by Molly Jebber
Ellie cuddled closer to Liza. “Her daed, a short and stout man, fell asleep stretched out on the floor. He snored loudly and they laughed. They got hungry and had a jar of delicious canned peaches. She said the fruit never tasted better.”
“Did they have water?” Liza swallowed the trepidation and concentrated on Ellie’s words.
“Grossmammi grabbed a couple of jars she kept by the sink for emergencies.” She chuckled. “Grossmammi told Mamm about this mischievous little mutt she loved named Mittens, and her stories kept them occupied the rest of the time.”
Liza wrinkled her nose. “Why Mittens?”
“His fur was yellow and his paws were brown.”
“I like it. What did Mittens do?” Hannah shuddered against Liza.
Clang! Bang!
“More things are breaking above us!” Ellie tightened her grip on Liza’s arm.
“Tell us more about Mittens.” Liza hoped she sounded more reassuring than she felt.
“Mittens chased the chickens, squirrels, and my mamm. He begged anytime she had food and she’d sneak him a piece. Grossmammi told her not to waste her cookies giving them to her pet. She wasn’t allowed to take Mittens in the haus. When her parents were busy outside one day, she snuck him inside. He climbed on a chair to the table, knocked over the glasses and plates set for supper, and jumped onto the kitchen counter, removed the cloth covering on the bread, and ate it!”
Liza struggled to stifle her urge to pry Ellie’s nails from digging into her skin. She didn’t want to discourage her from being close. She ignored the discomfort. “What did her mamm say when she found out?”
“Mamm had to stand in the corner for an hour and write out five Bible verses before bed for seven nights.” She smiled. “I fell asleep at the end of the story and she woke me up two hours later to say the storm had calmed.”
Hannah leaned forward. “She was a wise mamm, and knew what to do to keep your mind occupied. Any damage?”
“I miss her so much. The windows cracked, and the roofs to our haus, outhaus, and barn were missing large portions. The horses kicked in the walls of their stalls. The livestock and chickens survived. Neighbors helped each other, and the repairs didn’t take long. No one had their haus or barn flattened. Mamm said they were grateful no one was hurt.”
Liza had her hand on Ellie’s. The young woman had stayed close throughout telling her story. Maybe she was making progress in a positive light with Ellie. She didn’t want to get her hopes up. In order to find happiness with Jacob, Ellie would have to wilkom her into her life. The floorboard door opened above them.
“Liza, Ellie, and Hannah, are you all right?”
Joy on her face, Ellie jumped to her feet. “Jah, Daed, we’re fine. Liza got us talking to quiet our nerves. It worked.” Ellie climbed up the stairs and accepted Jacob’s hand.
Hannah followed. “Is the storm over? Did you go past Mamm and Daed’s?”
“Jah, you can relax. Your parents are unharmed. Abe was in his buggy on the way here. I assured him I’d take care of all of you and he could go home. He had to repair the barn door right away. He thanked me and went to rejoin Esther. I’ll stop on the way home and let him know you’re fine.” He helped her out of the cellar.
Liza exited and held his fingers. She met his gaze.
He stretched his neck to the other room. “Ellie and Hannah must be in the other room.” He hugged her and kissed her softly on the lips. “I was so worried about all of you.” His cheeks pinked and he let her go. “I know I shouldn’t have kissed you. I reacted without hesitation.” He released her.
Liza touched her warm cheeks. His lips on hers, and his strong arms holding her tight moments ago, had her heart racing. She had longed to stay in his arms and never move. His shirt damp, she didn’t mind. She swelled with love for him. His heart beating against hers had been surreal. It had rattled her to the core. She had to gather her thoughts and hide her emotions. Ellie trusted her. They could be fleeting. She had to stay firm on her plan. Ellie’s disapproval of Jacob and her having more than a friendship took precedence.
She stepped farther back from him. “Let me get you a towel.” Her mind in a fog and her voice weak, she pulled a towel off a shelf. “Here you go.”
“I was helpless to get to you and the girls. The weather was too bad to travel here.”
This man was in agony. It showed in his worried eyes and inability to stay still. To ease his unwarranted guilt, she said, “We’re all in one piece, and we had what we needed. I’m glad you didn’t kumme. I would have been sick thinking of you out in this mess. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.” She cupped her mouth. She’d let her guard down. Closing her eyes for a moment, she opened them and avoided making eye contact.
He brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “I’m going to wait for as long as it takes for you to realize we’re meant for each other.”
Hannah and Ellie stood at the door.
“I don’t know why you’d have to wait. Why aren’t we planning a wedding?” Hannah’s eyes twinkled. She nudged Ellie. “Right, friend?”
“Ummm … Daed, we should go.” Ellie chewed on her bottom lip and headed out the door.
“Ellie, we need to stay and help pick up the broken glass. Some of the jars fell off the shelves, and the furniture was knocked over. It won’t take long.” He moved to lift a chair.
Ellie returned.
“Hannah and I can clean this up. How is your place and the community?”
He grabbed a dustpan and broom. “The tornado uprooted trees and did roof damage to some dwellings. Otherwise, everything is in order. We’ll have to check your roof here.”
Ellie righted the rest of the chairs.
Hannah clasped a mop handle and a bucket. “I’m going outside for water to clean up the floor.” She left and returned moments later to finish mopping the floor. “Back to my question, Ellie. Why aren’t we planning a wedding?”
Liza whirled around. “Hannah, don’t ask such personal questions. It’s inappropriate.”
“You and Jacob love each other. Ellie is standing in your way and we tiptoe around her attitude. I don’t understand why you’re so opposed, Ellie.”
Red-faced, Ellie hung her head and bustled outside.
“Hannah, go apologize. You shouldn’t have pressed her.” Liza waited until Hannah followed Ellie.
She turned to Jacob. “I’m sorry for Hannah’s outburst.”
“I’m glad she confronted Ellie in front of us.”
“It doesn’t accomplish anything. Hannah may have ruined the relationship Ellie and I were starting to build.”
“God is in control. I believe He put Ellie here with you and Hannah.”
Hannah rushed inside. “I’m sorry, Liza and Jacob. I don’t know what got into me. I should never have forced Ellie to talk about her concern. Forgive me?”
“Did Ellie forgive you?” Liza pinched her lips.
“She did.” Hannah hung her head and lifted her eyes to Liza. “Do you?”
“I forgive you.” She sighed.
Jacob patted Hannah’s arm. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing to forgive. I just told Liza I’m grateful to you for confronting Ellie in front of us. It will give her food for thought.”
Hannah grinned and whispered, “I’m rooting for you, Jacob.”
Liza pretended not to listen to her niece. Her family would be thrilled to attend their wedding. Hannah and she were close. Hannah’s heart was in the right place. It wasn’t her place to bring things to light with Ellie, putting her friend on the spot.
“Jacob, danki for your help. I’ll walk you out and say farewell to Ellie.” She walked to the wagon. “Ellie, I’m embarrassed Hannah prodded you about your daed and me. I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I need you in the bakery. You’re a good worker and friend.”
Ellie gave her a weak smile. “Danki, Liza. I love working at the bakery. I don’t have any intention of leaving if you�
��ll have me.”
“I’m blessed to have you working here.”
Ellie met her gaze. “You’re a good friend, Liza. Do you understand where I’m kumming from?”
“I do understand.” Liza squeezed Ellie’s hand as it rested on the rail.
Jacob cleared his throat. “Liza, I’ll stop in tomorrow.”
She nodded.
*
Jacob waved to Ellie early Tuesday morning. “Enjoy your day at the bakery, Ellie.”
“Danki, Daed, for harnessing the horse to the buggy for me. Have a good day.”
He watched her disappear as she turned down the lane. Time had gotten away from him. It seemed Ellie had grown from a sweet, innocent child into a young woman overnight. He thought life would be easier with her taking care of herself. He’d been surprised to learn it was more complicated as she’d grown and had her own ideas. Having her home had been wonderful, and he was thankful she’d turned her life back to God. Now, if he could get her to accept Liza as part of their family, he’d be content.
He surveyed the grounds for the second time since the tornado. The tree limbs scattered across the property needed to be picked up. His fence had a few loose boards and a windowpane had cracked, and he shouldn’t leave it unattended any longer. He took a deep breath and shook his head. Time to get to work. I shouldn’t be dreading these chores. It could’ve been worse. He strolled inside the barn, grabbed his tool belt, and secured it around his hips. He’d start with the stalls. The horses gave them quite a beating during the tornado. Crash! Folded blankets, a tin can full of nails, and other metal boxes with lids fell to the dirt inside the barn. Jacob jumped. The oak shelf had given way. He cringed and lifted the board and lost his grip. Ouch! He shoved it off his aching and bleeding arm. He hurried to the pump, washed it off, and opened a metal box for clean bandages to cover the injury.
He finished replacing a few boards in the stalls, replaced the latches, secured the shelf on the wall, and went outside to repair the fence.
Two hours later, he finished replacing the windowpane, relieved he’d kept a spare in the barn. How had Abe faired getting his repairs done? His friend had more property to worry about than he did. He harnessed his horse to the buggy, jumped in, and went to Abe’s.
Hands on his hips, Abe smiled. “A pleasure to see you, friend!”
“Thought you might need an extra pair of hands.” Jacob stepped out of the wagon and tied his horse to the sturdy white hitching post.
“As a matter of fact, I do. I had a horse bolt on me. Mind taking a ride and helping me find her?”
“I’ll take my horse and the wagon to leave at the edge of the woods while we search for the other horse on foot. Then we can tie the animal to the back upon our return.”
“Sounds like a grand idea.”
Abe climbed in beside Jacob. “Your timing was perfect.” He wrinkled his nose. “Hannah said she told Ellie she didn’t understand why she was opposed to Liza becoming part of your family. I understand Ellie didn’t respond.”
Hannah had been supportive of him being part of Liza’s life from the beginning. She was well beyond her years in wisdom and maturity, and she’d been a good influence on Ellie. He was surprised she’d spoken out about her positive opinion to Ellie, but he didn’t mind. “You have a smart and obedient dochder. She’s been in my corner from the beginning. I really appreciate her support. Liza’s got me baffled. I don’t know what step to take next.”
“Pray and seek God’s guidance. If you and Liza are meant to be together, He’ll make it happen.”
“It’s hard to wait. I’m so discouraged.” He jerked his head up and pointed. “The mare at the pond! Is she yours?”
“Jah!” Abe smacked his leg.
Jacob guided his horse to the pond.
Abe whistled. “Kumme here, girl.” He stepped off the wagon, and the horse walked slowly to him. He scratched her nose and petted her face. “You must be hungry. Let’s get you home and get you fed. You gave me quite a scare.”
Jacob stared at his friend. The horse had walked right to him. Amazing! The friendship they had was something to behold. Abe had a way with people and animals. He could use a good dose of the patience Abe had with this horse.
Abe tied the mare to the back and hopped in the wagon. “I’m a little hungry. I’m sure Esther won’t let you leave until you have some of her warm ginger cookies. I caught a whiff of them before heading outside right before you came over.”
“I never turn away sweets.” Jacob grinned.
They arrived at Abe’s and went to the barn to water and feed the horse.
Abe hurried to grab the bucket of feed and offered it to the animal.
Jacob fetched the water, ran back inside, and watched the horse drink.
Abe patted the horse’s nose a few minutes later. “I believe we’re done here. Let’s go.”
Jacob walked alongside him to the haus.
Esther raised her arms and smiled. “Jacob, kumme to the kitchen. You must have some of my fresh ginger cookies and milk.”
Abe’s eyes twinkled. “I’ll take some too.”
“Of course you will, dear.” Esther served them refreshments and sat with them at the table. “Jacob, I’m sorry Hannah spoke out about you and Liza in front of Ellie. She shouldn’t have been so bold.”
“She’s my little protector. I have no objection. She confronted Ellie, and it may be what Liza and Ellie needed to hear.”
“My dochder thinks very highly of you and didn’t mean any disrespect.” She gave him a sheepish grin. “I had a hard time reprimanding her for speaking her mind. I’m praying you and Liza end up together. I’m sure Ellie will grow closer to Liza after working with my schweschder at the bakery.”
Wide-eyed, Jacob slapped his knee and chuckled. “Did you quit the bakery so Liza would hire Ellie?” He grinned and pointed a finger at Esther.
She raised her shoulders and gave him an impish grin. “It wasn’t the only reason. I really did want to help Abe with the financials and around here more.”
“Esther, danki so much. Your family has been very gracious and supportive of me. Truly, I’m so blessed.”
Abe slapped him on the arm. “You’re the man for my schweschder-in-law, Jacob. This will all work itself out. You’ll see.”
An hour later, Jacob went to town and stopped by the bakery. It was around three, and business was usually slow then. He wouldn’t stay long.
Liza whirled around and stared with her mouth wide open. “Jacob, kumme in.”
Her eyes were like mirrors to her soul. She couldn’t hide the deep love they revealed. His heart thumped in his chest. He had a chance.
He had to believe and have faith. “It’s hard for me to stay away.”
Two young women came to the counter.
He stepped back and tipped his hat. “Excuse me. I’ll get out of your way.”
Liza smiled. “Leah and Eva, what may I get for you?”
Eva pointed to the cranberry bread. “I’d like to buy a loaf. Was it baked this morning?”
“Jah, it’s still warm.” She glanced at Leah. “And for you?”
Leah held a finger to her lips. “I’m not sure. How about a loaf of cheese bread?”
“I’ll wrap up your purchases.” She passed them each a peach biscuit.
Eva and Leah thanked her, paid for the goodies, and sat at one of the small tables.
Leah scanned the room. “Where’s Hannah?”
Liza gestured to the door. “She and Ellie went to get some sugar for me. They’ll be back soon.”
“I’m glad Hannah has been so accepting of Ellie,” Jacob said.
Liza grinned. “They laugh and have a good time together. Your dochder has the best sense of humor. She’s delightful.”
Jacob stepped to Liza, and they chatted about his visit with Abe and how they’d found the mare he’d lost.
His ears perked. The two young girls whispering had mentioned Ellie’s name. He listened to them.
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br /> Liza darted a glance at him and then the girls.
Eva chuckled. “Hannah isn’t too smart to keep company with Ellie. She’s a wild one.”
Leah wiped crumbs from her lip. “You don’t think Ellie’s working here, do you?”
“Her daed probably brought her with him. He’s sweet on Liza. It’s obvious the way he can’t take his eyes off her. I doubt Liza would want Ellie for a dochder. He’ll have a hard time finding any Amish woman wanting any part of Ellie.”
Red-faced, Liza walked to their table. “Girls, I can’t believe what I just heard. Ellie has returned to her Amish life and to God. You should befriend her and show your support.”
Jacob hadn’t heard Hannah or Ellie kumme in. They stood wide-eyed, looking at Liza. Her protectiveness for his dochder stirred him. The fire in her eyes and her hands on her hips reminded him of a bear protecting her cub.
Eva stood, her red face covered with chagrin. “We didn’t mean any harm.”
“You owe Ellie an apology.” Liza crossed her arms.
“I apologize, Ellie, Hannah, and Liza. And to you, Mr. Graber.” Eva wrung her hands.
Liza moved to face Leah. “What do you have to say, Leah?”
Leah kept her head lowered. “I’m sorry too.”
Ellie gazed at Eva and Leah.
Hannah hooked her arm through Ellie’s. “I’m blessed to call Ellie my friend. You would be too if you gave her a chance.”
Eva met Ellie’s gaze. “You did boast about Englisch clothes and things forbidden to us when we first met. You can understand why I might have doubted your change of heart in following God and Amish law.”
“I’m disappointed you weren’t happy I’d turned to God and Amish life again. I do agree my first impression on you would be hard to dismiss. My prayer was I would receive support from the community.”
Eva shook her head. “I shouldn’t make an excuse for my behavior. I’m embarrassed we talked ill of you. I regret it, Ellie. Really.”
“You had every reason to doubt me after the way I behaved when we first met.”
Leah gave her a regretful grin. “It’s not easy to forget your conversation about the outside world. You went on and on about not covering your hair, dancing, and other things the world has to offer.” She sighed. “It doesn’t excuse Eva and me gossiping about you. Will you give us another chance to make it up to you?”
