Love Finds a Way (29 page)

Without a moment’s hesitation, she knew what she must do. Wendy bowed her head and prayed fervently, “Father, please forgive me for my negative, condemning attitude. Heal me of the hurt deep in my heart, and help me learn to love others just as You do. Help me to trust You and become a witness of Your love and grace.” A small sob escaped her lips. “And if Kyle Rogers is the man you want me to love and trust, then please give me some sign.” When she finished her heartfelt prayer, Wendy opened her eyes. For the first time since her broken relationship with Dale Carlson, she felt a sense of peace flood her soul. She was released from all the pain of the past and knew that with God’s help, she could finally be a witness for Him.

Wendy glanced out the front window and caught sight of Harvey, the mailman, slipping some mail into the box outside the shop. She stepped down from the chair. Taking one more bite of the crisp, juicy apple, she headed outside, not even bothering with a coat.

Kyle was just rounding the corner, heading up the street toward Campbell’s Barbershop, when he saw Wendy come out the front door. His mouth curved into a smile. He hadn’t seen her since their date last Saturday night. He could only hope that she’d be as glad to see him as he was to see her now.

Kyle had spent most of the weekend thinking about Wendy and the way she made him feel. His resolve not to get romantically involved with any woman was quickly fading, and he seemed powerless to stop it. He’d read the scriptures and prayed until there were no more words. He’d petitioned God to show him some sign that Wendy might be able to respond to his love. He didn’t have a clue what it might be, but just the same, he’d made up his mind to come to the shop today and have a heart-to-heart talk with Wendy. If she would agree to at least give their relationship a chance, then he was going to trust God to work out all the details that seemed impossible to him. After all, if he was really trying to do the things Jesus would do, it wasn’t his right to make decisions about the future. Fear that his job would get in the way of love or marriage could no longer be an issue.

Kyle watched in fascination as petite little Wendy, wearing only a pair of blue jeans and a long-sleeved blouse, covered with a green smock, reached into the mailbox. It was a cold day, and there was still snow on the ground. The sidewalk appeared slick, like the frozen pond, with ice glistening in the sun’s golden rays. Kyle was about to call out for her to be careful when the unthinkable happened. Just like an ice skater who’d lost her balance, Wendy’s body swayed first to one side, then the other. Her feet slipped and slid while she tried hopelessly to regain her balance. There seemed to be nothing Kyle could do but stand there and watch as beautiful little Wendy went down, landing hard on her back and hitting her head against the icy, cold sidewalk.

Doing a fair share of slipping and sliding himself, Kyle raced down the sidewalk to Wendy’s aid. When he discovered that she wasn’t conscious, his paramedic skills kicked in. From the evidence of the apple core lying nearby, Kyle was quite sure Wendy not only had the wind knocked out of her, but was probably asphyxiating on a piece of that apple. He knew what he had to do, and it must be done quickly, or she would choke to death.

Kyle positioned her head and knelt closer.
Look, listen, feel for air…
. His training ran through his mind.

Nothing!

He repositioned her jaw again, but to no avail. When he tried to give her mouth-to-mouth, it didn’t work. Everything confirmed his worst suspicions: a small piece of the offending fruit must be stuck in her throat. He went into immediate action and was able to dislodge it using the Heimlich maneuver. His initial burst of praise and elation faded at once when Wendy still didn’t breathe on her own. Fearful for her life, yet relying on his faith, he began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation again.

Breathe, Wendy honey…. God, please make her breathe…
.

Though she started breathing, she still didn’t regain consciousness. “Wake up, beautiful lady. I haven’t told you what I came to say.” Kyle quickly examined her to be sure nothing was injured. He prayed earnestly, “Oh Lord, this is not the way I planned for things to be. I had a whole speech prepared for Wendy, and now I may never get the chance to say what’s on my mind. Please, Lord—let her be all right.”

Wendy’s eyelids popped open. Someone’s lips had been touching hers. They were soft and warm. She thought she’d heard a voice. Had someone called her
beautiful
? Kyle stared down at her with a look of love and concern etched on his handsome face. Where was she, and why was he leaning over her? She was sure she must be dreaming. “Wh–what happened?”

“I was coming to your shop so I could talk to you about something very important,” Kyle explained, gently stroking the side of her face. He leaned closer and kissed her forehead, his tears falling to her cheeks. “I saw you slip and fall on the ice. You choked on that apple.” He pointed to the small piece, just a few feet away. “Thank God you’re alive!”

“I was just finishing the apple when I walked outside to get the mail. I—I—”

Kyle placed one finger against her lips. “Shh … Don’t try to talk right now.” He probed the back of her head gently with his fingers. “As amazing as this may seem, there’s not even a lump. Does your head hurt anywhere?”

She smiled up at him, tears gathering in her own eyes. “No, not really. I think I just had the wind knocked out of me.”

“You looked so helpless and beautiful—just like Snow White, lying there beside that Red Delicious,” Kyle said with a catch in his voice. “Only your apple wasn’t poison, and I thank God you responded to the Heimlich maneuver, then mouth-to-mouth resuscitation so quickly.”

“Mouth-to-mouth?” she echoed, bringing her fingers up to lightly touch her lips. “At first I thought I was dreaming. Then I opened my eyes and thought I’d been kissed by a very handsome man.” A shiver ran up her spine, and she knew it was not from the cold. “And you must be Prince Charming, who came along and rescued me.”

He nodded. “I know God sent me here today, but I sure didn’t think I’d be playing the part of a paramedic on my day off.”

She smiled up at him. “You’ve rescued me from a whole lot more than a fall to the ice and an apple stuck in my throat.”

“Really? What else have I rescued you from?” Kyle asked, never taking his eyes off her smiling face.

She swallowed hard. “Your kindness, patience, and biblical counseling have all helped. I was reading my Bible right before I came outside, and God’s Word confirmed everything you’ve been trying to tell me.”

“I’m so glad,” he said sincerely.

“Thanks for saving me,” she whispered as she sat up. “I—I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but I think I might be falling in love with you.”

“You took the words right out of my mouth.” He bent his head down to capture her mouth in a kiss so sweet it took her breath away.

“Oh, Kyle,” she murmured when their lips finally separated, “if you keep that up, I might be forced to call 911.”

He laughed heartily. “Guess I’d better get you inside to the phone, then, because now that God has finally kicked some sense into my stubborn head, I’m liable to keep kissing you all day long.”

Wendy drew in a deep breath and leaned her head against his strong shoulder. As they entered the barbershop a few moments later, she murmured, “Thank You, Lord. I think I can learn to trust both You and Kyle now.” Her flushed cheeks dimpled as she smiled. “And thank you, Dad—our matchmaker 911.”

W
ANDA
E. B
RUNSTETTER
is a bestselling author who enjoys writing Amish-themed as well as contemporary and historical novels. Descended from Anabaptists herself, Wanda became deeply interested in the Plain People when she married her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit their Amish friends in various communities across the country, gathering further information about the Amish way of life.

Wanda and her husband have two grown children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, reading, stamping, and having fun with her family.

In addition to her novels, Wanda has written Amish cookbooks, Amish devotionals, and several Amish children’s books as well as numerous novellas, stories, articles, poems, and puppet scripts.

Visit Wanda’s website at
www.wandabrunstetter.com
and feel free to e-mail her at
[email protected]
.

K
ENTUCKY
B
ROTHERS
S
ERIES
The Journey
The Healing

I
NDIANA
C
OUSINS
S
ERIES
A Cousin’s Promise
A Cousin’s Prayer
A Cousin’s Challenge

B
RIDES OF
L
EHIGH
C
ANAL
S
ERIES
Kelly’s Chance
Betsy’s Return
Sarah’s Choice

D
AUGHTERS OF
L
ANCASTER
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
The Storekeeper’s Daughter
The Quilter’s Daughter
The Bishop’s Daughter

B
RIDES OF
L
ANCASTER
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
A Merry Heart
Looking for a Miracle
Plain and Fancy
The Hope Chest

S
ISTERS OF
H
OLMES
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
A Sister’s Secret
A Sister’s Test
A Sister’s Hope

B
RIDES OF
W
EBSTER
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
Going Home
On Her Own
Dear to Me
Allison’s Journey

White Christmas Pie
Lydia’s Charm
Love Finds a Home

N
ONFICTION
The Simple Life
A Celebration of the Simple Life
Inspiring Thoughts from the Simple Life
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook, Vol. 2
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook: Desserts

C
HILDREN’S
B
OOKS
Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere Series (8 books)
The Wisdom of Solomon