Patricia Davids - Amish Christmas Twins

The Widower’s Christmas Wish

With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby—even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work—until Willa’s vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa’s past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John’s Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

“In spite of the cold, it’s a lovely evening to go caroling, isn’t it?”

The thick snow obscured the horizon and made it feel as if they were riding inside a glass snow globe. The twins tried to catch snowflakes on their tongues between giggles.

Their first destination was only a mile from John’s house. As Lucy and Megan scrambled down from the sleigh, John offered Willa his hand to help her out. When she took it, he gave her an affectionate squeeze. She graced him with a shy smile in return.

“Was this what you imagined Christmas would be like when you decided to return to your Amish family?”

She shook her head. “I never imagined anything like this. Do you do it every year?”

“We do.”

“You aren’t going to actually sing, are you, John?”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Nee, but I will hum along.”

“Softly, dear, softly,” she suggested.

He wondered if she realized that she had called him dear. It was turning out to be an even more wonderful night than he had hoped for.

Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Extract Copyright ,

First, I want to wish you a blessed Christmas season. Life brings us all unexpected joys and unexpected heartaches, but He is never far from us if we trust in His love and mercy.

The issue of postpartum psychosis is one that attracts attention only when a woman suffering from it does the unthinkable. My grandmother suffered from this illness, although it wasn’t diagnosed as such back in those days. My aunt once told me that my grandfather had to tie a rope to his wife and take her with him into the fields where he worked because he feared she would hurt herself or the children while he was gone. Thankfully, only a very small number of women have such acute cases.

If you would like more information on this illness, I suggest you visit www.postpartum.netand click on the following link: Postpartum psychosis help and info.

There are countless women who have suffered with postpartum psychosis and recovered completely. The key is getting immediate help. If you suspect that someone you love has postpartum psychosis, she should not be alone at any time until a professional diagnosis is received and she is under the continuous care of a healthcare provider.

Bringing awareness of this condition and the need for continuing research was my mission in writing this story. I wanted my grandmother’s illness brought to light, not hidden as it was for so many years. She died before I had the chance to know her. In some small way, this story is my tribute to her.

I pray the holidays bring you many joys, and if you have a schnickelfritz or two in your life, give them a Christmas hug from me.

Blessings,

After thirty-five years as a nurse, PATRICIA DAVIDS hung up her stethoscope to become a full-time writer. She enjoys spending her free time visiting her grandchildren, doing some long-overdue yard work and traveling to research her story locations. She resides in Wichita, Kansas. Pat always enjoys hearing from her readers. You can visit her online at patriciadavids.com.

Amish Christmas Twins

Patricia Davids

www.millsandboon.co.uk

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

—Isaiah 54:13

This book is happily dedicated to Tony Hill, a wonderful, helpful son-in-law and a loving stepfather to my two precious grandchildren.

Thanks, Tony, for all you do. Love you to pieces. Oh, and don’t forget to mow my lawn.

Mama Pat

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text The Widower’s Christmas Wish With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby—even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work—until Willa’s vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa’s past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John’s Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

Introduction “In spite of the cold, it’s a lovely evening to go caroling, isn’t it?” The thick snow obscured the horizon and made it feel as if they were riding inside a glass snow globe. The twins tried to catch snowflakes on their tongues between giggles. Their first destination was only a mile from John’s house. As Lucy and Megan scrambled down from the sleigh, John offered Willa his hand to help her out. When she took it, he gave her an affectionate squeeze. She graced him with a shy smile in return. “Was this what you imagined Christmas would be like when you decided to return to your Amish family?” She shook her head. “I never imagined anything like this. Do you do it every year?” “We do.” “You aren’t going to actually sing, are you, John?” He threw back his head and laughed. “Nee, but I will hum along.” “Softly, dear, softly,” she suggested. He wondered if she realized that she had called him dear. It was turning out to be an even more wonderful night than he had hoped for.

Dear Reader

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

John Miller squeezed his eyes shut and braced for the impact of the bus hurtling toward the back of his wagon.

God have mercy on my soul.

A powerful draft knocked his hat from his head as the bus flew around him, missing his wagon by inches. The reckless driver laid on the horn as he swerved back into the proper lane. John’s frightened team of horses shied off the edge of the highway, jolting the wagon and nearly unseating him.

He quickly brought his animals under control and maneuvered his wagon back onto the roadway. It took longer to get his heart out of his throat. When his erratic pulse settled, he picked up his black Amish hat from where it had fallen onto the floorboards and dusted it against his thigh. God must still have a use for me here on earth. I’m sorry, Katie May. One day I will be with you again.

John shook his head when the bus pulled to a stop a few hundred yards down the highway. “Foolish Englischer. In a hurry to get nowhere fast.”