by Molly Jebber
“Sounds like a good time. I’ll go. You’ll go too. Right, Ellie?”
“Jah. I like games. Danki for the invitation, Timothy.” Ellie elbowed Hannah. “You love games.”
Timothy folded his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels. “Miss Hannah, you’ve been avoiding me.” He gave her a mischievous grin. “You agreed we’d be friends.”
“Um . . . all right . . . I suppose I could. What time?” Her knuckles turned white gripping the plate.
“Six thirty?” Timothy looked at each of them.
Ellie took the plate from her friend and placed the rolls one at a time onto the display shelf. “Do you want me to bring any of our games?”
“Nah. I’ve got plenty.” Timothy crossed his arms.
“What can I bring?” Hannah stood stiff.
“Just you.” He held her gaze a moment, until Hannah broke away. He turned to Joel. “How have you been? We’ve both been working hard to bring in the harvest and then catching up on work at our places. I haven’t had time for target practice or anything else.”
Joel put his hands together. “Ellie and I are getting married February fourth. Reserve the date.”
Timothy grinned and nodded. “I’m pleased for both of you. I wouldn’t miss it. Anything you need?” Timothy shook Joel’s hand.
“I’m building a haus, and I could use a hand.”
“Count me in.” Timothy and Joel chatted about where to meet and what Joel had planned.
Hannah held her empty tray. “I’ll be there tomorrow night, Timothy. Take care, Joel.”
“Looking forward to it, Hannah.” Timothy winked at her.
Her friend blushed and bustled to the back.
The men bid Ellie farewell.
Ellie rushed to the back. “Liza, you missed an interesting conversation between Hannah and Timothy.”
Liza draped a cloth over the bread dough. “I didn’t miss a thing. I overheard the entire conversation.”
Ellie rested her palm on the counter and said to Hannah, “Before a customer kummes in, tell me what is going on with you and Timothy. You were tongue-tied and looked like a shy schoolgirl. You like him, and not just as a friend. Your face showed it. You said you were keeping him as a friend. What’s happened?”
“We haven’t had a decent conversation for a while. He’s right. I dodge him on the Sundays we have church and at socials. He talks with all the girls, and I’m not sure what to make of him or his invitation. I’ve been afraid of getting my heart broken.” Hannah tilted her head and smiled. “He’s handsome and a tad bit irresistible. I’m throwing caution to the wind and going to his haus. Then I’ll go from there. I’m not open to growing a friendship to see if it leads to something more serious if he’s never going to mature and settle down.”
“He’s making an effort to know you better. You two have an obvious connection. Give him a chance.” Ellie clasped her hands and held them under her chin. “You’ve not been giddy over any man. I’m excited about you and Timothy.”
Liza measured a cup of flour and poured it in the bowl. “Jah, give him a chance.”
“What have I got myself into? I may be sorry.” Hannah balanced the tray on her hip. “Don’t get too excited yet.” The door opened. She leaned back and peeked through the open doorway. “Magdelena and Charity are here.”
Ellie went behind the counter in the main room. “Magdelena and little Charity, what a pleasant surprise.”
Hannah and Liza came out and greeted them and returned to the kitchen.
“We thought we’d stop in for an apple pie and fruit bread. This place has the best aroma of sweet sugar. Your shelves are full of colorful desserts, and your canned fruits on the shelves add the perfect touch. It must be a delight to work here. I would enjoy it.”
Ellie held out a butter cookie to Charity. “Would you like one?”
“Danki.” Charity accepted the cookie and took a big bite.
Magdelena stepped closer to the counter. “I’m serious. Are you hiring?”
Liza and Hannah joined them.
Liza leaned against the counter. “I hope you both don’t mind, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Magdelena, you may be an answer to my prayer.” She patted her middle. “I’m going to have a child. I’m not far along, but my ankles have been swelling and Jacob’s been on me to hire someone. I would like to stay home with the boppli after he or she is born.”
Magdelena put a hand to her open mouth. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and Jacob.”
“What about Peter?” Charity looked up at her schweschder. “We should be happy for him too.” She blushed. “He’s got pretty eyes.”
Magdelena winked at the girls. “You’re right. We want to congratulate Peter too, on having a new schweschder or bruder. You like him a lot, don’t you?”
“I really do.” Charity lowered her chin and put a finger to her mouth.
Ellie held her breath to keep from chuckling.
“Is this a secret?” Magdelena winced and pointed to Charity. “I’m not sure this one won’t spill the beans.”
“Most women keep their carrying a child a secret until they show. Peter is spreading the news like a forest on fire. We’re overjoyed, so don’t worry about it.”
Ellie swallowed around the lump in her throat. Liza and Hannah had worked with her in the bakery for a while. They’d formed a bond. A closeness. The bakery provided a place they could talk each day. She’d be getting married and not living in her family home. She’d depended on the bakery to enjoy being with Liza. But she’d been worried about her stepmamm. She needed to take it easy since her fainting episode. She worked too hard here and at home. Magdelena was the perfect answer. “I have noticed the dark circles under your eyes and you are dragging by the end of the day.”
Hannah swiped sugar from her arm. “Magdelena, are you sure you want to bake all day?”
“I would need to learn from you. Are you willing to teach me? I’m a good student.” She bit her lip and toyed with her kapp string.
“I would enjoy it. Ellie can instruct you too. She’ll show you how to wait on customers and record purchases in the sales journal.” Hannah circled her arm around Ellie.
Liza darted a look at each of them. “Is everyone in agreement?”
They all nodded.
“I am.” Charity raised her little hand.
Everyone laughed.
“When would you like to start work, Magdelena?” Liza unhooked a clean apron.
“I’ll need to tell my parents. I don’t foresee them having any objection. I’ve mentioned to them about my desire to work with all of you.” She put a hand to her cheek. “Danki for this opportunity. I never thought it would happen. You’ve made my day.”
Liza wrote on a piece of paper and passed it to the girl. “Here’s your salary.”
The girl’s eyes grew wide. “You’re generous!” She pressed a hand to her chest.
“Here’s an apron. Check with your parents. If they approve, you can begin work Monday, December first.”
“I’ll be here, and if anything changes, I’ll contact you.”
Liza held her arms open, and they circled in a hug. “You’re going to love being here with Hannah and Ellie.”
Charity hugged Ellie’s leg. “This is fun.”
Magdelena got her purchases and reached for Charity’s hand. “What a wonderful day!” She bid them farewell.
Ellie faced Hannah and Liza. “I’m going to miss you. We’ve been creating memories together here. This is where I first met you two. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy Magdelena accepted the position. The change will just take some getting used to. I love our jokes and conversations and creating scrumptious goodies together.”
Hannah dabbed a tear. “Magdelena is a good choice. But I’m sad too. We’ll miss you so much.” She reached for Liza’s fingers.
“Listen, I’ll be right next door to both of you. We’ll have family meals and social time, and our bond won’t b
reak because I’m not in the bakery.” She twisted her lips. “I’ll miss both of you too. The adjustment will be difficult for me. Although, it’s the right decision. And when my little one arrives, I’ll be glad we made this transition in advance.”
“We’ll be together a lot. The holidays are kumming, and we’ve got a wedding to plan.” Hannah clapped her hands.
Ellie’s heart swelled with love for them. She had put her past behind her and forged ahead to make her life better. These loved ones had been an important part of the process, and she would be forever grateful to them and to God. Charm had charmed her. The place where she’d gained a family, and soon, a husband. She curled her mouth in an impish grin. “Charity is taken with Peter. I wonder if he realizes it.”
“I’m going to ask him. Kinner’s innocent comments can make you laugh or turn red as an apple.” Liza shook her head. “I have no idea what he’ll say. I did notice them playing together after finishing their after-service meals.”
“Kinner are adorable.” Ellie grinned.
Five rolled around and the women went home. Ellie helped fix supper. “Soon, I’ll be doing this for Joel.” She stirred the vegetable mixture in the pan. “What do you make of Timothy and Hannah?”
Liza sliced a loaf of white bread. “He’s got spunk and loves to make people laugh. He does like to flirt. I’m not sure about him for Hannah. She’ll have to kumme to her own conclusion about him. He’s been fickle. Talking to one girl and then another. I’d rather he not pursue a friendship with Hannah if he’s not ready to consider her for something more serious, should she fall in love with him.”
“He has settled down.” Ellie grabbed the breadbasket and put it next to Liza. “We’ll know more after tomorrow night. She’ll tell us if she’ll accept another invitation from him.”
* * *
The next day, Ellie worked until five, went home, changed, and waited on Joel to pick her up after he stopped to fetch Hannah, since Hannah’s place was on the way to her haus.
Joel and Hannah arrived, and she got in the buggy, and they chatted on their way to Timothy’s.
“We were busy today.” Ellie yawned.
“The men met me over at our property on your parents’ land. We unloaded wagon after wagon of lumber and supplies. I’ve got more men to help than I’d counted on.”
“We have good friends in Charm.” Ellie held on to her heavy wool shawl.
Hannah snuggled close to Ellie. “Are you nervous about planning a routine to complete all you need to? I’d be a little overwhelmed. There’s so much to do.”
Ellie sighed. “I’m anxious and thrilled at the same time. I’m embarking on a whole new journey.”
“Don’t forget. I’ll be right beside you. We’ll make a good twosome.” Joel drove the horse around a rut in the road.
“We do already.” Ellie shivered and clung tight to her shawl.
They arrived and Timothy ushered them inside the haus.
Ellie eyed the game boards on the floor and admired the orange hue of the flames in the fireplace. “You’re prepared. I’m impressed, Timothy.”
“Danki.” He gestured to the kitchen. “Let’s have supper first, and then we’ll play games.”
They took their seats at the kitchen table. Ellie passed the sandwich platter to Joel.
Timothy had filled their water glasses at each place setting. “Hannah, Ellie said she was impressed. What about you?”
“Um . . . I am impressed.” She kept her eyes on her glass.
“Good. I’m doing my best to get your attention.”
Joel covered his mouth with his napkin.
Ellie struggled not to chuckle. Hannah would be upset with her if she did. Subtle, Timothy was not. He teased Hannah to get a rise out of her. Maybe Hannah found it appealing.
As they enjoyed their meal, Joel and Timothy discussed the construction of the haus.
Ellie and Hannah conversed about Magdelena working at the bakery.
“Has everyone had enough?” Timothy scooted back his chair.
They all nodded. Ellie got up and gathered the empty plates.
Hannah took the utensils.
“Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll do them before I go to bed. Let’s play the games. We don’t have a lot of time.”
“I’m not going to leave you with all these dishes.” Hannah put the dirty plates in the water. “Where would I find a dishcloth?”
Joel and Ellie stood back.
Timothy reached for her wet hands and dried them with a towel. “Now let’s go, Miss Hannah. I’m trying to impress you with my skills, and you’re not letting me.” His cheeks dimpled.
Joel raised a hand. “Timothy, now Ellie is going to expect me to do the dishes.”
“You’ll do anything for her. Your long, endearing looks into her eyes are hard to miss. She’s got you right where she wants you.”
Ellie giggled. “Don’t worry. We’ll do for each other.”
“Hannah, I hope you’re taking lessons from Ellie.” Timothy had a twinkle in his eyes.
She blushed. “You are such a flirt, Timothy Barkman.”
They played games, laughed, teased, and chatted.
Ellie had a good time, and she appreciated Timothy’s generous and kind hospitality. He’d gone all out to make things nice for them. Hannah relaxed, laughed, and talked a lot with Timothy. She’d be curious as to what Hannah would have to say about him on the way home.
Joel pointed to the clock. “We should be heading home. This was fun. Danki, Timothy.”
Ellie picked up the game pieces and placed them in the box. “Are you sure you won’t let us clean up the kitchen?”
“Jah. It isn’t right for us ladies to leave a mess for you.” Hannah stood.
“I insist you go. I peeked out. Snow flurries are flying. The roads might be slick. I’d rather you get home before the weather makes the roads slippery. I really don’t mind doing them.”
They bid Timothy farewell, got in the buggy, and left.
“Did you enjoy yourself, Hannah?” Ellie sat on her hands to warm them.
“I did.”
Joel handed the lantern to Ellie. “Do you mind holding this for me?”
“No, not at all.” She held it out where he could see the road better. “Would you accept his offer to kumme over to his haus again?”
“I’m not sure.”
Ellie kept quiet a few seconds. Hannah was giving her short answers. Not like her. Maybe she wanted to wait until they had private time to discuss Timothy. Joel had formed a close friendship with him. She’d not question her more until tomorrow.
Joel dropped off Hannah, and they bid her farewell. “Timothy and Hannah got along well.”
“She’s cautious. Time will tell.”
He delivered Ellie to her home. He stopped at the end of the lane and kissed her full on the lips. “I shouldn’t, but I had to.” He drove as close to the haus as he could for her to get out. “Stay warm, sweetheart.”
“I love you, Joel Wenger.” She blew him a kiss and went inside.
Liza sipped hot chocolate. “Did you have a good time?”
“We did.” She glanced at her daed’s chair. “Where’s Daed?”
“He went to bed about the same time as Peter. He had a slight headache.” Liza frowned. “You’re not saying anything about Hannah and Timothy. Did something unpleasant happen?”
“Nah. We had a good chat and laughed all evening. He had our meal on the table, water poured in the glasses, and games ready in the sitting room by a beautiful glowing fire. He flirted with Hannah, and her cheeks pinked each time. She seemed to become more comfortable with him as the night progressed. I asked her about him on the way home. Short answers were all I got from her.”
“Joel and Timothy are friends and working together on the haus. She might have found it awkward to share her thoughts in front of Joel.”
“I came to the same conclusion.” She took off her shawl and hung it on the knotty pine coatrack. “Wou
ldn’t it be wonderful if they formed a friendship, it grew, and they married?”
“If he’s the one for her, it would be ideal. You all get along so well.” She traced the top of her mug. “She’s always been more mature than her age. Timothy is the opposite. He’s playful, full of energy, and a tease. It should be interesting. Time for me to go to bed. How about you?”
“Jah. I’m about to fall asleep right here.” Ellie bid her good night and went to her room. She dressed for bed and got under the covers. She had the quilt Becca gave her in Massillon. She’d write a letter and tuck it in the pocket for Joel as her wedding gift to him. On nights like this, this quilt would kumme in handy.
* * *
Ellie picked up Hannah the next day. “You didn’t say much about Timothy last night. I’m sorry if I put you in an awkward position, with Joel in the buggy.”
“Timothy may ask Joel questions. I didn’t want to put him on the spot with his friend. I had the best time. He’s funny, and I was surprised. He had the food out, games ready to play, and wouldn’t let us clean up.”
“What man doesn’t let the women wash and dry dishes? I couldn’t believe it.”
“I would take this friendship slow, and I mean slow. Liza’s bad marriage to her husband who passed scares me. Paul put on a smile and convinced all of us he was kind and generous. Generous, jah. Kind, nah. I’m so glad she married Jacob and is finding happiness with him.”
Ellie nodded. “She said her marriage to Paul was arranged and her parents needed the money. She thought she would learn to love him, and she had him pegged as kind and honorable. Remember, she wasn’t in love with him when they wed. You’ve got plenty of time to learn all you can about Timothy. You already get giddy around him. Your situation would be different.”
“I’m intrigued by him, and I’m getting more comfortable around him. We’ll see what happens.”
Chapter Sixteen
Ellie traced the cape on her dark blue wedding dress. The months had flown by. February fourth was finally here. A day she’d hold special each year for the rest of her life. The holidays had kept her busy, and she’d cherish the memories she made with her family more this year, since it would be the last she’d celebrate while living here with them.
