The Telling by Beverly Lewis Read Free Book Online

real way, Mom was responsible for Heather’s own present path. And so is God, her mother might add if she were still alive.
    Heather breathed in the rich scents of late spring. There were other memorable things Mom had said in her final weeks. “You’ve got the solitude thing down, honey. Learn to gain strength from others.”
    “So... does what I’m doing here now qualify?” Heather was so caught up in her own thoughts, she didn’t realize someone was calling to her.
    “Hullo” came a Dutchy-sounding voice again.
    Looking up, she saw an Amishwoman dressed in a calf-length maroon dress with a black half apron, swinging a wicker basket by its handle. For a fleeting moment, it almost seemed as if the woman recognized Heather. Either that or she was just ultra-friendly, like most of the Amish folks Heather had met.
    “Hey there,” Heather replied. “Nice day.”
    “It certainly is,” the cheerful woman said, glancing at Heather’s jeans and shirt. “You aren’t from around here, are you?”
    Well, she was... and she wasn’t. “I’m here with a friend who’s visiting Susan Kempf.” Heather pointed in the direction of her house.
    “Ah, such a good neighbor, Susan. We’ve put up plenty of canned goods over the years – quilted some together, too.” The woman looked down at her basket. “I’ve got quilting squares in here right now, just itchin’ for stitchin’.”
    Heather laughed softly. “Did you make that up?”
    “Well, now, I guess I did!”
    Heather introduced herself. “I’m Heather.”
    “Awful nice to meet you. I’m Minnie Keim.”
    “Minnie,” repeated Heather. “What a cute name.”
    “My friends say it suits me.”
    “Is it short for something?”
    Minnie chuckled. “No, just plain Minnie.” Minnie waved then, seemingly restless. “Well, have yourself a wonderful- gut visit with Susan. Oh, and don’t say I didn’t warn ya – she likes to cook and bake. Wants her guests to eat up right hearty, ya know.”
    “I could use a few extra pounds,” Heather replied, although she had no intention of eating fattening foods. For her, it was fresh and raw all the way... at least until her blood tests indicated she was cancer-free. Like Sally Smucker... if all goes well.
    Heather shifted her weight from one foot to the other. And if I survive the lodge experience.
    Lettie gripped the telephone at Hallie’s neighbors’. “May I please speak to Dr. Hackman?”
    “The doctor is with a patient,” replied the woman on the other end. “May I be of help?”
    “I have a few questions, but I’d like to talk to him directly. Sometime today?”
    “The schedule is filled, miss. I’d suggest making an appointment for a consultation.”
    She inhaled deeply. When will I have the nerve to use this telephone again? “Would it be possible for you to check on something for me, maybe?”
    “I’m the receptionist, so... that’s not possible. I’m very sorry.”
    Lettie pressed on. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.” She took a breath. “What if I told you it was something mighty important... about a baby? A baby girl I gave up for adoption years ago.”
    “You’ll have to discuss that with Dr. Hackman.”
    “Well, I’m only in town a very short time....” It wasn’t like her to argue. But, oh, Lettie could almost reach out and grasp the information she yearned for, she was so close to finding out what she’d come for.
    “What is your name, please?” the receptionist asked.
    “Lettie Byler.”
    “I’ll see if we can find a time for an appointment. Please hold.”
    There was a lengthy silence, then soft music in her ear. O Lord, please guide me, Lettie prayed. May all this come together peacefully... according to your will.
    While she waited she recalled her firstborn son’s birth. Oh, the indescribable joy she’d felt looking into Adam’s tiny, round face. She could’ve stared forever into those milky blue eyes. And then three more children had come along – hers