by Molly Jebber
Aunt Dora threw open the door and wrapped her thin arms around him. “Luke, Andrew has arrived!” She dropped her arms and ushered him into the living room. “Take a seat close to the stove. I’ll get you warm cocoa. You must be frozen half solid with the long three-hour drive.”
Uncle Luke sat on a thick navy cushion in his oak chair and raised a shaking, frail hand. “I’m glad you arrived safe. I’ve been looking forward to your visit.”
Andrew blinked away the tears filling his eyes. His uncle had lost his once-round stomach, and he looked much older than his age of fifty. His thick brown hair once there was gone, and now he was bald.
He crossed the room to his loved one’s chair and held his hand. “It’s been too long since our last visit together. I’m sorry you’re sick.”
“Your arrival has taken a load of worry from me. I’m in great need of your assistance at the store. I’m not over Clyde’s passing. He was such a good friend and business partner.” He motioned to the settee. “Take a seat and get comfortable.”
Aunt Dora carried in a tray with sugar cookies, embroidered napkins, and three mugs of warm cocoa. She set it on the oak coffee table. “Help yourself.” She set her husband’s cookies and mug on the end table next to him. “I’ve got a bedroom ready for you. Treat this home like it’s yours.”
He lifted the mug and sipped the cocoa and then set it back on the tray. “Aunt Dora, danki, this hits the spot. You’ve always been gracious to me.” He scanned the room. He remembered the green and white patchwork quilt Dora had made when he was a boy that was folded and draped over the settee. His uncle’s worn Bible sat on the end table. The familiar maple desk and chair he used to sit at and draw pictures on paper was nestled in the corner of the room. He’d made a couple of marks in the wood by accident. His daed wanted to tan his hide, but Uncle Luke insisted it gave the desk character and forbid it.
“The haus next door is for sale. You’ll have to drive over and get a closer look at everything to appreciate it. You’d be close to us and just a mile from the furniture store in town.” Uncle Luke broke off a piece of cookie.
“I’d rather your neighbor not wait on me to sell his haus. I need to take one thing at a time.” Studying his uncle, he caught a glimpse of what Toby was going through with his daed. The once robust man he’d known was now thin and frail. He was glad he’d kumme to help and spend time with him. He should’ve visited them before now. They’d aged, and he’d missed them.
“Do you have your haus advertised for sale?” Luke folded his hands in his lap.
“Not yet. I have a friend, Toby, taking care of the livestock while I’m with you. He’ll advertise and sell it when I write and tell him I’m ready. If you don’t mind, I’ll stay with you for a while.” Andrew didn’t want his uncle to push him into considering the haus next door. He would change the subject. “How is the store doing?” Andrew reached for a cookie.
Luke adjusted the dark blue blanket to better cover his legs. “You’re wilkom to stay with us as long as you like.” He shook his head. “The business has suffered under Zeke Miller’s management. The young man is forty, and he’s the only one I trusted to take over when Clyde passed. Zeke’s a farmer, and he has no interest in selling furniture nor is he any good at it. He’s running the business as a favor to me. He isn’t a salesman or a craftsman.”
“Do you have enough merchandise since he isn’t making furniture?” He wouldn’t have time to build anything until he learned the store, studied the accounts, and hired a craftsman.
Luke shifted in the chair and winced. “We’re low on merchandise. Two other handcrafters consign with us and their pieces have kept the store afloat. Clyde and I worked in the back of the store crafting products and furniture when we didn’t have customers. One of us was in the back at all times. We’ve built a stellar reputation and customers travel from all over to buy furniture from us. The store provided an abundant living for us until I became ill and Clyde left this earth. The crops and cattle have been good, too.”
Andrew admired his uncle. His mind was sharp, and he would be a much needed resource to bring him up-to-date and turn things around fast. “Do you have any suggestions as to who to hire as a salesman? Craftsmen I could approach to sell their pieces in the store? We could use a couple more.” Andrew would have to enlist a partner right away. He’d like to fill the store with other builders’ pieces until he had time to handcraft furniture. Customers wouldn’t return if the store was half empty, and word would spread it wasn’t worth the trip to shop there.
His uncle shook his head. “The men I’ve had work for me during peak times have taken other jobs or moved out of town. You could advertise at the general and hardware stores. Dora has taken over the accounting, and we’ve managed to pay our bills. I’d like you to take over the accounting. I’d like to get back to making extra money so we don’t have to worry each month about our living and store expenses. After you have the store making a good profit again, we can work out an agreeable percentage of money for Dora and me. We don’t need much. When I die, the store is yours.”
Andrew leaned back. “You’re being generous in not having me buy the store.”
“You’ve done us a great service to save the store.”
Andrew’s heart swelled with gratitude. “I can’t thank you enough. Danki.” He smiled at Dora. She was as patient as he remembered. She’d let them talk and hadn’t interrupted.
Dora shifted in her seat to look at Andrew. “I’m glad you’re staying with us. I’ll rest easier knowing you are living in the haus to help me if I need you.”
“Anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.” Andrew excused himself and went to his room. His heart plummeted. He’d have to move to Millersburg. He wouldn’t let his aunt and uncle down. They didn’t have any alternatives. His uncle’s illness and store put him in an unattainable position with Maryann but his choice was clear, although it ripped his heart from his chest thinking of her not wanting to leave Charm. He understood why. She was loyal to her family, and her mamm’s illness made it a no-win situation for her. What would this mean for him and Maryann? Her ending their courtship seemed inevitable, given the circumstances. He prayed Maryann would choose him, but his heart told him otherwise.
Chapter Five
Maryann helped Mamm unload the basket of dishes that she’d taken to church earlier once full of meat spread sandwiches, slaw, and a custard pie that now were empty. “I’ll set these dirty dishes in water to soak, and then we can wash and dry them in the morning.”
Hands on her hips, Mamm cocked her head. “You’ve been quieter than usual today. Are you all right? Have you and Andrew had a spat? Why wasn’t Andrew at the service this morning?”
Maryann tensed. She should’ve told her family and friends Andrew was leaving town last night. The words wouldn’t kumme out of her mouth. She would have to let Andrew go. The realization sickened her, but she had no choice. Mamm had had another severe headache last night. Her father had slept in her bed, while she slept with Mamm. He’d been exhausted and needed his rest. Her mamm had cried with pain, and it had been hard to watch. Mamm was drained but woke without pain. This would be a good time to tell them. “I have something important to tell you and Daed.”
Mamm cupped her ear and raised her chin. “The door creaked open. Joel and Ellie must be here.” She called to them. “We’re in the kitchen.” She covered Maryann’s hand and looked at her with sunken eyes. “What were you going to tell me, dear?”
“Let me tell everyone at once.” She had dreaded having to go to Joel and Ellie’s and repeat her latest news about Andrew leaving Charm. This way she would have to tell them about the latest development only once. She followed Mamm to the living room and hugged Ellie and Joel. “What a pleasant surprise.” She glanced at Ellie’s stomach. Soon she’d have a niece or nephew. She’d looked forward to being close by for the birth and being a part of the little one’s life. Betsy would have a cousin to befriend.
Daed grinne
d and gestured for Joel and Ellie to sit. “I love having my family together.”
“I’ve got pie for us. I’ll be right back.” Mamm went to the kitchen and returned carrying a tray of pie plates filled with large slices of butterscotch pie and glasses of water.
“I’m always ready for dessert, Naomi.” Daed sat next to Joel in his favorite high-backed chair.
Maryann rushed to distribute the plates and glasses. Mamm shouldn’t be doing this heavy work after last night. She held her plate, and her stomach clenched. She didn’t expect this to go well. “When you all asked why Andrew wasn’t at Sunday service, I told you he had something kumme up he had to take care of. I should’ve told you the whole story earlier, but it’s been hard for me to find the right time and words.”
“Spit it out. You’re making me nervous.” Ellie sat on the edge of her chair.
“He’s gone to visit his aunt and uncle in Millersburg. His uncle wrote a letter explaining he’d taken ill and needed Andrew to run his furniture store.”
Ellie wrinkled her nose. “Didn’t his uncle have a partner or friend who could step in for him?”
Maryann shook her head. “His partner passed away. He has a man taking over temporarily until Andrew’s arrival. His uncle was aware of Andrew’s dream to own a store, and he was sure this would be ideal for him.”
“What!” Mamm fisted her hands and paced. “You can’t be thinking of leaving. We need you. Why can’t he open a store in Charm? We have some extra money. We’ll lend it to him. Please, Shem. Say something.”
Maryann rushed to Mamm’s side. “Please, Mamm. Sit and calm down. I don’t want you to get a headache.” She squeezed her eyes shut, sucked in a deep breath, and squelched the cutting pain in her heart. “I’m not going to leave you.”
“You’re engaged to marry Andrew. You’ll have to leave if you marry him.” Mamm shook her head. “His uncle needs him. But I need you more. I can’t take it. Please don’t leave us again.” Tears rolled onto her cheeks.
Maryann’s throat ached. The all-too-familiar childlike outburst from Mamm had appeared again. She’d pushed down the strong opposing reaction she’d anticipated from Mamm. She hadn’t wanted to face the inevitable canceling of the wedding. Mamm was irrational. She couldn’t leave her, knowing she wasn’t right in the head, and with her illness. “I realize now I must cancel the wedding, and I’ll stay in Charm.”
Daed set his half-eaten pie back on the tray. “Maryann, I’m sorry you and Andrew have such difficult circumstances.”
Joel gave Maryann a steady stare. “I hope you won’t change your mind. We all need you.”
“I’m not going to change my mind.” Maryann gazed at Mamm. “Maybe you should lie down.” She worried this conversation would erupt into a severe and painful headache for Mamm. She hoped Mamm lying down would prevent this.
Mamm whimpered and went to her bedroom.
Joel paced the room. “Maryann, I mean it. Mamm has been manageable and her moods lighter since your return. It’s selfish of me to ask, but I must. You’ve got to stay in Charm.”
Maryann pinched her eyes shut and then opened them. She stared at her bruder. “Joel, I said I’m not leaving.” Maryann struggled to remain calm. She’d returned to Charm and proven to her family she regretted the way she’d left the first time. This was different. Gerald was an Englischer. A man they forbade her to marry. Andrew, an Amish man committed to God and Amish life, had won their hearts and approval. It wasn’t out of the question why she’d want to consider relocating to have a life with him or to expect they’d understand. But she wouldn’t abandon Mamm. This was a sacrifice she’d have to make.
Daed cleared his throat. “Let’s not be too hard on Maryann. Andrew’s the love of her life, and we’re asking a lot of her.”
Maryann sat across from Daed, Ellie, and Joel. “I love Andrew for his devotion to his family, and he will respect my decision and love me for my devotion to mine. But it’s tragic our future together must end because of it.”
Joel sighed. “These headaches Mamm is having are serious. I’m certain they’ll get worse if her mood darkens, like last time you left. Otherwise, we’d understand you starting a new life in Millersburg.”
Ellie rubbed her stomach. “This boppli will be an adjustment for us, and your mamm doesn’t consider me an adequate substitute for you. I agree with Joel. She’ll be in a bad way without you. I’m not sure any of us can be an adequate substitute for you with her.”
Daed gazed at Maryann. “Please talk to Andrew. Surely he can build furniture in Charm and find a buyer for his uncle’s store. This decision, to choose between your mamm and Andrew, is tearing me up inside. I don’t want to make your life miserable. You’ve suffered much in your young life, but I am extremely worried what will happen to your mamm if you leave.”
“Danki for your concern, Daed. I understand. I’m not willing to shoulder the burden of her getting worse because of me. I’ll write and tell him we should call off the wedding soon, considering our responsibilities to our families. But not today. I need time to think about how I’ll word the news to him.” Maryann pressed a hand to her broken heart, as tears dripped onto her white cotton blouse. Andrew was the love of her life. He was wise, kind, and patient. She’d miss him every day.
“It’s been a long day. Ellie, we should let Maryann and Daed get some rest.” Joel stood and motioned for Ellie and headed for the door.
Ellie glanced over her shoulder at Maryann. “Please bring Betsy to me this week. I’d love to take care of her while you work at the bakery.” Ellie squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, Maryann. I realize this is a trying time for you. We’ll talk later.” Ellie followed Joel outside.
Daed patted her back. “Joel reacts without thinking. He’s concerned about reliving what he went through with your mamm when you first left. He shouldn’t have spouted off to you. He missed you, and he loves having you back, as we all do. Mamm’s attachment to you has made life better for us. Your promise to stay hasn’t sunk in with him yet.”
Maryann buried her face in his shoulder and wept. She raised her head and wiped her eyes. “I’m heartbroken, Daed. Andrew’s my soul mate. He and I agree on most everything. There are no secrets. We’re open and honest with each other about all things. I doubt I’d find a man like him again in my lifetime.”
He embraced her and prayed for guidance for her, to protect Andrew while he was away, and for healing for Naomi. He raised his head. “God will intervene if it’s His will you two should be together.” Shem kissed her forehead. “Go get some rest.”
Maryann went to her bedroom and fell onto her bed. She stared at the ceiling. Was there a reason God didn’t want her to marry Andrew? She didn’t understand why they had met and fallen in love if they weren’t supposed to be together. This devastating decision was worse than when Gerald had been killed. She loved Andrew with all of her heart, and she was certain he would have been a devoted daed for Betsy.
She dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. She’d left Daed and Joel to care for Mamm, knowing it would be difficult for them considering Mamm’s unusual attachment to her. And also Mamm’s anxiousness and brooding when things didn’t go her way. She wouldn’t abandon her family again. She had to show them she was loyal, dependable, and truly cared. Her staying by Mamm’s side would prove her love and devotion to them, and she knew her presence might help her mamm calm down and help the severity of her painful and serious headaches. Her family had to kumme first.
* * *
Maryann scooped sugar into a measuring cup and dropped it in the bowl. She’d arrived at the bakery earlier than usual on this blustery and snowy Monday morning and started to bake. She had her third pie crust in the oven. She had the wood-burning stove in the corner going with a warm fire to heat the room.
Rachael and Magdelena appeared at the doorway of the kitchen. Rachael took off her heavy black cape and shook the snow off. “I am chilled to the bone.” She shook her shoulders. “My goodness, Maryann, what
are you doing at the bakery’s worktable so early?”
Magdelena hung her gray cape on the metal wall hook. She removed her mittens and held her hands close to the stove. “Is it summer yet? I’m ready.” She tied her apron behind her neck and at her waist. “I would’ve kumme in early to help if you needed me to.”
Maryann stirred her ingredients for butter cookies. She heaved a big sigh. She didn’t want to ruin their day, but she had to tell them. She intended to devour a couple of these cookies to comfort herself. She tended to use food to calm her nerves. She’d better be careful or she’d be as round as she was tall. The older she got, the harder it was to lose these extra pounds. She looked up from the bowl to her friends. She shared Andrew’s news and the decision she’d made to end their courtship. “I would’ve told you at church yesterday, but I hadn’t told my parents or Joel and Ellie. I told them after we got home.”
Rachael’s mouth gaped open. “I wondered why Andrew wasn’t at the service, but I kept forgetting to ask you. When I asked Toby, he shrugged his shoulders. He’s been quieter than usual, and he didn’t tell me Andrew left. He tends to keep things inside for a while before he’s ready to talk. Now I understand.” She moved closer to Maryann. “You must be heartbroken.”
Magdelena’s hands flew to her cheeks. “I’m shocked!” She put her hands on Maryann’s shoulders. “You and Andrew can’t cancel your wedding. Your family has to accept they’ll have to take care of your mamm. Your place is with your husband once you’re married.”
Hannah rushed into the kitchen and surprised them. “Good morning, girls. I’m glad the door was unlocked. I’m freezing. I’ll keep my coat on for a while. Maryann, I had to kumme before you served customers. Ellie and Joel stopped over last night. I take it from Rachael and Magdelena’s concerned faces, you’ve told them your plans have changed.”
Maryann nodded and tears pooled in her eyes. Telling her family and friends had been heartbreaking. “I don’t want to cancel our wedding. I love Andrew, but I’m frightened and concerned for Mamm. She’s not right in the head, and now, she’s having more episodes. I must do this.”
