Unlikely Sweethearts (An Amish Christmas Story) Page 14

  “That’s my girl.” He leaned down and claimed the kiss Holly had been aching to give him since he’d arrived.

  TWENTY-TWO

  “I can hardly believe Christmas is already here.” Holly snuggled in the comfort of Randy’s arms, surrounded by his family. Earlier, they’d shared a meal and read about the birth of Jesus from the Bible. Later, they’d drive to her parents’ place and enjoy Christmas dinner with them. Randy had unnecessarily kept an eagle eye on her, making sure she didn’t indulge in anything that would compromise her health. She thought it was sweet the way he’d fussed over her.

  “New ice skates!” Jaycee jumped up and down, tossing the torn wrapping paper to the side. He looked at Wesley. “Does this mean we can go skating on the pond now?”

  Wesley’s smile widened and he winked at Shannon. “Yes. And they’re already sharpened.”

  “Woo hoo!” Jaycee high-fived Brighton. “I bet you got new ice skates too.”

  Brighton frowned. “You’re not supposed to tell, Jaycee.”

  Jaycee looked at Holly. “And I didn’t even smell them in there when we wrapped the box.”

  Shannon laughed. “Smell them?”

  Holly and Randy chuckled. “It’s an inside joke,” Randy explained, winking at Holly.

  “Can we go home right now so we can go ice skating?” Jaycee practically hollered in his enthusiasm.

  “Hold up, buddy. Before we continue, Shannon and I have a surprise,” Wesley said.

  Randy’s mom gasped.

  “You guessed it.” Wesley beamed. “We’re expecting another little one!”

  “Aww…congratulations, son!” His mother wrapped him in a hug.

  “This family just keeps on growing,” his dad remarked. “As it should.” He congratulated Wesley and Shannon.

  Randy stole a glance at Holly, his eyes sparkling.

  “Don’t forget, we haven’t even opened Grandma and Grandpa Stoltz’s present yet,” his dad’s enthusiastic voice practically sang the words.

  “They brought us a present too?” Jaycee grinned. “Mammi, did you make me another scarf?”

  Randy’s Amish grandparents shared a smile. “Not this time.”

  “What is it, then?” Jaycee scratched his head.

  “Patience, Jaycee,” Wesley said, chuckling.

  “We’ll have to go outside,” Grandpa Stoltz said.

  “What is it? What is it?” Jaycee bounced up and down. Little Melanie mimicked her brother, although she didn’t know what she was supposed to be excited about.

  Holly smiled, enjoying the children. She couldn’t wait for the day she’d have her own, hopefully, with Randy. He’d make a good father.

  They all bundled up and headed out the door. At the same time, a truck and trailer pulled up. The trailer’s contents were hidden, but the shape gave it away.

  “No way!” Brighton laughed.

  “Let’s open it,” Jaycee insisted.

  Randy’s father lifted the boy onto the back of the trailer after they’d loosened the bungee cords. Brighton helped to unveil their gift.

  “It’s Mammi and Santa’s sleigh!” Jaycee squealed.

  “This is for us?” Brighton asked.

  Grandpa Stoltz nodded, looking at each of them. “Mammi and I are getting too old to enjoy it anymore. It’s for all of you, but I’m guessing it’ll need to be stationed at Wesley’s place for now.”

  “Yes!” Jaycee threw his fist in the air. “Just wait until I tell the kids at school that Santa gave me his sleigh for Christmas! They’re never gonna believe me.”

  “I’m afraid the reindeer aren’t included,” Grandpa Stoltz teased with a chuckle.

  “Now, we get to go ice skating and go on a sleigh ride!” Jaycee jumped. “This is the best Christmas ever!”

  And with that, Holly had to agree.

  ~

  The following day, Randy and Holly joined Grandma and Grandpa Stoltz for Second Christmas.

  As they sat in the toasty living room, Randy noted the clip-clop of a horse and buggy driving past. “Are you going to get into trouble because we’re here?”

  His grandfather shrugged. “I’m already under the bann. They will see that I am not following it, which I’ve decided I will do as Der Herr leads and let their actions be between them and Gott. I only need to give account for myself. Besides, you are our true family. We are done turning loved ones away because that is what other men want. I want to die with a clear conscience. Until recently, I’ve realized, I have actually been fighting Gott my whole life.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I was like the Apostle Paul before he met Jesus. I was zealous for my religion, would and did do just about anything for it. To this day, I wonder if our kinner would have survived the accident, had they been in an Englisch vehicle instead of a buggy. But I leave that in Gott’s hands now.” He wiped away regretful tears. “We had always been taught not to question the Old Ways, the ways of our Amish people. We do things because that’s the way they’ve always been done. Like Saul, we don’t stop to think that maybe we are actually going against Gott’s will.”

  “Wow. I had no idea.”

  “But I see now that Der Herr is giving us a second chance. With you and Wesley. With Wesley’s kinner, and maybe yours in the future. I chust want to live a life well pleasing to Der Herr.”

  Randy squeezed Holly’s hand and smiled.

  “And now, your grossmudder and I would like to give you something.”

  Randy’s brow creased as he took the envelope from his grandfather’s hand. He opened it to find a pleasant Christmas card with a wintry scene emblazoned on the front. When he lifted the top, a check slipped into his hand. He glanced down at it, then did a double take when he realized the amount. Six figures. “Grandpa, I can’t take this from you.”

  “It is your inheritance. Well, part of it, anyhow. Wesley received his before he and Shannon were married. Your mammi and I thought it would be helpful in starting a home. When we pass, our property will be sold and the money will be divided between you and your brother. You are our closest living relatives and we’d like to bless you in this way.”

  “Wow.” Randy scrubbed at his stubble, then glanced at Holly. “I don’t know what to say. This is…it’s…amazing. Thank you.”

  “You mentioned looking for a job earlier. Have you considered driving for the Amish?” His grandmother suggested.

  “No, I haven’t. I guess I didn’t even realize that was a thing.”

  “Oh, it’s very much ‘a thing’ as you say.” His grandfather chuckled. “You can take some pretty nice vacations. All paid for. If you don’t mind occasionally staying in Amish homes.”

  “Oh.” He frowned. “I wouldn’t want to be away from Holly. I’d be worried sick about her.”

  “Randy,” Holly protested. “I’d be fine.”

  “Well, maybe save the longer trips for when you are married. Then you can both go on a vacation.”

  “Now, that sounds like something that might be doable.” He looked at Holly, who nodded.

  “But there are many Amish around here that need rides every day. To and from work. To the store. Occasionally out to dinner. Sometimes, trips into the city. And if you’re ten cents cheaper than the next guy, you’ll never be lacking for work.”

  “Hmm…well, I guess it’s definitely something to ponder.”

  “And if Der Herr opens a door for you, you could share Gott’s love with them.”

  “I always thought the Amish already knew God,” Holly chimed in.

  “Oh, they know the stories. They know about Jesus. But knowing about Jesus and placing your faith in Him for salvation are two different things. Don’t get me wrong, some Amish do know Him. But sadly, just like some Englischers, there are many that don’t have a relationship with Him. Like me, for example. I thought that if I chust did enough good things, if I sacrificed enough, if I suffered enough, that one day Gott would magically let me into His kingdom.

  “But th
en my sohn showed me the verse that states all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Gott is not impressed with anything I do. I cannot add anything to what Jesus did when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. He defeated death and Hell. I am not a co-redeemer. He did the work because my work would never be gut enough. That was when I realized that it is Christ alone that saves. And what Gott desired of me was a relationship with Him.”

  Randy frowned. “Not to change the subject or anything, but how would I go about driving for Amish people?”

  “What most do to start out is post flyers on the bulletin boards. Make those little hanging tags with your phone number on it, that people can tear off,” Grandma said.

  “I just put it up there and they’ll call me?”

  “Yep.”

  “Sounds like it might be a flexible option, since you’ll be in school,” Holly said.

  Randy frowned. “About that. I’ve been thinking. I don’t know if I want to go back.”

  “Randy, we’ve been over this before.” Holly seemed put out by him. “It’s your final semester. Just finish. Get your degree.”

  “I know we talked about it. But that was before I found out about your heart condition. I wanna be with you as much as possible, Holly.”

  “Randy…” It was the warning tone again.

  “Okay. But only if you’ll marry me as soon as I graduate.”

  Holly gasped. “Randy Travis Stoltz, are you proposing to me?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, I guess I am. Sort of.”

  “I don’t know if I should be upset with you for not proposing properly, or if I should be excited that you’re asking. Which, you haven’t really asked.”

  “I think I’ll wait to do that until I have a ring in my hand. How’s that for proper?” He winked.

  “That’s better.”

  “So, is that a yes?”

  Holly laughed, shaking her head. “I’ll answer the question after you ask.” Her complexion darkened. “And I think you have a pretty good idea what my answer will be.”

  Although they were in his Amish grandparents’ home, Randy couldn’t help but lean close and kiss Holly on the lips. “I think I do,” he murmured.

  EPILOGUE

  Summer, the following year…

  Wesley stood next to his brother, clad in a grey suit and sporting fancy cowboy boots, at the front of the church. He squeezed Randy’s shoulder as he awaited his bride. Randy’s smile couldn’t be brighter.

  The music selection changed, and the bridesmaids began their ascent up the aisle. First came Holly’s sisters, then Wesley’s own gorgeous wife, Shannon, stood as Holly’s matron-of-honor. Next came his precious girls, four-and-a-half-year-old Melanie and two-year-old Olivia, who dropped flower petals along the aisle runner. He glanced to his wife, who evidenced the life growing within her womb, a testament to the love they shared and God’s blessing upon their lives. They exchanged a smile.

  Moments seemed to tick by as the doors in back of the auditorium closed. The congregation stood as the “Wedding March” wafted through the sanctuary. The doors opened again, and his brother’s bride seemed to float toward them. Wesley glanced at Randy, who clenched and unclenched his hands.

  Randy wiped away a tear, but his smile never dimmed. “She’s so beautiful.” His brother couldn’t seem to take his eyes off his bride-to-be as he walked down the steps of the platform to claim Holly from her father’s arm.

  Wesley looked out at the wedding guests. Among them were Holly’s parents and extended family, members of their church congregation, his and Randy’s parents, and both sets of grandparents, including Grandpa and Grandma Stoltz, dressed in Amish attire.

  His paternal grandparents had been excommunicated from their Amish fellowship, but still held onto the core values of their community. Now they could openly fellowship with their entire family, which fulfilled a lifelong desire in their hearts. Wesley realized that sometimes one had to lose something valuable to gain something greater, but doing so required faith in the God who fashioned each of them.

  When the preacher announced Randy and Holly as husband and wife, his brother probably broke the record for the longest wedding kiss in the history of the church. This resulted in the hooting and hollering of the wedding party, who shared smiles all around.

  God knew all along that Holly was the perfect match for Randy. She had not only encouraged him in his relationship with God, but she’d taught him how to love with his whole heart. And Wesley had no doubt that the two of them would live happily ever after, by God’s grace.

  THE END

  Amish Christmas Miracles is a collection of 14 BRAND NEW Amish Christmas stories!

  Thanks for reading!

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  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What was your first impression of Randy Stoltz? Did it change by the end of the book?

  2. When the event in the ice skating rink occurred, did you think Randy’s behavior was inappropriate? Why?

  3. Once Randy decided Lisa wasn’t ‘the one,’ do you think he was right to end things with her, or do you think he should have waited longer? Have you ever been a participant in a one-sided relationship?

  4. Randy and Holly are virtual opposites. Do you believe that opposites attract? Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who is opposite of you? Are/were there ways you are/were alike?

  5. Have you ever heard of courting the way Holly’s family practiced it? What are your thoughts on courting verses dating?

  6. Randy and his brother, Wesley, get along well. How many siblings do you have? Do you get along with them?

  7. When Holly discovered Randy’s aversion to his Amish grandparents, she desired to help him resolve his issues. Are there rifts in any relationship in your life that need mending? How can you take steps toward that goal?

  8. When it comes to Holly’s heart, Randy’s charming ways are quite persuasive. Have you ever been persuaded to do things you know you shouldn’t do?

  9. Holly’s influence in Randy’s life compels him to learn more about the things of God. Do you have someone in your life that influences you for good?

  10. Christopher is grieved when he realizes it was his own actions that repelled his grandson, but it opens his eyes to something even greater—what real love looks like. Have you ever thought you were doing something right, then learned it was actually wrong?

  11. Although Christopher and Judy lost something important to them, they found something equally precious. Have you ever had to lose something in order to gain something else?

  12. Holly’s revelation rocked Randy’s world? If you’ve experienced something similar, how did you cope?

  13. Have you ever been Christmas caroling? What is your favorite Christmas song?

  14. Do you enjoy the holiday season? What is your favorite part?

  15. If you enjoyed this story, will you kindly consider leaving a review? Thanks

  A SPECIAL THANK YOU

  I’d like to take this time to thank everyone that had any involvement in this book and its production, including my Mom and Dad, who have always been supportive of my writing, my longsuffering Family—especially my handsome, encouraging Hubby, my Amish and former-Amish friends who have helped immensely in my understanding of the Amish ways, my supportive Pastor and Church family, my Proofreaders, my Editor, my CIA Facebook author friends who have been a tremendous help, my wonderful Readers who buy, read, offer great input, and leave encouraging reviews and emails, my awesome Launch Team who, I’m confident, will ‘Sprede the Word’ about Unlikely Sweethearts! And last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank my Precious LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, for without Him, none of this would have been possible!

  ely Sweethearts (An Amish Christmas Story)