by Molly Jebber
“Danki. We’ll make sure you’re always taken care of, Aunt Dora.” Andrew hugged her.
Gabe circled his arms around them both.
Aunt Dora’s lips quivered. “I’d like to open the haus for friends to visit Wednesday morning and have the service at one in the afternoon and the burial right after. I’ll wash and dress him for the services, and you boys can put him in the pine box.”
Gabe held her elbow. “Are you sure you want to do everything so close together?”
“I am. Your uncle and I discussed it. It’s the way he wanted it. He didn’t want to prolong the days before his burial. I’m sure he was thinking of me. He knew this would be agonizing for me.” She dragged a chair over to Uncle Luke’s and stroked his hand. “I love you, my dear, Luke.” She wept.
Andrew and Gabe stayed silent for a couple of minutes, and then Andrew guided her to the bedroom. “Please lie down. You need to rest.”
Aunt Dora argued with him for a couple of minutes and then relented.
He shut her bedroom door behind her, and then he walked to the front door and held it wide open for Gabe as he came in with a patchwork quilt from the barn. They carried Luke’s body to the guest bedroom. Andrew faced Gabe. “You must be exhausted after traveling from Charm today. Your grief has added to it. I’ll go let the bishop know to tell our friends and to prepare for the services.”
“Yes. I am tired. Danki for offering to go speak to the bishop. I’ll stay with Aunt Dora.” Gabe rubbed his eyes.
Andrew bid him farewell and drove his buggy to the bishop’s haus.
Bishop Detweiler answered his knock. “Andrew! Is everything all right?”
“Good evening, Bishop. Uncle Luke has passed away, and he’s gone to Heaven. Aunt Dora doesn’t want to prolong the visitation, funeral, and burial. She requests it all be done on Wednesday. She and my uncle discussed his wishes before he died, and these were his wishes.”
“Luke’s passing is a great loss. I’ll be honored to oversee his service, and I’m happy he’s no longer suffering. I’ll tell friends to spread the word.”
“Danki, Bishop.” He nodded. “I have some good news.” Andrew told him about his upcoming wedding in Charm. “You’re wilkom to kumme.”
“Congratulations! Danki for the invite. I may surprise you. I look forward to meeting Maryann and little Betsy, whether it be at the wedding or when you bring them to Millersburg.”
Andrew chatted with him for a couple of minutes and headed home. He relived conversations he had enjoyed with his uncle and the memories they’d created. He regretted Maryann hadn’t met him. Luke would’ve loved her. This had been a happy and a grief-stricken day. He drove home, and Gabe was in the living room in front of the fireplace.
“Why don’t you leave early tomorrow and tell Maryann? She’d want to support you. You can bring her to Millersburg and take her back to Charm after the funeral, and I’ll stay with Aunt Dora and take care of things. Having Maryann and Betsy with us will give Dora joy during this difficult time. I’ll tell Matt and James what happened in the morning. We’ll close the store the day of the services.”
“Danki, Gabe. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you pleading my case to Maryann.”
“I love you, bruder. I always have and always will. Your happiness is important to me. Our family is growing smaller with the loss of Uncle Luke. I’m thankful Maryann’s family will be an extension of ours after you marry. Betsy captured my heart. She calls me unkie. I love it.”
Andrew chuckled. “I can’t wait to hold her. She’s precious. I love you, too, Gabe. Having you back in my life has been an answer to prayer, and a blessing.” He covered his yawn. “I’m going to turn in. I’ll leave early tomorrow morning for Charm. If Dora isn’t up, please tell her I’ll be back tomorrow night or early the next day.”
Gabe nodded. “I will.”
* * *
Andrew left Millersburg early Tuesday morning and went straight to the bakery in Charm. His stomach danced with excitement. He arrived close to eight, and he knocked on the door.
Maryann opened the door. “Andrew!”
He stepped inside. “I couldn’t stand to wait until April to kumme. I’m relieved, happy, excited, and more, now that our wedding is on again. Maryann, I’m sorry for putting you through such heartache.”
“I’m sorry for being hard on you. We don’t need to mention it again.” She poured him a cup of hot cocoa. “Betsy is wild about her unkie Gabe. I like him, too. How’s your family?”
Andrew frowned. “Uncle Luke passed yesterday. I was sure you’d want to know. Are you interested in kumming to Millersburg with me for the service? You could meet Aunt Dora.”
She covered her open mouth. “I’m sorry for your loss. Yes, of course, I’ll kumme. We’ve had our share of tragedy this year. Rachael and Magdelena should arrive any minute. I came a little earlier than usual today. They can manage the bakery for a couple of days. I’ll pack a bag for Betsy and me, and we’ll go. I don’t want to keep you from your family during a time like this, and I’d like to support you and help Aunt Dora.”
He’d been sure she’d not hesitate to leave on the spot with him. Her loving face and attitude made his heart soar. He would miss Uncle Luke, and having her there with him would make it easier. “How are you and your family doing since Naomi’s passing?”
“I’m still grieving her death, but it gets easier with time. I’ll always think of her. You were here for me when she passed, and I want to do the same for you during this difficult time. We’ll go to Hannah’s and pick up Betsy. Then we’ll go to my haus and tell Daed.”
Rachael and Magdelena bustled in the door. They greeted Andrew.
Maryann told them what happened.
Magdelena took off her cape. “I’m sorry, Andrew. Maryann, go. We’ll take care of the bakery.”
Rachael hung her cape on the wall hook. “Yes, Andrew, I’m sorry about your uncle Luke, but, at the same time, we’re happy your wedding is going forward.”
“Danki.” Andrew smiled.
He ushered Maryann outside and followed her to the livery to get her buggy, and then to Hannah’s haus.
They crossed the yard, and Hannah opened the door with Betsy on her hip and Sunny wagging her tail and barking. “Betsy, Mamm and Dada are here.” She wrinkled her nose. “Andrew, Maryann, is everything all right?”
Betsy clapped her hands. “Dada.” She held her arms out to him.
“She called me Dada.” Andrew took Betsy and hugged her. “I’ve missed you, little one. You made my day.”
Maryann grinned. “You can thank Hannah for suggesting it. She’s been fussy since you left. I would surmise she missed you a lot.”
“Danki, Hannah. I’m happy to hear Betsy call me Dada early. I’m sorry. We’ve gotten sidetracked and didn’t answer your question. My uncle Luke died yesterday, and I’ve kumme to take Maryann and Betsy to Millersburg. We’ve reconciled and I was hoping Maryann would want to attend the services and be with my family.”
“Andrew, I’m sorry about your uncle’s passing. Of course you would want Maryann and Betsy with you. Be careful traveling, and I’m happy you’ve worked out your differences.” Hannah hugged Maryann and Betsy.
“Danki, Hannah. We should get started on our journey.”
They bid Hannah goodbye.
“I’ll pray you have safe travel.” Hannah waved to them, and Sunny barked and stood next to her.
Andrew secured Betsy in Maryann’s buggy, and then he followed them home. He explained to Shem about his uncle, while Maryann packed a bag, water, and snacks for them.
They got in the buggy, and bid Shem farewell.
Betsy fussed but soon fell asleep in Maryann’s arms.
Andrew reached for Maryann’s hand. “It’s good to have you next to me. Danki for kumming.”
“I would’ve been upset if you hadn’t told me. This is a tragic time for you. I’ll soon be a part of your family, and I want to be there for all of you. How’s Aun
t Dora holding up?”
“She’s usually a cheerful and uplifting woman. It’s difficult to watch her suffer over losing my uncle. She’s lost her best friend and partner. She reminds us he’s in Heaven, and I’m certain the thought is as much for her as it is for us to help ease our grief. It will be hard to walk past his favorite chair and not remember him in it and the conversations we’ve had. He was like a second daed to Gabe and me. Some of the best advice I’ve received has been from him after my daed passed away.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting Aunt Dora, but I wish it were under happier circumstances.”
“You and Betsy will be a bright spot in her grieving. I have no doubt you, Betsy, and Dora will get along from the minute you meet.” He’d enjoy watching his soon-to-be dochder and Maryann and Dora get acquainted. “You’ll meet James and Matt. I talk to them about you a lot.” He told her about Matt and Annalynn.
“What a story! It’s unusual for an Amish woman to take up with another man. Matt was right not to wed her. He’s an honorable man to not tell what happened and allow gossips to misunderstand, and protect her reputation, especially when she was the one in the wrong.”
“He made a noble choice. If he had told the truth, Annalynn and her now husband would’ve been banned from the community. He was frustrated and disappointed with her, but he had loved her. I admire what he did. I pray he finds the right woman to marry one day. James and Lena have a strong connection. He didn’t wait long at all to propose.”
Maryann said, “I’m happy for them. Why not? If they love each other and they’re ready, they should wed. His five sons need a mamm, as much as he needs a fraa. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“I assume she’ll be at the service with James. She cooks meals for him and his sons, does their laundry, and packs dinners for him to take to work. He thought her bossy and forward when she first asked him to supper, but he changed his mind after they had an evening to talk. He got to know a softer side to her. They’ve been courting since then. He’s a kind and gentle man. He said he enjoyed his first marriage and he’s looking forward to his future with Lena.”
“I can understand. I’m looking forward to my future with you.” Maryann beamed. “This will give me a chance to get acquainted with your family and friends before I move to Millersburg.”
Andrew prayed she’d like the town, his family, and his friends. He understood she’d miss her family and friends in Charm once she made her home in Millersburg permanent. He hoped his haus sold soon in Charm so he could buy a place here.
He shared some of his memories of Gabe, Aunt Dora, and Uncle Luke, and he appreciated Maryann giving him her attention. She didn’t interrupt, and she always seemed genuine in her interest in what he had to say. He liked this trait in her. Some women didn’t allow their husbands to get a word in with their constant talking.
* * *
They arrived in Millersburg Tuesday afternoon.
Andrew tied the reins to the hitching post. “I’ll carry Betsy. I’m excited to introduce you to Aunt Dora.”
Andrew took a sleeping Betsy from Maryann.
Betsy awoke and rubbed her eyes.
Aunt Dora opened the door and spread her arms in wilkom. “You must be Maryann and Betsy.” Her puffy eyes gleamed.
“Meet my girls, Aunt Dora.” Andrew grinned, as he bounced Betsy on his hip.
Betsy smiled at Aunt Dora.
Maryann gave her a loving smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances. I’m ready to help you with whatever you need.”
Aunt Dora hugged her. “I’m sorry it’s not at a better time, but I’m glad you’re here. Kumme in, and I’ll show you to your room. Gabe had told me you might be kumming. He brought a crib, playpen, and high chair from the furniture store for Betsy. I told him he should wait until you came, but he wanted everything in place, just in case.”
Andrew took Betsy’s hand in his and kissed it. “You are a good girl. You slept all the way to Millersburg. You must be hungry.” He took her to the kitchen and put her in the high chair. He made scrambled eggs and mashed them up for her. He put water in a small tin cup.
She picked it up and drank it all.
Maryann and Aunt Dora stepped into the kitchen.
“Betsy, we’re going to stay with Aunt Dora.” She watched him feed Betsy a small bite of egg. “Dada”— she pointed to Andrew—“has taken good care of you and fixed you eggs.”
“Dada.” Betsy picked up a bit of egg with her fingers and held it out to him.
“I’ll never tire of her calling me Dada.” His eyes widened. “I love you, little one!”
Aunt Dora embraced him. “You are the sweetest little family. I can’t wait for you to marry and move in with Gabe and me. You gave me a bit of joy when I needed it most, Andrew, bringing your girls to our home.” She dropped a small amount of bacon grease in the iron skillet, cracked eggs open, and fried them. She served fried egg and bacon sandwiches, molasses cookies, and warm cocoa.
Gabe strode into the kitchen. “Maryann, it’s a pleasure to have you with us.” He tousled Betsy’s curly blond hair. “And little Betsy, you are a doll.” He bent and kissed her forehead.
“Unkie.” She chuckled and patted her food-covered hands together. She picked up another handful of eggs and pushed them in her mouth.
“Betsy, use your spoon.”
Betsy shook her head. “No. No.”
Maryann filled her spoon and handed it to her.
“Don’t worry. The mess will be easy to clean. Let her enjoy it.” Aunt Dora patted Maryann’s shoulder.
Gabe faced Andrew. “Our friends have arrived with benches. Want to help us move the furniture, and we’ll carry them in and organize them in rows for the guests?”
“Sure.” Andrew followed him outside.
* * *
Maryann woke early Wednesday morning. She had breakfast with the family while Betsy slept. She washed the dishes while Andrew helped Aunt Dora dress her husband for the service and burial. She liked Dora on sight. She was warm and inviting, and she admired Aunt Dora’s strength under such tragic circumstances. It was clear why Andrew and Gabe loved her. She had a broad smile and dimples, and her eyes twinkled with kindness when she watched Betsy, but now the sadness of loss showed in her slumped shoulders and somber mood.
An hour later, Maryann found Aunt Dora at the stove. She watched her stir a pot of buttered noodles with onions and cheese mixed in. “What can I do?”
Aunt Dora gestured to dishes filled with food on the table. “Friends will bring casseroles, vegetables, and desserts. I probably don’t need these noodles, but they go with most any food dish, and I’d rather have too much than not enough.” She nodded to the cupboard beside her. “You can get plates and glasses out of the cupboard and set them on the end of the long table for me. You’re such a dear. I’m anxious for you to make this your home.”
“I hope we won’t be an inconvenience for you when we move in. Having a boppli around can be a challenge.” Maryann removed plates from the shelf.
Aunt Dora glanced over her shoulder at Maryann. “I’m easygoing.” She gave her a reassuring smile. “I don’t want you to worry about getting in the way. You and I will have no problem sharing this kitchen and chores.”
Maryann circled her arm around Dora’s shoulders. Dora reminded her of Liza. They were both compassionate toward others and put you at ease when you were with them. “Andrew’s right. You are wilkoming and loving.” She put a hand behind her ear. “Betsy’s calling me. I’ll get her up.”
She hurried to the guest room, picked up Betsy, changed her, took her to the kitchen, and put her in the high chair. She fixed her oatmeal.
Betsy grinned, cooed, and enjoyed her breakfast. “Down.”
Maryann picked up Betsy, gave her a sponge bath, changed her diaper, and put her into a clean dress. She placed her in the playpen in the corner of the living room, away from where the men had lined up the benches.
&nb
sp; Andrew motioned her over to him. “Meet James and Matt.”
Maryann greeted the gentlemen. They wilkomed her and gave her approving smiles. She followed them over to Betsy, and Andrew introduced her. He told them she called him Dada. Pressing a hand to her heart, she smiled. He was overjoyed to share this with his friends. He would be a wonderful daed to Betsy.
* * *
She greeted guests later in the morning with Andrew and his family, and she took dishes to the kitchen and served hot coffee and water.
Andrew introduced her to Lena. He was then pulled away by another man.
Maryann folded her hands in front of her. “Congratulations. I understand you’ll be getting married soon.”
Lena shrugged. “I’m smitten with James. He’s a gentle soul, and he puts up with my strong personality. I can be direct, and I should keep some opinions to myself. Other men were put off by my abruptness at times. I don’t mean any harm. He looked past my faults and accepted me with all my flaws. I want a partner who will value my opinion. A man who won’t try to change me. James is wonderful. He treats me like a partner, and a best friend. His sons are added blessings to my life. They are wonderful.”
“Andrew considers him a good friend. I’m happy for you. Andrew and I are getting married May fourteenth in Charm. We’d love to have you, James, and his sons attend.”
Lena reminded her of Ellie. She was bold and genuine and not haughty or uppity. Sincere and kind in her own way, Maryann sensed if she were Lena’s friend, much like Ellie’s, Lena would be loyal and protective of her.
Lena smiled. “I’d love to attend. We’ll make every effort to kumme. I’d like to meet Betsy. Where is she?”
“Gabe has her.” She smiled at Gabe. “She’s being passed around to Andrew’s family’s friends.” She and Lena threaded through the crowd to Gabe.
Gabe greeted them, holding Betsy on his hip.
Betsy cast her eyes toward Maryann and held up her arms. “Mum. Mum.”
Gabe excused himself as a friend engaged him in conversation.
Maryann took Betsy. “Betsy, this is Lena.”
Betsy grinned and clapped her hands. “Eena.”
