Seasons of an Amish Garden

by Amy Clipston

  “Of course I forgive you.” He cupped his hand to her cheek, and she leaned into his touch. “I’m just sorry that I hurt you. I only wanted to help.”

  “You did help.” She blinked back tears. “You made me realize how wrong I’ve been about everything. I apologized to Ephraim and Mandy, and they forgave me. Mandy said she’s going to make time for me, and we’re going to talk more later. Danki for making me realize that my relationship with her and Ephraim will change, but I won’t lose them. I guess relationships are like gardens. We need to water them and weed them to keep them healthy, and then they’ll continue to grow. It takes dedication and work, but it’s worth it.”

  He smiled as he rubbed her cheek. “That’s very true.”

  She studied his handsome face as she recalled their last conversation. “Did you mean what you said?”

  “Did I mean what?”

  “When you said you loved me?”

  He nodded. “Of course I meant it.”

  “Gut.” She smiled. “Because I love you too.”

  Leaning down, Chris brushed his lips against hers, and the butterflies in her stomach crashed together. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of his kiss, his warmth wrapping around her like a comfortable blanket.

  “Ich liebe dich,” he whispered in her ear, and his breath stirred the tiny hairs on her neck.

  “I love you too,” she said. “Danki for believing in me.”

  On Sunday afternoon, Katie Ann smiled as she sat on a grassy hill next to Mandy while Chris and Ephraim played volleyball with youth group members.

  “It’s the perfect day.” Mandy tented her hand over her eyes.

  “Ya, it is.” Katie Ann looked at her. “I’m so froh we worked things out. I really did miss you.”

  “I missed you too.” Mandy touched Katie Ann’s arm. “I promise I won’t let anything come between us again. If you start to feel like I’m pulling away, let me know, okay?”

  “I will.” Katie Ann looked at the makeshift volleyball court on the Beiler family’s meadow. Chris served the ball with a perfect flourish.

  Mandy scooted closer to Katie Ann. “How are things with Chris?”

  “Great.” Katie Ann felt her smile widen. “I’ve never been happier.” Her thoughts turned to Mandy’s relationship with her brother. Even if it might be awkward, she should ask. “How about you and Ephraim?”

  Mandy shrugged and then laughed. “Perfect.”

  “Great.”

  They talked about their boyfriends for a few minutes until the volleyball game broke up and the men joined them.

  Chris dropped down beside Katie Ann on the grass. “Were you impressed by my volleyball skills?” He took a drink from the bottle of water she’d kept for him.

  “Of course.” She rested her head on his shoulder, and Chris kissed the top of her head.

  She smiled up at him and then glanced at Mandy and Ephraim, who were so obviously in love.

  Closing her eyes, she silently thanked God, not just for the opportunity to serve her community with the special garden, but because he’d used it to bring her and Chris together.

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1.Katie Ann feels invisible when Ephraim and Mandy are together. Think of a time when you felt lost and alone. Where did you find your strength? What Bible verses would help?

  2.Chris tries to encourage Katie Ann to accept how her relationship with her brother is changing by sharing a story of how his relationship with his brother changed when Arlan started dating and then got married. Can you relate to his story? Share this with the group.

  3.The youth in Emma’s community started a garden in memory of her late husband and to raise money for the local homeless shelter. Have you ever been involved in a local community project? What was it?

  4.Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Was it Katie Ann, Mandy, Chris, or someone else?

  5.Emma tells Katie Ann a story about how her friend Sally was jealous when she started dating Henry. Then she encourages Katie Ann to apologize to Mandy, Ephraim, and Christian. Do you agree with Emma’s assessment of the situation? Why or why not?

  6.Katie Ann realizes at the end of the story that she overreacted when she yelled at Mandy, Ephraim, and Chris. What do you think caused her to change her point of view throughout the story?

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  As always, I’m grateful for my loving family, including my mother, Lola Goebelbecker; my husband, Joe; and my sons, Zac and Matt.

  Special thanks to my mother and my dear friend Becky Biddy, who graciously proofread the draft and corrected my hilarious typos.

  I’m also grateful for my special Amish friend who patiently answers my endless stream of questions. You’re a blessing in my life.

  Thank you to my wonderful church family at Morning Star Lutheran in Matthews, North Carolina, for your encouragement, prayers, love, and friendship. You all mean so much to my family and me.

  Thank you to Zac Weikal and the fabulous members of my Bakery Bunch! I’m so grateful for your friendship and your excitement about my books. You all are awesome!

  To my agent, Natasha Kern—I can’t thank you enough for your guidance, advice, and friendship. You are a tremendous blessing in my life.

  Thank you to my amazing editor, Jocelyn Bailey, for your friendship and guidance. I’m grateful to each and every person at HarperCollins Christian Publishing who helped make this book a reality.

  I’m grateful to editor Jean Bloom, who helped me polish and refine the story. Jean, you are a master at connecting the dots and filling in the gaps. I’m so happy we can continue to work together!

  Thank you most of all to God—for giving me the inspiration and the words to glorify you. I’m grateful and humbled you’ve chosen this path for me.

  HOME BY SUMMER

  For my wonderful agent, Natasha Kern, with love

  GLOSSARY

  ach: oh

  aenti: aunt

  appeditlich: delicious

  bedauerlich: sad

  boppli: baby

  brot: bread

  bruder: brother

  bruders: brothers

  bruderskinner: nieces/nephews

  bu: boy

  buwe: boys

  daadi: grandfather

  danki: thank you

  dat: dad

  dochder: daughter

  dochdern: daughters

  Dummle!: Hurry!

  fraa: wife

  freind: friend

  freinden: friends

  froh: happy

  gegisch: silly

  gern gschehne: you’re welcome

  Gude mariye: Good morning

  gut: good

  Gut nacht: Good night

  haus: house

  Ich liebe dich: I love you

  kaffi: coffee

  kapp: prayer covering or cap

  kichli: cookie

  kichlin: cookies

  kinner: children

  krank: ill

  kuche: cake

  kuchen: cakes

  kumm: come

  liewe: love, a term of endearment

  maed: young women, girls

  maedel: young woman

  mamm: mom

  mammi: grandmother

  mei: my

  naerfich: nervous

  narrisch: crazy

  oncle: uncle

  schee: pretty

  schmaert: smart

  schtupp: family room

  schweschder: sister

  schweschdere: sisters

  sohn: son

  Was iss letz?: What’s wrong?

  Wie geht’s: How do you do? or Good day!

  wunderbaar: wonderful

  ya: yes

  FAMILY TREE

  Featuring The Christmas Cat novella characters from the collection An Amish Christmas Love.

  Thelma m. Alfred Bender

  Mandy

  Rhoda

  Leona m.
Marlin Blank

  Darlene m. Uria Swarey

  Ephraim

  Katie Ann

  Emma m. Henry (deceased) Bontrager

  Hank the Cat

  Darlene m. Uria Swarey

  Savannah

  Rebekah

  Marietta m. Roman Hertzler

  Clara

  Gertrude m. Elvin King

  Wayne

  Feenie m. Jeptha Lantz

  Arlan

  Christian

  Saloma m. Floyd Petersheim

  Jerry

  Biena

  CHAPTER 1

  Oh no!”

  Clara Hertzler dropped another ripe red strawberry into her basket as she looked toward Emma Bontrager’s house. The Beiler sisters were standing by the water spigot near the back porch, staring at it. Clara wiped her hands down her black apron, lifted her full basket, and headed their way.

  The hot early June sun beat down on her neck as she caught up to Rosalyn and Ellen.

  “Try it again,” Ellen said as she pointed to the faucet.

  “I did try it,” Rosalyn snapped. “It doesn’t work.”

  “Is the faucet broken?” Clara asked as she set the basket on the edge of the porch.

  “Ya, I think so. What are we going to do now? How are we going to water our crops?” Rosalyn gestured toward the half-acre garden their area youth tended so they could raise money for charity in memory of Emma’s late husband, Henry.

  “We’ll carry the water cans into the kitchen and fill them there,” Clara said. “We’ll just have to make do until we can get a plumber here.”

  “Why do we need a plumber?” Ephraim Blank asked as he approached with his girlfriend, Mandy Bender, in tow.

  “The spigot stopped working.” Ellen pointed to it.

  “When did that happen?” Ephraim bent down and began to examine it.

  “Just a few minutes ago,” Rosalyn said. “I was going to fill my can and start watering the lettuce beds.”

  “Have you ever fixed a spigot?” Mandy asked Ephraim. A smile tugged at her lips.

  “No.” Ephraim shook his head as he fiddled with the handle. “But it can’t be too difficult, can it?”

  “Ya, it can be.” Mandy crossed her arms over her black apron. “You don’t want to make it worse and then cause a big plumbing mess for Emma, do you? Remember, this is Emma’s haus, not yours.”

  Clara held back a snort as Ephraim glared at his girlfriend.

  “I’m going to go wash these strawberries and get them ready to sell at the stand.” Clara glanced at Mandy. “You might want to ask Wayne if he knows a plumber. His dat seems to have a lot of contacts in the community.”

  “That’s a gut idea.” Mandy tapped Ephraim’s shoulder. “Why don’t we find a professional?”

  Ephraim heaved a loud sigh. “You have very little faith in me, mei liewe.”

  “I do have faith in you, but I think we should find the right person to fix the spigot.” Mandy grinned, her face lighting up.

  Clara smiled as she carried the basket up the porch steps. She could see how Ephraim couldn’t resist Mandy, with her gorgeous hair the color of sunshine and her beautiful eyes a striking blue. She wasn’t exactly jealous of Mandy and Ephraim’s relationship, but she often wondered if she’d ever find someone who would love her the way Ephraim obviously loved Mandy.

  It seemed as if love was in the air. Her close friend Katie Ann, Ephraim’s younger sister, had met and fallen in love with Chris Lantz in the spring.

  Pretty soon I’ll be the only maedel in my baptism class who isn’t engaged or married.

  Clara stepped into the kitchen and made her way to the sink. God would reveal his plan for her soon enough. In the meantime, she would enjoy these days of fun and friendship.

  “Look at those schee strawberries!” Emma clapped her hands as she appeared beside Clara. Her warm brown eyes sparkled as she picked up a bright-red strawberry and examined it. Although she was in her late sixties, Clara and Katie Ann frequently marveled that Emma looked much younger with her youthful face and the dark hair that revealed only a hint of gray. “We’ve been blessed with such a wunderbaar crop this summer.”

  “I know.” Clara nodded as she began to wash the strawberries. “I don’t think we’ll have any trouble selling these at the roadside stand. After subtracting our expenses, we’ve already raised more than six hundred dollars to give to the Bird-in-Hand Shelter. I’m so thankful the garden has been such a success.”

  “I am too.” Emma pulled out the drainboard. “Let me help you. We can put these in the plastic containers and then take some of them down to the stand right away.”

  “Danki.” Clara’s thoughts turned to the outside spigot. “The faucet outside isn’t working. We need a plumber.”

  “Really?” Emma turned toward her.

  “Ya. Rosalyn and Ellen were trying to fill their watering cans, but there was no water pressure.” When Emma’s forehead pinched, Clara added, “The garden committee will take care of the cost.”

  “Oh, I’m not concerned about that.” Emma waved off the comment. “I just hate the inconvenience.”

  “We’ll manage. We can just bring our watering cans in here to fill them.” As Clara washed another strawberry, she felt something soft rub against her leg, and she looked down at Emma’s fat, orange tabby cat and grinned. “Hi, Hank.”

  Hank invited himself to move in with Emma on Christmas Eve during a snowstorm, and despite her efforts to shoo him away, Hank had stayed, becoming the widow’s sweet and constant companion.

  “I’m surprised Hank isn’t outside helping with the weeding,” Clara said.

  “He was outside earlier, but he came in for a snack. Sometimes I wonder if he likes to come inside to check on me.” Emma smiled down at the cat before she began drying the strawberries and setting them in the clear plastic containers they used to sell them.

  “I’m sure he does check on you.” Clara opened her mouth to make another comment about the cat, but then the loud put-put-puttering sound of an engine blasted through the kitchen windows. “What on earth is that?”

  Clara moved to the far window and peeked out as an older-looking, mint-green pickup truck stopped at the top of the driveway. The engine died with a loud sputter before the driver’s side door opened, and a tall man with sandy-blond hair, mirrored sunglasses, tan cargo shorts, and a blue T-shirt emerged from the truck’s cab.

  “Emma,” Clara said, tossing the words over her shoulder, “do you know an Englisher who drives a mint-green pickup truck?”

  “No, I don’t think I do.” Emma sidled next to her. “He doesn’t look familiar.”

  Wayne King, Ephraim, and Mandy all walked over to the truck, and the men shook the driver’s hand. Clara stared at the mysterious guest. He looked familiar to her, but she wasn’t sure why.

  When Biena Petersheim came around from the other side of the truck and stepped toward Mandy, Clara gasped in recognition. “Oh, my goodness! It’s Jerry Petersheim!”

  “Jerry Petersheim?” Emma asked. “You mean Saloma and Floyd’s sohn?”

  “Ya. He looks so different from when we went to school and youth group together. I know he isn’t Amish anymore, but it still feels strange to see him dressed like an Englisher.” She leaned forward on the windowsill as she took in Jerry’s appearance. He was taller—much taller. He used to match Clara’s five feet seven, but now he stood just under Ephraim’s six feet. And he seemed more muscular as he leaned against his truck and crossed his arms over his wide chest.

  Although Clara saw Jerry’s parents and younger sister in church every other week, she hadn’t seen him there in five years. When she had occasionally spotted him around town dressed like an Englisher, she’d longed to understand what had caused him to leave the faith and abandon the culture into which they had both been born and raised.

  She marveled once again at how English he looked. Jerry wasn’t dressed like Ephraim and Wayne, with their broadfall trousers, plain button-dow
n shirts, and suspenders. And while Ephraim and Wayne both wore their hair in a traditional bowl cut, Jerry sported a fancier Englisher hairstyle, long on top and short on the sides and in the back.

  New confusion washed over Clara as she studied her old friend. Why had Jerry left their faith? He’d seemed happy enough when they were in school, but when his younger sister joined the church two years ago, he wasn’t even there. Why would Jerry choose to be English? His parents and Biena never said.

  “Clara?” Emma touched her arm. “Are you okay?”

  “Ya.” Clara forced a smile as she looked at Emma. “I’m just surprised to see Jerry here. I’ve spotted him in town a few times, but we were never close enough to speak.”

  The storm door opened and clicked shut before Biena stepped into the kitchen. “Clara!” She rushed over and hugged her. “How are you? I told you at church that I’d come today.” At nineteen, Biena was four years younger than Clara, and the sandy-blond hair that peeked out from her prayer covering reminded Clara of Jerry’s. But her eyes weren’t as bright blue as Clara remembered his eyes were.

  “Ya, you did. I’m so glad you could make it.”

  “How are you, Emma?” Biena turned to the older woman and hugged her too.

  “It’s nice to see you,” Emma said. “Are you here to help with the garden?”

  “Ya, I am.” Biena’s smile widened. “I heard a few other members of my youth group talking about it, and I wanted to come out.” She pointed toward the back door. “Mandy said I might be able to help you with the strawberries. She said we can package them up and then take them out to the stand.”

  “That’s a great idea.” Clara motioned for Biena to join them at the sink. “We’ll have this done in no time at all.” As she washed more strawberries, Biena and Emma dried them and put them in the containers. Her mind spun with questions about Jerry. “I’m so surprised to see your bruder here.”

  “Ya. He agreed to drop me off.” Biena closed a full container of strawberries. “When he saw Ephraim and Wayne were here, he decided to visit with them.”