An Amish Christmas by Patricia Davids Page A

will be much visiting and even games out in the barn.”
    Around the tables, guests were bringing out their songbooks. The curly-headed young man, in a beautiful voice, started the hymn, and soon all joined in except the bride and groom. There was no accompanying music, just a moving blend of dozens of voices.
    Karen asked, “Do you recognize the melody or the words?”
    Was that worry he saw in her eyes? Why would she be concerned if he knew the song? He shook his head. “No, it’s not familiar.”
    She seemed to relax. At least she gave him a half smile before joining in the hymn. Her sweet alto was pleasing to his ear. Once again he felt a deep pull of attraction toward Karen, something he couldn’t put his finger on but something he wanted to hold on to. Each day he spent with her those feelings deepened.
    He counted her among his very few friends. He wasn’t sure she would appreciate how often he thought of her not as a friend but as a woman.
    When the first song was done, a young woman stood to announce a second song. She then led the congregation. Her voice, pure and light as sunshine, flowed around the room. He listened more closely. There was something deeply familiar in her voice. Had he heard her before?

Chapter Eight
    W hen the song ended, John touched Karen’s arm and gestured toward the singer. “Who is that woman?”
    “That is Sarah Wyse, why?”
    “She has a beautiful voice. Could I have heard her before?”
    “Where?”
    “I have no idea. Does she live near you?”
    “Not far. She lives just at the edge of Hope Springs. Her husband ran a harness shop. He passed away three years ago from cancer. She works in the fabric store now.”
    “It’s strange. I just think I’ve heard her voice be fore.”
    “I will see if she will talk to you when the singing is done.” Karen stayed for one more hymn and then returned to her duties serving the guests.
    When John had eaten his fill, he excused himself from the table and walked outside. Uncertain of how to introduce himself to the Amish and uncomfortable at being an outsider at a wedding feast, he stood alone on the porch gathering his courage. The door opened and Nettie bustled out with a large pan full of dishes.
    Catching sight of him, she stopped and settled her load on one hip. “Have you had enough to eat, Mr. Doe?”
    “More than enough. Thank you. Why are you working? Shouldn’t you be inside enjoying your son’s wedding day?”
    “The parents of the bride and groom receive no special treatment on this day. It is my job to supervise the kitchen and make sure everything runs smoothly. That is my gift to my son and my new daughter. And you, Mr. Doe, you wish to speak to some of our guests, do you not?”
    “I thought I did but I didn’t realize I would feel so awkward about it.”
    She looked over to the men gathered near the barn. “Do not feel awkward. Let me get someone to take you around and introduce you.”
    Waving her hand toward them, she called to Eli Imhoff. “Eli, come here.”
    He crossed the yard with quick steps. “What do you need, Nettie?”
    John couldn’t help but notice the soft look that passed between them or how the color bloomed in Nettie’s cheeks. She said, “John wishes to be introduced to some of our guests. I have not the time. Can you escort him for me?”
    Eli nodded. “It was my intention to do so.”
    As Nettie carried her pan to the washing tubs, Eli followed her with his eyes. John said, “She has been very kind.”
    “ Ja, she is a goot woman.”
    The door to the house opened. Several Amish couples came out followed by Harold. The elderly doctor pulled a roll of antacid tablets from his pocket. “I knew I wasgoing to need these. The food is always so good but so rich.”
    He offered some to John and Eli. John declined but Eli accepted them. Dr. White said, “How is the arm, Eli?”
    “Old bones heal slow.”
    “Tell me about it.” Harold rubbed his thigh.
    Eli jerked his head toward the barn.