by Molly Jebber
Dora gave him a sympathetic smile. “I can understand why she might have allegiance to her family, considering the condition of her mamm. We’re the reason you’re not with her. This is awful.”
Andrew took her hand in his. “Aunt Dora, please don’t fret. Maryann and I have faith that God has a plan for us. We may have to accept that we are not meant to marry. It would break my heart, but we love our families, and we aren’t the type of people to abandon them. I’m in Millersburg to stay. You and Luke are like my parents. I want to help you and Uncle Luke.”
Dora rested her head on his shoulder a moment. “I’ll pray for you and Maryann.” She gathered the dirty dishes. “Luke has been a little better since you’ve moved in. His mood has lifted, and he makes an effort to take a couple more bites of his food than usual. You’ve unburdened us by taking care of the store and being with us when we aren’t sure what we’re facing with Luke’s health. You’ve always been dependable and caring, like your uncle Luke.”
“And you.” Andrew grinned.
She blushed. “You’re too kind. Now, go check on Luke while I finish cleaning this kitchen.”
Andrew tiptoed to the living room, and sat in the chair across from his uncle, and stared at the soft glow of the wood burning in the fireplace. His uncle sat, asleep in the chair. The man was skin and bones, and his face was ashen. Andrew smiled. In the past, he and his uncle had fished together numerous times, and they’d had the best time catching mostly bluegills and catfish. His favorite part was Dora frying up their catch for supper. He’d enjoyed Luke’s deep belly laugh and corny jokes, and he’d appreciated his openness, honesty, and excellent advice.
He shifted on the thick, soft cushion to get comfortable. Maryann flashed in his mind. She might be finished with supper and putting Betsy to bed. Betsy was a happy boppli. She’d brought joy into his life, like her mamm. He moved to the desk to write her a letter. He held the pencil and stared at the white sheet of paper.
Dear Maryann,
I love and miss you and Betsy. You, Betsy, and your family fill my thoughts often. My uncle is seriously ill, and the once-successful store he owns is in dire need of my help. I’m living with them, and it’s for the best. My uncle can still advise me on the store, and I can help Dora with his care. They both like knowing they aren’t alone in all this. They’re like parents to me, and I must make Millersburg my home and stay and help them.
I hired Matt Yoder to help me build furniture and James Glick to manage the sales floor. They don’t want to own or manage the store. The space is large and more inventory is needed. We do have consignors who make quality pieces, which has kept the doors open. It’s important for Matt and me to handcraft and sell our pieces from the workshop to make the store a success again. The man managing the store previous to me kept it open and not much more. I am impressed with what my uncle has built. It is larger than what I’d planned to buy.
I’ll write a letter to Toby soon asking him to sell my place. I must sell it in order to buy a haus in Millersburg. I would’ve liked you to help me choose the right property, but I want to have it bought and ready for you and Betsy after we marry. I pray Naomi is better and you and Betsy will make your home in Millersburg with me after our wedding in May. I realize this is one of the hardest decisions of our lives. If you choose not to leave Charm, I will be sad but I’ll understand. I pray for you and Betsy and your family and our circumstances often. Hug little Betsy for me and give your family my best.
Love, Andrew.
He read and reread the letter. He’d wait to write Toby about selling his haus. He had time. Maryann would be disappointed to learn he was needed in Millersburg, as she was in Charm. He would’ve given up the store and returned if it wasn’t for his uncle’s health and needed income. And he didn’t have the heart to ask his uncle to try and sell it again. No one would want it until it was profitable. He folded the paper, tucked it in the envelope, and sealed it.
Dora entered and placed a hand on his back. “Writing a letter to Maryann?”
“I am.” He rolled his shoulders back to alleviate the tenseness. He didn’t want Dora ridden with guilt over him and Maryann.
She kept her voice low. “I don’t want to wake Luke. Let’s go to the kitchen.” She sat across from him at the table. “I don’t want you to stay with us if it means you’ll lose Maryann. We’ll manage.”
Andrew shook his head. “I’m not budging, and put that notion out of your head. It’s my choice to live in Millersburg and help you. I don’t want to miss any more time with you or Uncle Luke.”
“All right. May I ask how Maryann became a widow?” Aunt Dora leaned back.
“Her husband was an Englischer. She left home to marry him. After he died, she returned to her Amish lifestyle and the church. She’d never abandoned her faith in God.” He didn’t want to get into Gerald’s gambling and foolish decisions he’d made or how the man died.
“If she could leave her mamm then, why not now?”
“While she was gone, her mamm’s condition became difficult for the family. She has more frequent, excruciating headaches. The family is afraid they’ll grow more severe if Maryann leaves at this time.”
“I’m sorry, Andrew. I wish there was something I could do.”
“We all face difficulties in our lives, and Maryann and I must trust God to know what is best for us.” Andrew stretched his arms and yawned. “Danki for supper. I’m going to bed. If you need me for Uncle Luke, just holler.”
“Will do. Love you, dear Andrew.”
He kissed her cheek. “It’s good to be with you again, Aunt Dora. I love you, too.” He snuck past a sleeping Uncle Luke and to his room and shut the door. He dressed for bed and covered himself with the sheet and heavy blue and white star quilt. Christmas was fast approaching. He should craft something special for his aunt and uncle. But what?
He hoped Maryann, Betsy, and her family would like their gifts. Betsy would be the center of attention, and it would be fun to watch her big eyes widen and her little mouth spread in grins as she opened her presents. Kinner made Christmas exciting. Celebrating Jesus Christ’s birthday at Christmas was an important and special time. The holiday wouldn’t be the same without them. He couldn’t wait to get a letter from her. Or maybe I can wait. The day he received it could be the best or worst day of the year.
Chapter Seven
Andrew woke and chuckled. Here it is, Christmas morning. He’d written a letter to Maryann a week and a half ago. He wondered if she’d gotten his letter. It may take a couple more days for her to receive it. He was like a little boy wondering what Maryann had made or bought for him. He’d been tempted to peek inside the package she’d given him when he left Charm, to save for Christmas. He grinned. He fought his curiosity and managed to keep his promise not to open it until today. He’d put it to the side of the hearth, along with the gifts Dora had there. He studied the wrapped gifts Maryann had given him for his aunt and uncle, before he left Charm. She was thoughtful to think of them.
He inhaled the scent of cinnamon. Was Aunt Dora making her special rolls with nuts and delicious vanilla frosting? He stretched, pulled back the covers, swung his legs to the side of the bed, and stood. He padded to the kitchen. Dora was frying eggs in the iron skillet, and Uncle Luke had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders and a lap quilt on his legs.
“Merry Christmas.”
“This day is brighter because you’re sharing it with us,” Uncle Luke whispered and then sputtered a weak cough.
Dora served them eggs, bacon, and cinnamon rolls. “I can make more eggs, so don’t be shy if these aren’t enough.”
Andrew, Aunt Dora, and Uncle Luke bowed their heads, and Andrew prayed to God and thanked Him for the food.
Aunt Dora sat close to Uncle Luke. She slathered butter on his bread for him.
Andrew was pleased his uncle had chewed and swallowed a couple of bites of eggs. He devoured his food and chose another roll out of the basket. The last weeks had gone fast a
t the store. He and Matt had gone in early and stayed later to build several pieces of furniture to sell along with the pieces their consigners had provided. He’d bought gifts for his family. “The holiday was profitable for the store. We’re back to making a profit instead of just kumming out even.”
“Remind me what Matt is doing for Christmas since he doesn’t have family.” Aunt Dora wiped crumbs from Luke’s mouth. “I would’ve been glad to have him join us.”
“I invited him, but he has asked the men who work for him to join him on the farm, along with the families, for a big supper in the evening, and he gives them a little bonus money for a present. He likes to cook and bake. We’ve become good friends in such a short time.”
Uncle Luke shook his head to the piece of roll Dora offered. “I’m finished, sweet fraa. Danki.” He glanced at Andrew. “I suppose James has his five boys to share the day.”
“Yes. Matt and I surprised him with a bonus to help with Christmas presents. His cheeks turned red and he stuttered when we handed it to him. He has been a tremendous salesman. The customers love him.”
Andrew helped Dora with the dishes, and then they gathered in the living room around the orange-hued flames in the fireplace.
Uncle Luke handed Andrew his Holy Bible and asked him to read the story of Jesus Christ’s birth.
Andrew flipped the pages to the story and read it aloud, and then each of them offered a prayer of requests, praise, and thanksgiving to God. He set the Holy Bible on the end table and rose to put on his coat. He held up a finger. “I’ll be right back. I’ve got a surprise for both of you.”
He dashed out the door to the barn. Snowflakes decorated his hat and coat. He was thankful for the snow on Christmas. It topped off the day, making the fire in the fireplace cozy and warm in the living room and the bright white covering on the ground outside beautiful. He found the presents he’d hidden and carried them inside. He set the quilt rack in front of Dora and then the footstool under Luke’s legs.
Dora ran her hand across the rack. “This holds four quilts. Andrew, it’s beautiful. I love it! Danki.”
Luke tapped the stool with his cane. “This is the perfect height for my chair. I can stretch my legs and rest my feet comfortably. Danki.”
“I’m glad you both are pleased. I noticed you needed another rack to display your pretty quilts and Uncle Luke didn’t have a footstool. I wanted to give you presents you could use and enjoy.”
Dora bustled to the small pile of presents. “Open your gift.”
He unwrapped the brown paper and lifted a handsome brown scarf Dora had crocheted for him. “This will kumme in handy. Danki.” He kissed her cheek.
Uncle Luke gestured to another present. “Unwrap the one from me.”
Andrew tore the brown paper. He opened the wooden box and gasped. “Was this knife Daed’s?”
“Yes. I want you to have it. I forgot I had it until a few months ago. I meant to give it to you before now, but this is as good a time as any. It had been Grossdaadi’s, and he gave it to your daed as a Christmas present long ago. Then he gave it to me as a congratulations gift.”
Andrew lifted the hunting knife out of the brown leather sheath. “Danki. This means a lot to me. I’ll take good care of it.”
Dora passed Andrew his gift from Maryann. “I’ve been anxious for you to open this one.”
He ripped the paper and pulled out a white cotton shirt with a note. “I’ll read this later.” He left it folded and set it aside. He’d be anxious to read what she had to say.
Dora peeled the wrapping back from her blue and white tea towels and oven mitt. “These are beautiful and I need them. How sweet of Maryann to think of us.”
Andrew put Maryann’s package for his uncle in Luke’s lap.
Uncle Luke unwrapped the patchwork lap quilt she’d made him. He spread it on his lap and legs. “This warms my legs. What a thoughtful gift. I hope we get to meet Maryann and everything works out for you two. These gifts she sent are perfect. I’m sorry we’ve disrupted your lives and plans for the future.”
“It’s not your fault, and you’ve given me a store. I couldn’t be more grateful for it and to be with you and Dora. If it’s God’s will for us to wed, we will.” He didn’t want them to fret about this, and it was Christmas. “How about some hot chocolate? I might snatch a couple of orange-slice candies you have in the bowl by your table.”
Dora popped out of her chair. She passed him the bowl. “Take a couple.”
He did and plopped one in his mouth.
She returned the bowl to the table. “I’ve got some cocoa warming on the stove. I’ll check if it’s ready.” She left the living room.
Andrew gathered the brown paper and dropped it on the logs in the fireplace. He could envision Betsy playing with her new toys and Maryann and her family sharing Christmas dinner around their big oak table. He missed them so much.
His uncle had his eyes closed and he snored. His color looked better today and he hadn’t coughed near as much. Maybe he was a little better. He might have been wrong about his time left on earth.
Dora returned with the hot chocolate. She whispered, “If you’d like to take this to your room and nap, I’ll understand. I may close my eyes a few minutes after I enjoy mine.”
Andrew was relieved to have time alone. “Uncle Luke has the right idea. My eyelids are getting heavy.” He took Maryann’s note and went to his room. He sat on the bed, sipped his hot chocolate, and read it.
My dearest Andrew,
I guessed at your measurements for your shirt. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll alter it or make you a new one. I wrote this note before you left for Millersburg to go along with your gifts to open for Christmas. When you open this, we will have been apart for weeks. I’ll miss you each day you’re gone and can’t wait until we’re together again.
Love, Maryann.
Andrew read and reread the note. He wondered what had happened since he’d been gone from Charm, or since she’d written this note. He was still in Charm when she wrote it and handed him this present to take with him. How was Naomi? He prayed her health would improve. Maybe Maryann had written him. He’d been anxious to receive a letter from her, but working at the store had kept him busy. He often lost track of time and didn’t get to the post office before it closed. He’d check the post office soon.
* * *
Maryann yawned and stretched later Christmas Day. Daed dozed in his favorite high-backed chair covered with a patchwork quilt, and Betsy was asleep in her playpen. Mamm was having a bad day, with a severe headache hitting right after she woke up this Christmas morning. She’d had to stay in bed, away from noise and light. Maryann had cooked a big Christmas breakfast and cleaned the kitchen. Joel and Ellie had gone home.
She loved the cedar chest Andrew had made to set on her dresser. The aroma of the wood, and the space to store letters and keepsakes, were perfect. Betsy kept her Amish doll with her most of the day, and Joel and Ellie were happy with their new bread box. Daed liked the new potato box, and he had commented Mamm would be thrilled since their old one was falling apart.
Maryann hugged herself. Had Andrew and his aunt and uncle had a chance to open the gifts she’d sent them? She hoped they liked their presents. She had looked forward to future holidays with Andrew. She frowned and pressed a hand to her heart. She dreaded him reading the letter she’d mailed explaining why she must cancel the wedding.
Daed raised his head and rubbed his eyes. “Is your mamm resting or asleep?”
“She was in a lot of pain this morning. More than usual. We should check on her.”
She followed Daed to the bedroom, and walked with him to the side of the bed. She shivered and lit the lantern. She gasped. Mamm’s eyes were wide and lifeless.
Daed checked Mamm’s wrist for a pulse. “She’s gone.” He touched Mamm’s cheek with the back of his hand and then he shut her eyes. He pushed the covers back. He cried out. “No! Please! No!”
Maryann froze. She pressed
a hand to her aching heart. Mamm had gone home to Heaven. She sat, numb, next to Daed, who slumped over Mamm and sobbed. She rested her head on his back and hugged him as tears streamed down her face and dampened his shirt.
Moments later, he sobered and rose, and she helped him stand. He held her. “The only way we’ll get through this is if we remind ourselves she’s with God in Heaven and happy and healthy.” He stepped back and stared at her through watery eyes. “I’ll miss her every day.” He wiped his damp face with his sleeve.
Maryann stared at Mamm. Her death didn’t seem real. Daed’s words echoed in the room, but she couldn’t grasp her mamm had passed away. Her daed would be lost without the love of his life. She thought her heart would burst with grief over losing Mamm and with empathy for Daed. She sat on the edge of the bed next to Mamm and grasped her hand. It was stiff and cold. She jerked her hand back as if she’d been burned.
“Kumme with me to the living room, sweetheart.” Daed ushered her out of the room.
They held each other again and cried.
Daed stepped back. “I need to tell Ellie and Joel and Bishop Fisher.” He headed for his hat and coat. “I’ll go now.” His knees buckled and he slumped in the chair. “I can’t believe she’s really gone.”
Maryann knelt and put her hand on his arm. “Would you like me to notify Ellie, Joel, and the bishop?”
Daed shook his head. “You stay with Betsy. I’ll go.” He stood and pulled on his black hat and heavy coat.
Maryann left the door cracked open and watched him walk through the light-falling snow and disappear into the barn.
She stood over the playpen and studied Betsy. Mamm, with her mood changes and overprotective ways, had been different than her friends’ mamms. Regret washed over her. She could empathize with Mamm’s heartbreak when she’d left to marry Gerald. She couldn’t imagine the pain she’d have if Betsy did that to her. Her throat constricted. They’d had happy and difficult times together before and after she left Charm.
