Chapter Seven
Monday, on the way home, Eli fastened his seat belt while Chuck pulled away from Old Sam’s home.
“That kitchen sure is comin’ along just fine. In fact, it looks so good, it could be on the cover of one of them home magazines.”
“It’s one of our best projects,” Eli agreed.
As Eli rolled his window down, the driver’s cell phone beeped. “Chuck here.”
As he conversed with his wife, Eli considered everything on his plate. He let out a sigh. Before meeting Jessica Beachy, his life had been simple.
Now, his head swam with things he’d never given much thought to: How to make someone believe in God. Pebble Creek going up for sale and who would live here. Even the gift that Jessica was so determined to find and the possibility that Old Sam had been a romantic.
As the driver continued discussing where he and his wife could find the best deal on a new washer and dryer, Eli lowered his gaze to the pop can that he held with one hand on his right thigh. Jessica not knowing the Creator of the universe is by far the biggest issue I’ve ever come across. But there’s something else that’s weighing me down. I have feelings for Old Sam’s niece. She’s not only non-Amish, but she doesn’t even know the Lord. Not to mention that she’s going to leave in two or three weeks. And I want her to stay. But if she would decide to stay, then what?
Eli recalled that Doc Zimmerman hadn’t been Amish before marrying his wife, Rachel. And Eli’s own father had been Englisch before joining the Amish church with Maemm. But why were his feelings for Jessica more of an issue than his daed’s or Doc Zimmerman’s? No, they weren’t Amish, but they’d believed in God. And they lived here, not out-of-state.
Eli attempted to prioritize every issue that flitted through his mind. But right now, there was too much chaos going on inside of him. He pulled in a deep, determined breath and crossed his legs. What could he do?
Then the answer came. The moment it did, he closed his eyes and smiled as a feeling of both guilt and relief swept up his arms and settled in his shoulders. But he didn’t try to rid himself of the sensation. Because it consoled him.
Finally, he was fully aware of how to manage his struggles. His entire body relaxed. The nervous, quick pace of his heart slowed.
The tenseness in the back of his neck evaporated. The pain in his chest went away. Maybe Jessica didn’t know God. But Eli was acting like he didn’t, either. A huge sense of shame overtook him, and he lowered his gaze to his boots.
How could he have forgotten that God guided his life? His Heavenly Father was in charge of everything. These issues were more difficult than others in his past, but in the entire scheme of things, with God in charge, how could Eli make the wrong choices? He had forgotten that his Savior was stronger than any problem.
He bowed his head. Dear God, please help me to do Your will. You know my heart. My feelings for Jessica Beachy. Please fill her heart with Your love so that she may know You and serve You. And please let the unspoken bond we feel for each other be focused on You. Please guide me. Amen.
* * *
In Jessica’s kitchen the following afternoon, she glimpsed the Conrads’ shiny black buggy in her drive and smiled a little. The bright sun coming in through the windows lightened the brass handles on the new cabinets a notch. As Mary prepared her special formula for Old Sam’s rosebush, the fan made a light noise while the blade whirled at high speed.
Jessica sat down at the table and eyed the room with satisfaction. “So what do you think of the improvements?”
Mary glanced her way a moment before returning her attention to measure a powderlike substance and adding it to her plastic bowl. “They’re marvelous. In fact, I love everything Eli has done. And the cabinets . . .”
Jessica noted a light pink that shaded the girl’s already rosy cheeks.
“I love the makeover Daed did,” Mary continued. “But you know the change I love most?”
“What?”
“The new window. It’s so much larger than Old Sam’s. And sunlight’s a good thing. I always feel that it’s God’s way of smiling at us.”
The corners of Jessica’s lips curved upwards. Not because she agreed with the Conrad girl, but because of the conviction and certainty in her voice as she’d said it. The statement had been spoken like God was her friend.
“Fertig!” Jessica assumed that the word meant finished.
Jessica rose and pushed her chair in while Mary gave her mixture a final stir.
Jessica opened the door, and the two stepped around a pile of plywood and plaster from the remodel before making their way back onto the sidewalk that led to Old Sam’s flower bed.
Excitement edged Mary’s voice as she bent to touch a purple coneflower. “It seems like they get more beautiful every year.”
Without saying anything, Jessica motioned to the only plant that wasn’t green and in bloom.
She stood next to Mary as the girl knelt for a better view of the stems. Her glasses slid down her nose a notch, and she pushed them up and pressed on the earpiece. Jessica observed her with a combination of curiosity and admiration.
Auburn wisps of hair had escaped Mary’s kapp. It amused Jessica that the Amish called it a kapp, because when she heard the word cap, a young boy with a baseball cap immediately came to mind.
Sturdy black shoes covered Mary’s feet. A white apron protected the front part of the girl’s long-sleeved navy dress, which hid her legs. Jessica was sure that Mary didn’t look at herself in the mirror and specifically think that she was attractive; by now, Jessica was fully aware that the Amish focused on a person’s heart, not looks.
But even her long dress didn’t hide curves that most English girls would love to have. Despite the thick glasses on her face, the girl could be considered stunning. But what impressed Jessica most about Mary Conrad was her keen interest in plants and her knowledge.
Most teenagers that Jessica knew were mainly interested in cell phones, makeup, and clothes. But as far as natural beauty went, Mary had the complete package: looks, brains, and most importantly, kindness. And what made her even more special was that she didn’t seem at all aware of it.
Mary made herself comfortable on the ground in front of the rosebush. Jessica sat down next to her and pulled her feet close to her body. Mary pulled clippers from her small bag, and began snipping some dead branches.
As she did so, she darted a smile at Jessica. “First, I’ll prune it to get it in the best shape possible. After that, I’ll feed it my special formula. I want to do everything I can so that it will absorb the vitamins and minerals.”
The girl’s fingers were delicate looking, and the expression on her face was a combination of thoughtfulness and enjoyment. For an odd moment, Jessica wondered what her own life would be like today had she been raised Amish.
When Mary’s glasses slipped down her nose again, the girl shoved them back up. “What did you think of last night’s dinner?”
“Oh! It was so much fun, Mary. The food was delicious, but you know what I enjoyed even more?”
Mary looked up before returning her attention to her task at hand. “What?”
“The camaraderie.”
“I’m so glad! I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that we Amish folk like to get together.”
“And you’re good cooks, too!”
Mary lifted her shoulders in an undecided shrug. “Some of us are, and some of us aren’t.”
Jessica eyed the girl with speculation. “Do you like to cook, Mary?”
“Not so much. Maemm would like me to take a more serious interest in the culinary field, but to be honest . . .” She shrugged again. “I’d be telling a lie if I said I like being in the kitchen.”
She laughed, and Jessica joined her.
“At least you’re honest. But surely, there are worse things in life than that.”
Mary shook her head as she clipped a dead rose and added it to her growing pile. “If I were Englisch, it might not be such a big deal. But when I’m an Amish maemm, I suppose it will matter to my house full of children.”
Jessica leaned forward a bit and raised an inquisitive brow. “You plan on lots of kids?”
“Jah.” Mary gave a big nod of her head and continued tending to the bush. “I can’t wait to have little ones running barefoot in the house. To read the Bible to them at night. Say prayers with them. But Jessica . . .”
“What?”
Mary wagged a dismissive hand. “Oh, it’s nothing.”
“It must be something. Tell me what you were going to say. Please.”
“Jessica, if I’m going to have a houseful of children, that means I’ll need a husband. And”—she hesitated before continuing—“that means I’ll have to find one.”
Jessica laughed. “You’ve got plenty of time for that.”
A disappointed expression crossed Mary’s face, and she shrugged before returning full attention to her job.
From Mary’s reaction, Jessica was sure there was more to the story than Mary had mentioned. At the same time, she didn’t want to appear nosy, but she felt compelled to reassure this kindhearted girl.
“Mary, you’re only sixteen.”
“But other girls my age already know who they want to marry, Jessica.”
Jessica considered the statement before saying gently, “And you don’t?”
Mary rolled her eyes, and they lit up in excitement. “Jah. I know who I’d like to spend my life with.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
The corners of Mary’s lips took a sudden drop. “I think he’s got his eyes on someone else.”
“Oh.” Trying for something upbeat, Jessica edged her voice with enthusiasm. The last thing she wanted was to see this special girl be sad. “Things could change.”
“I don’t know. For some reason, no one’s interested in me. I mean, not to marry.”
After contemplating the statement, Jessica’s words came to her, and she said with confidence, “Consider us in the same boat.”
When Mary stopped what she was doing and looked up, Jessica raised her palms. “I’ve never had a love interest. And no one seems to be vying for my attention. Yet I’m still breathing.”
“But have you wanted to get married and have a dozen kids since you were five years old?”
Jessica raised a surprised brow. “No, I can’t say that I have. In fact . . .” She wagged a dismissive hand. “Oh, never mind.”
“What?”
The stressful past rushed back into Jessica’s memory, and she breathed in a sad breath. “Mary, for most of my childhood, I didn’t have time to think about it. So many other issues took priority.”
Mary stopped her task and looked at Jessica with interest.
The last thing Jessica wanted was to dump her problems on this delightful plant-guru. So she shrugged dismissively and tried for a positive, casual tone.
“I think my past was probably much different than yours, Mary. You see . . . I didn’t have time to think of marriage and kids.” She swallowed an emotional knot. “My father was an alcoholic.”
“Oh!”
“It’s okay. Please don’t worry about me. I survived. And now he’s gone. So is my mother. But growing up . . . I guess you could say it was . . . tumultuous. In fact, I’m just starting to recover and get on with my life.”
“I’m so sorry, Jessica. And I thought my problems were serious. I won’t talk about it anymore.”
“No. It’s okay. I enjoy chatting with you. But excuse me for prying, and you don’t have to answer this if you don’t feel comfortable, but who is this boy you like?”
Mary put her weight on her other hip and lowered her voice. “It’s Wayne Miller.” With an innocent smile, she pressed her pointer finger against her lips and said, “Shh. This stays between us, okay?”
“Absolutely.”
Jessica cupped her chin in her hand and nodded acknowledgment. “I can certainly understand why. He’s a nice young man. Very responsible and hardworking.”
“Jah. I see him at church.”
“Does he know you like him?”
“I’m not sure. I mean, how would he?” She rolled her eyes. “When we’re together, I never know what to say to him. Tell me, what on earth do I talk about with a boy my age?”
Jessica looked away a moment. When she returned to look at Mary, she wasn’t sure what to tell her. “Let me think on that, Mary. Without a doubt, he’s really into woodworking. But to be honest, I’m not sure what his hobbies are. What does he enjoy? Is there an interest you could share with him, maybe?”
“Not that I know of. Oh!” She snapped her fingers in sudden recollection. “He’s really into horses.”
“Is he into plants?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Let me ask you this, Mary. Why do you like him so much if you have nothing in common?”
Mary laughed. “I have no idea!”
Jessica laughed, too.
Mary went on. “That’s not really true. I like him for what’s important. It’s about how he makes me feel. He’s extremely thoughtful and kind. Once, when we were little, we were walking to school together on the blacktop, and a car came out of nowhere and nearly hit me. He pulled me out of the way. Then he walked me to my house and told my folks what had happened. Of course, Maemm asked him to stay for dinner, and he did.”
Mary put down her clippers and shifted to better face Jessica. She sneezed.
“Bless you!”
Mary pulled a tissue from her apron pocket and blew her nose, then apologized. “My allergies are at it again.” But as she started to get back at her task, she stopped and smiled again at Jessica. “Do you want to hear another reason I like him?”
“Yes!”
Mary cleared her throat before continuing. “One time, when it was raining so hard after church, he held an umbrella over my head while he walked me to my buggy. I’ll never forget when his shirt sleeve touched my wrist.” Mary paused and drew in a dreamy breath before pushing it out. “Jessica, haven’t you ever met someone like that? A person you’re just drawn to? A guy you love being with because they make you feel special without even saying anything?”
Eli immediately came to Jessica’s mind, and she stiffened. She strummed her fingers nervously against the concrete patio. As she did so, a fly landed on her hand, and she swatted it away. “Now that you mention it, yes.”
Mary turned her attention back to the bush and snipped away. “So you understand exactly what I’m talking about.” After a slight hesitation, she went on in a hushed voice. “So do you want to marry this man who makes you feel special? Do you want a family with him?”
Jessica fidgeted with her hands and pressed her lips into a straight line. Her breath rose and fell to a nervous beat. Her shoulders stiffened until a dull pain at the back of her neck prompted her to reach behind her head and rub it.
Without warning, this pleasant conversation had taken an intense turn. Jessica felt compelled to explain, but wasn’t sure what to say. Because she didn’t know the answer. A long silence ensued while she focused on Pebble Creek. Even from a distance, she could see the winding stream and the hill that seemed out of place.
Suddenly, the pain at the back of her neck ceased. She breathed easier, and it came to her that just the mere sight of Pebble Creek had done more to relax her than anxiety pills had ever accomplished. If only she could take this beautiful, comforting view with her.
When she realized that the Conrad girl eagerly awaited a reply, she finally decided on a response. “Mary, just because I like being around someone doesn’t necessarily mean that I want to marry them.”
“No?” Before Jessica could answer, Mary went on. “Does the guy you like being with enjoy being around you, too?”
Careful not to give away that the individual they discussed was someone Mary knew very well, Jessica considered the potent question. Finally, she said, “I’m not sure. I think so.”
They looked at each other. As Jessica took in the curious expression on Mary’s face, she considered this unusual conversation with a teenager. The girl sought advice about what she obviously considered a serious dilemma, and Jessica couldn’t help her. But she wanted to. But how could she advise about something she knew nothing about? Suddenly, an idea came to her. “Mary, I know what Eli would tell you.” Before Mary could question her, Jessica continued. “He’d tell you to pray to God.” Jessica shrugged. “It seems to work for him.”
“Eli.” She shoved out a breath of relief. “He always knows just what to do. Prayer.” When Jessica didn’t respond, Mary asked in a more curious tone, “You pray, don’t you?”
Jessica slowly shook her head.
Mary’s eyes seemed to double in size. “No?”
“ No.”
“Why not?”
Jessica shrugged. “How do you know He exists?”
Several heartbeats passed while Mary stared at her with devastation and shock. Finally, she smiled softly and eased the tone of her voice. “I just do. Pray, Jessica. And I’ll pray for you. God is with you all the time, whether you realize it or not. He brought you to us, didn’t he? I consider that a tremendous blessing. When Old Sam went, I was devastated. I knew he was old, and his death at over one hundred years of age certainly wasn’t a surprise; still, it was hard letting go of someone I loved so much. I can’t imagine not being close to God. I depend on Him every single minute. I pray for guidance. To stay safe. And to serve Him and only Him.”
When Jessica started to speak, Mary went on. “You know, sometimes we’re so busy that we overlook miracles in our lives. Think about it, Jessica. Life is a miracle. Don’t you ever wonder how this”—she waved a hand at the property—“all started?”
Jessica pondered the question as Mary went back to her work. But the girl’s words stuck in Jessica’s mind. Long moments later, Mary finally broke the silence and changed the subject.
“Jessica, I’m also going to pray for this rose, because it’s special in more ways than one. Did you know that when this plant blooms, it produces a unique-looking bud?”
“Really?”
“Jah. It’s a classic long-stemmed rose. When people talk about roses, this is what they typically think of. They’re ideal for bouquets. And this one in particular is called a Bella’roma. When it blooms, it’s yellow, and the tips are a reddish hue.” She paused. “You know what I said about miracles?”
Jessica nodded.
“Well, this is definitely one.” Her voice dropped to a tone edged with wonder. “How on earth could any plant produce such a beautiful, ornate-looking flower without a Creator?”
Jessica pressed her lips together thoughtfully. The girl made a good point. “It sounds absolutely beautiful.”
“It is. That’s why Old Sam liked it enough to plant it for Esther’s birthday in memory of her. And oh”—Mary took an excited breath—“I wish you could smell its sweet fragrance! You’d absolutely fall in love with it, Jessica.”
“I can’t wait for it to revive!”
Mary darted Jessica a wink. “In my heart, I believe it will. It’s special. But it’s certainly not the only gorgeous plant in the world. You want to know what my favorite of all time is?”
Jessica looked at her.
“It’s a beautiful hybrid tea called Chicago Peace.”
“How is it different from this little guy?”
“It’s got quite a history. It was bred in France in the early nineteen hundreds. Later, it was introduced in the Chicago area. It’s hardy, which makes it easier to grow than some, and it’s a perennial. If you’re not into plants, that means that it automatically comes back every year. What’s cool is that it gets pretty large for a rose.”
“How big does it get?”
“About five feet.”
“Wow.”
“Jah. And it doesn’t require much maintenance; of course, it always helps to be aware of the pH and water requirements.”
Jessica listened.
“It’s amazing all of the different flowers that God created. And each has its own identity to make it unique.” Before Jessica could absorb all that Mary had said, the girl unexpectedly jumped up from her sitting position and ran her hands over her apron. “Time for finishing touches. Just a moment . . . I’ll be back.”
Mary brushed her palms together. As she stepped to her buggy, Jessica got up and followed her.
Mary reached inside and pulled out a small plastic bag.
“Mulch?”
“Jah. After I pour the mixture around the bush, I’ll cover the area to help keep moisture in. That will give the rose a chance to absorb my vitamin mixture.” In an optimistic gesture, she lifted her shoulders. “Then it’s up to God to work His magic. Prayer.”
Jessica wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Because in the end, whether the rose lives or doesn’t stay alive is up to God. And I’m convinced that prayers influence His decision.”
As Jessica considered Mary’s theory, they walked back to the roses where Mary lowered her voice to barely more than a whisper. “Old Sam knew how I loved nurturing roses. In fact, he used to tell me not to complain about the thorns, to be happy that the bush has them.”
“He was so wise.”
She nodded. “And you know what I liked most about him?”
“What?”
“His proverbs. There wasn’t one he didn’t know. And when I worry about something, I try to think of a proverb to help me put things into perspective.”
Jessica knelt on the opposite side of the rose and met the young girl’s gaze before she resumed her task at hand. “What would he have said to me about selling this place?”
Mary paused and looked down at the ground. As she did so, she pressed her lips together into a firm line. When she looked up at Jessica, her lips curved into a gentle smile.
“I think I know which one he’d use. He used to say that the structure of a home isn’t important. It’s the people in it who count.”
* * *
The following evening, Jessica watched as Eli’s crew pulled out of the long drive and slowly disappeared down the blacktop. She pressed her lips together in deliberation. For several moments, she considered all that she’d put on Eli’s shoulders since she’d come to the countryside.
As the warm breeze blew some strands of hair in her eyes, she carefully shoved them back over her ears and quickly decided that Eli Miller got more than he had bargained for. Not only was he fixing her house, but she was leaning on him to help her to know about her great-uncle. She was fully aware that inside, Eli still grieved. Yet she was pressing him for information.
As always, the thought of Eli prompted a smile. She breathed in and stepped away from the kitchen. As she went to the side door, she turned to take in the improvements. This is becoming a gorgeous room. I’d love to take it back to St. Louis.
She admired the beautiful cabinets. She carried one of the boxes of plates to the kitchen and began to unwrap them and return them to the cabinet shelves. As she moved her finger over the wood shelves, she frowned and acknowledged the need to dust first.
She found the Murphy Oil Soap and sprayed it on the lower shelves. As she ran a cloth over the beautiful wood, she breathed in the pleasant scent. She climbed up on the countertop using the step stool that Eli and Wayne had left in the room and continued to spray and wipe the top shelves.
Afterwards, she used Windex to clean the glass. Installation of the large floor tiles had begun, and already, the kitchen had taken on the rustic and modern look that she so wanted.
The fireplace bricks looked like new. When the countertops were finished and the wall opened up, the place would be fit for a magazine cover. It would be hard to leave this place.
She quickly turned her thoughts to the conversation she’d just had with Eli. His obvious lack of desire to find what Old Sam’s key unlocked disappointed her.
Though, of course, why would Eli care about finding it? Even though he’d been a dear friend to her great-uncle, he wasn’t Sam’s own flesh and blood. And perhaps not having met Old Sam made Jessica even more determined to learn about him so she could feel part of his life.
Her cell phone rang, and she answered.
“Jessica, it’s Sandy. Are you sitting down?”
Jessica fell back onto the nearest chair. “I am now. Why?”
“We have a very interested buyer.”
A combination of tension and excitement made Jessica tighten her grip on the phone.
“Already? That’s great! It’s not even listed.”
“We may not have to. A businessman from out East has gotten wind of your property. He doesn’t plan to live here, but he’s very interested in the Amish and is toying with the idea of purchasing Pebble Creek for a vacation home.”
Jessica stiffened and absorbed what she’d just heard. Her heart pumped with excitement. And doubt. Pebble Creek meant a lot to the Miller family, and they wanted a family to buy the place and make new memories. That’s what Eli’s family yearned for. They strongly believed it’s what her great-uncle would have wanted, too.
“Jessica? Are you still there?”
Jessica realized that her agent awaited a response. So Jessica thought of what to say. “That’s good news, Sandy. I’m glad there’s interest. Hopefully, it will sell quickly. I’m really hoping, though, for a family to have it. We’ve talked about it . . .”
“Honey, no promises, but his agent tells me that if this guy decides to make an offer, you’ll be able to name your price.”
After Jessica ended the call, she clicked off her phone and let out a sigh. She frowned at the news. Because if this actually materialized, the Miller family would not be happy.
* * *
The following Saturday, a light knock startled Jessica. Eli wouldn’t be back till Monday. She stepped toward the entrance and checked the peephole. As soon as she opened the door, she faced a friendly smile.
“Gut morning, Jessica.”
The woman handed her a plate.
Jessica smiled and met the woman’s gaze with joy. “Thank you, Annie.” Jessica held the plate closer, breathing in the light scent. “They smell delicious.”
“And they’re still warm. I just took them from the oven.”
As Jessica eyed the fragile-looking desserts with enthusiastic curiosity, Annie laughed. “They’re sponge cakes. My specialty. And your great-uncle loved them.”
Jessica motioned to the table. “Please, Annie. Have a seat. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Annie looked around and nodded satisfaction. “Beautiful. Old Sam would approve, I’m sure.”
“You really think so?”
“Jah.”
Jessica sat opposite Eli’s mother. It wasn’t hard to feel at ease with this woman because she was so friendly and because her smile was so genuine. Her hair was tucked underneath a kapp, and her voice was soft and kind.
Suddenly remembering her manners, Jessica pressed her palms against her thighs and lifted her chin in a newfound confidence. “Would you like a glass of sun tea? I just brewed a fresh pitcher. Nothing fancy. Just good old Lipton.”
“Thank you, Jessica. That would be nice. My! The fireplace looks new!”
As Jessica stepped to the kitchen, she motioned. “I hope you’ll excuse the mess.”
Annie waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, that’s to be expected. And trust me, I’ve been there. I remember when we built our home. For six months, there was only one usable room, and that was the living room. But all the while, we imagined what it would look like in the end.” She smiled. “And believe me, it was worth the mess!”
Jessica reached for two plastic glasses. She set them down, pulled an ice tray from the freezer, and twisted it to release the cubes. They clinked as they fell into the glasses.
She proceeded to pour from the gallon pitcher.
Jessica returned to the table with the two beverages. She placed one in front of Annie and the other in front of her chair. Then she grabbed two paper plates and two plastic forks from a bag and winked. “To make things easy, I’m using disposable cups and plates.” Jessica leaned forward. “I’ve been dying to talk to you, Annie.”
“About what?”
Jessica considered the question and smiled with a shrug. “Everything!”
The two shared a laugh.
“For starters, do you know where Old Sam’s and Esther’s favorite spot was?” She continued to explain about the letter and the key.
Annie frowned. “No, I don’t. Now you’ve piqued my interest.”
Jessica went on. “Annie, I want to know how you and my great-uncle became so close.”
Annie breathed in and looked away before meeting Jessica’s gaze. “Where do I begin? There’s so much to tell.” Annie blinked at the sting of tears. “I guess I could fill you in on how the three of us took care of him after Esther’s death.”
“You mean Rebecca, Rachel, and you?”
“Jah.”
Jessica took a drink.
“If I had to choose the starting place for my relationship with your great-uncle, I guess it would be right after Esther passed on. Of course, I’m sure you already know that. When she succumbed to pneumonia, Sam went through a difficult time.” She paused. “Ironically, he eventually passed from the same thing.”
Jessica parted her lips in sympathy. “Poor Uncle Sam.”
“Jah. He lost a lot of weight after Esther died. Wasn’t talking much. It must have been hard.” Annie took a quick drink and held the beverage in her hand. “I mean they were married nearly six decades. Jessica, I knew I had to do something. And since Esther had been famous for her sponge cakes, I thought that if I learned to make them, and feed Old Sam, then he’d cheer up.” She lifted her shoulders in a light shrug.
Jessica’s eyes widened. “And did he?”
“Eventually.” Annie grinned. “At first, my cakes didn’t turn out like Esther’s. Of course, you realize that Esther was the best cook around. So I had big shoes to fill.”
Jessica nodded.
“But Maemm helped me. And I kept trying.” Annie’s smile widened, and she lifted her chin a confident notch. “Eventually, Old Sam told me that I’d give Esther a run for her money with the desserts.”
Jessica closed her eyes in delight as she took a bite of the cake. “They’re delicious.”
“Denki.” Annie nodded. After a pause to drink more tea, she went on. “I guess you could say that the rest is history. I took him sponge cakes once a week. Sometimes more.” Annie lowered her voice. “I couldn’t let him starve. But it’s funny what happened . . .”
“What?”
“Old Sam loved to talk, so I’d stay and chat while he worked on his hope-chest lids.” She drew her hands to her chest with affection. Jessica’s heart melted as she realized the pain her great-uncle must have experienced and the wonderful Amish neighbors who’d done all they could to cheer him.
“Eventually, we got our Old Sam back, he gained weight, and he took to making hope chests more seriously than ever. To be honest, Jessica, I think that using his creative talents really pulled him through.”
Jessica nodded her head in agreement. “And of course, he must have missed Esther’s cooking in a big way. Good thing you learned how to make his favorite desserts.”
Tears sparkled in Annie’s eyes. “Those two . . . they were such a special pair. That’s for sure.”
Jessica recalled the two other girls who’d helped him and leaned forward, swirling the tea in her glass to mix with the melting ice. “How ’bout Rachel and Rebecca? What did they cook?”
Annie held up a finger while she finished a bite of the white cake. After she swallowed, she picked up the conversation. “They didn’t. But they filled the void that Esther had left in other ways. Funny: God gives each of us special talents to help others.”
Jessica stiffened. God. It slid off of Eli’s mother’s lips as if He were a close friend. When she mentioned Him, it was as if she knew Him. Just like she’d known Old Sam.
“Rachel always had a big heart for animals, especially horses.” A fond laugh escaped Annie’s throat. “That girl would sit with Sam for hours and listen to his horse-and-buggy stories, Jessica. Sam loved to reminisce. And with Rachel, he had an attentive audience, that’s for sure.”
“And Rebecca took him fresh flowers, right?”
Annie nodded. The pink glow in Annie’s cheeks and the friendly timbre of her voice told Jessica right away that the three must be best friends. And they’d all played a role in her uncle’s recovery from the loss of his dear wife.
“Ever since I’ve known Rebecca Sommer . . .” She rolled her eyes and corrected herself. “’Course that was a long time ago. It’s Rebecca Conrad now . . . Anyways, she always had a thing for plants.”
Annie grinned. “Old Sam let her dry plants in his barn, and she made arrangements at a very early age. After she married William, she actually started a business and with every arrangement, she attaches a bit of scripture.” Annie lifted her palms in a gesture of amazement. “You see what I mean about God making us each with our own talents?”
Jessica didn’t respond. Instead, she absorbed Annie’s belief in God and contemplated her theory that He’d given everyone their own talents. She wasn’t sure if God was or wasn’t, but the question piqued her interest. If He did exist, what unique talent had He given her? The question pulled at her until Annie’s voice broke her from her reverie.
“Jessica?”
Jessica smiled a little. “Sorry. I guess you could say that my interest is piqued. About Old Sam. And other things.”
Annie slid her chair closer to the table and said in a serious tone, “You want to know something, Jessica?”
Jessica gave an eager nod while leaning forward in her seat to listen.
“You’re already family to us.”
Tears stung Jessica’s eyes, and she blinked. Annie’s voice indicated pure sincerity. A knot obstructed Jessica’s throat, and she cleared it. Emotion hit her from every direction, and she considered what to say. She’d never been good at communicating her feelings; of course, her parents hadn’t, either. The Miller boys and their folks had already touched her heart in ways she hadn’t imagined possible. She had to show her appreciation.
“Annie, I don’t know what to say.” The chirping of birds on the windowsill was the only sound while Jessica tried for the right words. “Just two weeks ago, I was nervous about coming here. Uneasy about staying by myself in the country. Worried about things that needed to be done to the house and the stress of selling it. But . . .”
Before continuing, she flung her hands in the air in a helpless gesture. “You’re all so very kind to me.” Finally, she sat up straighter and lifted her chin a notch. “Thank you.”
Annie dipped her head. “You’re more than welcome. I may be partial, but I happen to believe that we Amish excel at hospitality. And . . .” Her eyes lit up and she straightened in her seat. “I just had an idea. Since you’re so interested in your uncle and what he did, I’m going to show you something!”