Annie's Recipe

Book 2: Hope Chest of Dreams

by Lisa Jones Baker

Genres: Amish & Mennonite; Christian Romance; Clean & Wholesome Romance

Synopsis

Three young Amish women, each gifted with a hand-carved hope chest, find that one by one, with patience and faith, their most blessed dreams for the future can come true… Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until his father was shunned by the church. Now, ten years later, Levi has returned to Arthur, Illinois, for a brief visit, and he and Annie discover their bond is as strong as ever. Spending as much time together as possible, Annie finds herself dreaming of a future with Levi. And Levi is soon dreaming of building a home on a beautiful local hillside—to live in with Annie. Yet their longings are unlikely to become reality… Levi is part of the English world, and while Annie cannot see herself there, she knows she must reveal her heart’s truth to him. And Levi, strongly reminded of his Amish roots, knows he must heal the bitterness of the past. And together, with love on their side, they just may find their way to an answered prayer…

Release date: February 28, 2017

Publisher: Zebra

Print pages: 352

Sample

If not for the strong arm that reached out to break her fall, Annie Mast would have ended up on the ground. As she balanced herself, two kids playing tag uttered a quick apology. Shaking her head at their boisterous play, Annie turned to thank her rescuer and locked gazes with a hazel-eyed man and froze. He was English, and there weren’t many Englishers at the Amish wedding. But that wasn’t what made the words catch in her throat.

“Annie?”

She gasped. “Levi?” Levi Miller? Could it be? In her mind she saw the Amish boy, her one and only best childhood friend. Her confidant until that terrible day.

He gently released his hold on her. But they continued to regard each other, taking in how more than ten years had changed their appearances. Even though he’d taken his hand from her arm, his warmth still penetrated her skin and traveled up to her shoulder.

A man’s touch wasn’t proper, but he’d rescued her. All the same, the result was reassuring, and she was sure she would never forget the comforting sensation. For an awkward moment they regarded each other with curiosity. The sudden lack of words took her by surprise, but then, they hadn’t crossed paths for nearly a decade.

Still, it didn’t matter. Directly in front of her stood the dear boy she’d trusted years ago, and even though circumstances had changed, their strong bond hadn’t.

“I’ve missed you, Annie.”

Annie swallowed an emotional knot as she took in the words that mimicked her own thoughts. Suddenly recalling why they were both there, Annie tried to put a damper on her excitement at seeing Levi and changed the subject to the first thing she could think of. “It’s a nice day, isn’t it?”

Before he could respond, she threw her hands in the air and raised the pitch of her voice to be heard over the crowd. “I’ve never seen your cousin Jeremiah look so happy. Katie’s good for him.”

Levi offered a nod of agreement. “It’s wonderful seeing them together. And you’re right about the weather. But . . .”

He took in a deep breath before donning a full-blown grin. “I forgot how long Amish weddings are! It’s nice to finally stand.” He stretched a pair of strong-looking arms in front of him and interlaced his fingers. The gesture was followed by a sigh of relief.

He laughed and she joined him. The sun brightened a notch, and she blinked in reaction. A mélange of happy voices floated around her, morphing into one solid sound. The tent was packed.

A long queue of black buggies and brown-haired horses loomed nearby, behind a couple of large refrigeration vehicles. The enticing aroma of homemade dishes filled her nostrils, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten for hours.

But she barely paid attention to anything other than Levi’s full-grown, head-to-toe appearance. His boyish looks had matured. Of course she shouldn’t be shocked.

Parted at the side, autumn-brown hair that met the tops of his ears had taken on a slightly darker shade, almost matching the hue of his skin. The confident curve of his lips echoed high, proud cheekbones. With a swift motion, he shoved some rebellious strands of hair off his forehead.

She covered her mouth with her fingers as a giggle edged with sudden nervousness escaped her mouth. “You’re so . . . tall!”

The sunlight landed on his eyes, and they sparkled. “Mom’s the same ol’ good cook she always was. But you, Annie . . .”

His expression filled with approval. “You’ve changed a little. You’ve still got that contagious laugh.” He gave a slight nod. “You’ve thinned up. And you’re taller.” He winked and lowered the pitch of his voice. “But I see that mischievous sparkle in your eyes I remember all too well. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to.”

At the same time, they stepped aside to allow a group of men who transported a wooden bench to pass.

Warmth from a nearby gas heater floated up Annie’s back. In reaction, she breathed in delight. The month of October had brought a sudden drop in temperature.

But her attention lingered on Levi and their conversation. Annie was fully aware that she had gradually dropped weight over the years and supposed that was partly due to her growth spurt. She wasn’t thin by any means but never worried about it.

“Remember when we used to plan a trip together to Six Flags during Rumspringa?”

She nodded and lowered her voice to a more confidential, eager tone. “Surely we can talk?”

Annie was determined not to lose him again without having caught up. But she was fully aware that all eyes would be on her spending time with someone “English.” So be it. The Amish weren’t by any means exclusive in conversations; it was just that they tried to avoid close relationships with outsiders to keep away from temptations they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. However, nothing could stop her from spending as much time as she could with Levi.

“How long will you be here?”

“A few days. Dad needs me at work.”

Her heart sank. But what had she expected? He no longer lived in Arthur, Illinois. And because his father had been shunned, she guessed she was fortunate to see him this once.

A short silence ensued. “The rest of the day’s pretty much spoken for.” He paused and his eyes widened with reassurance. “You know I wouldn’t leave town without talking to my Annie. You free tomorrow?”

She gave an eager nod, suddenly remembering she was supposed to be a food server in the tent.

“How about we meet at Pebble Creek?”

Later that day, Levi scooted up the front seat of his uncle’s buggy to allow Cousin Jake into the back. Levi helped hoist the five-year-old up into the two metal foot holders until his narrow hips landed on the bench. The youngster smiled at him with large brown, hopeful eyes.

At the reins, Uncle Marlin leaned forward, extending his arms in front of him. At the moment, the most peaceful, familiar sensation swept through Levi’s body. The rush of unexpected happiness swept down his back and landed in his feet. He recalled how his uncle used buggy time to reflect on the day.

“Nice wedding.”

Levi agreed and moved slightly as the horse pulled forward. Bullet threw his head up, gave it a quick shake, and whinnied. Hooves against blacktop was the only noise besides an occasional sniffle from Jake. The poor kid had a bad case of allergies.

The uneven clop-clopping resonated through the cool fall air. While the queue of horses took off down the country road, an unexpected warmth tugged at Levi’s heart.

Above, the sun set in the west. As the round, orange light dimmed, a kaleidoscope of colors loomed miraculously around it, as if a painter had spilled several different shades onto a canvas.

From his peripheral vision, he glimpsed Jake glancing out of the small side window. Without warning, Annie’s happy face popped into Levi’s mind. A sigh of complete satisfaction escaped him. When they had spoken, their long-lost friendship had flooded his entire body like a much-needed rain. He gave a slow, uncertain shake of his head. Where had the past ten years gone?

As their buggy traversed the bumpy road, details about Annie floated through his mind until he could see her perfectly clearly.

He’d noted everything, from the enthusiastic sparkle in her eyes that was a unique combination of mischievousness and fun to the energetic tone he’d never been able to say no to. He’d always loved the light, eager pitch that edged her voice and her full, generous smile. Even today, the energy in her eyes had made him think of embarking on a new adventure with her.

He pressed his lips together with unexpected interest while considering her soft blond hair parted in the middle. The thick mass pulled tightly under a covering had turned to a light honey color. The shade made her flawless skin take on a creamier appearance.

He tapped his foot nervously as her breathtaking features carefully etched their striking details into his mind. What fascinated him most were her clear aquamarine eyes. To his astonishment, the piercing blue-green reminded him of beautiful pictures of the Pacific Ocean he’d glimpsed in the AAA travel agency window. She’d always had them of course. But for some reason he had taken special notice today.

He pushed out a lazy breath and rested a firm hand on his hip. If he gazed into the predominantly blue depths long enough, surely he would drown with contentment.

The small brown freckle under her right eye that he’d teased her about as a kid had developed into something of a beauty mark. It belonged there. To his dismay, his pulse picked up speed. He wanted more time with her. She was of Rumspringa age, so she could do non-Amish things. But that would only be for a couple of years, not forever.

Behind them, Aunt Abigail followed in a separate buggy with Aidan and Elijah. As Levi glanced back at Jake, the kid responded with a big grin. To Levi’s surprise, an unexpected appreciation for the ambience in the buggy, often referred to as the fiberglass box, welled in his chest. He sat back as the horses stepped it up.

Automatically, Levi looked down. There wasn’t a trace of dirt on the beautiful navy velvet cushion that softened the hard bench. He remembered when his mother had used a lint brush to clean their buggy. On the sides were two small viewing windows and one in the back. A blue homemade quilt was rolled up and slightly draped over the backseat. He’d forgotten what it was like being in a means of transportation with no seat belts or radio. Levi missed the music. He was used to driving his dad’s truck and had traversed country roads long before he’d gotten his license a few years before.

As they traveled, Levi glanced back to smile at little Jake. The response was a large toothless grin and eyes wide with excitement. Levi knew the child was dying to spend time with him.

Levi had nearly decided not to come today. Even though there had been no mention of the shunning, everyone knew it had happened. He had never discussed it with anyone. He and Annie had shared everything when they were young. And despite their unbreakable bond, she was still Amish.

I’ve got to stop thinking about her.

The sound of wind knocking long evergreen branches against the siding made Annie glance at her bedroom window. She thought back over the day and pushed out a satisfied sigh. A yawn escaped her, and she automatically pressed her palm over her lips.

She’d witnessed wonderful blessings: a wedding, family and friends who celebrated Katie and Jeremiah’s new beginning together, Levi . . .

The very thought of him caused her pulse to pick up to a happy speed. She didn’t want to forget him.

With one swift motion, she jumped up from her sitting position on her oak-framed bed and proceeded to the hope chest Old Sam had made just for her. With great concentration, she traced her finger over the design of a sponge cake recipe on the oak wood lid and smiled.

She loved the widower and looked after him with two friends, Rebecca and Rachel. She had been close to his wife. Esther had made sponge cakes for practically everyone around. After her death, Annie had adopted a motherly attitude toward the old man, who treated her like a granddaughter.

Annie’s heart warmed as she considered the unique situation. Rebecca picked him fresh wildflowers in the spring and summer. Annie kept him well-fed with delicious sponge cakes. And Rachel, the youngest, listened for hours while he recounted horse-and-buggy stories.

She was fully aware how unusual it was for an Amish man to have such a close connection with three young girls. Under different circumstances, it might not have been acceptable. Yet the relationships were a blessing. Sam was an exception. Everyone loved him and wanted to befriend the hope chest maker, and fortunately, in this case, the community didn’t object to his closeness with them.

Annie wondered what Sam would say if he knew what she was feeling for Levi. She stopped and tapped her bare foot against the shiny hardwood floor. What were her sentiments exactly? And why couldn’t she rid Levi from her mind?

Because he’s in town. And because I can’t wait to hear what he’s been up to the past decade.

Automatically, she opened the lid and reached inside for her journal and pen. A sigh of immediate relief escaped her. Blank lined pages were her way to figure things out. For some reason, when she penned her thoughts, logical answers came to her. And right now she needed to think through her reunion with her childhood friend and the many emotions that sparked.

She got comfortable on the floor and rested against the fragrant pine bedframe. Touching the soft cotton quilt Mamma had made with so much love and patience, she crossed her legs and began to write, starting with the date.

She paused to consider the chaos and smiled a little.

An uncertain sigh escaped her throat as she stretched her bare toes. She hesitated before continuing.

Annie squeezed her eyes closed and struggled to picture herself as a bride. Finally, she rolled her eyes in frustration and giggled in defeat.

She tapped the tip of her pen nervously against the paper before continuing.

Suddenly, an uncomfortable ache in the pit of her stomach prompted her to change her thoughts. And that was easy; the day had encompassed a vast array of events.

Annie shifted her hips to a more comfortable position and licked her lips.

Her heart skipped a beat as she paused.

She rested her hands on her lap and looked ahead, remembering the warmth and tenderness in his eyes as their gazes had locked. Recalling vividly the genuine emotion in his voice when he’d told her he’d missed her. She smiled a little.

She frowned.

She stretched her legs and lowered her head against the covering. As soon as she pushed out a deep sigh, her thoughts returned to Levi.

She shrugged her shoulders to rid the knot making its way down her arm. A team. Was that what faith was? Was each religion a different club? Didn’t God want His followers to be on the same one? And did it matter if they weren’t? As long as they all believed?

She giggled as an analogy came to mind and grinned as she wrote.

She considered differences in faith and raised an inquisitive brow. Early on, her sister and cousins had grown up with their to-be spouses. Their marriage partners had been no surprise.

Thinking of the place prompted a sigh of contentment.

The excited speed of her pulse slowed as her glass half-full attitude kicked in. She made a silent vow to stay positive. She knew the world didn’t always present perfect situations.

She considered Levi’s broad shoulders and long legs. Black polished shoes. Confident walk. The way he lifted his chin.

It was hard to believe it was the first week of October. Levi changed into sweats after saying good night to Aunt Abigail, Uncle Marlin, and his younger cousins. He looked around the small bedroom and sighed with satisfaction. The wedding was over. Relief swept through his chest as he considered the long eventful day he had nearly passed on. He was glad he hadn’t.

The simple invitation hadn’t really surprised him. After all, he was family. But when Levi had pondered whether to come, to his astonishment, it had been his dad who had convinced him to do it. “I think it would be good for you, son. Who knows? This might bring you closure.”

Levi’s parents had also received invitations; they’d even discussed whether to attend. But in the end they hadn’t been at ease returning, sitting at a different table from family. It wasn’t uncommon for shunned people to pass.

Levi frowned. He wished for family unity, but that ship had sailed. Because the very people he’d been raised to love and respect had shunned his father.

He supposed there were worse things. Besides, a huge goal had been accomplished today: closure. Wasn’t that really the reason he’d come? Levi recalled his agonizing drive from Morton to Arthur. He closed his eyes for a moment and wrung his fingers together in front of him. When he opened his lids, a sigh escaped him.

It had taken everything he had to return to the very place that had changed the course of his father’s life. His entire family’s life. To Levi’s satisfaction, today had provided a most-needed relief. Finality.

He hadn’t been sure of what to expect, but to his surprise, Le. . .