An Unexpected Christmas Gift

water out in the kitchen for her.”
I lifted the mug and put the handle in her hand. “Naomi said this tea is an herbal remedy. I’m sure she wants you to drink some.”
She put the mug to her lips and sipped. “Denki—I mean, thank you. I shouldn’t take my poor mood out on you. For me, this is the worst day of the year.”
“This isn’t exactly a great day for me, either.”
My statement garnered her attention. “Why not? Why aren’t you with your family?”
I stumbled on my words. “My sister is staying with her girlfriend and planning for her wedding, and my mother died a couple years ago.”
“And your father?”
“He’s married to a woman who doesn’t like me.”
“How could that be?”
“It’s a long story.” My throat closed, cutting off my words.
Silence filled the living room, broken only by the crackle of the fireplace. Now what would we talk about?

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. I left the gate open and his favorite draft horse wandered out onto the road, where he was struck by a truck.” All of us cringed. “The horse recovered, but Dat is still furious.” Bart hung his head. “It was my negligence. I’ve always been a disappointment.”
“I don’t recall hearing about this,” Silas said. “Where do they live now?”
“Up by New Holland.”
“They must be worried sick about you.” Nancy poured milk into a small pot, set it atop the stove. “But let’s not fret about it right now.”
Five minutes later, Naomi escorted Linda back into the living room. I brought a fresh cup of tea to Linda, who sank down into the couch as if the cushions could swallow her.
Naomi draped a shawl around Linda’s shoulders and a blanket across her lap. “Linda needs to eat,” Naomi said. “She’s skin and bones.”
“I could bring her a tray when there’s something ready,” I said.
“Denki. I’d appreciate that.”
As Linda sipped the tea, her gaze latched on to mine. When Naomi returned to the kitchen, I decided there was no time like the present. Linda’s cough could spiral into pneumonia. She could end up in the hospital tonight and pass away.
“Linda, please forgive me for being so forward, but I have a question for you.” My heart pounded in my ears as I formulated my words. “My adoptive parents lived in Hartford, Connecticut. Have you ever been there?”
“I don’t recall.” Her face twisted. “What gives you the right to ask me personal questions?”
“I’m sorry.” How could I have been so thoughtless on the anniversary of her husband’s death? “I won’t trouble you again.”
I returned to the kitchen to see Naomi arranging slices of whole wheat buttered toast upon a plate, along with blackberry jam. She placed them on a tray and I carried it into the living room. But Linda would not allow me to place the tray in her lap.
“I’m still not hungry.”
“Maybe later.” I set the tray on the coffee table. “Naomi says you should try to get some food in you. I can bring