A Hope Springs Christmas (6 page)

Sarah declined numerous offers of a ride, content to stretch her legs on such a fine morning. The icy grip of winter would return all too soon.

She turned in at the farm lane where dozens of buggies were lined up on the hillside just south of the barn. The horses, most still wearing their harnesses, were tied up along the fence, content to munch on the hay spread in front of them or simply doze in the sunshine until they were needed to carry their owners home.

The bulk of the activity was focused around the barn. Men were busy unloading backless seats from the large, gray, boxlike bench wagon that was used to transport the benches from home to home for the services held every other Sunday. Bishop Zook was supervising the unloading. When the wagon was empty, he spoke with his two ministers, and they approached the house.

Sarah entered the farmhouse ahead of them. Inside, it was a beehive of activity as the women and young girls arranged food on counters and tables. Most of the small children were being watched over by their elder sisters or cousins. The young boys were outside playing a game of tag.

Catching sight of her aunt Emma visiting with her daughter-in-law Faith, Ada Kaufman and Mary Shetler, Sarah crossed the room toward them and handed over her basket of food.
“Guder mariye.”

“Good morning, Sarah,” her aunt replied. “Isn’t the weather wonderful?”

“It is.” Turning to Mary, Sarah grinned at the child she held, “Goodness, how this little girl is growing. May I hold her?”

“Of course.” Mary handed the baby over with a timid smile.

Sarah took Hannah, enjoying the feel of a baby in her arms. Mary’s life had not been easy, but did she know how blessed she truly was?

Ada said, “She should be growing. She eats like a little piglet.” There was nothing but love in her aged eyes as she gazed at her adopted granddaughter. Ada had opened her home and her heart to the once wayward Amish girl and her baby.

Emma said, “I see the bishop and ministers coming. We’d best hurry and join the others in the barn.”

As she spoke, Bishop Zook and the ministers entered the house and went upstairs where they would discuss the preaching that was to be done that morning. The three-hour-long service would be preached from memory alone. No one was permitted the use of notes. Each man had to speak as God moved him.

Sarah handed the baby back to Mary. The women quickly finished their tasks and left the house.

The barn was already filled with people sitting quietly on rows of backless wooden benches with the women on one side of the aisle and men on the other side. Tarps had been hung over ropes stretched between upright timbers to cordon off an area for the service. Behind them, the sounds of cattle and horses could be heard. The south-facing doors were open to catch what warmth the sunshine could provide.

Sarah took her place among the married women. Beside her, Katie Sutter sat with her three small children, the youngest, Roy, born four months ago. Rachel, the oldest, only four years old, slipped off the bench and crossed the aisle to sit on her father’s lap. The remaining child, little Ira began to pout and fuss at his sister’s desertion.

Katie slipped a string of beads and buttons from her pocket. She handed them to her little one. He was then content and played quietly with his toy.

From the men’s side of the aisle, the song leader announced the hymn. There was a wave of rustling and activity as people open their thick black songbooks. The
Ausbund
contained the words of all the hymns but no musical scores. The songs were sung from memory and had been passed down through countless generations. They were sung slowly and in unison by people opening their hearts and minds to receive God’s presence without the distraction of musical instruments. The slow cadence allowed everyone to focus on the meaning of the words.

At the end of the first hymn, Sarah took a moment to glance toward the men’s side. She spotted Levi sitting just behind the married men. His brothers sat near the back. The twins were chewing gum and looking bored. Sarah considered asking Katie if she had any additional toys. In truth, the twins were not the only teenagers looking restless. Levi, on the other hand, held his songbook with a look of intense devotion on his face.

He glanced in her direction, and she smiled at him. He immediately looked away and she felt the pinch of his rejection. Why was it that he turned her every overture aside?

The song leader announced the second hymn.
O Gott Vater, wir Loben Dich
(Oh God the Father, we praise You). It was always the second hymn of an Amish service. Sarah forgot about Levi and his brothers as she joined the entire congregation in singing God’s praise, asking that He allow the ministers to speak His teachings, and praying that the people present would receive His words and take them into their hearts.

At the end of the second hymn, the ministers and Bishop Zook came in and hung their hats on pegs set in the wall. That was the signal that the preaching would now begin. Sarah tried to listen closely to what was being said, but she found her mind wandering to the subject of Levi and who might make him a good wife.

Covertly, she studied the single women in the congregation. She quickly ruled many out as being too old or too young to suit him. It would be wonderful if Mary were older, for Levi would make her a strong and steady husband, but she was only sixteen. One by one, Sarah weighed the pros and cons of the remaining women. She ended up with the same women she had considered the day before. Sally, Leah and Fannie.

Confident that one of them would be right for Levi, she focused her attention on the sermon once again.

* * *

Levi sat up straight and unobtrusively stretched his back. He was stiff after sitting for nearly three hours. The wooden benches were not made for comfort. At least he hadn’t fallen asleep the way Elam Sutter was doing. After Elam’s daughter had moved back to her mother’s side, the basket maker started nodding in front of Levi. When Elam began to tip sideways, Levi reached up and caught his arm before he tumbled off his seat.

Elam jerked awake.
“Danki,”
he whispered as he gave Levi a sheepish grin.

Levi ventured a guess. “Working late?”

Elam shook his head. “Teething baby.”

He leaned forward to look toward the women. Following his gaze, Levi saw Elam’s wife sitting across the aisle. Katie Sutter was sitting up straight with her baby sleeping sweetly in her arms. Her face lit with an expression of pure happiness when she caught her husband’s glance. Sarah sat beside her.

What Levi wouldn’t give to see Sarah look at him with such light in her eyes.

He quickly focused on his hymnal. Such daydreaming was foolishness.

Elam sat back and rubbed his face. He whispered to Levi, “I’m a sorry husband if I can’t stay awake to thank God for all the wondrous gifts He has given me.”

“I reckon God understands. Our Lord must have been a teething babe at one time, don’t you think?”

Elam grinned and nodded. The minister who wasn’t preaching at the moment cast a disapproving glare in their direction. They both fell silent. Twenty minutes later, the bishop stopped speaking, and the song leader called out the number of the final hymn. Levi ventured a look in Sarah’s direction. She held her songbook open for Elam’s daughter Rachel seated beside her. She pointed out the words as she sang them.

Sarah should have children of her own. She would make a good mother. He couldn’t imagine why God had chosen not to bless her and Jonas with a baby. It didn’t seem right.

The song drew to a close at last. The twins were up and out the doors the second it ended. Teenage boys were expected to sit at the back. Levi always thought that was so their late arrivals and quick getaways didn’t disrupt others. He followed more slowly. His eyes were drawn to Sarah as she walked toward the farmhouse with the other women.

How much of his life had been spent watching her from afar, wishing for something that could never happen? Years.

Once she wed Jonas, Levi realized he would have to leave Hope Springs or grow bitter watching Jonas enjoy the happiness denied him. His dream of going to Colorado provided Levi with a goal. He embraced the idea. Only, he had waited too long.

What if Sarah never remarried? How much more of his life was he prepared to give up because of his promise to a dead man?

* * *

Sarah joined the women in the kitchen as they prepared the noonday meal while the men rearranged the wooden benches and stacked them to create tables. The majority of the congregation would eat out in the barn, but the bishop and many of the elders would be served inside the house where it was warmer.

Sarah positioned herself beside her aunt, slicing loaves of homemade bread into thick slices. “
Aenti
Emma, I have need of your assistance.”

“Anything, child. What can I do for you?”

“I need some help with matchmaking.”

Emma looked up with a wide grin. “Has some fine man finally caught your eye?”

“
Nee,
it is not a match for myself. I have a friend who needs a wife. How do I go about getting him to spend time with a possible mate?”

Emma scrutinized Sarah’s face. “Is this someone I know?”

“I would rather not say.”

“Now I’m intrigued,” Emma said, reaching for a second loaf to begin slicing.

“I don’t want either party to feel they are being pressured into a relationship.”

“In that case, you must find something they have in common or give them each a task that requires the help of the other person.”

Sarah looked over and saw Fannie Nissley enter the room. “Aunt, do you know if Fannie is seeing someone?”

Emma looked around to see who might be listening and then leaned closer. “She and Elijah Miller have been keeping company all summer. I expect her father will make an announcement soon.”

Sarah crossed Fannie off her list. Just then, Sally Yoder approached the table and put down a box.

Sally said, “I’ve made a dozen peach pies. Here is the first half if you’d like to slice them. I’ll bring in the rest.”

Peach pie was Levi’s favorite. It was like a sign from the Almighty. Sarah laid her knife aside and said quickly, “Sally, let me give you a hand.”

Chapter Six

L
evi stood near a group of men all about his own age. The majority of them wore beards indicating their married status. The recently harsh weather and the price of hay and grain dominated the conversation. Levi didn’t farm, and the price of feed meant little other than it would cost more to keep his horses over the winter.

Like many of the Amish who no longer lived on the farm, he kept two buggy horses in a small stable behind his house. Soon, the twins would start asking for courting buggies and high-stepping trotters. He wouldn’t begrudge them the cost even though the money would come out of his bank account. Money he’d worked hard to save so that he might one day buy his own shop in far away Colorado.

He had always assumed his family members would be content to move with him, but now he wasn’t so sure. Was Grace really ready to marry? If the boys started courting, would they want to leave Hope Springs?

He was surprised out of his musings when Sarah spoke beside him. “Levi, will you help us carry in some of the food?”

Sally Yoder stood slightly behind Sarah. He didn’t mind leaving the men, for he was rarely more than an onlooker in the group. He nodded and followed them toward the buggies lined up along the lane.

At the fourth one, Sally stopped and opened the back door. He accepted a large cardboard box from her. She picked up a smaller one.

“Be careful with that, Levi,” Sarah cautioned. “It’s full of peach pies that Sally baked herself. Peach is Levi’s favorite kind of pie. Did you know that, Sally?”

“I didn’t.” Sally gave her a puzzled glance.

Sarah smiled. “You two go back to the house. I’ll be along in a moment.”

When they were out of earshot, Sally said, “I could’ve managed on my own, Levi. I don’t know why Sarah thought I needed help.”

“I don’t mind,” he mumbled.

“Danki.”
She blushed as she glanced at him.

She was a pretty girl with bright red hair, fair skin and a dusting of freckles across her nose. She was about the same age as Grace, but he didn’t know her well. He couldn’t think of anything to say. He was glad to be doing something useful, but the box wasn’t heavy. Sally was right. She could’ve carried it easily.

He glanced over his shoulder. Sarah was still standing by the buggy with a satisfied grin on her face. When she saw him looking, her grin vanished. She immediately started walking toward the barn. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was up to something, but he had no idea what.

At the house, he handed over his box of goodies and started back toward the group of men. He caught sight of the twins sitting on the corral fence, talking to a group of boys about their own age. Not far away stood a group of girls casting coy looks in the direction of the boys.

His brothers would spend most of the day visiting with their friends. After the noon meal, games of volleyball, horseshoes or other diversions would get underway since the weather was nice. Tonight, there would be a singing, a get-together for the teenagers and unmarried young adults. Levi was happy to consider himself past the age of joining such pursuits. He hadn’t enjoyed them even when he was younger. He never felt as if he fit in.

He rejoined the men and listened to the conversation with half an ear. His thoughts kept turning back to Sarah. It wasn’t long before she approached him again.

“Levi, would you do me a favor? Leah Belier thinks there is something wrong with her buggy. Would you mind taking a look at it for her?”

He gave Sarah a funny look. This was definitely odd. She seemed determined to see that he stayed busy. “Can’t she bring it by the shop tomorrow?”

“No, silly, she has to teach school, and it’s too far for her to walk in this weather.”

Since the day was bright and sunny he raised an eyebrow. Sarah clasped her hands together and smiled at him. He decided to let her comment slide. “All right. I’ll take a look.”

“
Goot
. Wait here, and I’ll get Leah.”

She entered the house and came out a few moments later with Leah in tow. She smiled at the schoolteacher as she said, “Levi would like to take a look at your buggy.”

“My buggy? Why?” Leah stared at him in surprise.

“Because you told me it didn’t feel right when you were driving it.”

“I said it doesn’t drive like it did when it was new.”

Sarah beamed at her. “Well, Levi’s the perfect person to examine it. You don’t want to break down on the road, do you?”

“Of course not.”

Sarah stopped beside Levi so Leah stopped, too. Sarah took a step back and shooed her along with her hands. “Go on. Levi will check out your carriage and then we can have lunch together when it’s our turn to eat.”

Levi and Leah exchanged puzzled glances. Levi started walking toward the buggies lined up on the hillside, and Leah fell into step beside him. She said, “Thank you for doing this.”

“Sure.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Is it just me, or is Sarah acting a bit strange today?”

“It’s not just you.”

“I heard that the fabric shop is closed for the winter. Maybe she’s feeling lost without her job. I know I would.”

“But you must give it up someday.”

“Only if I marry. I don’t expect that will happen anytime soon.”

“Why do you say that?” He studied her intently, wondering why she, like Sarah, seemed to have no interest in marriage.

She blushed and said, “There are many younger and prettier girls in Hope Springs for the men to choose from. I have accepted the fact that I won’t have children of my own, so I will continue to teach and love each of my students. I didn’t see Grace this morning. I hope she isn’t ill?”

“She’s gone to visit our grandmother in Pennsylvania.”

“Oh, how nice.”

Nice for Grace, not for him.

Leah said, “I would love to travel. I’ve always had a desire to go out West and see the Rocky Mountains.”

He looked at her in surprise. “So have I.”

“Really?” Her smile brightened.

“I have second cousins who live near Mont Vista, Colorado.”

“I’ve read about the Amish settlements out there. I think it must be wonderful and yet frightening to move so far away. I might like to visit, but I’m not sure I would like to stay. What about you?”

“I plan to move there one day.”

“Do you? I’m sure many people in Hope Springs will be sorry to see you go.”

Not that many, he thought. Not as long as there was a carriage maker and wheelwright to take his place.

By this time they had reached her buggy. He checked it over carefully. Leah stood with her arms crossed beneath the black shawl she wore over her dark blue dress. She finally broke the growing silence. “Is there anything seriously wrong with it?”

“Your back axle is bent.”

“Will it be expensive to replace? Can you straighten it?” she asked.

“It would be better to replace it. I can’t tell what it needs until I spend some time under there. Bring it by the shop this week.”

“
Danki,
Levi. Is it safe to drive until school lets out Friday afternoon? That way I can leave it overnight.”

“Can’t say for sure. Have someone follow you home today.”

“I will, but I must get to school on Monday and someone can’t follow me all week.”

She’d done so much for the community over the years. Here was his chance to do something in return. “I’ll come by and give you a ride to school and look at your buggy while you’re teaching. If it isn’t safe, I’ll leave one of my used buggies for you to drive until I can fix it.”

“That would be much appreciated. I’m glad Sarah thought of this because I wouldn’t have had it looked at until it broke down.”

“Even a well-built carriage needs maintenance.”

“I expect that’s true. How are the twins? There was never a dull day when they were my students. I haven’t had to check my lunchbox for frogs in two years.”

“I’m sorry they were such trouble.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’ve always wanted to know how they got that skunk into the coatroom without getting sprayed themselves. The school smelled for weeks.”

Levi ducked his head. He’d had plenty of notes from Leah about his brothers’ behavior over the years. His talks with them hadn’t improved their actions. He often wondered how his parents would have handled the boys. He was a sorry replacement for their father.

Leah said, “I’m sure the boys will straighten out.”

“Do you think so?”

“It may take a few years. Most rowdy boys get their come-uppance when they become fathers and are blessed with children just like themselves.”

“Those boys as parents? God help us all.”

Leah smiled. “It is a prayer I utter often. Thank you for checking my buggy.”

He said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She left and returned to the house.

Levi rejoined the group of men beside the barn. When it was his turn to eat, he entered the house and filled his plate. Sarah was at the serving table. With a bright smile, she dished him a large slice of the peach pie.

“Sally Yoder made this one. It’s absolutely delicious. She is one woman who knows her way around the kitchen.”

Levi accepted Sarah’s offering and moved away. He spared one backward glance. She was watching him intently. Something was definitely not right. He didn’t have long to think about it because Bishop Zook sought him out.

The bishop said, “I didn’t see Grace this morning. I hope she’s okay.”

“She has gone to visit a relative in Pennsylvania.”

Bishop Zook chuckled. “That explains why my son has been moping around the house these past few days.”

Levi had no idea what to say so he kept silent.

“I think it will be a good match, don’t you?” The bishop looked at him hopefully.

“Haven’t given it much thought. Grace is mighty young.”

“Ah, but she is old enough to know her own mind. I just wanted you to know that I approve of my son’s choice.” The bishop winked and walked away.

Levi’s appetite deserted him. Was he the only one who hadn’t seen how serious Henry and Grace were becoming? He wasn’t prepared for his sister to marry and leave home. He wasn’t sure he could manage without her.

“Is something the matter, Levi?” Sarah asked.

He hadn’t been aware of her approach. “
Nee,
why do you ask?”

“I saw you talking with Bishop Zook. Was it about Grace?”

“
Ja
. He said he approved of the match.”

“That is good to know.”

“She’s too young.”

“There are younger wives and mothers here. Why don’t you join me for lunch?”

He normally ate with his family, but since the twins were nowhere in sight, he nodded his acceptance.

“Wonderful. Sally and Leah have saved us a place outside.”

His spirits dropped a notch. He should’ve known she didn’t want to eat with him alone. That might have started baseless gossip about them.

Leah and Sally were sitting on the open tailgate of a farm wagon. They scooted over to make room for Sarah. Levi held her plate until she got settled. Instead of making them crowd together, he chose to stand beside the wagon.

Leah said, “I was just telling Sally about your plans, Levi.”

“What plans?” Sarah glanced between Levi and the schoolteacher.

“Levi is planning to move to Colorado. I think it sounds like a wonderful adventure.”

For an instant, Levi was sorry he’d mentioned his desire to Leah, but he reconsidered that thought as he studied Sarah’s face. She would have to find out some day. What did she think of the idea?

* * *

Sarah managed to swallow the fried chicken she was chewing without choking. She stared at Levi in disbelief. “I didn’t know you planned to leave Hope Springs.”

“It’s nothing definite, but I’ll do it one day. Don’t worry. You’ll be able to rent the business to someone else. Perhaps for more money.”

Leah began chatting about the Colorado settlement and its proximity to a wildlife refuge where whooping cranes gathered on their annual migration. Sally was full of questions about the place. Leah tried to include Levi, but to Sarah’s chagrin, he kept his focus on his plate.

Sarah gave up trying to listen. She had no idea Levi planned to move away. He was as much a part of her life as the house she lived in and the business Jonas had built.

Levi had always been there. She need only mention to Grace that she was low on firewood and the next morning Levi was stacking a cord of wood along the side of her house. If her horse began limping, Levi showed up to check the animal’s shoes and feet for problems. If the business needed upgrades, he came to her with a list of what was needed, how much it would cost and where she could buy what they needed. She had taken his presence for granted. It was hard to imagine life without Levi next door.

“What do you think of the idea, Sarah?” Leah asked.

Sarah realized everyone was looking at her. “I’m sure it doesn’t make any difference to Levi what I think.”

Leah frowned. “I was asking what you think about having a winter picnic out at my place?”

Sarah felt a blush heat her cheeks. “Sorry, I guess I wasn’t listening.”

Sally said, “We can have a bonfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. We would have to make sure there is plenty of hot chocolate to keep everyone warm.”

“I think it sounds like a wonderful idea,” Sarah agreed.

“When will it take place? Can we make it a Christmas party on the fifteenth?” Sally asked.

Leah shook her head. “I’ll be busy with the school Christmas program until the nineteenth. Let’s make it Saturday the twenty-second. I’ll need help getting things ready the day before. Levi, would you be able to help me set up some straw bales for seats and boards for tables?”

“I reckon I could.”

“Wonderful.” Leah beamed at him.

Sarah sat back with a self-satisfied smile. She couldn’t have planned that better if it had been her own idea. She took a bite of the mashed potatoes on her plate. If Levi took a wife, he might be much more reluctant to move away.

Sally asked, “Sarah, are you coming to the quilting bee for Ina Stultz? It will be at our home.”

“
Ja,
I told Grace I would come in her place.”