, fitting a dowel, or carving a flower. But when it came to the behavior of those around him, he was like a horse with blinders on, focusing only on the road in front of him.
Thinking back on that special moment, Essie smiled, her heart content as she listened to the clip-clop of Comet’s hooves on the road.
Come November, she’d be Harlan’s wife.
She realized Serena was still chatting about Scout and his mother and refinishing furniture, and she forced herself to concentrate on what her cousin was saying.
“As soon as those pieces sell, I’m going to pay Harlan for his work,” Serena said. “Thank you so much for helping me deliver them to the store!”
“You know I’ll do what I can to help you,” Essie said.
“Aw!” Serena threw her arms around Essie, who had to stretch her neck to the side to concentrate on driving. “I love you, cuz!”
“Me too.” Essie was surprised by the sudden affection while sitting in the driver’s seat of the buggy, but she hugged her cousin back. There was no denying the happiness brimming over in her heart as Serena hugged her. When her cousins had arrived a month ago, appearing so odd and scary and pushy, Essie had gritted her teeth and vowed to endure them. By the grace of Gott, the days and weeks had taught her new ways to find common ground with other people. She’d learned to help the girls in small ways and to enjoy the kindness and love that had developed as their hearts had slowly softened to Amish living.
“When we get home, we’ll start planning our next furniture project,” Serena said. “And maybe we should ask Harlan what he thinks a fair price is for his help?”
“We could do that,” Essie said, slowing the horse at the sight of red taillights on the road ahead.
“And you should get a part of it for all your help. We’ll figure out your cut when the nightstands sell,” Serena said. “For now, just know that some money is coming to you and Harlan.” Serena turned to Essie, her cheeks rosy and her eyes bright. “I just can’t thank you guys enough. I love this furniture thing. I mean, I think it saved me from a dreaded job in the pretzel factory. Phew! But most of all, I love doing it. I feel like a famous designer, scoping out each piece and deciding how it should look. It’s so artistic. I’ve found my thing!”
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