by Molly Jebber
“Yes, but not at Gabe. His acquaintance with Gerald doesn’t matter to me, other than I’m grateful for what he did. It doesn’t make sense. I would have understood better than most about Andrew having a bruder who left Amish life. We could’ve been talking about memories of them growing up, and so much more.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to share those things with Andrew once you’re married and living in Millersburg near Gabe.” Rachael limped to her.
“We would if I end up going to Millersburg. Right now, I’m questioning our future together. I was certain he’d told me everything about himself and his family.” She put her hand on Rachael’s arm. “Your limp is more exaggerated today. Are you in pain?”
Rachael shook her head. “No, when I’m tired, my leg seems heavier. Since my accident with John a couple years ago, when the robbers chased us to rob us and the wagon fell over on my leg, the pain has lessened. It’s mostly heavy and stiff. The pain of John dying in that accident hurts my heart more than the injury to my leg. Maryann, don’t be too hard on Andrew. You and Andrew make such a good couple. I would not want you to sever ties with him over a misunderstanding.”
“I’m sorry about what happened to you. I’ll heed your advice.” Maryann gave Rachael’s arm a gentle squeeze. Magdelena stood in front of Maryann. “Wait a couple of days. Give Andrew a chance to kumme to Charm. I can’t imagine he won’t want to explain in person. He’ll have an explanation. He loves you. He wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize your future together.”
Rachael motioned for them to sit at a café table. “You could write to Andrew and ask him why he kept something important from you.”
Maryann wrung her hands. “I’d rather speak to him in person.”
“Don’t overreact. Do what Rachael suggested. Wait a couple of days. If he doesn’t kumme to Charm, you can go there. Joel, Toby, or your daed will go with you. Hannah would watch Betsy, and we’ll manage the store.”
She couldn’t damp down the frustration rising. Why had he made this choice? It unnerved her and shook the foundation of the trust she thought they had. “All right. I’ll wait.”
* * *
Andrew grinned at James later Thursday morning. “I’ve been waiting for you to tell us about your supper with Lena. Don’t keep us in suspense. How was it?”
James blushed and shuffled his feet. “Interesting.”
“We’re going to need more.” Matt chuckled.
“She asked me lots of questions, and it overwhelmed me for a couple of minutes. Then she softened her voice and relaxed, and I had a pleasant time with her.”
“What questions did she ask?” Andrew wrinkled his forehead.
James scratched his neck and then stared at the floor. “Was I happy in my marriage? My boys’ names and ages. Do I want to remarry? Do I want more kinner?”
“She doesn’t waste time.” Matt cocked his head. “Is she a widow or has she never married?”
“She’s an only child, and she’s not been married.”
“Were her parents with you at supper?” Andrew leaned back on the counter.
It wouldn’t be proper for them to dine alone, but they were adults. James’s shyness about answering their questions about Lena gave the impression he might like her. The woman had been direct and determined when she asked him to supper. Maybe she had showed him a different and softer side.
“Her parents were kind and quiet. Lena did most of the talking. I told her I had a happy marriage, I’m open to marrying again, and I would consider another child. As I said it, I surprised myself. It wouldn’t be fair to a childless woman to say no to more kinner.”
“Sounds like you like Lena.” Matt winked at James.
“She’s kumming to our haus for supper tomorrow night. Jonathan is my oldest, and he likes to cook. He’s making vegetable soup and ham sandwiches. She’s bringing sugar cookies. I do like her. She struck me as bold when she asked me to supper at our first meeting. When I went to supper at her parents’ home, I found her caring and kind. And she makes me laugh.” He held up his palms. “She shocked me in a good way.”
Andrew grinned. “I hope this works out for you and Lena.” He couldn’t wait for Maryann and Betsy to join him so he could have suppers with them.
“I hope it works out for you, too.” Matt patted James’s back.
“Danki.” James beamed.
A woman bustled to them. “I’m in need of a dining room set. I’d prefer cherry.”
James gestured to the right side of the store. “We have two sets in cherry right in the far corner of the store, if you’d please follow me.”
Andrew and Matt slipped into the workshop. “James has a lilt to his step. This is going to be fun to watch.”
“I’m jealous. You both have found your true loves. I’m still waiting on the right girl.”
“I have no doubt you’ll find the perfect one for you when the time is right.” Andrew clapped a hand on Matt’s shoulder.
* * *
Later in the morning, Andrew studied the dresser he’d finished for Gertie and Fred Nolan. “I was afraid I wouldn’t get this done in time. The Nolans were insistent on picking this piece up today.”
Matt whistled. “You did a nice job. Cherrywood was an excellent selection for it. They’ll be pleased. I’ll help you carry it out to the front. We can put it aside for them.”
“Danki.” Andrew and Matt picked up the dresser and carried it to the front. They put it down and Andrew’s mouth gaped open.
“Gabe!” He ran and embraced him.
Gabe wrapped his arms around him. “Good to see you, bruder.”
Andrew separated from him. His bruder was safe and appeared healthy. Would he stay? Where had he been? “Matt, James, this is my bruder, Gabe. It’s been a long time since we’ve been together.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” Matt shook his hand.
James smiled. “You two resemble each other. Same hair, eyes, and mischievous grin.”
Matt said, “I’m sure you have a lot to talk about. We’ll give you privacy.” He went to the counter with James.
Andrew gestured to the workshop, and they sat on stools. “I have a mountain of questions. I don’t know where to start. Are you passing through or back for good?” It was a relief Gabe was safe and he appeared healthy and happy. Memories of their childhood skipped through Andrew’s mind. They’d been close, and he’d missed him. He’d never stopped praying for him, and he’d finally accepted Gabe might not write or visit him again.
“I’m staying with you. I’m through with the outside world. I’m committed to God and Amish life.” Gabe grinned wide.
“I’m thrilled you’re going to stay. Did you get the forwarding address I left with the postmaster for you?”
“I could tell you’d moved from our home when I passed by. Another family had hung their name outside. I got your forwarding address to Charm from the postmaster. I arrived and met Toby. He told me you moved to Millersburg and why. I stayed at your place last night, got up this morning, and drove straight to the shop. I wanted to speak to you first, before Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke.”
Andrew sucked in a breath. “Toby must’ve been surprised to meet you.” He should’ve told Toby about Gabe. He might be hurt to find out this way.
“Yes, he said you hadn’t mentioned me. From the way he praised you, I got the impression you’d become friends. Why didn’t you tell him about me?”
He read the disappointment in Gabe’s face. “I now regret not telling him.”
“And Maryann.” Gabe raised his gaze to meet Andrew’s.
“You met Maryann?” He gulped air. What must she think? He wouldn’t have liked it if she’d kept information like this from him. Gabe’s last letter to him about what happened with him and Gerald flashed in his mind. He hadn’t expected Gabe to return. He couldn’t stand what Gerald had put Maryann through with his bad decisions. Gabe’s interaction with the man wasn’t worth mentioning. He cringed. With Gabe’s return, he regretted t
his. He’d sure made a mess of things.
“Toby told me about her. I said I’d met her late husband and I wanted to meet her. He took me there.” He sighed. “She was taken aback, not having been told about me. She and her daed wilkomed me and were warm and friendly. I like them. She’s upset and rightfully so. You’ll need to explain to her why you didn’t mention me. Why didn’t you?”
Andrew sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry. It was wrong of me. I didn’t expect you’d return. Your letters had stopped. I had no idea where you were or what you were up to. I’m protective of her. If I brought you up, I’d have had to bring up Gerald. It didn’t seem relevant to bring up the past and your minor interaction with her late husband. She’s been through enough. It had nothing to do with us. I wanted a fresh start. I chose to practice the Amish way and not mention you.”
“You should’ve been honest with her from the start. I don’t want a fraa who wouldn’t share everything with me, let alone something like this. Secrets are destructive.”
“In hindsight, I agree with you. Maybe I was protecting myself. It hurt to talk about you and not know if I would ever see you again. I made it easier on me. Now she’ll question if I’ll keep other secrets, and she made it clear we were to share everything. I’m in trouble with her for sure.” He’d assumed Gabe was lost to him in the outside world. He’d accepted his bruder had chosen a life without him. It hurt for a long time. Maybe it had been easier to bury the hurt and not talk about him.
Gabe gazed at him. “This decision could cost you. I’m sorry I am the reason for this secret, but she’s got to wonder what else you’re holding back.”
“Nothing! This is it. I’ll go to Charm and explain. I didn’t mean to hurt her or you.” Andrew wished he could turn back the clock. He’d been upfront with her about everything. He was ashamed he’d given up on Gabe and for disappointing Maryann.
“It sounds like as long as I was out of sight, I was out of mind.” Gabe stared at his bruder.
Andrew shook his head. “Not true. I told you I prayed for you each day.” He should’ve had more faith Gabe would change his life.
“I don’t mean to be so hard on you. I want you happy, and with Maryann. She’s someone I’d like to have for a schweschder-in-law from the little time I spent with her. I’m sorry I caused you trouble by exploring my selfish desires and leaving Amish life. I left you alone to fend for yourself on the farm. Forgive me?”
“Yes. I forgive you. Forgive me?” He would’ve been crushed to learn Gabe had kept him a secret from the woman he loved, if the situation had been reversed.
“Of course. Would you like me to go with you to visit Maryann, for support? We got along well.”
“No. This is bigger than me not telling her about you. I have to convince her she can trust me to not keep things from her in the future. To her, the most important thing in a marriage is honesty and full disclosure. I’m worried I’ve destroyed this for her. I pray she’ll forgive me and believe I won’t do this again.” He rubbed the tension in his neck. “I’ll leave early tomorrow.”
“I pray you and Maryann can work through this.”
“Me too.” He patted Gabe on the back. “On a more pleasant note, we’ll have to get Aunt Dora to sew you some Amish clothes. Until then, you’re wilkom to wear mine. They should fit.”
Andrew’s stomach whirled with regret. Maryann might never trust him again. He hoped things would go as well with her as they had with Gabe. “Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke will be ecstatic when we walk inside the haus together. You’ll be an instant shot of joy for Uncle Luke, in spite of his pain.” His eyes dampened. “Wilkom home, bruder. I couldn’t be happier to have you back.”
Gabe shook his head. “How are they doing?”
“Uncle Luke isn’t the robust man you remember. He’s skin and bones, has a gray pallor, and has a raspy voice. I miss his pleasant voice.” He frowned. “He says the doctor isn’t sure what’s wrong. His mind’s sharp, and Aunt Dora is sweet and helpful, as always. You’ll boost their moods.”
“Do you think it’ll be all right if I live there with all of you?”
“Yes. There’s plenty of room. Aunt Dora will insist you stay with us. You remember. They have a big haus, and it has four bedrooms.” Andrew studied Gabe. “How are your handcrafting skills?”
“Improved. I’ve built pieces for furniture stores while I’ve been away, including special pieces for friends who paid me. I’d love to work in this shop.”
Andrew grinned. “Wonderful! Do you mind starting work tomorrow? You can build furniture with Matt. We’re working as hard as we can to fill the store with more of our products and fewer consigned pieces. You’ll be a big help to us.”
“Do you plan to no longer take items from consignors in the future?”
“We won’t take in as much from them, but we’ll accept their products. I want to help them out. They’ve been loyal to the store.”
Gabe nodded. “Good. I appreciated being a consignor to shops during my time away. And it produces goodwill in the community. You take all the time you need in Charm. The outcome from your trip will determine your future. I’ll help with the store and Uncle Luke.”
“Danki, bruder.” Andrew’s chest ached.
He wasn’t sure they could recover from his mistake. Maryann had every right to question him, given what he’d done. He hadn’t intended to hurt her. Could he convince her to trust him again?
Chapter Eleven
Maryann yawned and stretched her arms at the bakery early Friday morning. She hadn’t slept much last night.
Dr. Harrison and the sheriff slid onto their usual stools at the counter. You could set your clock by their morning arrival.
Dr. Harrison quirked his brow. “Do you have hot tea?”
“Yes. Would you like honey in it?” She poured him a cup.
“A teaspoon, please.”
She drizzled the spoonful in his tea.
“What about you, Sheriff?”
He grinned and peered over his paper. “I won’t be as much trouble as my friend.” He rolled his eyes at Dr. Harrison. “I’ll take coffee.”
Dr. Harrison shot him a disgusted glance. “You often have a laundry list of requests for your dessert. A drizzle, not a lot, of icing on your pastries. Warm, not too hot, cocoa. Should I go on?”
“Please don’t. I still say I’m not as bad as you.” The sheriff guffawed. “I’ll have two raspberry jam pastries.”
She smacked her hand on the counter and grinned. “I don’t mind special requests.”
“Thank you, Maryann.” He wrinkled his nose at Dr. Harrison and then faced her.
“I’ll take the same.” Dr. Harrison lifted his paper. He pointed to an article for the sheriff. “This is tragic. Yesterday, seventeen soldiers with the Austria-Hungary Empire were killed during maneuvers on Ortler.”
“Where is Ortler? What happened?” Sheriff Williams squinted. “I can’t read it from over here.”
“An avalanche. Ortler is the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps. I’d have never made it doing this maneuver. I wouldn’t like climbing mountains. The weather would be a challenge in itself.”
Maryann’s heart hurt for the soldiers’ families and for the men in charge who would have to notify them. She liked it when there was cheerful and interesting news, but not news like this. The two friends took her mind off her displeasure with Andrew as they teased, laughed, and discussed world events until they left.
She grabbed a rag and washed crumbs from the counter. Andrew and Gabe would reunite today. She liked Gabe, and he had some of the same mannerisms as Andrew, especially his kind, wide smile. Gabe impressed her. He’d exposed Gerald’s murderer and might have saved other lives from such a dangerous man by putting him behind bars. She prayed his transition back to Amish life would be easy. She was sure Andrew and his family would support him, like her family had with her.
Rachael and Magdelena walked in the front door. Magdelena held up a bag. “We’re back.
We brought you a treat from the general store.”
Maryann loved them for trying to cheer her. “Peppermint candy?”
“Yes.” Rachael took the bag and opened it. She held a piece in her fingers. “Open your mouth, and I’ll set one on your tongue.”
Maryann opened her mouth, and Rachael set a peppermint on her tongue. “Danki.”
The door opened, and Andrew entered. Maryann gasped.
Magdelena and Rachael greeted him and scampered to the kitchen.
“Andrew, I’m shocked and glad you’re here.” Maryann wanted to run into his arms, but the other part of her wanted to shout at him.
“I’d like to explain about Gabe and convince you I’ll not hold anything back from you again. I realize the bakery isn’t the ideal place for our conversation. I planned to wait until you were home, but I couldn’t let another minute go by without talking to you face-to-face.”
“We don’t have customers right now. Let’s go to the storeroom. I’ll ask Rachael to manage the counter.” She went to the kitchen. “Rachael, Andrew and I are going to talk in the storeroom. Do you mind moving to the front for a couple of minutes?”
“Sure.” Rachael bustled to the front.
Maryann and Andrew went to the storeroom. She left the door open.
Andrew faced her. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you about Gabe.”
Maryann toyed with the corner of her apron. Those brown eyes of his were hard to resist. She’d missed him. The sound of his voice made her heart skip a beat. She loved him more than she cared to admit at the moment. “I bared my soul to you. I assumed you did the same. I said no secrets. I trusted you didn’t keep any. There was no need for you to withhold anything from me. Let alone Gabe. I treasured this about us. I emphasized the importance of honesty between us. You communicated with me better than any man I’ve ever known. Why did you keep this from me?”
“I didn’t expect this day to kumme. I was foolish. If I mentioned Gabe, I had to tell you about his connection to Gerald. My fresh start in Charm included one with you. I regret the decision I made. I understand why you’re upset with me. Please remember I love you and I’ll not keep things from you again. Please, Maryann, don’t let this ruin our future.”
