A Place of Peace Read online

  Miriam parked alongside the cabin and stared at the small pond behind it, sparkling in the beams of the headlights. She remembered hot summer days when she and her siblings would splash in the pond after their chores were completed.

  “She said she’d leave a lantern burning for us, and we should make ourselves at home,” Abby said while gathering her purse.

  Miriam nodded and cleared her throat, wishing the lump would subside.

  “Hey, it’ll be okay.” Abby rubbed her arm. “The funeral will be in a couple days. You can visit with Aenti and Hannah and then head back home.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “Huh?” Abby’s eyebrows knitted together with confusion.

  “Where’s home exactly? It’s certainly not here.” Miriam gestured toward the large field separating the cabin from her father’s house. “And it’s not in Indiana.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “No one wants me here, so that doesn’t make it home. And my life in Indiana consists of work and a small apartment.”

  “Gee, thanks a lot,” Abby deadpanned, leaning back against the door.

  Miriam sighed. “I didn’t mean it that way. You know you’re my best friend. I just meant I don’t fit in anywhere. I’m not quite English, and I’m certainly not Amish.”

  “Why do you need to label yourself? You’re Miriam Lapp.” Abby touched Miriam’s arm. “You’re beautiful inside and out. You’re sweet, kind, and loving. And if you hadn’t chickened out and quit nursing school, you would’ve been the best pediatric nurse that LaGrange, Indiana, has ever seen.”

  Miriam’s eyes narrowed to slits. “For the hundredth time, Abby, I didn’t chicken out. I ran out of money. That’s not the same as chickening out.”

  “You could’ve applied for more student aid. That’s how I got my paralegal certificate and how I plan to get through law school.” Abby pushed a lock of dark brown hair back from Miriam’s face. “You sell yourself short. You’re an amazing person. Don’t let your family’s judgment hold you back from achieving your dreams.”

  “But that’s just it.” Miriam unfastened her seatbelt and angled herself toward her cousin. “I don’t know what I want or where I belong. I’ve been gone for nearly four years, but I still feel like I left something here. I still feel incomplete.”

  Abby frowned. “Because of him?”

  Miriam shrugged. “Maybe.”

  “It is, isn’t it? You haven’t gotten over him.”

  Biting her bottom lip, Miriam glanced toward the pond. “He’s probably married and has two children with another on the way by now,” she whispered.

  “If he is, then it was never meant to be.”

  Sniffing, Miriam shook her head. “But that’s not just it. God is punishing me for what happened to Jeremy Henderson. It’s my burden to be alone and suffer.”

  Abby scowled. “No, you’re wrong. What happened to Jeremy wasn’t your fault, and it’s time you realized that.” Her expression softened. “God’s in control, so have faith. That’s what youtold me when I was down in the dumps about Rich’s escapades, and you helped me through. I thank God for you and your faith.” She gave Miriam a quick hug. “You’re my best friend too. We’ll get through this. I promise.” Abby pushed the door open. “Let’s head to bed. It’s nearly one. We’re going to be exhausted tomorrow when Aenti gets us up at four-thirty.”

  Miriam groaned while retrieving her purse from the backseat. “I hope she allows us some time to sleep.”

  “Don’t bet on it.” Abby sighed.

  They lugged their bags up the front step of the cabin and stepped into the small living area. Scanning the room, Miriam found the sofa made up with sheets and pillows. The door to the guest room was open, revealing the single bed also ready for a visitor.

  “Should we flip a coin to see who gets the guest room?” Miriam asked, letting her bag fall to the floor.

  “Nah.” Abby shook her head and yawned. “You take the guest room. I’ll bunk on the sofa.”

  “How’s that fair?”

  “Just go.” Abby nudged her. “I’ll be fine.”

  “But —”

  “You did the driving and look absolutely wiped out. I’ll tell Aenti to let you sleep.” She gestured toward the door. “Go on. Git!”

  “Thanks. You’re the best.” Miriam gave Abby a hug and then dragged her bag to the guest room, which was devoid of decorations and held only a few pegs on the wall, a small bureau, a sewing machine, and the bed. After freshening up in the small bathroom in the hall, she changed into her simple white nightgown and crawled between the sheets of the bed. Snuggling down, Miriam closed her eyes and silently said her prayers.

  As she drifted off to sleep, she was accosted by thoughts of Timothy Kauffman—his sandy blond hair, his powder blue eyes, his tantalizing smile that could melt her within seconds of his lips curling …

  She wondered if he’d ever married the girl her sister Lilly had said he was courting behind Miriam’s back. Did he still live in that house he had built for himself and Miriam on his father’s property? Was he still as handsome as she remembered?

  Her thoughts faded as sleep overtook her exhausted body.

  Miriam awoke to the aroma of bacon, eggs, and freshly made bread. She yawned, stretched, and hoisted herself from the bed and dressed in her jeans and a fresh T-shirt.

  After running a brush through her dark brown hair, she stepped into the small living area and found Abby and Edna chatting and drinking coffee. A spread big enough for a small army covered the table, including plates full of bread, bacon, eggs, oatmeal, and sausage.

  “Miriam!” Edna attempted to stand. She looked older than Miriam remembered. Her white hair was parted in the middle and covered by a white prayer kapp, and she wore a traditional dark blue frock with a black cape and apron. Her skin was pale, but her deep brown eyes lit up with her warm smile.

  “Please, don’t get up.” Miriam rushed to her side and hugged her. “It’s so good to see you.” Tears filled her eyes. How she’d missed her aunt.

  “Have a seat, and let me have a good look at you.” Edna patted the chair next to her, and Miriam lowered herself into it. “Ah, you’re just as schee as your sisters. You look just like your mamm.”

  Miriam’s eyes overflowed at the mention of her mother. “Thank you.” She quickly corrected herself. “I mean, danki. It’s been a long time since I used Dietsch.”

  “Ya. It’s been too long, mei liewe.” Edna patted Miriam’s hands. “Please fill your plate and tell me about your life in Indiana. Do you have a special boy?”

  Miriam glanced at her aunt’s hands and nearly gasped athow curled her fingers were. Her arthritis had progressed. “Oh, Aenti.” She touched Edna’s frail hand. “How are you?”

  Edna shrugged. “I get by. I’m just not as active as I used to be. I can only bake one thing a day to sell anymore. I used to have several dishes ready for Beth Anne when she came by, but now I struggle just to get one finished.” She patted Miriam’s hand again. “It’s no bother. I want to hear about your life. I’ve heard about Abigail’s already.”

  Abby rolled her eyes while chewing some bacon. “It didn’t take long to tell her about my boring life.”

  Miriam smiled at her cousin and then glanced back at her aunt. “Did you say Beth Anne? Beth Anne Bontrager?” Timothy’s sister!

  “Ya, that’s right.” Edna passed the plate of bread to Miriam. “You need to try some of my sweet bread. It’s delicious. Beth Anne still comes by every day to pick up some desserts from me. They’re shorthanded at the bakery these days.”

  “Why’s that?” Miriam loaded up a plate with scrambled eggs and bacon.

  “Sarah Rose had zwillingbopplin back at Christmas and isn’t working right now. There’s a rumor she’s getting married soon too.” Edna shook her head and smiled. “And Rebecca has a baby now too. Her little one was born a month or so after Sarah’s zwillingbopplin, so I guess he’s about six months old now.”

 
Miriam gasped. “Sarah has twins and Rebecca had a baby?”

  “Oh Ya. Rebecca was given custody of her nieces and then wound up pregnant after all those years of praying for a baby. Sarah lost her husband, Peter, in a fire at the furniture store.”

  “Oh no!” Miriam said. “That’s terrible.”

  “Ya,” Edna said. “It was a tragedy, but she found love again when she met Peter’s brother, Luke. The Lord works in mysterious ways.”

  “Ain’t that the truth,” Abby deadpanned while buttering another piece of bread.

  “I keep forgetting how long you two have been gone. A lot has changed around here.”

  Edna’s hand shook as she lifted her coffee cup to her lips, and Miriam squelched the instinct to reach out and help. She didn’t want to insult the older woman, who had lived alone for a long time. She bit into the sweet bread and closed her eyes. It tasted like heaven. She longed to ask Edna how Timothy Kauffman was, but she didn’t want to give the impression that she cared. After all, he’d broken her heart.

  “What time will Beth Anne stop by?” Miriam asked.

  “Rebecca’s English niece brings her by around mid-morning to pick up my desserts.”

  “We can help you make some pastries, right, Abby?” Miriam cut her eyes across the small table to her cousin, who responded with a horrified expression.

  “You want me to try to bake?” Abby jammed her finger into her own collarbone. “Remember what happened when I attempted lasagna last month? Our neighbor wound up calling nine-one-one. The only good thing that came from it was I got a date with a handsome firefighter, but even he turned out to be a dud. Such is the story of my life, though.”

  “Perhaps you’re looking in the wrong places, Abigail.” Edna gave a knowing expression. “Are you going to go by and see your mamm?”

  Abby shrugged, lifting her cup. “What’s the point? They won’t answer my letters or return the voicemail messages I leave for them at the phone shanty. Apparently I don’t exist.”

  “It’s more difficult to ignore someone when they are standing on your front porch,” Edna said.

  “My brother had no problem with it last night,” Miriam quipped.

  “Give them time, Miriam. Wait until the funeral and then try again. Your daed has a hard exterior, but deep down, he has a heart of gold.” Edna smiled and patted her hand. “So, tell meabout Indiana. I know you work for a pediatrician. What else occupies your time?”

  Miriam shrugged. “That’s about it. Abby and I hold our own Bible studies, which is fun.”

  “No special someone in your life?” Edna raised her eyebrows, and Miriam stifled a laugh.

  “No, sorry. We’re both single,” Miriam said between bites of egg.

  “And we’re happy that way. At least I am.” Abby stood and carried the empty dishes to the sink.

  “I find that difficult to believe,” Edna said. “You were married once.”

  “I’m sorry, but it’s true.” Abby filled up the sink and added soap. “Just the other day Rich had the nerve to call me and ask if he could come back because his girlfriend left him. As if I’m supposed to drop everything and let him move in after the way he left me.”

  Miriam shook her head while snatching a piece of bacon from her plate. She loved Abby’s confidence and wished some would rub off on her. Abby was more English than Miriam, and Miriam assumed working for a powerful law firm had given Abby all the courage and boldness she needed in the professional world.

  To Miriam’s surprise, Edna chuckled. “Abigail, you have your mamm’s fire in you. You should go visit her. I would imagine she’d love to see you. You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman.”

  “Danki, Aenti,” Abby said while drying the dishes. “I don’t think my parents would see it that way. I disappointed them when I went against their wishes and left. They would probably throw me off their porch like Gerald did to Miriam last night.”

  “We’ll see at the funeral.” Edna’s expression clouded. “Will you dress appropriately for the funeral?”

  “I was already thinking about that,” Miriam said.

  Abby nodded.

  “That might help open the communication with your parents,” Miriam said.

  Abby sighed. “I’m certain you’re right.”

  “How about we do some baking before Beth Anne comes?” Miriam carried her dishes to the sink. “I think I still remember how to make your famous shoofly pie.”

  “Wunderbaar.” Edna nodded toward the counter. “Grab my cookbook, and let’s get to work.”

  3

  Timothy Kauffman stood in the center of the work area of Kauffman & Yoder Amish Furniture and scanned the sea of carpenters for his father. The large, open warehouse was divided into nearly a dozen work areas separated by workbenches cluttered with an array of tools.

  The sweet scent of wood and stain filled his nostrils. The men working around him were building beautifully designed dining room sets, bedroom suites, entertainment centers, hutches, end tables, desks, and coffee tables. Pieces crafted at the Kauffman & Yoder Amish Furniture were favorites among Lancaster County tourists and residents alike.

  Timothy’s father, Eli, had built the store with his best friend, Elmer Yoder, before Timothy was born. The business had been his father’s dream come true, much like his mother’s bakery, located a few miles away.

  Hammers banged, saw blades whirled, and air compressors hummed. Since it was an Amish-owned business, the air compressors powering the tools ran off diesel generators.

  Scanning the work area, Timothy spotted his brother Daniel; his sister Sarah Rose’s fiancé, Luke; and Elmer’s grandson, Jake, all hard at work creating masterpieces for customers. Yet there was no sign of Eli.

  Timothy sidled up to his older brother and spoke over the chorus of tools around them. “Have you seen Dat?”

  Daniel shook his head and wiped his sweaty brow with a rag. “No, I haven’t. Are those fans working? It’s hotter than the mid-afternoon sun in here.”

  Timothy glanced toward the battery-powered fan sitting next to his brother’s workbench. “Ya, it’s working. I’ll tell Elmer to order more fans. It’s been a hot summer.”

  “I agree with that.” Daniel blew out a sigh.

  Timothy glanced around the shop again. “I guess I’ll check up front for Dat.”

  “What did you need him for?”

  “I wanted him to check this bureau. I’m having a difficult time with the shelves on the hutch. They just don’t look right.”

  Leaning back against his workbench, Daniel took a gulp from a cup of water. “Want me to look at it?”

  Timothy waved off the question. “You’ve got your hands full with that entertainment center. I don’t want to burden you.”

  “Don’t be gegisch. I have time.” He smacked Timothy’s shoulder. “Let me just finish this one piece, and then I’ll come look at yours.”

  “Danki.” Timothy pointed toward the doorway. “I’m going to check on Dat and then I’ll be at my bench.”

  “Dat’s probably up front since Jessica won’t be in for a little while. She’s still driving Beth Anne around for errands.”

  “Ya, that’s right. I forgot.”

  Daniel nodded. “See you in a bit.”

  Timothy maneuvered around the sea of workbenches and stepped through the doorway to the front of the store, which consisted of large glass windows and samples of furniture.

  Elmer stood chatting with an English customer while Eli sat at the desk behind the front counter and spoke in Pennsylvania Dietsch into the receiver of the push-button phone. The small desk was covered in piles of furniture catalogs, phonebooks, and stacks of paper. Jessica Bedford, Rebecca’s English niece, would be in soon to help run the front of the store. Jessica was visiting for the summer before starting her senior year of high school in Virginia.

  Leaning on the counter, Timothy waited while his father finished his conversation.

  “Danki for the call. Of course, the Lapps are in o
ur prayers …” Eli met Timothy’s curious expression and frowned. “Ya. I will, and we’ll talk about Matthew too. It sounds gut. Danki, Manny. See you Thursday.” Dat hung up the receiver and rubbed his temple. “Bad news is always tough to take.”

  Timothy raised an eyebrow. “Was iss letz?”

  “Bertha Lapp passed away in her sleep Sunday night.” Eli shook his head. “Apparently she succumbed to pneumonia. Her family thought she was on the mend, but the Lord saw fit to take her home. So tragic for her family. So sad.”

  Timothy swallowed and shook his head. “Bertha Lapp?”

  Miriam’s mamm.

  Timothy closed his eyes for a moment, fighting in vain against the images of Miriam overtaking his mind.

  Miriam smiling up at him while they sat on a quilt in the park. Miriam holding his hand. Miriam whispering she loved him. Miriam’s lips brushing his lips …

  He swallowed a groan. Why did these memories, ones he’d suppressed for so long, have to surface now? He’d worked so hard to put her behind him. His family had told him he needed to concentrate on making a new life.

  So then why did thinking of her set his heart back four years?

  “The funeral is Thursday.” Eli tapped the counter. “We’ll close up and all go as a family.”

  Tongue-tied, Timothy simply nodded. His father wanted him to go into the Lapp home, and he would possibly face …

  “Is Miriam in town?” The words escaped his lips before he could stop them. He groaned at his transparent emotions. A lecture from Eli would ensue for certain.

  Eli shrugged as he stood. “I don’t know. If so, then you will treat her with respect. I know she left you without an explanation, but the past is the past. Miriam made her choice when she left the community without joining the church. God tells us to forgive each other and love our neighbors, and that would apply to Miriam as well as to the rest of the community.”

  Timothy resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He was thirty and didn’t need this lecture. “I know. I will be respectful.”