Twice Blessed: Two Amish Christmas Stories

Half-title Page

Other books by Barbara Cameron

Other books by Barbara Cameron

The Quilts of Lancaster County Series

A Time to Love

A Time to Heal

A Time for Peace

Annie’s Christmas Wish

The Stitches in Time Series

Her Restless Heart

The Heart’s Journey

Heart in Hand

The Quilts of Love Series

Scraps of Evidence

The Amish Road Series

A Road Unknown

Crossroads

One True Path

Title Page

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Twice Blessed

Copyright © 2015 by Barbara Cameron

Published by Abingdon Press, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988

www.abingdonpress.com

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form,

stored inany retrieval system, posted on any website,

or transmitted in any form or by any means—digital,

electronic, scanning, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—

without written permission from the publisher,

except for brief quotations in printed reviews and articles.

The persons and events portrayed in this work of fiction are the

creations of the author, and any resemblance to persons

living or dead is purely coincidental.

Published in association with Books & Such Literary Agency.

Macro Editor: Teri Wilhelms

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Cameron, Barbara, 1949-

Twice blessed : two Amish Christmas stories : Her sister’s shadow and His brother’s keeper / Barbara Cameron. — First edition.

1 online resource.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN 978-1-6308-8112-2 (e-pub) — ISBN 978-1-6308-8111-5 (binding: pbk.) 1. Twins—Fiction. 2. Individual differences—Fiction. 3. Self-realization—Fiction. 4. Amish—Fiction. 5. Christian fiction, American. I. Cameron, Barbara, 1949– Her sister’s shadow. II. Cameron, Barbara, 1949- His brother’s keeper. III. Title. IV. Title: Amish Christmas stories.

PS3603.A4473

813’.6—dc23

2015023800

Dedication

For

My mom and my dad

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

One of the things I love about Ramona Richards, my editor at Abingdon Press, is that she is always so open to listening to my ideas for a new book or series.

And I love her sense of humor and patience in listening to those ideas.

I guess I can get kind of wordy. One day I realized I’d gone on for a bit, and I paused and asked, Are you still there?

Absolutely, she said with a laugh in her voice. Just waiting for you to wind down.

I try not to call her too often and do that.

But one day I just had to call her about this idea. You see, I had kind of special parents. Both of them were twins. So, growing up, I heard a lot of stories about what it was like for them to grow up as twins.

So I called Ramona and asked her if she’d be interested in two novellas about twins. I mostly write Amish books, and the Amish have more twins than the average Englisch family because the Amish have more children. You see, women have children for more reasons than just heredity. Your chance of having twins increases the older you get and the more children you have. On average, Amish families have seven children.

Twice Blessed: Two Amish Christmas Stories was born from that conversation. I loved taking what I knew about twins and researching more about them for the collection. I was a little sorry I didn’t have more personal experience, such as having twins myself, for

the novellas, but quite frankly, I found having one baby at a time challenge enough—especially when I had my second baby just twenty-two months later!

I hope that you’ll enjoy these stories about twins and how they find their identities—and love—apart from the twins they’ve grown up with.

And I hope that you and the ones you love have a very merry and spirit-filled Christmas this year!

Blessings!

Her Sister’s Shadow

Chapter 1

1

Rosie plucked the last ripe red strawberry and dropped it into the bucket near her. She wiped the perspiration from her forehead with the back of her hand and got to her feet. It would be gut to get out of the sun and take a brief rest on the front porch.

She glanced around the large fruit and vegetable garden she and her twin schweschder Katie had planted on the side of the house. A bounty of corn, zucchini, green beans, spinach, tomatoes, peas, and more had been planted, nurtured, and prayed over. They’d been busy harvesting them as they ripened, and their work continued as they washed, chopped, and canned them for sale.

Before she could get up she glimpsed a movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head and saw the long black snake that lay a couple of feet from her. She smiled. Hi, Blackie. Haven’t seen you in a while.

The snake flicked its tongue. People might not be able to distinguish between her and her sister, but Blackie did. He never came around when Katie worked in the garden.

Rosie popped a strawberry into her mouth and savored the sweetness. "I know, I know, I have to stop eating them. But they’re so gut."

She found a few she’d missed and tossed them into the bucket. Well, I’d like to stay and chat some more, but I have to get going. Some of us have to work you know.

When she climbed the steps to the porch she saw that Katie had set a tray with a pitcher of lemonade and a glass on the table between two rocking chairs. She dropped into one of the chairs and sighed, then poured herself a glass of lemonade and drank it thirstily. A light breeze ruffled the ribbons of her kapp and cooled her a little. This was a busy time, but she loved it. She and Katie had been picking and canning and cooking for weeks, and they were almost done with the summer fruits and vegetables.

Katie came out of the house and sat in the rocking chair next to her. Rosie studied her twin and knew at that moment that it was not like looking in a mirror—Katie sat there looking so cool and collected, and she was sitting here sweaty and grubby, dirt under her fingernails.

You found one more bucket of strawberries?

Rosie nodded and swallowed the last of her lemonade.

I finished the preserves. That’s not enough to make another batch.

So we’ll have strawberry shortcake for dessert after supper tonight.

Katie laughed. Your favorite. Then again, anything strawberry is. She studied Rosie. Didn’t eat any while you were picking, did you?

’Course not.

Uh-huh. Pass me a glass of lemonade and go get yourself a shower. Our driver will be here in half an hour to take us to work.

We’ve already put in a long morning, She poured her sister a glass of lemonade and handed it to her.

Katie nodded and sipped lemonade as she rocked. Let’s not debate whose job was harder—or hotter this morning.

You know, if we keep going the way we are, one day soon we’re going to have to talk about not working at Saul and Elizabeth’s store several afternoons a week.

I know. I like our business, but I like working for Saul and Elizabeth.

I’m going to go shower. I’ll be quick.

I laid out your dress.

Rosie grinned. It would be the same color as Katie’s. Her schweschder loved it when they dressed alike. She stopped in the kitchen to set the bucket of strawberries on a counter. Dozens of jars of strawberry preserves, lined up there, attested to Katie’s work that morning. Rosie picked up one of the jars and ran a fingertip over the label. Katie had come up with the idea of calling their business Two Peas in a Pod, because for years people had been telling them that they looked so alike they were like two peas in a pod.

She loved being a twin—not that there was anything she could do about it if she didn’t. But sometimes she wondered what it would be like to not be a twin and not be considered part of a unit. What was it like to have someone look at you, recognize you, and not wonder if you were the other schweschder? To be really unique—not one of two?

When she passed by the dresser in her room she stopped and chuckled when she saw her reflection. No wonder Katie had known she’d been sampling strawberries in the garden—red juice covered her chin. She stripped off her clothes and took a quick shower, all the while knowing Katie had probably added some time onto the expected arrival of their driver. Rosie didn’t know why, but she’d struggled with being on time all her life. Katie loved to tell everyone she was the oldest (by a whole five minutes) and had always arrived ahead of Rosie.

Older siblings could be so annoying.

Thank goodness their older bruder, ten years their senior, could give Katie her due when she became too . . . overbearing.

She’d just finished dressing and pinning on her kapp—in record time—when Katie called up the stairs, warning her that she had ten minutes. Rosie rolled her eyes and started down the stairs.

You’re nagging, she told her mildly.

Katie lined up their insulated totes on the kitchen table. I packed some snacks—half a chicken salad sandwich for each of us, an apple butter bar, and some iced tea.

Her favorites, mused Rosie. Her sister’s smug smile told her she knew what she was thinking.

I stacked the boxes on the front porch, Katie told her as she gave a last glance around the kitchen.

You should have waited for me to help.

"It’s allrecht. I’m going to go wait on the porch."

Lock up, Rosie thought.

Lock up, Katie said as she plucked up the lunch totes and sailed from the kitchen.

Their driver showed up ten minutes later and helped load the boxes into the van. Looks like you two ladies are having a good harvest.

Very good, Katie said. I made up a box for you and your wife since you’re always so good about helping carry boxes for us. It’s got your name on it.

He grinned as he shut the van door. You didn’t have to do that. But thank you very much.

Beautiful day, Katie said as she settled back into her seat and turned to Mary Rose, a fellow passenger.

Rosie smiled as she listened with half an ear while she watched the passing scenery. Sometimes she wondered if Katie would ever run down. Rosie considered herself to be pretty energetic, but her sister could run rings around her.

Charlie pulled up in front of Saul Miller’s store. Rosie frowned as she found herself wishing she could have stayed home in her garden today. As much as she enjoyed working here several afternoons a week, she wasn’t as outgoing as Katie and preferred being a homebody.

Rosie?

Hmm? Oh, I’m coming. She stepped out of the van, took a box from Charlie, and started into the store.

A man she’d never seen before hurried up to her—a very handsome Amish man with chestnut brown hair. She found herself staring into his dark blue eyes and smiling shyly as he grinned at her.

Let me take that for you, he said. Saul? Where do you want this? he asked, not taking his eyes from her.

Hi, Rosie. I see you’ve met Jacob, Saul said as he came to her side. You can put that in the storeroom for me, Jacob.

I’ll do that. But Jacob didn’t move. Only when Saul cleared his throat did Jacob tear his gaze from Rosie’s, and he turned to take the box into the storeroom at the back of the store.

He emerged just as Katie walked in carrying a box. Well, well, there are two of you, Jacob said, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. He looked at Rosie, then Katie. Here, let me take that box for you.

"Danki, she said, smiling. And who might you be?"

***

Katie watched Jacob leave, admiring how strong and muscular this new man looked as he walked out the door of Saul’s store.

She turned to Rosie. Interesting man. He knew Elizabeth when they lived in Goshen. He bought the Marlon Zook farm, and he’ll be moving here permanently in two weeks.

Rosie put several jars of strawberry preserves on the shelf near the front of the store where Elizabeth liked to display Two Peas in a Pod goods. You learned all that while Jacob was carrying the box into the storeroom?

Katie glanced at her. You may be right She studied the display. I think it would be better if you lined up the strawberry preserves to the right. When Rosie turned and gave her a bland look she shrugged. Well, just trying to be helpful.

Maybe you could go help that customer.

The bell over the door rang as a woman walked into the store. Katie greeted her with a big smile. May I help you?

I think I’ll browse for a few minutes.

Enjoy. I’m here if you need help. She busied herself dusting a display of carved wooden birds and stayed close in case she was needed. Sure enough, a few minutes later, the woman had a question about some candles.

Katie extolled the fine craftsmanship of the candles made with natural ingredients with a no-lead wick. By the time the woman left, she’d sold her half a dozen candles and two candle holders.

You’re quite the saleswoman, Elizabeth said. Saul was so lucky to find the two of you when we needed more help.

The candles are so well made they sell themselves, she said modestly.

She watched as another customer came into the store, and Rosie sold her a dozen jars of their Two Peas in a Pod preserves. Rosie was quieter than she was, but she sold just as well.

Since things are a little slow this afternoon I thought maybe you and I could do some inventory, Elizabeth said.

"Schur, Katie said as she followed her into the storeroom. She took the clipboard Elizabeth handed her. So, tell me about Jacob."

Elizabeth looked up from her own clipboard. I don’t know him well. I didn’t get out much except to church when I lived in Goshen.

Well, he would have attended church, Katie reminded her patiently.

"Ya, but I only got to go to services, never things like singings and other social activities. I always had to help my mamm with my schweschders and bruders."

So you don’t know anything about him.

"Nee, sorry. But I overheard you earlier, and it sounded like you were doing well getting information out of him," Elizabeth teased.

Katie grinned. "I’m not the shy schweschder."

True. Elizabeth hesitated. Katie, before you walked in and started talking to him, he and Rosie seemed . . . interested in each other.

Really?

Why does that surprise you?

Rosie just isn’t interested in dating.

That’s not true.

Katie spun around at the sound of Rosie’s voice. "Nee?"

"Nee. I just don’t date as often as you," she said quietly. She turned on her heel and walked away.

Elizabeth lifted her brows.

Hmm. Katie stared after Rosie, then shrugged.

Katie? Maybe Rosie’s interested in Jacob like I said.

Maybe. Did you want to inventory those boxes over there?

"Ya. You may be right."

Saul came to get his wife a few minutes later and left Katie alone in the job of inventory. She didn’t mind although she much preferred helping customers.

Rosie came in a few minutes later. Elizabeth said I could come help. She’ll let us know if customers come in.

I’m nearly done. Saul’s pretty good about not ordering too much and having it sit unsold. I’ve already listed the boxes of preserves and stuff we brought in this morning. She set down her clipboard and dusted her hands. Saul will be ordering for Christmas before long. He has to think ahead in retail.

Us too. I have some ideas for some new things we can sell.

"Allrecht. We’ll talk tomorrow. I’m going out for supper tonight."

I know. You told me last night. Katie—

Elizabeth poked her head in. We just got busy.

"Wunderbar, Katie said, plunking down the clipboard. She dusted off her hands and started for the door. C’mon, Rosie."

The afternoon was a blur of shoppers streaming into the store and back out again, hands full of loaded shopping bags—just the way Katie liked things to go. Elizabeth fussed about them taking a break, but there just wasn’t time and Katie insisted that if Elizabeth wouldn’t take one, she and Rosie wouldn’t either.

The day finally came to a close. The work day anyway. Katie and Rosie left to go home and as their van pulled away from the store Katie saw another van arrive for Elizabeth and Saul.

You look tired, she told Rosie.

"I am tired. Aren’t you?"

"Nee. I feel a little wound up."

Don’t know where you get all your energy, Rosie muttered. She relaxed into her seat.

I wonder where we’re going to supper tonight, Katie mused. I can’t decide if I should wear my blue dress or my rose one.

I like the rose one on you.

Why don’t you come with us?

Rosie wrinkled her nose. "Danki, but I don’t think Daniel would appreciate me coming along."

You need to get out more.

About that, Rosie said. I thought Jacob seemed nice this afternoon.

"Ya, I did, too."

You did? Rosie asked, sounding subdued.

Katie gave her a sharp glance. Hmm. Was Rosie finally interested in someone? She opened her mouth to ask, and their driver braked to a stop to pick up Ada. A plump woman in her forties, she climbed into the van and settled herself comfortably.

There went the opportunity to ask Rosie about Jacob. Katie didn’t need the warning look Rosie shot her. Everyone knew Ada was sweet, but she loved gossip like she loved sweets.

Daniel was already waiting in his buggy when they arrived home. Katie ran upstairs to change while he talked with Rosie in the kitchen. When she came downstairs he grinned at her. Ready?

Katie nodded. Rosie stood at the sink rinsing the strawberries she’d picked that morning. You’re having something other than strawberries, right? she asked and realized she sounded like a mother.

Rosie just gave her a mild look. Thought I’d make a strawberry and spinach salad, have some of that chicken salad that’s left, too.

She’s making me hungry, Daniel announced. But a man wants more than some leaves and berries. Let’s go, Katie.

I feel like having more than leaves and berries, too, she agreed and followed him out the door.

Chapter 2

2

Guder mariye."

Rosie turned as she knelt in a row of lettuce to see Jacob standing near the fence. Why, Jacob, what are you doing here?

I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d say hello.

Uh, hello. Rosie brushed at her cheek then remembered she was wearing gardening gloves. She took one off and wiped dirt from her cheek. Honestly, she must look like a mess. I didn’t hear you.

You looked like you were talking to someone, he said, unlatching the gate. Oh, Rosie, don’t move. He approached cautiously. There’s a snake a few feet from you. Don’t worry, it’s harmless.

Rosie grinned. I’m not worried. He comes to see me every day I’m out here.

And you’re not scared?

She shook her head. Of course not. Like you said, he’s harmless. I call him Blackie. Silly, I know. But he seems to enjoy my voice.

Jacob squatted down beside her. Interesting. Most women scream and run from snakes.

Well, this is really more his territory than mine. And if a mouse darts out, you’ll probably see me react the way you describe.

Quite a garden you have here. This is where you grow the things you can for your business?

How’d you know about our business?

I carried two boxes of jars labeled Two Peas in a Pod into the storeroom at Saul’s store the other day, remember?

She remembered. She’d stared into those eyes of his then and now, with him so close found herself doing it again. The sun beat down, dusting his hair and turning the chestnut strands reddish. It was so quiet she could hear a bee buzzing nearby.

I—we grow most of what we can, but we do buy some fruits and vegetables from other local gardeners and farmers. I was about to stop for a cold drink. Do you want one?

Sounds good, Rosie.

Her head jerked up at his use of her name.

It is Rosie, isn’t it. He grinned at her, making it a statement instead of a question.

"Ya, she admitted. But how did you know that? Even people who’ve known us for a long time sometimes get us confused."

I paid attention the day we met.

Feeling a little unnerved, unsure how she felt about that, she rose, lifting the basket of lettuce she’d picked. Blackie slithered away.

There’s water for your horse over there, she said, indicating the pump with a wave of her hand as she walked toward the house.

"Danki."

Rosie went into the house and washed her hands before getting a pitcher of tea from the refrigerator. She filled two glasses with ice and tea, then added a plate of apple butter bars she’d baked using some of the apple butter she and Katie had made. Then she couldn’t resist a quick look in the mirror in the front bathroom. She frowned. Her face was shiny, and there was a smudge of dirt on her cheek. Grabbing a washcloth, she ran some water on it and gave her face a quick scrub. At least her hair had stayed neatly tucked under her kerchief.

Jacob was sitting in one of the rocking chairs on the porch when she carried the tray outside. He rose quickly to take it from her and set it on the table between the chairs. Interesting, she thought. A gentleman. She followed him and took a seat.

So you were in the neighborhood?

He nodded as he sipped his tea. Getting used to the area. You know how it is.

She shook her head. I’ve always lived here.

I wanted a change, he said, looking around at the fields beyond the house. "I visited here last year and talked to