by Molly Jebber
Matt clapped a hand to his shoulder. “It’s too late to tell her no. You should go enjoy her company and then tell her you aren’t ready to court any woman.”
James shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind meeting a woman I’m attracted to. I liked being married, and I miss having a woman in the haus. The boys take good care of themselves, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a stepmamm to care for them. Just not a forward woman like her.”
Andrew tapped his forefinger on the counter. “I suggest you be honest. After supper, tell her she’s a kind woman but you wouldn’t want to mislead her into thinking your friendship would develop into a courtship.”
“Courting again after having been married will be difficult. Finding the right woman is important, and I didn’t realize I was so picky. Roseanna was perfect for me. She didn’t raise her voice when she was frustrated. She was calm and explained what she wanted from me. We didn’t go to bed angry. We were up late a number of times until we both came to an agreement on our differences of opinion.” He grinned.
“What are you going to do?” Matt squinted.
“I’ll go, and then do as Andrew suggested.”
Matt cringed. “Her confident approach with you tells me she won’t take your news well.”
Andrew headed to the workshop and glanced over his shoulder. “Maybe you’ll learn more about her during supper and you’ll change your mind.”
James cocked his head. “Did you have an instant connection to Maryann when you first saw her?”
Andrew stopped walking. “I did, and I haven’t had a doubt about her since then. I doubt men and women who marry would all say they experienced the same. You might be surprised by the end of your evening with Lena.”
James groaned. “I wish I felt the same, but I don’t think so.” He opened the bag, took out a cookie, and bit off a bite. He smiled. “These are delicious.”
Andrew and Matt stifled grins and went to the workshop.
Andrew picked up a piece of sandpaper. “I don’t envy James. I do pray he finds a good woman.”
“You’re blessed to have found Maryann. I pray I find the right woman for me someday.”
“I’d like you and James to find the right Amish women to court. You and James need to open yourselves up to the idea. You both are rigid and closed off to the women after church. You only talk to the men.” Andrew had observed women greeting the two men at after church dinners and the men didn’t move away from their buddies to consider having a chat with any of the women. He didn’t have any trouble when he’d introduced himself to Maryann the first time. He didn’t understand why they couldn’t make more of an effort to find the right girl.
“You’re right. I’ll be more observant. Maybe a nice girl will catch my eye.” Matt winked at Andrew.
“Good.” Andrew sanded the chair’s spindle until it was smooth. He couldn’t wait to have Maryann living in the same haus with him, planning their future, and talking about when to have kinner. He missed her sweet face each day. Maybe she could play matchmaker for James and Matt if they hadn’t found girls on their own by the time she arrived.
Chapter Ten
Maryann opened the door Tuesday evening and found Magdelena with Rachael, who was holding a dog with dark and light brown patches of fur. She grinned and let them in the haus. “Is this the puppy Magdelena is giving you and your family, Rachael?”
“Isn’t he adorable? This is Patches.” Rachael handed Maryann the dog.
“He is a cutie. Kumme in and visit.” She knelt by Betsy with Patches in her arms. “Meet Patches.”
Betsy, giggling, patted the dog’s head. “Oggie.”
Patches licked Betsy’s arm and wiggled in Maryann’s arms, trying to get down and play with Betsy.
Magdelena chuckled. “Betsy and Patches connected right away.” She sat next to Maryann and Betsy on the cotton braided rug.
Rachael sat in a chair close to them. “She brought him over after work. We skipped supper to bring him to meet you and Betsy.”
Magdelena reached over and scratched the dog’s ears. “We were sure Betsy would love him. Patches is sweet and loving. We don’t have to worry about him growling or biting her.”
“Has Toby met her?” Maryann nuzzled her face in the dog’s neck. “You are a beauty.”
Magdelena blushed. “He was outside when I drove up, so I had him hold the dog for me while I got out of the buggy. He’s thrilled to have a pet again. He couldn’t wait for his family to meet the dog, so we went inside. His daed smiled wide when he held Patches. The pup has met with everyone’s approval.”
Maryann gestured to her friends. “Why don’t you both stay for supper? I’ve got chicken and dumplings on the stove. The food was done right before I answered the door. Don’t hesitate. I have more than enough for all of us. It will be fun, and Daed would enjoy your company.”
Betsy giggled. She pulled her hand back and forth and giggled each time the dog licked her fingers.
Rachael shrugged. “I’m sure my family has had supper without me by now.” She took Patches from Maryann.
“Mine too.” Magdelena headed to the kitchen. “I can’t pass up chicken and dumplings.”
Maryann stood and picked up Betsy. “Should we let the dog down?”
“He’ll be fine. The dog did his business right before we came inside. He hasn’t chewed on furniture or caused any damage at home. We’ve trained him to behave.” Magdelena washed her hands in the kitchen.
Maryann put Betsy in her high chair and then got a wet rag and washed her hands.
Rachael put the dog on the floor and used the lye soap to wash her hands.
Daed entered the kitchen. “Wilkom, ladies. Who do we have here?” He bent to pet the dog.
Rachael said, “After Pepper died, we wanted another dog. Magdelena gave us Patches from her litter.”
Daed chuckled. “He’s a handsome dog.”
Betsy wiggled in the high chair with excitement. “Oggie.”
“She’s not afraid of him. That’s good.” Maryann chuckled.
Maryann transferred the pot of chicken and dumplings onto a large potholder Mamm had used for such things. Memories of Mamm’s slender fingers placing the holder on the table flashed in her mind. Her shout to tell them supper’s ready, and her table set with the same utensils and dishware they’d used for years. Oh, how I miss her. “Daed, would you offer the prayer for the food?”
Daed prayed to God and offered his thanks for the food. “Dig in.” He grinned.
Betsy grabbed the spoon and then set it down and switched to using her fingers.
“I’m too tired to argue with you, little one. Go ahead and use your fingers.” Maryann frowned.
Patches rested between Betsy and Rachael’s chairs.
Rachael cut her slice of white bread in half. “I miss Pepper. Having Patches will lift our moods. The first night Pepper stayed with us, he burrowed underneath a pile of dirty clothes Toby left on the floor. Toby scooped them up to throw them in the basket and out jumped Pepper. Toby yelped and almost lost his footing. I was kumming to announce supper when it happened. We laughed, and Pepper hid for a good hour. He was more frightened than Toby. I’m sure Patches will entertain us, too.”
“You can count on dogs and kinner to make you laugh.” Magdelena smiled. “Charity insisted she had to make butter cookies. They were going on a picnic, and they were Peter’s favorite. I told her not to leave the cookies on the table. She did, and went to her room to play. Bandit devoured them. I scolded her, and she blamed it on the dog. She was furious and told Bandit no supper for him.” Magdelena shook her head. “She blames the dog for everything she does wrong.”
Maryann watched Daed laugh with the girls. She loved them for keeping Daed entertained and cheering him. He hadn’t had this good a time since Mamm died.
She, Magdelena, and Rachael had become close, and she’d miss these times with them. She hoped they’d visit her in Millersburg.
The girls helped her wash and dry the dis
hes and then bid her family farewell.
Betsy wrinkled her nose and whined when the girls and Patches left. “Oggie.”
“Patches was cute. Maybe we’ll invite him back soon.” Maryann put an Amish doll in her dochder’s hands while she changed her for bed.
“I’ll read her a story and put her to sleep for you. You relax and get some rest.” Daed reached for his granddochder.
“Danki, Daed.” Maryann loved him for supporting her, Andrew’s, and Betsy’s relocation. She was happy Ellie would give him another grandchild soon. He’d miss Betsy, but having a new boppli in the family would help make their departure easier for him.
* * *
Maryann rolled back her shoulders and relaxed Wednesday evening. Today had been an exceptionally good day. She loved kneading dough for bread, and she’d had more time without customers to help the girls bake. She’d craved a gingerbread cake and made three extras before they opened. She and the girls split one and displayed the other three. She chuckled. It was a surprise when the sheriff bought two and Dr. Harrison paid for the other.
She’d enjoyed the bakery, but she was glad to be home.
She checked on a sleeping Betsy and then walked into the living room. She looked out the window. Who was the man with Toby? This was an odd time for Toby to visit. She opened the door. “Good evening.”
Toby took off his hat and stood next to the man at her door. “Maryann, I have someone you’ll want to meet.” He put his hand on the man’s back. “This is Andrew’s bruder, Gabe Wittmer. Do you mind if we kumme in? I could’ve brought him to the bakery, but we’d have a more uninterrupted visit at your home.”
Andrew has a bruder? She wrinkled her forehead. “Yes, please, kumme in.” She studied Gabe. He had Andrew’s attractive big brown eyes and thick brown hair. Same straight nose and structured jawline.
Gabe grinned and stepped inside. “Danki. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Daed joined her and shook Gabe’s hand. “I’m Maryann’s daed, Shem Wenger. Please take a seat.”
Maryann studied the man. He had a kind face, and his demeanor was friendly and not overbearing or intrusive. There was nothing threatening about him. Why had Andrew not mentioned Gabe? “May I offer you a piece of butterscotch pie or something to drink?”
“No, danki, on the pie or drink.” Gabe cleared his throat. “Toby said Andrew didn’t tell him about me. I was a surprise to him when I showed up looking for Andrew. Had my bruder told you about me?”
She shook her head. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. He’d sucked in his lip and his disappointed eyes told her he hoped she’d say yes.
She wouldn’t lie to him. “No, and I don’t understand why. Do you have any idea?”
Gabe wore Englischer clothes. Why had he left Amish life? She had left once. She understood you didn’t mention loved ones who had left, but why would Andrew be uncomfortable telling her about Gabe? She’d left and returned. And they were getting married. Her heart plummeted to find out he’d kept this from her. His openness and honesty were what she loved most about their courtship. Secrets her husband kept were what destroyed her first marriage before Gerald died.
“After our parents passed away, I left to explore the outside world. Maybe that’s why. Andrew said he’d leave a forwarding address with the postmaster so I could always find him if I wanted to return to Amish life. He was upset I left, but we’d been close as kinner. I traveled and wrote letters, but I got caught up in my own world and stopped writing. I have no good excuse for it.” He hung his head.
Toby nodded to Gabe. “You should tell her the rest of your story.”
“Maryann, when Toby told me your last name, I realized you must be Gerald Harding’s widow. He’d mentioned you and your dochder once in conversation.”
“How did you meet Gerald?” Maryann’s heart thudded. She gripped her skirt.
“I was in Massillon for a short time. He sat at the same gambling table with me twice. We were casual acquaintances, nothing more.” He winced. “I was there the day the hot-tempered man murdered your husband. I reported him to the sheriff. My conscience wouldn’t let me turn a blind eye. I was sure the man didn’t know it was me who turned him in because there were a lot of witnesses in the place. But I didn’t want to take any chances. I left town. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Daed took a deep breath. “This is shocking news.”
“My husband made bad choices, but he didn’t deserve to die. I appreciate you telling the sheriff the culprit’s name. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision. Was Andrew aware of this?” Maryann’s head began to ache.
“It was all in the last letter I wrote to him. I disappointed him by leaving. I wanted him to be proud of me for doing the right thing. Imagine my surprise when Toby told me who you were and your relationship to my bruder. Knowing you had left Amish life and returned made it easier to meet you concerning my circumstances.”
Toby set his hat in his lap and sat back.
“What are your plans, Gabe?” Daed met his gaze.
“I’m anxious to reunite with Andrew in Millersburg. I’d like to settle near my bruder and reestablish a family relationship. I’ve asked God to forgive me, and I’ll do the same with the bishop and church. I’m returning to Amish life. Living in the outside world isn’t for me.”
“What wonderful news.” She had much to learn about Gabe, but he made a good impression. She was baffled why Andrew wouldn’t want to share memories about his bruder with her. She wouldn’t have cared Gabe left, except she’d have prayed for his return.
“Andrew will be relieved you’re safe and changing your life.” Daed relaxed and settled back.
“I’m excited to tell him. We have lost time to make up. I won’t leave again. I’ve missed him, and I’m hoping to work with him. Toby told me he’s with Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke and why. I’m worried about Uncle Luke. I hope I can have time with him before he leaves this earth. They’re important to me. I’m anxious to be with family again.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “I understand we’ll be family soon. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”
She beamed. “Yes. Danki. I look forward to getting better acquainted. And you’ll meet my dochder, Betsy. I’d get her up and introduce her, but I’m afraid she might not be in the best humor. She’s just started walking and wears herself out during the day. This is her bedtime.”
“I love kinner. We’ll have plenty of time to spend together when you move to Millersburg. I look forward to it.”
Toby traced the brim of his hat and stood. “Gabe, we should be going. I need to take you to Andrew’s to stay for the night, and I’ll head home to check on Daed. Do you mind waiting for me at the buggy for a minute?”
“No, I don’t mind waiting. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Maryann and Mr. Wenger.”
“Call me Shem.” He shook Gabe’s hand. “Give Andrew our best tomorrow.”
Maryann nodded. “Danki for kumming, Gabe. Have a safe trip to Millersburg tomorrow.”
He smiled, opened the door, and stepped outside.
Toby frowned and addressed them. “I hope I did the right thing bringing Gabe to you. I was unsure if Andrew told you about him or not. I felt sure you’d want to meet him, whether he did or didn’t tell you. I don’t want to upset Andrew. Maybe I should’ve waited and let him tell you about Gabe in his own time.”
Maryann gave him a reassuring smile. “Danki for bringing him to us. Gabe seems like a good man. I’d be disappointed to find out he was in town and we didn’t get to meet. We’re all puzzled Andrew never mentioned him. He’ll be surprised we found out about his return before he did. We’ll all be curious to find out why he never told us about Gabe.”
Toby nodded. “He arrived, expecting to find Andrew, and introduced himself, and we’ve talked nonstop most of the afternoon. He’s easygoing, confident in a good way, and really ready to commit to Amish life. I’ve enjoyed his company. I don’t want to keep him waiting.” He smiled and tipped his hat. “
Good night.”
She waited until their buggy disappeared down the lane and then shut the door.
Daed sat on the edge of his chair. “I’m surprised Andrew kept Gabe from you, considering your history.”
“I’m confused and disappointed. Why would Andrew keep Gabe from me? I’m thrilled to meet Gabe, but it concerns me Andrew would keep him or anything from me. I made it clear from the beginning how important it is for us to be open and honest. No secrets.” Her stomach churned. She’d been certain they’d shared everything about their past lives. She didn’t like discovering she’d been wrong. Andrew should’ve known from her past history she would’ve given his bruder the benefit of forgiveness.
“You and he have a lot to discuss. I’m sure he’ll have a reasonable explanation.” Daed held her hand.
“Will he? Is he hiding anything else from me? I said I wouldn’t marry a man who held back things from me. It’s unsettling. And this was news I’d been happy and thankful to receive.” Maryann got up and paced.
“Maybe it’s because Gabe turned in Gerald’s murderer.”
“Gabe didn’t really know Gerald. He was a gambler at the time. I am glad Gabe had the courage to do what many men in that room probably didn’t.”
“Don’t make any rash decisions. Give Andrew a chance to explain.”
“The distance between us makes this more difficult to discuss. Letters take time. Will he return to Charm once he knows I’ve met Gabe? He should’ve told me about Gabe and his acquaintance with Gerald, there’s no question. But this isn’t just about Gabe. It’s about him holding back important facts from me. Should I go there? I’d have to ask you or Joel to accompany me. I’m upset and not sure what to do.”
* * *
Maryann entered the bakery Thursday morning to find Rachael and Magdelena at the counter. Each carried a tray of tarts and apple fritters drizzled with vanilla icing. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
Rachael put down the tray and hugged her. “Toby told me about Gabe and that you weren’t aware Andrew had a bruder. He really likes him. He’s puzzled Andrew didn’t mention him. Maybe a little hurt, too. He thought they were close friends. I told Magdelena this morning. Are you upset?”
