The Storekeeper's Daughter

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “Fannie must be a right nice woman,” Nancy said.

  “Jah, she is. Which brings me to another topic. She—uh—invited us to attend her cousin’s party tomorrow night at six.”

  The room got so quiet that Abraham was sure he could have heard a feather land on the floor.

  “Do we know Fannie’s cousin?” The question came from Mary Ann, whose blue eyes were fairly gleaming. “We haven’t been to a party in a long time, and I think it would be fun.”

  “I’m not sure whether we’ve met Edna Yoder or not. She lives up near Strasburg, so she could’ve come into the store if she was near Paradise, but we don’t actually know her.”

  “Why would ya wanna go to some woman’s party you don’t even know?” Norman asked.

  “Because we were invited by Fannie, that’s why.”

  “Well, the younger ones can go, but I’m stayin’ home,” Jake said with his arms folded across his chest.

  “Me, too,” Samuel agreed.

  Abraham pushed his chair away from the table. “We’re all goin’, and that’s the end of it. Plain and simple.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Naomi was glad one of the restaurants she had circled in the newspaper yesterday was only a few blocks from Carla’s apartment. She could walk and wouldn’t have to bother Ginny or Carla for a ride. Besides, Ginny had just announced that they’d already made other plans for their Saturday.

  “Carla and I are going shopping at the mall, then we plan to take in a show. If you’ve got any money, you’re welcome to come along, Naomi,” Ginny said as she grabbed a donut from the plate in the center of the table.

  Naomi shook her head. “I had planned to see about a job today.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Ginny gulped down a glass of milk and wiped her mouth on a napkin. “I don’t want to impose on Carla much longer, and in order for us to afford an apartment of our own, we’ll both need jobs.”

  “Jah—I mean, yes, I know. A couple of restaurants are looking for waitresses, and one’s not far from here, so I thought I’d check on it sometime today.”

  “That’s great. I hope it works out.” Ginny stood. “I’d better go see if Carla’s out of the shower yet. She said she wanted to get an early start, and it’s almost ten.”

  “Do you think I look all right?” Naomi asked. “I wasn’t sure what to wear when I went lookin’ for a job.” She stared down at the blue jeans and white cotton blouse, on loan from Ginny. “If I had enough of my own money left, I’d buy a dress or skirt and blouse.”

  “I think what you’re wearing is fine. After all, it’s not like you’ll be applying for a job at some fancy office where you’d be expected to dress up every day.” Ginny balled up her napkin and tossed it across the room. To Naomi’s surprise, it landed right in the garbage can. “Some restaurants provide their employees with a uniform anyway, so I wouldn’t worry about what you have on today.”

  “Okay, I’ll try not to worry.”

  Ginny started for the door to the living room but turned back around. “That’s your biggest fault; do you know that?”

  Naomi pushed her chair away from the table and grabbed her dishes. “What is?”

  “You worry too much.” Ginny left the room, and Naomi headed for the sink to wash her plate and glass.

  Ginny’s words stung like fire ants, but even so, she wondered if they might be true. Did she worry too much? Was it a fault? A passage of scripture from the book of Matthew came to mind. “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment?”

  Naomi turned on the faucet and allowed a stream of warm water to pour over the dishes as memories of home flitted through her mind. She had left the Amish faith when she ran away from home, but the things she had learned about God were still embedded in her mind. She might be able to turn her back on the responsibility to her family, but Naomi didn’t think she could ever reject God. Only trouble was, she felt like He had rejected her.

  ***

  “Say, Caleb, are you going to the singin’ on Sunday night? I hear it’s gonna be out at Jacob Weaver’s place.”

  Caleb handed Andy a piece of sandpaper for one of the new buggy wheels they had been working on. “Nope. Hadn’t planned on goin’.”

  “Why not? Seems like all you ever do is work. You need to get out and have a little fun.” Andy winked. “Maybe find a pretty girlfriend and start courtin’.”

  Caleb clenched his teeth. “Now you sound like Mom. She’s always sayin’ I should be married and raising a family by now.”

  “Maybe she’s right. Ever think about that?”

  Sure, he’d thought about it aplenty. Trouble was, there was no one he wanted to marry except Naomi Fisher, and that was about as unlikely as the moon falling from the sky.

  Andy glided the sandpaper back and forth, and Caleb did the same with the other buggy wheel. “No comment?”

  Caleb shook his head. “Nope.”

  “You’re still pinin’ for Naomi, aren’t ya?”

  He shrugged.

  “Have you heard anything from her since she left home?”

  “Not a word. ’Course I didn’t really expect to.”

  Andy clucked his tongue. “Still can’t believe she took off and left her family like that. Always thought Naomi was more dependable.”

  Caleb dropped the piece of sandpaper and frowned at his younger brother. “She is dependable. Naomi’s a wonderful woman, who stood by her family long after her mamm died.”

  “That may be true, but what about now? Where’s Naomi when her family still needs her?”

  Andy’s point was well-taken. Where was Naomi, and what had happened to drive her away? Caleb was sure it had happened that way. Somebody must have said or done something to make her run off with Ginny Meyers. It wasn’t like Naomi to do something so rash.

  Caleb noticed an unpleasant odor, and he wrinkled his nose. “Smell that? There must be a stinky old skunk nearby.”

  “Sure hope it’s not someplace in the buggy shop,” Andy said with a scowl. “If it sprays our equipment, we’ll be in a fine fix.”

  “It’s most likely outside, but it sure does stink.” Just like this whole mess with the storekeeper and his daughter. If only Abraham Fisher had given Naomi the freedom to court, she might still be here. In fact, Caleb and Naomi could very well be published by now. If Caleb had been allowed to have his way, come November they would have become man and wife.

  He grabbed a fresh piece of sandpaper and gave the wheel a couple of good swipes. He might not be able to do anything about his future with Naomi, but he sure enough had the power to make this wheel look as smooth as glass.

  ***

  As Fannie checked her appearance in the mirror, she grinned at her reflection and patted her hair to be sure it was still in place. She felt like a teenager getting ready for her first suitor to come a-calling. It was silly, really. She was a grown woman, forty-two years old to be exact. Even though tonight wasn’t a date, she hoped Abraham Fisher and his family would show up for Edna’s party. There was something about the man that fascinated her.

  Fannie had been thinking about Abraham ever since she’d gone to his store yesterday afternoon. She was worried about him and felt bad he couldn’t get any answers from The Budget regarding the origin of that ad. Then there was the situation with his daughter leaving home. It really put Abraham in a bind. Who was helping care for his children, and what about the store? Was he able to run it by himself? If he did come to the birthday party, she planned to ask him those questions.

  Abraham seems nothing like my husband was, she mused. Ezra had been short, a few inches taller than Fannie’s five foot two. Abraham was tall, maybe six feet or better. Ezra was thin and wiry. Abraham had muscular arms, even though he was a bit portly around the middle. That didn’t bother Fannie in the least, since she was on the plump side herself.

  “You’ve got to quit comparin’ the two men,” she fumed. “Abraham lives here, and I make m
y home in Ohio, so there’s no chance of us gettin’ together, even if I might wish it were so.”

  Abraham’s bearded face popped back into her mind. His eyes were so blue she felt she could drown in them.

  Abraham’s personality seems the opposite of my Ezra’s, too. He appears to be strong-willed and a bit harsh, whereas Ezra was the quiet, placid type. She shook her head. I loved my husband. Loved him a lot. So why am I fascinated with Abraham when he’s nothing like Ezra? Besides, I barely know the man.

  A forceful knock brought Fannie’s musings to a halt. “You about ready, Cousin?” Edna called through the door. “My guests will be arrivin’ ’most any minute.”

  Fannie turned away from the mirror. “I’ll be out shortly.”

  “Jah, well, don’t take too long.”

  “I won’t.” Fannie smiled. Edna always had been the impatient one. Impatient but sure could be a lot of fun. It was a wonder she never married after Joseph died. Ten years Edna had been without a husband, but she seemed to be getting along okay. Shortly after Joseph passed away, their son Aaron got married, and Edna gave him the house. She and her two other children, Gretchen and Gerald, lived with Aaron and his wife, Irma, until the twins were both married. Once they were settled into homes of their own, Edna moved into the small house behind her place. Edna’s grandparents had built the home many years before, but for a long time it sat empty. Edna was determined not to rely on family to care for her, so she supported herself by taking in sewing. She made a lot of head coverings for women in the area who didn’t have time to sew for themselves.

  Fannie sighed and picked up the quilted pillow she’d made to give her cousin as a birthday present. It was time to head outside for Edna’s party.

  By six o’clock, the serving tables on the lawn were covered with an array of delicious food. Friends and relatives had brought everything from baked beans and potato salad to pickled beets and dilled green beans. Fannie scanned the crowd of people. The only thing missing at this party was Abraham and his family. Had he changed his mind about coming? Maybe he’d been delayed or couldn’t find the place. Edna’s home was rather out of the way.

  “You look as nervous as a bird tryin’ to escape the claws of a cat on the prowl. What are ya pacin’ for?” Edna asked, as she gave Fannie a nudge to the ribs.

  “I told you I had invited a guest, remember?”

  Edna nodded. “The storekeeper up near Paradise—isn’t that what ya said?”

  “Right. I told him to bring his whole family, so if they do come, we might need another picnic table.”

  “Not a problem. Aaron has more sawhorses in the barn, and he can always lay plywood over the top. In fact, I’ll go ask him now if you’re sure the man’s comin’.”

  Fannie smoothed the folds in her dark green dress. “He never actually said he’d come, just that he’d try to.”

  Edna gave her a knowing look. “I’d say you’re a mite smitten with the storekeeper.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “You’ve got the look a young woman gets when she’s expectin’ her beau to arrive.” Edna wiggled her eyebrows. “If the love bug has bit you, then I guess there’s still hope for me at my old age.”

  Fannie shook her head. “I haven’t been bitten by love, and fifty’s not old, Cousin.”

  “I guess not, if you consider I might live another fifty years yet.” Edna chuckled. “You know what middle age is?”

  “Turnin’ fifty?”

  “Uh-uh. It’s when ya know all the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.”

  Fannie laughed. “You always come up with the silliest things.” She fidgeted with the cape on her dress. “Think I look okay?”

  “Of course you do.”

  “I don’t look too fat?”

  Edna’s pale eyebrows drew together. “You ain’t fat, just pleasingly plump, as my dear mamm used to say.”

  “I’ve put on a few pounds since Ezra died, and I’ve been trying to watch what I eat, ’cause I don’t want to gain any more weight.”

  “Maybe you should try the garlic diet. I’ve got a friend who’s been on it a year already.” Edna giggled like a schoolgirl and slapped her knee. “She hasn’t lost a pound, but she has a few less friends now, that’s for sure.”

  Fannie shook her head. It was easy for Edna to make jokes about people being fat. She was skinny as a twig. Had been since they were young girls.

  “Tell me now, how much do you weigh?” Edna whispered in Fannie’s ear.

  Fannie pondered that question a few seconds, then turned to her cousin and said, “Oh, one hundred and plenty.”

  Edna roared, and Fannie did, too. It felt wonderful to be having such a good time. Too bad Abraham wasn’t here to share in the lively banter. With all his problems, he probably needed a good laugh.

  Fannie glanced at the driveway and sighed. She so hoped he would show. “Well, guess I’ll get some food and find myself a seat.”

  “Good idea. I’m headed that way, too.”

  Fannie followed her cousin to the serving table and had filled her plate half full when a vehicle pulled into the yard. It was a van driven by an English man, and when she saw Abraham Fisher get out of the passenger’s side, Fannie almost dropped her plate. “He’s here,” she whispered to Edna.

  “Then go greet him,” her cousin said, giving Fannie a little nudge.

  “Why don’t you come with me? After all, this is your party, and I’d like to introduce him to the guest of honor.”

  “All right.” Edna followed Fannie up the driveway, and by the time they reached the van, three young children, two girls and a boy, stood by Abraham’s side. Then the back door opened, and three older boys, almost men really, climbed out of the vehicle.

  “Abraham,” Fannie said breathlessly. “I’m glad you could make it.” She turned to Edna. “This is my cousin, Edna Yoder. She’s the one havin’ the birthday.”

  Edna smiled and held out her hand. Abraham shook it, but Fannie couldn’t help noticing how he kept his focus on her. “It’s nice to meet you, Edna. Happy birthday.”

  “Danki.”

  “How old are you?” the youngest girl asked.

  Abraham raised his eyebrows. “Mary Ann, it ain’t polite to pose such a question.”

  Edna laughed. “It don’t bother me none. I’m fifty years old, but I’m not over-the-hill yet. Just runnin’ a little harder, that’s all.”

  Everyone but the younger ones laughed. Fannie figured they probably didn’t know much about being over-the-hill. She smiled at the children ... Abraham’s kinner. It sure was nice to finally meet them.

  “This is Matthew, my oldest,” Abraham said. “Then there’s Norman, Jake, Nancy, Samuel, and Mary Ann.”

  “It’s good meetin’ all of you,” Fannie said. “Won’t ya come fill your plates now? The rest of Edna’s guests are already eatin’.”

  “I’ll be right there. Just need to tell our driver what time he should come back for us.” Abraham looked over at Edna, as though he was waiting for her to give the word as to when the party might wind down.

  “Tell him to drop back around nine or so,” she said with a nod.

  “All right then.” Abraham headed for the driver’s side of the van.

  “Why don’t you wait for him?” Edna said to Fannie. “I’ll take the rest of his brood over to the food.” She started toward the tables, and the children willingly followed.

  Fannie held back, feeling more nervous than ever. What did Abraham’s children think of their father bringing them to a party for a woman they didn’t even know? Had he told them how he and Fannie met? Did they think she might be after their daed?

  Am I?

  The question in Fannie’s mind frightened her. She’d never been the kind of woman to throw herself at a man. Had she been too forward, asking him here tonight?

  When Abraham stepped up beside her, she shivered.

  “You cold?” he asked.

  “No, no, I’m fine. You rea
dy to eat?”

  He nodded. “Jah, sure. Always ready for some gut food.”

  “Who’s doin’ the cookin’ at your place now that your oldest daughter’s gone?” Fannie asked as they strolled down the driveway, side by side.

  “Nancy, but she’s only ten and can’t cook nearly as good as Naomi.” He stopped walking and kicked a small stone with the toe of his boot. “Sure has been hard to keep things goin’.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Fannie said, feeling an ache in her heart for Abraham. “Do you have help at the store?”

  He shook his head. “Not since Naomi left.”

  “That’s a lot of responsibility for one man. I know, because I run my quilt shop with the help of my daughter. Don’t know what I’d do if Abby ever quit helpin’ out.”

  “I’ve thought about hiring someone, but I don’t know who. It would have to be a person I could trust to do a good day’s work and not fool around like some of the young ones are apt to.”

  “I understand,” Fannie said. “Have you put the word out that you’re lookin’ to hire someone?”

  “Nope. Thought I could manage on my own awhile yet. Been hopin’ and prayin’ Naomi might come to her senses and return home.”

  When Fannie looked into Abraham’s blue eyes, she could see the depth of his pain. She wished there was something she could do to help. But what would it be?

  As they continued walking toward the group of people gathered at the tables, an idea popped into Fannie’s head. “Say, I was thinkin’ maybe I could help at the store. Just ’til you’re able to hire someone more permanent,” she blurted out.

  His eyes grew large, and he looked at her as though she’d offered him a special gift. “You mean it, Fannie?”

  She nodded. “I’ll phone the English gift shop next to our store tomorrow morning and ask them to get word to Abby. If she’s agreeable for me to stay here a few weeks, I’ll be free to help you.”