by Molly Jebber
“I agree with you. We’ll have a better relationship this way.”
“Where is your bruder? He should’ve been home from the shop by now. I’m surprised you didn’t pass him on your way home.” She picked up her spoon and stirred the noodles.
“I did run into him. Two girls had a wheel break on their buggy, and they ended up down the ditch in all the commotion. Gabe was helping them up from the ditch when I came upon them. He was having trouble handling both of them. One had a cut on her leg, and the other girl had twisted her ankle. I assisted the one girl, and he held on to the other. He took them home. They were twins. I don’t remember seeing them in town or at the services.”
“Maybe they are new in town. I’m anxious to find out from Gabe what he learned about them. I’m relieved they’re unharmed. Buggy accidents can be tragic, and this weather adds more danger.”
She set the table. “Let’s go ahead and have supper. We’ll save a plate for your bruder.” She poured water in two glasses and set a basket of rolls and a small dish of grape jam on the table.
Two hours later, the front door opened. “I’m home.” Gabe waved at them, then removed his coat and hat and hung them next to Andrew’s on the knotty-pine coat tree. He walked to the kitchen.
“There’s a plate for you on the stove.” Aunt Dora ushered him to the table and dished out a serving of food and then poured him a glass of water. “Andrew told me about the girls and their buggy. Are they all right?”
Andrew sat. “And did their mare return?”
Gabe patted his stomach. “Danki for keeping a plate for me, Aunt Dora. But I’m too full from having supper with the twins. To answer your questions, the twins were rattled from the fall. One twisted her ankle, and the other one had a cut on her leg. But no serious injuries. The horse had returned home on its own when we arrived. Their worried parents were ready to get in their buggy and search for the girls when we pulled up. Mr. and Mrs. Miller invited me inside for supper. Mr. Miller and I went outside after we finished supper. He had a spare wheel. We tied his horse to the back of the buggy, and then we returned to the scene of the accident and replaced the broken wheel and fixed the harness. He went home, and I came here. Everything’s taken care of.” He drank a third of his water. “They are beautiful girls. Coal black hair and dark eyes.” He grinned. “I’ve got my eye on one of them.”
Andrew wrinkled his forehead. “How in the world would you know which one you would like to consider?”
“Gracie has about a one-inch scar above her right eyebrow. She’s the one.” Gabe winked.
Aunt Dora sipped her water. “Why her and not the other girl?”
“She has a sweet, soft voice, and she’s a bit shy. Katie is more direct, and you wouldn’t use subtle to describe her. She’s nice, but she’s like a bull in a china shop. She snatched her hat off her head and threw her coat on the coat tree. Gracie took her time removing her cape and hat, and she hung them with care.”
“Tell us about their parents.” Andrew was intrigued with Gabe’s assessment of the girls. He was happy Gabe was interested in one of them. He’d like him to marry and have kinner.
“They’re from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They wanted a fresh start in a new place. They lost a son in a hunting accident. It’s a tragic story.”
“You’re not wasting any time getting to know Gracie, accepting their invitation to supper,” Andrew teased. Gabe had found a girl who interested him. He would have the means to build a haus or buy one, and he’d have a steady income to provide for a family.
Dora waggled a forefinger at him. “I’d like you to invite the Miller family over for supper one night. Andrew and I would like to get better acquainted with them. We’ll schedule it before Andrew leaves for Charm.”
“I don’t want to schedule anything with them yet. I might learn something about her I may not like. I’m not always right about my first impressions.” Gabe gave her a lopsided grin.
* * *
Andrew and Matt carried a hutch to the front and set it in the corner of the store among kitchen tables and chairs.
James was assisting a couple searching for chairs.
The Miller twins entered the shop. Gracie carried a covered plate and stepped to Gabe. “I baked you a sugar milk pie to danki for rescuing us. You’re kumming to supper tonight. Right?”
He nodded and accepted the pie. “I’ll be there.”
“Kumme at six.” She gave him a shy smile.
Katie strolled over to Andrew and Matt. “I made maple sugar cookies to danki for walking me up the hill yesterday.” She faced Matt and smiled. “I’m Katie Miller. I’m new in town.”
“I’m Matt Yoder. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Wilkom to Millersburg. Andrew and Gabe told James and me about your accident yesterday. I’m glad you’re both all right.”
Andrew stepped back to leave them alone. He doubted they’d noticed. They only had eyes for each other.
Gracie and Gabe approached Matt and Katie. Gabe nudged Matt’s arm. “Looks like you’ve met Katie.”
Katie straightened her shoulders. “Yes, we’ve met. Andrew, Matt, and Gabe, you should all kumme to supper.”
Andrew studied the two couples. He’d leave them to get better acquainted. “I’ll stay home with Aunt Dora this evening, but, Gabe and Matt, you two should go.”
Katie stood next to Gracie, who let her schweschder do all the talking. “We’ll expect you at six.” She gave Matt directions.
Andrew understood what Gabe meant when he said Katie was direct. Gracie had a soft, pleasant voice and was a bit timid. She seemed content to let Katie take over.
The girls chatted for a couple of minutes and then bid them farewell.
Andrew bumped Gabe’s shoulder. “You and Matt didn’t hesitate to accept their invitation.”
Matt whistled. “I’d be foolish not to want to get better acquainted with Katie. She’s a spitfire and gorgeous. I like a girl to challenge me, as long as she isn’t too overbearing.” He punched Gabe lightly. “Gabe, you said they were pretty. You failed to say they are gorgeous.”
* * *
On April first, Andrew handed Gabe the deed to the furniture store. “You’ll make it a big success. You’ve got two good men to help you.”
“I’ll make you proud, bruder.” Gabe clapped a hand on his arm. “You enjoy setting up your store with Toby.”
“We will.” He hugged Aunt Dora. “Keep my bruder out of trouble. Danki for everything.”
“He might have to keep me out of trouble.” She chuckled. “Give Maryann and Betsy our love. We’ll look forward to attending your wedding.”
Andrew bid them farewell, went to his buggy, threw his bag in the back, and drove to Charm. Big gray clouds threatened to burst with rain. The cool air was refreshing, and the roads were clear. Maybe the temperatures would rise from now on.
He arrived and went straight to the bakery. “Maryann, I’m back.”
“Andrew, I’m glad you’re here. Your timing is good. The bishop stopped by for Danish pastries, and he’s asking if we still want to meet on Tuesdays at six.”
“Greetings, Bishop.” He shook the man’s hand. “Tuesdays at six are fine with me.”
“I’m happy you’re staying in Charm. I would’ve been sad to have you move away.” He picked up the bag Maryann had filled for him. “I’ll have coffee ready. Great to have you back, Andrew.” He held up his bag as he left the bakery. “Danki, Maryann.”
Maryann passed Andrew a cup of tea. “You saved us a trip from having to visit and ask the bishop when we should have our sessions. I’d forgotten what he’d told us.”
“A lot has happened the last couple of weeks since I was last here. It’s understandable. How is everything?” Andrew wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. She had a lilt in her step, and her eyes glowed with love for him.
“The community is buzzing about our wedding. We’re the next big event for everyone to attend.” She beamed. “Kumme for supper. Betsy will be delighted
to hug her dada. She’s been a little grumpy. I’m sure it’s because she misses you. How are Gabe and Aunt Dora?”
Andrew told her about Gabe and Matt going to supper with the twins. “They’re both smitten with these women. It’s humorous to watch when the girls bring them food or invite them to go for buggy rides or socials.”
“I’m tickled for them. I hope I get to meet the twins sometime.” Maryann served him a piece of sour cream cake.
“The rate they’re going, we’ll be attending their weddings before the year ends.” He chuckled and accepted the cake. “James and Lena’s wedding is next. She sends you her best.” Andrew sipped his tea. He finished his dessert fast. He got up and went to the open doorway of the kitchen. “Greetings, girls.”
They smiled. “We’re excited about your wedding! Glad you’re back in town!”
“Danki, I wish it was tomorrow!”
Rachael shook her head. “We need more time to stitch presents. We’ve got special gifts for you. You’re going to have to wait.”
“I’ll wait then. I am eager to find out what you’re making for us.” He grinned and told them goodbye.
“Maryann, I should go to Mr. Kline’s and collect my keys and pay him the other half of the money I owe him. Then I’ll go home and work with Toby. I’ll kumme over at six.”
“Sounds good.” Maryann gave him a loving smile, and he departed.
He crossed the road to Mr. Kline’s store and went inside. The man had lost at least twenty pounds, and his face was drawn. Andrew was shocked and saddened to see the downturn in his health in such a short time. “Greetings.”
Mr. Kline shuffled to him. “You buying my store has been a blessing. I’m not sure how much longer this old body of mine is going to last. I’ve deteriorated a lot since you were last here.” He passed Andrew the keys.
Andrew passed him an envelope. “This is the remaining balance. I’m sorry you’re ill. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“You’re doing it by taking this place off my hands. I loved having this shop for the last thirty years. In the last year, it’s been a burden. I don’t have the energy to run it. After today, I can pack up and move near my bruder. It will be a wilkom relief. The gossips have been spreading your wedding date around town. I’m sorry I’ll miss it.”
“I understand. You should go while you’re able to travel.” He chatted with the kind man for another twenty minutes, and then he locked the store, left with Mr. Kline, and retrieved his buggy and went home.
He opened the workshop and found Toby and Patches. “What are you working on?”
Toby threw an old blanket over the wooden piece. “It’s a gift for you and Maryann. All hands off.”
“I won’t peek.” Andrew was touched Toby was making something for him and Maryann.
Andrew jingled the keys. “We have the store. We can start arranging it anytime.”
Toby grabbed a pencil and paper. He showed Andrew his jotted notes. “I’ve been in there. We’ve got some work to do before you open. I’ll help you knock out the wall, and we’ll paint the inside. We should expand the workshop. It’s going to look great.”
Andrew threw up his hands and wrinkled his forehead. He loved to tease Toby. “You’ve made me tired with your list. I’m not sure you’ll have time to complete it before we open.” He loved Toby’s enthusiasm and his willingness to help.
Toby dragged two stools together. “How are things in Millersburg?”
Andrew sat on one of the stools. “Gabe is excited to run the store. I’m thankful he, James, and Matt get along well. They’ve become fast friends. I’ll miss working with them, but I’m ready to venture out on my own with this store in Charm.” He told Toby about the twins.
Toby chuckled. “I picture Gabe as a charmer. These boys might be getting married not long after you and Maryann.”
“They’re funny to watch with these girls. They’re two flirts. More confident than they should be, even though the twins seem to enjoy their teasing and compliments. I’m happy for them. Time will tell if a future is in sight for them. I hope they take their time and don’t make any rash decisions.” He shifted on his stool to get comfortable. “How’s your daed’s condition?”
“Daed is about the same. He’s sitting in his chair and has his wits about him, and we’re enjoying his company. He’s had a better appetite the last couple of weeks. Patches keeps him entertained.” He traced the rim of his mug. “I ran into Liza and Jacob in town. I thanked them for offering to hire me. They assured me they are happy I am staying on to manage your place and work at the shop when things are slow.”
“They go out of the way to help others. They’re two of my favorite people in Charm. Liza’s brought a lot of happiness to Charm and the women who’ve worked in her bakery. Maryann has told me how Liza ran it when her late husband, Paul, was alive. It gave her peace amidst her life of turmoil. Now she’s married to Jacob and happy to be home with him and let us manage the bakery. Maryann said all the girls who’ve worked there have become close. Little Peter being adopted by Liza and Jacob was a blessing for them and him. You’d never know Liza didn’t birth him.” Andrew said goodbye to Toby and then drove to Maryann’s haus. They’d encountered some major issues during their journey, but they’d found their way, and their future held a lot of promise. He’d count the days until he said, “I do.”
* * *
May fourteenth, Maryann stood facing Andrew. Her special day was finally here. She’d be Mrs. Wittmer today. She’d fidgeted during Bishop Fisher’s message and the songs they’d sung without music. They’d enjoyed their sessions with the bishop in April, and they’d been in agreement about communication, finances, and raising a family. She was ready to promise her love to Andrew before their friends and family. To be his fraa forever.
The bishop said a few words about them, prayed, and then directed them to say their vows. Her voice cracked while saying hers, and she was sure she heard his crack, too.
The bishop put a hand on each of their shoulders. “I pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wittmer.”
Her heart soared, and they both laughed as Betsy giggled and clapped her hands while in Hannah’s arms.
Betsy reached for her. “Mum. Mum.”
“You stay with Hannah, little one.” Maryann was delighted Aunt Dora, Gabe and Gracie, James and Lena and their boys, as well as Matt and Katie had traveled to attend their wedding. The Miller twins and Lena had stayed at her haus, and she liked them. She’d invited Hannah, Ellie, Magdelena, and Rachael over one night, and they’d all chatted and shared stories.
She and Andrew had received gifts the week before the wedding: tea towels, kitchen utensils, dishes, rugs, and new gardening tools.
They went to their friends and family together and thanked them for their gifts and for kumming to their wedding. They bid their friends and family farewell as the crowd departed.
Andrew held her hands. “Toby constructed an extra square counter for the middle of our kitchen. You’re going to love having the extra counter space. He showed it to me yesterday, and it’s in the kitchen, ready to use.”
“What a wonderful gift!” Maryann smiled.
Andrew grinned. “Gabe brought over a brand-new bedroom suite, and it’s all set up, and I put sheets on the bed. Matt and James gave us a much-needed end table for the corner chair in the living room. We’ll enjoy having somewhere to set things while sitting there.”
“Our family and friends have been generous. We’re fortunate to have them in our lives.” She stroked the top of his hand. “I love the hope chest you gave me. It’s the perfect gift.”
“I like the beautiful quilt you made for us. The pocket stitched on it with your sweet note tucked inside was a nice touch. I intend to keep it as my keepsake. I’ll pull it out and read it on our anniversary.” Andrew pulled her to her feet. “Mrs. Wittmer, is this day meeting your expectations?”
She had hoped to find the right husband for her, and a good daed for Betsy. She’d re
ceived more than she could’ve ever hoped or wished for from God. She was glad she’d not let what happened in the past destroy her future with Andrew. Andrew had shown her true love, and she was ready to embark on their future together. God had blessed her by bringing Andrew into her life. He far exceeded her expectations. “Yes, my hope and prayer to find the right husband for me and the right dada for Betsy was answered when you came along, my dear husband.” She hugged him. “I couldn’t be happier or more in love.”
Epilogue
Maryann rocked on the new wooden swing Andrew had put up for them on the porch of their new home. “It’s June fifteenth. We’ve been married a month, and I love our life together. The sunshine and longer days are a wilkom change from the cold.”
Andrew sat next to her. “I adore Betsy and the joy she brings, but I do look forward to this time together after she’s gone to bed.” He gave her a loving smile and a wink.
“I do, too.” Her face warmed with love for him. “I’m happy we’re settled in Charm, although I am thankful for the friends we’ve made in Millersburg. Do you have any regrets about not moving there? I’ve gotten to stay close to family and friends, but you’re separated from Aunt Dora and Gabe.”
“I missed Gabe while we were apart, but I’m thankful he returned to Amish life. We haven’t had much time together since his return, but we’ll visit them. He’s happy running his furniture store, and he’s smitten with Gracie. Aunt Dora is thrilled he’s living with her. It’s a blessing we each have our own shops.” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t regret anything, as long as I’m with you and Betsy.”
“I’m relieved you are happy here. It was wonderful Gracie came to the wedding with Gabe and Aunt Dora. They seem happy together. I might have a schweschder-in-law soon.” She hoped the couple would marry. Gracie was kind and shy, and Gabe was the opposite of shy. They seemed to bring out the best in each other the way she and Andrew continued to do.
