Liza's Second Chance

by Molly Jebber

  Tears dampened Liza’s cheeks. She swiped them away with the pads of her fingers. “Maybe I am afraid. Not of Jacob. Of myself. I don’t want a home full of tension if Ellie’s forced to accept me. I’ve always wanted a boppli, and I carry around enough disappointment. I don’t want to blame myself for disappointing him too. It’s not what I want for any of us.”

  “You’re too timid and foolish about love. I’ve watched you turn good men away after Paul’s passing. I thought you needed time to heal, or they weren’t the right one for you. Jacob is a different story. You’re in love with this man. You’re throwing away an opportunity to have a young woman as your child who has turned her life back to God and a husband who would adore you for the rest of your days on earth. You can douse the small and big fires together.”

  “I’m not convinced.”

  “You think Abe and I don’t argue? We do. Do I ever regret marrying the burly and sometimes cantankerous man? Maybe for a second or two, when he’s really grumpy.” She chuckled. “I love the man with all my heart and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on the life we have together. We plow right through our problems together. It’s what’s made us closer through the years. I hold him when he’s sad and he does the same for me. I can depend on him like I can depend on you. Have faith in God and trust Jacob at his word. Ellie will be fine.”

  “You sound like Jacob.”

  “He’s a wise man.” Esther elbowed her arm. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d been kicked in the head by your buggy horse.” She hooked her arm through Liza’s. “Don’t make me have to drag you to the altar. I’ll give you a little time to kumme to your senses, then we’ll talk again.”

  She should be happy to have found love and excited about a future with Jacob. Her thoughts clouded her view. Was Esther right? It was ridiculous to expect that she and Jacob would never have problems. Every couple did. She sighed. She wouldn’t rationalize it. Ellie had obvious objections she wouldn’t ignore. In the short time she’d observed Ellie and Jacob, there was already a renewed lightheartedness about them when they were together.

  Taking a deep breath, Liza headed back to the bakery. Esther’s cheerful voice and hard work would be missed at the bakery. It would take a while to get used to not having her there. Hannah was overjoyed to have her new friend working with them. She’d enjoy working with both young women. Ellie had a bounce in her step, and she wore a smile most of the time. Her decision to stay in Charm seemed to agree with her. Liza didn’t want anything to spoil it.

  *

  Jacob pulled the saw blade back and forth with all his might. His frustration mounted over Liza’s rejection of his marriage proposal. No one had a perfect life. He scratched his head and huffed. Ellie might be an excuse Liza was using to protect herself from getting married to any man again. Liza and he had formed a deep friendship. What better way to start a marriage? He would stay away for as long as he could stand not seeing her. Maybe she would miss him and change her mind.

  Hours later, he met Ellie at the barn. “Did you enjoy working at the bakery?”

  “I loved it!” She handed him the reins and jumped out. “Mrs. Chupp has been offered a job she can do at home, so my services are no longer needed there. Esther’s last day was today. She’ll help Abe manage the financials. She said he’ll be thrilled to have her home. Liza offered me Esther’s full-time job and I accepted.”

  Jacob widened his eyes. This was excellent news. He’d be patient. Liza and Ellie would form a relationship while working together. Then Liza would have no more excuses not to marry him. Then Ellie would help encourage Liza to marry him. It might be premature and idealistic, but he didn’t care. He had faith this would work out. He knew God was in this. “I’m sure you’ll miss Peter. But the bakery will be fun too.”

  “I will miss Peter. It all worked out well for me, though. Hannah and I are having a good time working together, and it gives us time to talk. She’s truly my best friend.” She cocked her head and narrowed her brows. “Hannah said she thought something was wrong between you and Liza. Did you have a disagreement?”

  “I asked her to marry me again. She said no.” He wouldn’t mince words with her. She should know the truth.

  She dipped her chin to her chest and went inside the haus.

  He finished feeding the mare, his eyes drifting to the small cedar box sitting on the shelf. He lifted it down and opened it. Fingering the note, he swallowed around the lump in his throat. Dear Husband of Mine, You’ve blessed me richly with your love and devotion. God chose you to fill my heart and soul. It’s as clear to me as a newly created pane of glass. I love you. Yours, Lydia. He’d had a day where everything he’d touched went wrong. A sow had escaped, he’d slipped and fallen in the mud, hurting his side, a wolf had gotten half of his chickens before the noise woke him, and he’d fired off his shotgun to scare the varmint away.

  She’d put the cedar box by his pillow that night. He’d found it while changing clothes and he’d kept it. He’d never forget her sweet face and melodious voice. He hadn’t needed a picture of her to remember her cheerful eyes, dainty hands, and the silky tresses she brushed at night.

  She left taking care of their finances to him. He’d suggested taking care of the money and bills together, but she didn’t want any part of it, and she didn’t question or ask anything about them. She planned and cooked their meals, planted and hoed the garden, fed the animals, and took care of their home. If they had a disagreement, it was usually over disciplining Ellie. He’d given in every time. He couldn’t say no to Lydia. Maybe he should’ve, and then his dochder might not have gone through her rebellious phase.

  Liza was different. She’d suffered a bad marriage and had emotional scars from it. A business owner, she had learned how to manage every aspect of the bakery. Abe ran her many acres of property for her, although Jacob had no doubt she could take that over should it ever be necessary. He could seek her counsel and would respect her knowledge about business decisions. This was rare in their community. Amish women were to stay at home and take care of the kinner, like Lydia had done. The community accepted Liza’s role in the bakery. He knew it was because she was kind, sweet, and helpful to anyone who needed her.

  He went inside and eyed the steaming boiled potatoes, stewed tomatoes, and fish on the table. “I’m impressed, Ellie.”

  “I took Esther home, and she insisted I take the fish from her icebox to fix for supper.”

  “We’re blessed to have Liza’s family for friends.”

  “I think so too.”

  He wouldn’t say anything else about Liza during supper. Badgering Ellie about Liza would drive a wedge between them. The next few weeks could be very good or very bad.

  *

  Jacob smiled. He was pleased Ellie had accepted the job at the bakery full-time. She had commented she loved working there on Saturdays. Since returning home, she’d smiled and been more cheerful than before she’d left with Bill Phillips. The sun was shining, and he enjoyed riding alongside her to Sunday morning service at the Kanagys’ home. “What a beautiful day for the first Sunday in June. The flowers are in full bloom and the pastures are thick and lush with green grass. I love this time of year.”

  “Me too.” Ellie inhaled the warm air and pointed. “Hmmm, honeysuckle. Love the scent.”

  He flicked the reins. “How are you and Liza getting along at work?”

  “Fine. Hannah asked me why you haven’t been visiting the bakery. She said she asked Liza if anything was wrong between you. Liza told her she didn’t want to talk about it, and Hannah and her mamm have agreed not to mention it again. They’re waiting for Liza to tell them when she’s ready.”

  Ellie and Hannah had formed a trust and a deep friendship. He wouldn’t think Hannah would be happy about Ellie giving Liza and him trouble. “What did you tell Hannah?”

  “I told her you proposed marriage and Liza declined.”

  “Did you tell her why?” He couldn’t wait to find out what she�
�d given Hannah for an explanation.

  “I told her I wasn’t ready for you to marry anyone.” She frowned and raised her shoulders. “She’s frustrated with me. She said I’m selfish and foolish to cause friction between you. She said there couldn’t be a better woman than Liza to marry you. Hannah said I should give you and Liza my blessing and accept Liza into our home as a friend and, maybe later, as a stepmamm.” She fisted her hands in her lap. “I don’t want another woman taking Mamm’s place in our haus and in our lives. Maybe I need more time.”

  He sighed. At least Ellie had asked for more time. This was an improvement over her shutting the door on ever letting Liza into their family. “Hannah and I realize Liza would be good for our family. You should listen to her and me.” He pulled into the lane and handed his reins to the eldest Kanagy son, Jeremiah.

  The freckle-faced, tall, and lanky young man grinned. “I’ll take care of your horse. You and Ellie are wilkom to go on in and make yourselves comfortable.”

  “Danki, Jeremiah.” Jacob tipped his hat to the lad.

  Ellie nodded to the young man and ran to meet Hannah going into the barn.

  Jacob went inside the barn, spotting Ellie across the large sitting room next to Hannah. He shifted his gaze to Liza on the other side of Hannah. So beautiful, poised, and quiet.

  She turned her head and smiled.

  He nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. Jerking his gaze away, he found a seat next to Abe. “How are you this fine day, friend?”

  Abe slapped his leg. “I’ve been wondering where you’ve been. You haven’t been over to the haus for two weeks. Esther said you’re not frequenting the bakery as often.”

  The bishop raised his hand. “Let’s pray.”

  Jacob wilkomed the bishop’s interruption, giving him an opportunity not to answer Abe’s question. He’d discuss his reasons with Abe at the after-service meal.

  He glanced at Liza as he held his Ausbund and chanted the hymn. His heart sank in his chest. A sadness crept over him, as it had so often these past two weeks. He missed their times together. Had she missed him? He had prayed giving her time to dwell on her decision not to marry him and not having him in her life would bring her back to him.

  The bishop’s message couldn’t have been more appropriate for them. He’d talked about commitment and trust in marriage. The bishop reminded them to pray to God and trust Him to help them work through their problems together.

  The service ended two and a half hours later, and Abe motioned for him to join him outside, away from the crowd. “Jacob, is anything wrong between you and Liza? If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t pry. She’s been quiet and sad. You can see it in her eyes. If something is wrong, tell me how I can help.” He rested a hand on Jacob’s shoulder.

  Jacob sighed. Abe had been a faithful friend. They’d formed a close friendship, and he knew the man truly cared about Liza and him. “She refuses to plan a future with me.”

  Abe jerked his head back. “Why?”

  “Ellie isn’t in favor of me marrying again.” Jacob frowned.

  “How do you feel about Ellie’s objection?” Abe crossed his arms against his chest.

  “Who I marry is not up to Ellie. She likes Liza as a friend, not as a stepmamm. In time, I believe their relationship will grow close. Liza doesn’t want to take the chance Ellie may never accept her as family.”

  Abe scratched his bearded chin. “Ellie has taken a long time to heal from her mamm’s passing. She has closed her heart to Liza for anything more than a friend. Give them both time to get used to each other. Be patient.”

  “How long should I wait? I’m lost without Liza. I miss our conversations. She’s my best friend.”

  “Please be patient in Liza reconsidering becoming your fraa. In my opinion, you’re wrong to avoid her. She cares about you. Show up at the bakery, have conversations, and carry on as usual. Your visits will remind her why she loves you.”

  “I thought if I stayed away it would give her time to miss me.”

  Abe chuckled. “She’ll miss you anyway when you’re not with her. You love each other. I miss Esther whenever we’re not together and we’re married. If you ignore Liza, she may think you’re attempting to get over her. Is this the message you want to send her?”

  Jacob shook his head. “You’re right. Danki, Abe.”

  “Anytime, friend. Kumme and sit with Liza, Esther, and me.”

  *

  Jacob followed Abe to the table and smiled. Abe had left an empty space next to Liza on the bench. He filled his plate and sat next to her and whispered in her ear, “I’ve missed you.”

  She blushed and spoke in a low voice. “After our last conversation, I was afraid you’d stay away from me. I didn’t realize how hard it would be not to talk to you.”

  Jacob’s gaze held hers. “You have the power to change our circumstances.”

  Liza lowered her chin to her chest.

  He’d made her uncomfortable, and Abe had said he should be patient. He shouldn’t have been outspoken. “Let’s talk about something else. How’s Ellie doing at the bakery?”

  Liza pushed her plate away. “She takes the initiative to do what needs to be done without much direction. Hannah enjoys her, and they work hard together.”

  “I was worried they might talk too much and get behind on baking.”

  “They are on time, bake more than I need, wait on customers when I get busy, and clean without complaining. I couldn’t ask for two better helpers.”

  He rested his fork on the plate. “Is she being respectful to you?”

  “She’s well-behaved. You would be proud of her.”

  “Please don’t keep her employed at the bakery because of me.”

  Liza wrinkled her brow. “I’d talk to you if I had an issue with her. I haven’t held anything back from you so far. She’s really doing an exemplary job.”

  He stifled his smile. She was defending Ellie. Did she realize it? Maybe Abe was right. Give the women time and they’d change their minds about becoming a family. “It’s early. Let’s wait a couple of weeks and, hopefully, you’ll still feel the same as you do now.”

  “Don’t be silly. She’ll not disappoint me.”

  He had his doubts.

  Chapter Ten

  Liza unlocked the bakery door a week later, pulling it against the wind. Hannah and Ellie came in minutes later. Liza grimaced. “The sky is dark and the wind is kicking up. We could be in for a bad storm. This isn’t how I wanted to start my week. I doubt we’ll have much business today.”

  Ellie shivered and stared out the window. “The trees are bending and the wind is howling. I’m afraid of storms.”

  Hannah jumped at the clap of thunder and bright flash of lightning.

  Hail pounded on the roof and windows.

  The sheriff swung open the door, holding his wet hat. “You women get in the cellar. I spotted a tornado. I’ve got to warn one more store owner next to you. Hurry!”

  Liza and the girls rushed to the back room, threw back the cotton rug, gripped the floorboard latch, and opened it. She handed Ellie a lantern. “Ellie, you go first down the stairs, and Hannah, you follow close behind.” She eyed a large jar of water and handed it to Hannah. “Take this with you.”

  Ellie nodded and climbed down the stairs, and Hannah went next. Liza held onto the rope inside the floorboard door with her free hand and closed it gradually as she made her way down the stairs.

  Hannah held up another lantern and a container of cookies. “I found this on the bench in the corner, and I brought a snack.”

  “Good, we may need it if our other lantern runs out of kerosene.” She sat next to Hannah.

  Ellie moved and snuggled close, hugging Liza’s arm. “I’m scared.”

  “We’ll be safe here.” She pointed to a shelf lined with containers and jars. “We’ve got applesauce, canned goods, and water.”

  The floor rumbled above them. Clap! Thud!

  Hannah glanced at the ceiling. “Som
ething fell or broke. Maybe glass hitting the floor.”

  Ellie pressed a finger to her lips. “Listen.” She waited a few moments. “Sounds like a train whistle. Daed said a tornado sometimes makes a similar sound, then the atmosphere grows quiet right before it rushes through. I’m worried about Daed!”

  Liza fought to control her trembling hands. She didn’t want to add to the girl’s stress. She’d keep secret her worry about the man she loved. “I’m sure he’s taken cover. He’s probably worried about you.”

  “He’s anxious about all of us.” Hannah gave Ellie a hard stare.

  Liza perked her ears. The whistle had stopped. Was the storm over? Maybe the tornado had passed. She stood.

  Ellie gripped her arm harder and pulled her to the bench. “Don’t open the door yet. Please stay right here with me.”

  Liza covered Ellie’s hand. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Hannah snuggled close to her other side. “The wind is howling again.” She shook. “The floor is shaking above us. This is terrifying!” She took a deep breath. “Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, please protect us, our families, friends, and homes. Please calm this storm and my racing heart. Danki, Heavenly Father. Amen.”

  “Have you had to go to the cellar and wait out bad weather before, Ellie?”

  “When I was eight, Daed corralled us in the cellar to shield us from a storm. Mamm removed my kapp and pins and braided my long hair and told me about a time when a tornado touched down when she was little. I was afraid and she calmed me. Daed sat quiet and listened.”

  Hannah peeked around Liza. “Tell us her story. We need to take our minds off the wind, jars breaking upstairs, and my fear the building will fall in on top of us.”