The Revelation (Doris's Christmas Story Book 3) Read online

  The Revelation

  Doris’s Christmas Story #3

  Brenda Maxfield

  Copyright © 2019 by Tica House Publishing LLC

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Personal Word from the Author

  Dearest Readers,

  Thank you so much for choosing one of my books. I am proud to be a part of the team of writers at Tica House Publishing who work joyfully to bring you stories of hope, faith, courage, and love. Your kind words and loving readership are deeply appreciated.

  I would like to personally invite you to sign up for updates and to become part of our Exclusive Reader Club—it’s completely Free to join! We’d love to welcome you!

  Much love,

  Brenda Maxfield

  CLICK HERE to Join our Reader’s Club and to Receive Tica House Updates!

  Contents

  Personal Word from the Author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Continue Reading…

  Thank you for Reading

  More Amish Romance for You

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

  Matthew 6:10 KJV

  Doris Glick smiled and nodded at everyone as she entered the schoolhouse with her family to take her seat. The coveted school Christmas program was finally taking place. The well-loved white building was bulging with people. An air of excitement filled the room, and Doris heard chatter and giggles and the occasional squeal of a baby.

  She took her seat between her two sisters and glanced around nervously for Jordan. He should be there. Everyone in the district would come. Maybe the Lehmans just hadn’t arrived yet. In a way, she dreaded seeing Jordan. Would her beau read the truth in her eyes? Would he know that she didn’t love him anymore?

  Kara leaned close to Doris’s ear. “Do you see Mark Lapp?” she whispered.

  Doris shook her head, glad for the distraction. Her sister was as bad as she used to be—looking for her beau instead of focusing on the main event—which in this case were rows of excited children who would be performing soon. Doris craned her neck to get a good look at the spectators who were squished toward the back of the room. Someone had already cracked open a window despite the freezing temperatures outside. With this many bodies pressing together, the temperature inside the room was already rising.

  “He’s here,” Doris told her sister, catching a glimpse of Mark Lapp sitting beside his father. “In the back.”

  Kara immediately turned to look in the direction Doris had indicated. Her face broke into a relaxed smile, and she turned back around, pleased.

  “Will he give you ride home?” Doris asked quietly.

  Kara shook her head. “Nee. Not with his whole family needing the buggy.”

  Doris scanned the room for her cousin, Matthew. He would be there with his folks—her aunt and uncle, Verna and Nathaniel. Even though they weren’t his real parents—his folks having been killed many years before—the three of them made a close family just the same. Doris bit her lip and tried to suppress her nervousness. She and Matthew were on better terms now than they had been earlier this month—even though he completely disapproved of her courtship with Jordan Lehman.

  But Jordan was out of jail now and under discipline from the bishop. There was no reason to protest their relationship anymore. But Matthew did. He hated it, and she knew he hated it. And now, after her personal revelation the other night, she thought she knew why, but she wasn’t sure.

  Did Matthew love her—the way she now realized she loved him? As more than a cousin?

  Matthew had been her best friend since forever it seemed, and yet she had never realized the depth of her feelings toward him.

  But why would she have? She’d always considered Matthew kin, even though he wasn’t related by blood. And who fell in love with their cousin? It wasn’t right or appropriate.

  She twisted her hands in her lap. She needed to see Jordan—to talk to him. She needed to break up with him and stop their courtship. Would he even care? He’d been so different since returning from prison; he wasn’t the same person he’d been before he was convicted. In truth, Doris had no idea how he would react if she broke up with him. Guilt surged through her. What kind of girlfriend broke up with her beau when things got difficult?

  A girlfriend who didn’t love her beau any longer—that was who. The answer hit her full force, and she realized once again how blind she’d been.

  But she struggled against the pervading guilt. Didn’t Jordan need her, now more than ever? Could she truly be cold-hearted enough to break it off?

  Her eyes skimmed the rows of people, and she easily spotted Verna and Nathaniel and Matthew. Matthew being as tall as he was, nearly always stood out in a crowd. He appeared to be looking for someone, and she feared it would be Annie Hershberger, the girl he was courting.

  But no. His gaze settled on her and stayed there. She smiled at him as her heart pounded wildly in her chest. But he didn’t smile back. Was he still angry about having to drag Jordan away from the tavern the other day? She could understand it if he was, but he’d been so decent about it, taking Jordan home and then coming to tell her what had happened. She owed Matthew a huge debt of gratitude for that. And so far, there had been no tongues wagging about it, at least as far as she knew, and that also was thanks to Matthew.

  Even if she was planning to cut off her relationship with Jordan, she still wished the best for him. And if Jordan had been left on his own that day … drunk like he was… and Matthew hadn’t taken him home… Doris shuddered—it didn’t bear thinking about.

  She swallowed nervously and smiled again at Matthew. Can you tell, Matthew? Can you see the love in my eyes? He gave her a slight nod and looked away. Her breath caught. No. He hadn’t noticed a thing. She frowned and glanced around, hoping no one was watching her. Goodness, but what was the matter with her? Gawking at Matthew with her feelings on her sleeve? Nearly the entire district was there… Did she want to be the latest victim of gossiping tongues?

  Liam Miller got up and gave the opening words to the program. Doris tapped her foot softly. Where was Jordan? He wasn’t there. None of his family were there. Had something happened? Was Jordan all right?

  Liam finished the welcome, and little Amanda Lee stood and went forward. She was licking her lips over and over, and Doris could see they were chapped. Poor little thing was completely nervous. Amanda began her recitation with a trembling voice. Doris glanced down at the program resting in her lap. It had been printed out by one of the children, and it stated that Amanda’s recitation was entitled, “The Joy We Have.”

  Doris tried to pay attention to the small wavering voice, but her mind was stuck on the fact that the Lehmans hadn’t come. Who missed the school program? No one as far as she could remember. Unless they were deathly ill.

  Kara nudged her. “Quit fidgeting,” she said under her breath.

  Doris stilled. She hadn’t realized she was fidgeting. She straightened
the program on her lap and clasped her hands on top of it. She’d been looking forward to this program for weeks. Her mother and sisters and she had been baking goodies for the program refreshments for just as long. She couldn’t let Jordan’s absence ruin it for her. Her family was there, and Matthew was there. She closed her eyes for a moment. Matthew. Matthew. Matthew. Would she tell him? Would she tell him she loved him? Could they somehow work it out with their families? Ach, but she didn’t know for sure whether Matthew had feelings for her or not.

  She took a deep breath and forced herself to relax. The people clapped for Amanda and then Liam got back up and led them in the singing of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Doris couldn’t help but smile as she watched all the schoolboys sing so energetically, their little black bow ties bobbing up and down with each gulping breath. And then, despite her inner turmoil, the spirit of Christmas seeped into Doris, reminding her of the birth of Jesus. Reminding her of all the reasons she had to be grateful.

  As the next few students got up and recited, Doris listened to every word, smiling and clapping with the rest of the audience. She laughed when a group of older boys got up and sang a silly song about Christmas. She shed a tear when some of the girls presented a touching play.

  And then it was Annie Hershberger’s sister’s turn to recite a poem. Betty was a cute little thing, and she looked especially pretty in her crisply-pressed gown. Doris spotted Annie a few rows over. She was silently mouthing all the words Betty recited. Doris smiled and knew that Annie must have coached her sister.

  Doris glanced back and saw that Matthew was gazing at Annie. His look was intent, and it was as if he were nervous for Betty’s performance, too. When Betty successfully finished and sat back down, Matthew grinned widely. Annie looked back at Matthew with a triumphant smile, and Matthew gave her a tender look back.

  Doris cringed. She couldn’t help herself. Had things progressed between Matthew and Annie further than Doris thought? They looked awfully vested in each other. No. No. No. Matthew couldn’t be in love with Annie. He just couldn’t. Doris had finally figured out her love for him… Surely, she wasn’t too late.

  Her eyes burned with tears, and she quickly shifted her gaze to look down at her lap. Her throat tightened and an awful feeling of nausea crept through her.

  Was she too late? Was she?

  Chapter Two

  By the time Liam got up again to lead them in a closing song, Doris was relieved. All she wanted to do was go home. But she couldn’t. The event was far from over—there would be refreshments and a lot of visiting.

  “That was lovely,” Kara said after the closing song.

  “Just like always,” Doris’s younger sister Sally commented. “Remember when we performed that play about the lost Christmas chicken?” She laughed.

  “I do remember,” Kara said, laughing along with her. She elbowed Doris. “Too bad you were already out of school by that time and couldn’t join in.”

  “Um, watching it was enough for me,” Doris said, pasting a smile into place.

  Everyone was out of their seats, pushing back the chairs to make room for the tables laden with baked goods. It was downright hot in there by then, even with the windows cracked open. Doris was sweating, and she felt ill.

  “You okay?” Sally asked her. “You look strange.”

  Doris cleared her throat. “I’m fine.”

  Verna bustled over to them, followed by Nathaniel and Matthew. “Hello, my dear nieces. What did you bring?”

  “My special cookies,” Sally said, looking up at Matthew. “You liked them, remember?”

  “I do remember.”

  “And Kara baked some chocolate bars. She broke peppermint candy and sprinkled it on the top. They’re right pretty,” Sally went on. “And Doris brought—”

  “Why all this talking?” Doris interrupted quickly. “Let’s sample it all, shall we?”

  “But Doris, you told me—” Sally said, frowning.

  “Never mind,” Doris said, trying to get Sally to be quiet. The last thing she wanted was Matthew to be told she’d made a pumpkin pie—his favorite. In truth, Doris had made it especially for Matthew, but now, after watching him make eyes at Annie, she felt a sudden aversion. What had she been thinking? Matthew was her cousin. Entertaining other thoughts was wrong, or at the very least, unseemly.

  Doris slipped her arm through Sally’s and steered her toward the refreshments.

  “Why didn’t you want me to tell Matthew about your pie?” Sally murmured. “He’d be right pleased that you made one. It’s his very favorite.”

  “I know it is,” Doris said. “But he can find it for himself.”

  “Well, that’s just plain dumb,” Sally said. “He likes my cookies, too, and I made sure he knew I brought them. What if he doesn’t see your pie? And I know you made it special for him.”

  “Nee, I didn’t. I made it for everyone.”

  Sally raised a brow and shook her head. “Something’s wrong with you, Doris. And you look sick, too.”

  Doris blinked rapidly. “Nee, I don’t. I’m fine, and I look just fine.”

  “If you say so,” Sally said with thick skepticism. “Suit yourself. I’m gonna have one of my cookies.”

  She broke free from Doris’s grip and trotted off to grab a plate. Doris nearly bumped into Annie, and she braced herself.

  “Hello, Doris,” Annie said, her blue eyes warm and dazzling. “How are you?”

  “I-I’m fine. Uh, your sister did a right fine job.”

  Annie smiled. “She did, didn’t she? Ach, but she was as nervous as a trapped fly. Truth be told, I’m glad it’s over.”

  Annie paused, and Doris could see that she was expecting to chat. Doris barely kept herself from turning tail and running. Oh, she didn’t want to be standing there.

  “Your cousin is so nice,” Annie said, gushing. “Such a gentleman. Not all the boys are, anymore.”

  She gave Doris another expectant look. Doris sighed. “You’re right.”

  “He always makes sure his buggy is nice and warm for me.” Annie smiled and leaned a bit closer. “Of course, I wouldn’t be talking to you like this, but Matthew says you know that we’re courting.”

  Doris clenched her fists at her side, forcing her expression to remain pleasant. She took a long, slow breath. “Jah, I know.”

  “Ach, Doris, he’s so wonderful. Mamm and Dat don’t know yet, but they’ll be awful pleased.”

  Doris felt the lump in her throat growing. She wanted to ask Annie whether… She wanted to know if… She swallowed with great difficulty.

  “So, you’re serious, then?” Doris got the words out.

  Annie clasped her hands to her chest. “Jah, Doris. I’m ever so happy. Matthew is a dream. But then, you know that, don’t you?”

  Yes, Doris knew that. She managed to give Annie a smile.

  “It’s no wonder you and Matthew have always been so close. Why, if I had a cousin like him…” She laughed, a light musical sound. “But thank goodness, he’s not my cousin.” She laughed again. “We couldn’t court then, could we? I’m so happy. Ach, Doris. I really, really like him.”

  Her eyes were gleaming, and Doris had a sudden urge to slap her. Stunned by her reaction, she took a step back. Annie, didn’t notice, however, as she was now looking over Doris’s shoulder. Doris stiffened, knowing that Matthew must be behind her.

  “Hello, Matthew,” Annie said, her voice breathless.

  “Hello, Annie. Betty did a fine job, ain’t so?”

  “That she did,” Annie said, again beaming.

  Doris needed to leave, but the crowd had thickened around them, and the only way she could get out of there was to shove her way through. She looked about frantically, not able to stand there and witness the two of them flirting with each other.

  “I-I’ll see you later, Annie,” she stammered. She turned sideways and slid between two slightly heavy women remarking loudly that this was the best school Christmas program ever. When Doris
managed to burst through the crowd near the door, she kept going, right on outside. She hadn’t stopped to collect her cape from the table heaped with outerwear, and the cold bit at her. She shivered, but welcomed the crisp air as she gulped it in.

  Ach, but that was miserable. What was she to do? She’d waited too long, hadn’t she? She squeezed her eyes closed and chastised herself for her own stupidity.

  The schoolhouse door opened. “Doris?”

  Doris’s air rushed from her lungs. She looked over to see Matthew standing there, half-in and half-out of the building. “You don’t have your cape. I know you like the cold, but this is too much.”

  She gave a strangled sort of laugh. “I forgot,” she said, blinking back tears.

  “Well, come back inside. What are you out here for anyway?”

  “It was getting too hot in there,” she said lamely.

  He laughed. “You’re the only one who would dash out into the winter weather without a coat or a cape. But even for you, this has to be too cold.”

  “It is, a bit,” she admitted. She forced herself to walk back up the steps. Matthew stepped back and ushered her inside. He hesitated by the door.

  “Jordan isn’t here,” he said quietly. “Nor are his parents.”

  “None of the Lehmans are here,” she said. “Not even his younger brother who’s still in school.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Matthew gave her a curious look, and she wanted to yell out, “I don’t know because I don’t love Jordan anymore. I won’t know what’s happening in his life ever again.” But instead, she pressed her lips together and didn’t say a word.