The Restoration (32 page)

“I love it!” Cora set the picture down and gave Jared a hug. “This is so uncanny I can hardly believe it myself.” Cora swallowed the lump in her throat before she continued to explain. “You won’t believe this, Jared, but a painting like this one hung in the hospital’s waiting room, and I fell in love with it. I even made a mental note of the artist’s name and searched for it on the Internet. I found nothing, so I assumed it must have been done by an unknown artist who doesn’t have a website showcasing his work.”

“Wow, Mom, it’s too bad you couldn’t find any information, but it’s so awesome how this painting was offered to me. Who’d ever guess Scott’s mom would have a picture like the one you saw at the hospital?”

“This frame is a little different,” Cora commented. “But I actually like this one better.” She ran her hands along the oak board framing the outside of the painting. “Where’d Mrs. Ramsey get it? Do you know?”

“Scott mentioned she found it at a thrift store.”

Cora stared at the picture, barely able to take it in. “You know something else really weird, Jared?”

“What, Mom?”

“On the way home from work today, I noticed a house a few miles from here. Unbelievably, it looks almost like the one in this picture. The best part is it’s for sale.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and I made an appointment to look at it this evening.”

“Are ya thinkin’ of buying it, Mom?”

Cora smiled. “Yes, I am—if we both like it, that is.”

As soon as Priscilla entered her house, she went straight to the kitchen, where she found her mother tearing lettuce leaves into a bowl.

Mom turned from her work and smiled. “Oh, Priscilla, you’re just in time to help me start supper.”

“Mom, I—”

“How’d things go at Leah’s? Was she able to give you a foot treatment this afternoon?”

“Jah, but while she was working on my feet, I found something out that has me feeling a bit umgerennt.”

“Why are you upset?” Mom started tearing lettuce again.

“Leah mentioned that she’d overheard you talking with Elam’s mamm awhile back.” Priscilla moved closer to the sink. “Did you tell Virginia you’re concerned because Elam hasn’t proposed to me?”

Mom’s face colored, and she quickly looked away. “I—I did mention it.”

“Why would you say such a thing, Mom? Didn’t you realize how embarrassing it would be for me?”

Mom turned to look at Priscilla again. “I’m sorry. I was only trying to help.”

“Help what?”

“I thought if Virginia knew you’ve been waiting for Elam to propose—”

“You told her that?” Priscilla smacked the palm of her hand against her forehead.

“Well, not in so many words, but I am sure she understood my meaning.”

Priscilla rested her forehead on her outstretched hands. “I can’t believe you would do something like that. If this gets back to Elam, he’ll think I put you up to asking his mamm.” She moaned. “How am I going to explain this to him?”

“You’re overreacting, Priscilla. My conversation with Elam’s mamm took place several weeks ago. If Virginia had told Elam, which I asked her not to, I’m sure he would have said something to you by now.”

“Why would you even take such a chance?” Priscilla took a few deep breaths, finally able to relax a bit. “Please, Mom, don’t say anything to anyone else about my situation with Elam. If it’s meant for us to get married, he’ll ask when he’s ready.”

Mom’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Priscilla strangely. “You don’t seem to care so much about this anymore. What’s happened, Priscilla? Is it David? Is he the reason you’ve lost interest in Elam?”

Priscilla cringed. How could she explain her feelings for David—especially when she wasn’t sure Mom wouldn’t repeat what she said.

Mom touched Priscilla’s arm. “Did you hear what I said?”

“Jah.”

“Is David the reason you’ve lost interest in Elam?”

“I haven’t lost interest in Elam. He’s still special to me.”

“And David? What are you feelings toward him?”

Priscilla blew out her breath. “I enjoy being with David, but I’m not sure whether I love him or not.”

“Does he love you?”

“I believe so. At least, he said he thinks he’s falling in love with me.”

Groaning, Mom pushed the bowl of lettuce aside and sank into a chair at the table. “This isn’t good, Priscilla. Not good at all. You need to discourage David, and as quickly as possible.”

Priscilla blew out a noisy breath. “What have you got against David? He’s always been polite when he’s come here to visit, and he has shown you and Dad nothing but respect.”

“This isn’t about being polite, respectful, or even whether he’s a nice person or not. It’s about him not being the right man for you.” Mom gripped the edge of the table until her knuckles turned white. “You’re not going to break things off with Elam because of David, I hope.”

Priscilla shook her head. “Of course not, but if Elam doesn’t show his intentions soon, I may take it as a sign that we’re not supposed to be together. Maybe God has other plans for both of us.”

“So you’ll choose David if Elam doesn’t propose?”

“I didn’t say that. I’m confused, and talking about this isn’t helping.” Priscilla pushed away from the table. “I’m going to wash up now, so I can help you with supper.” She started for the hall door but turned back around. “Please, Mom, promise you won’t say anything to anyone about the things we’ve just talked about.”

Mom gave a slow nod. “As you wish.”

When Priscilla headed down the hall toward the bathroom, she made a decision. Having grown up with Elam, she knew him quite well, but she needed to get to know David better. In order to understand how she really felt about David, she’d have to spend a lot more time with him.

I
can’t believe how homey this place is.” Cora smiled at the Realtor then studied the living room with a sense of awe. The inside of this home was even better than she’d imagined. The living room had a cozy fireplace and two large windows overlooking the expansive front yard.

What a great place for my granddaughters to play.
Cora gazed out the window. She could picture a swing hanging from one of the trees and almost hear Carrie giggling as Amy and Linda took turns pushing her on it.

From the outside, the home appeared smaller than it actually was. As the Realtor showed Cora and Jared through the house, she grew more excited, seeing how spacious the rooms were. The open country kitchen, with an area for the table and chairs, as well as the cozy dining room were appealing. The three bedrooms had nice big closets, and hardwood floors ran throughout the home. The master bedroom had its own bathroom, and another bathroom located down the hallway could be used by Jared and guests.

Glancing out the living-room window, Cora’s gaze came to rest on the glider swing she’d seen on the front porch as they came in. It appealed to her even more as she envisioned herself watching colorful sunrises early on Saturday mornings. In addition to the glider, many other areas around the property would provide places to enjoy nature. Although Cora was afraid to get her hopes up too high, it was all she could do to keep from shouting, “I’ll buy it!” What if Jared didn’t share her enthusiasm about this place?

After getting a tour of the entire house, Cora went back to the kitchen. She ran her fingers over the granite countertops, which the Realtor said had recently been installed. This kitchen was almost as big as the one she’d had in Chicago, but it felt homier. The house and yard were almost too good to be true. Cora couldn’t see anything she didn’t like about it. Nor did she see any need for updates or repairs.

What Cora loved most was at the back of the house, through a doorway in the kitchen. It led to a glass-enclosed patio with a ceiling fan and plenty of room for a few comfortable chairs. This special room overlooked the backyard, where the field by the house could be easily seen, as well as a goldfish pond with a waterfall cascading down some unusually shaped rocks. The outside of the cottage was a pretty, tan-colored mountain stone, and the roof had dark green shingles, matching the window shutters and front door. The yard wasn’t real big in the back, but the front yard had a little more grass to mow. Several large trees bordered the back of the property, and to the left of the fish pond stood a tall maple tree that would provide shade for the backyard.
If we move here, I’ll have to go to Adam’s store and get a birdhouse to hang from the tree. Could this charming property soon belong to me?

“Know what my favorite part of the house is, Mom?”

Jared’s question pulled Cora’s thoughts aside. “What would that be, son?”

“I like the finished basement. When Scott, or some of my other friends from school or church come over, we can hang out downstairs.”

Cora smiled, pleased to see his enthusiasm. “Shall I make an offer on this house?”

He nodded, grinning widely. “Sure, Mom. Go right ahead.”

“I appreciate you coming over to help me clean today.” Leah smiled at her mother as they moved about the living room with their dust rags.

“I’m more than happy to do it.” Mom gestured to Leah’s growing stomach. “You do too much as it is. With a boppli coming, you need to get more rest, which is what you should be doing now instead of helping me.”

“I’m fine,” Leah insisted. “I get bored if I don’t keep busy.”

“I understand. You get that trait from me.” Mom moved from the fireplace mantel to the window ledges, while Leah dusted the end tables. “Everything is going well, then?”

“For the most part.” Leah sighed. “I’m worried about Amy, though.”

“What’s wrong with her? Is she having problems in school?”

Leah shook her head. “It’s nothing like that. Amy’s been acting strange ever since my tummy started growing.”

“Do you wonder if she’s umgerennt you’re pregnant?”

Leah shrugged. “I don’t know, but it’s possible. When we first told the girls, they all seemed happy about it. Now Amy doesn’t mention it at all. In addition, she seems quite moody lately.”

Mom stopped dusting and moved over to stand beside Leah. “Have you tried talking to her about it?”

“I’ve tried, and so has Adam, but she just clams up.” Leah’s brows furrowed. “She’s even snapped at her sisters a few times.”

“It would be good if you can get her to open up. If Amy feels threatened by the new baby, she will need reassurance.”

Leah nodded. “I agree, but I don’t think Adam or I will get through to her.” I was thinking of asking Cora.

“Danki for offering, but I was thinking of asking Cora. In a short time, she’s developed a good rapport with the girls. If Amy will open up to anyone, I’m guessing it will be Cora. I’ll check with Adam before I ask her, though.”

“You’re getting better at this.” Priscilla gave David’s arm a reassuring pat as he guided her horse and buggy down the road.

“Is gut.”
He glanced at her quickly and grinned. “I’m not nearly so naerfich now, either.”

“I’m glad you think it’s good, and that you’re not so nervous. Your Pennsylvania Dutch is getting better, too.” She smiled, tapping his arm. “And you don’t look half bad wearing Amish men’s clothing, either.”

“Why, danki, Priscilla. I’m doing as well as I am because you’re such a good teacher. Oh, and I’ve been practicing, like you told me to.”