A Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (6 page)

A
nna Mae clutched the letter and sank into the kitchen chair. Tears filled her eyes as she studied the words written in Kathryn’s beautiful cursive writing.

She reread the letter and sniffed, tears flowing from her eyes.

“Annie?” Kellan crossed the kitchen and crouched beside her chair. “Honey, what’s wrong?” He wiped tears from her hot cheeks with the tip of his finger.

“
Mamm
misses me,” she whispered, holding out the letter to him. “She misses me like I miss her. And my sister Vera wants to see me too. I miss my sisters so much.”

While he read the letter, Anna Mae rubbed her abdomen and lost herself in memories of her family — the delicious smell of freshly baked bread in her mother’s kitchen, the roar of her brother and cousins roughhousing in the yard, the
clip-clop
of horses coming up the lane with buggies packed with visitors. She wanted her child to experience all of that — all she loved and missed about being Amish.

Kellan met her gaze and kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy for you. I hope this visit gives you the peace and love you need from your family. If God sent Kathryn a sign, He is also sending us a sign that we need to go.”

“Thank you! I’m so glad you agree!” She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he shifted his weight and chuckled.

“You’re going to sweep me off my feet again, Annie.” He took her hands in his and smiled. “You nearly knocked me over.”

“I’m going to write her back tonight and tell her that we’ll be there on the twenty-second.” She hoisted herself from the chair and crossed the kitchen. “I only have a couple weeks until we go. I have so much to do.” She fished a notepad and pen from a drawer and began a list. “We’ll have to bring gifts for all of the children. I’m not quite sure what, though.” She jotted down ideas for gifts, including candies and small toys.

“Gifts for all of the kids?” Kellan stood behind her. “How can we buy for all your relatives, Annie? Aren’t there hundreds of kids now?”

Glancing up, she laughed. “I don’t expect hundreds, but, yes, there are many children in the Beiler family. And I’ll bring them little gifts, like candy and small toys. Don’t worry; I won’t break our budget. I’ll visit the Dollar Mart in
town after my quilting circle meeting.” She jotted a few more things down on the list and then looked up. “Maybe we can run to the store tonight after supper. I think they’re open late, and I’ll need your help with the bags.”

A smile spread across his lips. “I have an idea. How about we go to our favorite steak place and then go shopping?”

“Steak and shrimp?” She glanced down at her abdomen. “How does that sound, Butterbean?”

“Butterbean?” Kellan raised an eyebrow.

“I thought it was a cuter name than Lug Nut. I think Lug Nut sounds like a boy, and Butterbean could be a boy or a girl.” She rubbed her belly. “Let me get my purse and we can head out.” She kissed his cheek on her way to the hall.

Her heart skipped a beat as she thought of seeing her family again. She couldn’t wait to hug her mother, Kathryn, and her sisters. And she hoped her father would be happy to see her too.

Thursday evening, Kathryn slipped the letter into her apron pocket and pulled plates from the cabinet in preparation for supper. A smile turned up the corners of her lips as she placed a bag of rolls onto the table. In less than two weeks, she would see her sister-in-law for the first time in three years, and her visit would bring the Beiler family together once again. The plan would come together solely due to Kathryn’s efforts. If she were a proud person, Kathryn would gloat.

The letter outlined Anna Mae’s plans. She and Kellan would check in at the Paradise B&B the afternoon of Wednesday, December 22, and have dinner with Kathryn
and her family that night. Depending on how they were received, they would stay till Christmas, visiting and reconnecting with family and friends.

Kathryn’s smile deepened. Mary Rose, Vera, and some of the other relatives would be ecstatic when they saw Anna Mae, and they would have Kathryn to thank for it.

But how would David feel about her going against his wishes? Would he feel betrayed? Her smile transformed to a frown, for she knew the answer to those questions. David hadn’t mentioned Anna Mae since their last strained conversation. He would certainly be angry when Anna Mae arrived at their home, but she believed in her heart that he would forgive her soon after seeing his sister.

The back door squeaked open, revealing David entering the kitchen. He crossed the room to the sink and washed his hands. “The
kinner
are on their way in from the barn.”

“I bet they’re hungry,” she said, placing a block of cheese on the table. She then grabbed a pot of soup from the stove. “I made some chicken noodle soup. It’s cold out there,
ya
?”

“
Ya
,” he said, drying his hands. “It’s hard to believe
Grischtdaag
is only a few weeks away. The boys were just discussing what gifts they hope to find on the table Christmas morning. It feels like only yesterday it was summer. Where did the year go?”

“I don’t know.” Kathryn grabbed a stack of bowls. “It seems like the years pass by quicker, the older we get.” She yanked open the drawer and reached for a handful of spoons and then placed the bowls and utensils on the table.

He snickered. “
Ya
. Some days I feel eighty instead of almost forty.” Stopping her on her way back to the table, he
pulled her into his arms and brushed his lips across hers, sending her stomach into a wild swirl. “But then you make me feel young again.”

Kathryn wrapped her arms around his neck and inhaled his scent, earth mixed with soap. “Ich
liebe dich
, David.”
And please forgive me for planning your sister’s visit behind your back
.

He took her face in his hands and his eyes were full of love. “Katie, I thank God for you and our
kinner
every day. This year I’m most thankful for you and our life together.”

She swallowed as the guilt of her secrecy rained down on her, then forced a smile. “
Danki
. I thank God for you daily too.”
And I hope you’ll still trust me after Anna Mae’s visit
.

His eyes studied hers. “You all right?”

“Ya.”
She turned toward the counter. “I was just thinking about everything I need to do before
Grischtdaag
. I must get to the market. I’ll need to see if Nina Janitz can take me shopping.” She rooted around in a drawer in search of a notepad and a pencil. “I have to make a list.”

“Katie.” David took her hands in his. “Look at me.”

She met his gaze, her heart pounding with a mixture of guilt and anxiety.
“Ya
?”

He traced her face, from forehead to chin, with his fingertip. “Was
iss letz, mei liewe
?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” she said, her voice quavering.

His brown eyes continued to probe hers, and her mouth dried. How was it that he could read her so well? She searched for something to say to change the subject.

“I wonder what’s taking the
kinner
so long,” she said. “Should you go check on them? Amanda and Lizzie are upstairs
working on a sewing project. I’ll go call them again.” She started for the stairs, and he took her arm and pulled her back.

“Wait,” he said, looking concerned. “If something is bothering you, you can tell me. There should be no secrets between a man and his
fraa
.”

She sighed. She had to tell him the truth, and now was the appropriate time. “David, I just wish you would reconsider your thoughts on Anna Mae’s visit.”

His concerned look transformed to a grimace. “I told you that this subject was closed. We’ll go visit her in the spring. Now, please drop it.”

She scowled. “Why can’t we discuss it? Why must you tell me when the subject is closed without my input?”

He raised his hand to his temple, pinching his forehead. “I’m tired of having this argument, Kathryn.”

She jammed her hands on her hips. “I am too. I want you to listen to me. I think it’s a
gut
idea. Christmas is the best time for a family reunion. Why can’t you even consider it?”

He gritted his teeth. “Because I know how painful it will be for my parents, and I don’t want to ruin Christmas for them. It would be more appropriate if we waited until spring to visit Anna Mae and Kellan. Once we visit with them, then we can pave the way for my parents to see them. I know what’s best for my family, Kathryn.”

“You do?”

“Mamm? Daed?”
a little voice asked. “Why are you fighting?”

Kathryn turned to find Lizzie standing in the doorway, her brown eyes wide with fear. Amanda moved up behind
her and placed her hand on Lizzie’s shoulder, and Kathryn’s heart sank. She’d managed to scare her daughter by arguing with David.

“Everything’s fine,” Kathryn said. “Dinner is ready.”

The back door opened and slammed with a bang, and David Jr., Manny, and Ruthie marched into the kitchen, chattering away about Christmas and what toys they hoped to receive while hanging their wraps and coats on the pegs.

“Wash up, please,” Kathryn said, feeling David’s eyes boring into her. Ignoring his stare, she brought a pitcher of water to the table. “Did you and Lizzie finish that dress you were working on?” she asked Amanda.

“We’re almost done,” Amanda said, placing cups at each table setting while Lizzie distributed the plates and bowls. “Lizzie is doing a
wunderbaar
job. She’ll be making her own dresses soon.”

David glared up at Kathryn while she poured water into his cup and she averted her eyes by concentrating on not spilling. Once the table was set, Kathryn sat between Amanda and Lizzie while the rest of the children took their spot at the table. David gave her one last hard look before bowing his head in silent prayer. A chill of worry coursed through her.

Kathryn bowed her head. She thanked God for the wonderful blessings of her family and home and then she asked Him to guide Anna Mae’s visit. She prayed the Lord would open her father-in-law’s heart so he would welcome Anna Mae and Kellan home to Lancaster County.

But most of all, she prayed that David would forgive her and understand why she defied his wishes and helped plan Anna Mae’s trip.

T
he days before Christmas flew by in a blur of shopping, baking, and chores, so Kathryn rarely had a spare moment to think about Anna Mae’s visit. The week of Christmas finally arrived, and Kathryn rushed around the kitchen Monday evening preparing supper. While a ham loaf baked in the oven, she placed a pot of mixed vegetables on the stove and then turned to Amanda, who was busy peeling potatoes. “Are the boys outside doing their chores?”

“
Ya
. Lizzie and Ruthie are upstairs cleaning our room,” Amanda said, her pretty face scowling. “
Mamm
, I wanted to speak with you about something in private.”

Kathryn raised her eyebrows with curiosity while wiping her hands on a towel. “What’s on your mind?”

Amanda glanced across the kitchen. “I don’t want anyone to hear us.”

“You just said that the boys were outside and your sisters are upstairs, so I’m certain we’re alone.” Kathryn leaned against the counter. “Was
iss letz
?”

Amanda glanced back toward the door. “Let’s go into the
schtupp
.”

Kathryn followed her into the family room and stood near the doorway. “What’s bothering you?”

Amanda lowered her slight body onto the sofa.

“I’m worried about what’s going to happen this week.” Amanda wrung her hands. “
Daed
might get really angry that
Aenti
Anna Mae is coming.”

Kathryn smiled. “Everything will be fine once he sees his sister. Trust me.” A door closed, and Kathryn assumed the boys had come in from the barn.

“But he should know the truth.” Amanda’s eyes were full of determination.

“
Ya
, you’re right.” Kathryn nodded. “He’ll know the truth soon enough. It’s going to be a surprise.”

“I think you’re wrong not to tell him. I feel like I’m holding in a horrible lie by not telling
Daed
, and lying is a sin.” Amanda shook her head. “I think
Daed
has a right to know that
Aenti
Anna Mae is coming—” She stopped speaking and her eyes grew wide while her cheeks flushed a deep rose.