The Restoration (35 page)

As Cora passed the window again, to get some more spices from the cupboard, she caught sight of a hummingbird, hovering near the feeder she’d put out earlier this morning. She stopped and watched as the tiny creature landed on the perch and took a drink. It was a male hummingbird, and certain ways he moved his head made the light reflect on the feathers directly under his throat. At times, the feathers looked black; other times they appeared to be red. The little bird was curious, too. Cora giggled when at that moment the hummingbird flew all around Scott’s head. Then as quickly as it had appeared, it flew off into the trees.

Cora paused a moment to watch the boys. It was warm enough to have the kitchen window open and let the soft breeze waft in. Jared and Scott had taken a seat in the lawn chairs close to the fish pond. Although she couldn’t hear all of their conversation, Cora caught Jared saying something about Chad. It was good to know Jared had a friend like Scott—one he could confide in and express his feelings to. Jared hadn’t said much to Cora about Chad or the accident since it happened, but she was glad he was comfortable discussing things with Scott. Cora was certain it hadn’t been easy on Jared hearing Chad’s last words before he’d died. She would never press him about it, though. If her son wanted to discuss that horrible night with her, he would—in his own good time.

Cora was pleased to see Jared looking so happy. Life felt wonderful right now, and she thanked God every day for it.

Life can be delicate, just like the hummingbird
, Cora mused.
How can anyone believe God doesn’t exist?
While Cora had never doubted God’s existence herself, for a good many years she had lost her faith. Those days were behind her now, for her faith in God had never been stronger.

As Jonah poured nectar into the hummingbird feeder he’d purchased last week at Adam’s hardware store, he thought about the cool reception he’d received from Ben, who’d waited on him. Jonah wasn’t sure why Ben had acted so curt. Could it have something to do with Elaine? He’d seen Ben’s look of disdain when Elaine came over to their table at Yoder’s last month to say hello. It had made Jonah uncomfortable, to the point he could hardly talk to, or even look at, Elaine. Had Ben been irritated because she’d left him sitting alone for a few minutes, or was it something else?

Ben had to be aware that Jonah and Elaine had once been a courting couple. If she hadn’t told him, then someone else probably had.
Maybe Ben was bothered because Elaine talked to me. He could even think I’m interested in her, or that I may try to get back what we once had.

Shaking the notion aside, Jonah’s thoughts went to Sara. He remembered how she had taken Mark to watch some hummingbirds get banded at Leah’s place last July and said they really enjoyed it. She’d told Jonah she planned to get a feeder for their yard so Mark could watch the little birds zip back and forth. Sara’s wish had been granted, only she wasn’t here to see the hummers or the expression on her son’s precious face when he watched the tiny birds with a look of awe.

Now don’t start feeling sorry for yourself again
, Jonah reprimanded himself.
I need to get on with the business of living, and focus on the positive things around me.

He stepped onto the porch, where his mother sat rocking the baby while Mark played nearby with some toys.

“Sure is a beautiful day.” Jonah set the empty container of nectar on the porch and took a seat on the wooden bench beside Mom’s rocking chair.

She smiled. “It’s a good day for sitting and reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation.”

Jonah nodded. “I haven’t seen any hummers yet today, but since the feeder is full now, I’m hoping some will come soon to feed.”

“Mark will like that.” Mom stroked Martha’s rosy cheek. “Can you believe this little
maedel
is already six months old? She’s growing like a weed.”

“I know. It won’t be long and she’ll be noticing the hummers, too.”

Mom reached over and touched Jonah’s arm. “You look content today, son. I’m glad you took the day off to be with the kinner—and me, too. We don’t often get to spend quiet time together like this.”

Jonah scooched over on the bench so Mark could join him; then he lifted the little guy onto his lap. “Since Dad and Timothy seemed more than willing to work today, I figured I wouldn’t have to feel guilty for taking some time off. Since it’s Memorial Day weekend, it’s nice having these three days.”

Mom tousled Mark’s head. “And it’s well deserved, because this little guy likes to spend time with his daed.”

“I like to spend time with him, too.” Even though Jonah wasn’t Mark’s biological father, in every other sense of the word, he was the boy’s dad.

“We ought to have a cookout this weekend. Maybe do up some hamburgers and hot dogs over a fire.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“I’ll have to clean the picnic table off today. Even from here, I can see the pollen all over it.”

“Oh, look, Mark. Look over there!” Jonah pointed to the hummingbird feeder.

Mark’s eyes lit up, and he pointed, too. “
Blummevoggel
!” he exclaimed.

“That’s right,” Jonah said, smiling at the boy’s exuberance. “It’s a cute little hummingbird.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to go with us this evening?” Priscilla’s mother asked as she put a batch of brownies into a plastic container. “It’s been awhile since we got together with our neighbors for an evening of visiting, games, and refreshments.”

“I know, but Elam said he’d be dropping by to take me for a ride. If I’m not here, he’ll be disappointed.”

“I understand.” Mom gave Priscilla a hug. “Enjoy your evening.”

Priscilla smiled. “I hope you and Dad enjoy your evening, too.”

After Priscilla’s parents left, she sat on the front porch and waited for Elam.

Maybe he’s not coming
, she thought after an hour went by.
Maybe he got busy or just plain forgot.

A fly buzzed and circled her head. Priscilla slapped at it with irritation. She enjoyed being outdoors, but the pesky bugs could be a nuisance.

More time elapsed, and Priscilla was about to give up and go inside, when she heard the familiar sound of a horse’s hooves on the pavement. A few minutes more and she caught sight of a horse and buggy coming up the driveway. Right away she could tell the rig wasn’t Elam’s.

Priscilla squinted, shielding her eyes against the rays of the setting sun. She was surprised when a few minutes later David stepped out of the buggy. “How do you like it?” he called, waving at her.

Priscilla stepped off the porch and joined him by the hitching rack. “I’m surprised to see you tonight, David. And, where did you get this nice horse and buggy?”

He grinned, like a little boy with a new toy. “They’re mine. I took money out of my college fund to buy them.” He stroked the horse’s mane and gestured to the buggy. “What do you think?”

“They’re both very nice. Did you get the buggy from Jonah Miller?”

“As a matter of fact, I did. He had a used one and let me have it for a reasonable price.” David’s blue eyes seemed brighter than usual this evening. “Wanna take a ride?”

Priscilla hesitated but finally nodded. It was obvious Elam wasn’t coming, so why shouldn’t she have a little fun with David?

Smiling to himself as he headed down the road with his horse and buggy, Elam felt more anxious than ever to see Priscilla this evening. In addition to getting in more hours at his second job, his dad had given him a raise at the bulk food store.

I can finally ask Priscilla to marry me.
Elam snapped the reins to get his horse moving faster. If she said yes, which he was confident she would, by the time they got married he should have enough money set aside. Seeing the way David seemed to be moving in on Elam’s territory, he wasn’t going to wait any longer. He’d pick Priscilla up, take a leisurely buggy ride, and before he brought her home, he would pop the question.

E
laine hummed softly as she painted a rock resembling a fawn lying on its side. Ben liked deer, so she planned to give him the rock when he came by this evening. Things had been a bit strained between them lately. She hoped by giving Ben a gift, he’d know she cared.

I do care for Ben, but I’m not in love with him.
Elaine dipped her brush into the can of white paint to put on the finishing touches. All that was needed to finish the little fawn were the white spots.

Elaine hoped her feelings toward Ben would develop into something more, but the longer they courted, the more doubts she had. Still, he was a good friend, and she didn’t want hard feelings between them, regardless of her decision not to marry him.

Elaine stood erect as the thought sank fully in. She could not marry a man she didn’t love, and she simply didn’t love Ben.

I need to tell him, and the sooner the better. Maybe it would be best not to give Ben the painted rock.
She rubbed her forehead.
Oh, dear, what should I do?

The sound of a horse and buggy pulling onto the driveway invaded Elaine’s thoughts.

Peeking out the kitchen, she saw it was Ben. He’d come early.

Elaine set the fawn rock on the counter to dry and quickly put away her painting supplies. Then she hurried to the bathroom to wash her hands. Glancing in the mirror, she was pleased to see no paint had gotten on her face or clothes.

“Guder owed,” Ben said when she let him in the back door. “I’m a bit early, but I was anxious to see you tonight.”

Even though I must tell him how I feel, I hope he’s not going to pressure me to marry him.
“Let’s go in the kitchen. I have something for you.”

Ben followed Elaine into the other room. “Wow, did you paint this?” He pointed to the fawn rock.

She nodded. “Jah, just for you.”

“Danki, Elaine.” He reached out to touch it, but she stopped him in time.

“It’s not quite dry, so you’d better wait awhile to pick it up.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll get it before I leave.” Ben smiled tenderly at her. “How come you made me a gift? It’s not my birthday or anything.”

“I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your friendship.”

With his back to the counter, Ben’s brows pulled together as he looked at Elaine. “You’ve said the same thing before, and I’m beginning to think all I’ll ever be is just your friend.”

Unable to look directly at him, Elaine dropped her gaze to the floor. This was going to be so hard.

He stepped forward and lifted her chin with his thumb. “Your silence is my answer. I’m a good friend, but you don’t care about me enough to marry me—right?”

Struggling with her emotions, Elaine nodded slowly.

“Is it because you’re in love with Jonah Miller?”

Ben’s pointed question brought unwanted tears to Elaine’s eyes. She would not hurt Ben by declaring she still loved Jonah. Besides, what good would admitting it do? Jonah didn’t love her anymore.

“Ben, this isn’t about Jonah.” Elaine’s voice faltered. “It–it’s about me, and my desire to marry for love.”

“I get that, but friendship can turn into love. To my way of thinking, a married couple should be each other’s best friend.”

“I agree, but…”