Back in the living room, we played more games, decorated with the greenery, and nibbled on snacks until ten. Bart fell asleep on the couch. I recalled my childhood fantasy that Santa Claus would arrive at midnight with a bag full of presents, knowing ahead of time exactly what each child would want. I realized I’d have to be content not receiving my most treasured gift, and I asked God to give me peace.
As Troy and Isaac prepared to leave, Troy took my hand for a moment. I felt like sinking into his arms and relying on his support. I wasn’t strong enough to make it on my own anymore.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sometime in what must have been the middle of the night, I heard rustling and then a door shut. An intruder? Isaac paying Nancy another midnight call? Was that what the sisters had been snickering about?
Ordinarily, I would have gotten up to find out what was going on. But the chilly air persuaded me to snuggle in my bed. Who in their right mind would break into this Amish home? And I hadn’t heard a car’s engine.
The next morning, the tantalizing aroma of coffee, sizzling bacon, and baking muffins traveled up the stairs and under the crack beneath my door. I checked the battery-operated clock on my bedstand and was amazed that I had slept in until nine. Had I missed all the Christmas morning festivities? Then I reminded myself I wasn’t even planning to celebrate Christmas this year. Yet, being in this unique home with its quaint customs and charming people, I wanted to.
I wondered how Linda was doing. The staggering thought that she’d succumbed to death’s jaws gripped me. Had that been what I’d heard last night? Had they taken her to the hospital while I slept?
I showered, dressed, and trotted down the stairs. I passed Bart’s tousled blanket in the living room, but he was nowhere to be seen. Silas stood, stoking the fire in the hearth.
“Bart’s Dat fetched him at eleven-thirty last night. I told him what a wonderful help Bart had been to me and his Dat was most pleased.” He expelled a lengthy sigh. “I also reminded both of them that we are to forgive one another as the Lord forgives us. Bart lives in a different district, so I’ll have to leave their problems to their own deacon and ministers to sort out. I’ll send word to them in a few days.” Silas seemed sad as he smoothed his upper lip. “I promised Bart a job when the weather clears and it’s time for plowing. Or maybe earlier.”
Strolling into the kitchen with Silas on my heels, I was delighted to see the family sitting at the table, drinking coffee. Including Linda.
They all grinned at me. A chorus of “Merry Christmas!” resounded through the room.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Merry Christmas to you.” I looked out the window to see blue sky and a frozen world cloaked in glittering white.
Naomi sprang to her feet and told me to have a seat. She fixed me a plate of food, including eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, and freshly baked blueberry muffins, while Anna poured me coffee and offered me milk. I scooted into a vacant spot across from Linda.
“Thanks. This looks fabulous.”
Anna set the cup before me. “Hurry up so we can open our presents.”
“Hush, Anna.” Silas silenced her, and she found her seat.
I guessed they’d already prayed, so I took a moment and bowed my head. When finished, I gazed across the table at Linda. “You look much better today.”
“Denki, I feel better, too.” Her voice was still scratchy but sounded stronger.
Naomi steepled her fingers. “And her temperature is back to normal.”
“That’s fantastic.” Although now Troy and Charlene would have no excuse to come over. Phooey.
Under Anna and Nancy’s scrutinizing stares, I consumed my breakfast as quickly as I could.
Searching for scraps, Saucy wandered over, then sat with her full attention on me. I’d forgotten how much I liked dogs. Trish was allergic to them, so my parents had never gotten one. Plus, Mom had complained about any kind of animal hair. Saucy didn’t look like she’d shed much.
“You can have more to eat later,” Naomi assured me as I took my last bite. “The girls are excited to open their presents. We can clean the table after.”
“Okay.” I dashed up the stairs to retrieve my gifts. The fresh white tissue paper would suffice as wrapping paper. I wished there was something I could give Naomi, Silas, and Linda, but it was too late to worry about it.
When I returned minutes later, the family had gathered in the living room by the hearth. The girls ripped open their presents from their parents and squealed with excitement.
Nancy marveled at her plush purple velour bathrobe. “Just what I wanted.” She stroked the robe’s fabric and brought the softness to her cheek. She’d also received an assortment of books, both fiction and nonfiction. I saw horses on the front of several.
Anna dug through a handled wicker basket holding a silk floral arrangement in a glass vase with a battery-operated light inside it, and an abundance of soaps, shampoos, and lotions. “Denki, Mamm and Dat.”
They opened presents sent from Ohio from their brothers and their wives, and several other relatives. All were utilitarian items such as towels embellished with embroidered trim, but the girls were delighted and couldn’t contain their glee.
Finally, they came to my gifts. “These are the potholders I loved so much. Denki.” Anna glanced to her mother, who had obviously helped me select them.
Nancy opened her quilted purse and hugged it. “I love it.” She looked to her father. Fortunately, Silas
