by Molly Jebber
*
Jacob stood on his porch overlooking the lush green grass and tall oak trees spread across his land and sipped his coffee. He was ready for church and waiting on Ellie to finish getting ready.
Ellie had told him about what had happened with the bullies Friday evening. He couldn’t shake the dangerous event from his mind. He considered himself to have a level head, but his temperament would’ve been challenged had he been with them. Amish avoided confrontations at all costs. He would’ve had to have done what was necessary to protect the people he loved. He was grateful to the sheriff for his fast response in rescuing them. He pushed the thugs from his mind. After the church service, he’d talk to Liza about the incident. He was glad she was unharmed.
He’d stayed home all day yesterday, gotten his chores done, and stolen a little time to work on the wedding present he was sure he’d be giving Liza someday. It had been difficult to keep from visiting her, but he knew Saturday was her busiest day.
Sheriff Williams came down the lane.
Jacob sheltered his eyes with his hand. Why was Peter with him?
Ellie carried a mug of coffee onto the porch and joined her daed. “We’ve got company.”
The lawman got off his horse and helped Peter down. “I’ve got a visitor for you both.”
Peter ran to Ellie and hugged her legs.
Ellie dragged the rocking chair to her and sat. She pulled the sobbing child on her lap. “What’s wrong?”
The child buried his wet face in Ellie’s shoulder.
The sheriff bent over, resting his elbows on his knees while sitting in the other rocker. “I have some bad news. Mae Chupp is no longer with us. She’s gone to Heaven.” He nodded to Peter. “The child insisted I bring him to Ellie.”
Jacob knelt and rubbed Peter’s back. “Oh, Peter, I’m so sorry.”
Ellie darted her eyes to the sheriff. “What’s happened?”
“He won’t answer my questions. He would only say I should take him to Ellie.”
“Poor Peter. He must’ve been so frightened.”
The sheriff nodded. “Mr. Beachy said Peter pounded on their door, grabbed Mr. Beachy’s hand, and pulled him to his mother’s body in her bedroom. Mr. Beachy came and got me, while his wife took Peter to their house.” He sighed. “I picked up Dr. Harrison and the bishop and took them with me to Mae’s. The good doctor suspects consumption, but he couldn’t say with certainty. The bishop said it wasn’t necessary to pursue the matter.”
“Is Dr. Harrison still at Mae’s?” Jacob sipped his coffee.
“No, he and I took Mae’s body to the undertaker to prepare her remains for visitors and a funeral, and then I took both men home. The bishop headed to the Keims’ for the service today. He said he’d announce Mae’s passing. The bishop will round up men on Monday to get things ready at the Chupp house to receive visitors on Tuesday for the viewing and conduct the funeral service and burial on Wednesday. Mrs. Beachy volunteered to clean the house.”
“I’ll be glad to help, and I’m certain Liza and her family will want to assist with whatever is needed. Peter can stay with us. I’m happy to take him in permanently. He and Ellie are very close. The Amish take care of their own, as you’re aware.” Jacob held up his mug. “I’m sorry, Sheriff. Would you like coffee?”
“No. I’ve had more than I should’ve this morning.” Sheriff Williams met his gaze. “I have something for you. I already showed it to the bishop. He was pleased with the contents.” He tugged a paper out of his shirt pocket. “Mae wrote a letter dated yesterday. She requests you be his legal guardian because she has no other living relatives. She also requests her property be sold and the money be safeguarded by you for her son until the child is old enough to manage it himself.”
“I’m stunned and pleased.” Jacob accepted the document, read it, and passed it to Ellie.
She studied it. “I’m relieved she made this provision for Peter to stay with us.”
Peter raised his head. “I can live with you and Jacob?”
“Jah, sweetheart. Our home will be yours too.”
“I was scared. I didn’t understand what was going to happen to me with Mamm gone.”
Ellie stroked his neck. “You don’t need to worry about anything. Daed and I will take good care of you.” She handed the paper back to her daed. “I’m surprised she didn’t mention this to you even before she wrote the letter. She had to have been contemplating it.”
The sheriff sighed. “She probably thought she had more time to discuss this with your father. She must’ve had an inkling her illness may be serious, but no indication it would take her life this soon. I’m glad this worked out for your family and the child.”
Ellie helped Peter to his feet. “I’m going to take Peter to the kitchen and give him a glass of water, then rock him more. Danki for your help, Sheriff.”
“You’re welcome.” The sheriff reached over and tousled Peter’s hair. “Take care, little one.”
Peter stared at the floor and wept before Ellie walked him inside.
Jacob stared after them, then concentrated on the sheriff. “He’s like a little bruder to her.” Jacob brushed his palms together. “I’ve always wanted more kinner, and raising Peter is a gift from Mae I’ll always be grateful for.”
“God is good.” The sheriff rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I found a letter from a Mr. Fisher on the bed. The letter said he wouldn’t be back to Charm. He’d met a woman while visiting his brother in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and he planned to stay there. He apologized to Mae and wished her and Peter good health and happiness. Did you know anything about this man?”
“Mr. Fisher asked for Peter’s approval to marry his mamm. Peter was thrilled when he told us. Then we learned Mr. Fisher had gone to visit his bruder in Pennsylvania from Peter. It’s sad to learn Mae received this news.” Jacob shook his head.
“I’d met Mr. Fisher. He was a kind, quiet man. Hadn’t been in Charm long. Came from Lancaster. Kept to himself.” The sheriff shrugged and stepped off the porch and glanced over his shoulder. “Mr. Beachy is interested in buying the Chupp property for his dochder and her family. I’m sure he’ll discuss it with you.” The sheriff stood.
“With the Beachys living next door, it would be nice for them to have her close.” He nodded to the sheriff. “Danki for all you’ve done.”
“He’s blessed to have you and your daughter.” The sheriff snapped his head back to Jacob. “Did Ellie tell you about the thugs interfering with their fishing?”
Jacob, wide-eyed, smacked his head. “I forgot to say danki for rescuing them. Your timing saved them from harm.”
“All in the past. No need to worry. I haven’t seen any sign of them and no one has registered any complaints about them. The bullies got my message to get out of town.”
“Danki again, Sheriff.”
Sheriff Williams waved, mounted his stallion, and rode off.
Jacob waited until the sheriff was halfway down the lane, then went inside the haus.
Ellie swiped her tears on her sleeve and gazed at the tallest old oak tree on the property out the window while rocking Peter on her lap. “I can’t believe Mae is really gone. My heart breaks for you, Peter. I remember how sad I was to no longer have Mamm with us.”
Jacob nodded his head. “We have an extra bedroom just for you, Peter. We’ll bring your things here and this will be your new home.”
Peter’s lip quivered. “I went to Mamm’s room and found her on the floor. Blood dirtied her mouth and stained her dress. I shook her and she was so cold. Her eyes didn’t move. I shook her harder, but she didn’t make a sound.”
Ellie gazed at him. “You did the right thing by going to get the Beachys. I’m proud of you.”
“You are?”
“Jah. There was nothing else for you to do. You did exactly what I would’ve done had I been in your situation.”
He hung his head. “Really? I couldn’t stop shaking. I was scared.” He put his face inches fr
om hers. “Are you sure it isn’t my fault she’s gone to Heaven, Ellie?”
“You should never blame yourself. She was already in Heaven. Your mamm wouldn’t want you to fret about her. She loved you with all her heart.”
“My heart hurts. I miss her.” He rested his head on Ellie’s shoulder and his tears wet her dress.
She kissed his forehead and rocked him as he wept.
Jacob’s eyes watered. Ellie had taken this little boy under her wing and loved him without hesitation. He ached for Peter.
A mamm was central to the household. Lydia had baked their favorite meals, given them generous hugs and kisses, and soothed their woes. She could lift their moods in seconds with her soft and gentle words of wisdom. He still hurt from the loss of the soul mate and woman who had fulfilled him in every way.
The challenges and problems of raising another child would be worth the priceless memories they’d create together. If only Liza were here to share it with them. He dreaded being the bearer of bad news to her. Her sad eyes and pain burned his soul.
Jacob rested his hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “We’ll stay home. I’m sure the bishop will understand our missing the service. Later, I’ll go to Liza’s. I’m sure she’ll have questions.”
He watched Ellie care for Peter most of the day. She coaxed him to eat some fried apples and scrambled eggs. She rocked him outside on the porch most of the afternoon.
Hours later, he joined them there. “Will you and Peter be all right alone for a bit?”
“Jah, we’ll be fine. Daed, do you mind caring for Peter in the morning while I visit Liza at the bakery? I’d like to speak with her about him and my job at the bakery.”
“I will.” Jacob went to the barn, harnessed his mare, and headed to Liza’s. Encouraged Ellie was meeting with Liza the next day, he smiled.
He rode to Liza’s farm and found her seated on a tattered white-and-dark-blue patchwork quilt a couple of feet from the pond. She was lovely.
*
Liza stood and smoothed the front of her dress. “Jacob, I missed you at the service this morning. The bishop told us about Mae and her wish to have you be Peter’s legal guardian. Mrs. Beachy told me what happened. How’s he doing?”
“Ellie’s been patient and loving with him. He adores her, she him. The child is sad, but he ate a little and is taking a nap.”
“Mae’s illness was serious. I should’ve pressed her to go to Dr. Harrison’s office. I feel horrible.” She covered her face with her hands.
“No one is to blame for Mae’s death. Erase that notion from your mind.” He gently removed one hand and then the other and held them.
“I suppose you’re right.” She met his gaze. “Had Mae discussed you being Peter’s legal guardian with you?”
“She didn’t have a chance. Her letter was dated yesterday. My guess is she suspected her illness may be serious and planned to meet with me soon. I’m sad Mae is gone, but I’m honored to abide by her wish and accept the child into our home. Ellie and I have assured him we’re thrilled to have him live with us.”
A sea of compassion resonated from his voice when he spoke the boy’s name. His shoulders straightened as he talked about the child. He must be both overwhelmed and exhilarated to take on this responsibility. She couldn’t think of anyone better to offer a home to the little one. She had no doubt Ellie would grow in maturity caring for the boy. “I’m happy you and Ellie are wilkoming Peter as part of your family.”
“We’re still missing you in our family.”
She bowed her head. She wouldn’t say another word. She would love to marry him and raise Peter together. Ellie was grown, beautiful, and smart. Amish men would kumme calling, and Liza had no doubt she’d fall in love one day. Maybe then Ellie would give her blessing for Jacob and her to marry. Maybe then she could become part of his family. Her heart was ripped in two. She felt like the outsider watching Jacob, Peter, and Ellie form this heartwarming union without her. But it was her choice. The right choice. She had to put her selfish desires to the side. “What a sense of loss for such a sweet and innocent child to endure.”
“Jah. I’m sad Peter has to endure this pain.”
Liza inhaled a breath. “It’s difficult to watch kinner go through tragedy. They’re young and innocent. We want to protect them.” She widened her eyes. “Has anyone told Mr. Fisher? I don’t know him or where he lives. Do you?”
“The sheriff found a letter from Mr. Fisher to Mae. The letter revealed he’d met a woman while visiting his bruder in Lancaster and was staying in Pennsylvania. He wished Mae and Peter the best. He’s moved on.”
“She must’ve been brokenhearted. His letter seemed cold and indifferent. Maybe she was better off without him.” She sucked in her lips for a moment. “I apologize. I’m passing judgment on a man I’ve never met.”
“Don’t worry. I had the same thoughts.” He lifted her chin to meet his gaze. “On another subject, I understand from Ellie you encountered some thugs while fishing. She told me the story and confessed she put your life in danger by not obeying your warning not to approach those men. I’m sorry, Liza.”
“I’m thankful it’s over. I’ve put it behind me.”
He brushed his lips against her hand. “Ellie should’ve listened to you. I’m sorry she put you in danger.” He sighed. “I couldn’t bear it if anything ever happened to the two women I love most in this world.”
“No need to give those men another thought.” She took his hand in hers. “We’ve got Peter to consider now.”
“Ellie asked me to watch Peter tomorrow. She wants to kumme to the bakery to chat with you in private about Peter.”
The young girl must be overwhelmed, taking in Peter and then having to console him over his mamm’s death. It was quite an undertaking. She’d been wondering how to help. Maybe Ellie would tell her how. “Give them both hugs from me.”
He kissed her full on the lips. “I couldn’t resist.” Then he rushed to his buggy.
She waved and watched him leave, then touched her heated cheeks. She should have scolded him for the kiss. She’d made it clear they weren’t planning a future together. She hadn’t said a word. His kiss had sent a thrill through her. She hugged herself and longed to hold on to the sweet touch of his lips, storing it in her mind to revisit the moment often.
Poor Peter. The child must be broken, scared, and lost. She bowed her head. “Dear Heavenly Father, please wrap Your arms of love and healing around Peter. Pour out Your blessings and perform a miracle for this little one. Help him move forward and experience a joyful and fulfilling life.
“Please bless Jacob and Ellie. Guide and direct them to meet Peter’s needs. Give them the wisdom and patience to help Peter heal from this tragedy. Danki for all You do for all of us already. Amen.”
Liza readied her buggy and went to visit her family.
Esther invited her in. “You’ve been crying. What’s wrong?”
Abe approached her. “Liza, tell us. What is it?”
Hannah waited, her eyes filled with worry.
Liza dabbed tears with the pads of her fingers. “Jacob came, and we talked about Mae’s passing and Peter. I feel terrible for the child.”
“How is Peter holding up? I was shocked at the bishop’s announcement about Mae and about the letter she’d written, making Jacob Peter’s legal guardian. She had no living relatives, and I can’t think of anyone better than him to raise the boy. He and Ellie adore Peter.”
“The sweet boy is with Ellie. Jacob said he’s doing as well as can be expected.”
Water pooled in Esther’s eyes. “It breaks my heart this child has to suffer such a loss.”
Hannah nodded. “Ellie will help Peter recover. She’s been through it herself. She won’t want him to go through the rebellious period to find his way like she did.”
Abe took a puff of his pipe. “What can we do?”
She said, “Maybe cook food is all.”
Abe waved to Liza. “I’ll go on the porc
h and give you women privacy to talk. I’ll say a prayer requesting comfort for Jacob, Ellie, and Peter.”
Liza gave him a grateful smile.
Abe nodded and headed outside.
Esther pointed to the big maple rocker with its stuffed cotton cushions. “Sit in your favorite chair, Liza.” She wrung her hands. “I can’t believe Mae is gone. You were worried about her cough. It must’ve had something to do with her death.”
“We’ll never be sure. We’ll miss her, although she’s in Heaven and happy, without any worries or discomfort. It’s Peter I’m worried about. He’s outlived his entire family and he’s only five. It doesn’t seem possible.” She hugged herself and shivered. How would Peter react this week? Would he go mute again?
Chapter Thirteen
Liza arrived at the bakery at four a.m. on Monday morning. She yawned and tied her work apron around her waist. Fitful sleep and the sad days ahead were to blame. She’d miss Hannah and Ellie working with her today. She’d gotten used to them being in the bakery all day. Mrs. Beachy could use the help, and Esther and Hannah could clean faster than most women. She was sure Mrs. Beachy would be grateful to have them.
She dove into her routine and made loaves of plain and oatmeal bread, maple sugar cookies, and cherry tarts. She arranged the fresh goods on the shelves of her glass display cabinet. The clock struck eight and she flipped her sign to show she was ready for patrons.
Dr. Harrison and Sheriff Williams strolled in and sat in the same stools they did every time they frequented the bakery.
“Good morning, Liza.” Dr. Harrison glanced at the kitchen’s open door. “I don’t hear Hannah and Ellie in the kitchen. Are you alone today?”
The sheriff opened his paper. “Ellie’s probably home with Peter, but where’s Hannah?”
“Hannah’s helping Mrs. Beachy clean Mae’s haus in preparation for the service.” Liza opened and lifted a roll of twine from the cabinet on the wall behind the counter.
