A Simple Charity (23 page)

“And I imagine that a lot of local women plan to use the center,” Meg said.

“That’s what we’re hearing. Doc Trueherz says that most of his Englisher patients go to the hospital in Lancaster, but he thinks some will want to come here. And in January Doc will come out one day a week to do prenatal visits with his Amish patients in the area. The women will be glad to save a trip to Paradise and back, especially with the cold weather and icy roads this time of year.” Fanny explained that the doctor wanted her to get involved, since Anna was still laid up with a broken ankle.

“So I take it this will be a little sitting area near the kitchen.” Zoey walked over to the sink, the heels of her shiny boots clicking on the vinyl floor.

“It’s smart for the front door to open up to a group area like this,” Meg said. “It makes the delivery area more private.”

“It’s also a good place for Doc Trueherz to sit to do his paperwork.”
Fanny crossed to the sink and opened the door of the refrigerator with a smile. “Both of these appliances were donations from Amish families who support the center.”

“Wonderful! See? The community is behind you, Fanny.” Zoey leaned into the fridge, then frowned back at Fanny. “Umm … it’s not very cold.”

“It’s not hooked up yet, but the stove and refrigerator will be powered by propane tanks out back. And through this doorway are the beds.” Fanny led the way, showing them the three areas separated by half walls. “We’ll hang curtains for privacy, but from what I’ve seen, most mothers enjoy socializing after the baby is born.” She pointed out that they had a bathroom with running water, but no electricity. Lights would be operated by battery or kerosene. “Nothing fancy here. We won’t have any of those big machines they have in hospitals, but we’ll have plenty of light and simple instruments.”

“I’ve seen fancy and high-tech”—Meg’s voice was firm but quiet—“and for most deliveries, I would prefer simple.”

“Oh, look! You’ve already got a bed set up!” Zoey crowed. She sat on the single cot and patted the tarp. “Isn’t this wonderful? I could just put my feet up right now and take a nap.”

“No naps for you,” Meg teased her sister. “We are walking into town. Exercise first, then nap, honey.”

“Oh, dear. That’s right. Time for aerobics, and we need vanilla to bake our cookies.” Zoey pushed up from the cot. “My little sister has always been bossy.”

Fanny smiled at the banter. “You two remind me of my own sisters back in Sugar Valley, Mary and Ruth Ann—the three of us are close in age, and we did everything together.” How wonderful it had been to share chores with them, washing the windows together or baking a big batch of cookies. Fanny missed that closeness, but with chores and children and babies to birth, there wasn’t a lot of time to spare for quilting bees and socializing.

“There’s nothing like family,” said Meg. “My sister may complain, but I know she’s glad I’m here.”

“Thrilled. I’m absolutely thrilled, and who’s complaining? I just know that if we’re walking into town, we had better get going if we want to get home before sundown. I’m moving a little slow these days. Fanny, do you need anything from the stores in town?”

“Not today.”

“And I’m sure Fanny has plenty to do.” Meg put a hand on her sister’s shoulder and steered her toward the door. “Thanks for giving us a look, Fanny. I can’t tell you how encouraged I am to see your clinic. I’ve been living in a place where doctors want women to have their babies in hospitals, with drugs and surgery.”

“Oh, we wouldn’t want that,” Fanny said. “Most women here have their babies at home with a midwife. But the birthing center will make it easier on the doctors and the midwives, too. This way, Anna and I can share the responsibility.”

“Well, your place is absolutely charming,” Zoey declared, “and once you get all the beds and furnishings in, it’s going to be downright cozy. If I didn’t have Meg to be my midwife, I would love to be a patient here.”

Fanny followed the two women, feeling as if she were walking on a cloud. Not that she usually paid much attention to the opinion of the English, but Meg was special. She understood the miracle of childbirth and she was skilled with the mechanics of it, too. And Meg had only good things to say about the birth center.

Ya, it felt good to have her approval.

Inside the kitchen, Fanny gave Tommy a wooden spoon, which was better to chew on than a pencil. She bent down to kiss Beth’s forehead. Children were such a blessing. Would she have more?

She took a pot down from its hook and held it to her heart for a moment.
Please, Gott, let there be more children
.

19

A
s she followed her sister down the lane, Meg took one last look back at the Lapps’ newly converted carriage house. From the freshly painted carriage doors, you would never know that it was about to become a birthing center. “I have a really good feeling about that place.” There was something intriguing in the mingled smells of kerosene and sawdust, the cozy sitting room with its donated appliances and furniture, the spacious clinic room with separate bays for privacy. And Fanny herself, calm, unassuming, but bright as the North Star. “Of course, it would be nice to have electricity and some of the technology that comes with that. But I think it will serve the Amish community well. As a demographic, they’re the largest group in the U.S. to advocate for home births and midwives.”

“Oh, I knew you would love it.” Zoey clapped her hands together. “I’m excited about it myself, not just for the service it will provide to the community, but also for the financial security it can
give the Lapps.” She lowered her voice and walked a little closer. “Fanny lost her husband last winter, and the family has been relying on small salaries and the money they bring in from the Country Store in town. Tate says their budget is probably a little tight, but the birthing center should provide financial security once it gets going. And you know Tate and his money sense. He’s got a knack for numbers.”

Zoey’s husband was a financial wizard. He had prospered as a financial broker until a heart attack in his forties had convinced him to slow down and opt out of the fast-paced business. Meg tested the ground along the roadside with her boots. Frozen solid. With a little precipitation, they might have a white Christmas.

“That’s sad about Fanny’s husband,” Meg said. “And with a new baby … such a heartbreak. I’m glad the birth center could be a profitable business for her family.”

“And a real financial aid to the community. For a pregnant woman, a birthing center is about one fifth of the cost of going to a hospital. And from what I hear, Fanny is a dedicated midwife.
And
this is an acceptable business for an Amish woman to be running. Fanny says the church leaders have been very supportive. You know, she doesn’t have the career opportunities you and I would have. So that place is a win-win all around.”

“Listen to you. Last year when you guys were scouting properties for a B and B, you didn’t know anything about the Amish. Now you’re an expert.”

“You know me. I’m always sticking my nose in everybody’s business, but it’s all about community—neighbors need to help each other. And that’s one of the reasons I’m so glad we landed in Halfway. People care about each other here, and they’ll go out of their way to lend a hand. Not that they’re all touchy-feely or anything. The Amish can be downright brusque and sometimes they come off as cold. But I persisted, and I’ve made some friends.”

“In your Zoey way. Corner them with kindness and cookies.”

Zoey wiggled her eyebrows. “My trade secrets. When I look at how things have worked out, well, it was just meant to be. We needed to hire someone at the inn, and Shandell landed on our doorstep. And her mother’s moved here and loves it. Now you’re here, and look at that—a birthing clinic is opening right next door. It’s all falling into place. Next time I see Fanny, I’m going to ask her if she could use your help.”

“Let’s not make any assumptions,” Meg objected as they walked past some clods of horse droppings that seemed to have frozen in the road. She was definitely not in Pittsburgh anymore and it was thrilling to be here in Halfway. She couldn’t wait to see Jack, though she’d have to wait until he got off work tonight.

“It’s just a simple question, and I’ll bet she says yes. You heard what happened to Anna. She’s going to be off her feet for a while, and with all the babies born around here, Fanny can’t handle it alone.” A gust of wind lifted the soft curls of her blond hair away from her face. “You can talk to Dr. Trueherz about it when we go for my appointment tomorrow. He is going to love you. That poor man travels all over this part of Lancaster County to deliver babies and make house calls on the Amish, and everyone knows he’s spread way too thin. His wife, Celeste—she works in his office—she worries about him, and I can’t blame her. Who can get a moment’s rest when your sweetie is out there negotiating icy roads, sleep-deprived, and missing meals?”

Meg gave a quick laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“You just described my work schedule. But at least I don’t have anyone at home to lose sleep worrying about me.”

Zoey’s lower lip jutted out in a pout. “That’s sad. But I don’t think you’re going to be single too much longer. We both know Jack is crazy about you, and though you play it close to the cuff, I
can tell you’re into him. And once you move here? That deal is going to be sealed.”

“Zoey! Stop that.”

“You know it’s true.”

“I’ve been here two hours and already you have me moving here and married off. It’s all a little premature, and I’d like to think I have a choice in two of the most important decisions of my life.”

“You know I just want you to be happy.”

“You think I don’t want to be happy? Of course I do. But I don’t need any added pressure. And Jack …” She sighed. “Jack’s a great guy, and he’s become a really good friend. But our relationship is still new and tenuous.” To be honest, she had high hopes for the future of that relationship. But right now she didn’t dare arm her sister with that information.

“Don’t be silly. True love doesn’t fade away.”

Meg gaped at her sister. “Listen to yourself. My life is not a Hallmark card.”

Zoey linked her arm through Meg’s and leaned her head close. “Don’t be annoyed. Look, I know I have tunnel vision sometimes. But Tate and I are so happy here, and the only way it could be better would be for you to be living nearby and happy, too.”

Meg softened inside. “I’m not mad. You want a happy ending for everyone.” And she hoped that Zoey was right. She felt optimistic about herself and Jack, and a new life in this quaint country town. Wouldn’t it be funny if all those dreams came true? Her sister had such a gift; somehow Zoey always knew how to melt the iciest heart. That was the power of love. As they reached the main street of town, Meg was struck by the scene that resembled a Christmas village on a train set. Holly twirled around lampposts and candle-style bulbs shone from the shop windows. Fat silver bells dangled from glittery streamers strewn over the streets. The life-size Nativity scene in front of the church was complete except for the statue
of baby Jesus, which Meg knew would be added to the manger after the Christmas Eve service. In the distance, the tall spruce in front of the town hall glowed bright with multicolored lights. Its tall peak pointed to the heavens, reminding Meg of the source of all this Christmas wonder.

“Halfway looks so festive,” Meg said.

“Doesn’t it? The only thing that would make it more Christmassy would be if we had snow.”

“That’s possible.” Meg pulled her scarf closer as she noted the white puffs that formed in the air whenever they talked. It was chilly, all right.

“We need to cross here.” Zoey moved toward the intersection, tugging her sister along in that direction. “I think you should go down and see the tree in front of city hall while I duck into the Little Apple Grocery. It’s quite a sight from close up.”

“Why don’t you come with?” Meg asked.

“I’ve got to use the little girls’ room. You go ahead, and I’ll catch up.”

“You okay?” Meg asked, sensing that her sister was holding back.