An Amish Christmas Journey by Patricia Davids

Author:Patricia Davids
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

“We start with breakfast. I’m hungry,” Joe said, making Toby and the women laugh.

Greta met Toby’s gaze. He saw a new determination in her eyes. She nodded. “We start with breakfast.”

The Barkman sisters, working in happy concert, were a sight to behold. There was good-natured teasing, laughter and smiling faces all around. Watching from the safety of the living room, Toby leaned toward Carl. “Are they always like this?”

“Always,” Joe answered for him. “I haven’t had a minute’s peace since they arrived.”

“They are kind of loud,” Arles said, struggling to get into a more comfortable position in the chair.

Joe rose and touched Arles on the shoulder. “I can put a cot for you up in the quilting room. I think you’ll be more comfortable there and it will be much quieter.”

“I’m willing to try anything. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Then come along. We’ll save you something to eat when you’ve had more rest.”

Arles rose with his arm clutched to his chest. “Thank you, sir, you folks have been mighty nice to me.”

As the two men went upstairs, Toby couldn’t contain his amusement. “He didn’t get any sleep? It was like lying beside a chain saw all night.”

“I heard it up in my room. I wasn’t sure if it was him or you.”

“I hope it wasn’t me.”

“I’ll let you know tomorrow. Our bedroom is beside the quilting room.”

An outburst of laughter turned Toby’s attention to the kitchen. He stared at the sisters in wonder. “It’s hard to imagine that they were abused for years.”

Carl nodded. “I know what you mean. God saw to it that they had each other. I know that helped Lizzie. I’m sure it helped the others, too. Clara is the quiet one. She normally keeps them in line, but now she has little ones of her own to ride herd on. I hope you get to meet her.”

“So do I.” Toby was growing fond of this family. Fonder still of Greta. He had watched her struggle against her uncle’s demeaning treatment and emerge stronger.

He heard footsteps on the stairs and saw his sister come down. She had the cat in her arms. Duncan, who had been lying beside Carl’s chair, sat up and eyed the newcomers. His feathery tail wagged slowly.

Carl put a hand on his dog’s head. “Stay. Be easy. Marianne, is Christmas grumpy this morning?”

The girl stopped in front of Carl. “She feels fine.”

“Do you want to introduce these two?”

Toby wasn’t sure, but he trusted Carl to know his own dog. Marianne looked at her pet. “Okay.”

“Goot. Bring her to me.” Carl held out his hands.

“Be nice, Christmas,” Marianne instructed as she handed the cat over.

Christmas stayed still, but her fur stood on end as she growled. Duncan inched closer to sniff her. Quick as a flash, Christmas smacked his snout twice. The hollow sound echoed loudly in the room. Duncan drew back, shook his head, sneezed and then lay down, looking away as if he didn’t care she was on his owner’s lap.

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