Free The Amish Christmas Sleigh by Kelly Long Page A

radiantly happy.
    â€œKate, do you have a few minutes? I’m sorry you’re going out, but I simply have to talk to you.”
    Kate caught the suppressed excitement of her cousin’s posture and reluctantly widened the door. “All right. Kumme in.”
    She chafed at the delay but tried to focus on Fran all the same. She didn’t remove her cloak or bonnet, though, hoping it might be a clue that her leaving was urgent.
    But Fran sank down onto the living room couch as if she had all the time in the world. “ Ach, Kate—it’s so wunderbaar .”
    â€œWhat is it?” Kate asked, trying to conceal the impatience in her voice.
    â€œI’m pregnant. We went to see Dr. McCully to double-check, but I’m about two months along.”
    Kate felt her anxiousness slip away as genuine happiness filled her heart for the other woman. She rose and then bent to catch Fran close in a gentle embrace.
    â€œFran, that’s such gut news. I have prayed for you.”
    Fran pulled back and looked up into Kate’s face. “I know. Danki. And now I’ll let you go, but is everything all right? You seem a bit upset.”
    Kate straightened and smiled. “Everything will be fine.” I hope and pray . . . “But I do need to geh .”
    Fran got to her feet and Kate saw her to the door, deciding at the last moment that she might bring the tin of peanut butter kiss cookies she’d baked as a love offering to Sebastian. She raced back to the cupboard, grabbed the tin, and was two steps from the door when she heard another knock.
    She groaned silently. It must be Fran again. . . . She flung open the door in mute exasperation to stare blankly at Bishop Umble.
    â€œKate, I heard you’re not working at Sebastian Christner’s anymore. Martha had a bad fall this morning and sprained her ankle. I hoped you would kumme and work for us for a bit to give her an extra hand.”
    â€œI would love to, Bishop, but I . . .”
    â€œI’m afraid I can’t take no for an answer. I’ve got my sled right here, and I’ll pick Ben up after school and send word to Fran and Daniel. We really need your help.”
    Kate was quelled by the semi-stern eye the auld leader cast upon her and knew she had to give in for the moment. A body just doesn’t tell Bishop Umble nee . . . and I can always go to Sebastian’s later on in the day once I get Martha Umble settled....
    She held the door open and drew in a deep breath. “ Sei se gut, kumme in. I—I’ll go pack a light bag. . . .”
    â€œ Danki, Kate.” The bishop smiled and she had to blink twice to make sure she was wrong about the twinkle that seemed to shine in his eyes.
    She turned back to the bedroom and decided that loving Sebastian was making her narrisch . . . .
    Â 
    Sebastian bent over the workbench and tried to scrape a dull edge into precision; the tool slipped in his usually capable hands and he cut his thumb.
    â€œHere’s a hankie, boy.” Tim offered a red checkered cloth and Sebastian gave it a doubtful glance, then took it anyway, using it to staunch the flow of blood.
    â€œThanks,” he muttered to his friend.
    â€œLook, Seb, I knows yer torn up inside, but are ya really gonna let that woman go so easy like?” Tim questioned.
    â€œDon’t pick your nose,” Sebastian said absently, thinking about Tim’s query. What am I really going to do about Kate . . . and Ben? Can I let go of this shame and regret and try to face her again?
    â€œIf ya were up fer another try, I gots an idea,” Tim offered.
    â€œWhat is it?”
    Tim leaned close and began detailing a plan that would involve plenty of labor but might well be the way to win Kate’s heart. Sebastian knew he had to try—he couldn’t stand the thought of Kate believing he was like the man who’d killed her parents and hurt Ben.
    â€œAll right,” he said after a bleak