The Dawn of Christmas by Cindy Woodsmall Read Free Book Online Page A

was normal. Numerous employees said hello when she entered. She spoke to each while looking around the store for her husband. Finally she spotted him stocking candles.
    As soon as he saw her, he asked, “How are you feeling?”
    “Better.”
    He smiled, a sense of calm radiating from him. “Gut.”
    “But I didn’t need a doctor because of a virus. By the time I arrived at his office, I was over it.”
    “It’s still good you went.”
    “True.” She took him by the hand, and without asking any questions, he followed her into the office and closed the door. They shared lunches here and talked about business, but most of all, this was where they went when they needed to talk … or steal a few kisses.
    When they were courting, after their engagement but before he moved to Apple Ridge, she’d sit in the office and talk to him on the phone for hours.
    Now she sat on the front edge of the desk. They were about to share the greatest gift yet with each other.
    “What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”
    “I have news. Good news.” She took his hand and put it over her stomach. “I heard our child’s heartbeat today.”
    Jonah’s brows tightened, as if he feared he’d heard her wrong. “You’re pregnant?”
    “Due the third week in January.”
    Jonah hollered and picked her up. She giggled. “Shh. Everyone must have heard you.”
    He set her down and jerked open the door. Several people were staring at the office.
    “It’s okay, folks. I just heard good news concerning the arrival of an important item.” He closed the door. “They’re fine now.”
    She laughed.
    He hugged her tight. “I never imagined being so happy.”
    “Me either.” Her lips met his, and she relished the moment.
    The phone rang. She had to answer it. If she didn’t, one of the girls would come into the office to get it. Beth picked up the receiver. “Hertzlers’ Dry Goods.”
    A woman’s voice said, “Beth, is that you?”
    “Yes, it is. How may I help you?”
    “It’s Priscilla.” Beth couldn’t recall the last time Levi’s mother had phoned the store. “Levi won’t be able to keep his appointment with you today.”
    Beth flipped open her calendar, realizing Levi should have been at the store two hours ago. She wouldn’t have been here, but Jonah would have made time for Levi. “That’s fine, Priscilla. Does he want to reschedule for tomorrow?”
    Priscilla explained what the last sixteen hours had been like for Levi. Beth’s nausea returned, and when her eyes met Jonah’s, he moved in closer.
    “Levi has a mild concussion, a tiny fracture in his neck, and a broken leg.”
    While Beth’s day had been one of exciting news, the Fishers’ day had been one of turmoil. She let Priscilla tell her everything, and then they said their good-byes.
    Jonah leaned against the desk. “Will he be okay?”
    “Apparently so. His horse threw him. According to Priscilla, a doctor told him it’s a good thing he didn’t try to get up. Seems a lot of people ignore this kind of injury until it paralyzes them down the road. A woman found him and called for an ambulance. He’s not even home yet. The hospital hasn’t released him, but his family expects him in a few hours.”
    “One of us needs to go see him. I can’t get away tonight. I have a shipment arriving after hours. Maybe Mattie could go with you.”
    “Ya, sure.” Beth sighed. “Sometimes it seems there are too many accidents among our people.”
    “A lot of it is how we live—as rugged in some ways as our pioneer ancestors.” Jonah put his finger under her chin. “Speaking of safety, I want you to make an appointment with the midwife. When she says it’s time, you keep a cell phone with you so you can reach her. You don’t balk. Okay?”
    Beth grinned and moved into his arms. “Since you know exactly how you want this pregnancy to be handled, maybe you should be carrying the baby.”
    Jonah pursed his lips. “God knows what He’s doing. You carry the baby, and