by Molly Jebber
Ellie nodded and chuckled. “In your shoes, I might’ve done the same. I hold no grudges.”
Liza moved between Hannah and Ellie. She circled her arms around their shoulders. “The four of you go chat a minute before you get back to work. It’s slow right now and we have plenty of goods on the shelves.”
The four girls went to the kitchen to talk.
Liza joined Jacob at the front of the store. “I’m relieved the girls reconciled.”
“You’re responsible for bringing them together. Danki.” He couldn’t pry his gaze from her. He’d missed the sweet sound of her voice and the way she gazed at him as if he were the handsomest man she’d ever seen, and her radiant smile sent his heart into a spin.
“You give me too much credit. Eva and Leah are decent girls. They just need a little guidance.”
“I didn’t hear Ellie and Hannah kumme in. I’m sure they heard every word.”
“I wasn’t aware of them either. It wouldn’t have changed what I did or said. Ellie deserves another chance. Some of the people here will be gracious and others will judge her. Amish aren’t perfect. We have our flaws like everyone else.”
He whispered in her ear, “I love you for it and for so much more.”
Blushing, she stared at her feet. “Jacob, be careful. The girls may be listening.”
He chuckled. “They can’t see us here, and they aren’t paying a bit of attention to us. I’m not sure they can hear each other. They all seem to be talking at once.” He chuckled.
She backed up and slid her foot on a spot of water. “Eek!” She grabbed his arm.
He winced and held her up. “Are you all right?”
She stood straight and heaved a deep breath. She patted his arm. “I’m fine. Is there a bandage under your sleeve? Did you hurt yourself?”
“A wooden shelf fell on it. I bandaged it. It’s nothing.”
She pointed to his sleeve. “Roll it up.”
She had her mouth pinched. He might as well not argue. He had to admit he liked the attention. He pushed up his sleeve. Blood had stained the bandage.
“You need a new dressing. I’ll be right back.” She returned and rebandaged his arm. “There you go.”
“Danki.” The touch of her fingers on his skin took his breath away. Her slender fingers and smooth hands were like silk sliding across his arm. “It was worth getting hurt just to have your dainty fingers touch my arm.”
She swatted the air. “Jacob, you just don’t stop.” She held his gaze. “I’m glad you came by.”
His heart shot to the sky. This visit had turned out better than he could ever have expected. Liza had defended Ellie to Eva and Leah and she’d let him know he was still important to her. “Take care, sweet Liza.”
He waved to the girls. “Ellie, I’m going home.”
As he left the bakery, he glanced at the gray clouds. “I’d better get to steppin’ unless I want to get drenched.” Ellie loved to tease him about talking to himself. He chuckled, then hurried home, took care of his horse, and shut the barn doors.
Thunder clapped and fat drops of moisture pounded the ground. He didn’t make it in time. He stomped his feet to shed the heavy wet dirt and water covering his boots. He stepped inside the small mudroom off the back porch and shrugged his feet out of his boots. He tossed his socks to the floor, next to the cream separator, went to the kitchen, and grabbed an oatmeal cookie from the covered basket centered on the table. The storm resembled the trouble he’d had with Ellie; as it would clear and the sun would shine again, so had Ellie. Like old times, she’d tease him about leaving his dirty socks lying around the haus and giggle. He had his happy and vibrant dochder back. If he could convince her to support his plan to marry Liza, he’d be the happiest man on earth.
He pictured Liza as his fraa in the kitchen, sure she would be someday soon. She and Ellie were growing their friendship more each day. On their special day, he’d stand before her and pledge his love for Liza in front of their friends and her family, take her home, and wrap his arms around her waist and plant kisses on her cheeks. He could almost hear her laugh as he stared at the window. Seconds later, lightning struck close, and the haus shook. Jacob tensed. Could he be wrong? Did God have other plans for him? He pushed the thought out of his mind.
Chapter Eleven
Liza shut the door against the wind when Jacob left. The girls joined her in the front room.
Leah went to the door. “Ellie and Hannah, Eva and I are going to my haus for supper and to work a new puzzle Daed bought me. Why don’t you join us for supper later? Six o’clock? Mamm always makes extra food. She encourages me to invite friends, and I often do. Liza, why don’t you kumme too? I’m sure Mamm would love to talk to you.”
Ellie nodded. “I’ll stop to tell Daed.”
Hannah smiled. “I’ll tell Mamm after work and then pick up Liza and Ellie.” She glanced at Liza.
Liza nodded. “Danki, Leah.”
The two girls bid them farewell and left.
Liza finished waiting on two Englischers and watched them leave. She turned to Hannah and Ellie. “You can leave after you stow the baked goods. I can sweep the floor and lock up. I’m glad you’re going to Leah’s.”
Ellie hugged her. “Liza, I appreciate you taking up for me. You’ve been so generous to give me this job and defend me when people have said unkind things. Danki.”
Liza blinked back tears. Ellie’s arms were around her waist. She couldn’t believe it. Something she had longed for and never thought would happen. “Ellie.” She leaned back to stare into her eyes. “I care about you. I want you to find happiness and contentment in Charm. We’re so thankful you’re a part of our lives.”
Hannah wrapped her arms around them both. “Jah, I was drawn to you from the first day we met, despite our differences. You lashed out because you hurt inside. If I’d lost my mamm, I may not have reacted the same, but I can understand it. God brought you back to us and I’m so pleased.”
Ellie stepped back and wiped her damp eyes. “I’ve not had a best friend, Hannah. You’ve shown me what a true best friend is supposed to do. You have accepted me with all my flaws and despite my rebellious past. It means a lot to me.”
Hannah grinned. “Good, then you won’t mind washing the maple syrup out of the bowls we used for the sweet potato pies.”
Ellie rolled her eyes and laughed. “Maybe I’m a little less thankful at the moment to call you my best friend.”
Hannah chuckled and followed her friend to the back room.
Liza watched them go. She folded her hands and held them to her chin. They were precious. She pressed a hand to her stomach. What would it have felt like to carry a child inside her? She’d been intrigued when Esther carried Hannah inside her belly. The first kick she’d felt when Esther invited her to lay a hand on her stomach. What a thrill! The anticipation to find out whether her schweschder would have a girl or boy had added to the fun. She loved Hannah as if she were her own child. But it wasn’t the same as actually being her mamm.
An hour later, Hannah and Ellie left. Liza locked the door behind them and turned her sign. Jacob’s strong jawline and handsome smile came to mind. She loved his laugh and the way his eyes twinkled when he got excited telling her about working with Abe. It warmed her heart the two men she loved had become close friends. She stepped outside and locked the door. Motorcars, buggies, and wagons filled the road.
A man held up his palm. “Watch where you’re going!”
She jumped, her heart thumping in her chest. “Sorry.” At the livery, she pressed coins in the owner’s hand. “Danki.”
He pointed. “I’ve got your buggy ready for you.”
She nodded, crossed the dirt floor, and got in. She flicked the reins and headed home. She held her face up for a moment to the sun peeking through the clouds, glad the rain had stopped before Ellie and Hannah had left the store.
She arrived home, took care of her mare, and changed clothes. She’d had a long day. Why had s
he agreed to go out tonight? She twisted her mouth. Leah’s mamm gossiped too much. The woman had no problem asking personal questions. She would’ve rather had a quiet evening on the porch after doing her chores. The moment the invitation was offered, it would’ve been awkward to turn it down. She didn’t want Leah or Eva to think she had any ill will toward them after they’d apologized to Ellie. She rubbed the tight spot in her neck. Too late to back out now.
Hannah popped her head inside the door. “Liza, are you ready to go? Ellie’s waiting in the buggy.”
“I’m ready.” She smiled and went outside and climbed in the back. “Ellie, have you talked to Peter or his mamm?”
“I haven’t, and I must stop over. I miss him.” She sighed. “Mrs. Chupp was kind to give me another chance. She doesn’t mince words. I’m blessed she softened toward me. Hannah, would you go with me?”
Hannah clicked her tongue and batted her eyes. “Of course.”
Liza observed the girls. She and Esther, her schweschder and best friend, had chatted and laughed together the same way many times.
They arrived at Leah’s family’s haus, and Clara Mast opened the door. “Wilkom, kumme in.” She smiled at Hannah and gave Ellie a stern eye. “Ellie, Leah told me a little about you. I understand you exhibited some bad behavior before turning your life around. Don’t disappoint us.” She gave Ellie a patronizing pat on the back.
Ellie’s face froze and stared at her feet. She didn’t respond.
Hannah, wide-eyed, darted shocked eyes to Liza. She clasped Ellie’s hand.
Liza bristled and opened her mouth to speak her disdain about Clara’s remark.
Leah and Eva rushed into the room. “Ellie and Hannah, kumme to my room. I’ll show you the soft blanket I knitted for little boppli Maryanne next door.”
Hannah and Ellie followed them.
Clara gestured to Liza. “Follow me to the kitchen. I’ve got bacon and tomato sandwiches and vegetable soup to serve. Apricot tarts for dessert.”
“Sounds delicious, Clara. Tell me what to do to assist you.”
Clara, hands on hips, pointed. “Take a seat. My husband, Sam, is over at the Barkmans’ place, helping with some repairs. I’ll save him a plate for later.”
“I hope it was all right Leah invited us for supper.” Liza grimaced.
“You’re always wilkom, Liza.”
Liza took a deep breath. “Your remark to Ellie was condescending. I assure you, Ellie is sincere in her commitment to God and Amish law.”
“Never hurts to reiterate the importance of her decision.”
Liza leaned forward. She pressed her splayed fingers on the table and stared at the determined woman. She wouldn’t ignore the remark. She’d had enough of Clara’s negative attitude. “She doesn’t need reminding. She needs support and encouragement.”
“I suppose.” She batted her eyes. “We’re long overdue for a visit. How is everything going at the bakery?” Clara handed her a glass of water.
She swallowed a sigh of relief. The bakery would be a safe subject to discuss. “Business is steady and I’m happy to go in to work each day.”
“I heard Esther quit and Ellie took her place. I’m stunned you’d hire her.”
This woman irritated her to no end. The hairs on Liza’s neck prickled. She took a sip of water to calm herself and her rising frustration. “I don’t know why. She’s learned Esther’s tasks in a very short time, greets customers with a smile, follows our recipes to the letter, and doesn’t complain about a thing. I’m blessed to have her at the bakery.”
“Liza, what if Ellie doesn’t remain true to her promise? She ran off with a young man. Who knows what she was doing with him, and you take her in as if nothing happened. I don’t believe it. You should be careful. She might be robbing you blind.”
The woman was bent on disparaging Ellie. She’d not listened to anything Liza had to say about the girl. Liza stood and crossed her arms. “Clara, Ellie has asked forgiveness from God for her wrongs and has turned her life back to Him. She’s done nothing to warrant any suspicion on my part. I am disappointed you insist on taking a negative stance toward her.”
Clara rose and fluttered her hands. “Now, don’t get upset. I’m just watching out for your well-being.” She set sandwiches on each plate. “Leah said Jacob Graber can’t take his eyes off you. I notice he glances at you often during the church service and you spend a lot of time with him at the after-church dinners. Are you smitten with him? Is that the reason you jumped to Ellie’s defense?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. Liza sipped her water to take a moment. “I’m not comfortable with where this conversation is going. Let’s change the subject.”
Hand on her hip, Clara waggled a finger. “I’m not going to let you wiggle out of this. It’s too important not to discuss. I don’t blame you if you’re not giving him a thought. I wouldn’t want to raise a young girl with a questionable past. You never know what she’ll do in the future. The community is still talking about her running away.”
“Clara, stop talking ill of Ellie! We all make mistakes. She’s moved on and so should we from this conversation. I won’t stay and listen to you berate her.”
“You can understand, Liza. I have a dochder to raise. I don’t want her influenced by a rude and obstinate girl. I had my misgivings about Ellie being here. Leah insisted I give her a chance. I thought I could express my concerns to you and you’d sympathize with me.”
“You’re wrong. I love and care about Ellie. She’s vibrant, funny, kind, and a good friend to Hannah. She’s not perfect. None of us are without faults.”
“All right, all right. I’ll quit talking about Ellie. Tell me about Jacob. You didn’t answer my question. Are you interested in him? He’s attractive and everyone has pleasant things to say about him.”
Supper, at this rate, would be painful to get through. “I’d prefer not to discuss Jacob.”
“No harm in expressing how you feel about him.”
“He’s a kind and thoughtful man. I have nothing against him. We’re friends.”
The girls entered, and Leah rubbed her middle. “Is supper ready?”
“Go ahead and sit. Everything is on the table.” Clara brushed her palms together.
Once everyone was at the table, Clara prayed for the food and served them soup. “Ellie, have you really decided to stay in Charm?”
Leah gasped. “Mamm, please don’t ask Ellie personal questions. Of course she plans to stay.”
Ellie unfolded her cloth napkin and spread it on her lap. “It’s all right, Leah. I’ll answer your mamm’s question. First, I overheard your conversation with Liza. The door was wide open in Leah’s room. I have asked forgiveness from God and those I hurt by my bad behavior. I won’t change my mind. Can you find it in your heart to give me the benefit of the doubt?”
Cheeks flaming, Clara fumbled with her spoon. “Of course, dear. You can understand it will take a while to fully trust you.”
Ellie nodded.
Liza beamed with pride for Ellie. She’d stamped the fire out of Clara with her humble comment.
Clara darted a glance to Liza, then to Ellie. “Maybe you’ll shed some light on the subject of your daed and Liza. He beams when he talks to her.” She raised her chin. “He’s obviously smitten with her. What do you think?”
Liza held her breath.
Ellie sat next to her and covered Liza’s hand on her lap, out of Clara’s sight. “Liza is a private person. I respect her wishes and I ask you to do the same. You understand.” She then slid her hand off Liza’s and sipped a spoonful of soup. “Your soup is tasty.”
Dumbfounded, Liza stifled her smile. Ellie had done a better job squelching this conversation with Clara than she had. Her hand still tingled where Ellie had touched it. She was hungry for any show of emotion and friendship from this girl. She mustn’t do anything to jeopardize it.
Liza smiled. The young women laughed and shared funny stories. Leah and Eva treated Ellie as if they’d
been friends with her for a long time. No trace of their past negative judgment about her evident.
Liza yawned and covered her mouth. “I’m afraid my eyes are growing heavy. I woke earlier than usual this morning. We should help you clean the dishes and get home before dark.” She carried her glass and plate to the dry sink.
Clara rose and collected the dirty dishes. “I’m glad you came to visit. No need to bother washing dishes. Leah will help me clean up.” She hooked her arm through Liza’s. “We’ll walk you out.”
Eva came alongside Liza. “Do you mind if Hannah drops me off before taking you home? Leah picked me up today.”
“I’d be happy to have you join us on the way home.” Liza and the girls thanked Clara and bid her and Leah farewell. The girls chattered with Eva until they arrived at the young woman’s haus.
Eva stepped out of the buggy. “Danki for dropping me off. I had a good time with all of you.”
They waved back and bid her good night.
Hannah waited until Eva was inside, then headed down the lane toward Ellie’s.
“Eva and Leah are interesting and sweet girls. I’m glad they forgave me for the way I acted to them in the past. I understand it’s difficult to trust I have truly changed after I boasted about my outside world adventures,” said Ellie.
“Leah is opinionated, but she will listen to reason and back down better than her mamm. She doesn’t always have to be right. I’m not surprised she gave you a chance to show how you’ve changed. Her mamm is another story. Eva goes along with whatever Leah says. The girls are best friends. She’s got a good sense of humor, and she can tell the best funny stories about her barn cats and dog.” Hannah chuckled.
Ellie exaggerated a swipe of her hand across her forehead. “Mrs. Mast isn’t shy. She’ll ask anything. She really pushed you to answer personal questions, Liza.” Ellie rested a hand on Liza’s arm. “Danki again for taking up for me. I’m sorry you’re having to defend me to others.”
