by Molly Jebber
The waitress glanced at their empty plates. “Would you like me to remove these?”
They nodded.
The waitress gestured to their cups. “Would you like more hot chocolate?”
“Yes, please.” Andrew thanked her. “I’m not ready to leave. Are you?”
She shook her head. She would tell him her story. She hoped he wouldn’t change his mind about her. If he did, she wouldn’t blame him. “We were happy at first. He had dark hair and eyes, and he was tall and confident. I was attracted to him the first time we met. He lied about working at the bank after hours. A man approached me, saying my husband owed him money from a gambling debt. I told him I’d speak to my husband about it. He stomped away. I confronted Gerald, and he admitted he had been playing cards for money.”
“Did he say he’d stop?”
“No. He insisted he made enough money to take proper care of us and for me not to complain. He grew short-tempered and tired from staying out late, and lied about where he went at night. I begged him to quit.”
“What about Betsy? Was he happy when you told him you were with child?”
“He said he was happy, but this news put more pressure on him. We lost our haus and had to rent it from the owner for about a month and then sell our furniture to pay his gambling debts. We had to move to the boarding haus. Then he got into a dispute over a debt he owed a man, and the man killed him. He put himself and us in danger.”
“Was the murderer caught?”
“Yes. The sheriff caught the murderer. I was devastated and homesick for my family. I was afraid the men he gambled with would think I had their money. I wrote Joel, and he and Ellie came and brought me back to Charm.” She folded her trembling hands on the table. “I can’t blame Gerald for everything. I was young and selfish leaving my family instead of staying to take care of Mamm. I was in love and made the decision to go with him. He didn’t force me.”
“Didn’t his family take you and Betsy into their home?”
“His mamm had passed, and his daed wanted nothing to do with me. He had no love for the Amish. His father did love Gerald, and he kept him employed. He wouldn’t acknowledge me or Betsy after Gerald passed. At this point, I asked God to forgive me, and I longed for Amish life and my family again.”
His eyes widened. “What a tragic story.”
Maryann kept her head down and stayed silent. Her heart hurt. She had loved Gerald, and as difficult as he was, she mourned his death. She resented him for the secrets he kept that ruined their once-happy marriage. She’d been given a second chance to return to her family and Amish life. She’d attended an Englischer church and never abandoned her faith in God. Reliving this story tonight made her feel guilty all over again. She rolled her shoulders back and sighed. “I’m trying to put it all behind me.”
“We all make mistakes. God forgives us, and we should forgive each other. I care for you and for Betsy. I’m hoping our courtship grows more serious as we learn more about each other. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you to tell me about your past. Danki for being open and honest with me.”
She relaxed her tense shoulders. He hadn’t withdrawn or held anything she’d done against her. She half expected him to pay the check and drop her off at home as fast as possible, but he’d listened and not judged her. Andrew Wittmer was a keeper. She’d be heartbroken if there was something they couldn’t overcome that severed their courtship. “Danki for your understanding. It means more to me than you know.”
The waitress returned with their hot chocolate. “I apologize. I got distracted and took too long bringing your drinks out. If you don’t want them, I’ll take them off your bill.” She sucked in her bottom lip and waited.
Andrew patted the table. “No need to apologize. We’ve been enjoying our conversation and didn’t notice. Leave them. It’s all right. Danki.”
Maryann admired him for his kindness to the waitress. Not all men would be as patient or forgiving. She scanned the restaurant. They didn’t have anyone seated around them, except for a couple in the far opposite corner not paying attention to them. This had been the perfect evening to tell him what he needed to know about her before they moved further along in this courtship. She pressed a hand to her chest. He’d be a good partner to communicate with and resolve problems together.
She was amazed he wasn’t already married. “Were there any available women who caught your attention before you moved to Charm?”
“A couple, but neither worked out.”
“You must tell me more. I told you everything.” Maryann swallowed around the trepidation in her throat. She hoped both these women wouldn’t show up or pursue him. He was handsome and humorous and had ambition. What could’ve happened to deter him from courting them?
Andrew traced the top of his hot chocolate cup. “Natalie and I went to school together. She lived one farm over from ours. We were childhood friends and our friendship blossomed into a courtship when we were sixteen. She developed a terrible cough, became weak and bedridden, and died within six months. I mourned her death for over a year.”
Maryann’s eyes widened. “How tragic.” She shook her head. “It’s difficult to lose someone you love. I’m sorry.” She toyed with her red and white checkered cotton napkin. “You didn’t open your heart to anyone after Natalie?” She couldn’t imagine girls had left him alone. He had everything to offer them. He’d inherited his parents’ farm and he could handcraft beautiful furniture. He was handsome, kind, and courteous. Those traits were enough to entice any woman.
He rolled his eyes and sighed. “Then there was Maggie. She was a redheaded spitfire. She wanted to get married much sooner than I was ready, and she broke off our courtship. Four months later, she met and married Nathaniel. I went to their wedding and wished them well. And there’s the end of my courting stories. I believe I’ve met the last woman I’ll need in my life.” He grinned. “I should take you home. You have to get up early tomorrow.” He paid the check, helped her on with her gray wool hooded cape, and escorted her outside.
She slipped her mittens on her hands, held one out, and watched the snowflakes melt. “I like having snow for Christmas. Maybe we can work in some time for ice skating together soon.”
He slid onto the bench beside her, and rolled the brown broadcloth curtains to the buggy floor to shut out the cold wind and moisture. The curtains were used instead of doors on the enclosed buggy to save money, and they made the opening easier to get in and out. But he wondered if they might be a good investment. He then guided the mare to head to her home not far from town. “Good idea. We’ll check the ice pond near your property and go when it’s safe.” He reached back and covered her with a dark green wool blanket he kept on the back bench.
She held the lantern to light the way. This night couldn’t have gone any better, aside from the news he may have to search for a store site outside of Charm. Mamm was older, and Maryann had been the only one who could pull her out of her gloomy moods. Betsy had brought much joy to Mamm’s life. Daed and Joel thanked her often for being there for Mamm and them. She couldn’t leave Mamm again and have her suffer, bringing hardship to her family. Andrew was in Charm now, and there was a good possibility he’d stay. She’d ignore his suggestion that he might have to move in the future. “This is a good packing snow. We might get an extra two inches on top of the two already on the ground.”
He pulled close to her haus where her parents had set out lanterns on the porch to provide light for them. He stepped out and helped her down. Then he set the lantern on the snow on the ground. He bent, pushed snow together to form a ball, and ran with it making a larger ball for a snowman.
She laughed and made one herself and ran with it to make a medium-sized ball for the snowman’s middle.
“Stop!” He ran to her, hoisted hers, and set it on top of his big one. “We need one for the snowman’s head.” He rolled another one and set it on top of the middle snowball. “This is for Betsy. She’ll be tickled and amazed when she wak
es up and peeks out the window.” He reached up and pulled a thin branch off a small tree. He broke it in half and stuck them on either side of the snowman for arms.
“She will love having a snowman in our yard! I’ve made little ones when we’ve played outside. She loves the snow, and her cheeks turn bright red in the cold. She cries when I take her in, even though she must be freezing.”
“Are you looking forward to more kinner?” He escorted her to the door.
“Yes, I do want more. Do you?”
“Yes, as many as the woman I marry will agree to. I’d have a houseful.” He rubbed his gloves together and shivered. “We can continue this conversation later. I don’t want to keep you out too long. You’ll resent me when you’re having trouble staying awake tomorrow.”
She could’ve enjoyed his company the rest of the night. She didn’t want to leave him. He made her heart soar. She wanted to know every little thing about this man. But she was a mamm and she did have a job. “I do have to be at the bakery by five. You must get up early too.”
“I do, but I can take my time doing my chores. You have hungry mouths to feed and bread to bake. Good night, Maryann. I’ll stop by the bakery and we’ll make more plans together.”
“I look forward to it, and danki again for tonight.” She went inside. She was thankful to have a minute alone in the living room. Her parents must be in the sitting room. Betsy would be asleep. Happy butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She closed her eyes and whispered, “Dear Heavenly Father, please don’t let anything kumme between Andrew and me. Danki for putting him in my life. I love you, Father. Amen.”
She opened the door to Betsy’s bedroom and peeked in at her. Betsy, lay flat on her back, fast asleep, and with her tiny lips parted. Peaceful and precious, she was comfortable. She opened the door to the sitting room.
Mamm threw her knitting needles and ball of yarn in the basket and strode to her. “Are you all right? I was worried. The snow and ice can be treacherous.”
Maryann rubbed the back of her neck. Mamm was overreacting. She didn’t want to confront her. It was easier to ignore Mamm’s anxiety. “Where’s Daed?”
“He’s gone to bed. I couldn’t sleep until you were home. I was sure you were in an accident.” Mamm wiped a tear.
She gazed into Mamm’s worried eyes. Her resolve wavered. She should be more compassionate. Mamm couldn’t help her over-the-top possessiveness of her. Maryann held her. “Mamm, I’m fine. Andrew took good care of me. Everything’s all right.”
Mamm calmed and she released Maryann. “If you marry Andrew, I’m happy his property is close and one over from ours.” Mamm gripped her sleeve. “And you’ll visit me, and I can kumme to your haus. You and Betsy mean the world to me.” Mamm’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m blessed and happy you’re with us. I missed you when you were gone.”
“You don’t need to worry. Please, Mamm. Please relax.” She held Mamm’s hand, kissed it, and watched Mamm go into her bedroom before entering hers. Maryann’s chest tightened. She was relieved Mamm had not been frustrated and argumentative. Mamm’s obsession over her, and now Betsy, was abnormal. It always had been, but what could she do but reassure her?
She couldn’t imagine how awful it had been for Joel and Daed when she was away. She and Betsy had proved to be the best medicine for keeping Mamm even tempered and happy. She loved her, and she would take care of her. It was her duty as her dochder. Joel and Daed needed her to take on this role, and she owed it to them and to Mamm. She prayed Andrew would stay in Charm.
* * *
Andrew had a good time with Maryann this evening. On his way home from her haus, he grimaced and drove under a large hanging branch. Thud. His heart beat fast as he glanced over his shoulder. He shuddered. The large limb had just missed him. He shook off the scare and pictured Maryann’s big blue eyes. He was falling in love with her. Her story about her late husband and Betsy touched his heart. He’d heard part of it before today. She’d been open and shared the details. He respected her for being forthcoming.
Her having a child wouldn’t turn him away. He loved kinner. Maryann was strong and courageous to return to Charm and Amish life. Most Amish would wilkom her with open arms, but each community had their share of gossips and not all of them would accept her without judgment and ridicule.
A buggy passed with an Amish couple in it. “Good evening.”
He nodded and tipped his hat to them. Charm was a friendly community. He’d made a good choice moving here. Maryann had been a wilkom find. He got the impression her mamm’s illness was unusual. Not the kind of sickness he’d ever encountered. Her closeness to Maryann sounded overly possessive, unlike most Amish mamms. He could tell Maryann felt her mamm was her responsibility. It was a lot for Maryann to have on her back.
He should’ve told her his secret, but maybe it wasn’t necessary. He was doing the right thing keeping the information to himself. It might keep her from giving him a chance. Maybe he’d tell her someday, but not for a long time. It was the Amish way not to discuss such things. He had done nothing wrong, but his association with this particular man might upset her. She’d put her past behind her, and he wanted to leave it there. He pushed this man out of his mind. She had enough responsibility with Betsy, her mamm, and the bakery. He wanted to show his support and encouragement and learn all he could about her.
* * *
Andrew threw on his coat and headed for the woodshop. This Tuesday morning had flown by. He slid on the long patch of ice, regained his footing, and stomped through the inches of snow on the way to the woodshop not far from his barn. He scrutinized different pieces of maple, pine, hardwood, and cedar. He could work for hours and make beautiful furniture, toys, and gifts. A property manager was what he needed.
He’d ask Maryann for her recommendation, since she knew a lot of the Amish. He valued Maryann’s opinion, and it was good to ask her advice and discuss what was on his mind. She didn’t shy away from the hard questions he’d asked her.
He sanded four maple table legs and then closed his doors. He hitched the horse to the buggy and headed for the bakery. He’d had such a good time with her last night, and this was a good excuse to meet with her again.
He drove five minutes to the bakery, parked in front of it, entered and shut the door against the crisp and cold wind. He gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. Two customers came in and walked past him to the counter. “Maryann, you’re busy. I’ll kumme back.”
She waved him over to a stool at the side counter. “Nonsense. Have a seat.” She poured him a cup of coffee and greeted her customers. She filled their orders and then served him a warm maple sugar cookie.
“Danki.” He watched her with the two Englisch women.
She treated them as if they were her friends. She satisfied their orders, packaged them, and accepted their money fast. Liza, the owner of the store, was blessed to have such an efficient and friendly manager.
“I came to ask a favor.”
“I’ll be happy to help.” She quirked a brow.
“I’d like to hire a property manager who can also construct furniture. I wouldn’t expect him to build during the busier planting and growing months. But having a property manager in that period would free me to build and consign pieces to sell to Mr. Kline, and it’s what I love to do.”
Maryann tapped her nails on the counter. “Would you be willing to train someone on wood crafting?”
He nodded. “Do you have a man in mind?”
“Rachael’s bruder, Toby. He’s a hard worker, and he has taken the role of man of the haus and provided for the family since their daed’s illness. They have a small garden, and he works odd jobs to make ends meet. He’s quiet, and I don’t know him well. I trust Rachael’s opinion. She’s been a blessing to us in the bakery. Let’s talk to her. Just a minute.” She stuck her head in the open doorway to the kitchen. “Rachael, will you join me for a minute?”
Rachael limped to the counter and stood next to her. “Good morning,
Andrew. Maryann, what can I do for you?”
“Andrew needs help at his place. What about Toby? It would be steady employment.”
Rachael cupped her cheeks. “What a marvelous idea. Toby needs dependable work. He tires of traveling from one farm to the next for small jobs two and three times a day. He doesn’t say, but I suspect he worries if the work will be available ongoing to pay our bills. He’s proud and doesn’t like to ask for handouts.”
Andrew sipped his coffee. “I’d like to speak with him. Where’s your place?”
Rachael met his gaze. “We live a mile out of town. We’re the second haus on the left on Mill Road. Danki for considering Toby.”
“You’re doing me a favor. I look forward to discussing the job with him.” Andrew finished his coffee. “I shouldn’t keep you both any longer.” He stood.
“Goodbye, Andrew.” Rachael limped to the kitchen.
“Danki for stopping by. Don’t be a stranger.” Maryann smiled.
“We’ll get together soon.” Andrew winked at her and left to visit Toby. He drove the short distance, parked his buggy in front of the small haus, and knocked on the door. A tall man about his same height and a few years younger than himself answered the door.
“How can I help you?” Toby held the door open halfway.
“I assume you’re Toby?”
Toby tilted his head. “Yes. Have we met?”
Andrew held out his hand. “I’m Andrew Wittmer, and I live on this same road about four farms past yours. I am courting Maryann Harding. I spoke with her and your schweschder, Rachael, at the bakery this morning and she recommended I speak to you about the property manager job I have open. They hoped you might be interested.”
Toby’s eyes widened, and he shook Andrew’s hand. “Yes, I’m Toby. Please kumme in. I am interested.”
The haus was sparsely furnished. He sat on one of three maple chairs with worn cushions. The logs in the small fireplace fed a little fire to keep the room warm. He breathed in the scent of liniment. He eyed a basket of bandages and a jar of liniment next to a chair with a tattered patchwork quilt bunched on the seat about three feet from him. He rose as a tall, thin woman with tired eyes entered the room.
