Christmas in Paradise Read online

  Christmas in Paradise

  J.E.B. Spredemann

  Copyright 2015 by J.E.B. Spredemann

  All incidents and characters in this book are completely fictional and derived by the authors’ imaginations. Any resemblance to actual incidents and persons living or dead are purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this work/book may be copied, transmitted, or stored in any form or by any means, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior written consent from the authors/publisher.

  Disclaimer: Any herbal information in this book was derived by the author’s (J.S.) education and experience as a Nutritional Herbologist, but is written for fictional and informational use only. No herbal information in this book is, in any way, meant as a prescription or medical advice. This information has not been approved by the FDA, AMA, or any other government agency. It is your constitutional right to prescribe for yourself, if you choose to do so. The author assumes no responsibility for the treatments in this book, if you should choose to implement them. Therefore, the government requires the recommendation that you see your health care provider if you have any medical concerns/issues.

  Published in Indiana by Blessed Publishing.

  www.jebspredemann.com

  All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible, are NOT subject to copyright laws in the U.S., and may be freely copied and/or quoted.

  Cover design by J.E.B. Spredemann

  Smashwords Edition

  BOOKS BY J.E.B. SPREDEMANN

  (*J. Spredemann)

  AMISH GIRLS SERIES

  Joanna’s Struggle

  Danika’s Journey

  Chloe’s Revelation

  Susanna’s Surprise

  Annie’s Decision

  Abigail’s Triumph

  Brooke’s Quest

  Leah’s Legacy

  NOVELLAS*

  Amish by Accident*

  An Unforgivable Secret* - Amish Secrets 1

  A Secret Encounter* - Amish Secrets 2

  A Secret of the Heart* - Amish Secrets 3

  An Undeniable Secret* - Amish Secrets 4

  Learning to Love – Saul’s Story* (Sequel to Chloe’s Revelation – adult novella)

  A Christmas of Mercy – Amish Girls Holiday

  Englisch on Purpose (Prequel to Amish by Accident)*

  Christmas in Paradise – (Final book in Amish by Accident trilogy)

  NOVELETTES*

  Cindy’s Story* – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 1

  Rosabelle’s Story* – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 2

  COMING 2016! (Lord Willing)

  A Secret Sacrifice - Amish Secrets 5

  Unofficial Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words

  Ach – Oh

  Boppli – Baby

  Dat/Daed – Dad

  Denki – Thanks

  Der Herr – The Lord

  Dochder – Daughter

  Englischer – A non-Amish person

  Fraa – Woman, Wife

  Gott – God

  Gut – Good

  Hullo – Hello

  Jah – Yes

  Kinner – Children

  Kinskinner – Grandchildren

  Mamm – Mom

  Schatzi – Honey, Sweetheart

  Vatter – Father

  Characters in Christmas in Paradise

  The Greene Family

  Richard – Mattie’s husband, protagonist, character in Englisch on Purpose

  Mattie (Riehl) – Protagonist, main character in Englisch on Purpose

  Lizzy and Matthew – Richard and Mattie’s children

  The Welch Family

  Carson – Elisabeth’s husband, character in Amish by Accident

  Elisabeth (Schrock) – Protagonist of Amish by Accident

  Lincoln, Jacob, Benjamin, and Leah – Carson and Elisabeth’s children

  The Schrock Family

  Jacob – Elisabeth’s younger brother, Rachel’s husband, character in Amish by Accident

  Rachel (Brenneman) – Jacob’s wife, daughter of Saul and Chloe, character in Amish by Accident

  The Riehl Family

  Matthew – Maryanna’s husband, character in Englisch on Purpose, A Christmas of Mercy, and the Amish Girls Series (best friend of Jonathan Fisher)

  Maryanna (Hostettler) – Mattie’s mother, daughter of Judah (bishop), character in Englisch on Purpose, A Christmas of Mercy, and the Amish Girls Series

  The Fisher Family

  Jonathan – main character throughout the Amish Girls Series, minister

  JJ (Johnny and Judah) – twin sons of Jonathan and Susanna, cousins and good friends of Mattie

  The Beiler Family

  Brianna – Luke’s wife, protagonist in Amish by Accident

  Luke – Brianna’s husband, main character in Amish by Accident

  Authors’ Note

  It should be noted that the Amish/Mennonite people and their communities differ one from another. There are, in fact, no two Amish communities exactly alike. It is this premise on which this book is written. We have taken cautious steps to assure the authenticity of Amish practices and customs. New Order Amish and Mennonites are portrayed in this work of fiction and may differ from some communities.

  We, as Englischers, can learn a lot from the Plain People and their simple way of life. Their hard work, close-knit family life, and concern for others are to be applauded. As the Lord wills, may this special culture continue to be respected and remain so for many centuries to come, and may the light of God’s salvation reach their hearts.

  To those struggling to hold on to a failing marriage, don’t give up!

  God is still in the business of miracles.

  Chapter 1

  Carson squinted as he turned into the country lane, the rays of the sun reflecting off his Volvo’s platinum hood. He moved his sunglasses from his head to his eyes, quickly putting an end to his momentary blindness. The second he spotted the farmhouse, a smile danced on his lips. Just as he’d thought, his beautiful wife, Elisabeth, had come out to greet him, their two oldest children stationed at each leg.

  The minute he stepped out of the vehicle, their oldest son was tugging on his pant leg. “Daddy, Daddy!”

  Carson shifted his gaze from his wife to his son. “What are you so excited about, Lincoln?”

  “Mommy showed me how to spell my name today. L-i-n-c-o-” He paused momentarily, an unsure expression crossed his face, and he looked up at his mother. Elisabeth nodded in affirmation. “-l-n?”

  “That’s right. Very good.” Carson tousled the boy’s hair and swept him up into his arms.

  “That’s not all. Mommy said just three more weeks till Christmas!”

  “Three weeks? Is that all?”

  Lincoln nodded his head profusely. “And Dawdi Ben and Mammi Leah are coming to visit! And cousins too.”

  Carson’s brow raised as he and Elisabeth met gazes. “I thought we were going to the city to visit Mattie and Richard.”

  Elisabeth glanced at the children and raised a half-smile. “Change of plans. Let’s talk about it after supper.”

  Carson understood her meaning. She didn’t wish to discuss the situation in the children’s presence. Hopefully everything was okay with Richard and Mattie.

  He released Lincoln from his embrace once they were inside the house and instructed the children to go play in the living room. Carson followed Elisabeth into the kitchen. “Mm…smells good. What are you making?”

  She peeked into the oven, then quickly shut the door. “Pizza.”

  “Vegan pizza?” His lips twisted.

  “Jah. I found a recipe online today and decided to try it out.” She placed a pothold
er on the counter.

  “Sounds great.” Carson reached for her hand and drew her close. “So, what’s going on with Mattie and Richard?” He kissed her forehead.

  He read something in Elisabeth’s expression. Was it sadness? Worry? “It’s not good, Carson.” Her bottom lip quivered. “I think they may be getting a divorce.”

  Carson wiped the tear that slipped down her cheek. “A divorce? Why?”

  She shrugged. “Mattie thinks Richard’s seeing someone else. She’s pretty certain.”

  Carson shook his head in disbelief.

  Elisabeth continued on. “She said they haven’t been going to church lately, and after she had little Matthew, life just got busy.”

  “We should go see them.”

  Elisabeth searched his eyes. “Promise me, Carson, that you won’t ever leave me.”

  Carson held her close and allowed her to release as many tears as she needed. “I promised you that the day we married, and I don’t ever intend to break that promise.” He lifted her chin until he caught her eye. “Do you hear me?”

  At her nod, he bent down and pressed his lips to hers. “I love you and I always will,” he whispered reassuringly. “Don’t ever doubt that.”

  <><><>

  Mattie glanced down at the envelope in her hand and wiped away the tears that cascaded down her cheeks. If only she’d heeded her father’s warnings years ago. Oh, how she missed home! The thought of returning both thrilled and frightened her. What would Dad say when he learned that she’d named his grandson after him? He’d be shocked, for sure and certain.

  She’d been content in New York until…until when? She thought for a moment and tried to pinpoint exactly when she’d lost her joy. Had it been when Elisabeth and Carson moved to the country?

  Mattie glanced over at the bookshelf and her cranberry-colored Bible caught her eye. How long had it been since she’d removed it from the shelf and meditated on the words inside? A dull ache tugged at her heart but she couldn’t drag herself over to the bookshelf. Not now, when she was angry at God. How could He allow Richard to leave her and their children? Why hadn’t He stopped him?

  A vision flashed in her mind and her tears came rushing to the surface once again. How many times had she relived this scene in her mind? How many times did Richard’s guilt-ridden eyes meet hers as his fingers interlaced with his secretary’s?

  “Mattie, I can explain,” he’d said.

  But no explanation was needed. She’d known it in her heart for quite some time now. She and Richard had been drifting apart. He’d become distant. He’d been ‘working’ longer hours. Their relationship had begun a downward spiral and it seemed every time they spoke to each other it ended in an argument. Some days, he didn’t even come home.

  Richard had pled with her to see their pastor for counseling, but she refused. Their pastor was a man, so naturally he’d side with Richard. She knew she’d be blamed for every problem they had. And surely Richard would blame their dearth of intimacy for his wandering eye. Had she been the perfect wife, they wouldn’t have any of these problems. Quarreling with her husband was bad enough. She wasn’t about to carry more guilt on her shoulders than she already had.

  Mattie’s eyes drifted toward the window where a fresh dusting of snow lined the corners. Oh, to go back to the days when she and Richard were in love! She recalled the time they’d gone ice skating in Central Park and he caught her just before she landed on the ice. The young boy whizzing by her probably had no idea he’d knocked her off her feet. She’d been ice skating many times but not with so many other people. The private ponds where she’d ice skated in Paradise as a child and teen were never as crowded as the city ice skating rinks.

  Another tug at her heart compelled Mattie to return home. She nodded and reached for a pen and blank notebook paper. If one of her parents responded to her letter, she would go. How would Mom and Dad react when meeting their grandchildren for the first time? What would her folks say when only she and the children returned home? There’s no doubt they’d ask about Richard. Should she bare her soul and spill the whole ugly truth? Perhaps it would be best to just say Richard stayed in the city and leave it at that. If they asked any more questions, she could tell them it was none of their business.

  But that would be disrespectful, wouldn’t it? Mattie shook her head. Wow, she really had changed. Since when had she ever cared about respecting her parents? She owed much to God for her growth. And to Richard, she realized. Where on earth did they go wrong?

  After addressing the envelope, she pondered how this Christmas would affect the children. They were still young, but celebrating the most wonderful time of the year without their father present would surely ring alarm in their fragile young minds. To them, their grandparents would be as strangers. She would be their only source of stability and security.

  She wondered how long they would stay in Paradise. Would they leave after the holidays or would they stay longer? Of course, that all depended on how she and Dad got along. Maybe she would end up not staying at all. It would be strange entering her childhood home with most of her siblings now gone.

  Did Rebekah have any children? Before Elisabeth left the Amish, she’d informed Mattie that her sister Rebekah had a beau. Surely they would have married by now. And what of her other siblings? Were any of them married?

  For better or worse, she’d probably find out soon.

  Chapter 2

  Elisabeth hung up the phone after several attempts to reach Mattie. Where was she? She’d left a message yesterday on both her home phone and her cell phone to no avail. Had she and Richard gone somewhere?

  “Carson, I’m worried about Mattie. I can’t get a hold of her.”

  Carson set the newspaper down and looked at Elisabeth. “I can try Richard.”

  “Would you?”

  “Sure, but he’s often difficult to get a hold of so don’t get your hopes up.”

  “I won’t.”

  Carson pulled out his cell phone. His brow rose. “Richard?”

  Elisabeth could hear Richard’s brief response. “Yes. Is this Carson?”

  “It is. Listen, Lis has been trying to get a hold of Mattie for the last couple of days. Do you know where she is?”

  Elisabeth couldn’t make out Richard’s reply this time.

  “How long has it been since you’ve seen her?” Carson frowned. “Oh. Well, if you talk to her, will you tell her Elisabeth is trying to get a hold of her?”

  Carson looked at Elisabeth. “And Richard, I just want to let you know that we’re praying for you.”

  Elisabeth waited until Carson’s call was finished. “Well?”

  “He hasn’t seen her since last week.” Carson frowned.

  “Last week?” Elisabeth shook her head.

  “He did sound concerned and said he would stop by the house.” Carson slipped his cell phone back in to his pants pocket.

  “Is he going to call you back?”

  “He said he’d tell Mattie you called. I’m guessing she’ll be the one calling back.”

  “Did he say anything else?”

  “Not really.” Carson blew out a breath.

  “When was he going to stop by the house?”

  “He didn’t say, Lis. But I’m guessing he’ll do it today.”

  “I should hope so.”

  Carson reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. “Let’s just pray for them, okay?”

  Elisabeth nodded, tears stinging her eyes.

  “Lis, it’ll all work out. You’ll see.”

  “You can’t know that, Carson.”

  “No, but I know Richard and Mattie. And I know God. Let’s leave it in His hands. He’s more than able.” Carson’s mouth turned up and he pulled her close. “Just look at us. He took a restless Amish girl and placed her right into the arms of a lonely city boy.”

  She smiled. “Who now lives on a farm.”

  “And loves every minute of it.” Carson bent down and met her lips. “By the way, whe
re are the children?”

  “Ours or theirs?”

  “Ours. Hopefully theirs are with their mother.”

  “The baby’s sleeping in the nursery with her brother and the two oldest were outside on the swing set last time I checked.” She broke away, to his obvious disappointment. “Which reminds me, I should check on them again.”

  Elisabeth walked to the window to peek out at the backyard. Just last year, Carson, with the help of Saul Brenneman, had enclosed a small covered area so the children could be protected from the harsh elements. He’d said it was to provide her with sanity when the children became restless from being cooped up inside during the winter months. Elisabeth thought it had been a genius idea. She now smiled as Lincoln pushed Jacob on the swing. How happy her children seemed.

  A pang of regret seared her heart as she thought of Mattie and Richard’s children. What must they be thinking right now? Did they know their young lives were about to be shattered by the enemy of their souls? How horrible divorce must be for the innocent ones who had little understanding. If only Mattie and Richard would consider their children’s futures and the devastating consequences a decision of this magnitude would bring upon them.

  <><><>

  Mattie took a deep breath as she moved the gear shift into Park. She sat at the end of her parents’ driveway contemplating whether she had enough nerve to do this. After all, it had been a little over six years since she’d driven out of this driveway on her quest for freedom and adventure. It was peculiar how it seemed like it happened just yesterday, yet she felt decades older.