by Molly Jebber
Joel glanced from Maryann to Andrew. “Ellie and I are sorry for asking Maryann to stay in Charm. It was unkind and selfish of us. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone to put that on me when I wanted to marry Ellie. I hope you’ll both forgive us.”
“No apology necessary on my account. You were in a tough spot with Naomi,” Andrew assured him.
“I accept your apology, and you must promise to visit us. You’ll have to put up with me until after the wedding.” She smiled at them. “Andrew, why don’t you and I take a walk outside?” She followed him to the living room and grabbed her cape and his coat.
Her family had told them to take their time, and they’d watch Betsy.
“Andrew, I can’t believe it. We’ll be together after the wedding, in Millersburg.”
He squinted. “I’m puzzled. Had you made up your mind not to marry me? Had your family talked you into staying in Charm before Naomi passed?”
Her cheeks heated. “I wrote you a letter. It will be waiting for you at the post office n Millersburg when you return. I wrote and told you I had to stay in Charm with Mamm. She had gotten worse, and I couldn’t leave her or my family alone to care for her.”
“Now I understand why your family was apologizing to us. I didn’t want to raise questions on this already difficult day for them. I figured I’d ask you more about it later.”
“With Mamm’s passing, there isn’t any reason not to marry and move with you. I hadn’t had time to digest this. Daed must’ve assumed I’d told you about the letter.”
He beamed. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll throw it away. You and I are getting married May fourteenth. You’ll love Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke. If my haus doesn’t sell before our wedding, we may live with them until it does. They have a big haus.”
“Will they mind having a boppli living with them?”
“They will love Betsy. Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke can’t wait to meet you both.” He pulled her behind the barn and kissed her gently on the lips. “I love you, and I can’t wait to call you my fraa and Betsy my dochder.”
“I love you, and having you with me and Betsy today meant so much. Danki. Tell me about the shop and the men you hired.”
Andrew told her about Matt and James. “The three of us have become good friends. We make a good team. You’ll like them.”
“If you like them, I’m sure I will like them.”
“When will you return to Charm again?” Maryann gazed into his brown eyes.
“I’ll try to visit again, but the store and my uncle’s health may keep me from it. I’ll definitely come back sometime the first week of April for our counseling sessions, and then I won’t leave until after we’re married. If my haus is sold, I’ll stay with Joel and Ellie if they’ll have me.”
Maryann pulled her cape tighter around her. “They would love to have you.” She gazed at him. “Where will Toby work if you sell your place?”
“I’d like to ask Liza and Jacob to hire him. They have been so good to us with Liza owning the bakery and letting me work there. They have such a big farm and employ more employees than most Amish. We’re close with them. What do you think?” Andrew stopped with her.
“It’s a great idea.” Maryann shouldn’t have been surprised. She should’ve known Andrew would have a plan for Toby. This was perfect. Liza and Jacob had a big place and employed a staff to take care of it. She was sure they would be grateful to have Toby.
“I’d better get you back inside. I should head over there and talk to Liza and Jacob before I go to my haus, and you should get some rest. I’ll kumme back in the morning.” He kissed her cheek.
They walked back inside. Maryann fixed a light supper for all of them with the food friends had brought over. After they all finished their supper, Andrew, Joel, and Ellie bid her, Betsy, and Daed farewell.
Daed faced her. “I’m thankful Andrew came here. Are you happy your wedding is back on?”
“Yes. Danki.” Maryann rested her head on his chest.
“He’s the best man I could ever ask for in a son-in-law. I was a fool to ask you to let him go for us. I want you to enjoy a long marriage with him, like I did with your mamm.” He motioned to the hallway. “I’m going to bed and read to try and get sleepy.”
“Good night. I love you.” Maryann held Betsy and took her to her room. She changed her for bed and set her in the crib. She sang her to sleep and then went to her room.
She picked up a star-patterned quilt Mamm had made her a long time ago. She hugged it to her neck. She removed her kapp and the pins in her hair. Her locks fell along her back, and she combed her fingers through it. Mamm used to brush her hair, fix her favorite meals, and dote on her. It had been excessive, and she had clung to Maryann in an unhealthy way at times, but Maryann had loved her. The bad times had drifted from her mind and the happy moments had taken over.
Her time with Andrew had been precious. He’d again been caring and supportive of her. He’d made a sorrowful time bearable, being by her side. She was grieving Mamm’s death and, at the same time, looking forward to her life with Andrew. She couldn’t wait until Andrew and she would be together. She couldn’t imagine anything would stand in their way. But then she hadn’t expected the illnesses of their loved ones to interfere. Life was unpredictable, and anything could happen. She said a prayer, hoping nothing would stop them from getting married.
Chapter Nine
Andrew drove to Liza and Jacob’s Monday evening.
Liza answered the door. “Andrew, please kumme in. Is everything all right?”
Andrew took off his hat and stepped inside. “Yes, I’ve got a favor to ask of you and Jacob.”
Jacob came from the kitchen. “Greetings, Andrew. I overheard part of what you said to Liza. Something about a favor? How can we help?”
Andrew had a special place in his heart for this couple. They were generous and kind. He admired Liza for being such a good stepmamm to Ellie after Ellie had expressed her grief over her mamm’s death in a rebellious and angry way. He admired Liza and Jacob for adopting young Peter when his mamm died. Peter’s daed was gone and his mamm had asked Ellie to care for Peter when she was working. After she became ill, she’d left a letter in case of her death out in the open on her dresser asking Jacob to adopt Peter if she should pass away. She loved that Ellie had been like a big sister to Peter. Jacob hadn’t hesitated and adopted the child. Liza had treated Peter like her own child after she and Jacob had married. If he hadn’t known the circumstances, he would’ve thought they were the natural parents to both Ellie and Peter. They owned a large farm, and they were often giving jobs to Amish men who fell on hard times. “Toby Schlabach has been working for me, and I’ll soon be selling my place to move to Millersburg to take over my uncle’s furniture store. Maryann and Betsy will join me after we marry in May.”
Jacob nodded. “We’d be glad to hire Toby when your place sells. Tell him he has a job waiting for him.”
Liza stood. “Would you like hot chocolate, tea, or coffee? I should’ve asked you the minute you came in. I apologize.”
“No, danki. I appreciate your giving Toby a job. It means a lot to me, as well as your friendship.” Andrew stood.
“Happy to help.” Jacob stood and opened the door for Andrew.
Liza put a hand to her heart. “We are sorry for Maryann’s mamm’s death. How is she and her family?”
“They are grieving, but they find peace knowing Naomi is no longer suffering and is in Heaven. I’m hoping her working at the bakery, and our upcoming wedding, and getting ready to move to Millersburg after we wed, will help bring her some joy amidst her sadness.”
“I’m sad you will relocate to Millersburg, but I’m happy you, Maryann, and Betsy will be together.”
“Danki. Leaving Charm will be hard for us, but we’ll visit.”
Jacob said, “We’ll miss all of you, but we wish you the very best.”
“Danki for everything, and take care.” Andrew bid them farewell, retrieved his buggy, and drove
home. It was past time for Toby to be working at his place, but his buggy was still in front of the barn.
He pulled up, got out of the buggy, and opened the doors. “Toby, I’m glad you’re still here.”
“Why? Is something wrong?”
Andrew shook his head. “No, I have good news.”
“What is it?” Toby walked over to Andrew.
“I’d like you to put my place up for sale. Maryann and Betsy will join me in Millersburg after the wedding in May. I stopped by Liza and Jacob’s place and asked them if they’d hire you. They said yes, and that you’d have a job waiting for you when my place sells.”
“Danki, Andrew. You’re a good friend. I really appreciate it.”
“You’ve been such a good friend to me. It’s the least I can do.”
“I believe your place will sell this summer. Buyers tend to look then, and it makes for an easier move when the weather is warm.” Toby kicked a small rock. “I’m sorry about Maryann’s mamm’s passing, but I’m glad your wedding is back on. Does her family approve?”
“Shem and the family apologized to Maryann and me for asking her to stay in Charm when Naomi was alive. Maryann had written me a letter saying she had to cancel the wedding when Naomi was still alive. Now, they have remorse for asking her to stay, and they are encouraging her to marry me. She’s agreed. I’m relieved and glad.” He stared at the ground. “I have deep empathy for the family. It tears your heart out to lose loved ones. It’s a hard thing to accept.”
“I’m thrilled for you and Maryann. You two are meant for each other. Naomi is singing God’s praises in Heaven. She’s pain-free. You’re right, though. I am relieved each day Daed is with us. It’s hard to tell how long we have with him. He’s been ill for a long time now. I don’t want to lose him. Am I being selfish?”
“No. God will take him home when He’s ready. You enjoy each day with your daed, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We’d all give anything for one more day with a loved one we’ve lost.” He admired Toby for his devotion to his daed and family. He prayed Toby would open his heart to a girl one day and find happiness in marriage. He was afraid Toby would let his pride get in the way because he didn’t think he made enough money to support a fraa and his family. He was sure the right woman would help him. He wanted to lighten Toby’s mood. “Where’s Pepper?”
Toby grinned. “Daed and Pepper are close. I’m sure Pepper is asleep at Daed’s feet as we speak.”
“Pepper’s in the right place then.” He grinned. “Liza and Jacob are looking forward to having you work for them.”
Toby’s eyes widened. “Andrew, danki for everything you’ve done for me.”
“You’re my friend. I wouldn’t leave you without working something out. You’ll make about the same money as you did with me. It should be plenty if you want to consider a girl.”
“I will need years to save enough before I can support a fraa. My family is my priority.”
Andrew didn’t want to pressure him. Toby had stiffened and turned from him. He was sure his friend didn’t want to discuss it. “Do you want to kumme in for a few minutes?”
“No, I should head home and check on Daed. Good to have you home. Will you be here in the morning?” Toby faced him.
“I will, and then I’ll drive over to Maryann’s and say goodbye before traveling to Millersburg. I’ll be back in April and stay until right after the wedding.”
“Danki again for talking to Liza and Jacob for me.” Toby had his horse harnessed to the buggy, and he got in.
“My pleasure.” He watched Toby drive down the lane. He wanted more for Toby. He’d have to let Toby decide his own future, and Andrew would support him, no matter.
* * *
On Tuesday morning, Andrew had his bag ready and put it in the wagon. He’d have one last visit this morning with Maryann and Betsy before he left for Millersburg. He didn’t want to leave Maryann, and especially right after Naomi’s services. But he had to get back to his aunt and uncle and the store. He looked forward to their wedding in May, and then they’d make a new home together in Millersburg. He hoped she would like it.
Toby came out of the barn. “You heading out?”
“I am. Danki again for telling me about Naomi. Write me if we get any interest on the haus, or if you need anything.” He got in his buggy.
“Travel safe. I look forward to your return.” Toby waved.
Andrew drove to Maryann’s. He didn’t want to leave without seeing her and Betsy one more time. He arrived at her haus and went to the porch and knocked on the door.
Maryann answered the door holding Betsy. “You’re in time for a nice hot breakfast.”
“Dada.” Betsy held out her arms to him.
He took Betsy from Maryann. He’d grown to love this little one so much. He really did feel like she was his dochder already. “It’s going to be difficult leaving my girls.” He took Betsy’s hand and kissed the back of it.
Betsy patted Andrew’s cheeks and giggled.
He followed Maryann to the kitchen and put Betsy in her wooden high chair. Leaving Maryann and Betsy would be one of the hardest things he had ever done. Andrew would miss having meals and special times like these with Maryann and her family while he was away.
Shem rose from the table and shook Andrew’s hand. “I’m glad you stopped by before leaving Charm. Sit and have pancakes and eggs with us.”
Andrew sat and took a deep breath. “I love the aroma of hot maple syrup and warm bread.”
Maryann served them hot coffee, pancakes, and eggs. She set a basket of fresh bread and a small pitcher of warm maple syrup on the table. She gave Betsy a plate with a cut-up pancake and scrambled eggs, and then she sat. “The bread is still warm from the oven.”
Shem said a prayer for the food. “I love pancakes. Don’t you, Betsy?”
She held a piece up to Shem. “Pa-akes good.”
They nodded in agreement.
Andrew said, “I visited Liza and Jacob, and they’ve agreed to hire Toby when my place sells.”
Maryann grinned. “That’s wonderful. Did you tell Toby?”
“He was still at my place when I went home after my visit with them, and I told him. He’s thankful and happy about it. It’s a big relief for me. I didn’t want him to worry about where he’d find work. He’s a good friend, and he’s been an excellent worker.”
Shem shook his head. “I’m happy you’ll be together, but I sure am going to miss my girls.”
“We’ll visit each other, and I’ll write you. And we’ll still be here until May.” Maryann exchanged a loving smile with her daed.
A half hour later, Andrew finished his breakfast and carried his dishes to the sink. “May I help you with the dishes before I leave?” He didn’t want to head to Millersburg, but he needed to check on his uncle and the store.
Maryann shook her head. “I’ll take care of them. You have a lot to tend to in Millersburg.”
Andrew bid Shem farewell, and he kissed Betsy’s forehead.
Maryann walked him to the door. She put on her cape and went outside with him to his buggy. “I don’t want to say goodbye.”
He pulled her to him and kissed her gently on the lips. “I love you, sweetheart. I’ll count the days until we’re together again.”
“I love you, too. Travel safe.”
Andrew stepped into the buggy, waved to her, and headed for Millersburg. He’d stop at his Uncle Luke’s and Aunt Dora’s, and then he’d go to the store. He prayed everything had gone smooth while he was away.
* * *
Andrew sipped his coffee on the porch Friday morning. The air was crisp and cold. There must have been three inches of snowfall from last night. Was it really January second, 1914? He shook his head and went back inside the haus. Time had passed fast since he’d returned from Naomi’s funeral in Charm. He was glad he’d had a chance to get acquainted with her before she died. He said a silent prayer for Maryann and her family. It would be a while before they w
ould begin to heal from their grief.
He smiled. Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke were thrilled Maryann and Betsy would be living in Millersburg with them after the wedding. Matt and James were anxious to meet her and congratulated him. He drove to work, went to the post office, collected his mail, shuffled through it, and stared at the envelope from Maryann. He ripped it open and shivered in the cold to read it. He stopped and held it. He should throw it away. It was no longer relevant. His curiosity got the better of him.
He read the letter she’d written to him before he’d gone to Naomi’s funeral and they’d had a chance to reconcile. He ripped the letter in shreds and discarded it. He couldn’t wait to marry her. She was special, with her loving and caring traits.
The snow crunched under his boots as he trudged from the post office to the furniture store. Matt and James would be in any minute.
Matt entered and brushed snow off his coat. “Good morning. It’s brisk and the snowfall from last night was about four inches, and it’s still snowing. It’s going to take half the day for me to thaw out.” He cocked his head. “What’s wrong? You’re not listening to me. Your mind is elsewhere.”
“I received a letter from Maryann. She wrote it before her mamm passed, telling me she had to stay in Charm. I’m glad her writing me to cancel the wedding is no longer relevant.” Andrew frowned and shrugged.
“Tear it up and throw it away. You’re getting married. Concentrate on the positive. She sounds like the perfect woman for you. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“It’s in the trash.” Andrew nodded.
James shivered and closed the door behind him. “Is everything all right? You two look like you’re in a serious discussion.”
Andrew told him about Maryann’s letter.
James hung his heavy brown wool jacket and hat on the knotty-pine coat tree. “Toss it. You’ll be a married man after May fourteenth. You and Maryann did go through a rough time. It had to be difficult to think you and she might not work out. I can’t imagine if my fraa, Roseanna, and I had faced a similar situation. I miss her. She was the love of my life. The day our last son was born was the day I lost her during childbirth two years ago. We were thrilled to have another boppli. The shock of her death overwhelmed me. My boys keep me going.”
