LITMIR.BIZ

      “Something smells appenditlich,” Levi commented after he said grace. It really did; he wasn’t just trying to butter Sadie up and influence her decision to stay.

      “It’s stew.” Sadie placed the pot on a trivet in the center of the table to serve them. Her cheeks were flushed and the children’s faces were ruddy, too.

      “Did you go outside this morning?”

      “Jah, but we didn’t go any farther than the barn. You said we could,” Sadie quickly reminded him, as if she was afraid they’d get in trouble. Had he really come across as that prohibitive this morning? No wonder she was considering whether to stay or not.

      “Oh, gut. I was only asking because your complexion looks pretty...” he began but stopped midsentence to concentrate on not spilling the full bowl of stew Sadie handed him. When he set it down in front of him, he suddenly realized what he’d said and rushed to clarify. “I meant to say your skin looks pretty pink. Very pink, that is, not pretty. Although it’s not not pretty, either. David’s and Elizabeth’s faces are extremely pink, as well.”

      Levi was certain his face was the pinkest of them all as Sadie bit back a smile and graciously switched subjects. “We stopped in the workshop and said hello to Maria, too.”

      “She let us make ornaments,” David said.

      “But the kinner didn’t go anywhere near Maria’s shears,” Sadie informed him. “Or get too close to the woodstove.”

      Levi blinked. Was Sadie mocking him? Or was she trying to reassure him she took his concerns seriously? If so, Levi appreciated it, although he wondered what accounted for her sudden change in attitude.

      “Then we played Freeze Tag in the yard. It’s like tag but you have to freeze in place like this.” David leaped up from his chair and struck a pose, causing Levi to chuckle. His laughter grew louder the longer David remained motionless, refusing to even blink.

      “All right, sit down and eat your lunch now,” he finally directed his son.

      “You have to tag him first.” Elizabeth walked around the table and tapped her brother on the shoulder. “Like that.”

      “Denki, Elizabeth. I was getting starved,” David said appreciatively, taking his seat again.

      Tickled by their cheerful behavior, Levi turned his attention to Sadie. It occurred to him he’d been so preoccupied with his own concerns that morning he hadn’t asked Sadie to tell him anything about herself.

      “I’d like to hear more about your life in Pennsylvania. Do you work as a nanny there, too?”

      “Neh, I worked in a furniture store.” She blew on a spoonful of meat. “But sales were in decline and the owner couldn’t employ two clerks, so here I am.”

      Relieved by her response, Levi said, “We’re glad you are, aren’t we, kinner?” Their mouths were full, but they nodded vigorously.

      He tried to think of something else to ask Sadie but his mind went blank, so they ate in silence. Once their meal was over, Sadie suggested the children take picture books to their rooms and told them she’d be up to tuck them in for their naps after she finished the dishes.

      When Elizabeth paused in the doorway and asked, “Will you still be here when we wake up, Sadie?” Levi felt a prick of guilt, remembering how their second nanny actually did leave when the children were napping. She was so peeved about something he’d said she didn’t even finish out the day.

      “Of course I will. I’m staying until the day before Grischtdaag.”

      Her answer elicited cheers from the children. Over their heads Levi caught Sadie’s eye and mouthed, Denki.

      When she nodded and smiled back it occurred to him his household was beginning to experience the return of joy. Maybe David was right; maybe Christmas was when wonderful things happened.