by Molly Jebber
“He was disappointed you wouldn’t let him take you home. He didn’t think you wanted his friendship. I assured him you did.”
“What! Why would you say such a thing?”
“Settle down. I said friend. Anyway, you made your position clear with him, and he understood and agreed with what you said.”
Joel chimed in. “It may take a long time, but I suspect someday you and he will have a special bond and maybe something more.”
Hannah scoffed. “You’re a romantic, Joel. Timothy’s a little boy in a man’s body. Not a characteristic I find appealing.”
“He’s fun-loving, a tease, and lighthearted. All good qualities. He’s just taking longer than most to grow up.”
Ellie admired Joel. He didn’t have anything to prove, and he said what was on his mind, but in a kind way. She noticed some Amish men at socials were too quiet and kept to themselves. Other men, such as her daed, had to encourage them to get involved in conversations or activities.
* * *
Joel listened to Peter tell about his visit with Aaron. The boys had not wasted any time in becoming friends. Ellie had been good with the boys, and she hadn’t hesitated to take his advice. He could relax and be himself around Ellie, and he took special note when she was quiet and listened to him. The kind of girl he would consider a potential fraa if they didn’t run into any insurmountable problems. He was very interested in her.
They arrived at the Grabers’ home.
From the back seat, Peter wrapped his arms around Joel’s neck. “I had fun today.”
“I’m glad you had a good time.”
Peter stepped out, waved, and ran inside the haus.
“Ellie, I’m glad we had this time together.” He hopped out of the buggy and gave her his hand. “Do you want to ask Liza about my kumming to supper tomorrow at six?”
She shook her head. “Liza loves a full haus, and she’ll be delighted to meet you, so will Daed.”
“Until tomorrow then.” He tipped his hat and got in his buggy. At the end of the lane, he glanced over his shoulder. She was still in the same spot and waved to him. Jah, the spark between them was evident. Tomorrow night he’d meet her parents. Maybe he’d learn more about Ellie from them. What was she like at Peter’s age and growing up? He wanted details. He hadn’t told her about his schweschder. Amish didn’t speak about such things, but he must be honest with her. He wasn’t sure how she would react, and he’d put off the conversation a little longer.
Chapter Four
Ellie pressed a hand to her chest. She hadn’t wanted the day to end. She was sad to leave Joel’s side. Tomorrow night couldn’t kumme soon enough. Liza and her daed sat in the sitting room drinking coffee.
“Did you have a peaceful afternoon without us here?”
“It’s too quiet when you and Peter aren’t with us.” Liza hugged Peter, sitting on the other side of her. “And this one hasn’t stopped going on about his new friend, Aaron.”
Peter pointed to the side of his head. “Poor Aaron. He got kicked in the head by a horse, and he has a big dent right here.”
Daed clasped his hands and rested his elbows on his knees. “Peter, some kinner may treat Aaron unkindly because of it. I’m proud of you for being his friend.”
“He said kinner had been mean to him.” He puffed out his chest. “I told him I’d be his friend.”
“Good boy.” Jacob kissed Peter’s forehead. “Invite Aaron here. You can swing on the tree swings and play with the dog.”
“What dog?” Peter’s mouth dropped open.
Liza laughed.
Ellie raised her eyebrows. “A dog?”
“I’m afraid so.” Liza rolled her eyes.
“Kumme with me.” Daed opened the back door and gestured to a dog tied to a wooden peg with plenty of rope to roam. He untied the rope, held on to it, and walked toward them.
The animal rushed to Peter, jumped up, and licked his face.
Peter giggled and petted the dog. “What should we call him?”
Hand on her hip, Ellie scratched the dog’s ear. “He’s the color of cinnamon.”
“Let’s call him Cinnamon!” Peter hugged the dog’s neck. “Where did you get him?”
“Englischers dropped him out of their motorcar. I waited until they were gone, and then I brought him home. I was afraid he’d get hurt. Some people are so thoughtless when it kummes to God’s creatures. Cinnamon can’t be more than a year old.”
Ellie ran her hand along his back. “He’s so loving. How could anyone abandon him?”
“Maybe they could no longer care for him, and they could find no one to take him.” Liza sighed.
“Now I have two new friends, Aaron and Cinnamon.”
Cinnamon ran around the yard in excited circles then back to Peter.
Ellie watched Peter play with his new pet. She came alongside Liza. “Are you in favor of this new addition to the family?”
“How could I refuse my very persuasive husband? And you must admit, Cinnamon is adorable.”
“You’re a good mamm.” She cleared her throat. “I invited Joel over for supper tomorrow at six. Do you mind?”
“Mind? Of course not. I take it your time with him grew your interest in this young man?”
“Jah. I’m always thinking about him. And he keeps giving me more reasons to care about him.” She held her hands to her cheeks and beamed. “Liza, he’s so wise and kind. I could listen to him talk all day. He’s interesting, and he’s a good listener. I can’t wait for you and Daed to get to know him.”
“I’ve got some ham. I’ll fry it up with some potatoes, and we’ll have green beans to go with it.”
“He can meet Snuggles and Cinnamon.” Peter wrinkled his nose and rubbed Cinnamon’s wet kiss from his cheek.
Daed came alongside Ellie. “Don’t worry. I will ask him a few hundred questions. I’ll try not to make it too awkward.”
Ellie pretended an exasperated look. “Please don’t embarrass me, Daed.” She knocked his arm with hers.
“I won’t promise any such thing.”
“You’re impossible.”
“Liza tells me the same thing.” He darted her a mischievous grin.
“Don’t mind him. I’m sure Joel and he will do just fine together.” Liza squeezed Ellie’s hand.
Ellie played checkers with Peter and then put him to bed. She went to her room. Would her family like him? She couldn’t think of any reason why not. She was anxious for tomorrow night to get here. She liked where things were going with her and Joel.
* * *
Ellie stared off as the bakery cleared of customers Monday afternoon. She’d found it hard to concentrate on work in anticipation of Joel kumming to supper. No doubt her family would ask him a lot of questions. She hoped they didn’t annoy him. She was sure her family would redeem themselves by also being kind and wilkoming.
Hannah tapped her shoulder. “I can guess what’s on your mind.”
“Aren’t I being ridiculous? I’m so happy about him kumming over this evening.” She hugged a towel to her chest. “This must’ve been what Liza and Daed experienced the first time they saw each other. They often mention the spark they had the minute they met.”
“I’m tickled you and Joel are getting along so well. Have you told him yet?”
Ellie shook her head.
“No rush, but you shouldn’t avoid the topic for too long.” Hannah reached for Ellie’s hand.
“You’re right. I’m afraid of what he’ll say.” She would delay it for as long as she could, but she wouldn’t tell Hannah. “You’ll have to kumme over and meet Cinnamon. The dog is obedient. Peter’s crazy about his new pet.”
Hannah heaved a big sigh. “I’m jealous. Mamm refuses to let us have a dog. She says when I have my own haus, then I can have a dog.” She gently tucked a stray hair back in Ellie’s kapp. “You’ll have a good time at supper with Joel and your family. I’m sure of it.”
Liza came to the front room. “Abigai
l, the girls must not have noticed you. What can we offer you today?”
Ellie and Hannah whirled around with open mouths.
Speechless, Ellie stared at Abigail.
Liza sniffed the air. “I’ll have to let Ellie help you. Hannah, can you help me? I may have left the white bread in too long, and the cookies I left on the hot metal tray need to be put on a plate before they burn.”
Hannah nodded and followed Liza to the kitchen.
Abigail narrowed her eyes and twisted her mouth in a sinister grin. “I went past your haus, and you have a new family pet. You must’ve found my precious dog. I wondered where she’d been. I’ll be over to pick her up this evening after six. Did I hear you say Joel was kumming to supper? Maybe I’ll stay for supper along with Joel. I’m sure Liza won’t mind.”
Ellie’s cheeks grew warm. “First of all, the dog isn’t yours. It’s a male, and an Englischer dropped him off on the road near our haus.”
“The Englischer must’ve found him. And I meant to say him. Silly me. Of course I meant to say him.”
A man walked in and used his cane for support. A woman came in with him, holding his elbow.
Abigail moved closer to the couple. “I was just leaving. You go right up to the counter, and I’m sure Ellie will be glad to help you. I’ll be over later, Ellie.”
“Abigail, wait!” Her stomach clenched as she watched the door close. She forced a smile and concentrated on her customers. “We have molasses, butter, and oatmeal cookies, or peach, apple, and blueberry tarts, an assortment of breads, and many other offerings.”
The feeble gray-haired woman tapped the counter with her long nail. “I’m having a hard time choosing. Henry, what would you like?”
Ellie swallowed the bile rising in her throat. She wanted to run after Abigail and tell her not to intrude on their supper or even consider taking Cinnamon. The girl was lying, and she was cunning, devious, and mean. There’d been a time when some might’ve accused Ellie of these same bad behaviors. Although she would never have forced herself on others to get her way or threatened to take a pet away from a family. Abigail must’ve overheard everything Hannah and she had said before Liza discovered her. The girl moved in and out of places like noxious air.
Ellie returned her attention to the couple scrutinizing the pies, cookies, tarts, and breads on the counter shelves.
The husband clasped his fraa’s hand. “You love blueberry pie. Let’s get one of those and a dozen molasses cookies. Our friends who shop here claim they’re the best.”
Ellie loved the tenderness between the two. A tenderness she wanted to share with the man she would marry when the time was right. She packaged their selections, accepted payment, and bid them farewell.
Hannah peeked out the open door between the main room and kitchen. “Why was Abigail here? The snarl on her face leads me to believe it wasn’t to buy anything.”
Ellie huffed. “She’s pushed me too far this time. She’s claiming Cinnamon is her dog. She slipped and called her missing dog a she. And she’s invited herself to supper tonight at my haus to take the dog home.”
“Isn’t Cinnamon a male?”
“Jah.” Ellie untied and threw her apron over the hook. “Can you watch the counter for a few minutes? I’ve got to find her. I don’t want her showing up and ruining our evening, and I won’t let her break Peter’s heart over this dog. I’ve had enough.”
“I will, but be cautious. I don’t trust her. We Amish avoid confrontation. She’s a conniver. She’ll want to antagonize you in front of others to make you look bad.”
“I’ll do my best. No promises.” Ellie took a deep breath and left. She searched the general store, post office, and apothecary, weaving in and out of the shoppers crowding the town. Pausing outside, she scanned the storefronts and the patrons entering and exiting each one.
Abigail passed in her buggy.
Ellie ran after her and waved frantically. “Abigail, I need to speak with you.”
Abigail pulled her buggy to the side of the road. “Get in.”
Ellie stepped in and took a seat next to her. “Abigail, Cinnamon is not yours.”
“Why, Ellie, are you calling me a liar?”
Ellie tightened her grip on the side of the buggy. A storm of anger welled in her throat. She swallowed hard to suppress it. “I don’t want to argue with you, Abigail. I just want you to stop making my life miserable.”
Abigail smirked. “If I kumme to your haus this evening and claim the dog is mine, your parents won’t argue with me. They’ll relent because Amish don’t like to argue. And it’s my word against yours.”
The girl was relentless. “What do you want?”
“Joel. Make an excuse as to why he’s uninvited for supper and stay away from him. His mamm loves me. Now all I have to do is convince him. But as long as you’re in the way, he won’t give me a chance.”
“Joel told me he made it clear to you he’s not interested. I doubt I have anything to do with his reasons.” She had to convince Abigail to drop her claim on the dog. Peter would be devastated. “My bruder loves his pet. You’ll crush his heart if you stake a claim on the dog.”
Abigail leaned closer to her. “Do what I say, and Peter can keep the mutt. It’s up to you, Ellie. Now, get out.”
Frustration like a downpour of rain on a hot tin roof ignited within her. She jumped down and whirled on her heel toward the buggy to tell Abigail it would be easy to find out she was lying by asking her parents and friends about the dog, but Abigail was already heading out of town.
* * *
Joel mucked the stall. At the Grabers’ he’d get better acquainted with Ellie’s parents. He cared about her, and his mind raced with thoughts of her. Time with her was never enough.
Hours later, Joel washed and shaved. The wooden holder nailed to the wall held his brush, razor, and a small circle of tin to use as a mirror. A mirror would’ve been better for this task, but he didn’t want to do anything to appear prideful and understood why the Amish avoided such things.
Bathed and dressed, he bid his parents farewell and headed to Ellie’s. He waved to Amish men passing him in buggies, whom he recognized from the Sunday services.
Brown and yellow leaves covered the grass, and the cool, crisp air brushed against his face. Three white and black speckled cottontails hopped into the woods as he drove by. September was warmer than usual. They hadn’t had a threat of frost. Crops were thriving in all the fields of his neighbors and friends along the way. The harvest would be good this year.
Joel secured his buggy at Ellie and Peter’s haus and met them on the porch. “Who are you holding?” He smiled at Ellie and nodded to Peter, who was holding a dog. He scratched the pet’s ear.
Peter nuzzled his nose in the dog’s fur and then looked at Joel. “Cinnamon.” He put the pet down and opened the door.
Ellie chuckled. “The mutt took to Peter right away. They’ve been inseparable. We have all fallen in love with Cinnamon.”
The dog jumped down and ran, tongue hanging out of his mouth, and tail wagging.
“He’s a playful dog.”
“Would you prefer to sit inside or outside? Supper will be ready in about twenty minutes.”
Mrs. Graber opened the door. “Joel, I’m so glad you could join us. May I offer you some hot tea or coffee?”
“Hot tea, please, and danki for the invitation, Mrs. Graber.”
Mrs. Graber had a calmness about her. Her soft voice and cheerful mood put him at ease. In his home, he cherished the rare moments free of tension. He never knew when Mamm’s temper would flare, and he didn’t remember the last time she’d actually relaxed. She did everything in a hurry or with nervous energy.
“Call me Liza.”
Mr. Graber came outside and offered his hand. “And I’m Jacob. Why don’t you and Ellie sit on the porch, and I’ll help Liza. We can chat during supper, and after, we’ll build a fire outside and have dessert.”
Peter jumped up and down and cla
pped his hands. “I love when we have a fire outside! Let’s make apple pies with our pie irons.”
“Good idea, Peter. We have enough bread, and I’ve got some leftover baked apples with cinnamon from this afternoon. I’ll get the hot tea and be right back.” Liza went to the kitchen.
“I’ll help.” Jacob followed her.
Ellie gestured for Joel and Peter to follow her to the rocking chairs and bench. She slid one chair across from Joel and plopped in it.
Something was wrong. Ellie kept darting her eyes to the lane from the road leading to the haus and fidgeted her hands. Maybe she was nervous about him meeting her parents.
Peter left the porch and returned with Snuggles. “Here’s my other friend.”
Joel slid to the edge of his seat and rubbed the soft ears of the rabbit. “You’re blessed to have such good pets. Snuggles is docile and hasn’t tried to bite my fingers.”
Ellie leaned in and buried her fingers in the white fluffy fur, looking to the lane with concern and not at him or the pet. “This furry little bunny is so gentle. Snuggles doesn’t bite or scratch.”
Peter held Snuggles close, with Cinnamon right up against his leg. “I’m going to play with them until supper.” He left holding Snuggles, and Cinnamon ran after him.
Joel scanned the property. “I was amazed at the size of this place when I first passed by. This is the largest Amish haus in this community, and the fields are too. It’s quite impressive with the oversized barn, smokehaus, ice haus, and large workshop. Very well done.”
“Liza was a widow. Her husband had family wealth, and he was blessed to make money selling his crops, and her bakery is successful. She’s thankful for Abe, her bruder-in-law, for taking care of it and managing the field hands. Abe is Hannah’s Daed, and I love having him, her, and her mamm, Esther, nearby.”
Joel set his glass on the small wooden table beside his high-backed rocking chair. “Ellie, are you anxious about me meeting your parents? You aren’t yourself.”
Ellie paled and jumped to her feet.
Liza came to the door. “Supper’s ready.” She yelled to Peter, “Please put Snuggles and Cinnamon away and kumme inside.”
Joel noticed Ellie sighed with relief at her stepmamm’s interruption.
