A Simple Charity Read online

  “Well, your place is absolutely charming,” Zoey declared, “and once you get all the beds and furnishings in, it’s going to be downright cozy. If I didn’t have Meg to be my midwife, I would love to be a patient here.”

  Fanny followed the two women, feeling as if she were walking on a cloud. Not that she usually paid much attention to the opinion of the English, but Meg was special. She understood the miracle of childbirth and she was skilled with the mechanics of it, too. And Meg had only good things to say about the birth center.

  Ya, it felt good to have her approval.

  Inside the kitchen, Fanny gave Tommy a wooden spoon, which was better to chew on than a pencil. She bent down to kiss Beth’s forehead. Children were such a blessing. Would she have more?

  She took a pot down from its hook and held it to her heart for a moment. Please, Gott, let there be more children.

  19

  As she followed her sister down the lane, Meg took one last look back at the Lapps’ newly converted carriage house. From the freshly painted carriage doors, you would never know that it was about to become a birthing center. “I have a really good feeling about that place.” There was something intriguing in the mingled smells of kerosene and sawdust, the cozy sitting room with its donated appliances and furniture, the spacious clinic room with separate bays for privacy. And Fanny herself, calm, unassuming, but bright as the North Star. “Of course, it would be nice to have electricity and some of the technology that comes with that. But I think it will serve the Amish community well. As a demographic, they’re the largest group in the U.S. to advocate for home births and midwives.”

  “Oh, I knew you would love it.” Zoey clapped her hands together. “I’m excited about it myself, not just for the service it will provide to the community, but also for the financial security it can give the Lapps.” She lowered her voice and walked a little closer. “Fanny lost her husband last winter, and the family has been relying on small salaries and the money they bring in from the Country Store in town. Tate says their budget is probably a little tight, but the birthing center should provide financial security once it gets going. And you know Tate and his money sense. He’s got a knack for numbers.”

  Zoey’s husband was a financial wizard. He had prospered as a financial broker until a heart attack in his forties had convinced him to slow down and opt out of the fast-paced business. Meg tested the ground along the roadside with her boots. Frozen solid. With a little precipitation, they might have a white Christmas.

  “That’s sad about Fanny’s husband,” Meg said. “And with a new baby … such a heartbreak. I’m glad the birth center could be a profitable business for her family.”

  “And a real financial aid to the community. For a pregnant woman, a birthing center is about one fifth of the cost of going to a hospital. And from what I hear, Fanny is a dedicated midwife. And this is an acceptable business for an Amish woman to be running. Fanny says the church leaders have been very supportive. You know, she doesn’t have the career opportunities you and I would have. So that place is a win-win all around.”

  “Listen to you. Last year when you guys were scouting properties for a B and B, you didn’t know anything about the Amish. Now you’re an expert.”

  “You know me. I’m always sticking my nose in everybody’s business, but it’s all about community—neighbors need to help each other. And that’s one of the reasons I’m so glad we landed in Halfway. People care about each other here, and they’ll go out of their way to lend a hand. Not that they’re all touchy-feely or anything. The Amish can be downright brusque and sometimes they come off as cold. But I persisted, and I’ve made some friends.”

  “In your Zoey way. Corner them with kindness and cookies.”

  Zoey wiggled her eyebrows. “My trade secrets. When I look at how things have worked out, well, it was just meant to be. We needed to hire someone at the inn, and Shandell landed on our doorstep. And her mother’s moved here and loves it. Now you’re here, and look at that—a birthing clinic is opening right next door. It’s all falling into place. Next time I see Fanny, I’m going to ask her if she could use your help.”

  “Let’s not make any assumptions,” Meg objected as they walked past some clods of horse droppings that seemed to have frozen in the road. She was definitely not in Pittsburgh anymore and it was thrilling to be here in Halfway. She couldn’t wait to see Jack, though she’d have to wait until he got off work tonight.

  “It’s just a simple question, and I’ll bet she says yes. You heard what happened to Anna. She’s going to be off her feet for a while, and with all the babies born around here, Fanny can’t handle it alone.” A gust of wind lifted the soft curls of her blond hair away from her face. “You can talk to Dr. Trueherz about it when we go for my appointment tomorrow. He is going to love you. That poor man travels all over this part of Lancaster County to deliver babies and make house calls on the Amish, and everyone knows he’s spread way too thin. His wife, Celeste—she works in his office—she worries about him, and I can’t blame her. Who can get a moment’s rest when your sweetie is out there negotiating icy roads, sleep-deprived, and missing meals?”

  Meg gave a quick laugh.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You just described my work schedule. But at least I don’t have anyone at home to lose sleep worrying about me.”

  Zoey’s lower lip jutted out in a pout. “That’s sad. But I don’t think you’re going to be single too much longer. We both know Jack is crazy about you, and though you play it close to the cuff, I can tell you’re into him. And once you move here? That deal is going to be sealed.”

  “Zoey! Stop that.”

  “You know it’s true.”

  “I’ve been here two hours and already you have me moving here and married off. It’s all a little premature, and I’d like to think I have a choice in two of the most important decisions of my life.”

  “You know I just want you to be happy.”

  “You think I don’t want to be happy? Of course I do. But I don’t need any added pressure. And Jack …” She sighed. “Jack’s a great guy, and he’s become a really good friend. But our relationship is still new and tenuous.” To be honest, she had high hopes for the future of that relationship. But right now she didn’t dare arm her sister with that information.

  “Don’t be silly. True love doesn’t fade away.”

  Meg gaped at her sister. “Listen to yourself. My life is not a Hallmark card.”

  Zoey linked her arm through Meg’s and leaned her head close. “Don’t be annoyed. Look, I know I have tunnel vision sometimes. But Tate and I are so happy here, and the only way it could be better would be for you to be living nearby and happy, too.”

  Meg softened inside. “I’m not mad. You want a happy ending for everyone.” And she hoped that Zoey was right. She felt optimistic about herself and Jack, and a new life in this quaint country town. Wouldn’t it be funny if all those dreams came true? Her sister had such a gift; somehow Zoey always knew how to melt the iciest heart. That was the power of love. As they reached the main street of town, Meg was struck by the scene that resembled a Christmas village on a train set. Holly twirled around lampposts and candle-style bulbs shone from the shop windows. Fat silver bells dangled from glittery streamers strewn over the streets. The life-size Nativity scene in front of the church was complete except for the statue of baby Jesus, which Meg knew would be added to the manger after the Christmas Eve service. In the distance, the tall spruce in front of the town hall glowed bright with multicolored lights. Its tall peak pointed to the heavens, reminding Meg of the source of all this Christmas wonder.

  “Halfway looks so festive,” Meg said.

  “Doesn’t it? The only thing that would make it more Christmassy would be if we had snow.”

  “That’s possible.” Meg pulled her scarf closer as she noted the white puffs that formed in the air whenever they talked. It was chilly, all right.

  “We need to cross here.” Zoey
moved toward the intersection, tugging her sister along in that direction. “I think you should go down and see the tree in front of city hall while I duck into the Little Apple Grocery. It’s quite a sight from close up.”

  “Why don’t you come with?” Meg asked.

  “I’ve got to use the little girls’ room. You go ahead, and I’ll catch up.”

  “You okay?” Meg asked, sensing that her sister was holding back.

  “Yes, of course. Just go. I’ll buy what we need and meet you down the street in a few minutes.”

  As her sister ducked into the small grocery store, Meg returned her attention to the town’s main street, where horses nickered at hitching posts, a line of gray-topped buggies behind them. Cars cruised slowly and people moved through the brisk cold. Red-cheeked shoppers lingered at shop windows and hustled into stores, and Amish folk bundled in coats or capes walked with purpose.

  The charming scene was a welcome relief from Meg’s neighborhood in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, where there were no decent shops or restaurants within walking distance. Lately there had been a rash of stolen cars in her area, and she had begun to feel wary whenever she had to pass through the grounds of her apartment complex in the dark. She passed by Ye Olde Tea Shop, a small tidy space with lemony yellow walls and cute little tables. It looked so warm and inviting; if they weren’t aiming to get home before dark, she would stop in with Zoey and have a warm cup of tea—spicy chai for Meg, and a cinnamon spice tea for her sister. The Country Store seemed equally charming, though a bit crowded with shoppers. A small furniture shop would be worth investigating one day, and the bakery smelled heavenly.

  Yes, she could see herself living here in Halfway. Compared to her current situation, this would be like a trip to Disneyland. How had Jack described it? Like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting.

  Jack. Something fluttered in her chest at the thought of him. Although she had always been skeptical about long-distance relationships, Jack had proved her wrong, endearing himself through his phone calls and text messages. His unwavering faith in God had shed light on her darkest moments, and his sense of humor always helped her keep things in perspective. While she was practical and pragmatic, sure to keep two feet on the ground, Jack was quick to take off and soar with his dreams. While he saved her from being stuck in the muck, she kept him grounded. They were quite a complement. Meg was looking forward to seeing more of Jack over this longer stretch of time.

  A Salvation Army Santa was set up down the block with his boom box and red bucket, and strains of “I Heard the Bells” filled the air, adding to the poignant atmosphere: “… with peace on earth, good will to men.”

  Digging her hands deeper into the pockets of her quilted coat, she lifted her gaze to the tall tree that loomed ahead, the glow of its bright lights blurring in a lovely display of blue, green, red, purple, and yellow. How she loved Christmas! There was such a joyous spirit in the air. Granted, the lights and trimmings were a palpable sign of the commercial holiday, but every year around this time she saw hard hearts soften. At Christmastime the message of hope from the birth of the Savior reached many people who ordinarily looked the other way.

  She was mulling over the true meaning of the holidays when she heard him call her name. She glanced away from the tree and there he was, as if she had dreamed him there. In his navy jacket and slacks with a black stripe down the side, he looked lean and authoritative. There was something about a man in a uniform that made a girl want to salute and wrap her arms around him, all at the same time.

  When he spread his arms wide, she rushed forward and threw herself into a big bear hug. His arms closed around her, and joy burst inside her as he lifted her off the ground. Soaring in Jack’s embrace, she laughed at the thrill that bubbled forth.

  “Meg! Look at you! It seems like forever.”

  “I know, I know.” She had never experienced such a feeling of sparkling delight and excruciating tenderness at the same time.

  He planted a kiss on her temple, then lowered her to her feet. “You’re a welcome sight, girl. How was the trip?”

  “Good. I didn’t think I’d catch you until later.”

  “Same. I’m usually rolling on patrol, but I just happened to be back there in the office, catching up on paperwork when I got this text from your sister.” He took his phone from his pocket and tapped it to open the message. “Go to the Christmas tree for a holiday surprise,” he read. “So I stepped out and you know what? Zoey’s right. I’d be happy to find you under my tree any morning of the year.”

  “Well, then, Merry Christmas. Zoey strikes again.”

  “You gotta love her.”

  He leaned close, his voice low and husky. “Missed you. It’s hard to let you go, but I don’t want to put it all out there in the center of town.” He rubbed her shoulders, then let his hands slip away. “You got here ahead of the snow. They say it’s coming tonight.”

  “I planned it that way. Didn’t want to get stranded on the turnpike.”

  “We couldn’t have that.”

  It was still there … the spark of energy between them. The excitement in the air around them. The irresistible impulse to smile at him. She forced herself to breathe deeply in an attempt to slow her racing pulse. Oh, she had it bad for this guy.

  “So what’s the plan, girl? You gonna pencil me in for some ice-skating or a movie or whatnot?”

  Amazing how the heart could soar over the prospect of a few dates. “I’m counting on it,” she said.

  He told her he was working until eleven, but would text her when he got off.

  “I’ll be up,” she said. And waiting for your message. Jack filled her vision, her mind … her heart. It was time to tamp down the doubts that always nipped at her when happiness came her way. Time to step away from the roles she was so comfortable with—midwife, caretaker, responsible sister. Time to nurture her own hopes and dreams. Time to push that naysayer out of her mind and take a chance on love.

  They chatted awhile about a charity event Jack was working on and Jack’s sister, Kat, who was due at the end of the month. They were talking about the glittering tree, which Jack said was decorated every year by Halfway’s volunteer fire department, when Zoey arrived. She was sipping contentedly from a steaming cup.

  “Well, look who you ran into!” she said, grinning up at Jack.

  “The jig is up, Zoey. I saw the text message you sent him.”

  Zoey smacked Jack’s well-padded arm. “You weren’t supposed to tell her.”

  He shrugged. “I never was any good at lies.”

  Perfect, Meg thought. She was a person who lived in the truth.

  Zoey cocked her blond head to one side. “I just figured, since we were taking a walk to get some exercise, maybe Meg could catch up with you.”

  “I like the way you think, Zoey.” Jack nodded, lifting the cuff of his coat sleeve to check his watch. “Look at that! I gotta get back to work. But I’m glad we caught up. And thanks for dragging her into town, Zoey.”

  “Actually, we came in to get vanilla,” Meg said. “We’re doing some baking. Trying to re-create the old family Christmas cookie recipe.”

  “That’s right. The vanilla.” Zoey pointed at her forehead. “I’m telling you, pregnancy does affect the brain. I can’t remember anything these days. I hope that changes after the baby’s born.”

  “So you ladies are going to bake some cookies?” Jack’s eyes, those kind, earnest eyes, had a direct line to Meg’s heart at the moment.

  “That’s the plan,” Meg said. “We’ll save you some.”

  “Mmm. I got to get me some of those, hot right out of the oven.”

  “So come over tonight,” Zoey said, forging ahead, as usual. “What time do you get off?”

  For once, Meg wasn’t annoyed by her sister’s persistence. “Eleven.” She and Jack said it at the same time.

  Meg smiled up at him. “See you then?”

  “Will do.”

  As Jack headed back to the
police station, a small snowflake twirled before her eyes. “It’s snowing,” she said.

  “Naw.” Zoey looked up from her cup of tea and blinked. “You’re right. It is!”

  Suddenly the air was filled with lacy flakes. Zoey stretched her arms out and lifted her face to the sky. “I love snow when I don’t have to drive in it.”

  With a chuckle, Meg held out a hand and looked up toward the heavens. White flakes floated and danced, suspended in the light from the streetlamp. Flakes dropped on her cheeks and clung to her lashes—a baptism of snow. It was as if all the hardships and grief of the past year were being washed away, and God was delivering her, shiny and new, to her dear sister and a tender new love.

  “Don’t you just love Christmas?” Zoey exclaimed.

  Meg had to agree. “It’s the best time of year.”

  20

  The kitchen was warm with the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and the lingering glow of the stove made the room cozy. Fanny held Tommy in her lap and read the story as they paged through a children’s book about the birth of Jesus. Kneeling on a chair beside them, Beth leaned on the table and carefully cut out paper stars with the blunt children’s scissors that had been used by her older siblings years ago. Scissors were very good practice for little hands, and Fanny saw the makings of a patient quilter in Beth.

  “Da-da-da-da.” Tommy pointed to the figures in the book, as if he had a very important message to give her.

  “Yes, liebe. That’s Jesus, the son of our heavenly Father. And Christmas is all about celebrating His birth.”

  “I like the part about the star that shined so bright,” Beth said. “And the wise men saw it and followed it to baby Jesus. That’s why I’m making stars.”

  “That’s right.” Fanny glanced over at the stars. Some had uneven edges, but bit by bit, Beth was getting more skilled with her cutting. “That will make a fine paper chain.”

  “Da-da-dah,” Tommy repeated.