The Quilter's Daughter

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Abby swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I just read Mom’s letter, and she’s had some swelling in her legs, so the doctor advised her to get more rest. I fear she might lose the boppli if she doesn’t follow his orders.”

  Deborah shook her head. “Fannie’s no schoolgirl. She’ll be careful to do as the doctor says.”

  “But she might have to close the quilt shop.” Abby pursed her lips and drew in a deep breath. “I really ought to go and keep the place running for her.”

  “To Pennsylvania?”

  “Jah.”

  “What would you do about your shop here?”

  “I—I was hoping you might be able to take over for me. Maybe I could see if one of the ladies who does quilting for us could help you a few days a week.”

  “I could ask my sister, Clara. She still has two children in school, but they’re old enough to fend for themselves when she’s not at home.”

  “That would be wonderful if Clara’s in agreement.”

  “How soon do you plan to leave, and how long will you be gone?”

  “I’ll go as soon as possible and would probably stay until the boppli is born and Mom can manage on her own.”

  “I understand why you feel the need to go.” Deborah’s face tightened. “But I don’t think my son’s going to take this news so well.”

  “It will be hard for me, too.” Abby smiled through quivering lips. “I’m hoping Lester will understand.”

  “What will I understand?”

  Abby whirled around. She hadn’t realized anyone had come into the shop. “You scared me, Lester.”

  He gave her a quick hug. “I figured you’d hear the bell.”

  “Guess I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “What were you two discussing?” Lester looked first at his mamm, then back at Abby. “I heard my name, so I suspect it must have somethin’ to do with me.”

  “Actually, it has more to do with my mamm,” Abby replied. “I’ll tell you about it over lunch, okay?”

  “Jah, that’s fine.” He held up a brown paper sack. “I brought the dessert, like I promised.”

  “I’ll get the lunch I packed, and we can go out back to the picnic table.” Abby turned to Lester’s mamm. “Can you manage on your own for a while?”

  Deborah waved a hand. “Jah, sure. You two go along; things will be fine here.”

  A few minutes later, Abby took a seat on the bench across from Lester, and they bowed their heads. When they’d finished their silent prayer, Abby reached inside her wicker basket and pulled out the meal she had provided—cold golden-fried chicken, tangy coleslaw, baked beans, and fluffy buttermilk biscuits.

  “What were you gonna tell me about your mamm?” Lester asked around a mouthful of chicken.

  “She’s having a difficult pregnancy and will probably have to close her quilt shop so she can stay home and rest.”

  “Sorry to hear that.”

  Abby clutched her napkin, rolling it into a tight ball. “I’ve— uh—I think—I mean—” She paused and moistened her lips. Then, gathering up her courage, she began again. “I’ve decided that I should go to Pennsylvania to help out, and your mamm’s agreed to run my quilt shop while I’m gone.” There, it felt better to have gotten that out.

  Lester’s pale eyebrows squeezed together, and his mouth drooped at the corners. “You’re leavin’ me, Abby?”

  She touched his arm. “It’ll only be temporary. I’ll be back soon after the boppli is born.”

  “But how are we gonna plan our wedding if you’re not around?”

  “We can do it through letters. And if we need to talk, we can call each other. You know, I have a phone here at the shop now, and since Caleb and Naomi took over the general store in Paradise, they’ve put one in as well.”

  Lester didn’t look the least bit convinced, but he made no comment.

  Abby prayed for the right words that would help Lester understand. “I’ll be back in plenty of time for the wedding.”

  “But the boppli’s not due until October. That’s four and a half months away.”

  “I wouldn’t go so soon if I didn’t think it was important for me to be with Mom right now. I’ll not only be running her quilt shop, but I’ll be at the house when I’m not working to make sure everything’s going okay and that Mom’s doing as the doctor says.”

  Lester’s expression softened some. “I know you’ll be doin’ a good thing by goin’ to help out, but I’ll surely miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you, too,” she said, blinking against the tears clinging to her lashes.

  Lester leaned forward, like he was about to kiss her, but a blaring siren sounded in the distance, and he pulled back. “Sounds like a fire truck.”

  Abby sniffed the air. “I smell smoke. Sure hope it’s nothing serious.”

  “Think I’ll run around front and have a look-see.” Lester jumped up and disappeared around the side of the building.

  “Whenever anything out of the ordinary happens, why is it that men always have to see what’s going on?” Abby muttered. With an exasperated sigh, she rose to her feet and followed him.

  Out front on the sidewalk, a group of people had gathered, pointing and chattering about the flames shooting out of the cheese store down the street.

  “My friend Joe works there! I’ve got to see if he’s okay,” Lester shouted. He dashed away before Abby could stop him.

  With her heartbeat matching the rhythm of her footsteps, Abby raced down the sidewalk toward the burning building. She was panting for breath by the time she reached Lester’s side.

  One part of the store was engulfed in flames, and smoke bellowed from the roof like a teapot boiling over. Lester’s eyes darted back and forth as he took in the situation. “I have to go inside and see if everyone made it out okay.”

  Abby grabbed hold of his arm. “You can’t, Lester. Please. It’s too dangerous.”

  His wild-eyed expression caused Abby to worry that he might ignore her warning and do something foolish. “What if Joe and the other workers are still inside? Someone has to see if they’re all right,” he argued.

  “That’s the firemen’s job. They’re here now, so please let them handle things.”

  Lester’s gaze went to the burning building, then back to Abby. She clutched his arm tighter. “If you went in and something happened to you, I would be overcome with grief. Please, Lester, please stay put.”

  He nodded slowly. “I guess you’re right.”

  Four firemen rushed into the building, and Abby released the breath she’d been holding. A few seconds later, Joe and several other people who worked at the cheese store emerged from the other side of the building.

  “Is everyone out?” one of the firemen shouted.

  Joe nodded. “Jah, we’re all safe.”

  Abby breathed a sigh of relief, and she could see by the look on Lester’s face that he was equally thankful. He grabbed his friend in a bear hug. “I’m sure glad you’re okay. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to one of my future wedding attendants.” He glanced over at Abby with a questioning look. “That is, if there’s still going to be a wedding in November.”

  She clicked her tongue. “Of course there will be. I’ll be back from Pennsylvania in plenty of time.”

  Naomi arched her back and straightened with a groan. She’d been stocking shelves all morning and was paying the price for working too long without a break. She sank wearily to the stool behind the counter, relieved that Sarah was sleeping in the back room and she could finally have a few minutes to rest. Caleb had gone out to run some errands a few hours ago, saying he would be back before closing time, so she’d been on her own for quite a while.

  Naomi glanced at the stack of envelopes piled on one end of the counter and decided now would be a good time to read today’s mail. She discovered a letter from her old English friend, Ginny Meyers, who was now Ginny Nelson. Three years ago Ginny had married Chad, the young man who ran the fitness center where Ginny worked whe
n she and Naomi ran off to Portland, Oregon. Ginny’s letter said she and Chad had moved from Portland and now lived in Puyallup, Washington, where they’d opened a fitness center they planned to remodel soon.

  Naomi smiled. Ginny always did want her own place of business, and now she’s gotten her wish. Too bad she doesn’t come home to visit more often. I know her folks still miss her.

  Thinking about Ginny and the time they’d spent in Oregon made Naomi feel sad. Those had been stressful days, when she’d been homesick and thought she couldn’t make it through another day. But God had seen her through the rough times. He’d brought Naomi home on Christmas Day, and her family had accepted her unconditionally.

  Just the way God accepts wayward sinners, she mused. He never turns anyone away who comes to Him with a repentant heart.

  Naomi had just finished reading Ginny’s letter when the front door opened and a customer stepped in. At least she’d thought it was a customer, until she looked up and saw Abby Miller standing on the other side of the counter, holding a small black suitcase.

  “Abby, what a surprise! What are you doing here? Did Fannie know you were coming?”

  Abby set the suitcase on the floor and smiled. “If I’d told her, she would have argued and insisted I not come.”

  Naomi rushed over to Abby and gave her a hug. “I’m sure Fannie will be happy to have you here for a visit.”

  “This is more than a visit,” Abby said. “After reading Mom’s recent letter and learning what the doctor said about her needing to rest more, I decided to take over her quilt shop until she’s had the boppli and is ready to return to work.”

  Naomi’s mouth fell open. “Why would you do that when you have your own place of business to run?”

  Abby released a yawn as she leaned on the counter. She was tired from the long bus ride and hadn’t slept well in the uncomfortable seat. She’d had another one of her frightening dreams, which hadn’t helped, either. “I couldn’t stay in Ohio, knowing Mom would likely have to close her shop here.”

  “That’s so nice of you, Abby. I’m sorry to say it, but I’m not up to running both the store and the quilt shop. It’ll be all I can do to keep helping Caleb until my own boppli is born.” Naomi thumped her protruding stomach.

  “I understand. How are you feeling? Are you doin’ okay?”

  “Jah. I’m healthy as a mule, but feeling awful top heavy these days. It’s gettin’ to where I can barely bend over.” She leaned over as far as she could to demonstrate.

  Abby offered her a sympathetic smile. “And how’s little Sarah? Is she excited about becoming a big sister?”

  “I think so, although I’m not sure she fully understands that a boppli’s comin’.”

  “Your kinner will only be two years apart, so I’m sure she’ll adjust real well.”

  “Probably so.”

  “Would you and Caleb be able to give me a ride to Abraham and Mom’s place on your way home from work today?” Abby asked.

  “I don’t see why not. Caleb’s running some errands, but he should be back soon. Then we can close the store early and head out to their place. I’m sure Fannie will be thrilled to see you.”

  Abby grinned. “I’m anxious to see her as well.”

  Fannie shifted, trying to find a comfortable position on the sofa. Only a few days ago she’d been given orders from the doctor to stay off her feet as much as possible. Already she felt as restless as a cat on a hot summer day. If there was only something constructive she could do instead of sitting here wishing she could be at the quilt shop. The only thing useful she’d done all day was knit on the little sweater she was making for the boppli. She patted her stomach and smiled. The way this babe is growing so quickly, I have to wonder if the child will weigh a ton when he’s born.

  “Want me to start supper yet?” Nancy asked, stepping into the living room with a cup of tea, which she held out to Fannie.

  “Danki. This is just what I need.” Fannie took the offered cup then glanced at the clock on the far wall. “It’s not quite five, and I’m sure your daed and brothers will be out in the fields awhile, so there’s no hurry gettin’ things going in the kitchen.”

  “Even so, I think I’ll start making a tossed salad, and then I’ll put some chicken in the oven,” Nancy said. “It can stay on warm if they don’t come in by six o’clock.”

  “That sounds fine.”

  Nancy turned to go, but she’d no more than left the room when Fannie heard the back door open and click shut. She figured it was Mary Ann or Samuel, coming in from their chores, so she settled against the sofa pillows and took a sip of tea.

  A few seconds later, she heard voices in the kitchen, followed by footsteps clomping down the hall. When Abby stepped into the living room, along with Caleb, Naomi, and Nancy, who held Sarah in her arms, Fannie nearly dropped her cup. “Abby! What are you doing here, daughter?”

  Abby rushed to Fannie’s side, dropped to the sofa, and gave her a hug. “I came as soon as I got your letter.”

  “My letter?”

  “The one saying you had to rest more, and that you would probably have to close the quilt shop.”

  Fannie’s throat clogged with tears, and she couldn’t speak.

  “I’m here to take over the shop, Mom. And I plan to stay until the boppli’s born and you’re back on your feet.”

  “Oh, Abby, you’re such an amazing daughter,” Fannie said with a catch in her voice. “But, what are you going to do about your quilt shop in Berlin if you stay here and keep my store running?”

  Abby smiled. “Lester’s mamm and his aunt Clara will be minding the store until I get back.”

  Fannie was on the verge of telling Abby that her sacrifice wasn’t necessary, when Naomi chimed in. “I think you should accept your daughter’s offer and be thankful the Lord has provided her help.” She touched Caleb’s arm and smiled. “I surely appreciate it whenever someone helps me these days.”

  “That’s another reason I need to be here,” Abby said with a note of conviction. “When Naomi has her baby, someone will need to help Caleb at the store.”

  “I think Matthew might be plannin’ to do that,” Caleb announced. “He told me the other day that he’s tired of farming and wants to try something new.”

  “But who will help Papa and the brothers in the fields?” Nancy asked.

  Caleb shrugged. “Guess they’ll have to hire someone, ’cause Matthew seems determined to get out of farm work.”

  Relief spread through Fannie like the warmth of her tea. “The good Lord is workin’ things out, and we should rejoice and be glad.”

  “That’s right,” they all chorused.

  It didn’t take Abby long to get her suitcase unpacked and settled into the bedroom that used to be Naomi’s when she lived at home. She took a seat on the four-poster bed and glanced around, noting the old wooden dresser on the opposite wall, with a small mirror hanging above it. The room looked similar to her room at home, only here there were dark green shades covering the two windows instead of white curtains. The oval braided throw rug on the hardwood floor was made of beige and brown material, and the Lone Star quilt on the bed was blue and white. If it hadn’t been for the ache in Abby’s heart from leaving Lester back in Ohio, she would have felt quite comfortable here.

  “I think I’ll go downstairs and see if there’s anything I can do,” she murmured.

  A few minutes later, Abby found her mamm asleep on the living room couch, so she tiptoed out of the room and went to the kitchen. Nancy stood at the sink peeling potatoes, and Mary Ann was busy setting the table. “Need any help?” she asked the girls.

  Nancy smiled. “We’ve got things well underway for supper, but if you’d like to go outside and bring in the quilts I’ve got airin’ on the fence, that would be a big help.”

  “Sure, I can do that.”

  Abby opened the back door and stepped onto the porch. The late afternoon air was still warm, and a chorus of crickets sang to her as she wandere
d into the yard. She drew in a deep breath, savoring the pleasant aroma of peppermint growing in clumps along the edge of the garden.

  The clip-clop of a horse’s hooves drew her attention to the road out front. Things aren’t much different here, she noted as the horse and buggy passed. The buggies are gray instead of black, and I know some of their church rules are a bit different, but otherwise the Plain life in Lancaster County is pretty much the same as it is in Holmes County where I was born and raised.

  Abby spotted three colorful quilts draped over the split-rail fence that separated Abraham’s farm from his son Norman’s place. The beauty of the quilts on the fence with the red barn and white house in the distance looked like a picture postcard. Tears sprang to her eyes as she dropped to the grass and studied the striking scene. Abby loved everything about quilts, from the comforting warmth they provided on a cold winter night, to the unexplainable joy of putting one together by hand. Each quilt was unique, whether intricate or simple in pattern, and served a purpose. She had been quilting since she was a young girl and never tired of the tedious work or longed for any other occupation. Quilting was her life, and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

  Abby’s attention was diverted when she heard a woman shouting, “Katie! Katie! Where are you, daughter?”

  Smoothing the wrinkles in her long, green dress, Abby stood and turned around. A young Amish woman hurried up the driveway, frantically waving her hands. “Have you seen my little girl? She was playing in the yard while I fixed supper, and when I went outside to get her, she had disappeared.”

  Abby’s heart clenched at the thought of a child who might have wandered onto the road, where cars often went much faster than they should. “I’ve only been out here a short time,” she replied, “and I haven’t seen any children playing nearby.”

  “I don’t believe I know you,” the woman said, tipping her head toward Abby.

  “I’m Abby Miller—Fannie’s daughter.”

  “Jah, jah. Your mamm’s mentioned you, but I’m new to the community and haven’t met you before.” She extended her hand. “I’m Irma Hochstetler. My husband, Sam, and I moved here from Indiana a few months ago with our little girl, Katie. Sam’s a painter, and he’s been workin’ for Jacob Weaver. But Sam’s not home yet. If he were, he’d be out looking for our little schtinker, who likes to wander off.” Irma glanced around the yard. “I’ve caught Katie over here several times, playing in the barn or bothering Mary Ann, so I’m hoping that’s where she is now.”