A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston Read Free Book Online Page B

a sewing project. I’ll go call them again.” She started for the stairs, and he took her arm and pulled her back.
    “Wait,” he said, looking concerned. “If something is bothering you, you can tell me. There should be no secrets between a man and his fraa.”
    She sighed. She had to tell him the truth, and now was the appropriate time. “David, I just wish you would reconsider your thoughts on Anna Mae’s visit.”
    His concerned look transformed to a grimace. “I told you that this subject was closed. We’ll go visit her in the spring. Now, please drop it.”
    She scowled. “Why can’t we discuss it? Why must you tell me when the subject is closed without my input?”
    He raised his hand to his temple, pinching his forehead. “I’m tired of having this argument, Kathryn.”
    She jammed her hands on her hips. “I am too. I want you to listen to me. I think it’s a gut idea. Christmas is the best time for a family reunion. Why can’t you even consider it?”
    He gritted his teeth. “Because I know how painful it will be for my parents, and I don’t want to ruin Christmas for them. It would be more appropriate if we waited until spring to visit Anna Mae and Kellan. Once we visit with them, then we can pave the way for my parents to see them. I know what’s best for my family, Kathryn.”
    “You do?”
    “Mamm? Daed?” a little voice asked. “Why are you fighting?”
    Kathryn turned to find Lizzie standing in the doorway, her brown eyes wide with fear. Amanda moved up behindher and placed her hand on Lizzie’s shoulder, and Kathryn’s heart sank. She’d managed to scare her daughter by arguing with David.
    “Everything’s fine,” Kathryn said. “Dinner is ready.”
    The back door opened and slammed with a bang, and David Jr., Manny, and Ruthie marched into the kitchen, chattering away about Christmas and what toys they hoped to receive while hanging their wraps and coats on the pegs.
    “Wash up, please,” Kathryn said, feeling David’s eyes boring into her. Ignoring his stare, she brought a pitcher of water to the table. “Did you and Lizzie finish that dress you were working on?” she asked Amanda.
    “We’re almost done,” Amanda said, placing cups at each table setting while Lizzie distributed the plates and bowls. “Lizzie is doing a wunderbaar job. She’ll be making her own dresses soon.”
    David glared up at Kathryn while she poured water into his cup and she averted her eyes by concentrating on not spilling. Once the table was set, Kathryn sat between Amanda and Lizzie while the rest of the children took their spot at the table. David gave her one last hard look before bowing his head in silent prayer. A chill of worry coursed through her.
    Kathryn bowed her head. She thanked God for the wonderful blessings of her family and home and then she asked Him to guide Anna Mae’s visit. She prayed the Lord would open her father-in-law’s heart so he would welcome Anna Mae and Kellan home to Lancaster County.
    But most of all, she prayed that David would forgive her and understand why she defied his wishes and helped plan Anna Mae’s trip.

CHAPTER 6
    T he days before Christmas flew by in a blur of shopping, baking, and chores, so Kathryn rarely had a spare moment to think about Anna Mae’s visit. The week of Christmas finally arrived, and Kathryn rushed around the kitchen Monday evening preparing supper. While a ham loaf baked in the oven, she placed a pot of mixed vegetables on the stove and then turned to Amanda, who was busy peeling potatoes. “Are the boys outside doing their chores?”
    “Ya. Lizzie and Ruthie are upstairs cleaning our room,” Amanda said, her pretty face scowling. “Mamm, I wanted to speak with you about something in private.”
    Kathryn raised her eyebrows with curiosity while wiping her hands on a towel. “What’s on your mind?”
    Amanda glanced across the kitchen. “I don’t want anyone to hear us.”
    “You just said that the boys were outside and