Page 13 of The Christmas House

Liz directed the horse around to the back of Ella Mae’s little Dawdi Haus and halted beside the black hitching post. Over yonder on the square white porch, Ella Mae was leaning on the banister to peer at her barren flower bed.

“Hullo,” Liz called as she tied up the horse.

“So glad ya came.” Ella Mae smiled as Liz moved up the walkway. “Have ya ever known of crocuses to start poppin’ up in December?” At Liz’s shake of the head, the Wise Woman added, “To be safe, I had one of my grandsons lay extra mulch on this patch yesterday.”

Liz nodded. “That’ll keep them toasty once cold weather comes.”

“Only the Good Lord knows when that’ll be, ’cause the weatherman sure doesn’t.” Ella Mae turned toward the back door. “Let’s go in an’ have us a nice cup of tea.”

Liz waited for her to take the lead, then followed, already glad she’d come.

Inside the back door, the small kitchen was sunlit and cheery. The small table was already set with placemats, teacups and saucers, and utensils, just the way Ella Mae liked it. She was always ready to invite someone in for tea without having to rush around, giving her more time to listen.

When the peppermint tea was poured and the ceramic honey container placed on the table, Ella Mae sat across from Liz and bowed her head. “ Denki , dear Lord, for sendin’ Lizzy to me this afternoon. Bless our time together and this warm tea. I pray this in Thy Son’s holy name. Amen.”

Hearing her pray so sweetly touched Liz, making her feel even calmer.

Ella Mae offered her some honey for her tea, which Liz accepted. “I also have banana bread and a few cookies, too, if you’d like.”

“ Denki , but I ate myself full at the fellowship meal after church.”

“It was a light meal, but I did, too. The schnitz pie was too gut for chust one piece.” Ella Mae tittered merrily.

Liz nodded, and they sipped their tea and made small talk.

Ella Mae commented on two weddings she’d attended recently. “I seem to relive my own weddin’ vows near every time.” Her eyes moistened. “But let’s talk ’bout whatever’s on your mind, dearie. Surely that’s why you’re here?”

Liz forced a smile. “Honestly, I’ve been nervous ’bout a date I have tomorrow afternoon.”

Ella Mae’s soft blue eyes looked thoughtful. “Nervous, ya say?”

Liz explained her working relationship with Matt, his overall kindness and big-heartedness, even his wisdom. “But a strange shyness came over me when he asked me out.”

“’Twas a surprise, then?”

“ Jah , even though we’ve been workin’ together these past weeks. In my thinkin’, that’s all it was.” She sighed. “But Martha Rose was certain almost immediately that he was interested in me.”

“Does she know Matt?”

“ Nee , she’s only met him once. Based just on what I’ve been tellin’ her ’bout working with him. Somehow, she connected the dots before I did.”

Ella Mae set down her teacup on its saucer. “Have ya been thinking it’s time for a new relationship, maybe?”

“Well, I have been hopin’ to meet someone, but I’m befuddled ’bout my reaction to Matt’s invitation.”

Ella Mae took her time replying, gazing out the window like she was thinking. At last, she said gently, “Could it be that you’re lookin’ at him through different eyes now that ya realize he’s not just a coworker, but a potential beau?”

Liz nodded. This made so much sense. “I’ve actually caught myself feelin’ drawn to him at times, but I’ve tried not to get ahead of myself.”

“Why’s that, dearie?” Ella Mae poured more tea for them.

Liz shrugged. “Maybe I’m just hesitant to get involved with another guy after my previous breakup, even though it was mutual.” She inhaled slowly. “Thing is, I put up boundaries with Matt because we were workin’ together so well. I didn’t want to lose the friendship we’ve been enjoying.”

Ella Mae reached across the table and squeezed Liz’s hand. “Trustin’ people can sometimes be gut practice for trustin’ God.”

Liz blinked back tears. Never before had she heard this.

“If you’ve been gettin’ on so well, I daresay you’ll have yourself a nice time with this young man tomorrow, honey-girl.”

Liz picked up her dainty teacup and sipped some more tea. “I hope so.”

“Remember, Lizzy, gut things take time to grow,” Ella Mae said softly. “Maybe don’t take it too seriously, this first date ... chust see what happens? And keep your heart open to see what Gott might have in mind for ya.”

Liz nodded. I must remember that.

The sun cast long shadows across the tree-lined section of road as Liz headed toward home.

She noticed the spot where she’d offered Ashley Hyatt a ride earlier and hoped that, in due time, the Hyatts’ neighbors and the People in general might accept, if not befriend, the family.

“ Gut things take time to grow , ” Ella Mae had said about Matt.

Didn’t the same thing apply to relationships with the owners of the Christmas House?

At home, Mamm was warming up leftovers. “It’ll just be the two of us for supper,” she announced. “Martha Rose will be havin’ the evening meal with her beau and his family before Singing.”

“She’ll enjoy that.” Liz put two plates on the table and poured cold water from the fridge into two tumblers. “I had tea with Ella Mae this afternoon.”

“I imagine she was happy for the company.”

Liz sighed, then told her that Matt had asked her out. “Monday’s an odd day for a date, but he lives too far away to come with his horse and buggy on a Saturday or Sunday. So he’s sendin’ a driver to pick me up tomorrow afternoon.”

Mamm didn’t show any sign of surprise. “Sounds like he’s thought of everything, ain’t so?”

Right then, Martha Rose came downstairs all dressed up for her supper date, her blond hair perfectly parted down the middle and her crisp white Kapp set just so on her head.

Liz smiled. “You look nice.”

“I’ll see ya at Singing,” Martha replied.

“Thought I’d stay home tonight, actually.”

“Not sick, I hope.”

“ Nee , just spendin’ time with Mamm, and I need to start addressing my Christmas cards.”

“Well, I’ll miss singin’ with ya, sister.”

Mamm gave Martha Rose a gentle hug. “You enjoy yourself, dear.”

Seeing the glow on her sister’s face gave Liz some measure of hope about tomorrow. But she couldn’t help wondering if she’d feel comfortable around Matt, despite what Ella Mae had said.

What if the date doesn’t go well? Will that make things awkward for Matt and me on the buggy tours?

During supper, Mamm mentioned that Dat had indicated in his latest letter that he planned to arrive home early Christmas Eve afternoon. “Lord willin’.”

“Just in time for Christmas Day,” Liz said.

Mamm nodded, eyes bright. “I best be doin’ some shoppin’.”

Liz was delighted to see Mamm elated with anticipation.

All will be well.