Unforeseeable (24 page)

I nodded. “Look, let's talk about my mother later, okay? I want to ask you about John Lapp. You know, before Noah and Levi get back. Have you heard anything?”

“Not a word. I can't keep calling the sheriff. Noah will get suspicious. I guess if Timmons is checking John out, his past and stuff like that, maybe Sunday isn't a good day for it. I expect we'll hear something tomorrow.” She paused for a moment. “Do you think I did the right thing, Callie?”

“I don't know. At first I thought it was a mistake, but after thinking about it, the sheriff did ask us to tell him if we noticed anything unusual. That's all you did.”

Lizzie sighed. “John fits everything the sheriff said to watch
out for. And the book clinched it for me. Whatever happens, I'm not sorry I gave his name to the sheriff.”

“I hope you feel that way later.”

“I do too. But no matter what, this is on me, not you. My conclusions came from John's suspicious behavior. What you told me about his counseling session with Levi has nothing to do with it.”

I shook my head. “I don't know. John Lapp has always had suspicious behavior.”

Lizzie giggled and covered her mouth. “Oh, Callie. I'm trying to be serious, and you're making me laugh.”

I smiled at her. “I don't mean to.”

“I know.” She stared past me, out the hospital window. “The last thing I want to do is to accuse an innocent man of something so horrible. But if there's nothing to it, the sheriff will let it drop and look somewhere else.”

“I hope so.”

We heard Noah's and Levi's voices in the hall.

“We'll talk more about this when you get home,” Lizzie whispered. She quickly scooted her chair back several inches.

“By the way,” I said, “how in the world are you going to take care of me and run the restaurant?”

“That's easy,” Noah said as he came into the room. He and Levi were carrying foam cups of coffee. “We've set up some volunteers to come by and watch you.”

My mouth dropped open. “Are you serious? Who?”

Lizzie began reeling off a list of names, including Leah, Belle Martin, Hope, Ruth, Myra Fisher, and several other women. Lizzie's mother was included. When she finished, she laughed. “Levi said something in church today about needing help, and we actually had more volunteers than we could use.”

Although that made me feel good, the idea of being
watched
by others didn't appeal to me. “Will I ever get another moment alone?” I grumbled.

“Not many,” Levi said, “because as soon as you're better, we're getting married. I don't intend to let you spend much time alone anymore. You get into too much trouble.”

“But . . .”

He waved his hand. “I know. What about your prayer covering? What about your clothes? I don't care about that, Callie. I love you, and I don't intend to spend my life without you. This accident woke me up to the fact that I can't live without you. And I won't. No matter what that means. If I remain the pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, so be it. If not, I'll be a farmer.”

Noah laughed. “You're a lousy farmer.”

Levi smiled at him. “Then I'll be the happiest lousy farmer in the world because I'll be with the woman I love.”

At that moment, I wanted to jump for joy. Levi wanted to be with me no matter what happened, but would he really be happy if he wasn't a pastor? I wasn't so sure.

“Levi offered to stay with you too,” Lizzie said with a smile.

“He can't do that. We'd be right back in the same situation that happened the night of the storm.” I frowned at Levi. “Which reminds me. What's happened with that?”

Lizzie and Noah exchanged a look between them that made my stomach turn over.

“You don't need to worry about it,” Levi said. “I'm handling it.”

“The truth is, my father is doing everything he can to cause Levi trouble,” Lizzie said. “But so far, most people aren't listening to him.”

“What do you mean
most people
?” I asked.

Noah shot Lizzie an unhappy look. “We can talk about this more when you're feeling better,” he said. “But everything's fine. Matthew's tried to get a few people to side with him, but he's not having much success. It's obvious to almost everyone that you were both stuck in a situation where you had no other options.”

“Don't worry about it,” Levi said. “Really. Everything will be fine.”

“Okay,” I said slowly. “I hope you three aren't trying to pacify me.”

“Noah's telling you the truth,” Lizzie said. “Your reputation is intact.”

She seemed sincere, so I let it go. “How's your back?” I asked Levi.

He smiled. “It's just fine. Your nursing skills are exemplary.” He shook his finger at me. “I didn't realize you'd cut your knees up so much. We found out how bad it was from the doctor. They had to give you stitches.”

“I totally forgot about my knees. Haven't even thought to check them.”

“They're healing nicely,” Lizzie said. “It's a miracle you and Levi weren't killed by flying glass that night.”

“There have been several miracles lately,” I said. “God has been wonderful, hasn't He?”

“So you're accepting miracles now, are you? My, you are changing.”

“Yes, I am,” I said, remembering some of the words the woman teacher had said. “I've decided that it's time I face the past head on. I won't let the past affect my future anymore.”

Lizzie stood up and came over to the bed. There were
tears in her eyes. “I'm very proud of you, sweetie. Very proud indeed.”

“Thank you, Lizzie. For everything. I don't know what I would do without you.”

“Sisters forever, honey.”

I nodded, unable to say anything over the lump in my throat.

“Oh, Levi,” Noah said in a high-pitched voice. “If you weren't in my life, I would just die.”

“Oh, Brother,” Levi said, grinning. “You are my hero. Brothers forever.”

“Oh, you two!” Lizzie whirled around and pointed at them. “You're both incorrigible!”

I giggled and winced at the same time. “Stop it. Don't you realize there's a patient trying to recover here? Laughing hurts!”

“I'm sorry, Callie,” Levi said. “That wasn't very nice of us.”

“Let's change the subject,” Lizzie said. “For Callie's sake.” She sat down. “Do you want to talk about your mom now?” Lizzie handed me the coffee she'd gotten from Noah.

I sighed. “There's not much to talk about. She was here for only a few minutes. We're going to get together after I get out of the hospital. We have a lot of things to sort out.”

“Yeah, like why she abandoned you,” Lizzie said wryly. “I'd like to hear that explanation. There's nothing in this world that would make me walk away from Charity.”

Levi cleared his throat. “I don't think you should judge her too harshly. Sometimes people think they're doing the right thing at the time. Your mother's situation was . . . dire. Just give her a chance, Callie.”

“I'll try,” I said. “Although I'm not sure anything can
justify what she did. In the end, all I can do is forgive her and
move on.”

I asked about the town and how we'd fared through the storm. The streets were in pretty good shape, thanks to our farmers and their snowplows. Noah's truck had been towed back to the house, and he'd been working on it.

“I've got it going, but it will need more work on the engine and extensive body work. Once the snow is gone, I'll take it to Washington. My insurance will pay for repairs.”

“I'm opening the restaurant tomorrow,” Lizzie said. “Do you know what time you're leaving the hospital?”

“She should be ready to go in the morning.” Lynne had come back into the room. “Can someone pick her up around ten?”

“Charity and I will be here,” Noah said.

I looked over at Levi. I'd hoped he would pick me up, but he shook his head.

“Sorry, Callie,” he said. “But as you pointed out, I think it's best if we're not alone together right now. I'm trying to be wise. For both of us.”

I understood but was still disappointed. “That's okay. Thanks, Noah. I really appreciate it.”

“Someone will meet you at the house,” Lizzie said. “I'd be there if I could, but we've got to get the restaurant going again. We can't afford to lose any more business.”

“I understand,” I said. “That's no problem.”

We visited for a while longer, and then they all left. Levi kissed me good-bye and told me he loved me. I was happy to see joy back in his expression. It seemed we were both finding our way out of the dark places we'd been in for a while.

After they were gone, I lay in bed and wondered what
waited for me when I got out. Somehow, I knew my life had changed, but I had no idea exactly what that meant. Would Levi and I be okay? Could my mother and I find a way to establish a relationship? Was I really willing to let her leave? To lose her forever?

These questions echoed in my mind like a cacophony of voices all saying something different.

Noah and Charity picked me up
the next morning after my doctor came by to check me out and sign the release papers. Ellery was on duty, and I got the chance to thank her for her excellent care. I asked about Lynne, but she'd gone home. Ellery brought me a note pad and a pen. I wrote a quick note of thanks to the woman who'd impacted me so much.

Ellery insisted I get into a wheelchair for the trip downstairs to Noah's truck, and even though I felt a little silly, I was grateful for the ride. With the pills the hospital sent with me, my pain was manageable. A male attendant pushed my chair. When we got downstairs, he helped Noah get me into the truck. It hurt more than I thought it would. As long as I kept my midsection from twisting, I did pretty well. But any movement that aggravated my broken rib brought about a violent reaction. The doctor had tightly bandaged my chest while warning me that the most important thing was for me to stay as still as possible so the rib could mend.

I was dismayed to see dark clouds in the sky. “Are we supposed to get more snow?” I asked Noah when he got behind the wheel.

“No, thank goodness. It took some time to dig out from the
last storm. Lizzie checked the weather this morning on our radio. Lots of clouds, but no snow predicted. Today anyway.”

“It's so dark out. Can't remember the last time I saw the sun.”

Noah grinned. “It's still there. At least that's what I've been told.”

It was extremely cold, but my cloak kept me warm. I wore the dress I'd come to the hospital in, but I'd tucked my prayer covering in the suitcase Lizzie had packed for me. It wouldn't have provided any protection against the chilly temperatures anyway. I was relieved to find out that Noah had retrieved my suitcase from the wreck so I would have my own clothes when I got to Lizzie's. Noah's old truck warmed up nicely, and the three of us had a pleasant ride home.

When we reached the house, Noah got out and helped me from the truck. I worried about leaning on him too much.

“You're still recovering too,” I said when he wrapped his arm around my waist. “I don't want to hurt you.”

“Don't worry about it,” he said. “I'm doing much better. There's very little pain now.”

I wasn't sure if I believed him, but I decided to accept his offer of help since I didn't have much of a choice. There was no way I could make it up the stairs and into the house by myself. When we got up the steps, I was happy and surprised to see Hope holding the door open for us.

“I didn't know you'd be here,” I said with a smile. “I'm so glad.”

“I am too,” she replied. “I closed the quilt store this morning so I could stay with you.”

“Oh, Hope. I hate for you to do that.”

She laughed. It was a light, uplifting sound. “I'm thrilled
to spend some time with you. I can't think of anything I'd rather do.”

“You're so sweet.” I could feel myself getting emotional. There'd been a lot of that lately. “Thank you. I owe everyone so much.”

Noah got me to the couch. “You don't owe anyone anything,” he said. “Like I already told you, we're family, Callie. It's what family does.”

“I guess so.” I took a sharp intake of breath as Noah helped me take off my coat.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked, concern in his voice.

“It's not you. I'll just have to get used to moving slower until I'm better.”

“Here,” Hope said. “Let me put some pillows down to support your back.” She took two pillows from a nearby chair and positioned them against the arm of the couch. Then she and Noah lowered me gently down onto the cushions. Once I was seated, Noah swung my legs carefully around until I was comfortable. Hope took the quilt off the back of the couch and put it over me. It was a gorgeous Lone Star pattern with deep purples and violets.

“Oh my,” I said. “This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I don't remember Lizzie having a quilt like this.” I smiled at Hope. “Purple is my favorite color.”

“I know that,” Hope said, smoothing the fabric with her hand. “That's why I made it for you.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

She grinned. “It was supposed to be for your wedding, but when I heard about the accident I decided to give it to you now. An early wedding gift.”

“Oh, Hope.” I couldn't hold back my tears.

Noah looked decidedly uncomfortable. “I think I'll get going,” he said. “I need to get Charity to school, and Lizzie needs my help at the restaurant. Besides, there's been way too much crying lately. It's starting to get to me.”

Hope and I laughed.

“I've seen you pretty misty-eyed,” I said. “I'm not sure you have any right to complain.”

“That's just it,” he said with a grin. “It's time I reestablished my masculinity.” He looked at Hope. “Lizzie told you where everything is, didn't she?”

She nodded. “I've got it all figured out.”

“Bud will be here sometime around noon to work,” Noah said to me. “He's offered to stay until I get home with Charity. Is that okay with you, Callie?”

“Of course, but won't you need to go back to the restaurant tonight?”

Noah shook his head. “Lizzie's mother is going to help her this evening. Anna's worked in the restaurant many times and really enjoys it.”

“Do you feel uncomfortable being here alone with Bud?” Hope asked, frowning. “I wish I could stay the rest of the day, but I have a quilting class this afternoon.”

“No. I like Bud. But what if I need to . . . you know . . .”

“Go upstairs?” Hope said.

I nodded.

“Why don't I stay until one o'clock?” she said. “My class doesn't start until two. That way, you'll be here with him only a couple of hours. I'll make sure to get you upstairs and back before I leave.”

“That sounds great.”

“Callie, I want you to know,” Noah said in a serious tone,
“that this should be the only time you'll be alone in the house with a man. Lizzie and I have a schedule set up for your care, but we couldn't fill this one short time period. I ran it by the elders and they approved it.”

I smiled. “It's fine. I don't think anyone will believe Bud and I were up to anything inappropriate.”

He laughed. “No, I think you're safe there. Charity and I will get home as quickly as we can.”

“I hate to be a bother,” I said.

“We're very glad you're here,” he said softly. “We owe you more than we can ever repay, and we intend to make sure you're well taken care of.”

“I have no doubt about that. And thank you, Noah, for everything.”

He nodded. “I know you and Levi have had a tough time lately, but I know things will work out. Just have faith, Callie.”

“I will.”

He said good-bye, and he and Charity left. Hope and I heard the truck engine start and listened as he drove away.

“How about something hot to drink?” she asked.

“About what Noah said—”

“You don't need to tell me anything.” Hope clasped her hands together. “If anyone understands how difficult relationships can be, it's me. It's a miracle from God that Ebbie and I are together.”

I stroked the beautiful quilt. “If anything happens . . . if Levi and I don't get married, I want you to know that I'll give you back the quilt.”

“Oh, Callie, don't be silly. The quilt is yours, whether you marry Levi or not.” She put her hand under my chin and lifted my face to hers. “You're my friend. Even more, you're
my sister. That's not based on whether you get married or never marry. It's because I love you.”

“I love you too.”

She smiled. “Good. Now, do you want coffee, hot tea, or hot cider?”

I settled on tea, since I'd had a big cup of coffee at the hospital. I snuggled under my new quilt and felt quite comfortable. Within a few minutes, Hope was back with the tea and a glass of water. She set a tray down on the coffee table that included my cup of tea, the water, and some cookies. Then she took something out of the satchel she'd brought with her.

“Here are some magazines. I brought
The Budget
, a wonderful new quilt book, and a cookbook. Oh, and here are some copies of
The Mennonite
. It's a wonderful magazine. Have you ever read it?”

“Lizzie had a copy, and I really enjoyed it. Papa didn't allow magazines in the house, so that's the only time I've seen it.”

“Well, here are six issues. I get it every month. If you want, I'll pass them along to you when I'm done.”

“Thanks, Hope. I'd love that.”

“Okay.” She placed the magazines on the table next to me. “And here's a book Lizzie told me to give you.” She picked up a large book from the other side of the table and handed it to me. Confused, I looked at the cover and laughed when I saw the title:
The Complete Sherlock Holmes: All 4 Novels and 56 Short Stories.

“I read some of it before you got here,” Hope said. “It's really good!”

“Why, Hope Miller, you really are a rebel.”

She grinned, as though I'd said something funny. “You'd be surprised.” She looked around the table. “Where are your pills?”

“Oh, they're still in my suitcase.” I motioned toward the bag Noah had put on the floor near the stairs.

“Do you mind if I open it?” Hope asked.

I shook my head. “Not at all. Lizzie packed it. To be honest, I'm not sure what's in there.”

Hope opened the case and quickly found the bottle of pills. She put it on the tray next to my water. I saw her lift my prayer covering out of the way, but she didn't ask why I wasn't wearing it or why my hair was down. She simply put it back with the rest of the clothes.

“What else can I do for you?” she asked.

I smiled at her. “Nothing. Thank you.” The tea was delicious, and I drank almost half of the cup before putting it back on the tray.

She stood up, went to the fireplace, and added another log. “Are you sleepy?” she asked.

I shook my head. “I've done so much sleeping I should be able to stay awake for a week. I'd rather talk. How did you and Ebbie fare during the storm?”

She pulled a nearby chair next to the couch and sat down. Then she filled me in on the problems they'd faced, as well as news of others in the community. Aaron Metcalf lost his electricity and had to move some of his food to a back room to keep it frozen. Ruth Fisher's daughter, Myra, had picked her mother up from her house so she wouldn't be alone, but Myra's car had skidded off the road. Thankfully, they weren't hurt and were rescued by Roger Carson, who had been in town visiting Mary's parents.

“How are the Yoders?” I asked.

Hope shook her head. “Oh, Callie. I'm so sad for them. When Mary left Kingdom, they felt they'd lost her forever.
But then she began reaching out to them, thanks in no small part to Roger. It wasn't easy at first, but they were on their way to mending their relationship. Now this.” She sighed. “We must pray for them.”

“Losing a parent is very difficult,” I said. “But losing a child . . . I can't imagine it.”

“Nor I.” Hope paused and looked down at the floor. “If I tell you something, will you keep it to yourself?”

“Of course, I will. What is it, Hope?”

When she looked up, I could see the happiness beaming in her face. “Ebbie and I are expecting. We haven't told everyone yet, so I must ask you to keep it to yourself.”

I clapped my hands together. “Oh, Hope. How wonderful. I'm so happy for you!”

She nodded, but the look on her face didn't match her previous expression.

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing. I . . . I'm just concerned about these murders.”

“You mean you feel vulnerable?”

“I guess that's it. Kingdom should be safe, but so much has happened here. I'm not sure I believe we're as insulated from the world as we should be.”

“Believe me, you're not the only person who feels that way,” I said. Suddenly a picture of the light I saw the night of the storm flashed in my mind. “You know, Hope, we shouldn't depend so much on a place to keep us safe. Isn't God our protection? No matter where we are or what's going on around us?”

She didn't say anything for a moment. Then she smiled again. “You're right. Thank you. I guess I forgot that Kingdom isn't the answer. God is. I was raised to trust Him. To believe
that He's good and that He will protect us.” She shook her head, a look of contemplation on her face. “Why do I forget that sometimes?”

“I don't know, but I did the same thing. And not just when it came to Kingdom. In a lot of other areas in my life as well. I'm beginning to see that we can't substitute God for certain clothes, rules, churches, or even towns. I'm not saying any of those things are bad, but I'm realizing that things and places don't make us holy or safe. And they certainly don't define us.”

Hope frowned. “Sounds like you've been searching for answers, Callie.”

Taking a deep breath, I filled her in on everything that had been happening. Remembering the truth about my father and finding out that Margaret Harper was really my mother. Her expression registered surprise at the latter revelation.

“Margaret Harper is your mother?”

I sighed. “Yes, she came to the hospital and told me who she was. Then she explained why she left us all those years ago.”

“So will you be able to reconcile?”

I sighed. “I don't know. I hope so. At least now I know she didn't leave because she didn't love me. It's hard, Hope. I spent years trying to forget her. Now here she is. My feelings are all jumbled up.”

“One thing I don't understand,” Hope said, her forehead furrowed in thought. “Why didn't you recognize her? I mean, you were a child when she left but old enough to remember her. Is it the scar?”