The Decision Page 8

  “You’re not worthless. I’m glad I can be here to help out.” Sara patted her mother-in-law’s arm affectionately. “I believe I’ll get started on supper now. If you need anything, just holler.”

  “Carolyn can set the table,” Betty called as Sara started for the kitchen. “And if the older boys aren’t doing anything, they can mash potatoes or do whatever else you need.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” Sara said before disappearing into the other room. While she had planned on asking for Carolyn’s help, it would be better if the boys stayed out of the kitchen. She remembered all too well how whenever Harley had helped get a meal on, he’d ended up either burning something or making a mess that Sara later had to clean up. Even with the messes, I’d give anything to have Harley here right now, helping me in the kitchen.

  “Let’s go, boy!” Jonah snapped the reins. “You’re bein’ a slowpoke again.”

  Ignoring Jonah’s command, his temperamental horse just plodded.

  Jonah grimaced. At this rate, he’d never get to Elaine’s for their buggy ride. It had been too long since he and Elaine had spent some quality time alone, and he looked forward to a relaxing Friday evening, just the two of them. He wouldn’t keep her out long, because she’d be worried about her grandmother.

  Sure hope everything’s gonna be okay with Edna, Jonah thought. She and Elaine have been through enough. Jonah hoped that someday he and Elaine would be as blessed as his parents. Mom and Dad had been through some rough times over the years, but nothing had kept them down or driven them apart. They worked together, prayed together, had fun together. There was no doubt in Jonah’s mind—his folks made a great team.

  Jonah had only seen his parents once since he left Pennsylvania and hoped they would come visit him and Jean soon. Dad’s buggy business was even busier than Jonah’s, so it was hard for him to set work aside and travel.

  Maybe Mom and Dad will come here for Jean’s and my birthday in July, Jonah thought. That would sure be nice.

  As Edna’s place came into view, Jonah guided his horse and buggy up the driveway. Just as he was securing Sassy to the hitching rack, a sleek-looking black cat streaked out of the barn and darted under the buggy. Sassy spooked and nearly pulled the reins from Jonah’s hand. He didn’t recognize the cat as one of Edna’s and figured it was either a stray or had come from one of the neighboring farms. Probably went into the barn to steal some of Patches’ food, he mused. Or maybe the cat was looking for mice.

  Jonah secured Sassy to the rack and sprinted up to the house.

  “Jonah’s here,” Grandma said as she and Elaine stood at the sink doing the last of the supper dishes. “I just saw a horse and buggy come into the yard. I’ll bet he’s anxious to take you for a buggy ride.”

  “I heard the clippety-clop of his horse’s hooves, too.” Elaine finished drying the plate she held and went to the back door.

  “How are things going?” Jonah asked when he stepped onto the porch. “Is your grossmudder doing okay?”

  “She’s still quite tired, but at least she didn’t have any dizzy spells today. But then, I made sure she took it easy and ate regular meals, with a few healthy snacks in between.”

  Jonah smiled. “That’s good to hear. I’m sure you’re anxious to get the results of her blood tests.”

  “Jah.” Elaine opened the door wider. “Would you like to come in while I finish drying the dishes? There are just a few left to do.”

  “No problem. I don’t mind waiting.” Jonah removed his straw hat and smoothed the top of his hair. “I wanted to come in and say hi to Edna anyway.”

  Elaine smiled. She was glad Jonah was so considerate and thoughtful. In many ways, he reminded Elaine of her grandfather—a hard worker who was always conscious of others and their needs.

  Elaine led the way to the kitchen, where Grandma stood at the sink, washing the last of the dishes.

  “Guder owed, Edna,” Jonah said.

  Grandma glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Good evening, Jonah. How are you?”

  “I’m doin’ well. How about yourself?”

  “Can’t complain, although I’d be doing much better if Lloyd was still here.”

  “I’m sure you must miss him,” Jonah said. “I didn’t know Lloyd as well as you and Elaine, of course, but from the first time I met him, I knew he was a good man.”

  Tears welled in Elaine’s eyes. Knowing she needed to get her mind on something else, lest she start blubbering, she picked up the dish towel to dry the remaining dishes.

  “Would you like a cup of coffee, or maybe some tea?” Grandma asked. “Lloyd used to enjoy having tea around this time every night, because coffee kept him awake.”

  Jonah glanced at the clock. “If it’s not too late when Elaine and I get back from our buggy ride, I’ll have a cup of tea.”

  “We should probably go now,” Elaine said, placing the last of the dishes she’d dried into the cupboard. “I don’t want to leave Grandma alone too long, so it’s best if we’re not out real late.” Truth was, Elaine felt apprehensive about leaving Grandma alone at all, but if she didn’t go on the ride with Jonah, Grandma would insist.

  “That’s fine,” Jonah said. “We can go whenever you’re ready.”

  “Just give me a minute to get my shawl and outer bonnet.” Elaine hung up the dish towel and hurried from the room. When she returned, she was surprised to see Jonah sitting at the table, alone.

  “Where’d my grandma go?” Elaine asked.

  “Said she was tired and went to her room.”

  “I’d better go check on her.” Elaine started in that direction but paused. “Maybe it would be best if we didn’t go for a ride tonight.”

  Jonah dropped his gaze to the floor. He was obviously disappointed.

  “Well, maybe it would be okay,” Elaine said, quickly changing her mind. “Let me just go check on Grandma first.”

  While Elaine left the kitchen, Jonah remained in his chair. Elaine was concerned about Edna, but he wondered if she was being overly protective. Still, if Edna wasn’t feeling well, they probably should put off the buggy ride until a better time.

  “Grandma’s resting, but she’s not asleep,” Elaine said when she returned. “I asked again if she’d prefer that I stay home with her this evening, but she insisted on us going for a buggy ride.”

  Jonah rose from his seat. “Okay, if you’re sure, then I guess we’d better get going.”

  When they left the house and started across the yard, Jonah’s horse snorted and stamped his hooves impatiently. “We’ll be heading out soon, Sassy, so don’t be so impatient,” Jonah called before helping Elaine into his buggy. “That horse of mine is either raring to go or doesn’t want to go at all. Here lately, he wants to move at a snail’s pace.”

  Elaine smiled. “Sometimes I feel that way myself. There are days when it’s an effort just to get out of bed.”

  “Makes sense that you’d feel that way when you have so much to do and are worried about your grandma besides.” Jonah untied Sassy and had barely taken his place in the driver’s seat when the horse started backing up. Any other time he would have had to coax the animal to back away from the hitch rack. “Talk about unpredictable!” Jonah chuckled and shook his head.

  After Jonah guided the horse and buggy down the driveway and out onto the road, Sassy fell into a nice, easy trot. He glanced over at Elaine and smiled, noticing her peaceful expression, which he hoped meant she was beginning to relax. A romantic ride on a nice evening such as this could be good therapy for both of them.

  Going past a small wetland area not far down the road, Jonah’s ears perked up when the sound of nature’s chorus greeted him. “Just listen to those peepers,” he said, pulling back on the reins to slow Sassy. “That sounds like music to my ears every time I hear it this time of the year.”

  “I know what you mean,” Elaine agreed. “Grandpa used to say that when the tree frogs started singing, it meant winter was over.” Her voice cracked. �
�I wish he was still with us. Things could be much easier on my grandma. He was so good to her, and every day I miss him.”

  Jonah reached for her hand. “It’s hard losing a loved one.”

  “Jah.”

  Feeling the need to talk about something a little lighter, Jonah said, “The other evening, when I was in the backyard picking up some twigs, I heard the peepers out behind my house by the pond. I’ve been opening my window every night since, ‘cause that sound is like a lullaby singing me to sleep.”

  Elaine giggled, which was a confirmation to Jonah that she was having a good time. For Jonah, this evening would be another memorable time. He thought Elaine was one of the sweetest women he’d ever known. The fact that she was staying true to her responsibilities to take care of Edna was proof of Elaine’s caring attitude, and he respected her for it. What a great girl I have chosen. She’s just right for me.

  They approached a row of sugar maples growing near the edge of the road. In autumn, the trees would be all aglow in their brilliant colors of gold, orange, and red. This area had become a popular spot for picture taking by many tourists who visited Douglas County. Jonah couldn’t blame them. They were his favorite trees as well.

  Although fading in the distance, Jonah could still hear the peepers behind them. That, plus the steady clip-clop of Sassy’s hooves, was enough to put anyone into a peaceful state of mind.

  “Have you done any rock painting lately?” Jonah asked, breaking the silence.

  “No, I haven’t had much time for that since Grandpa died.” Elaine sighed. “I miss it, though. It’s a relaxing hobby, and it’s always fun to see what kind of rocks I can find that look similar to some animal.”

  “Speaking of rocks, I thought it might be fun if we went over to Rockome Gardens some Saturday afternoon. We could make a day of it.”

  She smiled. “That sounds nice, Jonah, but I wouldn’t be comfortable leaving Grandma that long.”

  “She could come with us.”

  Elaine shook her head. “Grandma gets tired when she does a lot of walking. Maybe we could go some other time, once Grandma’s doing better.”

  “Okay, I guess that would work.”

  Elaine touched Jonah’s arm. “How are things going with your house? Are you getting it fixed up the way you’d wanted?”

  Jonah nodded. “There are still some things I’d like to have done, and I’m trying to do a little something to each of the rooms every chance I get. It’s slow going at times, because making and repairing buggies can be pretty demanding. Finding a few hours to work on my house gets a little difficult.” He leaned in close to Elaine and smiled. “If you get some time in the future, I could use your thoughts on the type of cabinets to put in the kitchen. I’m not too sure what would look presentable or would accommodate someone using the space.”

  “Maybe I could do that sometime when Grandma has company. That way she won’t feel like I’ve left her alone. Owning a home is a lot of responsibility, but I’m sure it’s rewarding.”

  “Jah.” It would be even more rewarding if you agreed to marry me. Jonah resisted the temptation to pull his buggy to the side of the road, take Elaine into his arms, and ask her to marry him right then. “Patience is a virtue,” his mother had reminded him many times over the years. Mom was right, but that didn’t make it any easier to deal with impatience—especially when it came to his desire to marry Elaine. I’ll give her a few months, until Edna’s doing better physically and has gotten over Lloyd’s death sufficiently so she can be by herself. Jonah’s jaw clenched. It wouldn’t be fair to expect Elaine to leave her grandmother all alone in that big house if she marries me and moves to my place. The only logical thing is to suggest that Edna come live with us, too.

  As Jonah’s horse picked up speed, he made a decision. When he felt the time was right to propose marriage, he would make sure Elaine knew that he intended to provide for her grandmother and that Edna was welcome to live with them.

  CHAPTER 11

  Now, don’t look so naerfich, dear one,” Grandma said as she and Elaine entered the clinic on Thursday of the following week. “I’m sure everything’s going to be fine.”

  “I’m not really nervous—just anxious to get the results of your blood test.” Elaine took a seat in the waiting room. Does my apprehension show that much? she wondered.

  Grandma sat down next to Elaine and picked up a gardening magazine. She began thumbing through it as though she hadn’t a care in the world. Was she putting on a brave front for Elaine’s benefit, or was this Grandma’s way of dealing with her own trepidation?

  Guess I’m having enough anxious thoughts for both of us. I hope we don’t have to wait too long to see the doctor today. Elaine twisted the handles on her purse while glancing at the stack of magazines on the table in front of them. No point in trying to read a magazine. I wouldn’t be able to focus on any of the articles, interesting or not.

  Elaine was tempted to get up and start pacing but didn’t want to draw attention to herself. Instead, she sat rigidly in her chair, picking at a bothersome hangnail. She couldn’t help wondering how a little thing like that could be so sore. Fortunately, she didn’t have to think about it long, for the nurse came out and asked them to follow her into the examining room.

  Grandma took the magazine she’d been reading with her. Elaine figured Grandma may have thought they’d have to wait awhile for the doctor, or perhaps she’d found an interesting article she wanted to finish reading.

  Once they were seated in the examining room and Grandma’s vitals had been taken, Grandma continued to look at the magazine while Elaine’s thoughts wandered. She looked around the room at all the charts on the wall. Some showed the heart and different valves and arteries leading in and out of the chambers. Other charts listed symptoms of certain health issues.

  Elaine was glad she could be here for Grandma today and remembered back to a time when she’d had the flu and Grandma had sat up with her most of the night, doing all she could to bring down the fever and settle her upset stomach.

  Elaine’s thoughts switched to her first day of school, when Grandpa had given her a ride with his horse and buggy. He’d told Grandma that he didn’t want Elaine walking to school by herself, and until she found a friend to walk with, he’d see that she got there safely each morning. Grandma and Grandpa had both taken an interest in the things Elaine had learned throughout her eight years of attending the Amish one-room schoolhouse—helping with her homework and listening intently as she shared some of the things she’d learned in class. Along with all the other parents, Elaine’s grandparents had always attended Elaine’s school programs. Just seeing their smiling faces as they sat on a bench in the schoolhouse had given Elaine a sense of joy. She’d never once felt like she didn’t belong.

  Grandma rustled the magazine, drawing Elaine’s attention back to her. “What are you doing?” she asked when Grandma began tearing out a page.

  Grandma smiled. “I found a recipe that sounds really good, and I’d like to try it sometime.”

  “But someone else may want to try that recipe, too.” Elaine pulled a pen and notebook from her purse. “If you want, I’ll write it down for you.”

  “I guess that would be the best thing to do. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself.” Grandma handed the magazine to Elaine.

  Elaine had just finished copying the recipe when Dr. Larkens entered the room.

  “Good morning, ladies. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

  “Oh, that’s all right.” Grandma smiled up at him. “It didn’t seem like we were waiting that long, and we know how busy you are.”

  He pulled up a chair in front of Grandma and motioned to the lab report he held. “All the results from your blood tests are back, Edna, and it appears that your symptoms are caused by high blood sugar.”

  “Does that mean my grandmother has diabetes?” Elaine asked before Grandma could offer any kind of response.

  The doctor nodded. “It’s Type 2 diab
etes, and from the results of her tests, in addition to her symptoms, I’m guessing she’s had it for a while.”

  “What should I do about it?” Grandma asked, calmly laying her magazine down.

  “Most people can usually manage their diabetes with meal planning, physical activity, and, if needed, medications,” he responded. “In your case, I want to begin by prescribing an oral form of insulin, and if that doesn’t bring your blood sugar down, you may eventually need insulin shots.”

  Grandma’s eyebrows shot straight up. “I don’t like needles, and I’m sure I could never give myself an injection. If Lloyd was here, he could do it, because he always doctored our horses.” She shook her head vigorously. “But no, not me. I just couldn’t do it.”

  “It’s okay, Grandma.” Elaine reached over and clasped Grandma’s hand. “Should it become necessary for you to take insulin shots, I’ll do it for you.” I won’t like it, but I’ll do whatever I have to do, she mentally added.

  “Elaine, if it comes to that, my nurse, Annie, will give you the proper instructions.” Dr. Larkens looked back at Grandma. “Edna, you’ll also need a kit to test your blood sugar every day, and Annie will show Elaine how to use that as well.”

  Grandma groaned. “I’ll take the pill, eat right, and exercise. I’d do anything to avoid getting an insulin shot.”

  Elaine took the prescription the doctor had written, as well as a list of foods Grandma should and shouldn’t eat, and put them in her purse. They would stop at the pharmacy for her medicine before heading home. She hoped Grandma would do everything the doctor suggested, because even though she’d volunteered to give Grandma her insulin shots, just the idea of it made her feel nervous.

  “I’ll walk over to the pharmacy to get your prescription,” Elaine told Edna after she’d pulled her horse and buggy up to one of several hitching racks in downtown Arthur. Typical of late April, the weather had been pleasant and comfortably dry. No doubt humid weather would be coming soon. But for now, the sun shone brightly in a clear azure sky, and a pleasant breeze had come up from the south. It was a near-perfect day.