by Molly Jebber
Showing interest in Mark had put her in a vulnerable position. The risk of getting hurt had been worth it. She had enjoyed getting to know him, having him look at her like she mattered and was pretty, and the hope it might turn into something more one day.
She closed her eyes for a moment and cringed. Her behavior had been childish this past week. Ashamed and embarrassed, she needed to talk to him. She hoped it wasn’t too late.
Mark lay in bed early Tuesday morning and stared at the ceiling. Grace had avoided him and spoke little in his presence. Something was bothering her. He’d rehashed their conversations. He couldn’t kumme up with anything he’d said or done to displease her. He didn’t like this side of her. Honesty and communication were important to him. He’d ask her again today, but in a firm tone. He wouldn’t let her dismiss the problem between them.
He washed at the sink, dressed, and advanced to the barn to find Noah. The young man worked hard and did everything Mark asked in a timely manner. Noah whistled while he worked, something Mark had never mastered. His new friend worked hard and was a delight to have around. He told Noah he suspected an intruder slept in his barn and told him about the bag the man had left. “Keep an eye out for anything unusual. I don’t want any harm to kumme to you. Maybe you shouldn’t work here alone.”
Noah paused and stood feet apart, head held high. “I’m not afraid. I can take care of myself. Please don’t ask me to stop working for you. The money you pay me has made life easier for Mamm and me.”
“Since the intruder hasn’t hurt anyone, and you’re a tall and strong man, I’ll let you continue working. But again, please be aware of your surroundings.” He smiled at the relief on Noah’s face. “I’m on my way to the store. Anything you need?”
Noah unhooked a hammer off a rusted metal hook in the barn. He checked his tool belt. “No, I have everything I need to mend the corral fence. It will take me most of today to get it done. You have a pleasant day. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
Mark tipped his hat to Noah, readied his spring wagon, and headed for the store. The fields boasted of lilacs and scented the air as he passed. Everything appeared brighter and more brilliant since Grace had become a part of his life.
He went to the livery then crossed the boardwalk and opened his store. He had grown roots in Berlin. Strangers were now friends and neighbors. He had lost touch with his friends in Lancaster and it no longer mattered. Before he left, his time was spent working on the farm, handcrafting furniture, and dealing with his parents’ death and Abel’s exit from the Amish life.
Grace had been quiet and distant around him recently. He was determined to find out before the day’s end why she was upset with him. Unlocking the door to his shop, he contemplated when would be the best time to approach her.
For the next few hours, he greeted patrons. The clock in the corner of the store chimed noon. He penciled a note “Will return at twelve thirty” and posted it on the inside of the window.
Sarah popped her head around the connecting door. “I have vegetable soup warmed for dinner. Are you going to join us?”
“Jah. Danki.” He followed her.
Grace stood at the counter. His beautiful Grace had had sad eyes for a week. Best to confront her while Sarah busied herself at the stove. “Grace, please tell me what’s wrong, and don’t say you’re fine. You’re not.”
He waited.
Grace twisted her mouth then gazed at him. “It’s not a subject I want to discuss with you. Please respect my wishes.”
Mark crossed his arms and glared at her. “No, I won’t respect your wishes. I care about you, Grace. I don’t like this distance between us. Tell me what I’ve done to upset you.”
Her face pinked. “I’m not proud of it.” She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “I’m jealous of Eve. I’m afraid you might find her attractive and consider her for a potential fraa.” She dipped her chin to her chest but looked up at him from beneath her dark eyelashes.
Jealousy of Eve was not what he’d expected would be wrong between them. He must not have shown Grace through his words and actions how much he cared for her. From now on, he’d be more mindful in doing so.
He was falling in love with her. She was softhearted, kind, and vulnerable. She was strong, determined, and spoke her mind. She looked at him with a gleam in her eye. It made him feel handsome and good about himself. She was far from lazy working as a midwife, managing a shop, and helping her parents at home. She didn’t let her birthmark define her. He wanted a partner he could love and protect, but also consult about financial matters, problems at home and work, and share his ups and downs. He hoped Grace might be that woman.
He didn’t want Grace to feel insecure, but safe with him. “I’m not interested in Eve. My interest is in you, and no other woman. Is this all right with you?” He grazed her hand with his fingertips.
Her chin lowered, and she gave him a shy smile. Her skin warmed to his touch. “I should’ve spoken to you about this earlier. I was embarrassed. I’m sorry.”
“Jah, you should have. But I don’t want you to shut me out when something is bothering you. Nothing good kummes from fretting over a problem alone. We should discuss our issues so we can resolve them.”
Sarah joined them. “Sit, dinner’s ready.” She darted her eyes from Grace to Mark. “You both have somber faces. Have I interrupted a serious discussion?”
Mark waited for Grace to answer.
“I confessed my thoughts on Eve to Mark and apologized for giving him the cold shoulder this last week.”
“It’s about time.” Sarah’s mouth spread in a mischievous grin. “I don’t want anything to get in the way of you two finding your way to happiness together. Let’s eat.”
Sarah and Grace were the two most outspoken young Amish women he’d encountered. Their sense of humor always proved entertaining. Mark chuckled. “Leave it to you, Sarah, to get right to the point and, in this matter, I agree with you.” It concerned him he’d had to needle Grace to get her to share her feelings concerning Eve. How would she handle the next problem they encountered?
He didn’t want to have dissension each time a problem arose between them. It wouldn’t be the life he had in mind for himself and a potential fraa. Her remorseful apology seemed sincere. He hoped she’d understood just how important voicing her concerns right away were to the success of their future together.
Chapter Five
Grace glimpsed at Sarah then Mark. She should’ve discussed her concerns about Eve with Mark early on. In minutes, he’d assured her she’d worried for nothing. She wouldn’t wait to speak with him the next time something was on her mind.
Sarah sighed. “Let’s discuss the Wittmers’ barn raising. Mark, Levi said he mentioned it to you. Are you going to kumme to the Wittmers’ tomorrow?”
“Jah, I’m bringing ten-inch oak pegs for the project. Levi told me over the past month a group of men have been preparing the roof and beams and other men have prepared the studs for the walls.”
Sarah held her spoon in midair. “About ten of the men have already delivered the lumber and supplies to the site. They built and completed the stone and mortar foundation and corner posts four days ago. The Amish men in our community don’t hesitate to help those in need. I’m glad you’ll be joining them.”
Grace pursed her lips. “Mark hasn’t had his store open long. This may not be the right time for him.” She considered him. “You’re under no obligation to attend. Everyone will understand.” She wanted him to attend, but Sarah shouldn’t put him on the spot.
“I’m looking forward to working on this project. Noah’s already agreed to manage the farm, and I’ll close my shop.” He stood. “Will you two attend?”
“Yes, we’ll be there to serve dinner and have jars of water on hand for the men.”
He tipped his hat. “I’ll meet you there in the morning.” He looked at the clock. “It’s time for me to get back to work. Danki for the fine dinner.”
“See you
tomorrow, Mark.” Sarah turned and approached patrons entering the store.
Grace held his gaze until he shut the door behind him. She couldn’t wait to watch him swing a hammer and help build the barn tomorrow. Maybe he’d work with her daed and they’d have a chance to chat and get better acquainted. She rinsed and dried the dishes and helped Sarah wait on customers.
Late afternoon, she whispered to Sarah, “We haven’t had a minute to catch our breath all day. I’m not complaining, mind you. I’ve sold eight aprons and four quilts.”
“I overheard a patron say something about heading west with a wagon train. Maybe they stopped in Berlin for supplies. I’ve sold three quilts and six bath towels.” She eyed another woman coming in the door. “I’ll wait on her.”
Grace refolded quilts and stacked them in neat rows on the shelves. She grabbed a broom and swept the dirt off the floor then reviewed their sales for the day. She’d check with Mamm and other Amish women she’d hired to stitch for them and find out how much stock they had on hand. They may need to ask additional Amish women in the neighborhood if they were interested in sewing for money. She counted her supply of dry goods. More quilts, towels, and aprons were needed.
Thirty minutes later, Sarah locked the door and leaned against it. “Whew, I’m tired. The time is five. Let’s go home. We’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” She pinned a note on the door she’d written earlier to notify patrons the shop would be closed the next day.
She peeked in Mark’s window. “He’s waiting on customers. I won’t bother him to say good-bye.”
Grace strolled with Sarah to the livery, bid her farewell, and drove home. Wagons trailed in front and behind her on the dirt road. Were drivers guiding their horses slower than usual, or was she impatient? Sighing, she minded the road ahead.
A wild dog ran out ahead, stopped, snarled, and bared his teeth at her.
Her skin prickled, and her body quaked.
A gunshot rang out.
Her body jerked and her stomach clenched.
The wild dog thudded to the ground.
She whipped around. Her jaw dropped.
A woman with golden ringlets and a rose-colored printed dress nodded to her, stowed her gun, and went the other way.
Grace shouted and waved to her. “Danki.”
Grace jiggled the reins and prodded her horse into a trot. The woman must practice shooting. Her aim was dead-on. Grace wouldn’t complain again about other wagons in front and back of her on the way home.
At home a short while later, Mamm stood in the kitchen with flour in her hair and on her nose. Grace recounted her horrifying encounter with the wild dog and her rescuer. “It was frightening.”
Mamm grabbed her shoulders. “Dochder, you’ve got to learn to shoot, for this reason. I worry about you.”
“Daed’s pressured me to learn in case I encounter wild or rabid animals, but I have no desire. The two times I did go with Daed for target practice, I was a terrible shot. All I’m good for with a gun is to fire warning shots. I’ll take my chances.” She shook her head several times. “Enough talk about this. Do you have quilts, towels, and aprons already sewn?”
“Jah, I have plenty. Five of the other women stopped by today and dropped quilts and aprons off. They’re over there.” She pointed to a chair in the corner. “I paid them from the money you gave me to keep on hand for such occasions.”
“Danki. Their timing couldn’t have been better. We’ll need them.” Oatmeal, butter, and ginger cookies lined the table. Spice and sugar scents drifted from the oven. “You’ve baked a lot of cookies.” No doubt Mamm baked the best cookies in the neighborhood.
Mamm’s cheeks dimpled. “Men like to eat. Is Mark going to the Wittmers’ tomorrow? I baked an extra batch so there’d be plenty for you to send home with him.”
“Yes, he’s coming, and he’d never turn down dessert.” She loved barn raisings. Mark being there would make it even more enjoyable.
Grace carried a picnic basket and her medical bag Wednesday morning to the spring wagon. She followed Mamm and Daed outside. She recounted her story to Daed about the dog. She’d thought about telling him last night, but dismissed the idea. She was sorry she’d gone against her better judgment and said a word, as he badgered her the rest of the way on the importance of learning to shoot to protect our animals and ones we loved from those that meant to harm us.
Mamm eased her hand on Daed’s for a moment.
“All right, I’ll stop.”
Smiling, Grace nudged her and whispered, “Danki.”
Mamm then patted her dochder’s hand. “I agree with him, but we’ve said enough on the matter.”
Grace sniffed the honeysuckle and enjoyed the rest of the way.
Mamm wiped her brow with the back of her sleeve. “Some of my wood for the stove fire must’ve been damp. I had the hardest time getting a flame going this morning for warming breakfast. It put me behind. We’ll be late.”
“Don’t worry. When you arrive with your fried chicken, they’ll not mind you being late.” Daed chuckled and winked at Grace.
Mamm wrinkled her nose. “I hope I fried enough chicken to please everyone.”
Grace studied her parents. The love they shared showed in the words they spoke and the soft looks they exchanged. Would she enjoy a marriage like theirs someday? She thanked God often for such a loving mamm and daed.
Her eyes darted across the eight acres. Muscular horses were tied to shaded oak trees and eight of them grazed on the lush green grass in the larger-than-normal corral. Spring wagons and carts, some in better shape than others, were parked next to a good number of black buggies on a grassy area away from the plain white haus.
An angular pond sparkled. A goose and her four goslings paddled across the quiet water. She squinted at the old building. The tilted and weathered barn appeared rickety. No doubt a heavy windstorm would flatten it to the ground. She stretched her neck. “Where’s the new barn’s foundation?”
Daed gestured. “It’s on the right side of the old structure, over there where Peter Zook is standing. He’ll be the man in charge. He’s separated the men in groups already. I should join them.”
“Levi’s in the group to the right.” She searched for Mark but couldn’t locate him.
Bishop Weaver approached them. “Hand off your reins to this young man, Wilbur Yoder. He’s in charge of taking care of the stable today.”
“Good morning, Bishop.” Daed passed the reins to the red-haired, freckle-faced Wilbur. “Danki, Wilbur.”
Wilbur gave him a curt nod and accepted the reins. “Wilkom, Mr. Blauch.”
Mamm jumped from the wagon. “I’m sorry we’re late.” She grabbed her food basket from the back.
Bishop Weaver waved a dismissive hand. “You’re forgiven.” He pointed. “The women are putting their baskets of food on the tables in front of the haus.”
Grace looped her arm through her mamm’s. She peeked inside the basket and raised the dish cover. The food hadn’t spilled. Yum. Mamm had cooked a pan of chicken and buttered noodles. She’d definitely spoon some of this onto her plate at dinner. “Mamm, you outdid yourself on this food.”
Daed grabbed his wooden-handled toolbox. “I’m off to swing a hammer.”
Mamm tilted her head and dimpled her cheeks. “Don’t work too hard.”
Grace smiled at the easy manner between her parents and walked alongside Mamm to the outside table. She set her dish on the table and pointed. “There’s Mark.”
“Good morning.” Sarah placed her crate of covered dishes next to Mamm’s. “A lot of men showed up today.” She raised her hand and shaded her eyes from the sun. “Mark and Levi are working on the wall frames.”
“I’m going to love watching their progress throughout the day.” Grace picked up an empty pitcher off the table, crossed the yard, and pumped water into it. What a gorgeous sunny day the Lord has provided. She returned to the table and Sarah filled jars with water.
“Let’s join
the other women and gossip with them for a while.”
A little while later, she put her mouth close to Sarah’s ear. “Until dinner, there’s not much else to do. Let’s sit under the shade tree next to the pond for a few minutes. We can watch the men work.”
Sarah pointed. “The kinner are playing hide-and-seek away from where we’ll be sitting. We can chat and have a clear view for watching the barn raising.”
They commented on the men’s fast progress and talent.
Grace covered her eyes. “I like how they heave and lift the wall frame in perfect unison, but this part scares me. I’m always afraid the frame will fall on the men.” She squeezed her eyes closed. “I can’t look.”
“I counted fifteen men holding the ropes on the left side of the frame and twelve on the right side ready to push it up with their poles. They’ve got plenty of men to raise the frame and place it into position. I’m sure it’ll go without a hitch. This is my favorite part. The other men are in place, ready to connect it to the posts. Open your eyes, Grace.”
Mr. Zook yelled, “Men, on the count of three, pull and push. One! Two! Three!”
She opened her eyes and squinted in the bright sun. The men had raised the wall into place. She flung her arm around Sarah and squealed. “They did it!”
Mamm waved them over. “The first wall frame has been hung. Your time under the shade tree has lasted long enough. Kumme help set the table for dinner.”
Sarah sighed. “I wish Levi’s parents could’ve been here today. We’re fortunate to have our parents. Levi’s daed said raising a barn resembled putting a big puzzle together. He used to take charge.”
“I remember. He was a respectable and compassionate man. It’s like connecting all the pieces together to form a beautiful picture.” She tilted her head. “I’m blessed Mamm and Daed are spry. I feel sorry for Levi and Mark for having lost their parents. I can’t imagine something happening to Mamm and Daed.” She shivered. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Kumme on, you can watch your husband work while we help set up. I’m definitely going to steal glimpses at Mark.” She giggled.
