Heritage of Lancaster County 03 The Reckoning (28 page)

That brought a smile, and in the rearview mirror, she could see it spill across his dear face.

Natalie seemed pleased to see her, especially on an unscheduled day. "What a nice surprise," she said, inviting Katherine into her office.

They exchanged pleasantries, even chatting about varied-

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ous patients, some who had passed away since her last visit.

"What brings you today?" the nurse asked, sitting at her desk.

"I've decided to make some major changes in my life." "Oh?" Natalie's face was sober.

"For the longest time now, I've had an idea stirring around in the back of my head," she began, her heart pumping with the excitement. "I've taken the initial steps and have discussed the plan with my attorney, so there won't be a holdup on the legal end of things."

Natalie leaned forward, eyes intent on her.

"On behalf of this hospice, I would like to make a proposition .... "

The bed linens and a few items of clothing were the only things left to be packed. Dan had kept at it for two days straight, accepting offers of help from Owen and Eve, though he hesitated to have them quite so involved in the moving process, since Owen was losing his business partner because of Dan's decision to relocate.

Moving back to Lancaster as a grown man--a businessman accustomed to a large clientele in the Newark area-- would be risky, to be sure. But he longed for his roots, was eager to get home again. Though the Old Order relationships would be strained for many years to come, he desired to fellowship with his Amish relatives on some level, guarded as it would always be. Perhaps it was the error of his ways--the manner in which he had abandoned them for so long. In some subconscious way, returning home might partially remedy that, might atone for his five-year misdeed.

It was late in the afternoon when he paused to pour himself a tall glass of water. Thinking about what he could fix

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for a light supper, he stood at the living room window, staring out.

A long black limousine crept slowly down the street, coming to a stop at the curb in front of his house. He peered out curiously, the darkened windows hampering his view of the people inside. Some very important folk had taken a wrong turn and had ended up in this quiet middle-class neighborhood.

Taking a deep breath, Katherine glanced down at the

business card in her hand. "I think this must be the house." Theodore turned and nodded. "If you don't mind, I'd like to wait.., just to be certain."

She thought it a good suggestion. Gathering her bag and her guitar, she waited for him to come around and help her out of the car. She'd learned over the months not to argue with the portly gentleman. And he was definitely that: a gentleman of the highest order.

He surprised her by giving her a courtly kiss on the cheek. "I'll miss you, Katherine," he said. "all of us at the manor will."

She threw her arms around him. I'll miss you, too, Theodore. But we'll see each other again. I promise!"

A slender, auburn-haired woman emerged from the limousine wearing a long, flowing simple dress. Her hair fell softly over her shoulders, and she stood with the poise of a princess.

Dan gave a furtive glance, attempting to determine who this pretty young woman might be. Watching as she embraced the dignified-looking chauffeur, he was astonished when she turned to walk up the sidewalk. "Goodness' sakes, it's Katie!"

Briskly, he smoothed his hair, fumbling with his shirttail, pushing it down into his jeans, striving to look presentable

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amidst his packing and boxes. His Katie girl was coming to his doorstep. What could it mean?

Breathing fast, he checked the window again.

Katherine's heart was in her throat. Trembling, she reached for the doorbell, wishing she'd taken time to brush her hair.

But the door swung wide, almost before she was truly ready for the moment. There stood Dan, his eyes fixed on

her, same as the day he'd come upon her at Weaver's Creek. "Katie?"

She felt awkward, at a loss for words, quite nearly aching. "Still friends?"

His eyes searched hers and held their gaze. "The dearest friend ever." Then he stepped aside, opening the door. "Please, will you come inside?"

She could see that he was packing as she set down her guitar. "I hope I'm not interrupting. I wouldn't have come if---"

"I'm glad you came."

She looked into the face of the boy she had loved, a grown man with tender blue eyes, disheveled blond hair, and a tentative, heartbreaking smile. She felt the beat of her own heart. Trying to smile for him, her mouth quivered uncontrollably.

"Can you.., forgive me, Daniel?" "Forgive you?" A frown lit on his brow. "For rejecting you, for--"

"Oh, Katie." His hand reached up to caress her face. It was as if he was reaching back through the long years, through the pain-filled past--to her. "I love you, darling. There's nothing to forgive." And he took her in his arms.

Yielding to his strong embrace, she felt his heart pounding, fast as her own. "Take me home with you," she whispered. "Take your Katie girl home to Hickory Hollow."

The past and present faded with his kisses, and her heart sang, responding with joy.

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EPILOGUE

My struggle with the Old Order prayer veiling has come to a blissful end. Reverently, I now wear the formal Mennonite covering in obedience to God and to my husband. Such a blessing and delight it is to follow my dear Lord Jesus in this simple act of faith.

Daniel took me as his bride, before God and the many witnesses--mostly Mennonites--who assembled at the Hickory Hollow meetinghouse. I had no idea until much later, after most everyone had gone home, that Mamma had been present for the wedding service, too.

I had returned to the church sanctuary to locate an extra bulletin for our wedding scrapbook. High in the balcony Rebecca stood, looking as radiant as any bride's mother should. "Stay right there," I called to her, rushing around to the stairs.

We kissed and hugged like the long-lost friends we were. "Katie," she said, touching my white dress, "you're as perty as a picture."

"I can't believe you came, but I'm ever so glad you did!" She smiled and her hazel eyes lit up like heaven, the way they always used to, back before my shunning. "I wouldn't

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have missed seem' ya joined with your Daniel . . . not for the world."

"Oh, Mamma, thank you." I held her close. "You don't know what this means to me."

She asked if Dan and I would come for dinner sometime soon. " 'Course you'll hafta sit at separate tables from us, but we'll scoot them close and throw a tablecloth over both of them."

"Yes, of course, we'll come. But, Mamma, following the Ordnung isn't what matters. Don't you see, being a follower of Jesus is what counts?"

Her eyes were misty now, and she gripped my hands in

hers. "Keep on prayin' for us, Katie. Will ya?"

"I promise you that."

She asked about our honeymoon plans, and I said we were headed up to Canada. "But we'll be stopping off in Canandaigua on the way home. Dan and I are planning a hymn concert of two guitars at the Mayfield Hospice."

Rebecca looked puzzled, then the light dawned. "What did you do, Katie--give away your birth mother's estate?"

I wanted her to know. "Not to boast, Mam, but I offered Laura's mansion to the hospice, and they accepted. The Tay- lors--Rosie and Fulton--have decided to live there, working as full-time volunteers, and last I heard, Selig and Garrett were thinking of staying on as cooks."

"Ach, what a blessing you are." Her hands were clasped close to her heart as if she were about to pray.

"My search is over, Mamma. All the scraps and pieces of my life are a God-ordered design.., like one of your beautiful quilts. I was looking for fancy things and found a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. I was yearning for my roots and found a portion of heaven on earth." I patted the small white Bible I'd carried under my wedding roses. "It's all right here, Mamma. I just didn't know it."

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"Jah," she said, grinning. "You're soundin' like a wise woman to me."

Thinking of Ella Mae, I said, "I believe that spot was filled years ago."

Mam's eyes brimmed with tears. "I gave my first Tellin' yesterday. The first story in a gut long time."

"And it won't be your last." I hugged her to me, then looked her full in the face. "Mamma, I'm ever so thankful the Lord chose you to raise me... to be my mother."

She smiled so sweetly I thought my heart would break anew.

When the time came to set up housekeeping in our new home, I selected a place of honor for both the corner cupboard and the cedar chest Dat made back when Daniel was first courting me. How pretty they both look, and what a joy to have them as a reminder of God's goodness.

Yesterday, I sorted through my handmade linens and came across the blue Amish dress I'd sewn nearly a year ago. Rather than discard it, I wrapped it in tissue paper, along with the rose-colored baby gown. Together, the two articles of clothing tell a wonderful-good story, truth be known.

So, the Lord willing, I'll grow very old with Dan by my side. He'll serenade me on his guitar while I sow straight rows of tomatoes and a few rutabagas. I'll sing and play for him, too, after his long days of blueprint making. Above all, we'll share the love of Jesus in song wherever He leads us. And should the Lord bless us with children and grandchildren, they'll hear our story and probably beg for more.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to thank the National Stroke Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Volunteer/Internship Program, and the Hospice of the Comforter in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am grateful also for the friendship and medical research assistance of Kathy Torley, as well as Harriet Mason, retired hospice charge nurse, who shared the joys and sorrows and her daily routine.

Without the support of my prayer partners and dear reader-friends, this book might still be in outline form. Blessings and deep appreciation to each of you!

As always, it is a delight to work with my editors, Barb Lilland, Carol Johnson, Anne Severance, and the entire BHP editorial team. Thanks to my incredible husband, Dave, for ceaseless encouragement and vital involvement in the creative process, as well as my parents and children who helped pray (and cooked!) through the tedious times of juggling writing, parenting, and life in general. Above all, I thank my Lord Jesus, who inspires me and directs my work.

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WELCOME TO LANCASTER

Torn From Her Family and Home, Katie Must Search Her Past to Find Answers to Her F.ture

In the quiet Amish community of Through vivid characters and heart-Hickory Hollow, time has stood still warming prose, author Beverlywhile cherished traditions and heartfelt Lewis recreates the simple life ofbeliefs have flourished. But the moment the Amish in this trilogy of hopeKatie Lapp finds a satin baby gown and reconciliation that shows ushidden in a trunk, she uncovers a that even when we think we are farsecret that could shatter the tranquil away, God's love is always present.lives of everyone involved.

THE HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTYFollowing Katie Lapp from the eve of her wedding, through her banish- The ShunningThe Confessionment from the close-knit communiW, and into her search for a mother The Reckoningshe never knew, THE HERITAGE OFLANCASTER COUNTY provides a dramaticand powerful look into a lifeof faith, a search for truth, anda promise of peace.

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BESTSELLING AUTHOR

BEVERLV LE /IS

A Young Girl's Hope Binds a Family Together

on diary entries from

Beverly Lewis' childhood, The Sunroom is the tender story of Becky Owens, a talented young woman of twelve who must face the possibility of losing the one

daughter of a Lancaster County preacher, Becky knows the power of sacrifice and so offers, in a desperate bargain with God, to give up her most valuable possession for her mother's life. As her journey of faith continues, she comes to a new realization of a love beyond limits in an inspiring tale few will forget.

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THE HERITAGE OF

LANCASTER COUNTY

The Powerful Conclusion to

The Shunning and The Confession!

Katherine Mayfield, the new Mistress of

Mayfield Manor, always dreamed of a fancy"English" life. But as the seasons pass, she findsherself grieving the loss of her

Amish family and her dearestfriend, Mary Stoltzfuss. Shunnedfrom the Plain life she once knew,Katherine finds solace in volunteerwork with hospice patients, alabor of love she hopes will bring honor to the memory of her birth mother.

Unknown to Katherine, her long-lost love, Daniel Fisher, is desperate to locate his "Sweetheart girl," only to be frustrated at nearly every turn. Meanwhilc, she delights in the modern world--once forbidden--cherishing the attention of Justin Wirth, her handsome suitor.

Her childhood cnnvincd with Daniel's, yet her present life far removed from Lancaster County, Katherine longs for the peace that reigned in her mother's heart. And once again, she is compelled to face the heritage of her past.

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