Free A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston Page B

come.”
    Smiling, she swiped a snowflake that had landed on his nose. “I’m sure visiting with my family won’t be the most exciting way for you to spend your time off, but it means a lot to me. Thank you. Or maybe I should say danki.”
    “How do you say you’re welcome?” he asked.
    Anna Mae smiled. “Gern gschehne.”
    He pulled her into his arms. “Gern gschehne.” He brushed his lips against hers, and courage surged through her.
    “Danki,” she said. “I needed that. Now let’s go see mybrother and his family.” Taking his hand in hers, Anna Mae climbed the porch steps and knocked on the door.
    Voices sounded on the other side of the door before it opened, revealing four children, two boys and two girls, staring wide-eyed at Anna Mae and Kellan. All four were blonde like Kathryn. The girls were miniature versions of Amanda, and the boys reminded Anna Mae of her brother as a child.
    “You’re our English aunt!” a little girl said.
    “Aenti Anna Mae,” the other girl said.
    Amanda marched toward them, frowning at her siblings. “Lizzie, Ruthie, Junior, and Manny,” she snapped. “Please step back and let Aenti Anna Mae and Onkel Kellan come into the house.” After the children backed away from the door, she turned to Anna Mae. “They’re excited to see you. Please come in.”
    Kellan held the door and Anna Mae stepped in. The warmth from the fireplace seeped beneath her wrap while the aroma of roasted turkey and potatoes caused her stomach to growl.
    The children swarmed around her, asking questions and rattling off their names. Tears filled Anna Mae’s eyes as she spoke with them. It warmed her heart to be with her family again.
    “Anna Mae,” a voice bellowed above the chorus of children’s voices.
    Glancing up, Anna Mae found her brother David studying her, his brown eyes glistening. He looked just as she remembered: he was tall but stocky with his sandy blond hair cut in a traditional Amish bowl cut. His beard had grown longer during the past few years. Although a few lines around hiseyes revealed he was closing in on forty, he still wore youthfulness in his face.
    “David,” she whispered, stepping over to him. “How are you?”
    He nodded and gave a little smile. “I’m gut. How are you?”
    Tears spilled from her eyes. “It’s so good to see you.”
    “Ya,” he said, his voice thick. “It’s gut to see you too.” He then looked at Kellan. “How are you?”
    “I’m doing well.” Kellan shook his hand. “How are you?”
    “Gut, gut.” David gestured toward the family room. “Please come in.” He glanced toward the children. “Go wash up. It’s time to eat.” He then looked back at Anna Mae. “Kathryn told me that you’re expecting your baby soon. Congratulations.”
    “Thank you,” Anna Mae said. “We’re very excited.” She took Kellan’s hand in hers. “It’s a dream come true. God has finally seen fit to make us parents.”
    David nodded. “That’s gut. How are things in Baltimore?”
    “Going well,” Anna Mae said. “I work part-time in the office at Kellan’s Chevrolet dealership, and I also run a quilting ministry at our church. Both keep me busy.” She rubbed her abdomen in response to a kick. “Of course, I’ll have to cut back after the baby is born.” She touched David’s arm. “How about you? Are you still working for Daed at the farm supply store?”
    David absently pulled on his beard. “Ya, I am. We keep very busy.”
    “How are Mamm and Daed?” she asked.
    “Doing gut.” David shook his head. “Daed is the same. Still stubborn. Mamm is still a sweet angel and hasn’t changed a bit.”
    “Wie geht’s?” Kathryn came around the corner from the kitchen and hugged Anna Mae and shook Kellan’s hand. “I hope you both brought your appetite.” She gestured toward the table. “Everything is ready for you.”
    They sat at the table with the family, and Anna Mae silently marveled that Kathryn hadn’t asked them to sit at a