The Wonder of Your Love - By Beth Wiseman Page 0,54
about the way he always referred to her as his best friend. She liked that title. It was safe, but she wasn’t sure what to say.
“Katie Ann, I’ll let you go. Don’t forget to hug Jonas for me.”
“I won’t. And danki for calling.”
She waited for him to hang up, but she could hear him breathing. “Eli?”
“Ya.”
“Is there something else?”
“No. Not really.”
Katie Ann waited.
“Okay, I’m hanging up now.” Eli laughed. “Talk to you soon.”
I hope so. “All right. Bye, Eli.” And this time she hung up. She glanced around the barn for Mrs. Dash, but decided there was too much activity today for her to make an appearance.
Her cheeks warmed when she exited the barn and saw the men standing right outside, all shivering. She knew they had to have heard at least part of her conversation. But when she looked toward the house and saw all the women peering out the window at her, she knew what she was walking into.
IT WAS NEARING dark when the last of Eli’s kin left. What a grand day it had been, and he felt like sharing the details with someone. Not just anyone. Katie Ann. As he kicked back in his recliner, he adjusted the lantern on the table beside him so he could see better. He searched his pile of papers and mail on the table until he came across a tablet of paper and a pen.
Dear Katie Ann,
He stopped and wondered if the details of his day would be of interest to her. After only a few moments of deliberation, he decided that they just might.
It’s Thanksgiving evening, and everyone has gone home. It’s quiet in the house. Just the way I like it (I’m chuckling here), but I wish you were here for me to tell you about our day. My oldest grandchild, Leah, sang to everyone in the living room after the meal, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything so beautiful. She sang “Jesus Loves Me” and “For God So Loved Us.” Do you remember me telling you about Leah? She’s Jake and Laura Jane’s oldest, my first grandchild. And also today, little Luke fell and bumped his head. It was a touching moment when his twin brother, Ben, touched his head and started to cry, as if he’d felt the pain. Seems like twins are always extra close. Luke and Ben are identical. Did I tell you that?
Sometimes, when it’s quiet like this, I’ll put out a small radio I have hidden in my bedroom and listen to country gospel music. Sometimes I turn it on really softly in the background when I pray. Mei kinner all know I have it, and I suspect that one or two of them might have a radio as well, but our bishop has a habit of showing up unexpectedly, so I keep it hidden in a drawer in my nightstand. I’m such a rule-breaker, no?
Eli stretched his socked feet out on the recliner and leaned his head back for a moment. He closed his eyes and let his last visit with Katie Ann play out in his mind for the hundredth time. When he’d relived the moment several times, he resumed his writing.
I hope that when you receive this, it will put a smile on your face. You need to smile more. It’s healthy. Or so I’m told (chuckling again). Either way, I love it when you smile.
Eli reminded himself not to come on too strong. He knew he should pray for Katie Ann to find a wonderful man to take care of her and Jonas, but he just wasn’t sure he liked that idea. Actually, he was sure he didn’t like that idea. I’m a selfish man. He scratched his forehead.
What are your plans for Christmas? Will you celebrate First Christmas at Lillian and Samuel’s haus, or will you go somewhere else? Mei dochders will take over mei haus again for First Christmas, then on Second Christmas we usually spend the day visiting friends and shut-ins. We always visit Annie Hostetler and her husband, John. Annie has Alzheimer’s, and they don’t get out much. That disease scares me. And we always end the day by having pie at Miller’s Pantry. Best pie in the world, I think.
I’ll close for now. I hope to hear back from you. Sending blessings to you and Jonas.
Best friends, in His name,
Eli
He put the letter on the table, planning to mail it first thing in the morning. His fire was dwindling, and as