Liza's Second Chance

by Molly Jebber

  Hannah grinned at Ellie. “We don’t mind at all. Right, Liza?”

  “Right. And Ellie, I’m proud of how you handled yourself with Clara.” Liza gave her a warm smile. Ellie didn’t bring up Clara’s question about her and Jacob. Liza ignored the girls’ chatter and stared out at the road ahead. Would Ellie tell Jacob that Clara had asked about Liza’s interest in him? She’d be curious the next time they spoke to see if he would bring the matter up. If he didn’t mention it, she’d tell him. Better kumming from her than if he heard it from someone else. She didn’t want him to think she’d discussed him with Clara. Conversations could be misconstrued when Clara and her gossips got together.

  Hannah said, “Leah and Eva have made some beautiful quilts together, and both have almost completed white aprons. Their seams are as straight as yours, Liza.”

  Liza patted her shoulder. “You’re too hard on yourself. You sew beautiful pieces.”

  Ellie smiled back at Liza. “Hannah said you create beautiful kapps, towels, and quilts. I love the pinwheel quilt you have hanging on the wall at the bakery. It’s exquisite.”

  Liza blushed. Ellie had complimented her work. They really were making progress in their friendship. No doubt her niece was encouraging this, and she loved Hannah for it.

  *

  Jacob held his Bible in his lap and sipped coffee. “Ellie, sit and tell me about your visit with the girls.”

  She plopped on the settee across from him. “You’re in from doing chores early.”

  “I got up earlier than usual, and I got enough done to take it easy this evening.”

  She took in a deep breath. “Summer is my favorite season. The days are longer, the flowers are vibrant, and the lush green grass is pretty. The heat doesn’t bother me. I dislike snow and the cold. Hannah agrees with me. Another thing we have in common.”

  “Did you have a pleasant time with Eva and Leah?”

  “They were kind and gracious hosts. Eva and Leah invited Hannah and me to join them whenever we have time. The girls get together and make aprons, blankets, and many other things. Working at the bakery doesn’t allow us much extra time to do those things. I don’t mind, though.”

  “How did you like Leah’s parents?”

  Ellie rolled her eyes. “Leah’s daed was helping a neighbor. We didn’t meet him. Leah’s mamm, Clara, is quite a gossip. She asks inappropriate personal questions. I suspect she repeats what information she gathers and embellishes it to her friends. Liking her is a challenge.”

  Jacob closed his Bible and put it on the end table. “What kind of questions?”

  “The girls and I were in Leah’s bedroom. I was sitting closest to her open door and overheard Leah’s mamm and Liza’s conversation. The woman criticized me for leaving the community and had reservations about Leah and me being friends. Liza assured her I was genuine in my commitment to return to God and the Amish life. Then she asked Liza about her feelings for you.”

  His eyes wide, he jerked upright. “What did she say?”

  “Clara asked her if she had a romantic interest in you. Liza said she would rather keep the matter personal. She made it clear she didn’t want to discuss you.” She gave him an impish grin. “She did say you were a kind and thoughtful man.”

  He chuckled. “Interesting. The gossips are conversing about Liza and me. It doesn’t bother me. I’d shout to the world how much I love her.”

  Ellie quieted.

  “What are you afraid of?”

  Ellie shrugged and whirled around toward her bedroom, but before she could get very far there was a knock on the front door.

  Ellie approached the front door and opened it. “Peter!”

  He wrapped his arms around her legs. “I miss you, Ellie. Why haven’t you been to visit me?”

  “Mae, please kumme in.” She bent and hugged the child. “I’ve been working at the bakery and my job has kept me busy. I miss you too. How have you been?”

  Mae held a hand to her mouth and coughed a deep, throaty cough. “I’m so sorry. I’ve had this cough for weeks and it’s gotten worse.”

  Jacob went to a pitcher of water and poured her a glass. “Here you go.”

  “Danki.”

  Peter sighed. “I was sad. I begged Mamm to bring me to your haus.”

  Mae drank half the glass of water and passed it back to Jacob. “The water helped soothe my throat. Danki. This irritating cough kummes and goes.” She raised her shoulders. “I’m sorry to intrude on you. It’s getting close to dark, but this child refused to go to sleep if I didn’t bring him here. He has been obsessed with you, Ellie.”

  “You’re both wilkom to our home anytime.” She smiled.

  Jacob gestured to a chair. “Make yourselves comfortable. Would you like a Luden’s Cough Drop?”

  Mae nodded her head. “Please, anything to get rid of this misery.”

  He went to the kitchen and returned. He passed her a small metal box. “I’ve got more if you need them.”

  She plopped the drop in her mouth. “I appreciate it, Jacob. One should do it.”

  “I’m glad you came to my haus, Peter. Tell me what you’ve been doing.” Ellie stroked his hair.

  “Snuggles, my rabbit, got away, and I was afraid he’d never kumme home. I found him under the bush by the pond. He’s safe now.”

  “I’d be sad if you lost Snuggles. I love his snow-white fur.” She held him on her lap and wrapped her arm around his waist. “What else is going on with you?”

  “Mr. Fisher has been kumming to our haus and having suppers with Mamm and me a lot. Mamm laughs more now.” He giggled and cupped a hand to his mouth. “He asked me if it was all right for him to ask Mamm to marry him.”

  “Peter! You aren’t to tell our personal business.” Mae’s cheeks pinked.

  “I tell Ellie everything. She’s my friend. Don’t worry. She won’t tell anyone, right, Ellie?”

  “Right.” Ellie smiled at Mae. “I’m happy for you.”

  Jacob grinned. “Me too.”

  “I’m so embarrassed.” Mae hid her face in her hands, then dropped them to her lap. “He’s been wonderful to us.”

  Jacob leaned forward in his chair, rested his elbows on his knees, and folded his hands. “You’re among friends, Mae. We love and care about Peter. He’s been as good for Ellie as she has been for him. If you don’t mind, I think Peter needs to spill his thoughts to her.” He winked. “Parents can find out some important information listening to what our kinner tell their friends about us.”

  “What did you tell Mr. Fisher?” Ellie gazed at Peter.

  “I said I would be glad if he married Mamm. She’s happier when he’s with us.” He gave her an impish grin and lifted his shoulders. “He took me fishing and I caught two bluegills. He said he’d take me again. It would be fun to have him live with us. He said we’d do lots of fun things together.” He grew serious. “Will you take me fishing, Ellie?”

  Jacob wished Ellie had the same positive attitude toward Liza as Peter did about Mr. Fisher. Mae had presented a softer side during this visit. Mr. Fisher must be bringing out the best in her. She had a radiant and happy glow.

  “Of course I will. May I bring Hannah?”

  “Jah, I like Hannah.”

  Mae coughed again. She pulled out a handkerchief tucked in her waistband and held it to her mouth. She got her cough under control and hurried to fold the cloth, wet with blood. “Ellie, you don’t have to. I realize you’re busy.”

  “I would enjoy taking Peter. We’ll have a good time. Is Friday night all right with you, Mae?”

  “Friday around five-thirty is fine.”

  “Hannah and I will have supper before we arrive.”

  “You’re wilkom to join us for chicken and dumplings. Bring Liza with you and Hannah, if she wants to kumme.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice. Danki. I’ll ask them.”

  “I’ll make enough for all of you. If they don’t kumme, we’ll eat the leftovers the next night.” Mae gr
ipped the armrest for support and rose.

  Peter hugged Ellie’s neck. “I can’t wait until Friday gets here.”

  “Ellie, I took up for you recently with some women saying unkind remarks about you concerning the time you left us. I assured them you were sincere about your change of heart, and I asked them to refrain from such talk. You have my support.”

  Ellie helped Peter to his feet and walked to his mamm. Tears filled her eyes. “Danki for forgiving me for letting you down and for having faith in me.”

  Mae circled her arms around her. “None of us are without fault, Ellie. I have had a habit of judging people and gossiping, and I’m ashamed to admit it. I’ve been working on changing my attitude, and Mr. Fisher has brought out the best in me. The gossips need to remember the hurtful words they’re uttering are sinful. You’re a dear, sweet girl who has brought life back to my son. I’ll always be grateful to you.”

  “He’s healed wounds in me too.” Ellie tousled his hair.

  Mae nodded to Jacob. “You were right. I did learn Mr. Fisher had approached my son about a future with us. Peter didn’t mention it until now.”

  Jacob gave her a warm smile. “You can relax and find out what God has in store for you. Everything is falling into place. I wish you the very best and much happiness.” He poked his head outside. “Maybe I should follow you home. It’s getting dark.”

  “It’s not necessary. We don’t have far to go. Danki anyway. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Mae waved and walked Peter to the buggy.

  Jacob waited to shut the door until they’d left. Ellie should learn a valuable lesson from Peter. He’d noticed his mamm was happier since Mr. Fisher entered their lives, and Peter, even as young as he was, recognized Mr. Fisher would be a wilkom addition to their home.

  Wide-eyed, Ellie threw her head back. “Did you notice the blood Mrs. Chupp coughed up on her handkerchief?”

  The blood had been hard to miss, even though Mae had hurried to keep it out of sight. Her cough was deep and concerned him. “I did notice it. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m worried about her. Maybe Liza can ask her if she’s told Dr. Harrison about it.”

  “I’ll mention it to Liza. She would be the best one to approach Mae about it.”

  “I’m proud of you, Ellie. You’ve taken responsibility for your actions when confronted about leaving Charm and you’ve shown Mae and this town you have changed. Peter’s innocence is refreshing. He says what’s on his heart without reservation. He knows how to work you and his mamm.” He smiled.

  “I don’t disagree. He has us both doing what he wants when he gazes at us with those big, pleading eyes.”

  “I’m shocked we haven’t heard gossip at the bakery or in town about Mae and Mr. Fisher. Mrs. Mast didn’t mention it when Liza, Hannah, and I visited her, Leah, and Eva. I didn’t think she missed a thing. Mae and Mr. Fisher have done an excellent job keeping it a private matter.”

  Jacob tilted his head and rubbed his ear, eyeing Ellie. “I admire Peter’s acceptance of Mr. Fisher. I’m certain Mae is relieved Peter and Mr. Fisher have formed a close friendship.”

  Ellie dipped her chin and headed for her door. “Jah, I’m happy for them. Good night, Daed.”

  She’d hustled out of the room, leading him to believe she’d gotten his point. He hoped she’d ponder how much easier it would be for him if she would adopt Peter’s attitude to a new addition to their family. Jacob bid Ellie good night and picked up his Bible. He flipped the pages and stopped at Romans, 12:12, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

  Jacob closed the Bible. Wide awake, he had an idea. He went to the barn, dragged out some cedar he’d been saving for a special project, and got started on a gift for Liza.

  He was confident this would be a wilkom wedding gift she’d cherish for years to kumme. Even if she didn’t believe they’d marry, he did. He couldn’t wait to spend a lifetime with Liza. At some point they would grow old together. He cut the wood in the sizes he needed and put them aside. He’d make her present and throw a blanket over it to keep it secret. Would Liza tell him about Clara’s inquiries about them? She’d shared everything with him so far. Hopefully, this wouldn’t change.

  Chapter Twelve

  Liza studied the Englisch woman’s crisp red-and-white-flowered cotton dress. Her puffed sleeves and buttons from the rounded stiff collar to waist added to the perfect design. The thick ribbon on her smart straw hat, tied in a bow, matched her ankle-length dress and added a nice touch. She had emerald green eyes and the palest flawless skin. Her smile was infectious. She breezed in like a breath of fresh air on this beautiful Wednesday morning. “Did you have anything in particular in mind to purchase?”

  “No, I came in to browse.” She bent and studied the glass display case. “How will I choose from all these mouthwatering offerings?” She put a forefinger to her full lips. “I’ll take a rhubarb pie, a loaf of oatmeal bread, and a cherry pastry.” She opened her reticule and pressed coins into Liza’s hand.

  Liza wrapped her purchases and handed them to her. “Danki. Please kumme again.”

  “You can count on it. Have a nice day.” The woman swung open the door to leave as if she expected applause.

  Liza chuckled. She liked her.

  Ellie came in from the back. “We’ve been so busy, I haven’t had a chance to tell you and Hannah about Peter and his mamm’s visit.”

  Hannah leaned her back to the wall. “How sweet he came to visit you. I’m sure he’s missed you.”

  Liza folded her hands. “How is he?”

  “He’s fine. He wants me to take him fishing Friday after work. I’m going at five-thirty. I told him I’d ask Hannah to go too, and he was excited. Mae is making chicken and dumplings for supper. Will you go, Hannah?”

  “Sure.” Hannah opened her eyes wide. “Liza, you should go too. You love to fish.”

  Ellie nodded. “Jah, please do. Mae mentioned you’re wilkom. She’s making enough food for all of us. It’s Friday. Be at the Chupps’ at five-thirty.”

  Liza hadn’t fished in a while. She’d enjoy going with the girls and Peter. “Sounds like fun. Bring your fishing poles and tackle with you to work Friday. We can leave from the bakery.”

  “Daed and I are worried about Peter’s mamm. She has this terrible cough, and she used a handkerchief to cover her mouth. When she lowered it, the material was stained with blood.”

  Hannah gasped. “Her cough sounds serious.”

  “I noticed her cough and her having trouble getting it under control. I’ll ask her if she’s been to Dr. Harrison and sought his advice,” Liza said. Evidence of blood suggested something more serious than her throat being irritated.

  “I was hoping you would.” Ellie patted flour from her apron, then rubbed Hannah’s back. “We have cookies to bake.”

  Hannah elbowed her friend. “Let’s get to work.” The girls chattered as they went to the kitchen.

  *

  On Friday, Liza hurried to arrange new baked goods in the counter during the day to keep up with the steady flow of customers. Yesterday the day had dragged with the scarce number of patrons she’d had. She glanced at the door and saw Jacob stood wearing the wide smile she adored. “Jacob! You startled me. Always glad to see you.”

  “Good! I work at surprising you.”

  She blushed and poured him a cup of coffee. She gestured to a seat at the side counter. “Have a seat.” She served him two slices of buttered peach bread.

  He sank his teeth into the fluffy bread. “I love anything with peaches. This is delicious.”

  “Danki.” She grinned. “Ellie told me about Mae and Peter’s visit.”

  “Oh no! She wasn’t supposed to tell about Mae and Mr. Fisher courting.”

  “What!” Liza cupped her open mouth.

  Ellie bolted out from the kitchen. “Daed, I didn’t tell Liza about Mae and Mr. Fisher.”

  His face red, Jacob gasped. “Me and my big mouth. I assumed Ellie told
you Mr. Fisher has proposed to Mae.”

  “She didn’t mention it.” She inclined her head. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

  Hannah giggled. “I won’t mention it to anyone either. I’m shocked the news hasn’t spread about Mae and Mr. Fisher’s plans. She did a good job keeping the gossipers uninformed.”

  Ellie rolled her eyes. “They may know and we just haven’t heard them talk about it yet.”

  Liza sighed. “True.”

  Hannah patted Liza’s arm. “Jacob, Liza’s going fishing with Peter, Ellie, and me. She loves to fish. They bite her line every time. We both use worms.” She threw up her hands. “I don’t get it.”

  Ellie whipped her head to Hannah. “Do you leave your line in long enough for them to bite? You can’t lift your pole out of the water to check it every minute. Daed has a habit of doing that.”

  They all laughed.

  Hannah shot them a shy expression. “I admit it. I’d rather feed the ducks.”

  “Uh-oh! I forgot about the cookies! They may have been in the oven a bit too long.” Ellie ran to the oven.

  Hannah followed.

  Jacob wiped crumbs from his lips. “Liza, Peter bubbles with excitement over Mr. Fisher courting his mamm. He and Mr. Fisher are friends, and he says his mamm laughs more when the man is around. Mae glows with happiness when she mentions his name.”

  Similar to the way my mouth curves in a wide smile when you walk in the room. Liza pressed fingers to her lips. She listened to his story with envy traveling from her head to her toes. “I’m thrilled for them.”

  “Liza, did Ellie mention Mae’s horrible cough isn’t any better?”

  “Jah. I’ll ask Mae if she’s been to Dr. Harrison about it. It’s gone on too long.” Liza shook her head.

  “You’re thoughtful to care so much about others. Another reason I admire you.” He drank his last sip of coffee and stood. He brushed her hand with his fingers. “Every minute of every day, I love you with all my heart, and I’m waiting on you.” He left a small wrapped package on the counter. “This is for you.” He hustled out the door.