by Molly Jebber
Peter hurried to the cage. “May I bring in Cinnamon?”
“Jah, I suppose.”
Joel snatched his glass and followed Ellie inside and to the supper table. “Where should I sit?”
Ellie pointed to a chair and avoided his gaze. She helped Liza arrange plates of sliced ham, green beans with bacon pieces, and fried potatoes on the table. She grabbed the basket of bread and a small dish of butter and set them in the center before taking her seat.
Peter slid onto his chair. “I’m starved. This food smells good.”
Cinnamon darted under the table and lay near Peter’s feet.
“This does look delicious, sweetheart.” Jacob took Liza’s hand in his. “Let’s bow our heads.” Jacob offered a prayer.
Ellie passed Joel the beans. Her hands shook. “There’s more on the stove. Take as much as you want.”
Joel thanked her and took the plate. It was unfortunate Liza had interrupted and called them to supper when she did. He was curious to find out what had Ellie upset.
Jacob buttered his bread. “What plans do you have for the future, Joel?”
Ellie choked on the food in her mouth. “Daed!”
Joel held up his palm. “It’s all right, Ellie. I tend to the farm and handcraft things when I have time.”
Jacob sipped his water. “I tinker in the workshop now and then. I made Liza a hope chest. What do you build?”
“And you did a beautiful job on it.” Liza squeezed his arm.
“I’ve made storage boxes, benches, tables, and chairs. The furniture store owner in Lancaster sold some pieces for me. I’ve put the money aside for building a haus someday. I may try the same arrangement with the store in Charm.”
Jacob jerked his head back in surprise. “What a grand idea.”
Peter chatted about his pets, and they all discussed how well the crops were doing.
Joel enjoyed the banter, laughter, ease of conversation, and obvious love this family had for each other. Ellie was quiet most of the evening. He’d pull her aside after supper and ask her what was on her mind. Whatever it was, he wanted to help her resolve it.
Ellie drank the last of her water. “I couldn’t fit another bite into my stomach. This food was so good.”
Liza covered Ellie’s hand. “Danki, honey.” Liza got up from her seat and stretched her neck to see out the window. “Someone’s kumming to visit.” She moved to the window.
Ellie jumped up, her eyes wide. “It’s Abigail.” She fisted her palms. “I should’ve told you about her visit to the bakery today. I was hoping she wouldn’t follow through with her threat.”
Joel wiped his mouth and stood next to her. He didn’t like the dread in her voice.
“What threat?” Jacob narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.
Knock. Knock.
They all went to the door.
Ellie opened it. “Abigail.”
Abigail stepped inside. “Have you told everyone, Ellie, how happy I am you found my dog? Something smells good. I hope I haven’t interrupted your supper. Joel, what a surprise to find you here.”
Peter looked up at Ellie. “Cinnamon is my dog.” His eyes pooled with tears as he scooped his pet in his arms.
Joel narrowed his eyes. Abigail’s implications were unbelievable. She’d never mentioned having a pet. “Jacob, do you mind if Abigail, Ellie, and I go outside to discuss this?”
Jacob circled an arm around Peter. “You go ahead. I’ll be here if you need me.”
Liza stood with her mouth open and hands to her cheeks.
Ellie led them outside, away from the haus to the weeping willow tree by the pond. “Abigail, I won’t let you take the dog. You’re lying.”
Abigail’s hand flew to her lips. “Ellie, I’m upset you’d think I’d hurt Peter on purpose. I’m equally distraught about losing my dog. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
Joel didn’t trust Abigail’s word on this. She was up to something. Her voice was sickeningly sweet and her gestures forced. She was the strangest girl he’d ever met. “Why haven’t you mentioned having a dog? And when I went to your haus, there was no sign of one.”
“She’s been missing.”
Ellie glared at Abigail. “There, you did it again. You called Cinnamon a she, and the dog’s a male.”
Joel stared at Abigail. “Why would you set out to torment Peter? Why are you doing this?” He wouldn’t let this girl hurt Ellie or Peter. He had grown fond of them, and he would protect them.
“I was upset and confused. I meant to say him.” She sniffled.
Ellie huffed and put her hands on her hips. “Joel, Abigail was angry when she overheard you were kumming to supper. She said if I didn’t stay away from you, she’d claim the dog was hers and it would be her word against mine.”
“Abigail, how could you?” Joel couldn’t understand why Abigail would go to such great lengths to pursue him. To lie and to hurt other people after he’d made it plain he was not interested in her. She must not be right in the head to threaten Ellie this way. “You should leave, and I don’t want you to bother this family again. If you do, Mr. Graber and I will meet with your parents and the bishop and tell them what you’ve done.”
“What?!” Abigail heaved a big breath and snarled at him.
“You heard me. You’ve put me in the position of being firm with you. I tried being polite, and you didn’t listen.”
Jacob approached them. “Abigail, if we ask your parents, friends, and neighbors if this dog is yours, what will their answer be?”
Lips pinched and flustered, she ignored him and ran to her buggy, untied her mare, and left in a hurry.
Liza and Peter joined them.
Peter swiped wet tears from his cheeks. “Is she kumming back to take Cinnamon? Is he her dog?”
Joel bent and put his hands on Peter’s arms. “Cinnamon is your dog. Abigail won’t bother you anymore. I’ll see to it.”
Peter wrapped his arms around Joel’s neck. “Danki. I couldn’t stand to give him up.”
Ellie hugged Peter. “You and Joel build the fire for the pies, and I’ll go inside and help Liza with the dirty dishes.”
Liza pointed to the front door. “Peter, would you mind getting some lap blankets for us?”
He shook his head. “I’ll go get them.” He scampered to the haus.
Liza squeezed Ellie’s shoulder. “Jacob and I cleaned the dishes, and Peter pitched in too. Why don’t you and Joel sit by the pond? We’ll build the fire and get things ready. I’m sure both of you would like some privacy to discuss what happened. We can learn the details about Abigail after Peter goes to bed.”
“Danki. I should share with Joel what’s been going on with Abigail.” She turned to him. “Do you mind going by the pond for a few minutes to talk?”
“I’d be glad to.” He strolled with her to another bench not far from the edge of the water. Two fat robins flew overhead and perched themselves on a branch in the maple tree near them.
Ellie picked a piece of lint off her dress then looked at the pond. “Abigail has bullied me about you on several occasions. She blames me for your disinterest in her. I tried to convince her I had nothing to do with you and her, but she wouldn’t listen. Tonight was a good example.”
Joel let out a long sigh. “She’s frequented our haus and befriended Mamm. I suspect to try and get closer to me. She won’t leave me alone. Mamm has honored my request not to encourage her where I’m concerned, but she said Abigail won’t stop prattling on about me. Mamm overlooks it, and she’d like me to change my mind about Abigail, but I won’t.”
“She has gone too far this time by involving Peter.”
“Jah, she has. I suggest we go to the bishop and have her parents there too. I doubt this is the first time she’s bullied someone. We have to put an end to this.”
Ellie nodded. “Part of me is furious with her, and the other part of me is sorry for her. She wants to be loved, and she goes about it the wrong way.”
Jo
el fought to not put his arms around her and hold her. “I’m responsible. If it wasn’t for me, she wouldn’t have involved you. Let’s schedule a meeting with Abigail, her parents, the bishop, and you and me. I’d rather not involve our parents.”
“My parents are reasonable. I’m sure they’ll agree. Danki.”
She gazed at him with her big blue eyes, looking vulnerable. He thought his heart would soar right out of his chest. He’d do anything to shield her from harm.
He reached out and brushed her hand with his. “I don’t like you upset. I’ve grown to care about you a lot in such a short time.”
“I care about you too, Joel.”
Her heart-shaped face and stiff shoulders relaxed. She had lifted her fingers to his when he brushed over them. “You should’ve told me Abigail was threatening you. How terrible you had to endure this on your own.”
“I had hoped she wouldn’t follow through with her threat. I didn’t want to burden you with my troubles. We’re enjoying getting to know each other, and I didn’t want to complain about her.” She stared at the grass. “I prefer to handle things on my own.”
“Now you don’t have to. I’m here.” He covered her hand with his for a moment. Her skin was soft.
She blushed. “I like having you in my life.”
Peter raced to them. “Here are the blankets.” He handed them each one. “Fire’s ready, and I have the pie irons for us.” He had them tucked under his arm and held them up.
“Good boy.” Ellie smiled at him.
They all crossed the yard to the big tree logs next to the fire pit and sat on them.
They made apple pies, laughed, and had a good time.
Ellie led them in hymns, and they sang around the flickering flames.
Joel could listen to her melodious voice all night. She sang with such clarity.
Two hours later, Liza wrapped her shawl closer. “Peter, it’s time for prayers and bed. Say good night to Joel, and let’s head inside.”
“Kumme back real soon, Joel.” He hugged him.
Joel loved this child. He was innocent and a fun little boy. “I will.”
Liza waved to Joel. “Kumme by anytime, Joel.”
“Danki for the meal. I appreciate your hospitality. I’ll take you up on the offer and be back soon.”
“Good.” Liza took Peter’s hand and walked inside.
Cinnamon barked, ran in circles around them, and finally padded next to Peter to the haus.
Joel talked to Jacob about farming until Liza returned.
Ellie shared with her parents the conversation she had with Abigail and the meetings they’d had prior. She explained the plan to meet with the bishop and Abigail’s parents.
Joel rested his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands. “Jacob, do you mind if Ellie and I handle this?”
Jacob remained silent for a moment, then rubbed his chin. “You’re not responsible for Abigail’s behavior, Joel, but I appreciate your helping Ellie with this. It’s hard for me to stay out of it, but having less people involved is probably best. If it doesn’t go well, I will arrange a visit with her parents and the bishop again.”
“Danki. I agree with you. We will need your support if things go awry, but I trust the bishop will want this behavior squelched, and maybe her parents will as well. I doubt they know what she’s up to. Abigail’s a chameleon and able to change her demeanor on demand. She’s quite deceitful.”
“We Amish are not without our troublemakers. Hopefully, the bishop and Abigail’s parents can appeal to her good side and she’ll show some remorse and back down. She obviously craves attention and love. It’s sad.”
“I agree. I’ll set up a meeting tomorrow.”
“Danki, Joel.”
Jacob stood and kissed Ellie on the forehead. “I’m going inside. Ellie, please douse the fire before you kumme in the haus.”
“I’ll be happy to.”
“You’re always wilkom in our home, Joel.” Jacob put a hand on Joel’s shoulder and strode to the front door. Liza joined him.
Joel stared at the orange hue of the flames and enjoyed the warmth on his face. The peaceful flicker of the fire and crackle of the burning wood was warm and cozy. “I could sit here for hours with you. It’s such a peaceful evening.”
“In spite of Abigail’s antics, the night has been such a pleasant one. Each time we are together, I grow fonder of you.” She reddened. “Oh my, I shouldn’t have been so forward.”
Joel grinned. Ellie had made him very happy confirming what he’d hoped she was feeling about him. “Don’t apologize. I’m glad you speak your mind.”
She chuckled. “You may not be at some point. I have to watch what I say and how I say it. Abigail tested my ability to do this more than once. I did raise my voice to her a time or two.”
“Now and then when people try to take advantage, it’s understandable.” Joel had been surprised at Ellie’s blunt statements to Abigail earlier, but he didn’t blame her for her reaction. Abigail had tried to hurt someone she loved, and Ellie would do her best to make sure it didn’t happen. He admired her for it. He admired a strong woman, and Ellie had both a soft and hard temperament. “I’m going to have to light my lantern to go home. Night is approaching, and I should be going.”
Ellie stood. “I’m not ready for this night to end.”
“Me either.” He rose, and they crossed the yard to his buggy. He scanned the haus. Everyone was inside and no one was watching. He pulled her close and gently kissed her soft lips. Ellie didn’t step away. She lifted her head to him. His heart sang with delight. He hoped as they went forward, nothing would interfere with their relationship progressing. He stepped back and held her arms. “You’ve made quite an impression on me, Ellie Graber.”
“I’m going to remember this kiss forever, Joel.”
He caressed her cheek. “I don’t want to leave you, but I must. I’ll stop by the bakery tomorrow and tell you when the bishop and Abigail’s parents have agreed to meet with us. And don’t worry, everything will work out fine.” He got into his buggy, drove down the path, and glanced over his shoulder. She stood waving to him. His beautiful Ellie. The first girl he’d ever considered wanting to pursue for his fraa. They were already handling a problem together. He was confident they could solve anything together.
A snake slithered across the road and his mare reared. “Whoa, girl, it’s all right.” He calmed the horse and flicked the reins. He and Ellie had a lot to learn about each other. He didn’t think anything would halt their blossoming relationship, but his stomach knotted. He had a secret he had to tell her. One the Amish forbade him to tell. One her family might not overlook.
He rubbed the stubble on his chin. Abigail insinuated Ellie had a questionable past. Was she lying about Ellie? Abigail had a boldness he didn’t like, and her smile and words didn’t seem genuine. They’d just got acquainted, and she wanted to discredit Ellie. But was there any truth to what Abigail said? Could Ellie be holding back a secret from him? One he couldn’t overlook?
Chapter Five
Ellie touched her lips. Joel’s kiss lingered on them. Her heart full of joy, she went inside. She savored the warm fuzziness filling her from head to toe. Her and Joel’s spark was powerful, but their time together was effortless. He’d defended her against Abigail’s accusations and suggested the solution to solve the problem by meeting with the bishop and the girl’s parents.
She had held her breath when Joel asked her daed to let him arrange and speak at the meeting. Daed had understood and approved Joel’s request, although she knew he would swoop in and arrange a second meeting if the outcome wasn’t to his satisfaction.
Her parents sat by the fire in the sitting room.
Liza rested her knitting needles in her lap. “I’m impressed with Joel, and he’s definitely smitten with you.”
Daed put his sock feet on the footstool. “He’s a gentleman, and I respect how he wants to show his loyalty to you. Peter’s quite taken with him too.”
“He had a good time. Whenever we’re together, our relationship grows.” She chatted a few more minutes with them and then padded to her room.
Tomorrow, Joel would probably tell her when they’d sit down with the bishop and Abigail’s parents. She’d be nervous, but she trusted Joel.
* * *
Ellie worked the counter Tuesday serving customers until three. She put a hand to her growling stomach and poked her head in the kitchen. “Have the two of you taken a break to have a snack? I haven’t had a minute to myself out here. I’ve got to have the sandwich I brought.”
Hannah opened the cabinet and passed Ellie her bag. “Here you go. Take a seat. We managed to steal a few minutes to scarf down our sandwiches. Sit and enjoy yours. If anyone wants to buy goodies, I’ll wait on them. Liza told me about Abigail. I pray all goes well with the bishop and her parents.”
“I’m appreciative of Joel stepping in. I’m certain the bishop won’t approve of her behavior, and he has a gentle but firm way of getting his point across. I’m ready for some help with Abigail. Otherwise, our encounters are going to escalate, and I’ll be as bad as she is, spouting off at her.” Ellie gobbled up her ham sandwich and drank a full glass of water. “The salt in the ham makes me thirsty, but it’s so yummy. I’m much better.”
“No good kummes from losing your temper. Remain calm, and your discussion will go much better.” Liza nodded to the window. “Joel’s crossing the road, and he’s headed in this direction.”
Ellie rushed to the door and opened it. “Liza noticed you out the window, and I wanted to surprise you.”
“You succeeded.” He chuckled and came inside. “The bishop will ask Abigail and her parents to meet us at his haus at six. Is this agreeable with you?”
She nodded. “Of course. Whatever time you say.”
“I’ll pick you up at your haus, and we’ll go together.”
“Would you join us for supper tonight?” She wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
“I would, but I’m going to decline. I need to tell my parents about Abigail and deter Mamm from getting closer with her. I’m protective of Mamm, and I don’t want Abigail to cause her any heartache. She likes Abigail, and she doesn’t realize Abigail may not have good motives for befriending her. If Abigail got frustrated with Mamm for some reason, I’m afraid she’d retaliate. I want to avoid any more confrontations with Abigail after this.”
