Free A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston Page A

glanced at Kathryn, who was smiling. “What is it?”
    “You’re glowing, Anna Mae.” Reaching over, Kathryn squeezed her hand. “You look so wunderbaar, so froh. Your mamm is going to be thrilled. Tell me all about your life in Baltimore.”
    Anna Mae shared stories about the car dealership and her quilting ministry at church. Soon, Elizabeth and Amanda joined them with mugs of hot chocolate and cookies. Anna Mae enjoyed the warm cookies while Kathryn, Elizabeth, and Amanda filled Anna Mae and Kellan in on the latest community news.
    When Anna Mae yawned, Kellan rubbed her shoulder. “I think you’ve had too much excitement. We should go back to the room, so you can rest before dinner.” He nodded toward her belly. “He needs his rest too, you know.”
    Anna Mae shook her head. “You coddle me too much.”
    “Enjoy it now,” Kathryn said with a laugh. “The focus will be on the baby once he’s here.”
    “I’m sure that’s how it will be.” Anna Mae turned to Kellan. “A nap sounds like a wonderful idea. I am tired from the trip.”
    “I hope you can still join us for dinner,” Kathryn said. “Tonight you can see our family before you visit with everyone else. David will be so anxious to see you, and the kinner are excited too.”
    “Do David and the kinner know we’re here?” Anna Mae asked.
    Amanda frowned. “He overheard my mamm and me talkingabout your visit Monday night. I didn’t mean for him to hear, but at the same time, I felt like he needed to know.”
    “It’s okay.” Anna Mae smiled and then turned to Kathryn. “Is David okay with it? The visit, I mean.”
    Kathryn gave a slight shrug. “He was upset at first when he found out I’d planned it without his consent. He’s concerned that your parents aren’t going to take it well, but I believe that this visit is going to heal some family wounds.” Reaching over, she touched Anna Mae’s hand. “I think it will go just fine.”
    “Do my parents know we’re here?” Anna Mae asked, praying that they were happy if they did know.
    Kathryn shook her head. “No, but my family and Vera know. Before we try to see the rest of the family, we thought it best that you see how things go with Daed first.”
    “That’s a good plan, but I would like to try to see my sisters too.” Anna Mae turned to Kellan. “I guess we’ll head back to the bed and breakfast for now.”
    “Sounds good.” He looked at Kathryn. “What time should we be at your house for supper?”
    “Five o’clock.” Kathryn stood. “Does that sound gut?”
    “Sounds fine. Can we bring anything?” he asked.
    Kathryn waved off the question. “Don’t be silly. We’ll have plenty to eat. You just be sure Anna Mae takes a gut nap so she can enjoy our company.”
    “I’ll get a good rest. Don’t you worry about that.” Anna took Kathryn’s hands in hers. “Thank you for everything. It’s so good to be here with you again. It’s been too long.”
    “Ya, it has.” Kathryn hugged her. “I look forward to seeing you in a few hours.”
    “Me too.” Anna Mae took Kellan’s hand and started for the door. “We’ll see you later.”
    “You rest up now,” Kathryn called. “I don’t want you in the hospital while you’re here.”
    “I will,” Anna Mae promised. Stepping outside, she noticed that the snow flurries had picked up.
    Kellan hooked his arm into hers as they headed for the truck. “You better tell me if you get too tired out. I don’t want anything happening to you.”
    “I’ll be fine.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Don’t worry about me.”
    That evening Anna Mae and Kellan walked up the front path toward David and Kathryn’s farmhouse. She grasped his hand and stopped him before they reached the door. “Let’s wait a minute before we go in.”
    “You look beautiful.” He brushed a lock of hair back from her face. “You have nothing to be nervous about, Annie. They’re your family, and Kathryn invited you to