by Molly Jebber
Rachael’s lips quivered. “Pepper was killed by a coyote.”
Magdelena nodded. “We rode together today. She told me when I got in the buggy. It’s sad.”
“Oh no! How awful. How did it happen?” Maryann motioned for them to sit at one of the café tables. She handed Rachael a handkerchief.
Rachael dabbed her eyes. “Pepper leaves Daed’s room and goes to Toby when he needs to go outside. Toby let him out, and he went to get a glass of water. He opened the door to let Pepper back in, and he wasn’t in sight. He came upon a coyote running away from what was left of Pepper’s dead body. Toby, I, and our parents are sick about it. Pepper was such a sweet pet. We fell in love with him right after Toby brought the dog to us. Daed’s mood lifted, and they became fast friends.”
Magdelena squeezed Rachael’s arm. “I’m sorry this happened. Do you want another dog? Our dog had puppies six months ago, and we have one left, a male, to give away. He’s a good pet.”
Maryann got up and poured them each a mug of coffee and served them. “What do you think, Rachael?”
“I’ll take him. Daed was happier with Pepper around. A new pet would be good, and sooner than later. Danki, Magdelena.”
“Anything for you. I’ll bring him to your haus tonight, right after I get home and before supper.” Magdelena rose and put on her apron.
Maryann tied the ribbons on her apron behind her. “Did you name the dog?”
“He’s got patches of dark and light brown hair, so we named him Patches.”
“I like the name.” Rachael limped to the doorway between the kitchen and café. “Maryann, will you consider a pet for Betsy after you move to Millersburg?”
“I wonder how she’d do with one. My parents introduced me to a puppy when I was about three, and I didn’t want anything to do with the dog. Then when I got older, I wanted one, and Mamm wouldn’t let me have a pet. I might wait until she’s around eight. Andrew may have another idea of what kind of pet to get her.” She and Andrew would be making decisions together after they were married, and she was anxious to have his help.
Maryann and the girls baked until it was time to open for customers. She let her favorite customers, Sheriff Williams and Dr. Harrison, inside. “You’re here earlier than usual.”
Sheriff Williams yawned. “We were at the Ziegler family’s home at four this morning. Norm and his eldest son, George, scuffled. His middle son, Bud, came and got us. I broke up the fight, and Dr. Harrison stitched cuts on their foreheads. George is a no-good son who should have moved out and be making a decent living for himself. He’s lazy and a freeloader.”
Maryann poured coffee and served them. She pointed to two warm peach-jam pastries. “Would you each like one?”
The men nodded.
She set them on plates and then put the plates on the counter. “How old is George?” She shouldn’t get involved, but curiosity got the best of her.
Dr. Harrison huffed. “He’s twenty-five, and I agree with the sheriff. He should no longer be living at home. If he’d change his belligerent and obnoxious ways, he might find a good woman to marry. He’s not bad looking.”
“He’d have to find steady work. I wouldn’t wish that man on any woman.”
Maryann thought about her first marriage. They could’ve been describing Gerald when he’d started gambling with the hopes of making fast money. He’d become frustrated and short-tempered. She didn’t want anything to do with her past life or any of Gerald’s gambling partners. She’d started life fresh after moving back to Charm, and she wanted to keep it that way. Andrew was dependable. He wasn’t afraid of hard work, and she loved his positive disposition. They were happy, and they had a bright future ahead.
* * *
Later in the afternoon, Liza entered the bakery with Charity and Peter.
Charity skipped inside the bakery, with Peter following. “Maryann!” She hugged Maryann’s legs. “Is my schweschder in the kitchen?”
Maryann pointed to the kitchen. She enjoyed watching little Charity, six, and Peter, seven, interact. They had a close friendship. “Magdelena’s baking goodies. You can give her a hug.”
She grinned. Magdelena’s little schweschder, Charity, and Peter, Ellie’s little adopted bruder, had been close since the day they met. She’d be curious as to whether their friendship would blossom into something more as they grew and became adults.
“Maryann, it sure smells good in here.” Peter ogled the desserts on the shelves.
“I’m sure Magdelena has treats for you in the back.” Maryann gestured to the kitchen.
Charity waved to Peter. “Kumme with me.”
Peter hurried to catch up with Charity.
Maryann poured hot chocolate in two mugs and passed one to Liza. “Magdelena has told me those two have been friends since the day they met.”
Liza took a seat at the counter. “They are inseparable and adorable. They don’t fuss, and they don’t grumble when I give them chores to do. They’re doing well in school. They’re both good with Lorianne, which is a big help to me. She’s pulling herself up to stand wherever she can find a chair or table. Hannah said Betsy started walking.”
“She is a handful. She keeps Daed and me on our toes before she goes to bed. She loves to run from us in the haus. I’m grateful to Hannah for caring for Betsy for me.”
“Esther begs me to keep Lorianne. My schweschder has Lorianne more than I do. She came and got her yesterday, and she wanted to keep her overnight and today.” She grinned. “She wanted more kinner besides Hannah, and now she’s happy to have Lorianne anytime I’ll let her. Kinner have brought joy to all our lives.” She sipped her hot chocolate and set her mug on the table. “The news of your wedding being back on has spread throughout the community. I’m thrilled for you and Andrew, but I’ll miss you.”
“Esther did an excellent job raising Hannah, and I treasure both their friendships. Betsy took to Hannah right away. I never worry about my dochder when she’s watching her.” She gazed at Liza. “Danki for the job at the bakery, and for not being upset I’m leaving it.” Maryann stood and lifted the glass dome lid on a plate of butter cookies. She took two and handed one to Liza.
“I’m grateful for the time you’ve spent here. It’s wonderful you’ll marry Andrew and create a life with him. It will be exciting to pick out a haus, make new friends, and have Andrew with you each day.” Liza patted her hand.
“I am happy, too, but I’ll be homesick for all of you. It won’t be easy living with his aunt and uncle until we have our own place.” She winced. “Betsy might be an annoyance for them.”
Liza batted the air. “Andrew loves his aunt and uncle, or he wouldn’t have wanted to stay and help them. If they’re anything like him, they’ll love you and Betsy. It may be helpful to stay with them for a bit while they introduce you to friends and the bishop.”
“You’re right. Andrew has nothing but good things to say about them.” She hoped Andrew’s haus would sell before the wedding so they could purchase a haus in Millersburg soon after they moved there. She didn’t want to get in his aunt’s way. She’d do all she could to help his aunt and uncle, whether they lived with them or not.
Charity and Peter bustled to the table with cookie crumbs on their mouths.
“Magdelena and Rachael gave us iced sugar cookies. They were yummy.” Charity beamed.
Peter picked up Liza’s cloth napkin and wiped his mouth and then Charity’s. “She had her cookie and half of mine.”
Charity’s face reddened. “You said you didn’t want all of it.”
Peter shrugged. “I knew you wanted more, so I gave it to you.”
Magdelena and Rachael came out from the kitchen.
Magdelena motioned to the kinner. “Charity and Peter, Maryann and Andrew are getting married in May. Won’t it be fun to go to the wedding?”
Charity glanced at Peter and blushed. “Peter’s going to marry me when we get big.”
Liza glanced at Peter. “Is this so, Pete
r?”
He stared at his shoes and shrugged. “Yes, but I’ll have to build us a haus first unless maybe we can live with you and Daed.”
Charity gave him a shy grin. “Or we can live at my haus. Right, Magdelena?”
Maryann pressed her lips against a laugh. These kinner were precious.
“Of course you can.” Magdelena put a hand on Charity’s shoulder.
Rachael wiped flour from her hands with a big smile on her face. “I’m glad you came in today. It’s fun to have kinner here.”
Maryann swallowed the chuckle struggling to get out. This was adorable. She wondered if they would wed when they reached adulthood. They had much life to live before they were old enough to make that decision. She considered how her life would’ve been different if she had grown up with Andrew and married him first.
Liza stood. “We have a long time to make those decisions.” She ushered them to the door. “Danki for the treats. I enjoyed our visit. I need to stop at the general store before we leave. Then on my way home, I’ll stop at my schweschder, Esther’s haus, and pick up Lorianne. We should get going.”
Rachael hooked her arm through Magdelena’s. “We better finish our yeast rolls.”
Maryann and the girls watched them leave, and then the girls returned to the kitchen. Ellie and Peter were blessed to have Liza for a mamm. She was wise, generous, and loving. It was no wonder Esther, Liza’s schweschder, had the same traits. Maryann and Ellie had become close, and she was glad to have her for a schweschder-in-law. She’d miss being involved in their lives and watching their kinner grow. These women were family and precious to her. Would she build close friendships with women in Millersburg like she had in Charm?
* * *
Andrew sat by the fireplace and enjoyed the orange hue of the small flames with Uncle Luke Tuesday evening. “Matt and James have been wilkom additions to the store. They’re hard workers, dependable, and trustworthy. We’ve formed a friendship. God sent me two good men when I needed them most.” Andrew let out a satisfied sigh. “And I’ll have a fraa for you to meet in May. Everything is kumming together for me.”
Uncle Luke rested his head against the back of the high-backed chair. “I’m relieved there’s nothing keeping you and Maryann apart any longer. I was burdened for you losing her on account of you being here for us and managing the store. I didn’t want our situation to cause trouble for you.”
“If Maryann had decided not to marry me, I wouldn’t want you to have any guilt about asking for my help. We’re family. I trusted God with His plan for my life, and so did Maryann. We believed if it’s God’s will we should be together, He would intervene. I’m sorry Naomi has passed away, but I’m relieved she’s no longer in pain and is now in Heaven. I can’t wait for you to meet Maryann and Betsy.”
“Assure her we’re eager to have her in the family. Your aunt Dora is counting the days until she’ll have them in this haus. Any news on the sale of your haus in Charm?”
Andrew shook his head. “Nothing. Winter’s a bad time to sell. If couples marry or new Amish move, they try to travel and relocate in the spring, summer, or fall. I expect there to be some interest when the weather breaks. We can rent in the boarding haus in town if it’s too much to have us living with you.”
“Don’t be silly. Little Betsy will liven the place up, and we’ll love having you three with us.”
* * *
Andrew whistled on his way from the livery to the store Monday. March second. It was still cold outside, and he was ready for some warmer temperatures. Maybe April would bring them warmer weather. He was happy with the furniture he and Matt had added to the sales floor, and the consignors had brought in more pieces. He’d been counting the days until he’d return to Charm. Matt and James were comfortable with their roles in managing the store. He was ready for the snow to end and warmer temperatures to begin. He was a little later than usual arriving at the shop, due to Uncle Luke requiring help getting from the bed to his favorite high-backed chair. At noon, he’d go home and check on him.
A beautiful Amish woman headed for the shop.
Andrew opened the door for her. He tipped his hat and followed her inside.
Matt gasped. “Annalynn.”
Andrew straightened. Matt’s open mouth and stiff stance told him this was a surprise. “Good morning, madam. I’m Andrew Wittmer, the new manager for the store. Are you shopping for anything in particular?”
She was a pretty Amish lady. “I’m Annalynn Burkholder, now Ropp. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Matt and I are old friends. Do you mind if he waits on me?” She strolled over to him. “I’m interested in a quilt rack.”
Matt blushed. “We have several. I suggest the cherry one.”
She gazed at him. “How are you, Matt?”
Two Amish women came in and asked James to show them desks. He led the two women to the area of the store where desks were on display.
The two women glanced back and forth from each other to Matt and Annalynn.
Andrew stepped behind the counter and flipped through the sales journal. He was itching to finish the headboard to the bedroom set he was building, but he wanted to remain available for the customers, since Matt and James were busy. He glanced at the two women stealing glances at Matt and Annalynn. The two women must know them and wonder why they were talking. He hoped they wouldn’t spread gossip about them. He couldn’t help but overhear Matt and Annalynn’s conversation.
“I have to talk to you.” Annalynn gazed at him.
Matt pulled her aside to a corner away from customers. “If it’s about why I haven’t said anything to you, we both know why. I caught you and Elias kissing the night before our wedding. You said he forced the kiss on you, but I knew you weren’t telling the truth. You stayed in his arms willingly. I tried to make sense of it, since I loved you so much. But I couldn’t marry you when the time came for us to say our vows, and I had to face the fact I was fooling myself to dismiss what I’d seen. How long had you been meeting him behind my back?”
“No good will kumme from going into the past. I’m sorry, Matt. I really am. I’m ashamed of my behavior. I hope you can forgive me. It’s taken this year to muster the courage to approach you. You and I have been in Sunday services, social events, and passed each other in town without saying a word. It’s time we put this behind us.”
Matt uncrossed his arms and relaxed. “You’re right. Yes. Let’s put this behind us. There’s no reason we can’t be civil. I forgive you.”
She pointed. “Danki. I’m relieved we can quit avoiding each other. Maybe things between us won’t be awkward now we’ve cleared the air.” She smiled. “I really do want to purchase the quilt rack.”
He accepted her payment. “Danki for kumming to me. I appreciate it. Yes, we can both relax around each other now. I’ll take the rack to your buggy for you.” He picked it up and carried it outside the store and then returned minutes later.
“Is everything all right, Matt?” He was glad Matt and Annalynn had had a chance to talk. It was better they not avoid each other and wonder what the other was thinking. Forgiveness lifted heavy burdens. Annalynn was bold to confront him. She reminded him of Ellie, Maryann’s schweschder-in-law. She was more direct than most Amish women, but he respected and liked her. He always knew where he stood with Ellie, and she’d been a tough one to win over her approval. But she’d given her blessing when he’d proposed to Maryann.
Matt came behind the counter and faced him. “She shocked me. I’ve avoided her when I’ve seen her. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m glad we have forgiven each other. It will ease the tension between us.” He sighed. “I did notice the two women who came into the store whispering about us. I recognize them. I’m sure they were wondering what Annalynn and I would have to say to each other. Thank goodness they’re two of the kindest women in town. They’ve not shunned me since I’ve been back.”
“Ignore the busybodies, and it’s good these ladies are not unkind. Hopefully, they’ll ke
ep to themselves seeing the two of you speaking. I’m glad for you, Matt. Maryann and I were distraught over having to cancel our wedding plans. We didn’t have anything to forgive on either end. I can’t imagine your situation. I’m not sure I’d have been as forgiving if I’d experienced what you did with Annalynn. I hope I would do what you did today.”
“I’m a patient man, but I began to think I’d never let go of my frustration and disappointment in losing Annalynn to Elias. I’ve asked God to take away the bitterness and let me get over her. As time passed, God answered my prayers. It became easier to forgive and let go of all the animosity I had toward her. I admire her for approaching me and getting things out in the open. Now we can greet each other and be amicable.”
Andrew and Matt made room on the floor to bring out pieces they’d finished in the backroom workshop. A confident, slender woman with auburn hair peeking out of her kapp entered the store and went to James. She handed him a bag. Andrew recognized Lena Ramer from Sunday services. He hadn’t had a conversation with her, and he wondered if she and James were friends. He hadn’t mentioned her. Andrew exchanged a puzzled look with Matt.
Lena smiled at James. “I made you butter cookies, and I’d like to invite you to supper at my family’s home tomorrow night. We’ve greeted each other at the services, but we’ve not had a chance to talk.” She smiled at him.
Andrew didn’t dare look at Matt or he’d let out a chuckle at James’s shocked face. He would like for James to meet a sweet Amish girl.
James blushed as he accepted the bag. “Danki.”
She passed him a note. “This is my address. Arrive at six sharp tomorrow night.” She gave him a warm smile. “Goodbye, gentlemen.” She strolled to the door and left.
James blew out a breath. “She’s direct, for an Amish woman. She’s greeted me at the Sunday service and then she asked me where I’d lived before I moved to Millersburg and how my fraa died. I found her questions too personal for our first meeting. I don’t want to go to supper at her haus. I should’ve declined the invitation, but I was too shocked to think straight. What should I do?”
