An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd

Author:Kate Lloyd
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC042050, FIC053000, FIC058000
ISBN: 9781493418930
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2020-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

Naomi called me into the kitchen and asked if I’d like to assist in the preparation of the Christmas cake, although it seemed she had plenty of help. I noticed Anna chopping nuts and Nancy browning butter in a saucepan.

“Isn’t there a saying about too many cooks in the kitchen?” I asked.

“Not in an Amish kitchen.” Naomi added sugar and butter to a large ceramic bowl.

“Really, I’m happier watching.”

“As you like, Maria.” Naomi commenced creaming the sugar and butter. “We’ll eat this cake tomorrow. If you like, I’ll give you a copy of the recipe. It’s the family’s favorite Christmas cake.”

“That would be nice, although I can’t promise I’ll use it.”

“Sure, you will. You’ll get married and have a husband and children to feed.”

“First I need the husband.”

“Troy seems sweet on you.”

I felt warmth moving up my throat to my cheeks. “Unlikely. I hardly know him.” I wouldn’t mention our previous chat on the phone or that he’d given me their address. Or how attracted I was to him.

“Not only that, I think Isaac likes her, too,” Nancy said with a whine in her voice.

“He does not,” Anna cut in. “You’re his obvious choice.”

“Do you really think so?” Nancy’s eyes brightened.

“Yah, to him I’m invisible. Why else would he come back and visit you last night?”

“Shush,” Nancy said, her finger to her lips. She and Anna burst into giggling laughter.

“What’s going on?” Silas sauntered into the kitchen from the utility room, followed by Bart, whose cheeks and nose were scarlet. He removed his damp beanie, then rubbed his hands together.

Linda stepped into the kitchen from the living room. “What are you talking about? Is there a problem with my being here?”

“Not at all. We want you with us.” Naomi grasped Linda’s hand. “Ach, you’re still too warm. You should rest. Have a seat.” She led her to a rocking chair near the stove.

“I’ll make more tea.” Nancy added water into the brass kettle.

“Maybe she should go to the doctor’s office.” But one glance out the window showed me that the snow was increasing; I realized it was almost impossible to go anywhere.

“Let’s wait a few hours to see if her fever breaks,” Naomi said. She turned to Bart. “You look half frozen. I’ll make you hot chocolate. How did you two get along in the barn?”

“Great.” Silas patted Bart’s back. “He’s an excellent worker. Now that our sons are gone, I’d like to hire him. If he wants a job.” Silas brought his face close to Bart’s. “How does that sound?”

“Wunderbar.” Bart sent him a lopsided grin.

“We’re all done for the day, Bart, if you want to head back home after you have your hot chocolate,” Silas said. But that statement made Bart shrink back.

“He’s not going anywhere in this fierce storm,” Naomi said. “We can’t turn him out in the cold.”

“I think he should be with his parents for Christmas.”

“My Dat told me not to return.” Bart’s words came out in a whisper.

“Ever?” Silas asked. “Are you sure?”

“That’s what Dat said after the accident.

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