by Molly Jebber
Uncle Luke put down his fork. “Dora and I hit it off from the get-go. She’s my first and only love. I pray you both find a woman like her. We’ve had our ups and downs, but nothing we couldn’t get past. We made a pact not to go to bed angry.”
Dora pressed both hands to her chest. “It’s true. I’ve loved him most of my life. Grew up together and never considered another man. Best decision I ever made. We did stay up late some nights until we settled an argument or two. But I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Andrew wanted their kind of love. He prayed Maryann would get past that he’d let her down. He longed for a future with her and Betsy.
Gabe assisted Uncle Luke to his chair.
Andrew carried the dishes to the sink for Aunt Dora. “I’ll wash.”
“No. You’ve had a long, rough day. Go to your room, shut your eyes, and get some sleep.”
He wouldn’t argue. He couldn’t wait to rest, although sleep might be a challenge. He padded through the living room. “Good night, Uncle Luke and Gabe. I’m turning in early.” He went to his bedroom.
Gabe pushed Andrew’s bedroom door open. “Can we talk a minute?”
“Sure.” Andrew sat on the side of the bed.
Gabe pulled a chair in front of him and sat. “Should I go talk to her?”
Andrew shook his head. “I appreciate your willingness to intervene. Let’s give her time.”
“The offer stands. If you change your mind, I’ll go.”
“Danki. Not right now.” He didn’t want to talk or think about all he’d lost with Maryann. He needed to change the subject. He slapped Gabe’s knee. “Isn’t the store a great place?”
“I love it. The store is big, the workshop is organized, and the counter is just the right size. Matt and James are likeable and hard workers.” Gabe gazed at him.
“Yes, the store is making a profit, and we’ll make more money with your extra set of hands building furniture. We’ve got the space, and it will be wonderful to fill it.” He never expected he’d be discussing the store with Gabe. His stomach danced with happiness at having him in this haus, working at the store, and having this conversation. He could use the help. The more hands to build furniture to sell, the more profit they’d make for the store rather than depending on consigners for a good bit of their stock.
Gabe winced. “Aunt Dora said I’ve got to have a sit-down with Bishop Detweiler. I’m nervous about it.”
“Would you like me to go with you?” Andrew didn’t want anything to get in the way of Gabe’s staying in Millersburg and following through on his commitment to God and Amish life. He wanted to support and encourage him. He wished he knew the bishop better. Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke praised him, so he was sure Gabe’s meeting with him would go well.
“No, you have enough on your plate. I’ll make a better impression if I go alone.” Gabe stood. “I’m ready to call it a day, and you must be tired from traveling. Good night. Get some sleep.”
“Danki. See you in the morning.” He waited until Gabe left and then fell on his back onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. Having Gabe back had opened one door, and then another door closed—Maryann rejecting him. Were he and Maryann supposed to wed? He believed so. He prayed for God to forgive him and to intervene on his behalf with Maryann. He gripped the coverlet. He hoped Maryann would find it in her heart to forgive him.
* * *
Andrew sat at the breakfast table and glanced at Uncle Luke Saturday morning. His uncle had dark circles under his eyes, and he’d pushed his full plate of food aside. His health seemed to be failing, and it was a constant concern to him, his aunt, and Gabe.
Gabe scooped out a spoonful of peach jam. “I’m going to the bishop’s haus today and tell him why I’m back. I suspect he’ll want to meet with me in private for a series of sessions to make sure I’m committed to God and Amish life. I’ll do what he asks.” He cleared his throat. “Then I’ve got to make a trip. I’ve got my bag packed. I’ll be gone for a couple of days. Please don’t ask me any questions. There’s no need for concern. I’ll tell you all about it when I return.”
Aunt Dora squeezed Gabe’s arm. “Bishop Detweiler is a wise and understanding man. You’ll like him. Please be careful as you travel. We’ll look forward to your return.”
Uncle Luke waved a trembling hand. “Please take care of yourself.”
Andrew cupped his warm mug of coffee. “Let me kumme with you.”
Gabe shook his head. “No, it’s something I must take care of. I’m not in trouble. I’ll tell you more when I return.” He kissed Dora on the cheek, patted Uncle Luke on the shoulder, and nodded to Andrew. “I’ll be back soon.” He pushed the door open and shut it behind him.
Uncle Luke wiped a tear. “I’m grateful to God for bringing my nephews to us before I leave this earth. It’s been a precious time to have you both with me. An unexpected blessing.”
Andrew’s uncle had been supportive, caring, and an excellent example for him. He didn’t want to lose him. “We’re blessed to have you in our lives.” Andrew took his plate to the sink. “I’d better get to work.” He bid them farewell, got his buggy ready, and drove to the shop. He crossed the road from the livery. What was Gabe up to? He’d noticed the worry in his family’s faces. He shared their concern, but Gabe didn’t need their permission. He was a grown man. Curious about his bruder’s sudden trip, his questions would have to wait.
The newsboy raised the paper above his head. “Read all about it! The first scheduled airline may be going out of business! You don’t want to miss this news about the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line! Buy your paper now!”
Andrew had overheard Englischers talking about this. The airline covered eighteen miles and it took twenty-three minutes between St. Petersburg, Florida, to Tampa. Much faster than traveling by train. His family had traveled by train to visit close friends when he was a boy, and he liked it. The train had been acceptable for a long-distance trip. Would Maryann like to take a trip on a train someday? An airplane would be acceptable, but probably not affordable. He wondered what it would be like to travel by airplane.
Andrew worked throughout the day at the shop, but he couldn’t take his mind off Gabe. He wondered how his meeting with the bishop had been. It was obvious from Gabe’s demeanor he’d given up living in the outside world. The bishop had most likely assigned him scriptures to guide him back into Amish life.
He grinned. Gabe had asked him question after question about the business. He’d review the financial and supply records with Gabe and teach him all aspects of running the shop when he returned. They’d make a good team. He prayed Gabe was safe and hadn’t had to visit someone from his past who would cause him trouble.
Chapter Twelve
Maryann mopped the floor in the kitchen Saturday evening. Betsy had spilled her small cup of milk. She poked her head into the living room. “Daed, would you like another cup of coffee? Is Betsy behaving?”
“No, dear, and Betsy and I are fine.”
Betsy toddled to him and bounced her block on his leg. “Play? Pop. Pop.”
“Not right now, sweetheart.”
Betsy whimpered and rubbed her eyes. She tugged at her socks, pulled them off, and threw them. “No. No.”
“She’s acting cranky. I should put her to bed.” Maryann crossed the room and scooped her up.
“No. No. Bed.” Betsy shook her head and wiggled in Maryann’s arms.
“Stop whining or I won’t read you a story.” Maryann squinted her eyes and pinched her lips.
Betsy rested her head against Maryann’s shoulder and settled.
“She doesn’t want to miss her bedtime story. That always seems to work.” Daed chuckled.
Maryann leaned Betsy over to Daed. “Hug Pop good night.”
Betsy hugged his neck and then whimpered in Maryann’s arms.
Maryann took her to her bedroom. She changed her, rocked her, and read her a story. Then she sang to her until she fell asleep. She had her daed in Betsy’s
life, but Andrew and her daed would have been better. She still couldn’t squelch the doubt and disappointment she wanted to shove out of her mind.
She rejoined her daed. “Betsy was fussy tonight.”
“She has bad days sometimes, like the rest of us.” Daed closed his Holy Bible.
Sometimes she wondered if Betsy sensed she was upset since Andrew left. Her dochder had adored him. Maybe she missed him, too. She stood. “Someone’s at the door. It’s an odd hour for company.” She opened the door and gasped. “Gabe, is everything all right? Please kumme in.”
He stepped inside. “I’ve got to talk to you.” Gabe removed his hat and traced the rim.
She pointed to the chair. He wore Amish clothes.
Shem stood and offered his hand. “It’s good to have you, Gabe. I hope everything is all right.”
Gabe shook Daed’s hand and sat on the settee. “I had to kumme and speak to Maryann on Andrew’s behalf.” He shifted his body to face her. “Andrew is miserable and full of remorse. As his bruder, it’s difficult to watch him beat himself up over losing you. You and I agree he handled this all wrong, but he’s remorseful. Please reconsider.”
Maryann sat back in the chair. “Gabe, I appreciate you kumming on Andrew’s behalf. I forgive him. I’m struggling to let go of the worry he’ll keep things from me in the future. I’m afraid my past with Gerald has made me overprotective of myself. I’m trying to sort it out.”
Gabe held out his palm. “You should believe him. He’s proven to you he’s a good man. He just used bad judgment, but he didn’t do it to hurt you. Quite the opposite. He didn’t want to dredge up the past.” He inhaled a big breath. “Andrew isn’t aware I’m in Charm. I told him I had to take a trip and I’d explain why when I returned.”
“You’re a good bruder. I’m glad you’ve reunited with Andrew. And I’m glad we met. It’s been a blessing. Marriage is work. Trust, communication, commitment, and respect are important to help it to succeed. Andrew has made me doubt he can carry through with trust and communication. The sick feeling in my stomach won’t leave, and my mind won’t let me erase it. I want to overlook it, but I’m having a difficult time with it.”
“You have every right to be upset. Time sometimes does heal wounds, but it can also be a detriment. The problem can grow and the water gets muddy when we let our past experiences affect our future. Don’t confuse your frustration with Gerald and put it on Andrew. Consider why you fell in love with him. He still possesses those good traits. No one is perfect. But I can assure you, he desperately wants to win you back. He’s learned a valuable lesson.”
Shem nodded in agreement with Gabe. “Listen to the man, Maryann.”
Maryann gave him an apologetic glance. “I promise you, Gabe. I’m praying about it. I do love Andrew.”
Gabe clutched his hat. “Andrew and I were close while we grew up together. I was curious about automobiles, trains, the latest inventions, and world news. He had his nose in the Holy Bible more often than me, and he didn’t waver from being committed to God and Amish life and hard work. He took care of me until I left. I may be prejudiced, being his bruder, but he’s one of the best men I know. He’s reliable and strives to do what’s right. Don’t rob yourself and Betsy of having a wonderful life with Andrew.”
Shem studied him. “You’re a loyal man to do this for him. I admire you for kumming here.”
Maryann pressed a hand to her chest. “You warm my heart for what you’re trying to do. Andrew is a wonderful man in many regards. But I’m afraid my past with Gerald has made me afraid to trust Andrew again. Maybe I’m being too hard on him. I may need to grow from this and realize I can’t let my past dictate my future over one poor decision on Andrew’s part.”
“It’s late and I’ve said what I came to say.” Gabe took long strides to the door. He put on his hat. “Maryann, please don’t let Andrew go, over one mistake. His love is fierce, his loyalty is like no other, and his devotion is immeasurable.” He sighed. “I’m staying for the service tomorrow. I’ll leave Monday.”
Shem stood and nodded. “Gabe, I’ll see you at the service. Kumme over and visit tomorrow. We’d love to have you.” He yawned. “Time for me to go to bed.” He padded down the hall and left them alone.
“Daed’s right. It will be wonderful to have you at the service, and please follow us home afterward and visit. We enjoy your company.”
“I’ll take you up on your offer. I’d like to play with Betsy.” He tipped his hat, went outside, and got in his buggy. Maryann watched him leave, then shut the door when his buggy turned down the lane. She sat in a chair and stared at the ceiling. She agreed with Gabe. All the things he said about Andrew were true. She couldn’t have put it better before all this happened. Was she letting Gerald’s bad judgments keep her from trusting Andrew over one poor decision? She wanted to think she’d put the past behind her. Was she being fair to Andrew?
* * *
Maryann held Betsy on her lap during the Sunday service at the Masts’ home. She smiled at Gabe and Toby. They seemed really comfortable with each other.
The bishop said, “In the Holy Bible in Luke, we are reminded God is merciful to us and we should be merciful to others. We tend to guard our hearts when someone has hurt us. We should forgive them, but we sometimes put a wall up or we sever ties with them to protect ourselves. It’s easier than having to work at it. We say we forgive them, but we hold on to the transgression. We hurt God over and over by being too busy to pray or to read the Holy Bible or when He convicts us to do something and we ignore Him. He’s there for us no matter. Are you robbing yourself of the joy of someone’s friendship and love today over a mistake they’ve made and which you’ve placed too much importance on? If the situation were reversed, would they treat you as you have treated them?”
Maryann’s heart pounded, and she slid down in her seat a couple of inches. Had Gabe, Daed, or her friends talked to the bishop? Had they prompted him to aim this message at her? She swallowed around the guilt in her throat. The bishop’s message had pinpointed what was disturbing her. Had she been so busy blaming Andrew that she hadn’t considered what was right and good about him? Had she let her past with Gerald cloud her judgment? Yes.
She was guilty of both. Andrew wasn’t Gerald. He’d made a mistake. She was foolish if she didn’t let it go and forget it. He’d accepted her past mistakes, her dochder, and her family without reservation. Other Amish men hadn’t considered her before Andrew. She suspected it was due to her past. Andrew hadn’t condemned her. He’d given her a chance. She had to let the past go and grow from this conflict she’d caused with Andrew. She loved him, and she wanted a lifetime with him.
She and Gabe joined Ellie, Joel, and her friends after the service.
Ellie asked him questions, and he answered them politely.
Joel pulled her to him. “Enough, Ellie.”
Gabe batted the air. “It’s all right. I don’t mind Ellie’s questions. We’ll soon be family.” He reached for Betsy. “I’m your Uncle Gabe.”
Ellie grinned at Gabe. “Danki.” She shrugged and smiled at Joel.
Betsy patted his cheeks. “Unkie.”
“Yes, Unkie. I like it.” Gabe tapped her button nose.
Maryann invited Gabe to join her, Daed, and Betsy at home. He followed them in his buggy. They arrived and went inside.
Gabe sat on the floor and played with Betsy and talked to her family for another hour. He cocked his head to Maryann. “Have you thought anymore about you and Andrew?”
Betsy toddled over to him and dropped in his lap. “Unkie.”
“She and you have become fast friends.”
He helped her clap her hands.
Betsy bounced and giggled. “Unkie. Unkie.”
Maryann sat with them on the floor and grinned at Gabe’s happy reaction.
“Betsy, I’m hoping Andrew and I will be holding you more often if I can convince your mamm to let us.” He gave Maryann an impish grin and turned back to Bet
sy. “You are adorable.” He kissed her hair.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had talked to Bishop Fisher and requested a message on forgiveness and regrets.” The bishop’s message had resonated with her on the way home. She’d said a silent prayer and finally let go of the resentment and hurt. She’d been lost without this wonderful man she’d pledged to marry. She had crushed his heart and hers in the process. Andrew had been truly remorseful. For the first time, the sick feeling in her stomach left.
Gabe held Betsy and stacked her blocks.
She giggled and knocked them over.
“I have ginger cookies. Would you like a couple?” Maryann took Betsy and put her in the playpen with a small ball, her doll, and building blocks.
Betsy’s lips quivered as she kept her eyes on Gabe. Then she picked up her doll and smiled.
“Nothing for me. Danki. I’m still full from the after-service dinner.” He grinned. “Andrew is in love with you. You’re in love with him. I will soon have a niece whom I will not give up. I’m not leaving until I convince you he had no ill intent when he made his decision to keep quiet about me. I also need a schweschder-in-law to keep me in line. So, I’m being selfish. I’m here on my account, too.” He made a funny face and leaned toward Betsy, who stood in the playpen.
She patted his cheeks with her hands and cooed.
“I have Betsy’s approval. She agrees with me. How about you?” Gabe gave his best puppy-dog eyes.
“I believe God sent you here and gave the bishop the message today to cause me to reevaluate why I severed ties with Andrew. I don’t want to be a prisoner of my past experiences. I can’t let my life with Gerald and the disappointments I had with him rule my future with Andrew. I can see where I’ve grown from accepting this about myself, and it’s allowing me to forgive Andrew. I’ve been too judgmental toward him. I can’t let him go. I love him. And I would miss out on having a wonderful bruder-in-law and unkie for Betsy.” She chuckled.
