Naomi’s Christmas Read Online Free PDF

What do you say?”
    He settled back, confident. Of course she would say yes. This was exactly what she
     needed for her bees, she already cared about the children, and everyone knew what
     a fine caregiver she was.
    But Naomi didn’t answer right away, and he felt a flicker of impatience with her.
    Finally she spoke, not looking at him. “I…I would like to think on it for a day or
     two. Is that all right?”
    Arguments sprang to his lips. He struggled, suppressing the words, sensing it would
     do no good. She was looking at him anxiously, and he managed to smile.
    “Ja, of course. But I must know soon, because of Emma leaving.”
    She nodded, her gaze shielded. “Tomorrow. I will let you know tomorrow.”
    With that he had to be content.
    “Am I being foolish?” Knowing she had to talk to someone she could trust to advise her,
     Naomi had sought out a quiet moment at the bakery in Pleasant Valley to talk with
     Paula Schatz and her niece, Hannah Brand, who ran the bakery together.
    As Plain Mennonites, they understood her better than any Englisch employer ever could.
     Only the small print of their dresses and a slightly different kapp style marked them
     externallyas different from the Amish, although they worshipped in churchhouses rather than
     in homes and had electricity and telephones in their houses.
    “For sure you’re not making a mistake in holding firm against your father’s plans
     for you,” Paula declared, the network of wrinkles around her eyes deepening. Paula
     had a reputation for being a bit outspoken, but she’d been a good friend to Naomi.
     “Your daad is…well, I won’t say he’s selfish, but he’s overly fond of his own way.”
    “That’s right,” Hannah echoed loyally. “If he doesn’t want you to live at home any
     longer after all that you’ve done for him, he shouldn’t try to tell you what to do
     with the rest of your life.”
    “Ach, Daad is not so bad. He’s just…” Naomi let that fade away, because she couldn’t
     think what to say. “Anyway, now that the shock has passed, I even feel a little excited.
     I thought the course of my life was set, but now it’s wide open again. The trouble
     is that I don’t know what to do with it.”
    Paula and Hannah exchanged glances in the way of communicating silently that they
     did. Hannah gave a slight nod.
    Paula reached across the small round table to squeeze Naomi’s hand. “Well, I know
     one thing you can do right now. With Hannah married and living in her own house, I’m
     feeling a bit lonesome in that apartment upstairs on my own. So Hannah’s old room
     is yours for as long as you want it.”
    Naomi could only stare at her for a moment. Her brothers and sisters had invited her
     to move in with them, of course. That was only natural and to be expected in an Amish
     family. But for Paula to offer was different, and no one who knew Paula would believe
     the part about her being lonely.
    “I…That is wonderful generous of you. But I should not intrude—”
    “Ach, who is talking about intruding? You work here, you are our friend. What could
     be more natural? Besides, it is only for as long as you want. If you make other plans,
     it will not hurt my feelings.”
    “Say yes, Naomi,” Hannah said, adding her urging. “It would make us happy to be able
     to help you.”
    Relief swept through Naomi. Staying with Paula would ease her trip in getting to work,
     that was sure. She could even help Paula with the baking in the evening, which would
     give Hannah a break. And she’d have the time she desperately needed to think about
     her future without pressure, something she wouldn’t have if she stayed with any of
     her siblings.
    “Denke, Paula. Hannah. I would be ser pleased to accept your invitation.”
    “Gut, gut, that’s settled then.” Paula patted her hand. “You chust bring your things
     in anytime. Today, if you want. I would think the sooner you’re out of your father’s
     house, the