by Molly Jebber
Maryann gasped and pressed her hand to her throat. “He’s in Millersburg. The town’s about nine and a half miles from here, which would be two and a half to three hours by buggy, depending on stops or no stops.” She rambled and paced the floor. “What about the wedding? My job at the bakery? And Mamm? Taking Betsy away from my parents?” She crossed her arms and plopped in the chair. Worry lines creased her lovely face. “I’m sorry. I’m being selfish thinking of my side of things. You care about your uncle like I care about Mamm. I understand your uncle needs you. You must go, and then we’ll have more information.” She gazed at him with concerned eyes. “There’s much to ponder, discuss, and overcome.”
Andrew reached for her hand. “Maryann, please relax. It hurts me to have you upset. I waited this week to allow you to digest what’s going on with your mamm before revealing my uncle’s need. Like you, I’m unsettled about this. I’ve asked the same questions, and I don’t have answers.” He gently squeezed her fingers. “I’ll visit my aunt and uncle, find out what they’re facing, and find out how I can help. They’ve been there for my family and were there for me when my parents passed. My uncle is like another daed to me. His offer to give his store to me is like a dream kumme true. I’ll keep my place in Charm and have Toby manage it. I need to assess my uncle’s health and the store first before I buy a place in Millersburg and sell my property here.”
Maryann gripped her apron. “I didn’t plan on leaving Charm ever again. This is quite a shock. I love you, Andrew, and I want to marry you. Betsy adores you, and I have no doubt you’d be a wonderful daed to her. But there’s much to consider. Mamm’s severe headaches give me pause. Daed and Joel depend on me. Ellie is about to have a boppli, and Mamm isn’t right in the head with her mood swings, and now she has this new development. I’ve put them through so much. I’m torn.” She held her cheeks.
Andrew gently removed her hands from her face and held them. “Please, Maryann. Let’s not fret. We’ll take things one step at a time.”
“When will you leave?” She wiped a tear.
“I’ve been preparing to leave this week. I’ll go in the next two days.” His stomach knotted. It hurt to upset her. “I might not be back for Christmas. It may take longer to get things in order for him. I’ll ask Toby to drop off gifts from me for you and your family.”
Maryann slapped her skirt. “I almost forgot to give you the presents I have for you and your aunt and uncle. I’ll be right back.” She left and returned with three packages.
“Danki. I won’t peek at mine until Christmas.” He winked and hoped he’d lightened her mood.
“You mentioned Toby would drop off our gifts. He must be disappointed about you moving to Millersburg. You and he have made a good team.” She gasped. “Does Toby have Pepper?”
“He does have Pepper. We’ve become close friends. I do plan to find him work when my place sells. I’ll pay him to oversee my property while I’m away and to care for Pepper, so his routine won’t change for a while.”
“Will Toby keep Pepper and take care of him at your place when he’s there during the day?”
“Yes. This arrangement works out best for everyone. I don’t want to add any more stress to your family.”
“Betsy would be tickled to have a pet, but you’re wise. The timing isn’t right for us to have a dog.”
“Maryann, we need to pray and be patient. I believe it is God’s will for us to work out. We’ll keep our wedding date.” He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.
“Your uncle and Mamm’s illnesses complicate our having a life together. We’re both needed by our families.” She held his hand. “Andrew, what are we going to do? I don’t want to lose you.”
“We must have faith. I’ll miss you while I’m away. I’ll return as soon as I can. It may take weeks or months, depending on my uncle’s health.” He gazed into her eyes. “Let’s pray together.” Andrew prayed for Naomi and his uncle’s health and for God’s intervention to give them direction in what to do. They opened their eyes and gazed at each other. Andrew said, “Let’s tell your daed while your mamm is resting.”
Andrew and Maryann found Shem in the living room sitting by the fire reading his Holy Bible.
Andrew sat across from him. “Shem, I have to leave Charm to check on my uncle, who is ill. He has offered me his large store in Millersburg. I hadn’t considered the store, since he had a partner. But his partner died. I’m leaving Sunday. It would mean Maryann and I would live in Millersburg after the wedding.”
Shem shut his Bible and set it on the end table beside him. “The timing isn’t good with Naomi’s bad health. Could you open a store in our town?”
“Millersburg is a larger town than Charm, and my uncle has a big store with established customers. He and my aunt need my help due to his failing health. Mr. Kline has a store not as big, and it’s not for sale. Charm is a small town. I don’t want to open another furniture store and compete with him here. It wouldn’t work.” He sighed. “I’m concerned for Naomi, and I realize it will be a hardship for your family if Maryann chooses to move with me. She can visit, but I realize that’s not the same as having her living close by.”
Maryann knelt beside her daed. “What am I going to do?”
Shem patted her hand. “Your wedding isn’t until May. Maybe your mamm’s health will improve. Your moving would make things worse for her condition. It’s a hard decision for you, dochder. Let’s pray on this.”
Andrew pressed his elbows to his sides. He’d hoped to have Shem’s support and encouragement. He didn’t blame the man. Naomi’s mental state and severe headaches would be too much for him to handle. He had a farm to run. Ellie and Joel couldn’t take over her care. They would soon have a child to raise and a farm to manage. His marriage to Maryann was looking bleak. “Your daed’s right. We’ve got until our wedding date to assess how Naomi and my uncle are doing.”
Her lips trembling, she rose and nodded.
He winced and stood. “I wish I didn’t have to leave, but I’ve got a lot to do tomorrow to get ready to leave the next day. I’ll tell Toby what has transpired and ask him to stay on to manage the property and care for the dog.”
Shem shook his hand. “I pray God intervenes and you and Maryann can stay in Charm and open a store in town. As I get older, I realize how much it means to us to have Joel, Maryann, and Betsy close.”
“I’ve prayed for a store, and God has answered my prayer. And my uncle needs me. I hope you understand my point of view if we still need to relocate to Millersburg.” Andrew liked Shem, and he enjoyed a good relationship with him. It was important Maryann’s daed understood why he’d ask Maryann to live in Millersburg.
“Don’t misunderstand. I like you, Andrew. You’re an excellent choice for a husband for Maryann and daed for Betsy. I wish the circumstances were different. Travel safe and write when you have time. We’ll look forward to your return.”
Andrew nodded.
Maryann threw her cape around her shoulders and handed him his coat. “I’ll walk you out.”
Andrew followed her outside and they stood on the porch. The cold temperature turned Maryann’s nose and cheeks red. His face grew cold. He wouldn’t keep her outside long. He put his hands on her shoulders. “I love you, and I’ll miss you every day.”
Tears trickled down her cheeks. “I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I’m afraid I may have to if our circumstances don’t change.”
“I love you, and I believe we’ll be together in the end of this.” He’d written down his aunt and uncle’s address on a slip of paper and pressed it in her palm. “Write when you have time, and I’ll do the same.” He kissed her gently on the lips, held her gaze for a moment, and left. Why must life be so difficult?
* * *
The next morning, Andrew tightened the scarf around his neck, crunched the icy snow beneath his boots, and met Toby’s wagon next to the tall white barn. “Toby, kumme inside before you get started on chores. I’ve got eg
gs, bacon, and fresh biscuits on the table. Even if you’ve grabbed something at home this morning, join me anyway.”
Pepper stood beside Andrew and wagged his tail as Toby patted the dog’s head.
Toby straightened and patted his stomach. “Sounds delicious. Danki. Rachael and I both left without breakfast this morning. Mamm usually has eggs or pancakes for us, but she stayed up most of the night with Daed.”
“Trouble with his breathing?”
Toby nodded.
Andrew and Pepper hustled with Toby into the haus and to the kitchen.
Toby took a seat. “He had a persistent cough last night. He finally got to sleep after Mamm gave him some tea with honey and rubbed his chest with Vicks Croup and Pneumonia Salve.”
Pepper sat between Andrew and Toby’s chairs.
Andrew served Toby and himself breakfast and hot coffee. He and Toby bowed their heads, and Andrew prayed to God and thanked Him for the food. He tore open his biscuit and offered Pepper half. “I’m glad he got some rest. Maybe today will be better for him.” He slathered it with honey. “I received a letter from my uncle who lives in Millersburg. He’s ill and would like me to manage his store for him. I’ll leave this morning. I’m not sure when I’ll return to Charm.”
Toby cleared his throat. “I’ll pray for your uncle.” He traced the rim of his coffee cup. “Will you sell your place? Will you and Maryann wed in Charm or Millersburg?”
“It’s been a shock for me and Maryann, and I’m sure it is for you. My uncle had a partner who died. I had never considered my uncle’s store as an option for me, but his partner’s death changes things. Maryann isn’t happy about leaving her family again. Don’t worry. I won’t sell this property right away. I’ll discuss the offer with my uncle, ask about his health, and then make a decision.”
“Are you close to him?”
“Yes. He and my aunt were close with my family and stayed in touch with me after my parents passed.” He set his fork on the plate. “Do you mind managing the place alone while I’m gone? Without my help, it will make more work for you. If at any time you’re needed at home more, I can hire someone to help you.”
“I can manage, and I’m happy to do it. Since it’s December and I only have the animals to take care of, I’ll have time to help with Daed if I need to. Rachael and I help in the evenings to give Mamm a break. Will you miss Christmas in Charm?”
“Yes. I have gifts in the barn for Maryann, her family, and Betsy. Do you mind delivering them right before Christmas if I’m not back? I constructed a desk and chair for Naomi and Shem, a hope chest for Maryann, a potato box for Joel and Ellie, and I bought puzzles and small wooden animals for Betsy from Mr. Kline’s store. There will be an envelope addressed to you tied to a new settee with cushions, for your family.”
Toby’s cheeks pinked. “The settee you had in the shop? It’s beautiful. My family will love it. Danki, Andrew.” He forked a small portion of scrambled eggs. “I’ll deliver them for you, and danki for the envelope and settee in advance.”
“I’m glad you and your family will enjoy the settee. I had hoped to have more time to teach you about building, but you’re catching on fast with the projects we’ve done together. It’s been a pleasure getting acquainted with you. I’m relieved you’ll be taking care of things for me while I’m away. Danki.”
“Are you certain about moving to Millersburg? You have such a nice place, and you’ve said Maryann is the one for you.” Toby squinted.
Andrew raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m not sure about anything at the moment. I’ll be better informed when I return.” Andrew carried his plate to the washbasin.
Pepper followed him.
Andrew put an extra pancake and biscuit in a bowl and placed it on the floor. He poured water from a pitcher into a second bowl for him.
Pepper put his nose in the food.
Toby glanced at the dog. “Pepper will be company for me while you’re gone. I’m blessed he came when he did. I’ll take him to visit my family. Mamm and Rachael love animals. He might lift Daed’s mood.” He headed for the door and glanced over his shoulder. “I pray you get clarity about what you need to do. It would be a shame for you and Maryann not to have a future together.”
“I’ve faced trials, but this is the hardest.” He poured himself more coffee. “I plan to find you other work if I move to Millersburg. I would take you with me when I move and hire you for the furniture store there, but I realize you wouldn’t want to leave your family.”
Toby nodded. “I appreciate it. And you’re right. I could never leave my family. I can’t imagine being in your position right now.”
“I pray you never have to experience this.” He poured hot water from the pot on the stove into his basin. “I’ll take care of the kitchen, gather my belongings, and be on my way soon. You can go ahead and tend to the animals if you’d like.”
“Danki for breakfast, and I’ll harness your horse to the buggy.”
“I’d appreciate it.” Andrew glanced over his shoulder and watched Toby leave. He cared about his friend and he would miss him. He cleaned the dishes and put them away. Maryann and her family had succeeded in making him a part of their circle. He’d miss them, too. And he liked this haus, the friends he’d made, and Bishop Fisher and Sunday services. His heart heavy, he packed two more shirts in his bag to take to his uncle’s place. He had spent the week in the barn, workshop, and haus to get things in order, and to eliminate some repairs for Toby. He had his buggy ready, said goodbye to Toby, and headed to the bishop’s haus. He arrived and knocked on the door.
Bishop Fisher rubbed his eyes and held a cup of coffee as he opened the door. “Andrew, is everything all right?”
Andrew entered the haus and took off his hat. “I won’t be at Sunday service for a while, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. My uncle is ill, and he’s asked me to kumme to his home in Millersburg as soon as possible. Please pray for Maryann and me as we face the dilemma of her mamm and my uncle’s bad health.”
“Yes. I will. It will be a tough decision for Maryann to relocate. Naomi was a handful for Shem and Joel when Maryann left the first time.”
Andrew gripped his hat. Anxiety skipped in his stomach. He’d thought nonstop about Naomi’s health and how it might be the reason Maryann wouldn’t marry him. He wouldn’t move if it wasn’t for his uncle’s health and the opportunity he was offering him. “I’m concerned about Naomi’s and my uncle’s health. Maryann and I are torn about what to do. We’re leaving it in God’s hands and keeping our wedding date. If we can’t find a way to be together, we’ll cancel it. I hope that doesn’t happen.”
“Neither do I.” He gazed at Andrew. “Will you oversee your uncle’s farm for him?”
Andrew folded his hands. “He has a manager for his farm. He’s offering me his furniture store located downtown near the general store. His partner passed away, and his shop is the size I was saving to buy. I’d be there to help my aunt and uncle at their home and manage the store. I’ll stay with them and keep my place in Charm for now. I’ll eventually sell it and buy a haus there.”
The bishop nodded and held up his cup. “I’m sorry. I should’ve offered you coffee. Would you like a cup?”
“No. Danki. I’m on my way to Millersburg. I respect you, Bishop Fisher. I wanted to tell you what was going on with me before I left town.” He walked to the door and held the knob. “I’ve appreciated getting to know you since moving to Charm.”
“It’s been a pleasure to get acquainted with you, Andrew. You and Maryann have a difficult decision to make. Before you leave, let’s pray together. Dear Heavenly Father, please protect Andrew as he travels and visits Millersburg. Be with his uncle, during this difficult time with his health. Help Andrew find the right employees for the store. Give him and Maryann the wisdom to make the right decisions as they plan to marry and relocate. Amen.” The bishop followed him to the door. “You’ve got close to a three-hour trip if you stop along the way. Do you
have enough water and food? I’ve got some ham slices and jars I can send with you.”
“Yes. I wish I was traveling in warmer temperatures, but I’ll be all right. And yes. I do have plenty of nourishment. Danki, Bishop, for your offer. But I’m all set.” Andrew pushed his hat on and left.
His teeth chattered as he covered his legs with his wool blanket to help keep him warm against the bitter cold temperature. He was ready for sunshine to melt the snow. The dirty slush on the roads wasn’t his favorite. It might take him longer than anticipated to arrive in Millersburg with these conditions. He scanned the farms along the way. The blanket of untouched white land appeared bright and clean. Icicles hung on tree branches and patches of snow decorated them. He passed through an old covered bridge and enjoyed the short reprieve from the wind batting against his broadcloth buggy curtains. He drove into Millersburg, and then found his aunt and uncle’s haus about three hours later.
A tall man with a wrinkled face and a patch of gray hair poking out from under his hat wore a big smile and approached him. He offered his hand. “I’m Levi. I manage this property for Luke Wittmer. What brings you by?”
Andrew exited the buggy and shook Levi’s hand. “I’m his nephew, Andrew. He’s expecting me.”
Levi accepted the reins. “He told me he was looking forward to your visit. A pleasure to meet you. I’ll take your horse and put him in the barn and I’ll unload your things and bring them inside. You go on in the haus. You’ll freeze standing out in this cold weather too long.”
Andrew held up his bag. “Danki, but this is all I brought.” He held on to his hat against a gust of wind. “How’s Uncle Luke doing?”
Levi shook his head. “His health has declined each week since he took ill. The doctor isn’t sure what’s wrong with him. His legs ache, and he grabs his chest when he coughs. Some days aren’t as bad as others. He uses a cane most of the time. You being with us will perk him up.”
“Danki for taking care of my horse.” He handed Levi the reins and stepped onto the porch.
