“These are poffertjes. Just like Mother used to make, remember? Or similar, I think. I did not have her recipe, of course. But Betty helped me find one in a cookbook from the library.”

  She handed him the treat. “Go ahead, have a bite.”

  He mimed laughter and held the pastry up as if to make a toast, then took a bite. His smile stayed in place as he chewed and dusted the powdered sugar from his lips.

  “Well? Do you like it?”

  He nodded, seeming pleased with the taste.

  “May I have one, please?” Jacob asked.

  “Yes, you may, and thank you for asking so politely.” Anya reached for another, set it on a napkin, and handed it to him. “My brother and I loved these when we were children. Mother would have to shoo us away as they cooled on the kitchen counter. But when she turned her back, we’d always sneak one and run from the room.”

  He licked the sugar off his fingers. “This is really good. You should make them every day. I wonder how come Carolien didn’t make these at the bakery where we worked. Remember, Papa?”

  He clearly didn’t, but nodded anyway.

  “Any birthday boys in the house?”

  They turned as Joey entered the room carrying Jimmy on his hip. Millie followed carrying two brightly wrapped gifts.

  “You came!” Jacob rushed to take the gifts from her. “It’s our birthday! Papa and me!”

  “How wonderful! Happy birthday, Jacob!” Millie leaned down to plant a loud kiss on his cheek. “And you too, Papa Versteeg,” she said, giving him a hug. “Happy birthday!”

  In a flurry of arrivals, Jacob bounced from one guest to another, saying hello and announcing each time that it was his and Papa’s birthdays, as if they didn’t know. He took great care placing the gifts on a table by the fireplace in the living room and soaking up all the attention.

  “Isn’t he a hoot?” Joey said as Betty joined them. “You’ve outdone yourself, Mom. That’s quite a spread in there. In fact, I might be a little jealous. I don’t ever remember such a layout for my birthday. Yours, Danny?”

  “Nope. I was lucky to get a crumb with a little icing smeared on it.”

  “Now stop that, you two. We celebrated every single one of your birthdays in grand style, so I’ll not listen to such teasing.”

  “Just kidding, Mom. It looks fantastic.”

  “I had plenty of help. Millie was here all morning, and Anya and Danny have both helped with the cooking and baking and decorations. With Jacob in the mix, it’s been a lot of fun, and I was happy to do it.”

  Most of the guests were neighbors and friends of the family. Anya was especially pleased to greet Queenie, who’d come with Zach and Savannah, as well as Lum and Sheila. As the house began to fill, Anya wished there were some children Jacob’s age, but he’d not yet made any acquaintances. Maybe next year.

  “Angelica sends her love,” Mrs. Martello said as she handed Jacob two identical gift boxes. “She was awfully disappointed, but the doctor won’t let her come home for another week.”

  Jacob didn’t seem to mind, though Anya was pleased he said thank you just as she’d taught him. He gladly took the presents and added them to the table.

  “You be sure and tell Angelica we missed her,” Betty said. “I’ll send you home with a plate of food and cake to take to her.”

  “She’ll like that.” She turned her attention to Danny and Anya. “I hear the two of you might be interested in buying Angelica’s house. Would you like to come over and take a look sometime?”

  “We’d love to,” Danny said, with a glance at Anya. “We’ve already spoken with the folks at the bank to make sure everything’s in order to use my GI Bill, if it all works out.”

  “Wonderful. It’ll be mighty nice to have you living next door instead of some awful stranger who keeps a messy yard, or some loud family with a bunch of hollering, snot-nosed kids.”

  “Well, we’ll do our best to keep Jacob’s nose clean and his hollering to a minimum.”

  “Betty, did you tell them about the guest house behind the garage?”

  “No, I didn’t. I forgot about it, to tell you the truth. You all have used it primarily for storage, if I’m remembering correctly?”

  “Yes, and it’s a mess at the moment. But once it’s all cleaned out, might be a nice place for your father, Anya. It’s plenty big, if he’s planning to stay, of course.”

  “Oh, he’s staying,” she said adamantly. “I’m not letting him out of my sight.”

  “Makes sense to me. In the meantime, you all let me know when you’d like to see the house. Then, once I get Angelica home from the hospital and settled at my house, let’s sit down and have a talk. I’d sure love to see you make it your first home.”

  “That would be wonderful,” Anya said as Jacob joined them again.

  Mrs. Martello continued. “And before I forget, Jacob, I want to brag on you for the fine job you’re doing mowing our lawns. In fact, I put a little tip inside your birthday card to show my appreciation. You’re a fast learner, and you do a nice job. Just as good as your father.” Her eyes widened as she caught herself. “Oh dear. I didn’t mean … well, not your real father, of course. I meant … well, I meant Danny, of course.”

  Jacob was too busy enjoying the compliment to notice the slip. “You really think I’m as good as Danny?”

  Anya loved how he stood taller, throwing his shoulders back, obviously proud.

  “That’s high praise coming from one of your best customers,” Danny said. “And what do you say?”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Martello.” And off he went to greet the newest arrivals.

  “I’ll be honest,” she added, making sure Jacob couldn’t hear her. “I thought you were going to have your hands full with that one. Smart as a whip, that’s for sure. But I can see you’re doing just fine. Though I’m sorry about calling you his father, Danny.”

  “No apology necessary. I consider it a compliment.”

  “Hello, Mr. Chaney,” Anya said, greeting the grocer as he joined them. “How nice to see you.”

  “I was so pleased to be invited. It’s good to see you all,” he said, shaking their hands.

  “I’ve been meaning to come by and apologize to you,” Anya said. “When I left for The Netherlands so quickly, I completely forgot to let you know I wouldn’t be able to work for a while.”

  “Oh, I saw Betty the day after you heard the good news about your father. She told me all about it. No harm done.”

  “Thank you for understanding.”

  “You’re welcome. If you ever want your job back, just say the word.”

  “I would like that. Perhaps after we’re more settled.”

  She turned to look for her father, and found him standing in the nook area beneath the staircase, his countenance flustered. She hadn’t considered how overwhelming a houseful of strangers might be for him.

  “Oh Father, I’m so sorry,” she said, hugging him. “I should have stayed with you. Come and let me introduce you to our friends.”

  He shook his head, pulling back from her, and molded himself into the corner by the hutch.

  “Okay, that’s all right,” she said quietly, touching his elbow. “Please forgive me. I didn’t think about how difficult this must be for you. So many strangers, all wanting to meet you. Are you alright?”

  He continued to look around, his eyes wide but not quite so fearful. When they met hers again, he nodded slightly.

  “Good. I’m glad. And I promise not to leave your side from now until the last guest leaves. Okay?”

  His ready nod and the gratefulness in his eyes touched her. It was the first time he seemed to appreciate her presence.

  He needed her. That was a first.

  She did her best to introduce him to those who made their way over to them, explaining his silence to those who expected a conversation, keeping it light and casual. She cringed at all the questions about his time in the concentration camps or what the Nazis were like. But she quickly learned how to deflect such questions, changing the subject. She found the whole experience awkward and exhausting.

  Until one familiar face broke through the crowd.

  “Jonathan, how nice to see you,” she said, giving him a hug. “Thank you for coming. Father, you remember Reverend Forsythe from church, right?”

  Same smile. Same nod.

  “It’s wonderful to see you again, Reverend Versteeg. And happy birthday, sir. Has it been a good one so far?”

  Anya waited a moment before answering for him. “I’m afraid it’s been a bit overwhelming.”

  “I was wondering if that might not be the case when I saw such a large crowd.”

  “But I’ve promised to stay by Father’s side, so we’re managing.”

  Forsythe’s knowing smile acknowledged his understanding.

  “Reverend, I’d very much like to come visit you again sometime,” she said quietly.

  “Any time is fine with me. Just let me know.”

  “I will. And I’d like to bring Father along. I think it might be good for us. Together. If you think that’s a good idea.”

  “By all means. Just let me know so I can brew a fresh pot of coffee before you arrive. Are you a coffee drinker, Reverend Versteeg?”

  He bobbled his head back and forth then offered a shrug.

  “He loves coffee. And tea. He’s very easy to please.”

  “Good. Then I shall look forward to it. Reverend, you and I have much in common, my friend.”

  Only then did she connect the dots. They shared the same calling as ministers. But Reverend Forsythe had also lost his wife. His to cancer, Father’s to the war. Worlds apart, nevertheless a grief shared.

  “Yes, you do,” she said. “Then I shall let you know in a day or two.”

  “Good. Oh, by the way,” he said, reaching into his pocket. “I noticed a table of gifts, but if you’d allow me, I’d like to give this to you myself.”

  He handed a small wrapped package to Father, who looked down at it then to Anya.

  “Go ahead and open it, Father.”

  The practiced smile stayed in place as he unwrapped the gift, then turned it over. A book titled My Utmost for His Highest.

  “I realize you may have already read it?” Forsythe asked.

  Father studied the cover, running his hand over the leather then tracing the embossed letters.

  “If not, I’m pleased to be the first to share it with you. I’m forever inspired by the writings of Oswald Chambers. And challenged. I hope you find it equally so. And maybe one day we can‍—‍” He paused, regret wincing his expression as he glanced at Anya. “Well, happy birthday, Reverend Versteeg.”

  Father held the book to his chest and reached out his hand to shake the reverend’s.

  “Hello, Reverend,” Danny said, clapping him on the back as he joined them.

  “Hello, Danny. Nice to see you.”

  “I’m afraid I need to borrow these two for a few minutes, if that’s okay.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Jonathan, thank you for Father’s book,” Anya said. “That was very thoughtful of you.” She smiled as they watched Huub slip the book into his pocket.

  “You’re welcome. Now go. Mustn’t keep the party waiting.”

  “Anya, why don’t you and your father and Jacob gather in the dining room?” Danny suggested. “We’ll have them blow out their candles then let everyone grab something to eat.”

  He quickly jogged six steps up the stairs, then turned to face the crowd below him. “If I might have everyone’s attention?”

  The volume of conversations lowered as they turned toward him. “If you’ll direct your attention to the dining room where my lovely wife and my amazing mother and sister-in-law are hosting our two very special birthday boys today, we’ll begin the festivities. Most of you have heard the story of God’s miracle in bringing Anya’s father Huub Versteeg back to us‍—‍”

  Applause and cheers filled the rooms.

  “‍—‍and most of you also know about Jacob, the young man who spent several of those years with Anya’s father‍—‌the man he calls Papa.”

  Jacob took hold of Huub’s hand, smiling up at him. Huub’s was a warmer, more genuine smile as he leaned down and touched his forehead to Jacob’s. A hush of sweet murmurings surrounded them.

  “But what you might not know,” Danny continued, “is that Anya was told that her father survived those years because of the young boy named Jacob who looked after him and cared for him.”

  Jacob ducked sheepishly behind Huub’s back until the voices quietened again, then reappeared with a shy smile.

  “So the way I see it, these two deserve a loud and heartfelt song in honor of their birthdays. Here we go!”

  They sang the traditional birthday song, and Anya felt sure the floor shook and the windows rattled with the cheers that followed.

  Danny made his way to the table and helped his mother light the candles on the three-layered strawberry cake.

  “All right, you two. Better blow those out quick before someone calls the fire department. And no spitting! Let’s count it down, folks. One. Two. THREE!”

  45

  Time passed as guests feasted on a buffet of roast beef, mounds of mashed potatoes, a variety of roasted vegetables, a basket of yeast rolls, another with the poffertjes, a platter of fresh melons, and a chilled salad of fresh fruit. Anya noticed Jacob didn’t eat much, probably too excited about the mountain of gifts in the living room. He stayed closer to Huub than usual, though his eyes stayed in constant motion, always landing on the stacks of presents.

  “Jacob, Huub‍—‌you all remember Mrs. Zankowski,” Danny said, reminding them at her arrival. “She was at Jimmy’s party last week.”

  “You’re Millie’s mom, aren’t you?” Jacob asked.

  “No, I’m actually her aunt. But never mind that. Happy birthday, Jacob!” she said, handing him two gifts. “How old are you today?”

  “We decided nine was about right.”

  “Oh? Well, nine is always a good number.”

  “Thank you,” he said, quickly turning his attention to Anya. “Can we open our gifts now? It’s going to take a long time to open all of them, so I‍—‌I mean, we‍—‌should probably get started.”

  “In a few minutes,” she answered, as he disappeared into the crowd.

  “I’m so sorry for bringing up his age!” Lara whispered. “I just assumed I missed it on the invitation.”

  “He had no idea when his birthday was or how old he was,” Danny answered quietly. “So he got to pick his birthday and pick his age.”

  “Who knew that giving a kid a choice about things like that could make him so happy?” Lara smiled. “Well done, you two.”

  She turned her attention to Huub standing nearby. “And a very happy birthday to you as well, Reverend Versteeg,” Lara added. “How nice to see you again.” He shook her outstretched hand and smiled.

  “Mrs. Z, are the rumors true?” Danny asked. “Are you the new principal at Calumet?”

  “My goodness, news travels fast,” she said with a beaming smile.

  “That’s fantastic!” he said. “Though I have to say, I feel sorry for all the students who won’t get to experience your American History class.”

  “Funny you mention that, Danny. You and I need to have a chat. I think I know just the person to take over teaching American History.”

  “What? You can’t mean me. I haven’t graduated yet.”

  “Yes, but it won’t be long. Like I said, we need to talk. Stop by sometime this week, all right?”

  He smiled, meeting Anya’s glance. “Absolutely.”

  Jacob tugged on Anya’s sleeve. “Now? Can I please open my gifts now?”

  She turned to Huub, seated beside her. “Father, would you like to‍—‍”

  He shook his head adamantly, pulling back from her.

  “All right, that’s fine. We can open yours later after the guests have gone. Would that be better?”

  A relaxed nod of the head this time, accompanied a hushed sigh of relief.

  “Then that’s what we’ll do.”

  While the guests ate the luscious strawberry birthday cake, a sea of torn wrapping paper soon edged the circle around Jacob’s chair in the living room. He couldn’t open them fast enough, leaving Betty, Anya and Danny, Millie and Joey barely able to control their laughter. Most of the gifts were toys and games unfamiliar to him, but no matter. He seemed thrilled with them all.

  A set of Lincoln Logs.

  A drawstring bag of shiny marbles.

  A set of Tiddlywinks.

  Three books from Mrs. Zankowski.

  A red, white, and blue afghan from Mrs. Martello.

  A baseball glove, ball, and bat from Joey and Millie.

  From Betty, among other things, a box of Fannie May’s newest candy called Pixies, Jacob’s personal favorite, filled with caramel and nuts and covered in chocolate.

  A curious coil of thin wire called a Slinky that could walk down stairs.

  A Chicago Cubs pennant for his room.

  And much, much more.

  The poor kid was so overwhelmed with all the gifts and attention, that he blurted, “WOW! This is so fun! Can we do it again next year?”

  When all the presents had been opened, Jacob stood up and thanked everyone just as he and Anya had practiced. Then, without another word, he plopped himself down in the middle of all the gifts and picked up one, then another and another, as if each was vying for his immediate attention.

  The guests lingered another hour or so before saying their goodbyes and trickling out the door. When only the family remained, they cleared the clutter then settled in the living room. Joey tucked his arm around Millie as Jimmy slept on her shoulder.

  “Father, would you like to open your gifts now?” Anya asked.

  He shrugged, his countenance noticeably relaxed again.

  “Good. Jacob, why don’t you gather Father’s gifts for him?” Anya said. “Oh, but wait. I think there’s one more gift for you. I wonder where it could be?”

  “For me?” he said, looking around the room.

  “I think it’s coming down the hall as we speak.”

  Jacob hopped up just as Danny rolled in a shiny red bicycle beside him.