Read Online Finding Love at Home (The Beiler Sisters) by Jerry S. Eicher - Free Book Online

going to accomplish that, she had no idea.
    Verna caught her breath and whispered, “Why did Eve ever eat that apple in the garden?”
    “We’re not such saints ourselves, you know.” Ida reached for Verna’s hand. “They always say the first boppli ’s birth is the worst.”
    “And they’re right,” Verna said, taking another deep breath. “Did Mamm say anything about coming?”
    “Nee.” Ida squeezed Verna’s hand. “We didn’t know you wanted her here.”
    “Neither did I.” Verna grimaced. “ Mamm ’s comforting presence would be nice right now.”
    “Shall I send Joe for her?” Ida let go of Verna’s hand to turn toward the door.
    Vern grabbed for it again. “ Nee , let’s stick with the plan. You’re here! What more could I want?”
    “I’m not sure I can do much,” Ida said as Sadie came back into the room with wet washcloths.
    Sadie waved her hand toward the bedroom doorway. “Ida, you can keep Joe out of here. That’s your job right now. I told him he’s to come no closer than the living room. He’s an emotional wreck, that man is. You’d think the husbands were having the boppli sometimes.” Sadie placed a cool washcloth on Verna’s forehead.
    A grateful look crossed Verna’s face. She relaxed into the pillows. “How long will it be now, Sadie?”
    “Only Da Hah knows that, dear heart,” Sadie said. “The boppli is turned right, which you can be thankful for. So we wait until it’s time, and we pray.”
    “ Yah ,” Verna whispered. “We must pray.”
    Sadie closed her eyes. “Dear Hah , we ask for Your peace tonight as we gather for the miracle of birth. Bless Verna and Joe. Calm their troubled hearts. Help Verna through the pain by making it bearable. I will do what I can in the hours ahead, but You know that’s precious little without Your wisdom and guidance and strength. Amen.”
    “Amen,” Ida echoed.
    Verna managed a smile.
    Ida stayed with Verna a few minutes longer before she stepped outside the bedroom. Joe jumped up from the couch when he saw her, but she motioned him to sit again. “You might as well get used to the fact that it’s going to be a long time. Just relax, Joe. There’s no sense in wearing yourself out.”
    Joe snorted. “It’s going to take more than aspirin for me to relax.”
    “Have you had supper?”
    Joe appeared startled. “I guess not.”
    “Well, that might help,” Ida said. “I’ll make you some.”
    He didn’t object—and even looked grateful.
    Ida went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. She found leftover casserole. There was enough for the three of them. Ida started the fire in the oven and found half a cherry pie in the pantry while the stove heated. A head of lettuce and a few carrots became a tossed salad of sorts. It would have to do. Bread, butter, and jam were also in the pantry. With milk for the pie, that would be supper.
    Once she had everything ready, she let Joe, Sadie, and Verna know there was hot food in the kitchen.
    Joe came in immediately and sat down. He prayed and then helped himself.
    Ida took her place at Verna’s side while Sadie went to fix a plate for herself.
    “How’s Joe doing?” Verna asked.
    “He’s eating,” Ida chuckled.
    “He’ll be a great daett .” Verna tried to smile through a contraction. “We just have to get through this part.”
    “You will!” Ida squeezed Verna’s hand. “Both of you will.”
    “You’re such a comfort,” Verna whispered. “Thank you for being here.”
    Should she tell Verna about Minister Kanagy? The news rose up inside of her and pushed at her lips. This seemed such an inappropriate moment. Nee , she would focus on Verna’s needs. Her own happenings weren’t that important right now. It was best if Mamm were told first anyway.
    “Are you sure there’s not something I can get for you?” Ida asked as she took Verna’s hand.
    “Just be with me for a moment,” Verna said. “Sadie thinks things might be going faster than she