Natalie held tightly to Adeline’s hand. Levi and Mary sat on the edge of the bed and had hold of Adeline’s other hand.
The room was warm, and Natalie wondered if the AC was going out again. She remembered a time when her father said their air conditioner was leaking Freon, and he had to keep calling to get more until the air conditioner eventually sputtered out.
Occasionally, Natalie dipped a soft rag into a bowl of ice water, wrung it out, and pressed it gently against Adeline’s face. She was covered with a thin white sheet. Her breathing was shallow, and Natalie recalled Mimi Jean being like this not long before she passed.
“I wish we knew if she was in pain.” Mary hadn’t stopped crying for the past hour. Natalie’s tears had dried up as if there weren’t any left, and Levi tapped his foot continuously, his jaw tight and strained. The hospice lady—Maureen—was in the parlor giving them privacy. She’d told them it wouldn’t be long, so she decided to stay.
“I don’t think she’s in pain.” Natalie pressed the cool cloth to Adeline’s head again. “Maureen gave her the shot of morphine, and I think we’d see it in her expression if she was hurting.”
Natalie had stayed up much too late talking to Lucas. They were going to get together in person soon, but right now Natalie just wanted to be with Adeline, Levi, and Mary. If she allowed herself to think about a potential relationship with Lucas . . . Well, it had disaster written all over it. She was saving to go to college and had plans for her life—plans that didn’t include converting to the Amish way of life. But something about Lucas had lured her his way the first time she laid eyes on him. Their nightly conversations were only strengthening her attraction as she got to know him better.
Maxwell stretched all four legs from where he lay at the foot of Adeline’s bed. Natalie wondered what they would do with him after Adeline was gone.
“Is she still breathing?” Mary and Levi still held Adeline’s hand, but Mary placed her other hand on their friend’s chest. “I can’t tell.”
Natalie remembered that she wasn’t able to tell when Mimi Jean had passed. She had to ask someone. As a person prepares to leave this world, the breaths become hard to see or hear. She put her free hand on Adeline’s chest.
“I think so,” she said in a shaky voice. She locked eyes with Mary, then Levi. Natalie wasn’t surprised they’d fallen in love. They were a cute couple, both attractive on the inside and outside. Mary was graceful and confident. Levi was less sure of himself, but he was as tenderhearted as Mary. Natalie thought they were a perfect match.
The two fans in the room hummed as rays of sunshine beamed in through the window, revealing tiny particles that danced like fairy dust in the light. She thought Adeline squeezed her hand. Or did she imagine it?
Adeline opened her eyes and smiled, her gaze landing in the corner of the room. Natalie froze. Adeline looked at each one of them with a soft smile, then she focused on the corner of the room again. “Percy,” she whispered.
Then she closed her eyes. Natalie knew it was for the last time.
Three days later, Levi’s entire family attended Adeline’s funeral, which was held at the church she and Percy used to attend. From there, they went to the cemetery, and as Levi stood next to Mary, he recalled the first time he saw her at Percy’s funeral. He never could have predicted at ten years old that the girl who caught him playing piano all those years ago would become his wife. Gott’s plan had been set in motion a long time ago.
Mary’s parents and her sister and new husband also attended Adeline’s funeral. Both families had been introduced before the church service earlier. Levi and Mary still hadn’t told their families they were planning to get married, but they had to suspect that the two were in a serious relationship. Levi hadn’t left Mary’s side, and Mary hadn’t left Natalie’s side.
Natalie’s mother was there, but not her father. Natalie had driven to the funeral with Mary and Levi as passengers. Her mother drove separately and cried buckets during the entire service at the church, and she was still crying now.
“Crocodile tears,” Natalie had whispered, scowling at her mother in the church.
Levi didn’t know what that meant, but as the preacher offered his final words for Adeline, everyone lowered their heads in prayer. Then people began to disperse, some crying as they made their way to their cars. Levi wondered who many of them were. Why did people show up at a person’s funeral instead of while they were alive? It wasn’t his place to judge, though.
In the distance, three men waited with shovels. In Levi’s community, and most likely in Mary’s, the men closest to the deceased person lowered a plain coffin into the ground then filled it with dirt themselves. At an Englisch funeral, everyone left before the person was lowered into the ground.
His mother sniffled as she limped toward Levi. She touched his arm, rubbing it slightly before she turned to Mary. “It was lovely to see you again, although I’m sorry it was under such sad circumstances.” A smile played across his mother’s face as she wiped her eyes. “I suspect we will be seeing a lot more of you.”
Mary struggled to say something, but eventually just nodded. Then Levi’s father, brothers, and sisters approached them. One by one, they offered condolences, each one wearing their Sunday clothes.
Mary’s parents and sister and Natalie’s mother offered their sympathies, and so did the preacher.
Eventually, everyone was gone except for Levi, Mary, and Natalie.
“We’re supposed to go now.” Natalie hung her head and cried.
Levi and Mary wrapped their arms around her, and they stayed in their family circle as Adeline was lowered into the ground. Then Levi asked one of the men for a shovel, and he began tossing dirt into Adeline’s grave. Mary asked for a shovel, too, then Natalie did.
When the men saw they weren’t needed, they put some distance between them and Adeline’s family. Levi, Mary, and Natalie gave thanks for the woman who had brought them all together.
Rest in peace, Adeline.
A week later, Natalie met Mary and Levi at an attorney’s office. Apparently Adeline left each of them something in her will.
Natalie had finally told her mother that Adeline left her house to the church, but she didn’t tell her until after the funeral. She was afraid her mother wouldn’t attend if she told her beforehand. It was bad enough that Natalie’s father and Olive Oil—who hadn’t moved yet—didn’t make time to attend, even if just for Natalie’s sake.
She would treasure any trinket Adeline left to her as a remembrance. Levi, Mary, and Natalie had all agreed that the furniture would stay with the house when it was deeded to the church, and Mary had loaned Natalie money for a pet deposit so Maxwell could have a home with her for now.
“Thank you for coming.” The attorney sat behind a big desk filled with stacked folders and papers everywhere. Natalie hoped those weren’t all dead people files. It was a weird thing to think, but Bob Fletcher—as he’d introduced himself—might as well have been the grim reaper himself. His shoulders slouched as he sat down in the big leather chair behind his desk. His large jowls sagged like water balloons on either side of his face, and unruly gray eyebrows crouched downward above dark eyes that seemed to look through a person instead of at them.
“You three are the heirs to Adeline Collins’s estate.” Mr. Fletcher looked at each of them as he spoke, seemingly as confused as they were.
“Nee, you must be mistaken,” Mary said. “Adeline already told us that her house was going to the church. And even though we gave her most of the furniture, we would like it gifted to the church as well.”
Mr. Fletcher shook his head, the water balloons jiggling on either side of his face. “Adeline mailed me a letter detailing her wishes a few weeks ago.” Natalie remembered the stop at the post office on the way to the beach.
He pulled a white envelope out of a larger yellow envelope that looked like the one Adeline had mailed that day. He handed it to Natalie, who opened it, took out the letter, and read it aloud.
Dear Natalie, Mary, and Levi,
By the time this letter is read to you, I will be dancing in heaven with my Percy, so please don’t shed any more tears. I lived a glorious life, loved the Lord completely, and was gifted with the family I’d always wanted late in life.
Mary and Levi, marriage is a long journey filled with love, joy, and sometimes heartbreak. Work hard to compromise. Recognize and embrace each other’s strengths, and don’t focus on the flaws. Navigate well and follow the Lord’s lead. If you step off the right path, you can usually feel it, and God will gently point you in the right direction if you keep your mind in tune to His. That’s all the marriage advice I’m going to offer because the journey is yours.
Percy and I wanted to fill our home with the laughter of children, but it just wasn’t in God’s plan for us. But that old house has a personality of its own, and I pray it will nurture you and lots of children, laughing, playing, growing, and learning. Thus, I leave my home to the two of you, along with the contents. Of course, you can’t live in it until you’re married, but it will be there for you when you are ready. I will regret not seeing you take your vows, but when that day comes, I will be with you in spirit.
You see, the house is meant for you. God was planning all around us. When I sold my belongings, it was out with the old, and in with the new, symbolic of new beginnings. You have filled it with lovely, yet simple Amish furnishings. We went without electricity, yet we did just fine, and you already have a propane refrigerator, stove, and battery-operated fans. There’s no phone, and I’d highly suggest you toss those intrusive cell phones, or at least keep the usage to a minimum. And since you both love cats and haven’t been able to have one of your own, the house comes with Maxwell, who also brought me much company and love during the short time I had with him.
Mary wept openly. Levi’s hand was over his mouth as his eyes grew moist.
Natalie’s heart was filled with warmth and joy at the thought of her friends living in Adeline’s house, and when that day came, she would hand over Max. She loved the cat, but she felt bad every day that he was in her apartment alone while she was at work. This arrangement would keep all their memories alive, and Natalie would visit often. They’d formed bonding friendships that would go on forever.
Sweet Natalie, I’m so proud of you for wanting to take control of your destiny by furthering your education. And it tickles me pink that you want to be a veterinarian, as I once did. Remember, you are not your parents but your own person. Choose wisely in all you do and maintain a good relationship with the Lord to help guide you in that effort.
Natalie couldn’t hold back her own tears now. Her emotional state was caused by a combination of Adeline’s words and her talks with Lucas about God. Levi’s brother was her friend, but also a spiritual advisor—who just happened to be incredibly handsome.
Natalie, I’ve left you my money, what’s left of it. I didn’t have a lot, but it should be enough to pay for your college tuition for at least a couple of years. Work hard and choose your path carefully. You are an independent spirit, but there is someone special out there for you, so don’t shy away when that special someone walks into your life. Follow your dreams, the way you so eloquently expressed yourself in the essay. And you might be the only person in the world who loves my red furniture in the parlor as much as I do, and it’s certainly too fancy for Levi and Mary. So, I hope you can think of me and put that furniture to good use.
Natalie’s jaw dropped as tears trailed down her cheeks.
So, my sweet friends. Live well and be strong. Walk in the light of the Lord. I love you all very much.
With gratitude and love,
Adeline
Natalie folded the piece of paper, put it back in the envelope, and offered it to the man, but Mary asked if they could keep it, and the lawyer nodded.
Sighing, Mr. Fletcher looked at Natalie. “There is a problem. Adeline doesn’t have any money. Not any money to speak of and certainly not enough to sustain you through two years of college. I’m not sure why she thought she did. It may carry you through a semester.” He paused, took off his reading glasses, and as his features softened, he didn’t look quite so scary.
“Then we will sell the house so Natalie can have enough money to go to school.” Mary gave a taut nod of her head. Levi agreed with her.
“No! Are you two crazy? That is your house to live in, and I couldn’t bear the thought of someone else living in Adeline’s house since she wanted you to have it.” Natalie took in a deep breath as her excitement about the possibility of college fled her thoughts. She’d never wanted anything but Adeline’s love from the beginning. The money would have been a bonus, but what she’d gained by knowing Adeline far outweighed everything else. “And you know I will be visiting often.” She swiped at her eyes. “Besides, I’ve been applying for scholarships.”
Levi whispered something to Mary and she nodded. Natalie was happy for her friends. They wouldn’t have the financial burden of buying a house when they were married, and Adeline’s dreams would live on through them. Their friendships would live on forever too.
Money was just money.
Later that afternoon, Levi and Mary went to Adeline’s house. They walked into the parlor and sat on the red couch, probably for the last time, at least for a while. They stared at the piano. Levi had given a lot of thought to the bishop’s words regarding music and instruments. He’d shared the conversation with Mary.
“I’m ready to give it up once and for all.” He held Mary’s hand as he stared at the piano. “I can’t be baptized in good conscience with temptation constantly hanging over me. Besides, with each day my attachment to the piano seems to lessen. I think maybe Gott loaned me the talent as a gift to help see Adeline through her final days.” He thought about his vision, and it gave him hope that he would play again someday.
“Are you sure? Because I’ve been having the same thoughts about the music I’ve been listening to. I want to give it up before baptism.”
“I’m sure.”
Levi and Mary would be married at the end of October, two months from now. They’d be baptized in a few weeks.
Natalie was thrilled to get the red furniture, but both Mary and Levi felt terrible that she didn’t have enough money to cover her college expenses.
“Do you think the piano is worth much? We need to sell it. We’ll be in a new district, but I don’t know of any bishop who would allow it in our home.” Mary stood and walked to the sleek black instrument and gingerly ran a hand along the side. “It’s beautiful, but it’s so old it might not bring much money.”
Levi walked to her side and stared at the instrument that had tempted him since birth.
“Do you want to play one last time?” Mary touched his arm.
Levi shook his head. “Nee. It hasn’t felt right the last few times I played for Adeline.”
Mary walked around the piano until she found the manufacturer’s name. “It says it’s a Steinway. Maybe we can get a few hundred dollars for Natalie.”
Levi had worried how he would get a house and provide for Mary. But he’d already been offered several construction jobs in the area from folks who had driven by Adeline’s house and seen the fresh paint, repaired fences, and landscaped yard. He’d also left some flyers at local businesses.
“Let’s talk to a couple piano places and maybe have someone come look at it to see if they want to make an offer. Adeline probably thought you would want the piano, but I think she would agree with our way of thinking.” Mary smiled.
“I agree.” Levi waited for his chest to tighten since they’d made a decision about the piano. It didn’t. He could still hear the melodies in his head, and he had a strong feeling God was leaving him with those memories.
Natalie walked into Adeline’s house to meet Mary and Levi a few days after the reading of the will. She hoped that someday she could cross the threshold without crying. After she paused to gather herself, she walked into the kitchen and looked at the puzzle still spread out on the kitchen table, the pieces still not connected. Maybe she, Mary, and Levi would finish it. Adeline would have liked that.
Natalie had made arrangements for the red furniture to be picked up the following day. It smelled like this house, and it would be a constant reminder of Adeline’s love. Since it was still here, she moseyed toward the parlor. Levi and Mary’s buggies were already outside, so she suspected that’s where she’d find them. She gasped when she walked into the room. “Where’s the piano?”
Mary ran to her and threw her arms around her. “We’ve been so excited for you to get here.” She eased away, then walked to Levi’s side. They were both grinning ear to ear. They’d been secretive about this meeting, not saying much when they asked Natalie to take off work to meet here. She thought it must be important.
“Where’s the piano?” she asked again, knowing how much Levi loved it. Adeline was right. Everything had been set up perfectly for them.
“It’s not allowed in our life,” Levi said. “I only played for Adeline toward the end because I didn’t have the heart to deny her. And I think my longing to play was all a buildup to Adeline’s final days, to give her comfort. Baptism is a new beginning for us.” He smiled at his future wife. She knew they planned to have half a dozen children, and that would take money. She didn’t know much about pianos. Her mother said Steinways were expensive, but Percy’s piano was really old.
“Well, I’m okay with you selling the piano, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ve known all along that instruments weren’t really allowed for Amish people.”
Mary bounced up on her toes before she pushed a white envelope toward Natalie. “Ya, we sold it, and we want you to use the money for college.”
Natalie shook her head. “No, no, no. Adeline left me the red furniture, and I’m thrilled to have it. Plus, I’ve applied for scholarships, and the money Adeline had will get me through two semesters, I think. You keep the money.”
Levi stepped forward next to Mary. “Nee, we wouldn’t feel right. The piano was special to Percy but not allowed in our world. Just using the money without purpose wouldn’t feel right. Please agree to take it. We want very much for you to have it. Adeline intended to leave us all with something we could use.”
Natalie sighed. “I guess a little more money toward school would be helpful, but I . . .” She shook her head. “I don’t know.”
Mary growled as she bounced up on her toes again. “Take the money!”
Natalie’s eyes widened as she grinned. “Good grief, Mary. Settle down.” Laughing again, she said, “Okay.”
She slid her finger under the flap until the envelope was open. She pulled out a check, blinking her eyes a few times. The amount couldn’t possibly be right. Mary started jumping up and down, clapping her hands like she was a child.
Natalie literally fell on the couch and stared at the cashier’s check. “What? I don’t understand . . .”
Levi chuckled. “It turned out that Percy made quite the investment back in the seventies. He didn’t pay nearly close to what the piano is worth now.”
“It’s what Adeline would have wanted, Natalie. It’s what Levi and I want. We were thrilled to get that much money.”
Natalie’s eyes were crossing as she continued to eye the amount. “We should at least split it three ways.”
“Nee, no way.” Levi shook his head. Mary did too.
Natalie covered her face with both hands and cried. Levi sat down on one side of her and Mary on the other. They each placed an arm around her.
“It wasn’t as hard for me to give up the piano as I thought it would be. Adeline would want it this way. Mary and I have a house to start our lives in when we get married. That’s all we need, and each other. To accept that kind of money would feel wrong to us.”
Natalie eyed the check again. “Is this for real?”
They both tightened their half hug, answering that it was.
Levi nudged her with his shoulder. “I don’t know how much college costs, but I would think this should pay for a good bit of your schooling.”
Natalie’s mouth fell open. “A good bit? Try all of my tuition and books. I can go full-time. I can quit my job. I can go to vet school.” She sobbed. “All things I feared would never happen. That’s what eighty-six thousand dollars can do for me!” Natalie would help her mother also. Despite everything, Natalie wouldn’t have met Adeline without her mother’s urging, even if her mom’s intentions were misdirected. A portion of the money might help her mother get on her feet. It was another example of everything coming full circle.
“We know. That’s why we asked you to leave work and meet us here.” Levi laughed. “We’ve been so excited to give you the check.”
Mary giggled. “He’s right.”
Natalie thought about what her father had said, about the Amish being giving people. She’d known Mary and Levi were both generous, but she’d had no idea to what extent.
“We had two piano dealers come look at it. It turned into a bidding war,” Mary said. “Something about it having German Kluge keys and keyboard.”
“And Renner Blue hammers,” Levi added. “Only a few like Percy’s were manufactured.”
Natalie fought to corral her emotions by taking deep breaths.
“I hope I don’t disappoint Adeline.” She finally smiled at Mary, then at Levi. “I know pride isn’t your thing. But I really want to make the two of you proud of me too.”
“You already do.” Mary kissed her on the cheek.
Natalie looked forward to a bright future. She couldn’t wait to see what was in store for all of them.