A Life of Joy Read Free Page A

a sign declaring “Private Property—No Trespassing.” A large paved parking lot sat adjacent to the bakery.
    Lindsay cupped a hand to her mouth to curb a yawn. She’d spent most of the night praying —debating if she belonged in the Amish or English world and wishing her mother were alive to guide her. Of course, if her parents were alive, Lindsay would still be living in Virginia and finishing up her senior year in high school.
    Pushing those thoughts away, Lindsay stepped through the back door of the bakery and inhaled the sweet smell of baking bread. A smile turned up her lips as she breathed in the aroma that had become so familiar and comforting since she began working in the bakery four years ago.
    Elizabeth, her daughters Beth Anne and Kathryn, and Kathryn’s daughters Amanda and Ruthie rushed around the kitchen preparing desserts for the day.
    “ Gude mariye , Lindsay! Wie geht’s? ” Beth Anne called while washing cookie sheets.
    “Doing okay, danki .” Lindsay stood at the sink and scrubbed her hands. “What should I start on?”
    “Whoopie pies,” Kathryn chimed in, stepping over to the sink with a smile. “They sold out, so we need some singles andsome boxes of them. It’s gut to see you.” Her eyes turned suspicious. “You look tired. Did you sleep well last night?”
    “ Ya . I slept fine. Danki .” Avoiding Kathryn’s concerned stare, Lindsay greeted Ruthie and Amanda while gathering the ingredients and cooking supplies.
    Lindsay fell deep into thought while she mixed together the ingredients for the cake shell that would encase the white filling.
    Elizabeth placed a cake in the oven and then approached Lindsay. “You’re awfully quiet this morning,” she said, wiping her hands on her apron. “Is everything all right?”
    “ Ya . Everything is gut .” Lindsay smiled at the Kauffman family matriarch. She loved Elizabeth like a surrogate grandmother and cherished the long talks they’d shared since she came to live with her aunt Rebecca.
    Elizabeth gave a look of disbelief that mirrored Kathryn’s expression earlier. “I know you like I know my other grossdochdern .” She touched Lindsay’s hand. “You know you can tell me anything, ya?”
    Lindsay nodded. “Ya.”
    “If something is bothering you and you need to confide in someone, I’m happy to listen.”
    Lindsay glanced across the kitchen to where Amanda and Ruthie stood cutting out sugar cookies. She knew they would also take the baptism classes with their cousins, Katie and Nancy. Although Lindsay liked Amanda and Ruthie very much, she didn’t want them to know that she was debating whether or not she’d join their class.
    With a knowing smile, Elizabeth gestured toward the front door. “How about we take a walk out to the porch? We have a little over an hour before customers will begin arriving.”
    “Okay.” Lindsay wiped her hands on a towel and then followed Elizabeth.
    The two long counters would soon be filled with dessertsready for sale. Beyond the counter was a sea of Lancaster County souvenirs, including carousel racks filled with books, maps, postcards, magnets, keychains, collectible spoons, and note cards. Shelves nearby overflowed with T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, dolls, framed art, and figurines.
    A cash register sat in the middle of the room, and the women would take turns operating it throughout the day, along with baking and caring for the younger Kauffman children.
    Elizabeth and Lindsay stepped out onto the porch and sat at one of the little tables.
    “Was iss letz, mei liewe? ” Elizabeth asked with a warm smile.
    Lindsay ran her finger over the cool aluminum table. “I’m confused about some things.”
    “I’d love to try to help lighten the load for you, Lindsay.”
    Sighing, Lindsay looked up. “Six months ago, I knew what I wanted. I was certain in my heart and in my mind that I belonged here. Now I’m not so sure.”
    Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “I’m sorry, but I’m not sure