The Stubborn Father (8 page)

“I always like to hear that sound.” Mom wiped her hands on her apron. “Then I know the lids have sealed.”

“They look good, Mom. I’d be happy to take a few jars home.” Kristi hoped to do things like this when she and Joel got married. She looked forward to canning and freezing produce from a garden and having fruit trees someday, but recently, some things she’d been wishing for seemed to be getting further out of reach. Kristi almost hated to wish for things, for fear they’d never happen. More than anything, she wanted to become Joel’s wife. Lately, though, something felt different between them. Kristi hoped she was wrong about the inner voice, warning her to be on guard. She wanted to trust Joel; after all, along with love, trust was the basis of any relationship.

“I got the applesauce recipe from the Amish cookbook I picked up when you and I visited Holmes County last month.” Mom glanced over at Kristi and snapped her fingers. “Hey, are you daydreaming? Didn’t you hear what I said?”

“Sorry, Mom. Guess I was zoning out for a bit. I did hear you, though.”

Kristi traced the rim of one jar with her finger. “Our trip to Holmes County was a fun weekend. I only wish I’d had enough money to buy a quilt.”

Mom gave a nod. “We did see a lot of beautiful quilts. It’s too bad they’re so expensive.”

“It’s understandable, though. A lot of work goes into making one.”

“It certainly does.” Mom opened the refrigerator and removed a jug of apple cider. “Boy, I’m glad it’s autumn now. The cooler temperatures make doing this canning a whole lot easier.”

“I’m with you, Mom. I love running when the air is cool and crisp and there aren’t a lot of bugs swarming around my head.”

“Would you like something cold to drink?” Kristi smiled. “Maybe half a glass, and then I need to get going.”

“What’s the rush?”

“Joel and I are going to the marriage seminar our church is hosting this evening. Besides, I have a few things I need to get done at home before it’s time to go.”

Mom handed Kristi a glass of cider. “Your dad and I thought about going to the seminar, too. Events like this are beneficial, even for people who have been married a long time. All couples need a reminder of the things they need to do to keep their marriage healthy.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Kristi took a drink, allowing the tangy cider to roll around on her tongue before swallowing. One of the best things about fall was enjoying the mouthwatering apples coming into season. “I’m certainly looking forward to going tonight. I hope the things we learn will strengthen Joel’s and my relationship.” She sighed. “Things have been a bit strained between us lately.”

Kristi waited for Mom’s response, expecting a reminder of what the Bible says about being unequally yoked. To her surprise, Mom merely patted Kristi’s arm and said, “I’m sorry, Kristi. I hope things will go better for you soon.”

Nodding, Kristi finished her cider and set the glass in the sink, filling it with warm water to soak. “I’d better get going or I won’t get any of the things done on my list today.” She gave Mom a hug and started for the back door.

“Don’t forget your jars of applesauce.” Mom put six jars in a cardboard box and handed it to Kristi. “If your dad and I decide to go, we’ll see you at the seminar this evening.”

“Sounds good.” Kristi headed out the door. She’d barely gotten into her car when her cell phone rang. The caller ID spelled out it was Joel.

“Hey, Joel, I was just thinking of you. I’m looking forward to our evening together.”

“Umm… about that… I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but the job I started yesterday isn’t done. I’m here right now at the job site, working on it again.”

“What time will you get done?”

“I’m not sure—probably not till quite late.”

“Can’t you finish it on Monday?”

“Nope. It’s a rush job and needs to be finished today. So I won’t be able to attend the marriage seminar with you tonight after all.”

“Oh, I see.” Kristi couldn’t hide her disappointment. But Joel needed the work, so she would try to be understanding. “Guess I’ll go without you then. Maybe I’ll get some helpful hints about being a good wife.”

“Sorry, Kristi. I feel bad about letting you down.”

“No, it’s okay. Sometimes work needs to come first. If you’re free after church tomorrow, maybe we can have lunch and I’ll share with you what I learned.”

“Okay, sounds good. See you tomorrow, Kristi.”

Kristi hung up, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes.
I hope Joel really does have to work tonight and isn’t using it as an excuse to get out of going to the seminar.
She opened her eyes and started the car
. I’m sure he wouldn’t lie to me.

Charm

When Doris arrived at her dad’s place later in the afternoon, she was surprised to find him outside working on the tree house, along with her nephews Scott and Doug, as well as Eustace’s friend Henry.

“I see you have quite a crew working here today.” Doris walked around some of the boards as she stepped up to the maple Dad had chosen for his tree house.

Dad removed his hat and fanned his face. “Jah, and they’re all good helpers.” He smiled at Doris. “Did you come to help, too?”

She shook her head. “I heard Aunt Verna will be heading back to Burton this evening, so I came to say goodbye.”

“That’s right. She’s inside doing a little cleaning she insisted needed to be done before she leaves.” Dad’s forehead wrinkled. “I told her not to bother, but she was adamant.”

“Yoo-hoo!” Aunt Verna opened the door and waved. “I saw you pull in, Doris. I’ve got something I need to show you from the auction the other day.” She ambled toward them with a bird cage swaying by her side. It looked old and ornate. A blur of red flapped inside it, too.

Doris couldn’t believe her eyes when she recognized the blur as a beautiful red cardinal. The poor thing looked confused. No matter how pretty the cage was, the wild bird would be miserable enduring its sentence. Besides, it wasn’t a pet.

“How do you like my new bird cage and its occupant?” Aunt Verna spoke rapidly, her eyes dancing with joy.

Dad cleared his throat. “She’s a little proud of her purchase, I’d say.” He took over the conversation. “Did you notice my homemade table over there? The base is a wooden wire spool I picked up at the auction. When we got it home, I put a top on it. Not too shabby of a picnic table, either. Henry’s coffee cup is setting on it already.”

Henry nodded enthusiastically. “It was fun going to the auction with you and Verna. And with all the walking we did, we sure got our exercise, didn’t we?” He leaned down and rubbed the calf of his leg. “But it was worth it, because I left there with a few things myself.” Using a hanky he took from his pocket, he wiped his brow.

Doris turned to Aunt Verna. “What I’m wondering is how you ended up with our state bird in your birdcage?”

Aunt Verna cupped her hand over her ear. “What was that?”

Doris repeated her question.

“Oh, well, it was stuck inside one of your daed’s bird feeders, so I rescued it. Of course, I cleaned out the bird cage first, then added food and water before I saved the critter from its cramped quarters and heat exhaustion. It was a hot day when I discovered it there.”

“But Aunt Verna, the cardinal looks okay now. Wouldn’t he be happier if you released him instead?”

Scott and Doug stepped over right then. “The poor bird looks sad.” Doug scrunched up his nose. “It ain’t fair. You oughta let him go.”

“You’re probably right. Guess it would be better to let him fly free like the other birds here in the yard.” She unlatched the cage door. “Okay everyone, I’m letting the cardinal go.”

All eyes watched in anticipation to see what would happen next. Aunt Verna opened the cage door. The cardinal sat for a moment; then it hopped out and flew away. Dad, Henry, and Aunt Verna smiled. The boys clapped. Doris felt relief. She couldn’t believe anyone would try to make a pet out of a wild bird. But then, like Dad, Aunt Verna had a good many eccentricities.

“How’s your mare doing with the new foal?” Doris asked, turning to Dad.

“They’re both doing well.”

“Wanna go out to the barn and take a look?” Scott tugged on Doris’s arm.

She smiled and took his hand. “I’d like that. Lead the way.”

“I’ll walk with you. I need a break from housecleaning.” Aunt Verna set the empty bird cage on the ground.

“After we see the horse, I’ll be happy to help you finish cleaning Dad’s house,” Doris offered.

Aunt Verna slipped her arm around Doris’s waist and chatted as the three of them made their way to the barn.

When they returned from the barn, Doris noticed Henry crouched near a metal bucket with nails scattered on the ground. She knelt beside him and offered to help pick them up.

“That’s nice of you.” He grimaced. “Guess I’d better pay closer attention to what I’m doing. I’m gettin’ clumsy in my old age.”

“Everyone drops things from time to time, Henry.” Doris patted his arm. “It’s good of you to help Dad with his new project.”

“That’s why Grandpa’s tree house is goin’ up so fast.” Scott pointed overhead. “He’s got plenty of help to get the job done.”

Doris smiled. “I’m sure he appreciates each of you being here today.”

Aunt Verna nodded. “I bet, too.”

Scott grinned up at Doris. “I can’t wait till the tree house is done and we can all go up in it.”

Doris squeezed his shoulder. “You can count me out. I’ve never liked heights.”

“What about Uncle Joel? Does he like bein’ up high?”

“He used to,” Dad answered before Doris could respond. “Joel was like a monkey when it came to climbing trees.”

Scott’s eyes lit up. “Wish I’d known him when he was a
bu.
”

“You’d have gotten along well, I’m sure.”

“You’re probably right.” Doug nodded. “My little bruder gets along with everyone. Course, he can be kinda stubborn sometimes, and he—”

“I wish Uncle Joel was here workin’ on the tree house with us,” Scott interrupted.

“We have plenty of help.” Dad motioned to Henry. “My good friend came to work on the tree house.”

“Yep.” Henry’s eyes twinkled. “Even my dog, Peaches, wanted to come along.” He winked at Scott. “She’s not afraid of heights, either.”

“You mean she’ll climb the ladder up to the tree house?” Doug questioned.

“That’s right.” Henry chuckled. “When it comes to climbing, my
hund’s
like a mountain goat.”

The boys laughed, along with Aunt Verna. Doris rolled her eyes. “Henry you’re such a tease.”

He wiggled his silver-gray brows. “Wasn’t teasing. If I climbed a ladder, or even a tree, Peaches would come right up after me. Wanna see?”

“I do! I do!” Scott bounced up and down on his toes. “I’ve never seen a dog climb a ladder before.”

“And you’re not gonna see one today, either.” Dad gestured to the pile of wood on the ground. “We’re supposed to be working, not foolin’ around.”

“I’ll tell ya what, son.” Henry bent over to stroke Peaches on the head. “When the tree house is finished, I’ll let Peaches climb up to the top.”

“Okay.” Scott looked toward the house. “Is it all right if I go get a drink?”

“Course you can. While you’re in there, would ya bring the rest of us some bottles of water?”

“Sure, Grandpa.” Scott headed for the house. Doris and Aunt Verna followed.

When they stepped inside, Scott paused and turned to her. “Have ya seen Uncle Joel lately, Aunt Doris?”

“No. Why would I?” she asked, a bit too sharply.

“Thought maybe he’s come in to eat at the restaurant where you work.”

Doris shook her head. “If he has, it’s been on the days I haven’t worked.”

“I liked being with Uncle Joel the last time he visited. Sure wish he’d come around more often.”

Doris nodded. “We’d all like that, Scott, but it’s probably not going to happen.”

“How come?”

“My bruder is a busy contractor. He doesn’t have much free time.” Doris could have told him a lot more, but thought better of it. Scott was too young to understand everything concerning Joel. She would not be guilty of talking badly about him.

Y
ipe! Yipe! Yipe!