The Restoration (13 page)

Elaine rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I’ve been so busy with all the dinners we’ve hosted lately, I haven’t had time to do any shopping until today.”

“Do you know what he would like?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll ask one of Ben’s sisters.”

Priscilla looked to her left and spotted Jonah’s mother, Sarah Miller, heading their way.

“I see I’m not the only one out shopping on this chilly morning.” Sarah smiled. “Are you two looking for Christmas presents or just shopping for general items?”

“A little of both.” Priscilla gestured to Sarah’s shopping cart, full of grocery items. “Are you buying for Christmas dinner?”

“Jah.” Sarah pushed a strand of silver-gray hair back under her head covering. “We’re keeping Christmas fairly simple this year, what with Jonah losing Sara and all. But it’s still important to share a nice meal and do something special for the kinner.”

“Speaking of Jonah’s children, where are Mark and the baby today?”

“They’re with the parents of Sara’s first husband this morning. It would have been too difficult for me to get any shopping done with the two little ones. Besides, Mark’s grandparents have a right to spend time with him, and it’s good for them to get to know Mark’s half sister, too.”

“How is Jonah doing?” Elaine asked, joining the conversation.

Sarah sighed. “He’s still struggling with his wife’s death, but taking one day at a time. Raymond and I are doing our best to help him get through it. Fortunately, the baby is too little to know what’s happened to her mamm, but for Mark’s sake, we need to put on a happy face and make Christmas special. He still cries for his mother and clings to Jonah when he comes home from work at night.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Jonah has been working twice as hard since Sara died, so he doesn’t spend as much time with the children as he should.”

“Maybe he needs to stay busy in order to keep going.” Elaine rubbed her arms, as if she were cold. “That’s how I got through the loss of my grandmother.”

“I suppose you’re right. I’m thankful Raymond and I left our home in Pennsylvania and moved here when we did. Not only has it given Jonah and his daed the chance to work together again, but we’re clearly needed to help raise Jonah’s kinner.” Sarah turned her shopping cart around. “Guess I’d better get checked out. I’ve kept my driver waiting long enough.”

When Jonah’s mother moved on, Priscilla noticed Elaine’s pained expression. She felt certain her friend had never stopped loving Jonah. No doubt Elaine wanted to reach out to Jonah but didn’t think it would be appropriate so she was holding back.

Priscilla wondered how things would be right now if Jonah had married Elaine and not Sara. Certain events that happened to people could cause them to take a different course than they’d originally planned. It was hard to know sometimes which way to go. David was a prime example, for the course of his life had changed the day he’d given up the idea of becoming a vet and dropped out of school. Priscilla wondered whether he would stay in Arthur or return to Chicago and resume his schooling to study for some other profession. If he stayed here, what would he do for a living?

Arthur

W
here’s Priscilla?” Daniel asked as he entered the kitchen where Iva was busily putting ginger cookies into a container. “With everything to be done before our family arrives for Christmas Eve, I thought she’d be here helping you.”

“She left a few hours ago. Said she had Christmas gifts she wanted to give to a few of her friends.” Iva handed her husband a cookie. “I’m guessing David might be one of those friends. She’s been seeing a lot of him lately, and I’m
bekimmere
.”

“Why are you concerned?” Daniel bit into the cookie. “Yum! Nice and chewy, just the way I like ’em.”

“I’m worried David might be interested in our daughter and persuade her to leave the Amish faith.”

Daniel shook his head. “That’s not likely. We need to put our daughter’s situation in the Lord’s hands and not meddle in her life. She’s an adult and has a good head on her shoulders.”

“You’re right, Daniel.”

“Have you been praying for Priscilla?”

Iva’s hands went straight to her hips. “Of course I’ve been praying, but David could win Priscilla over if Elam doesn’t ask her to marry him soon.”

“Just give him some time.”

“How much time does he need? If Elam really cares about our daughter, then he ought to be committed enough to marry her, don’t you think?”

Daniel reached into the container and took another cookie. “Not every man is as eager to propose as quickly as I did.” He leaned closer and kissed her cheek. “I could tell you were a good woman when we first met, and I wasn’t about to let ya go.”

Iva snickered and snapped the lid on the container before he could snatch another cookie. Sobering, she said, “Priscilla was umgerennt when I told her I’d intercepted those letters David sent her when he went off to college.”

Daniel’s brows lifted. “You did what?”

“Even back then, I thought they were getting too close, so when I found his first letter in our mailbox, I threw it away.” Iva’s eyes watered. “I knew it was wrong, but when more letters came, I intercepted them as well.”

Daniel frowned. “When did you admit this to Priscilla?”

“The other day. As I said, she was very upset.”

“And with good reason.”

“After David told Priscilla he’d written to her several times and wondered why she never responded, she asked if I knew anything about the letters.” Iva pursed her lips, heat spreading across her face. “What I did back then was bad enough. I couldn’t look my daughter in the face and lie about it now. I wish I could change the past.”

“Did you apologize to Priscilla?”

“Of course.”

“What’s done is done.” He took a glass from the cupboard and filled it with water. “There’s no going back, and hopefully you learned from the mistake.”

“I certainly did.”

“Now, getting back to the situation with Priscilla and Elam. If you like, I could have a talk with him—find out what his intentions are.”

Iva smiled. “Good idea. Maybe all Elam needs is a little nudge.”

“What’s this?” David asked when Priscilla handed him a gift.

“It’s a Christmas present.”

He grimaced.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like gifts?”

“It’s not that.” David propped his foot on the coffee table and leaned into the sofa cushions. “I’m sorry, Priscilla, but I have nothing to give you. Gramps’s back went out two days ago when he hauled in the Christmas tree, and Gram has been too busy taking care of him to drive me into town.”

Taking a seat beside him, Priscilla shook her head. “It’s okay. I didn’t expect a gift in return. Besides, what I got isn’t anything big, but I hope you’ll like it.”

David was about to open the gift when his grandmother entered the room.

“Hello, Mrs. Morgan.” Priscilla stood. “I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s back. I know it means extra work for you right now, so if there’s anything I can do to help out, let me know.”

“Honey, you didn’t have to get up on my account.” Letty smiled. “It’s nice of you to offer to help, but Walt’s doing some better today, and I have things pretty much under control. We’re going to have a nice, quiet Christmas.”

“Which is fine by me,” David put in. “I like being here where it’s quiet and peaceful.”

Letty’s eyes shone as she looked lovingly at her grandson. “We like having you, Davey. And Priscilla, please call me Letty.”

After Letty left the room to check on Walt and the cookies she had baking, David opened his gift. “Hey, thanks! How’d you know I like western novels?”

“You mentioned it once.”

David held the book up. “This will help keep me from being bored while my leg’s healing and I’m waiting to get back on both feet.”

“What are your plans once your cast comes off?” Priscilla asked.

“I’ll probably have to do some physical therapy.”

“I meant after that. Will you return to Chicago and get more schooling?”

He shook his head. “My mind’s made up about not becoming a vet.”

“I thought you might go back to school to study something else.”

“Nope. I’m staying right here. Maybe I’ll follow in my grandpa’s footsteps and learn the carpentry trade. I’ve always been pretty good with my hands. Bet he’d be happy to teach me the trade, too.” David rubbed the back of his neck. “Unless there’s no room in this area for another Amish carpenter.”

Her brows drew together. “What do you mean?”

“Like I told you before, I’m considering becoming Amish.”

“You’re such a tease.” Playfully, she swatted his arm.

“I’m not teasing, Priscilla. I might be happier living the simple life.”

“Our life is not simple, David. We face as many complications and trials as the rest of the world.”

“I realize that, but I admire your lifestyle and values.” He touched her shoulder. “I’d really like to know more about them.”

“I’d be happy to answer any questions, but if you’re seriously interested in joining the Amish church, you’ll need to meet with our ministers and discuss what needs to be done.”

“Sure, I’m willing to do that.”

Priscilla could hardly believe David was considering such a thing. He’d probably feel differently once he found out what changes he’d have to make.

When Elam pulled his rig into the Morgans’ yard, he spotted Priscilla’s horse and buggy parked by the garage. Apparently she was here to see David, same as him.

Elam looked forward to having Christmas dinner with Priscilla and her family. Besides enjoying all the good food, he would get to visit with Priscilla. When he had enough money saved up, he was going to ask her to marry him.

Elam knocked on the front door, expecting one of David’s grandparents to answer. Instead, Priscilla greeted him.

“Hey, Elam, I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow.” She smiled up at him.

“Came by to see how David’s doing and wish him a merry Christmas.”

“That’s why I came, too.” Priscilla led the way to the living room, where David sat on the couch.

“Good to see you.” David grinned and held up a book. “Look what Priscilla gave me for Christmas.”

“Looks like you’ll have some reading to do.” Elam wished he’d brought David a gift. He was surprised Priscilla had. Seeing the way David smiled at Priscilla made him feel a bit jealous. Could David have more of an interest in her than friendship?

“Take a seat so we can all visit.” David motioned to the recliner across from him.

Elam lowered himself into the chair, wondering why Priscilla had taken a seat on the couch beside David. He glanced at the only other chair in the room and realized a little black terrier occupied it.
Guess she didn’t want to disturb the
hund.

Priscilla looked at David. “Why don’t you tell Elam what you told me awhile ago?”

“You mean about joining the Amish church?”

“Who’s joining the church?” Elam asked.

David pointed to himself. “Me. Well, not right away of course, but eventually.”

“Really? A change like that isn’t simple, David. Fact is, there aren’t many who can make it.” Elam looked at Priscilla. “Was this your idea?” It would be just like impulsive Priscilla to suggest such a thing.

She shook her head. “No, of course not.”

Elam’s gaze went to David again. “If you’re born into the Amish life, it becomes a part of you, but to be raised in the English world and then give up those modern conveniences is a challenge. One I’m sure you’re not up to.”

David sat up straight. “Why not? I’m not a wimp, you know.”

“Never said you were. You just don’t realize what the changes would involve.”

David shrugged. “I won’t know till I try.”

Hearing this caused Elam to worry. What if David joined their church and decided to go after Priscilla?

Don’t be ridiculous
, he told himself.
Neither of those things is likely to happen.

S
ure was a nice evening.” Ben reached across his buggy seat and took Elaine’s hand. “I’m glad you could spend Christmas Eve with me and my folks.”

Elaine smiled. “It was fun. I enjoyed getting to know your sisters and their families, too.”