by Molly Jebber
The crowd thinned an hour later, and Liza watched Jacob talking to Ezra, then she smiled at Peter playing ball with other kinner. He nodded, then held his arms open wide to catch the ball.
Abe, Esther, and Hannah dragged Liza to Jacob, then to their wagon. Hannah climbed in the back and peeled off the blanket on top of a pile of gifts.
Liza gasped. She reached in and ran her hand along the new potato box, breadbox, and set of bundled handmade kitchen towels. “I had wanted new ones of each of these! Danki!” She hugged them.
Hannah said, “I made the towels. You can never have enough of them!”
Liza studied one of them. “Hannah, you did a magnificent job! I’ll use these on special occasions.”
“You saved me time, Abe. I would’ve had to make these boxes if you didn’t. And you did a much better job! They’re exquisite.” Jacob elbowed Abe’s arm.
Esther hooked her arm through Abe’s. “We did it together. I’m surprised Peter kept the pieces a secret. He hammered in a nail or two with Abe’s assistance.”
“I’m glad you like them,” Abe said. “We’re thrilled our families have joined together. I’ve longed for this day, friend.” Abe rested a hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “You’re a perfect addition to our family.”
Liza waited while Abe and the men carried their gifts to the haus. She’d attempted to rid the table of dishes and return them to their respective baskets, but her friends wouldn’t let her. She quirked her brow. Ellie had pinked cheeks and laughed throughout the meal with Joel Wenger. Ellie hadn’t mentioned him to her. Liza hadn’t learned much about the family. They’d moved to Charm from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Peter ran and hugged her legs. “I’m going to help Esther carry her dishes to the buggy.”
“You’re a thoughtful boy, Peter. Esther will appreciate your help.”
He grinned and scampered off.
Ellie pulled her aside. She passed her a present wrapped in sackcloth and tied in a bow with twine. “I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” She unwrapped the gift and tugged the letter inside the pocket on the wedding quilt. Dear Liza, When we met, my heart had been shattered to pieces by my mamm’s death. I couldn’t fit the pieces together again. You showed me how with your unwavering love, even when I pushed you away. I grew to love and respect you. Our friendship has blossomed, and I’m excited about the memories we’re going to create together as a family. I love you, and Liza, I need you in my life. Ellie.
Liza held the letter and draped the quilt over her arm. She blinked and tears wet her cheeks. “Ellie, I’ll treasure this gift forever. I’ll read this note in the years to kumme and enjoy the heartwarming message again and again. I love you, Ellie.” She kissed a tear on Ellie’s cheek.
Ellie hugged her tight, her body trembling. “I never thought I’d be this happy again. Danki, Liza. It’s because of you.” She glanced at Joel across the yard. “Joel Wenger came up to me and formally introduced himself. We had a pleasant conversation. He’s got the bluest eyes and he’s wonderfully tall. He seems nice.” She blushed and paused.
Liza didn’t want to spoil her day or Ellie’s. “Why wouldn’t he? With your beautiful skin, sky-blue eyes, and compassion, any man would be blessed to get your attention. I’m not surprised Joel would seek you out.”
“Really?”
“Jah, really.” Liza gave her a bright smile.
Jacob joined them. “The last of our friends are leaving. Who wants to sit on the porch with me for a few minutes? I need a little rest.”
Ellie shook her head. “Peter and I are going to spend the night at Hannah’s. I packed us an overnight bag.”
Peter scampered to them. “Is it time to go to Hannah’s yet?”
Jacob picked him up and tickled him. “You anxious to leave me?”
Giggling, Peter squirmed away and ran to Hannah. “I’ll be gone for one day and night.” He held up his forefinger.
Jacob set his feet to the ground. “You have fun.”
Liza bid her family farewell, then twirled in a circle. “Mrs. Graber. I’ll have to get used to my new name!”
“I’ll have to get used to my new haus!” He laughed. “I have more room in your haus, now ours, than I ever had at mine. I like it much better. I’m glad the Yoders’ son is buying my property. He’s a gentle soul, and his fraa and kinner are soft-spoken and the kindest people.”
“It’s a good haus for them. They’ve outgrown their place with the addition of the boppli. She’s young to have four kinner.”
He winked and his lips curved in a smile. “I have a gift for you.” He clasped her hand and walked with her to the barn. He covered her eyes with his hand and guided her to the gift. He dropped his hand and peeled back the tattered cloth cover.
“Jacob, I’ve never had a hope chest. It’s perfect.” She bent and opened it. “I love the scent of cedar. I’ll put Ellie’s quilt in it.”
“She told me about the quilt and I read her letter. She keeps amazing me.” He circled his arm around her waist. “I’m glad you like the chest. I worked on it a little each night.”
“I have a gift for you.” She’d stayed up late at night and worked on it every spare minute. A keepsake pocket quilt for Jacob to warm him by the fire on cool nights when winter came. He carried the cedar chest and they went inside the haus. She lifted the wrapped package off the chair in the corner and handed it to him.
Jacob opened his present. “A pinwheel quilt! It’s beautiful! Danki. There’s a pocket on it.” He patted it. “Did you write me a note?” He didn’t wait for her to answer. He pulled the paper out and unfolded it. Dear Jacob, my loving husband, you’ve restored my faith in marriage, made me laugh more times than I can count, and provided me with two kinner I love and adore. God has bestowed His blessings on us, and I’m overflowing with gratitude that He gave me you. I love you with all my heart. Liza.
He set the gift and letter on top of the cedar chest, wrapped his strong arms around her waist, and kissed her hard on the lips. “I’m going to save your note. I’ll read it every year on our anniversary to remember this day.” He held her hand and led her outside. “God provided sunshine, a clear blue sky, and a slight breeze to take the bite out of the heat. Our wedding day couldn’t have gone better.”
Jacob had swept into her life and erased the pain she’d experienced with Paul. He was more than a husband. He was her best friend and soul mate. Someone to pour out her most vulnerable, intimate, and creative thoughts to without worry of judgment.
Liza held out her arms, twirled in a circle, and admired the beautiful blue sky. “I want to memorize this entire day and never forget a minute of it. The day I married the love of my life and inherited sweet Peter and beautiful Ellie!”
Liza’s Molasses Cookies
1½ cups butter (or vegetable oil)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup molasses
4 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. ginger
½ tsp. salt
2½ tsp. cinnamon
4 cups flour
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, store in refrigerator for two and a half hours or overnight. Roll the cookie dough in balls, then in sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for ten minutes. Bake two minutes longer for crisper cookies.
Pennsylvania Dutch/German Glossary
boppli baby
bruder brother
daed dad, father
dochder daughter
Englischer non-Amish male or female
fraa wife
grossmammi grandmother
haus house
jah yes
kapp covering for Amish woman’s hair
kinner children
kumme come
mamm mother, mom
schweschder sister
wilkom welcome
