Read Online Sarah's Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis - Free Book Online Page B

brain for something to lessen her pain but came up empty. Her own mood, so filled with joy that morning, soured to match Mrs. Pratt’s. “Do you ever regret having kids?” she asked quietly.
    “What kind of question is that? My goodness, Sarah Beachy, you do come up with some doozies.” She carried the tote of dirty dishes back to the kitchen, while Sarah brought the tray of silverware and soiled linens.
    Sarah watched her closely while they loaded the dishwasher. “So you never regretted becoming a mother?”
    Mrs. Pratt’s mouth opened with a ready retort, but when she saw Sarah’s earnest face, she swallowed her words unspoken. After a moment she said, “No, I’ve never regretted having kids, not even when they disappoint or anger or frustrate me. I love them with my whole heart, unconditionally. Being a mother is no guarantee you won’t ever be lonely, but our lives would be empty without the children and grandchildren. Even when they are far away and months go by without seeing them, they are always in my heart.”
    “That’s good to hear.” With a deep sigh, Sarah filled the detergent dispenser and closed the door.
    “What brought this on? Are you getting nervous about marrying Adam? That’s normal, but once the babies come along, I’ve never met a woman yet who wanted to send them back. Now, let’s get started on the rooms. We have a can of worms today with three couples expecting a gourmet dinner.” She purposely mispronounced the word “gurr-met,” her pet joke.
    But Sarah hadn’t been reassured. While dusting, sweeping, and cleaning bathrooms, she stewed about the dilemma every mother faced. She’d seen the disappointment on Mrs. Pratt’s face over the prospect of an empty house on Christmas morning. And she knew her mamm faced painful memories. Although the Beachy home would be far from empty, Caleb’s absence would be keenly felt.
    When the rooms were tidied, Sarah helped in the kitchen making salads, baking bread, and peeling potatoes. She listened halfheartedly to Mrs. Pratt’s chatter about the price of fresh vegetables during the off-season. When a lull in the conversation occurred, she rallied her courage. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. If…if you had a friend’s address in another town and wanted to find out exactly where he lived, how would you go about it?”
    “I would drive to the town and then ask somebody where the street was when I got there. They might even know the person and direct me right to their front door.”
    “What about if you were looking for someone in a city like Cleveland?” Sarah placed the colander of potatoes under the faucet stream.
    “Cleveland? Who in the world do you know up there?”
    “My brother, Caleb. He moved there several years ago, and I’d like to know where he lives.”
    “Oh, that’s right. I almost forgot. What made you think of him?”
    “Folks are starting to forget him, and that shouldn’t happen. He’s my bruder and always will be, whether he’s Amish or not.” Sarah turned off the water, leaving the spuds to drain.
    Mrs. Pratt wrapped the block of cheese she had been grating and wiped her hands. “We’re done in here. You come with me, young lady. You’re about to learn the wonders of MapQuest. Do you have that address with you?”
    “ Jah , it’s in my purse.” Sarah felt a seed of hope take root and begin to grow.
    “Get it and meet me in my office.”
    Sarah had watched Mrs. Pratt work at the computer before with its flashing colors and music in the background, but never with so much at stake. She placed the tattered envelope on the desk.
    Mrs. Pratt stared at the return address over her half-moon glasses, and then she began tapping on the keyboard. “Okay, are you ready to see something amazing?” she asked with a grin.
    Sarah pulled up a hassock and sat down. “As much as I ever will be.”
    With a click of the mouse, suddenly the screen changed to a map. A large body of water marked the