A Plain and Simple Christmas (3 page)

David closed the Bible and set it on the night table. “What is it?”

She plucked Anna Mae’s letter from the dresser and handed it to him. “Please read this with an open heart and mind.”

He raised his eyebrows in curiosity and took the letter. Kathryn held her breath while David scanned it.

Sighing, he glanced up and handed the paper back to her. “You know as well as I do that this would be a bad idea.”

“But she’s your
schweschder,
David. She’s family. Isn’t
Grischtdaag
about celebrating the birth of our Savior as a family?”

“She left the faith. As my father said, she made her choice.” He lifted his Bible and flipped it open.

She placed the letter on the bureau and then climbed under the quilts next to him in the bed. “David, there’s no harm in her visiting.”

David closed the Bible and set it on his nightstand before facing her. A frown creased his handsome face and forehead. “I don’t have to tell you that it’s much more complicated than
a simple visit. None of your siblings left the community, so you have no idea how it affected our family.”

“That’s not fair,” Kathryn said with a frown. “I was here when she left. I saw how much it hurt us all. You know I love her like I love my own sisters.”

“You’re right. That wasn’t a fair statement for me to make.” He sighed. “I’m sorry. Her leaving was very painful for my parents. It’s as if she became a stranger to my parents. She’s no longer following our traditions. You know that if she came to visit, my father would be very upset.”

“But it’s been three years. Isn’t it time for the family to heal? Life is so short. We saw that firsthand when my sister Sarah lost her husband in the fire at the furniture store. We never know when the Lord may call us home.” She gave him her best pleading look, the one that usually got him to change his mind. “We had a lot of fun working together at the bakery. When she left, she also left a void in my life and a hole in my heart. I’m sure you feel the same way and miss her too.”

“Of course I miss her.” He snuggled down under the covers and pulled Kathryn close. “Let’s not argue about this, Katie. You know that it’s not a good idea to invite my sister for
Grischtdaag.
Maybe we can take the
kinner
and see her in the spring. We could take the train down. The
kinner
would love it.”

Kathryn inhaled his comforting scent, soap mixed with his spicy deodorant.
“Ya,
they would love it.”
But it’s not the same as Grischtdaag!

“We’ll plan a trip,” he said, his voice softening. “In the spring.
Ya,
it will be
gut,
and it won’t involve my father and his temper.”

She nodded, though she wasn’t convinced waiting until the spring would help heal the family. She listened to his breathing as it changed, slowing down and deepening. Her mind swirled with ideas of how she could arrange to invite Anna Mae without alienating David. Surely he would change his mind when his sister was standing in front of him.

Although she was going against her husband’s wishes, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was God’s will for Anna Mae to come and see the family again.

Kathryn’s thoughts turned to the time of Anna Mae’s decision to leave the community. Oh, how Mary Rose, Anna Mae’s mother, had cried. Mary Rose had begged Anna Mae to stay, promising that Anna Mae would find a nice Amish man to marry. However, Anna Mae had insisted that Kellan was the love of her life and she was meant to marry him.

Mary Rose had taken to her bed for a week after Anna Mae left. She’d said that the pain of seeing her daughter leave had debilitated her.

Wouldn’t it be God’s will for Mary Rose to see her daughter again and know that she was well and happy with her English husband?

Kathryn waited until she was certain David was in a deep sleep and then she wiggled out of his grasp, gingerly rose from the bed, and plucked the letter from the bureau. She took the kerosene lamp from the nightstand, lit it, and tiptoed down to the kitchen.

She fished her stationery from the desk and sat at the table. Closing her eyes, she sent up a silent prayer for the right words. She then poised her pen and began to write a letter to Anna Mae.

O
pening the mailbox, Anna Mae fished out a stack of envelopes from inside and leafed through them.

“Bills, bills, bills,” she mumbled with a sigh. They always came near the first of the month. But when Anna Mae came to a plain white envelope with pretty penmanship, her heart fluttered. She read the return address, squealed with delight, and hugged the envelope to her chest.

Kathryn had answered!

Anna Mae rushed into the house, dropped her bag on the kitchen table, and tore the envelope open. Lowering herself into a chair, she read the letter.

Dear Anna Mae,

I was overjoyed to receive your letter. It seems like only yesterday that you were with my sisters and me in the bakery, making cookies and cakes while laughing and sharing stories about our friends in the community.

How wunderbaar that God will soon bless you with your first baby! You and Kellan must be overjoyed! I’m so very happy for you and will keep you and your baby in my prayers.

My mamm, sisters, nieces, and I stay busy these days. The bakery is very busy right now during the holidays, and we’re still a favorite tourist stop during the spring, summer, and fall.

The family is all doing well. Amanda is fourteen, Ruthie is twelve, Lizzie is ten, Junior is eight, and Manny is four. David says he wants more, but we’ll have to wait and see what the Lord has in store for us. Your mamm and dat are in good health, as are your siblings, nieces, and nephews. Our family is very blessed.

It would be wunderbaar to have you and Kellan come for Grischtdaag! I can’t think of a better time of year for the family to reunite. Would you like me to work out the details for you? How many days would you and Kellan like to stay? Do you know where you’d like to stay? Of course, you’re welcome to stay with us, but you might be more comfortable at the Paradise Bed and Breakfast. Perhaps you’d like to stay there instead?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

God’s blessing to you and your family, Kathryn

Anna Mae read and reread the letter until she’d nearly committed it to memory. Tears spilled from her eyes while she remembered the time she’d spent at the bakery with Kathryn, Kathryn’s sisters, her nieces, and Kathryn’s
mamm,
Elizabeth. Those were some of the best memories she cherished from Lancaster County.

Glancing at the clock, Anna Mae realized Kellan would be home for supper in an hour. She folded the letter and put
it back into the envelope and then into the pocket of her sweater. She then hoisted herself from the chair, headed to the refrigerator, and rooted around until she found a pack of steaks, Kellan’s favorite. After marinating the steaks in his favorite barbeque sauce, she placed them in the oven set to broil and stuck a couple of potatoes in the microwave.

Anna Mae was preparing a green salad when Kellan entered the kitchen clad in one of his best suits.

“How was your day?” he asked before kissing her cheek. Leaning down, he cupped his hand to her belly. “And how was your day, Lug Nut?”

“Lug Nut? How can you be so sure it’s a boy?” she asked with a chuckle.

He shrugged. “Just a hunch.”

She smiled, rubbing her belly. “We had a good day. The quilting circle at church was a lot of fun. We caught each other up on the latest church news and also got a lot accomplished for our quilt drive. How was your day?”

“It was good. Busy. Sales have gone up this month, which makes everyone at the dealership happy.” He breathed in the aroma emanating from the stove and moaned. “Steak?” He eyed her with suspicion. “What are you up to, Annie?”

“Nothing.” She gave him her best innocent smile and carried the salad bowl to the table. “I thought you might like to have your favorite tonight.”

His lips curled into a grin. “Is that so?” He retrieved plates and utensils and set the table. “You seem to be scheming over something. I know when you’re fibbing. Steak is always an ulterior motive for something.”

“Maybe I prepared your favorite meal because I love you.”
Anna Mae brought the steak and potatoes to the table while Kellan gathered the condiments and glasses of water for them.

After saying grace, they began to eat.

“I can tell by the expression on your pretty face that you’re excited to share something with me,” he said, cutting up his steak. “What’s up?”

“I’ve been dying to tell you. I have good news!” Anna Mae fished the letter from her pocket. “I received this today.”

While he read the letter, she smiled, thinking of her upcoming trip to Lancaster County at Christmas. A bump on her belly drew her attention to the unborn baby. She rested her hand on her abdomen and smiled while rubbing the location of the movement. She longed to give her child the gift of knowing her family in Lancaster. The trip was for her baby and the baby’s future as a member of the Beiler family.

Kellan looked up and placed the letter on the table beside his plate. His expression was cautious. “I guess this means you want to go to Lancaster for Christmas. That’s what
Grischtdaag
is, right? Christmas?”

“Yes, that’s right.
Grischtdaag
is Christmas.” Anna Mae nodded toward her belly. “I want to do this for our baby. Now is the best time to try to make amends.”

He gave a tentative smile. “It sounds like a great idea, but I want you to be sure this is what you want. I don’t want you to get hurt. Your father used some harsh words when you left. I’ll never forget his words to you, Annie. He said you were no longer his daughter if you left.”

She moved her hand over her abdomen in response to more kicks. “He didn’t mean that. He said it out of anger,
hurt, and disappointment. I was his only child to leave the faith and the community.”

Kellan’s eyes moved to her belly and a smile curved his lips. “Is he moving?”

She nodded. “I think
she’s
doing somersaults.” She gave a grin.

“I bet my boy likes steak. He’s a chip off the old block.” He placed his hand on her belly, and she covered it with her hand. “Wow.” His grin widened as he met her gaze. “He does like steak. He’s telling you to make it more often, Mommy.”

“Yes, maybe she does like steak, Daddy. Girls can like steak too.” Leaning over, she brushed her lips against his.

“I love you,” he said, his smile fading. “That’s why I support this trip, but I also don’t want your family to hurt you—especially now.”

“But you encouraged me to write the letter. Why are you changing your mind?”

“I thought about it more and I keep remembering how your father behaved when you left. I’m nervous about it.” He nodded toward her belly. “Your family could get you upset and then something could happen to him or her.” He shook his head, frowning. “Maybe we should wait until the summer or even next fall. By then the baby will be older, and traveling will be easier for us. If we wait, then we don’t have to risk you getting upset and something happening to you or the baby.”

“I doubt anything bad will happen. I have a good feeling that this trip will go well, and I’ll get my family back.” She lifted his hands and intertwined her fingers with his. “Please don’t change your mind about this. It’s really important to
me. Please do this for me. Let me see my family and try to rebuild a relationship with them.”

He sighed, brushing back a lock of her hair with the fingers of his free hand. “Tomorrow you see the doctor, and you can get her opinion. If she says it’s safe for you to travel, then I’ll go to make you happy. But if your family upsets you, then I’ll bring you home immediately.”

“It’s a deal.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you. If the doctor says it’s safe, then I’ll call Kathryn and see what I can arrange.”

“I need you to make me one promise, though.” He grimaced. “Just don’t make me stay at your father’s house.”

She laughed. “I promise I won’t.”

Kathryn handed the customer her change and her bag of pastries. “Thank you. Have a nice day.”

As the woman walked toward the door, the bakery phone began to ring. Kathryn picked up the phone and cradled it between her ear and her neck.

“Good afternoon,” she said. “Kauffman Amish Bakery.”

“Hello,” a hesitant voice said. “May I please speak with Kathryn?”

“This is she.” Kathryn absently straightened packages of cookies on the counter. “How may I help you?”

“Kathryn,” the voice said. “This is Anna Mae.” Kathryn gasped and sank onto a stool behind her. “Oh my goodness! Anna Mae!
Wie geht’s?”

“I’m doing pretty well,” Anna Mae said. “How are you?”

“Gut.”
Kathryn glanced across the bakery showroom, glad
to find it empty of customers. “I was so glad to hear from you. Congratulations on your baby!”

“Thank you. I was delighted that you answered. I’m glad everyone is well.” She paused, as if gathering her thoughts. “Has my father asked about me or mentioned me at all?”

Kathryn bit her lip, debating what to say. She didn’t want to lie, but the truth wouldn’t be easy to swallow.

“It’s okay,” Anna Mae said quickly. “I didn’t think he had. You don’t need to smooth it over.”

“I’m sorry,” Kathryn said. “I wish I had better news about him, but no, he hasn’t said anything to me. He may have said something to David.”

“I doubt it. How’s my
mamm?”

“She’s
gut.”
Kathryn fingered her apron while she spoke. “She splits her time between helping care for her
kinskinner
and working in the farm store.”

Anna Mae sniffed. “I’m so glad to hear it.” Her voice quavered, and she cleared her throat. “I’m glad your
kinner
are doing well. I bet they’re all getting so big.”

“Ya.”
Kathryn chuckled. “David wants ten. I’m leaving it in the Lord’s hands.”

Anna Mae asked about her three sisters, and Kathryn gave her an update on their lives.

“So much has changed in three years,” Anna Mae said. “I feel like I’ve been gone for a lifetime.”

“It hasn’t been that long.” Kathryn glanced at the doorway and found her mother watching her with a smile. “Are you and Kellan still considering coming for
Grischtdaag?”

“I saw my doctor yesterday, and she said that it’s safe for
me to travel. So, I really want to come.” Her voice was small, unsure.

Kathryn paused, considering her husband’s disapproval. Still, Kathryn believed it was God’s will for the family to heal. “Do you want me to work out the details for you?” she asked, the words flowing despite her hesitation.

“Yes, please.”

Kathryn ran her fingers over the edge of the counter. “When will you arrive?”

“The Wednesday before Christmas.”

“That sounds perfect.” Kathryn found a notepad and pen by the phone. “Give me your phone number so we can keep in touch.” She wrote down the number as Anna Mae rattled it off. “I’ll see what I can arrange.”

“Danki.”
Anna Mae’s voice shook again. “It means more than you know.”

They chatted about the weather and then hung up. Standing, Kathryn turned and found Amanda and her mother with expectant expressions.

“I guess that was
Aenti
Anna Mae?” Amanda asked.

“Ya,
it was.” Kathryn sat back on the stool.

“And she’s coming for
Grischtdaag?”
Amanda clasped her hands together, her eyes glistening with hope.

“She wants to come.” Kathryn glanced at Elizabeth, hoping for an answer, a reason to go against David’s wishes.

Elizabeth’s eyes assessed her. “And you think it’s a bad idea?”

Kathryn blew out a frustrated sigh. “David is against it.”

“What?” Amanda gasped.
“Dat
doesn’t want to see
Aenti
Anna Mae? Why?”

“It’s complicated, Amanda,” Kathryn said, folding her hands over her apron. “We’ve already discussed this.”

“Grossdaddi
will understand,” Amanda said. “He’ll welcome her back and the family will all be together again.” Amanda looked between Kathryn and Elizabeth. “Besides, everyone is happy when someone is expecting a baby.
Grossdaddi
will be so happy to see her that he’ll forget all about how disappointed he was when she left.”

Elizabeth looped her arm around Amanda and pulled her into a hug. “You’re such a smart
maedel.”

Kathryn studied her mother’s eyes. “So you would go against
Dat
if you believed something in your heart?”

Elizabeth shrugged. “Depending upon the circumstance, maybe.”

“And in this circumstance?” Amanda asked.

Elizabeth winked. “One of my English customers once said it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission.”

Kathryn glanced at Amanda. “Don’t say anything to your siblings or
Dat.
I need to figure this out by myself before your
dat
finds out about it.”

“But is that right,
Mamm?”
Amanda folded her arms and frowned. “Shouldn’t
Dat
know about this?
Aenti
Anna Mae is his
schweschder.”

Kathryn gave Amanda a stern look.

Amanda sighed. “Fine. My lips are sealed,” she grumbled and marched back into the kitchen.

“What am I teaching
mei dochder?”
Kathryn muttered, rubbing her temple.

Elizabeth touched her arm. “You’re teaching her to follow her heart when she feels God speaking to her. If Anna Mae is
meant to come here, then the plans will fall together and all will work out the way God wants it to.”

Kathryn shook her head and grimaced. “I pray you’re right.”

Later that evening, Kathryn placed the last clean dish in the cabinet and thanked the girls for helping clean up after supper. The girls ran upstairs to take their baths and get ready for bed.

The back door opened and slammed, and David entered the kitchen and sighed. “Chores are done. It’s been a long day,” he said, sitting at the kitchen table. “It feels good to relax.”