A Plain and Simple Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

hands.”
    Anna Mae asked about her three sisters, and Kathryn gave her an update on their lives.
    “So much has changed in three years,” Anna Mae said. “I feel like I’ve been gone for a lifetime.”
    “It hasn’t been that long.” Kathryn glanced at the doorway and found her mother watching her with a smile. “Are you and Kellan still considering coming for Grischtdaag?”
    “I saw my doctor yesterday, and she said that it’s safe forme to travel. So, I really want to come.” Her voice was small, unsure.
    Kathryn paused, considering her husband’s disapproval. Still, Kathryn believed it was God’s will for the family to heal. “Do you want me to work out the details for you?” she asked, the words flowing despite her hesitation.
    “Yes, please.”
    Kathryn ran her fingers over the edge of the counter. “When will you arrive?”
    “The Wednesday before Christmas.”
    “That sounds perfect.” Kathryn found a notepad and pen by the phone. “Give me your phone number so we can keep in touch.” She wrote down the number as Anna Mae rattled it off. “I’ll see what I can arrange.”
    “Danki.” Anna Mae’s voice shook again. “It means more than you know.”
    They chatted about the weather and then hung up. Standing, Kathryn turned and found Amanda and her mother with expectant expressions.
    “I guess that was Aenti Anna Mae?” Amanda asked.
    “Ya, it was.” Kathryn sat back on the stool.
    “And she’s coming for Grischtdaag?” Amanda clasped her hands together, her eyes glistening with hope.
    “She wants to come.” Kathryn glanced at Elizabeth, hoping for an answer, a reason to go against David’s wishes.
    Elizabeth’s eyes assessed her. “And you think it’s a bad idea?”
    Kathryn blew out a frustrated sigh. “David is against it.”
    “What?” Amanda gasped. “Dat doesn’t want to see Aenti Anna Mae? Why?”
    “It’s complicated, Amanda,” Kathryn said, folding her hands over her apron. “We’ve already discussed this.”
    “Grossdaddi will understand,” Amanda said. “He’ll welcome her back and the family will all be together again.” Amanda looked between Kathryn and Elizabeth. “Besides, everyone is happy when someone is expecting a baby. Grossdaddi will be so happy to see her that he’ll forget all about how disappointed he was when she left.”
    Elizabeth looped her arm around Amanda and pulled her into a hug. “You’re such a smart maedel.”
    Kathryn studied her mother’s eyes. “So you would go against Dat if you believed something in your heart?”
    Elizabeth shrugged. “Depending upon the circumstance, maybe.”
    “And in this circumstance?” Amanda asked.
    Elizabeth winked. “One of my English customers once said it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission.”
    Kathryn glanced at Amanda. “Don’t say anything to your siblings or Dat. I need to figure this out by myself before your dat finds out about it.”
    “But is that right, Mamm?” Amanda folded her arms and frowned. “Shouldn’t Dat know about this? Aenti Anna Mae is his schweschder.”
    Kathryn gave Amanda a stern look.
    Amanda sighed. “Fine. My lips are sealed,” she grumbled and marched back into the kitchen.
    “What am I teaching mei dochder?” Kathryn muttered, rubbing her temple.
    Elizabeth touched her arm. “You’re teaching her to follow her heart when she feels God speaking to her. If Anna Mae ismeant to come here, then the plans will fall together and all will work out the way God wants it to.”
    Kathryn shook her head and grimaced. “I pray you’re right.”
    Later that evening, Kathryn placed the last clean dish in the cabinet and thanked the girls for helping clean up after supper. The girls ran upstairs to take their baths and get ready for bed.
    The back door opened and slammed, and David entered the kitchen and sighed. “Chores are done. It’s been a long day,” he said, sitting at the kitchen table. “It feels good to relax.”
    “Ya,”