The Gift (34 page)

Leah gulped. She wasn’t sure how that could happen. With Cora working at the clinic, it wasn’t likely that she’d quit her job and move. If she really was Adam’s mother, then Leah wished Cora and Adam could meet and find healing from the past.

After Elaine finished eating at the Gingeriches’, following their church service, she’d come right home and decided to rest, since she had no plans until the evening, when Ben would be coming over for a visit. Before lying down, however, she took out the rock she’d painted for Leah to see how it looked now that the paint had dried.

Painting rocks had always been a relaxing diversion for her, especially when she needed a break from her everyday routine. It was fun to see the transformation of an ordinary stone as it turned into something unique and pretty.

Elaine had found this particular stone among her collection of rocks she hoped to paint someday. It was one she hadn’t really noticed before, but after looking at it closely, she realized the stone would be perfect for Leah. Along with the quilted pot holders and table runner she planned to give Leah and Adam for their wedding, the rock would be something special just for Leah—a gift from one good friend to another. It was because of her friend’s interest in hummingbirds that Elaine had painted this unusually shaped rock. It was similar to the shape of a hummingbird. Even the piece that had been broken off left enough of the stone to resemble a beak. The rest of the rock was in the shape of outstretched wings, looking like most hummingbirds taking flight.

Thumbing through some magazines, Elaine had found a picture of a ruby-throated hummingbird, which she used as a guide for painting. It was nearly done, except for the hummingbird’s red throat, which she would work on tomorrow.

Reclining on the living-room couch, Elaine let her thoughts drift. She thought about how busy she kept hosting dinners since Grandma died and how little time she had to herself these days. Although Elaine enjoyed having the tourists come to her home for a meal, it was nice having some time off to relax.

Elaine’s thoughts continued as she reflected on all the memories she’d accumulated in this stately old house. Even the backyard, where her favorite swing still hung, held pleasant memories. Elaine had enjoyed that swing during her childhood, as well as during her teenage and young-adult years. Many times she’d dreamed there of a future with a wonderful man and children.

Her mind drifted back to a special night when she’d been sitting on the porch with Jonah, gazing at a beautiful sunset that had taken her breath away. Even after all this time, Elaine couldn’t help thinking how different her life would be now if she had said yes to Jonah’s proposal.

Today in church, she had overheard someone say that on Friday night Sara had given birth to a baby girl. If Elaine had said yes to Jonah that evening, perhaps she might have had Jonah’s baby by now.

This isn’t right,
Elaine scolded herself.
I should not be thinking such thoughts. Jonah is happily married, and he’s the father of a brand-new baby. He will never know how badly I’d wanted to say yes to his proposal that night. The timing just wasn’t right.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Elaine got up from the couch.
Things happen for a reason, and maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Besides, now that Ben is in my life, I should be happy about that and enjoy his friendship.

“Take it slow and easy now, Sara,” Jonah cautioned when they entered the house. Sara clutched his arm as he carried their baby girl.

“I’m fine. Just feeling the need to sit while we introduce Mark and your folks to the newest addition in our family.”

As soon as they stepped into the house, they were greeted by Jonah’s mother. “Oh, let me have a look at that baby.” Tears welled in Mom’s eyes as she touched the baby’s downy head. “How are you feeling, Sara?” she asked.

“I’m a little weak and shaky, but I guess that’s to be expected,” Sara replied.

“Go on into the living room and take a seat,” Mom instructed. “Mark’s in there with his grandpa, and I know they’ll be excited to see you.”

After Jonah saw that Sara was situated on the couch, he placed the baby in her arms and invited his dad and little Mark to come take a look.

“She’s a nice-looking girl.” Dad smiled down at the baby.

Sara motioned to Mark. “Come over here and meet your little sister.”

With a dubious expression, he inched his way over to the couch. “Boppli?”

Sara nodded. “Her name is Martha Jean.”

Mark reached out and touched the baby’s small hand.

“I think he likes her.” Jonah grinned.

“Of course he does. What’s not to like?” Mom extended her hands. “May I hold her?”

“You sure can.” After Mom took a seat in the rocker, Jonah picked up the baby and placed her in his mother’s arms.

“When are your parents coming, Sara?” Mom asked as she began rocking the baby. “I’m sure they’re as anxious to see this little girl as we’ve all been.”

“I believe they’ll be here by the end of the week.” Sara yawned. “Excuse me. Guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

“Why don’t you go lie down in bed and rest awhile?” Jonah suggested. “You didn’t get much sleep last night at the hospital, so a nap might be just what you need right now.”

“You’re right. Think I’ll go rest for a bit. Bring the boppli to me if she gets fussy and needs to be fed.” Sara rose from the couch and started across the room. She was almost to the door leading to the hallway when she let out a little gasp and fell to the floor.

“Sara!” Jonah shouted, dashing across the room, fear clutching his heart. Had she just gotten up too quickly, or was something else wrong?

S
ara’s body was damp with perspiration, and her eyelids felt heavy, but she forced them open. “Wh—what happened?” she asked as Jonah’s anxious expression came into view.

“When you were heading to our room to lie down, you fainted.”

Feeling the familiar comfort of the pillow beneath her head and realizing that she was lying on her bed, Sara asked, “How did I get here?”

“I carried you.” Using a damp washcloth, Jonah wiped the perspiration from her forehead. “You really gave us a scare.”

“Where’s the boppli?” Sara asked, rubbing her temples before trying to sit up.

Jonah put his hands on her shoulders and held her gently in place. “She’s fine. My mamm’s rocking her in the living room, and my daed’s waiting to hear whether he should call 911 or not.”

Sara shook her head. “There’s no need for that. The doctor said I might feel a bit light-headed for a few days from a loss of blood, but I’m sure it’s nothing to be concerned about. I probably got up too quickly and should have asked for some assistance instead of trying to walk to the bedroom by myself. I’m so thankful I wasn’t holding the baby when I fell.”

Jonah’s mother stepped into the room just then. “How is she, Jonah? Do we need to call for help?”

“I’m fine,” Sara replied before Jonah could respond. “But I’m kind of hungerich.”

“Of course.” Jonah’s mother gave her forehead a thump. “Don’t know what I was thinking. I should have offered to fix you something to eat or drink as soon as you got home. Little Martha’s sleeping in Raymond’s arms right now, so I’ll just run into the kitchen and fix you and Jonah some lunch.” She hurried from the room.

“I’d really like the boppli here with me,” Sara said, looking up at Jonah. “She might wake up and need to be fed or have her
windel
changed.”

“I’ll get her.” Jonah leaned over and kissed Sara’s cheek. “Now please stay put and just rest.”

When Jonah left the room, Sara closed her eyes and lifted a silent prayer.
Heavenly Father, please help me get my strength back soon so I can take good care of my family.

An hour after Adam and the girls left, Leah heard Sparky barking. She had just let the dog out. “What in the world has that pooch so worked up?” She glanced out the living-room window and saw a car pull in. Normally, her dog was pretty docile and rarely barked when someone pulled into the driveway. Suddenly, Leah knew why Sparky was carrying on. She grinned, surprised to see her mother get out of the passenger side of the vehicle.

“Wake up, Dad! Mom’s home!” Leah called.

Roused from his nap on the couch, Dad bolted upright. “Really?”

Leah nodded. “She just got out of her driver’s car.”

Dad clambered to his feet and hurried out the door. Leah was right behind him, struggling not to laugh at the way his hair stood up. Any other time, she was sure he would have taken the time to comb it, but he was obviously so excited to see his wife that he hadn’t given a thought to the way his hair looked.

Though Mom and Dad rarely hugged in front of Leah, not to mention with Mom’s driver in plain view, Leah was pleasantly surprised to see her parents embrace. She giggled, watching Sparky trying to get Mom’s attention as he jumped up and down, pawing at her dress. It was as if he had springs on his feet.

“It’s been too long, and it’s so good to be home,” Mom said, while Dad patted her back.

Leah held back until Mom pulled away and Dad went around to retrieve her luggage. She gave Mom a hug. “This is such a surprise. We didn’t expect you until sometime tomorrow.”

Mom smiled, giving Leah’s arm a tender squeeze. “I decided to leave a day sooner than planned because I wanted to be here to help with all those last-minute things that will need to be done before your wedding.”

“I appreciate that. How’s Aunt Grace doing?” Leah asked.

“She and the boppli are fine. You’d hardly know she’s recently had a baby. Grace was up the next day, acting like everything was normal. I’m so glad I was there for the birth and was able to stay awhile to help out,” Mom said. “You should have seen the look on James’s face when the midwife announced that it was a boy.”

“Now they have five sons.” Dad grinned, while wiggling his brows. “What’d they name the baby?”

“They chose Paul.” Mom smiled. “I know James had mentioned that he’d like a little girl this time, but that was all forgotten when they put baby Paul in his arms. No father looked more pleased.”

“I don’t know about that.” Dad chuckled. “I was pleased as fruit punch when I held Nathan and Leah for the first time.”

As if in protest of Mom’s lack of attention, Sparky sat down and started barking. “Come here, you sweet pooch.” Mom leaned down with outstretched arms. “I missed you, too.”

Dad and Leah both laughed as Sparky bounded into Mom’s arms, almost knocking her down. Mom chuckled when Sparky slurped her cheek. “I’m guessing that even our hund must have missed me.”

Tears sprang to Leah’s eyes. “Oh, Mom, I’m really glad you’re home. Dad and I have both missed you so much. And you’re right, so did Sparky. We never heard so much whining going on. From the minute you left, and then every day after, he’d go to the window or sit by the door, waiting and watching for you.”

Mom put Sparky down, and after sniffing her luggage for a bit, the dog sat right down on Mom’s feet. “You know what they say: ‘Absence makes the heart grow—’”

“My heart couldn’t be any fonder of you—even if you never went anywhere without me.” Leah gave Mom another hug. She couldn’t help thinking about Adam’s mother and how she’d abandoned her children. What an awful thing to do. “I really appreciate having you as my mamm. You’ve always been so good to me and Nathan, and I want you to know that I’m grateful for everything you and Dad have ever done for us.”