A Cousin's Challenge

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “Is that so?” Jolene went to the window and peered out. Sure enough, the ground was covered with a thin layer of white.

  “Can we make a snowman during recess?” Irvin asked.

  Jolene patted the top of his head. “You’re not supposed to use your right arm yet, and I don’t think you can roll a snowball too easily with just one hand.”

  “Irvin can watch while you and me make the snowman.” Sylvia then turned to Irvin and signed, “Would that be all right with you?”

  He tipped his head as though mulling things over. Finally, he gave a quick nod.

  “Since that is all settled, are you two ready to begin your lessons?”Jolene asked.

  Both children nodded and then hurried to the chairs at their desks. Jolene smiled. It was good to see her young students so well adjusted and eager to learn. Her adult students were catching on to signing, too. Last Sunday in church, Andrew had signed part of the bishop’s sermon. Having him do that had given the worship service a lot more meaning for Jolene. After church, Jake had told her that he might like to try signing at the next service. Things were definitely looking up.

  ***

  Jake smiled as he listened to his horse’s hooves crunch in the snow and watched the steam escaping his horse’s nostrils. It had begun snowing earlier today, and the snowflakes were so big they looked like spun sugar. He’d always liked snowy weather and had enjoyed playing in the snow when he was boy.

  Wish I had time to play in it right now, Jake thought as he guided his horse up the Yoders’ driveway. Maybe when Kyle and Elmer get home from school, we can make a snow fort.

  When Jake hopped down from his buggy, the stiffening breeze ruffled the hair peeking out from under his stocking cap. Winter was definitely here, for it was getting colder every day.

  Jake put the horse in the barn, and once he had the animal settled in one of the stalls, he hurried toward the bakeshop. As Jake stepped onto the porch, wet snow fell from his boots in slushy clumps. He entered the shop, and the sweet smell of cinnamon and apples assaulted his senses.

  He’d only been standing by the bakery counter a few seconds when Ella stepped out of the back room, carrying two pies. She blinked a couple of times and jumped back when she saw him. “Ach, I didn’t hear you come in!”

  “Guess the bell above your door isn’t working,” he said. “At least I didn’t hear it ring when I opened the door.”

  Ella glanced up at the bell and frowned. “It’s not there. Someone must have taken it down.”

  “Who’d do that?”

  She shrugged. “I have no idea. It might have been Larry. He likes to fool with things, so he probably took the bell thinking he could make it louder or something.”

  “Speaking of Larry, is he still at school?”

  “Jah.”

  Jake leaned on the counter and stared at Ella. She had a good heart and cared deeply for her family. He wished she liked him better, though. The wall she’d built between them was thicker than dense fog, and at this close range he could see the fine lines on her forehead. She might be prettier if she didn’t frown so much. Jake didn’t know why, but he found himself strangely attracted to her. He just wished he could figure out some way to break through that barrier she’d built. He also wished he knew what she had against him. He was tempted to ask but didn’t want to start an argument. They’d had too many of those already.

  “What can I do for you?” Ella asked. “Are you after more baked goods?”

  “Not this time.” He rubbed the glass countertop with the sleeve of his jacket in an effort to dispel the fingerprints that were there. “I ... uh ... wondered if you needed my help with anything.”

  “Huh-uh. We’re fine.”

  “I thought you might need some wood chopped or something.”

  “I’m planning to do that after I close the bakeshop for the day.”

  “Why don’t you let me do it for you? I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than try to chop wood.”

  “Try to chop wood?” Her forehead wrinkled deeply. “Are you saying that I’m not capable of chopping wood?”

  “I’m not sayin’ that at all. I just meant...”

  She pushed past him, slipped into her jacket, and rushed out the door.

  Jake quickly followed. I’m here to help out, he reminded himself. And it’s not because I have an interest in a sharp-tongued woman who clearly doesn’t want me around. It’s because I care about her family and want to do the right thing, so despite Ella’s protests, I’ll continue to offer my help.

  ***

  Ella sloshed her way through the snow out to the woodpile behind the barn. She picked up a hunk of wood and was about to reach for the ax when Jake stepped in front of her. She gulped. With him standing only inches away, it was hard to think ... hard to breathe. She was about to ask him to move back when he spoke first.

  “I have a few hours free this afternoon, and I’d really like to give you a hand. Isn’t there something you’d like me to do?” Jake’s tone was soft, his face sincere.

  Ella hesitated. Since Papa’s death, she’d come to realize that as much as she wanted to be independent, she couldn’t do everything in her own strength. Then last night, she’d read Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” It was a gentle reminder that she needed to let others help out during their time of need. She guessed that even meant Jake.

  Jake touched Ella’s arm. “Did you hear my question?”

  She nodded and lifted her lips in a slow smile. “How much experience have you had at baking?”

  His eyebrows lifted. “Huh?”

  “When I’m done chopping wood I’ll be doing some more baking. Since you’re so anxious to help out, I thought maybe...”

  Jake held up his hand. “I can do a lot of chores, but there’s one thing I can’t do, and That’s bake.” He crinkled his nose and winked at her. “Unless, of course, you like things burned.”

  Ella’s cheeks grew warm. Was Jake flirting with her? Oh, surely not; he was just trying to be funny. She shivered and picked up the axe, but Jake grabbed hold of her arm before she could take a swing.

  “Why don’t you head back inside where it’s warm? I’ll have this wood chopped in no time at all.”

  Jake’s self-assured attitude only refueled Ella’s anger. Didn’t he ever give up? Did he enjoy making her mad?

  He moved closer, so close she could feel the tension between them. “I’m not leaving here until I chop some wood, so you may as well hand me that ax.”

  “From what I remember, you’re kind of accident-prone. How do I know you won’t cut yourself?”

  “If I do, then you’ll have to doctor me up.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully. “You’d better get inside now and make sure you have some bandages ready for me.”

  She grunted and started for the bakeshop. Jake Beechy was impossible! She didn’t know what Loraine had ever seen in him—for that matter, what Jolene saw in him now.

  Ella cringed. She hoped Jolene didn’t end up marrying Jake. The thought of him being her cousin-in-law didn’t set well with her.

  She stopped walking, turned, and cupped her hands over her mouth. “Make sure you don’t leave any of that wood unchopped! Things done by halves are never done right.”

  “You think you know everything, Ella!”

  Her jaw clenched against the cold, and she fired back, “Jah, well, you think everyone should do as you say!”

  “You’re kind of cute when you’re riled like that! Your nose twitches, and your cheeks turn red!” His voice carried in the crisp, cold air.

  Ella glared at him, sensing that he was making fun of her. How did Jake always manage to make her feel so stupid? “The only reason my nose is red is because it’s so cold out here!” She leaned down, grabbed a wad of snow, and formed it into a ball. Then she pulled her arm way back and chucked the snowball at Jake.

  “Hey!” He brushed the snow off the sleeve of his jacket, bent down, and grab
bed some snow of his own.

  Ella knew what was coming, so she hurried for the bakeshop as fast as she could. She’d just stepped onto the porch, when—splat!—a chunk of icy snow hit the back of her neck. She was tempted to retaliate, but it was cold out here, and she had baking to do. She’d get even with Jake some other time.

  Ella stepped into the bakeshop and headed straight for the stove to thaw out.

  Maybe what I need is something to warm my insides. After she’d poured herself a cup of coffee, she glanced out the window and watched as Jake swung the axe. He made it look so easy. She’d never have admitted it to him, but she hated chopping wood and knew it would have taken her twice as long as it would Jake.

  Ella noticed Jake glancing toward the bakeshop, so she moved quickly away from the window. No point in letting him think she’d been watching. He might get the wrong idea.

  She took a seat at the table near the stove and continued to fume. Why hadn’t Jake ever seen her as a capable woman? Why did he think he was so much better at doing things than her? Why couldn’t Jake...

  Ella halted her thoughts and pushed away from the table. She had to quit thinking about Jake and get some baking done.

  ***

  Sometime later, Jake entered the bakeshop. His face was red and glistened with sweat. “Whew! It’s gettin’ colder out there by the minute.” He rubbed his hands briskly together. “Sure feels good to be inside where it’s warm.”

  “Danki for cutting the wood,” Ella said.

  “No problem. What else would you like me to do?”

  Go home. She forced a smile. “I don’t need anything else done right now.”

  “Sure you do. There’s always chores that need to be done. Would you like me to muck out the stalls in the barn?” Jake pointed to the sink. “Or I could wash those dishes you’ve got piled up from your baking.”

  She shook her head. “I can do them.” That’s one thing I’m sure I can do better than you.

  “If you won’t let me help with anything else, then at least let me give you some money.”

  “Money for what?”

  “To help with a few bills, which I’m sure you must have.” Jake pulled some money from his pocket and placed it on the table. “When I was at Jolene’s the other day, she mentioned that things have been kind of slow for you here in the bakery. She said you’re worried about not having enough money to get through the winter.”

  Ella avoided his steady gaze as an eerie silence moved in around them. It irritated her that Jolene had told Jake about things that were none of his business. She pushed the money toward him. “I’ve told you before; we’re getting by fine on our own!”

  “Then I’ll buy some bread.”

  “What?”

  “I said, ‘I’ll buy some bread.’”

  “Fine. How many loaves do you need?”

  “Ten.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “What in the world are you going to do with ten loaves of bread?”

  “I’ll find a use for ’em.”

  “What are you planning to do ... feed bread to your horses?”

  “Maybe.” He pointed to the wad of bills. “How much do I owe you?”

  “Why do you think you need to help us, Jake?”

  “My mamm always says, ‘If you give a little, you get back much more.’”

  “Just what is it you expect to get back?”

  “I don’t expect anything.” Jake pushed the money toward her. “I’m going to give you this no matter what you say, so you may as well take it agreeably.”

  “And I say you’re not!” she challenged. “Why don’t you forget about helping us and stay home with your horses?”

  “I can’t do that. It’d be like trying to walk around with only one shoe.”

  “Then I guess you’d better get used to walking that way.”

  He jammed his hands into his jacket pockets, looking dejected. Ella couldn’t be sure if he was actually hurt by her comment or just putting on an act.

  A lump formed in Ella’s throat as she stared at the money. They really did need it. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes, and she feared they’d soon be rolling down her cheeks. Jake had reduced her to tears again, yet deep down inside, she appreciated his help.

  Ella rose from her chair and glanced out the window. “It’s snowing harder now, so I’ll get your ten loaves of bread, and then you can be on your way. You wouldn’t want to get caught in a snowstorm.” She hurried to the other room before Jake could see the tears that had started dribbling down her cheeks. She hoped he wouldn’t come over here again anytime soon.

  CHAPTER 32

  Ella dropped into a chair at the kitchen table and fanned her face with the corner of a cotton dish towel. “Whew, it’s so hot in here!”

  Mama, who sat across from Ella, dropping lettuce leaves into a bowl, nodded. “I’m wondering if we should hire someone to put a second oven in your bakeshop so you don’t have to use this one when you have a lot of baking to do. All the baking you’ve done this morning has heated up the house like nobody’s business. Come summer, it’ll only be worse.”

  Ella nodded. “I try to do most of my baking in the morning, but it doesn’t seem to make much difference. A hot oven makes for a hot house, That’s for sure.” She sighed. “Don’t see how we can afford to buy a second oven for the bakeshop right now, much less hire someone to put it in. What I’m making from the bakery is barely enough to put food on the table.”

  Mama dropped a few more pieces of lettuce into the bowl and yawned. “Sure wish there was more I could do to help out, but I’m so tired much of the time.” She groaned. “I still can’t believe the results of my blood test showed that I have diabetes.”

  “The dokder said it might take awhile to get your blood sugar regulated, and you’ve only been on the diet he gave you a few weeks. I’m sure between changing your diet and taking the medication he prescribed, you’ll feel better soon.”

  Tears gathered in the corners of Mama’s eyes. “When your daed and I were first married, I had the energy and strength of two women my age. I feel so worthless now.”

  Ella swallowed hard. She hated to see Mama looking so sad. She left her seat and bent to give Mama a hug. “You’re not worthless. You might not be able to do as much as you once did, but you do what you can, and That’s what counts. So please don’t worry about it.”

  “‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,’” Mama quoted from the book of Philippians. “Without His help I couldn’t do anything. We just need to keep joy in our souls and praise on our lips as we trust God to provide for our needs.” She patted Ella’s arm. “We’ll be okay; you’ll see.”

  Mama’s words made Ella aware that she still tried to do too much in her own strength. She motioned to the packages of cakes and cookies on the counter. “I’ll be glad when spring’s here and the tourists come to the area. If I do a little advertising, hopefully some of them will come out here to our bakeshop.”

  “Your bakeshop, Ella.” Mama’s light tone contrasted with the serious expression on her face. “It’s your bakery That’s supporting us right now.”

  “I’ve never thought of it as being mine. You and Charlene help out, and even the younger ones do whatever they can.”

  “That’s true. We all chip in whenever it’s necessary, and we’ll continue to do our best.”

  “I know you will.” Ella glanced out the window and sighed. “Ich bin bereit fer friehyaahr.”

  Mama laughed. “Winter’s barely started and you’re ready for spring?”

  “Jah. In the spring I’m planning to take some of my baked goods to the farmer’s market in Elkhart, and when the Shipshewana flea market opens in May, I might sell some things there, too.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Mama said, “but you can’t be in three places at once. With the exception of Charlene, and maybe Larry, the kinner can’t run a stand by themselves at either one of the markets.”

  “Maybe by then we’ll be making
enough money so I can hire someone to work the stands. Guess we’ll have to wait and see how it goes.”

  “Give me that piece of puzzle!” Amelia shouted from the living room.

  “No! You took the one I was gonna choose!” Helen hollered.

  Mama’s eyebrows furrowed. “Sounds like two of my girls are arguing again. Seems like all Amelia and Helen have done since they got out of bed is argue and fuss.” She rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand. “I’ll be glad when Monday comes and they’re back in school.”

  “It’s not your turn! If you don’t let go of that, I’ll tell Mama!” Helen’s shrill voice carried into the kitchen.

  “All that chitter chatter is hurting my ears,” Mama said, dropping the lettuce and placing both hands against her ears.

  Ella pushed her chair aside. She didn’t care how loud the children hollered when they were outside, but not in the house. There was no excuse for them to be arguing that way and upsetting Mama. “I’ll take care of their childish prattle,” she said as she hurried from the room.

  ***

  Lonnie drew in a deep breath and smiled as he watched the cows in the stall closest to him crunch away on the sweet-smelling hay he’d given them earlier that morning. For the last hour, he’d been out in the barn, sanding the legs of the small end table he’d made to give Mom for Christmas. He rather liked being out here. It gave him a sense of peace to be alone with the animals. It was a good time to think. Unfortunately, all he’d been able to think about so far today was Jolene, and that bothered him. Whenever he was with her, his insides felt warm and comforted, but he didn’t know if he could trust those feelings. Jolene had an inner beauty about her that went much deeper than her pretty face and sparkling blue eyes. He was sure Jolene’s beauty started in her heart and shone through her eyes and smile. If being too sweet could be considered a flaw, then maybe Jolene wasn’t as perfect as she seemed. There had to be something about her that Lonnie didn’t like, but for the life of him, he couldn’t think of what it was. He’d have to be careful not to let himself get any closer to her than he already had. He couldn’t allow himself to fall in love again.