Amish Cooking Class--The Blessing Read online

  Lance ground his teeth together. “I did that first thing this morning. Remember when we were having coffee before I left for work, and I told you I’d fed the fish?”

  “Oops. Sorry about that. Must have forgot.”

  “There’s no need for you to feed the fish at all. They’re my responsibility, so I’ll take care of them from now on. Okay?”

  “Yeah sure. Whatever you say.” Dan stood and ambled toward the kitchen. “I’m goin’ after a glass of milk. Can I get you anything?”

  “No, I’m fine right now. I may get something to drink after I change my clothes.”

  “Speaking of your clothes, there’s a pile of clean laundry on your bed.”

  Lance’s eyebrows rose. “You washed my clothes?”

  Dan grinned. “Sure did. Thought it was the least I could do to say thanks for letting me stay here till my townhouse remodel is done.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’m going to my room now to change. See you in a bit.”

  When Lance entered his bedroom, the first thing he saw was the pile of clothes on his bed. None of them were folded, which meant either having to iron the items or run them through the dryer again to get the wrinkles out.

  He picked up one of his favorite shirts and gave it a shake, then dropped it to the bed in disbelief. It was at least a size smaller than it had originally been. What’d that brother of mine do—wash all my clothes in hot water?

  Gripping the shirt, Lance marched out of the room and went straight to the kitchen. With a hand on his hip, he glared at Dan. “I’m sure you meant well, but from now on, just worry about your own laundry, and I’ll do mine, ’cause I can’t afford to be losing any more clothes.” He held up the item in question.

  Dan’s cheeks colored. “Oh, oh. Guess this is my day for blunders. I won’t let it happen again. If you’ll tell me what color and size you want, I’ll buy you a new shirt.”

  “Don’t worry about it. What’s done is done.” Lance flopped into a chair at the table. As far as he was concerned, Dan’s townhouse couldn’t get done soon enough.

  “Say, how ’bout this … We’ll go out for a bite to eat—my treat. That way you won’t have to cook anything, and you can come home afterward and relax for the rest of the evening.” Dan rinsed his glass and set it in the sink. “So what do you say, Brother? Do you wanna go out to supper with me?”

  Lance tapped his fingers on the table, mulling things over. After a day like he’d had, it would be nice not to worry about what to fix this evening. “Yeah, sure, a meal out will be nice. Just give me a few minutes to change and get ready. Then we can head out.”

  “No problem. I’ll get a jacket and wait for you in my car.” Dan ambled out of the kitchen.

  Lance pushed away from the table and carried his withered-looking shirt to his room. “This was one of my favorites,” he mumbled under his breath. Guess I may as well throw it in my bag of rags. It’s not good for much else. Sure hope nothing like this happens again.

  Millersburg

  Nicole entered the house, tossed her schoolbooks on the coffee table, and flopped onto the couch. It had begun to rain again, and she was relieved to be indoors. Heather and Tony’s bus should be dropping them off any minute, so she was glad she’d made it home before they did. The last time they got home before she did, they’d fixed snacks and left a mess in the kitchen. Ever since Nicole’s mother walked out on the family, the kitchen had become Nicole’s domain, even though she didn’t know how to cook that well. Maybe after a few more lessons from Heidi Troyer, Nicole would be able to make some decent meals. Dad deserved some tasty dishes—that was for sure. After what Tonya did to him, he ought to have only good things.

  Nicole had been given a ton of homework today, but she was in no hurry to get it done. All she wanted to do was get out her sketch pad, sit outside on the patio, and draw something from nature. Her dream was to have her own art studio someday. But of course, it wasn’t likely to happen. “Nothing good ever happens for me,” she mumbled.

  “Who are you talking to, honey?”

  Nicole jumped, her eyes widening when her father stepped into the room. He wore a pair of sweat pants and stood rubbing his head with a towel. “Dad, what are you doing here?”

  “I live here, remember?” He chuckled. “Got off early today and just finished taking a shower.”

  “I didn’t see your car out front when I came in.”

  “It’s in the garage.”

  “Oh.”

  He glanced around. “Are Tony and Heather home yet?”

  “Nope. Only me.”

  “How was school?” He took a seat in his easy chair and propped his feet on the footstool.

  Nicole shrugged. “Same as usual.”

  “How are your grades? Are you keeping up with things?”

  “I’m doin’ okay.” Nicole looked away from him. It wasn’t right to lie to her dad, but she didn’t want to worry him. She would catch up eventually. At least she hoped she would.

  “Well, that’s not what the e-mail I got today from your English teacher said.” Dad’s forehead creased. “According to her, your grades are close to failing.” His voice grew louder. “Don’t you think you should have let me know about this?”

  Nicole sat quietly, looking down at her hands. I shoulda known I couldn’t trust Mrs. Wick. I thought she would give me another chance.

  Dad tapped his foot. Thump! Thump! Thump! “Well, young lady, what do you have to say for yourself?”

  “I probably should have said something, but I didn’t want to worry you.” She looked up at him, tears pricking the back of her eyes.

  His eyes narrowed. “Well, it’s too late for that…. I’m worried now! You can’t afford to fall behind, Nicole. Your education is important, and I want you to graduate from high school.”

  “I know.” Nicole blinked and swallowed hard, hoping she wouldn’t break down.

  “We’ll have to make some adjustments so you have more time to study and do your homework.”

  “What kind of adjustments?”

  “For one thing, Heather can take over doing the dishes while you study.”

  “She doesn’t do them as good as I do. The last time she washed dishes I found some dirty ones in the dish drainer and had to do them over.”

  “If she doesn’t get the dishes clean, she will have to rewash them, not you.” Dad paused, swiping a hand across his forehead. “I’ll be checking my e-mails more regularly. The one I found today came in a day or two ago.”

  Sighing, Nicole nodded. “Okay, Dad.” Boy, what was I thinking? I should have figured Mrs. Wick would contact Dad anyway. Her fingers curled into the palms of her hands. Why didn’t I come clean with him about this the day it happened?

  “I’m sorry for not confiding in you,” she said tearfully. “I promise from now on there will be no more secrets.”

  Dad stepped over to Nicole and pulled her into his arms. “You know how much I love you, don’t you?”

  She gave a slow nod.

  “And even though I don’t say it often enough, I appreciate everything you do around here.” He patted her back. “You’re a good daughter, and an equally good sister, always putting Heather and Tony’s needs ahead of your own.”

  Nicole pressed her cheek against his chest. “Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to hear your say it.”

  A horn honked behind Bill as he sat in his vehicle, waiting to pull out of the school’s parking lot. He glanced in the rearview mirror and frowned. It was the picky English teacher. “Oh, don’t be so impatient, Ms. Schultz. I can’t pull onto the street when there’s a car coming.”

  Bill waited a few more seconds, then once he saw that all was clear, he pulled onto the road. The sky was filled with dismal-looking clouds this afternoon, and it had begun to rain. It was a bit of a drive back to New Philadelphia, and he hoped traffic wouldn’t be too bad. Sometimes, when the tourists headed out of Berlin, Walnut Creek, or Sugarcreek, it took longer than normal to get home. He looked forward to ge
tting there today, since he had plans to meet one of his buddies for supper this evening. Of course, their main topic would focus on the big fall hunting trip they’d been planning for months. Even if Bill didn’t bag a deer this year, it would be fun to spend time in the woods and sleep in his cabin.

  Bill let out a deep, gratifying sigh. There was nothing better than sitting in his tree stand, watching nature prepare for winter. Except for his orange hat and vest, Bill dressed all in camouflage, right down to his boots, making it difficult for any animal to tell what he was. Even his hat and vest had a design etched through the bright orange that helped break up his image to anything looking his way. But when something did, their curiosity piqued. A few times Bill had to sit real still when a little nuthatch flew and sat on his leg. The bird remained there a few seconds and then scurried down the length of his leg, pecking at the tree pattern in the camo material of his pants before flying off.

  Bill’s buddies often teased him about the extent to which he would go to make his presence unknown in the woods. Before he left for hunting camp, he washed his hunting clothes in soap that smelled like autumn leaves. He also showered and washed his hair, using a scent-free soap. Lastly, to make sure there was no human odor, Bill sprayed the bottom of his boots and give a squirt to his clothes with another type of de-scenting liquid. Sure, let my friends laugh at me, but they won’t be laughing if I bag a buck first. It didn’t really bother Bill if he did or didn’t get the first deer, but it had become a contest between Russ and Tom, wagering on who would get theirs first.

  The squirrels found Bill interesting, too. He snickered, remembering last year when a squirrel sat on a dead tree’s branch that hung close to where he sat. As it ran up and down the brittle limb, the bushy-tailed critter chattered and scolded, trying to get Bill to move. Then the branch broke, and fell onto another dead branch, breaking it as well. It was like a domino effect as the squirrel fell to even lower branches, breaking them, too. Before crashing to the ground, the squirrel rolled up in a little ball, and when it hit the leaf-covered floor, it took off running, and Bill never saw him again.

  Yes, there were plenty of good reasons Bill enjoyed getting out in the woods. Unlike some hunters, it wasn’t about the kill, but about everything else that encompassed hunting season. Going to his cabin couldn’t get here soon enough, even if he did have to do all the cooking. Bill hoped by the time they got there, he’d have learned some better recipes to try out on his friends. In just a few more days he’d be back at Heidi Troyer’s place taking his second cooking class.

  He flicked on the radio for some music to keep him company the rest of the way home. I wonder what she’ll teach us to make this time.

  Walnut Creek

  When Heidi stepped onto the porch to shake out some throw rugs, she saw Eli Miller riding into the yard on his bike. Earlier it had rained hard, and dark clouds still hung in close.

  Heidi watched as Eli set the kickstand on his bicycle. “Hello, Eli,” she called to him. “I can sure tell it’s fall by the way the days are growing shorter and from all this rain we keep getting.”

  Nodding, Eli stepped onto the porch. “Is Lyle here?”

  “No, he’s auctioneering again today. Was there something you needed?” Hearing Rusty barking from inside the house, she quickly opened the door, knowing the dog wouldn’t quit if she didn’t let him out to greet their visitor.

  Eli reached down and patted the Brittany spaniel’s head.

  Heidi smiled. “Rusty sure likes you, Eli. He always seems to know when you’re around.”

  “He’s a good dog, for sure.” Eli grinned when Rusty plopped down by his feet. “I’d hoped to see Lyle today, but it’s nothing that can’t wait.” He shuffled his feet a few times, lowering his gaze. If Heidi didn’t know better, she’d think he was hiding something.

  “I don’t expect Lyle will be home until suppertime. If you’d like to come back around six o’clock we’d be pleased if you joined us for the evening meal.”

  “Sure appreciate the offer, but I can’t tonight.” Eli’s hand anchored casually against his hip as his lips turned up. “I’m goin’ to Loretta’s house for supper.”

  “I see. You’ve been seeing a lot of her lately, jah?”

  His ears turned pink as he nodded. “I’m glad she’s planning to join the Amish church.”

  Heidi smiled. “I’m happy, too. Loretta’s a good friend. It will be nice to have her in our church district.” She hung the rug she still held over the porch railing. “Mind if I ask you a personal question?”

  “Course not. What would you like to know?”

  “Are you getting serious about Loretta? I mean, would you be thinking about marrying her?” Heidi couldn’t help herself. Since Loretta had already mentioned things were getting serious between her and Eli, Heidi assumed he’d be asking for Loretta’s hand in marriage.

  The rosy hue coloring Eli’s ears spread quickly to his cheeks. “Well, we have been courting.”

  “I’m aware. That’s why I wondered if maybe …” Heidi ended her sentence. “Sorry, Eli. It’s none of my business, and I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “It’s okay—no problem. I’d better get going. Would you please tell Lyle I dropped by?”

  “Certainly.” Rusty pawed at the hem of Heidi’s dress, and she knelt to pet the dog’s furry head.

  Eli turned, and as he headed for his bike, he began to whistle, swinging his arms easily at his side.

  Heidi quit petting the dog, picked up the first rug, and gave it a good shake. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if Eli and Loretta don’t start planning their wedding the day after she joins the church. He was probably too embarrassed to tell me. Bet the next time he sees Lyle, he’ll let him know. Maybe that’s why Eli came over here today.

  Chapter 12

  Near Strasburg, Ohio

  Todd looked at the clock on his dash and groaned. It was a quarter to ten, and he was only halfway to Walnut Creek. Looks like I’m gonna be late. And to top it off, it’s raining harder than when I first pulled out of my driveway.

  Until he’d gotten up this morning and looked at the calendar, Todd had forgotten today was the second Saturday of October, and he was supposed to attend another cooking class. Between working on his column for the newspaper, trying out a couple of new restaurants in the area, and keeping up with his social life, he’d had a busy couple of weeks.

  To make matters worse, Todd’s mother called a few days ago, pestering him to visit them. He didn’t have time for a vacation. And if he were to take one, it wouldn’t be to Portland, Oregon. He’d grown up there and, after graduating from college, had been eager to move from the Pacific Northwest and be on his own without Mom looking over his shoulder, scrutinizing everything he said or did.

  Todd gripped the steering wheel and tried to focus on something else. It was hard being an only child and having your parents complain because they didn’t get to see you often enough. “Well, if Mom wasn’t afraid to fly, they could come visit me here in Ohio more often. I shouldn’t have to always be the one to put forth the effort.”

  Todd’s most recent trip to Oregon had been last Thanksgiving, but this year he planned to stay by himself at home. Whenever he went to his folk’s place, Mom always plied him with questions about his social life, and of course, kept on him about whether he’d met anyone he might consider marrying. A few times she’d even tried to set him up with the daughter of one of her friends.

  Mom doesn’t even know the type of woman I’d be interested in. Todd glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. “What is it about mothers thinking their sons aren’t happy unless they find a wife?” he muttered. “If I do ever decide to get married, it’ll be to a woman of my own choosing. Right now, my career comes first.”

  Walnut Creek

  As Lisa turned her van onto the road leading to Heidi’s house, her excitement mounted. Even with the wet weather, she looked forward to attending the second cooking class and hoped she would learn something new
today that she could incorporate in her catering business. Things were going well, and she had a wedding reception to cater next Saturday. But the opportunity to secure more clients was what she continually needed. She didn’t enjoy driving places that didn’t involve business in the van she used for her catering services, but money was tight, and until she was making more of it, Lisa couldn’t afford to buy a smaller vehicle to use strictly for pleasure.

  Lisa’s cousin, Jim, was a successful lawyer, making a lot more money than she’d probably ever see. It was hard not to be envious, but he’d worked hard to get where he was, so he deserved his achievement. His wife, Carlie, and their two children, Annette and Cindy, had everything they could possibly want. Lisa, on the other hand, had yet to find a man she’d consider marrying, successful or not. She often wondered if she would ever have any children. For now, at least, she’d made growing her business a priority.

  I’ll just bide my time, Lisa told herself. If I keep working hard and do my best to help the business flourish, someday it’ll be a success. I may never make anything close to what my cousin does, but I enjoy my job, and if I can make a decent living, that’s good enough for me.

  Heidi had begun setting out the ingredients for Amish friendship bread, when she heard a vehicle pull in. Glancing out the window, she saw Nicole get out of her father’s vehicle and run quickly to the house. Too bad it had to rain again today. Heidi sensed during the last class that the young girl was deeply troubled, but she wouldn’t pry. If Nicole wanted to discuss her situation at home, she would open up either during class or sometime when she and Heidi had a few minutes alone. Since no one else had arrived yet, perhaps Nicole would be more talkative.

  Heidi set the sack of flour she held on the kitchen table and hurried to open the door. “Good morning.” She smiled when Nicole stepped in with rain dripping off her jacket. “It’s good to see you again. Just hang your wet coat on one of the wall pegs.” Heidi motioned toward them. “How have you been these last couple of weeks?”