A Life of Joy by Amy Clipston Page B

considered Lindsay’s words. Was her niece only staying here out of obligation or did she truly want to live here?
    “I guess Onkel Daniel went back to work?” Lindsay asked.
    “Ya.” Rebecca placed her glass on the end table. “He had a project he needed to finish up today.”
    “I bet he’s excited, ya ?” Lindsay said.
    “He is.” Rebecca chuckled, thinking back to their time in the examination room. “He nearly danced when he heard the news.”
    “I can see him doing that.” She lifted her glass of tea. “Did the doctor give you any instructions? Are you supposed to take it easy, since you’ve been so tired?”
    “He said to rest if I feel worn out.” Not wanting to worry her niece, Rebecca was careful not to mention the pain she’d experienced.
    “I should quit working at the bakery,” Lindsay said. “I’m sure Elizabeth will understand I need to take care of you and the kinner .” She finished her drink with one big gulp. “You need me here.”
    Rebecca studied Lindsay’s face, searching for any regret but only finding genuine concern. “Lindsay, it’s not your obligation to help me raise my kinner . You know that, ya ?”
    “Oh, I know. I’m here because I want to be.” She stood and took their empty glasses. “You rest. I’m going to make lunch.”
    As Lindsay disappeared into the kitchen, Rebecca wondered if Lindsay felt trapped in Lancaster County while Jessica flew around New York City, free as a bird.

    Rebecca hugged her cloak to her chest with one hand and held a lantern in her other as she stepped into the barn later that evening. The sweet aroma of stain filled her throat, and she cupped her hand to her mouth.
    “Becky?” Daniel rushed over to her. “Are you all right?”
    She moved to the rock path and blew out a deep breath and then gave a little chuckle. “I’ve never felt grank in your shop before.”
    “I guess this pregnancy will be different, ya ?” he asked, while wiping his hands on a rag.
    “I guess so.” She studied his handsome face. “Did you tell anyone?”
    “No, no.” He shook his head. “I wanted to tell my dat , but I’mgoing to keep this one a secret, just like the rest.” He touched her arm. “How are you feeling?”
    “Fine.”
    “Lindsay seems excited about the baby,” he said. “She’ll keep it a secret, ya ?”
    “Of course she will. She kept Daniel Jr. and Emma a secret.” Overwhelmed with emotion, she hugged him. “Ich liebe dich.”
    “I love you too, Becky.” He looked concerned. “Was iss letz? You look upset.”
    She looked up at him. “Do you think Lindsay feels trapped here?”
    He looked surprised. “No. Why would you say that?”
    Rebecca glanced toward the house, spotting a lantern burning in Lindsay’s room. “She said today that she’s glad she didn’t go to New York with Jessica because she can help me with this pregnancy and with the kinner . She wants to quit working at the bakery and help me full-time.”
    “How could that be bad?” he asked. “She wants to help us. She’s always been a sweet and thoughtful girl, so that shouldn’t surprise you.”
    “But does she really love it here, or does she feel like she has to be here?”
    He shook his head. “Becky, you’re not making sense.” He tossed the rag over his shoulder.
    She rubbed her forehead while trying to sort through her swirling thoughts. “What I mean is — does Lindsay feel like she owes us because we took her in? Is she staying here and helping me because she thinks her mother would want her to?”
    He touched her cheek. “Becky, you worry too much. Lindsay loves you and loves the kinner . What’s keeping her here is that love, not obligation.”
    “Are you certain?” She gave him a hopeful expression.
    “Why don’t you go get ready for bed? Dr. Moore said you need your rest.”
    “Fine.” She glowered. She hated it when Daniel dismissed her, but she knew he was right.
    “I’ll lock the barn and be up soon.” He kissed the