An Amish Love, page 35
Patsy put her hand on Namaan’s. “I know you folks don’t wear jewelry, but I believe you know why Larry got this ring?”
Levina watched her husband blink back tears. “Ya. His police department gave it to him because he saved a life.”
Patsy patted Namaan’s hand. “And Larry said you saved his life. He wanted you to have this as a remembrance.” She pulled her hand back and placed it in her lap. “And I think, Naaman, that Larry just wanted to thank you in person. You left so quickly and all.”
Naaman glanced at Levina, then back at Patsy. “When I knew it was right in my heart to come home, I just wanted to leave right then.”
“I understand.” Patsy stood up. “I need to go now.”
Naaman and Levina both walked her to the door. Levina wondered how different life would have been for everyone if Naaman hadn’t left. For starters, she and Naaman might have spent the rest of their lives the way they were before, instead of falling in love all over again and sharing a new honesty and intimacy that they’d never had. Would their oldest son have made a terrible mistake by leaving his own family at some point, if not for Naaman sharing his experience? And what about Larry Dozier? What if Mr. Dozier had never met Naaman Lapp?
“A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.”
Levina smiled as the Scripture came into her head. The Lord always had a plan, and Levina felt more grounded in her faith than she had been in a long time. She’d been raised not to question the will of God, yet she had recently. But as the door closed behind Patsy, Levina felt a sense of calm that she hadn’t felt the past few days.
She and Naaman waved as Patsy got into her car and pulled out of the driveway.
“I love you, Naaman.” Levina touched her husband’s cheek. “And Patsy is right. You are a gut man.”
Naaman put his hand on top of hers and pressed her palm closer to his face. “I should have never left you.”
Levina smiled. “It wonders me how differently things might have turned out if you hadn’t.” She pulled her hand from his face, intertwined her fingers with his. “I’m sorry I doubted you, Naaman.”
He gave her hand a squeeze as he smiled back at her. “I don’t blame you, Levina. My actions—”
“No, Naaman.” She put a silencing finger to his lips. “My doubts drove a wedge between us.” She cupped his cheek in her hand. “There must always be trust. From now on.”
Naaman nodded as she pulled her hand away, then he gently kissed her on the lips.
After he slowly eased out of the kiss, Levina gently led him across the den, toward the stairs. “I think it’s time for a nap.” She winked at him as they headed upstairs.
CHAPTER TWENTY
* * *
LEVINA FLOATED AROUND HER KITCHEN WITH THE ENERGY of a woman half her age and the heart of a giddy teenager in love. It had been almost a month since Patsy’s visit, and since then, she and Naaman had resumed their role as newlyweds. They’d even flown a kite, but instead of doing it alone, they’d shared the experience with Adam and Hannah’s children one afternoon while their son and his wife enjoyed some time alone together.
Levina and Naaman had agreed that there is no greater joy than to see happiness in the eyes of children at play. And it was refreshing to see Adam and Hannah’s relationship taking on a new closeness that Levina could identify with. She was glad Adam and Naaman had patched things up and that Adam and Hannah had come for Saturday supper today along with the rest of her children, their spouses, and all her grandchildren.
Two weeks earlier Mr. Lyman had come to the house to talk to Naaman about stocking furniture at his store, and he apologized for listening to nasty rumors. The men shook on a deal, and Naaman was on top of the world. Their fields were filled with the promise of a bountiful harvest, and Levina wasn’t sure life could be any grander. Today as her family gathered together for Saturday supper, festivity and fellowship were in the air.
After the meal the older children were playing a game of tag while the adults sat around the picnic tables outside. Levina was holding Leah. Sunshine mixed with a cool breeze to make for a perfect day.
“I have some news,” Tillie announced as she grinned at Rufus.
Levina smiled as she readjusted Leah in her arms. She’d noticed all afternoon a certain “glow” about her youngest daughter. “What’s that, Tillie?”
Tillie stood up from the picnic table and bounced on her toes, as she was known to do. A smile filled her face as she blurted, “We’re in the family way!”
“Ach, Tillie! That’s wonderful news!” Levina handed Leah to Rosemary, then she walked to Tillie and gave her a hug. “I suspected as much,” she whispered to Tillie, who just giggled.
“So, Daed. I was wondering about that beautiful chest you just made, the one in the barn.” Tillie giggled. “The one perfect for a baby’s room!”
Naaman grinned. “Well, Tillie, I reckon—”
“Wait a minute!” Freda stood up. “I have news too.”
Levina brought her hand to her chest and wondered how she could have missed it. She’d known every time that Rosemary was pregnant as well as both her daughters-in-law. Could it be . . . ?
“I am also in the family way!” And to everyone’s surprise, Freda began to jump up and down.
“Oh my!” Levina ran to her other daughter. “Two new grand-babies for me to love!” She threw her arms around Freda. “I’m so happy for you, Freda.”
Freda eased out of the hug and turned to Naaman. “And I’m the oldest. I think I should have the chest.”
Naaman’s face split into a wide grin, and Levina wasn’t sure if it was because both his young daughters were with child or because they both wanted the chest he’d worked so hard on.
“No, no.” Tillie wagged a finger at Freda playfully. “I asked first.”
Freda thrust her hands on her hips. “I say whoever’s baby comes first should have the chest. When are you due, Tillie?”
“March the second. When are you due?”
Freda frowned. “That’s the same day I’m due!”
But instead of bickering, Tillie and Freda hugged each other.
“How exciting for us,” Tillie said. “This will be so fun.”
“Ya, ya,” Freda said, smiling.
Naaman stood up and looped his thumbs under his suspenders. “Well, this will give me plenty of time to make a second chest. Then both my girls will have a new chest of drawers for these new additions to our family.” He glanced around at his family. “And I’ll start on the new piece of furniture as soon as I get back from my trip.”
Levina couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move. What trip? She reminded herself that she trusted her husband, and she refused to allow herself to take a step backward, but as she waited for him to go on, her heart thudded against her chest. No one spoke, and Levina kept her eyes locked with Naaman’s as she spoke in a whisper. “What trip?”
Naaman glanced around at their children and grandchildren. “I’m afraid that all of you will have to do without me for two weeks.”
He walked closer to Levina, and she was relieved to hear him say he would only be gone for two weeks. But where?
Naaman put his arm around her and stood taller. “And you’re all going to have to do without your mamm for two weeks too.” He reached into his pocket and held up a small envelope, then waved it in the air as he grinned. “Because we will be traveling by bus to Florida.” He smiled at Levina, gazing into her eyes as he spoke.
“Your mother wants to see the ocean.”
Levina gasped as she threw her arms around his neck. “Ach, Naaman!”
He gently eased her away, then kissed her on the lips.
“Ach, stop! Your kinner are watching!” Tillie giggled, and Levina heard the rest of her loved ones snickering and poking playful fun.
She didn’t care. She kissed her husband again. “I love you, Naaman.”
He held her tight. “I love you, too, mei leib.”
An Amish Love
READING GROUP GUIDE
GUIDE CONTAINS SPOILERS, SO DON’T READ BEFORE COMPLETING the novellas.
For reading groups with five or more members, the authors will participate in the discussion of this collection. If you’re interested, go to www.AmishHearts.com.
A MARRIAGE OF THE HEART
1. Joseph battles an extremely tough addiction but relies on Christ to see him through, moment by moment. What problem does God help you with on a moment-to-moment basis?
2. At first Abby wants to escape her way of life, rather than yielding to God’s work in her. What do you wish you could escape that might be yielded to the Lord for transformation?
3. How does the idea of “play” develop intimacy between Abby and Joseph?
4. Abby learns to feel safe with Joseph. Who do you feel most safe with in your own life—safe to be yourself, express your ideas, and so forth?
WHAT THE HEART SEES
1. After the accident, Ellie wants to be as independent as possible. Eventually she learns that she has to accept help from others and from God. Think about a time in your life when you wanted to do things on your own. What made you realize you needed God? How did His help change the situation?
2. Christopher’s refusal to forgive kept him apart from his family and separate from God. How could Christopher have handled things differently after the accident?
3. Ellie’s mother is overprotective, while her father respects her need for independence. Was one parent’s reaction to Ellie’s blindness better than the other’s? Why or why not?
4. Christopher and Ellie both found healing by accepting God’s forgiveness. Has there been an event in your life where you had trouble accepting God’s forgiveness? What helped you to ultimately accept it?
HEALING HEARTS
1. Adam has the most trouble accepting his father’s return, more so than his other siblings. Why do you think that is?
2. What does Levina struggle with the most when Naaman returns and throughout the story?
3. What are some of the signs that Naaman and Levina are falling in love with each other all over again?
4. What are some things that married couples can do to nurture their relationship amid busy jobs and raising children?
AMISH RECIPES
TEABERRY COOKIES
A TEABERRY IS A LOW-GROWING, CREEPING EVERGREEN PLANT with white flowers, aromatic leaves, and spicy edible scarlet berries. You can order teaberry extract at www.country-pantry.com/candy_making.html and teaberry candies at www.nutsonline.com.
1½ cups vegetable oil
1½ cups white sugar
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon teaberry extract
optional: teaberry candies
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix together vegetable oil (yes, 1½ cups!), sugar, and eggs.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, buttermilk, salt, vanilla, and teaberry extract.
4. Pour teaspoon-sized amounts of batter onto cookie sheets, leaving plenty of room in between. Cookies will puff up and get large.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
—Courtesy of Gilbert Stout
AMISH ICEBOX COOKIES
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of any extract you like—vanilla, root beer, etc.
Mixing the Dough
1. In small mixing bowl, whisk egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt until well blended.
2. In large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stop mixer and scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula.
3. Add egg mixture and beat until blended and creamy.
4. Add flour and blend with the mixer on low speed or with a wooden spoon just until soft dough forms.
5. Divide dough into two equal portions and stir flavoring of your choice into each half of dough.
Preparing/Storing the Dough
1. Line your counter with plastic wrap and scrape one portion of dough onto it.
2. With lightly floured hands, roll dough into log about 9 inches long and 1½ inches in diameter. Repeat with second portion of dough.
3. Wrap each log separately in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. (Wrapped logs of dough can also be placed in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to a month. Slice and bake cookies directly from the freezer.)
Baking the Cookies
1. Position oven rack in middle of oven and preheat to 375°F.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice log into ¼-inch thick slices, rotating the log as you cut so it maintains its round shape.
3. Transfer slices of dough to ungreased cookie sheets (line sheets with parchment paper if desired), spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
4. Bake, one cookie sheet at a time, for 12 to 14 minutes (a minute or two longer for frozen dough), until cookies are pale golden around the edges but still soft on top.
5. Remove from oven and let cool on cookie sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Yields about 6 dozen cookies—store in an airtight container or freeze.
CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES
1 package German chocolate cake mix
¾ cup flour
½ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
cup water
1 teapoon baking powder
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 egg
½ cup sugar
½ cup milk chocolate chips
1. Prepare cake mix as directed on box, plus add the flour, sugar, egg, vegetable oil, water, and baking powder.
2. Pour batter into greased jelly roll pan.
3. Mix remaining ingredients—cream cheese, egg, sugar, and chocolate chips—and drop by tablespoon onto batter.
4. Cut through batter with knife several times for marbled effect.
5. Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips and nuts (optional). Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cut when cool.
—Courtesy of A Taste of Home from the Schlabach Family
SYRUPY PANCAKE BAKE
Syrup
2 teaspoons water
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup butter
Top Layer
1 egg
1 scant cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1. Bring syrup ingredients to a boil in small saucepan. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish. Set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine all top layer ingredients and beat well. Pour over syrup.
3. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
—Compliments of an Amish Friend
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
KELLY LONG:
I’D LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY EDITOR, NATALIE HANEMANN, that encourager of words! Thank you for listening . . . Beth Wiseman and Kathy Fuller, two delicious word users . . . LB Norton, my line editor . . . Dan Miller, my Amish consultant and good ear . . . Brenda Lott, my critique partner and encourager . . . my family, both near and far . . . and, most importantly, the living God who has given me the opportunity to write for Him.
KATHY FULLER:
THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE TO THANK FOR HELPING ME tell Ellie and Christopher’s story. Thank you to my wonderful and insightful editors, Natalie Hanemann and LB Norton, for their advice, encouragement, and direction. To my agent, Tamela, who is always just a phone call away. To Cecelia Dowdy for reviewing the story and for answering my questions about living with someone who is visually impaired. To my former student, Hannah Bowser, who for four years allowed me a glimpse of the world through her eyes. A big thank-you to Beth Wiseman and especially Barbie Beiler for reading over the manuscript and helping me with the details. And to my wonderful friend and critique partner, Jill Eileen Smith. Thank you for making sure I kept the story on track and for your invaluable feedback.
BETH WISEMAN:
TO MY HUSBAND AND BEST FRIEND, PATRICK. YOU ROCK, baby! And I couldn’t write these books without the support of my family and friends—or without my mother-in-law, who cooks for us twice a week. Love you all! Heartfelt thanks to Barbie Beiler, the folks at Thomas Nelson, and particularly to my editor, Natalie Hanemann, who holds a special place in my heart. Kathy and Kelly, such an honor to work with both of you on this collaboration. And LB Norton, it is always a pleasure to work with you! Special thanks to my mom, who continues to inspire and encourage me. I love you, Mother, and I think Daddy is smiling from heaven. To my agent, Mary Sue Seymour—thanks for all you do, my friend. Blessed be to God, who continues to put the stories in my head that He wants me to share.
Discover the latest full-length novels by
KELLY LONG,
KATHLEEN FULLER,
and BETH WISEMAN
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
KELLY LONG is the author of Sarah’s Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.
