Chapter 32
Several months later, the completion of Hannah’s book seemed more and more like a reality. Writing had become so much easier once her cast had been removed. She still had a way to go, but the majority had already been penned. She hoped that Bishop Hostettler would be willing to formally recommend her book by allowing her to use his quotation on the cover of her book. She was unsure whether he would approve it or not, knowing that he might see it as hochmut.
After meeting on Sunday, she approached Judah during the common meal.
“How is the book coming along?” the bishop asked.
“Ach, gut. That’s what I was wanting to talk to you about. Would you be willing to recommend my book? I mean, after you’ve read it and approved of it,” she said.
“Why don’t we cross that bridge when we come to it, jah?” Bishop Hostettler rubbed his beard, glancing over Hannah’s shoulder. “Is your husband around?”
Hannah scanned the congregants that now gathered around tables, each taking their turn to eat. She quickly spotted Christian sitting near her father and Peter Beachy. It almost seemed as though Peter had stepped in and filled the role Samuel had left vacant in Christian’s life. The two had become close friends, to which Hannah was thankful.
“He is sitting near my vatter,” Hannah said.
“I would like to speak with the two of you privately before you leave today,” Judah said.
“Okay, Bishop. I will let Christian know.” Hannah wondered what the bishop wished to speak with them about and hoped she hadn’t said or done anything to cause trouble. Samuel’s folks still seemed to be put off by her, but she didn’t feel like there was much she could do about it. She knew that oftentimes hurtful people were hurting people, so she determined to pray for them all the more. Perhaps someday Der Herr would bring healing to their lives.
Christian and Hannah sat under the shade of a large poplar tree near the Fishers’ home. They waited patiently while Bishop Hostettler sipped on his iced tea. Hannah clenched and unclenched her hands several times, hoping that Judah would just come out and say whatever it was.
“I have a proposition for the two of you,” the bishop began. “A friend of mine, also a bishop, out in Indiana has a…situation. Now, mind you, this is confidential information,” he warned.
Both Christian and Hannah nodded in understanding.
“His granddaughter is fifteen. And expecting a boppli.” He sighed. “He asked if she could come to Paradise until the boppli is born, then she will return to Indiana. The father of the child is Englisch and has refused to take responsibility. She has decided to offer the baby for adoption.” He surveyed their hopeful faces. “I informed him that I might know of a couple that would be willing to take the girl in and adopt the boppli. Am I correct in my assumption?”
Hannah’s countenance irradiated joy as she looked to Christian for approval.
“The vatter does not want the child?” Christian was dumbfounded.
“He has already signed papers releasing his interest in the babe,” Judah said.
“Are you certain the mother will give the boppli up?” Christian asked.
“Only to a gut Amish family.”
Christian glanced at Hannah and smiled. “When will she come?”
“Next week, if you are ready.”
Hannah smiled. “We’re ready now.”
“Gut. I will let him know.” Judah nodded in satisfaction.
Hannah and Christian anxiously awaited the arrival of their guests. It had seemed like forever since they’d hoped for a child, and now the dream they thought impossible might become a reality. Hannah knew there were many things that could go wrong, but she chose to dwell on the positive and trust Der Herr with the outcome.
The train was due to arrive at two o’clock tomorrow afternoon and Hannah was nearly bursting at the seams. She lay awake tossing and turning. There was no way she’d be getting any sleep tonight.
“Can’t sleep, huh?” Christian rolled over on his side to face her. His eyes attempted to adjust to the darkness.
“Nee. Christian, I’m so excited.”
He laughed. “Yeah, I kinda noticed.”
“What do you think our boppli will look like?”
“Whoa, there. Don’t you think you’re gettin’ the cart before the horse? We still have several months and you know as well as I do that any number of things could happen between now and then.”
“I know, Christian. Trust me, I’m trying to prepare myself for the worst, but I’m choosing to trust God with whatever happens. I know that it’s all in His hands.”
“Well, I can’t help but think that Der Herr has His hand in this.” Christian reached over and stroked Hannah’s hair. He couldn’t see her long tresses, but his mind’s eye painted a pretty vivid picture.
Hannah yawned, leaning back down into her pillow. “Do you want a boy or a girl?”
Christian shrugged as though she could see him. “At this point, I don’t care. Any boppli will be a blessing.” He leaned closer, nuzzling his wife’s neck.
“I agree,” Hannah said, yawning again. Her eyelids became heavy in the darkness, but she struggled to keep them pried open.
“How about if…” – Christian continued his romantic intentions – “we leave early tomorrow and go someplace special for lunch?”
No response.
“Hannah?” he whispered. “Hannah?” Christian heard his wife’s soft breathing and realized she was asleep. “So much for my attempt at romance,” he mumbled. “Next time I’ll have to light the lantern.”
Christian lay awake for another hour while his wife slept soundly by his side, then he finally drifted off to dreamland as well.
Hannah stood from the bench on the platform and impatiently walked over to the tracks, craning her neck to listen for any sign of motion.
“Hannah, we’re two hours early. Come sit down,” Christian urged from his spot on one of the plastic benches.
“I’m tired of sitting,” she complained.
“You’re just antsy. The train isn’t coming until two o’clock and no amount of looking down the tracks is going to make it arrive sooner,” he reasoned. “Kumm…sit with me, Lieb.”
Hannah acquiesced at Christian’s request.
“Why don’t you eat your lunch now? You barely took two bites at the restaurant.” He handed her the Styrofoam container full of food.
She sighed. “I’ll try.”
An hour and forty minutes later, a loud whistle blew down the tracks.
“Ach, they’re here, Christian!” Hannah squealed, jumping up from the bench.
As the large metal contraption screeched to a halt, passengers for the next train began lining up on the platform.
There were four different passenger cars, so Hannah kept an eye on two of them while Christian watched the others. Passengers poured out from each doorway. Looking through the windows, Hannah immediately spotted a rounded prayer kapp, indicative of some Indiana Amish groups. She rushed over to Christian and pointed out the kapp inside the train car.
“That must be her,” Christian agreed.
When a petite blonde girl stepped out of the train, Hannah gasped and looked at Christian. “She looks like a child,” she whispered, far enough away for only Christian to hear.
The young girl’s eyes scanned the platform and she smiled hesitantly when she saw Hannah and Christian approaching her.
“Julia?” Christian asked.
“Jah. I’m Julia Graber.” The girl’s soft blue eyes showed relief. She clutched her bag tightly.
“I am Hannah and this is my husband, Christian.” Hannah held out her hand, as likewise did Christian.
She shook both of their hands and one corner of her mouth lifted slightly.
“Well, I bet you’re tired,” Christian said. “I’ll carry your bag. Our driver should be here soon, if he’s not waiting already.”
She nodded and followed Christian; Hannah walked beside her.
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