The Storekeeper's Daughter

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Abraham nodded and stepped aside, pushing the door all the way open. “Naomi, there’s someone to see you.”

  Caleb still couldn’t believe the change that had come over the storekeeper in the last few months. Mom had mentioned a few times that ever since Fannie Miller started helping at the store, Abraham had been much more agreeable. Now that Naomi was back home again, her daed seemed downright friendly. Caleb couldn’t believe the man had actually given him permission to court his oldest daughter. It seemed almost too good to be true.

  He shifted from one foot to the other, hugging the box close to his chest.

  “Well, you comin’ inside or not, boy?”

  “I—uh—sure.” Guess some things haven’t changed. Abraham still sees me as a boy, not a man. Caleb stepped into the warm kitchen, and the sight of Naomi standing at the sink washing dishes made his heart pound. Her cheeks were flushed, and a wisp of golden brown hair had worked its way free from the bun at the back of her head. He stared at Naomi several seconds, imagining what it would be like to be married to her and come into their own house, knowing she was his and his alone.

  “Happy birthday,” he said, extending the box toward her.

  She smiled and wiped her hands on a dish towel.

  Nancy, who had been drying the dishes, spoke up. “You’re sure gettin’ a lot of presents today, Sister.”

  “Why don’t you set it there?” Naomi said, motioning to the table. She finished drying her hands and joined him a few seconds later.

  “Sure wasn’t expectin’ you to give me a gift,” she said breathlessly. “What is it?”

  He chuckled. “Open the box and take a look for yourself.”

  She lifted the flaps, and her sharp intake of breath made him wonder if she believed the plant was as pretty as he thought she was. “It’s beautiful, Caleb. Danki.”

  “Sure can’t put that gift in your hope chest,” Nancy announced.

  Naomi’s face flamed, and she gave her sister a warning look.

  “If you don’t have other plans, I was hopin’ you’d go for a ride in my sleigh,” Caleb said, coming to Naomi’s rescue. No doubt some of her other birthday presents had been meant for her hope chest.

  Naomi glanced at her father. “Would that be all right with you?”

  He nodded. “Jah, sure, as long as you’re back in time for our afternoon meal. Fannie’s comin’ by soon, and she plans to fix us a big pot of sauerkraut and pork to eat around one o’clock.”

  “I’ll have her back in plenty of time,” Caleb assured him.

  “But shouldn’t I be here to help with the cooking?” Naomi asked. She looked kind of flustered, and Caleb wondered if maybe she didn’t want to go with him.

  Abraham shook his head. “Fannie can call on Nancy if she needs any help.”

  Naomi shrugged, but Caleb could see by the wrinkles in her forehead that she wasn’t too happy. Did she prefer to be here cooking rather than go for a ride in his sleigh? Maybe she wasn’t all that anxious to be courted by him.

  “If you’d rather not go sleigh ridin’, I’ll head for home.” Caleb held his breath and waited for her answer.

  She shook her head and offered him a smile. “A sleigh ride sounds like fun. I’ll get my heavy shawl and gloves.” She left the room, and Caleb shuffled to the back door to wait for her.

  Naomi returned to the kitchen a few minutes later, wrapped in a long black shawl and wearing her dark bonnet and a pair of heavy gloves. “I’m ready to go.”

  Caleb opened the door and followed her outside. Maybe her problem had more to do with Fannie Miller than it did him. He looked over his shoulder, calling, “We’ll be back soon.”

  ***

  When Fannie drove into the Fishers’ yard, she spotted Caleb Hoffmeir in an open sleigh. Naomi sat beside him, and as their rigs passed in the driveway, Fannie waved and called, “Hallich Neiyaahr!”

  “Happy New Year to you, as well!” Caleb hollered in response.

  Fannie grinned. Things were working out real nice for her and Abraham these days. Spring would be here soon, and after their wedding, she’d be living in his house permanently. Sure hope everything works out equally well for Naomi and the buggy maker. After all this family’s been through, there needs to be a time of peace and happiness.

  Fannie pulled her buggy beside the barn and climbed down. Before she had a chance to unhitch the horse, Matthew stepped out of the barn and took charge of things. “I’ll put your horse away. That way you can hurry inside out of this cold.”

  “Danki. That’s right nice of you,” she said with a smile. “Some woman’s gonna be lucky to call you ‘husband’ someday.”

  Matthew’s face turned pink. Fannie figured it was a result of embarrassment rather than the cold weather. From what she’d been able to tell, he seemed kind of shy around women. Abraham had told her that so far Matthew showed no signs of wanting to pursue a serious relationship with anyone, either.

  “I saw Naomi and Caleb heading out in his sleigh,” Fannie said, changing the subject. “Looks like the beginning of their courting days.”

  “It would seem so.”

  “After all Naomi’s gone through, I’m glad to see her finding some happiness.”

  “She’s been through a lot; there’s no denying that.” Matthew stroked the horse behind his ear. “Uh—Fannie, I want you to know I’m real glad you and Papa are plannin’ to get married come spring.”

  “Thank you for saying so,” she said, a feeling of joy bubbling in her soul. “I hope to make your daed feel happy and content. He’s been through more in the last couple years than many men face in a whole lifetime.”

  Matthew nodded. “You’re right about that, too.” He touched Fannie’s arm, and she knew at that moment she’d made a friend. “Papa’s changed a lot since he met you, and we’re all grateful.”

  Tears sprang to Fannie’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “It’s God who gets the thanks, Matthew. He’s done a mighty work in Abraham’s life, but it’s only because the man allowed God’s Word to take root in his soul.”

  “I understand Jacob Weaver has shared a good many scriptures with Papa, too,” Matthew said. “The verses and his friendship with Jacob have also been gut, but being in love with you has brought joy back into my daed’s life.”

  “I love Abraham very much, and he’s brought a good deal of happiness into my life, as well.”

  “Glad to hear that.”

  Fannie turned toward the house. “See you later, Matthew. And don’t forget ... pork and sauerkraut at one o’clock sharp!”

  CHAPTER 29

  The remainder of winter flew by like flurries of snowflakes, and spring was ushered in with blustery winds and a sprinkling of rain. Naomi had recently been baptized and joined the church. With a sense of peace, she enjoyed each moment, whether she was working at the store, doing chores at home, or having fun with Caleb in his courting buggy. They’d gone ice-skating, taken several leisurely drives, spent time at her house playing games and visiting, and attended a few singings. Tomorrow night, another one would be held, only this singing would be at the Fishers’ place. Caleb wouldn’t be driving Naomi to or from the young people’s event, and Matthew, who was usually shy around women his age, would be there, since Papa had insisted on it.

  Naomi couldn’t believe her father had agreed to host the singing in their barn. It was the first time he’d ever allowed anything like that. There seemed to be a lot of “firsts” for Naomi’s daed these days, and she was pretty sure Fannie Miller was the reason he’d become so agreeable.

  As she moved away from her bedroom window, Naomi spotted the letter she’d received from Ginny Meyers that morning. This was the first Naomi had heard from Ginny since she’d returned to Lancaster County three months ago without her English friend.

  She plucked the letter off the dresser and read it aloud.

  Dear Naomi: You’ve probably been wondering why I haven’t written before now. To be honest, I was mad at you for leaving the w
ay you did and then compounding it by giving out Carla’s phone number to my folks. I’m okay with that now, though. I talked to Mom and Dad last week, and they’ve finally come to accept my wanting to live out here and be on my own. Naomi smiled as she reread that part. She was glad things were better between Ginny and her folks. At least they were keeping in touch now.

  She drew her attention back to the letter and continued to read.

  Since you left Portland, I’ve been dating Chad Nelson, the guy who manages the fitness center where I work. He’s already talking about marriage and says he’s hoping we can buy our own fitness center someday. That would be so great. As you know, I’ve wanted to have my own fitness center for some time. I want you to know that I harbor no ill feelings toward you. I’d hoped you would make it in the English world, but apparently you’re not cut out for it. All the best,

  Ginny

  Naomi sighed and flopped onto her bed. It was late, and she should be asleep by now, but she wasn’t tired. There were too many thoughts rolling around in her head. Things with Ginny seemed to be settled, but there was still one more item she needed to deal with.

  “If only Mama were here,” she whispered. “She was so full of wisdom and would surely have some answers for my confusion.”

  As Naomi rolled over, her gaze came to rest on the black Bible she kept on the nightstand by her bed. “Mama’s Biewel. Maybe I can find a solution in there.”

  She reached for the worn, leather book but had no idea where to look for the specific answers she wanted. “Something to make me feel better about Papa marrying again,” Naomi murmured. “Jah, that’s what I’m needin’ the most right now.”

  Naomi’s mother had placed several bookmarks inside the Bible, so she opened to the place where the first one was marked. “Genesis chapter two, verse twenty,” she read aloud. “ ‘And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.’”

  Tears slipped out of Naomi’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She sniffed and wiped them away with the back of her hand. Oh, Papa, you’ve been like Adam ever since Mama died. You had plenty to do but have been lonely and needed a help meet.

  Naomi knew Fannie would make a good wife for Papa. She’d proven that already by the way she’d helped out, both here at the house and working at their store. She had taught Nancy how to quilt, given Mary Ann and Samuel the love and attention they needed, become a friend to the older boys, and most of all—she loved Papa and made him happy. Naomi had also taken notice of Fannie’s gentle, positive spirit, which she felt sure came from her deep devotion to God. Fannie was much more outgoing than Mama had been, but she had the same qualities in many other ways.

  Naomi set the Bible aside and closed her eyes. Heavenly Father, help me love Fannie the way the rest of my family does. I don’t know what my future holds regarding workin’ at the store, but help me learn to be content in whatsoever state I shall find myself. She paused, about to close her prayer, when a vision of Zach popped into her mind. He would be two years old in a few weeks, probably celebrating his birthday with his new family—whoever they were. It was looking more and more like Naomi would never see her little brother again, but as long as she lived, she would not forget him.

  And Lord, she continued, please, protect Zach and let him know how much he’s loved, even if it has to be through someone other than his real family. Give him a happy birthday and see that he gets plenty of hugs. Amen.

  As Naomi crawled under the covers, a sense of peace settled over her like a soft blanket. Things would work out in the days ahead. She felt certain of it.

  ***

  “It’s so good to have you home. I’ve missed you, Mom.”

  Fannie smiled at Abby and gave her another hug. “It’s good to be here, but remember, it’s only for a few weeks. I’ll be returning to Pennsylvania soon to get ready for my wedding to Abraham.”

  Abby nodded. “I know, but I’ll enjoy the time we do have together.”

  Fannie glanced around the quilt shop. She’d missed this place and all the activity of customers coming in to look at quilts, pillows, potholders, and wall hangings. Not only that, but one day a week, a group of Amish ladies from their community came here to spend several hours making quilts, which would then be sold. She and Abby had enjoyed many days with the women as they stitched and chatted about the weather and one another’s lives.

  “I wish you would consider moving to Lancaster County with me,” Fannie said. “I think you’d like Abraham’s family, and you could help me in the quilt shop Abraham plans on adding to his store.”

  Abby shook her head, and her cheeks turned slightly pink. “I have a boyfriend, Mom. If I left, what chance would there be for me and Lester to court?”

  “There are many eligible young men in Lancaster, you know.”

  Abby sank to a chair in front of the quilting rack. “Oh no, Mom. I couldn’t think of letting anyone else court me. Lester is special, and I—”

  “He’s not been comin’ over to the house when you’re alone, I hope,” Fannie said, a feeling of concern welling up in her chest.

  “ ’Course not. With Harold and Lena livin’ right next door, I always make sure Lester comes a-callin’ at their place, which is where I’ve been taking my meals since you’ve been gone.”

  “That’s gut. I wouldn’t want anyone thinkin’ ill of my daughter.”

  “You should know I’d never do anything to embarrass you.” Abby’s dark eyes shimmered with tears.

  “I know you wouldn’t, sweet girl.” Fannie patted her daughter’s hand. “However, I’ve been thinkin’ it might be better for all concerned if you moved in with Harold and Lena. They can either rent out my place or close it up ’til you’re married.”

  Abby’s forehead wrinkled. “I’d miss the old house if I had to move out.”

  “It would only be temporary.”

  “Jah, okay. If Harold and Lena have no objections, I’ll move in with ’em.” Abby jumped up. “Now let’s talk about your wedding plans, shall we?”

  Fannie grinned. “The date’s set for May nineteenth. I’m hoping you, Harold, and Lena can all be there.”

  Abby leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, and I’m sure my big brother and his wife will feel the same.”

  “You’ll like Abraham,” Fannie said, pushing her chair back.

  Abby smiled. “I’ve only met him once, when he came here to see about the English couple who had a little boy he thought might be his. He seemed like a nice enough man.”

  “Abraham and his family have been through a lot the past couple of years.” Fannie’s throat clogged, and she had to pause in order to gain control of her emotions. Just thinking about the pain Abraham had endured made her feel all choked up.

  “From what you’ve said in your letters, he’s come to grips with the loss of his son. Isn’t that right?”

  Fannie’s fingers traveled over the top of a Lone Star quilt. “Don’t rightly think he’ll ever completely get over losin’ Zach, but he is dealin’ with it pretty well these days.”

  Abby touched her mother’s arm. “I believe you might have somethin’ to do with that, Mom.”

  “It’s the Lord who gets the credit for Abraham’s change of heart,” Fannie asserted.

  Abby grabbed a large cardboard box from under the counter. “Guess we’ve had ourselves enough of a chitchat. If you want to pick out some quilts to sell in your new shop, we’d better get to work, don’t ya think?”

  Fannie smiled. “I can sure tell who’s in charge of this shop these days.”

  Abby’s cheeks flushed a bright pink. “Sorry, Mom. Didn’t mean to sound so bossy.”

  “It’s all right. You’re used to bein’ on your own now, and that’s perfectly understandable.” Fannie pulled a Log Cabin quilt out of the stack and placed it inside the box. “Think I’ll give this one to Naomi when she and Caleb get married nex
t fall.”

  Abby’s eyebrows shot up. “There’s to be another wedding in the Fisher family?”

  “It would appear so.” Fannie shrugged. “But only time will tell what the future holds.”

  ***

  Caleb felt mighty good about going to the singing. Since the event would be held in the Fishers’ barn, he wouldn’t be driving Naomi home tonight, but he had every intention of spending time alone with her. In fact, he hoped to get the chance to discuss their future.

  He clucked to his horse to get him trotting faster. Wouldn’t pay to be late—not when he was planning to spend every minute with the woman he loved.

  “Sure hope she feels the same way about me,” Caleb said to the gelding. “I’ve waited so long to court Naomi Fisher, and I don’t want us to waste one single moment.”

  When Caleb pulled into the Fishers’ yard, he noticed there were already several buggies lined up beside the barn. He climbed down from his open rig and secured the horse.

  “Hey, Caleb, how are you?” Norman called as he stepped around the corner.

  “I’m gut. And you?”

  “Doin’ fine, and I’ll be even better once all the girls get here.”

  Caleb chuckled. “Anyone in particular you’re waitin’ for?”

  Norman shook his head. “Not really. Still lookin’ for the right one.”

  “Jah, well, I wouldn’t wait too long if I were you. You ain’t gettin’ any younger, ya know.”

  Norman snickered. “Look who’s talkin’. If I’m not mistaken, we’re not that far apart in age, and you ain’t married yet, neither.”

  Caleb thrust out his chest. “I hope to remedy that soon enough.”

  “Ha! I’ll bet I know who you’re on the verge of askin’, too.”

  “Never you mind,” Caleb said, shaking his finger at Naomi’s brother. He glanced around. “Where is she?”

  “Who?”

  “Don’t play dumb. I’m talkin’ about Naomi. Is she in the barn or still up at the house?”