by Molly Jebber
“I’ll be in right after I unharness and put your horse in the barn.” Toby followed him.
Andrew crossed the snow-covered ground between the barn and the haus. The clouds moved in and covered the sun. The sky was a blanket of gray. Much like his mood. He carried the letter to the shop, lifted the latch to a small wooden box he kept on the shelf, and dropped the envelope inside. He chose the hardwood and sawed it into four sections for table legs. He lifted one and sanded it.
Toby joined him. “What would you like me to do?”
Andrew nodded to a section of wood. “Sand one of the three sections of wood left for use as a table leg. We’ll try and finish all four before you leave.” They worked for the next two hours until all four were complete. Andrew studied them. “Two need a little more sanding. You take one and I’ll take the other. The last two are fine.”
Toby sat on the stool and balanced his piece on his legs. “You’ve changed my life, Andrew. We’ve become friends, and you’ve given me a love for building furniture, toys, and more. I want to learn it all.”
“You’ve got talent, Toby. I enjoy training you. You take care of your family and work hard. You need something to look forward to. I’m pleased it’s handcrafting.” He didn’t want to disappoint Toby. He’d have to find him a full-time position with a steady income.
“Sometimes, the weight of the responsibility and worrying if Daed will be with us much longer gets to me. Please keep this between us. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love my family. But being at your place takes my mind off things.”
“We’re friends. You can talk to me about anything. I’ve had to get things off my chest about Maryann, and you’ve listened to me. I’ve benefited from your friendship, too.”
Toby reminded him of a close friend he’d had in the past. He pushed the painful thought away.
Andrew patted his gloves together to release the wood dust. “Our fire in the stove is dimming. I’ll go outside for more small logs.”
Toby stood. “I’ll get it.”
Andrew pushed the door open. “You stay put. I’ll be right back.” He walked out and a black dog wagged his tail and stared at him. “Kumme to me, boy. You’re a puppy. Do you belong to anyone? You’re scrawny, and you must be hungry.” He gathered some wood and the dog followed him inside.
“Who’s your friend?” Toby patted his leg, and the dog ran to him. He scratched the dog’s ears. “I haven’t noticed this dog in town before today. Do you think his owner abandoned him?”
Andrew watched Toby and the dog. The animal ran to Toby and wagged his tail. His friend couldn’t hide his excitement. The last thing he needed was a pet. Maybe Toby could take the dog home. That might not be a good idea with his daed sick. His daed needed quiet.
“I’m sure the owner dropped him off. We’re both familiar with our Amish community’s pets, and this one is new to both of us. Do you want to take him home?”
Toby’s cheeks reddened. “I can’t take the chance it might disturb Daed. If you keep him, I’ll take care of him while I’m at your haus. What should we call him?” He snapped his fingers. “His fur is pitch-black. How about Pepper?”
“Pepper is a great name.” He would tell Toby about his possible move to Millersburg tomorrow after he spoke with Maryann. He’d figure out what to do about the dog later. “Sure, I can keep him.” What was he saying? He should tell him no and why. Not now.
“Someone’s rapping on the door.” Toby got up and opened it. “Bishop, kumme in and get warm by the fire.” Toby stepped aside and unfolded a wooden chair for him.
Bishop Fisher sat close to the stove and held his hands near its warmth. “We didn’t settle dates for your counseling sessions when you secured the wedding day with me, Andrew. We can start them in April. Are Tuesdays at six in the evening agreeable to you and Maryann?”
Andrew cleared his throat. This was getting more complicated by the minute. He had to speak with Maryann this evening. Would they move the wedding up? Marry in Millersburg? Maybe he could find someone in Millersburg to run the store so he could return to Charm for April and go to the counseling meetings. His head started to ache. “Sure. Please mark your calendar. If Maryann needs a different day and time, I’ll discuss it with you. Danki for stopping by. Would you like coffee? We have some on the stove inside the haus.”
“No, I’ve got errands to run.” He stood. “Toby, how is your father? I’ll visit him today.”
Toby’s eyes saddened. “He’s not any worse. He has been eating better, but he’s weak.”
“Let’s say a prayer for him.” The bishop prayed with them. “Toby, you’re doing a good job taking care of your family.” He scanned the woodshop. “I’m glad you’re working with Andrew. Have you always wanted to craft furniture?”
Toby nodded and held up the table leg. “Yes, but I’ve not had the opportunity until now with Andrew. I like the hobby much better than I’d anticipated.” He held up a near-completed table leg. “This is my project for today.”
Bishop Fisher whistled. “Looks good.”
“He’s caught on fast.” Guilt ran through Andrew. He wouldn’t have much time to teach Toby everything he’d planned. He’d hoped to have Toby make and sell furniture of his own. At least Toby had the skills now to make potato boxes and small things.
The bishop bid them farewell and left.
Hours later, Andrew finished the last of the four legs and glanced at the clock on the shelf in the woodshop. “It’s almost time for you to go home. I’m going to head over to Maryann’s. I’ll catch up with you in the morning. You did a good job on the table legs. We’ll put it together tomorrow.”
“Danki, Andrew.”
Andrew went to the haus, freshened up, and left for Maryann’s haus. His stomach churned. He was concerned about his uncle’s health. His uncle had helped out his family and later himself when his parents died. He’d stayed with him for a few months after his parents passed. He loved him, and they’d been close.
Andrew turned into her place, and Maryann was walking from the barn to the haus. He parked and jumped out. “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
“It’s never a bad time for you.” She shivered and pulled her cape closer. “Let’s go inside where it’s warm. Did you talk with Bishop Fisher? I missed you kumming to the bakery today. Ellie came in to the bakery, and she mentioned she noticed you leaving town. Why didn’t you stop in?”
“I’m sorry. I had errands to run. I planned on telling you what the bishop said tonight. The bishop marked his calendar. May fourteenth is the day we’ll wed.” He grinned and followed her inside. He should’ve visited her at the bakery. He hadn’t considered a friend or family member might’ve noticed him in town and told Maryann. She’d accepted his explanation without hesitation. He wasn’t sorry he’d taken the time to think things through. He was ready to tell her tonight what they were facing. Her mamm sat in a chair, with Betsy on a blanket at her feet playing with a small wooden duck, cow, and pig.
“Andrew, I hope you’ll stay for supper. We’re having ham and beans and cornbread.” Naomi stood.
He inhaled the aroma of fresh cornbread. “I’d love to. Danki.” Andrew stooped to Betsy.
Betsy raised her arms.
He picked her up. His heart thumped with joy. “She came to me!”
“She took to you the second time we talked at an after-church meal.” Maryann beamed.
Shem joined them in the living room. “I thought I recognized your voice, Andrew. You must stay and have supper with us.”
Naomi smiled at her husband. “I invited him, and he said yes. It will be a pleasure to have him.” She tilted her head and grinned. “I’m working on Maryann’s dress for the wedding. I’m relieved you’re not taking my girls away. We’re fortunate you’ll only be a short distance from our place.”
Shem chuckled. “She’ll cook your favorite meals to entice you to supper every night. You may wish you lived far away.” He chuckled and winked at his fraa.
“You stop your
teasing, Shem Wenger.” She gave him a playful grin.
Maryann rubbed her mamm’s back. “We may not make it every night, but we’ll be happy to oblige often. We both love Mamm’s cooking.”
Andrew bit his bottom lip. His news would break Naomi’s heart. He didn’t relish this. He cared about her. But he didn’t have a choice. He’d wait until after supper. “Naomi, you are an excellent cook.”
Naomi beamed. “It’s about ready. I’ve had it on the stove, and the cornbread should be golden brown in about five minutes.”
Maryann took Betsy from Andrew. “I’ll go change her diaper and be right back.”
Shem gestured for Andrew to sit. “Danki for making Maryann happy. I have no doubt you’ll be a good daed to Betsy. She’s been through a rough time, and we’re grateful she’s kumme home and then found you. Naomi’s a new person with Maryann and Betsy around, which makes our family’s lives much easier.”
Andrew shifted in his seat. He rubbed the back of his neck. He couldn’t get comfortable. He’d have to tell Maryann alone and let her and Shem tell Naomi after he left. They would know how to calm her. Maybe he should tell Shem first. “Shem, I have—”
Naomi held a dish towel to her chest. “Kumme and sit. The food’s on the table.”
Shem gazed at Andrew. “Did you have something you wanted to tell me?”
“It can wait.” He followed the family to the kitchen.
Maryann put Betsy in her high chair. She dipped a small serving of beans and ham chunks and mashed it to make it easier for Betsy to chew. Betsy clapped her hands and held her little spoon.
Naomi had the table set with food already on their plates. She had provided full glasses of water for each of them. “Shem, say the blessing before everything gets cold.”
They bowed their heads, and Shem prayed for the food and raised his head. “Maryann, will you work at the bakery after you and Andrew marry?”
“Yes. I’d like to. Do you mind continuing to care for Betsy for me? I love the customers and working with Magdelena and Rachael. I’d be heartsick to leave.” Maryann poured half her water into a smaller tin cup for Betsy.
“I had hoped you would keep your position at the bakery. Betsy and I have a good time together. I would’ve been sad to change our routine.” Naomi grinned at Betsy.
Betsy picked up her cup with both hands and drank half of the water. “Firsty.” She grinned.
They laughed.
Naomi slathered apple butter on her cornbread. “Andrew, do you mind Maryann working?”
He shook his head. “I don’t mind. It’s her decision. I’m agreeable with whatever she desires.” She’d miss her friends and the bakery. They both had family responsibilities. How was this going to work?
Maryann beamed. “I’ve got to get your measurements. I need to stitch a new shirt and pants for you for the wedding.”
“I’ll be happy to help with them. I’ll make the pants. They are your least favorite thing to stitch.” Naomi took a bite of her cornbread.
“Mamm, how sweet of you. I’ll take you up on it. Danki.”
“Yes. Danki.” Andrew scooped up a spoonful of food.
Shem raised a finger. “Several of the men have mentioned to me how kind of you it is to employ Toby. The community is doing what they can for the family. Mr. Schlabach’s illness is such a mystery. He has good and bad days, but he’ll never work again. It can’t be easy on Toby, his mamm, and his schweschder.”
“He’s been a good find. I’ve had him in the woodshop making small projects. He’s observant and pays attention to detail. He’ll be ready to sell what he’s made in Mr. Kline’s store soon. They do their best for Mr. Schlabach, but it is difficult for them to watch him struggle to move and not be the strong man they remember. Toby says his daed doesn’t complain and he asks for little.” A pang of guilt pricked him. Toby. He’d made the man’s life easier, and everything would change if he moved away. He was disappointing a lot of people with this move. He needed to talk about a happier subject. “We have a new pet.”
Maryann’s eyes widened. “What?”
“A black dog showed up, and Toby took to him right away. I must say the dog is easy to like.” He couldn’t tell if Maryann liked him taking in the dog or not.
Shem held his water glass. “Is your pet a girl or a boy?”
“Pepper is a male, medium-sized, good-looking dog. Friendly and loving. Pepper made it hard to refuse him food and a new home.” Maybe Maryann’s family would want the dog when he had to leave to go to his uncle Luke’s and aunt Dora’s. He didn’t want to take a dog without asking for their permission first.
Maryann grinned. “I love dogs, but I didn’t want the responsibility. I’m considering a puppy for Betsy when she is older and can take care of it. When can I meet Pepper?”
“You’re wilkom anytime, or I can bring him for a visit.” Having Maryann take the dog wasn’t going to work. She didn’t think it was the right time for Betsy. He’d leave Pepper at his haus and ask Toby to take care of the dog for now and figure out what to do about the pet later.
“We aren’t ready for a dog full-time, but Betsy would love to pet it. Mamm and Daed, do you mind if Andrew brings Pepper over for a visit?”
Naomi set her napkin on the table. “I’d enjoy it.”
“Me too.” Shem drank the rest of his water.
Betsy rubbed her dirty hands on her mouth and laughed. “Done.”
Maryann wiped her dochder’s hands and mouth and removed her bib. “You did a good job cleaning your plate, little one.” She lifted her out of the high chair. “I’ll change her into her gown, read her a story, and put her to bed.”
“I’ll help clear the dishes.” Andrew carried over the dirty plates.
Shem poured warm water from the pot on the stove. “I’ll help wash.”
Naomi shooed him away. “Andrew and I will clear the table and wash and dry the dishes. You go relax in your favorite chair.”
Andrew dried while Naomi washed the dishes. “Your meal was delicious.” He studied her. Her face had become ashen white.
Naomi moaned, lifted her hands out of the water, and grabbed her head. She dropped to the floor and rocked back and forth. “The pain is excruciating. I can’t stand it.” She closed her eyes and groaned.
Andrew knelt beside her, his heart thumping fast in his chest. “Naomi, what can I do for you?” He felt helpless. From her pallor, he was afraid she’d pass out. “Shem, please kumme quick! Naomi’s in pain and holding her head.”
Shem hurried to the kitchen from the living room and supported her as she stood. He circled his arm around her waist and held her arm. “It’s all right, Naomi. Let me take you to bed. I’ll get the aspirin powder.”
“Would you like me to help you, Shem?” Andrew’s heart thumped fast. “Or should I summon Dr. Harrison?”
“Dr. Harrison says there’s nothing he can do for her. She needs darkness and quiet. Danki, Andrew.”
He watched Shem and Naomi leave the kitchen. The woman had scared him. She had been in serious pain. He washed and dried the last of the dirty dishes and wiped his hands. How often did Naomi have these severe headaches? Maryann hadn’t mentioned them.
Maryann walked into the kitchen almost ten minutes later. “I finally got Betsy to sleep after reading her a story. I thought I heard you call for Daed. Is everything all right? Where are my parents?”
“Naomi has a terrible headache. Shem took her to lie down. Does she have headaches often?”
Maryann fidgeted her hands. “She’s had headaches, and she says these are more painful than any she’s had before. Maybe we should ask Dr. Harrison to kumme, or take her to him.”
He gazed into her worried eyes. “I offered to ask Dr. Harrison to kumme, and Shem said no and he’d give her aspirin powder.”
She paced. “I should go talk to him and check on Mamm.”
Andrew put his hand on her shoulder. “Give them time together. I’m sure he’ll join us in a few minutes. Then yo
u can find out why he chose not to alert the doctor.”
Shem had been calm, as if he’d gone through this with his fraa more than once. He’d wait for Shem and let Maryann ask her questions. This night was turning out worse than he’d expected.
Shem padded into the kitchen. “Andrew, danki for taking care of the dishes.”
“I’m happy to do it.”
“Daed, what should we do about Mamm? We have to get her help.”
Shem motioned for them to go to the sitting room. “Kumme sit, and I’ll explain. Your mother didn’t want you to know how bad her headaches have gotten, but you should know.”
They sat, and Shem cleared his throat. “She had her first bad headache two weeks ago. She couldn’t stand light or noise. She has intense pressure on the right side of her head, and she becomes nauseated and loses any food in her stomach. Some are more painful than others.
“She told me tonight’s occurrence was the most agonizing. I had Dr. Harrison to the haus after the first episode. He said they don’t have much information about these kinds of things. He suggested we could try and find a more knowledgeable doctor. Your mamm refused.” He sighed. “Dr. Harrison offered the aspirin powder and said a dark room and rest is best when they happen. A cool cloth over her eyes is comforting. Her mood changes are challenging, and now this happening worries me. I suspect the two go hand-in-hand.”
Maryann blinked back tears. “Didn’t Grossmudder complain of severe headaches, and then she died after one of them?”
Shem nodded. “Yes. Your grossmudder did have severe headaches, and she did pass after having a severe one. I’m thankful your mamm has recovered after having each one. The doctors don’t know much more than they did when your grossmudder passed. We just have to put Naomi in God’s hands.”
Maryann dried her tears with the corner of her apron. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She pressed a hand to her chest. “My heart hurts for her. I want to do something to help her.”
“You’ve been working at the bakery when she’s had them. She said not to tell you. And there’s nothing you can do. I’ve taken care of Betsy when she’s had headaches.”
