by Amy Clipston
The thought settled in her soul, and she felt euphoric. Veronica had managed to find love again after a tragedy that rocked her to the core. Her mother was right when she said she would, but Veronica had never imagined that she’d find love so soon after losing Seth.
“We’ll have to go back there,” Jason said as he guided the buggy onto her street. “We didn’t get a chance to skip stones.”
“Ya,” Veronica agreed. “We’ll have to be sure to do that next time.”
“You still need to teach me to skip them like you do.”
“Oh, that takes a lot of practice,” she teased. “We’ll have to visit that pond a few more times if you want to become an expert like me.”
He grinned at her. “That sounds like a plan then. You’ll owe me three more picnic lunches with time set aside for stone skipping.”
“That’s a date—or rather three dates,” she promised.
Jason guided the horse into her driveway, and she frowned. The time had gone by too quickly.
“Please tell your mamm thank you for the delicious chicken salad.”
“I will.” He halted the horse in front of the barn.
“Would you like the rest of the pie?” she offered.
“I’ll take it if you don’t want it,” he said.
Veronica placed the pie on the passenger seat. “And you’ll come to church on Sunday?”
“Ya, I’ll be here.”
Jason leaned across the seat toward her and touched her cheek. His light-brown eyes were intense, causing her mouth to dry and her breath to hitch in her chest. Was he going to kiss her? Was she even ready for him to kiss her? It seemed too sudden and too soon, but at the same time, she wanted him to kiss her.
“I’ll see you Sunday,” Jason whispered before turning his attention back to the reins.
“Good-bye,” Veronica whispered in return, her voice stuck in her dry throat. She climbed from the buggy and carried her flowers to the house, stopping to wave as the buggy made its way back down the driveway.
Veronica found her mother and Emily in the kitchen, wiping down the stove and the cabinets.
“Veronica!” Emily rushed to her. “How was it?”
“I had the best time.” Veronica sighed as she pulled a vase from the cabinet and filled it with lukewarm water before placing the flowers in it. “We had chicken salad sandwiches and raspberry pie. Then we walked around the pond and talked.” She held up the vase. “And he picked flowers for me.”
Emily smelled the flowers with a dreamy expression. “That’s so romantic. I hope I can find someone romantic like that someday.”
“You will, Emily.” Veronica set the vase on the window sill above the sink and then looked at her mother. “Mamm, I think I’m falling in love with Jason.” Her smile deepened as she revealed her thoughts out loud. “I can’t believe it. It feels like a dream, but I really think I’ve found love again, just as you said I would.”
Mamm’s eyes shimmered with tears as she smiled. “I’m so froh for you.”
“Danki.” Veronica turned to Emily, who hugged her. “I’ll never forget Seth, but I realized I can love Jason too.”
Mamm hugged her. “That’s how it should be.”
Veronica looked at the flowers and smiled. She was thankful, not only that her soul was healing, but that she had found love again.
CHAPTER 16
JASON CLIMBED OUT OF HIS BUGGY SUNDAY MORNING AND nodded greetings to some familiar faces, people he recognized from youth gatherings and businesses in town. He scanned the packed yard looking for Veronica, but he imagined she was with friends, greeting them before the service.
“Jason!” Leroy stepped away from a group of men and shook Jason’s hand. “I’m so froh you made it. Veronica said you were going to join us for church today.”
“Danki. I’m glad to be here.”
Leroy glanced behind Jason’s shoulder. “Did your family come with you?”
“No, they didn’t. I invited them, but my mamm promised she and Dat would go to her sister’s district today, and my bruder wanted to stick with ours to be with his girlfriend. They send their regards.”
“Well, be sure to bring them sometime when they’re available.”
“I will. Danki,” Jason said, touched by Leroy’s hospitality.
“Jason!” Hank Ebersol joined the two men. “It’s gut to see you.”
Jason shook Hank’s hand and greeted him, then said hello to a few of the older men’s friends, all older, married members of the district.
He was discussing the rising cost of lumber with the group when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. Turning, he found Veronica smiling at him.
Clad in a forest green dress and black apron, her eyes were bright and her smile was warm. “You made it.”
“I promised you I would.” Jason took in the sight of her dress, and it suddenly occurred to him that she wasn’t wearing black this Sunday. She was no longer in mourning. His spirits soared.
“Veronica!”
Rachel called to her from the porch steps.
“I need to go, but we’ll talk later. Stay after the service, okay?” Veronica asked.
“Of course I will.” Jason planned to ask her if he could see her tonight. He’d spent the evenings during the past week working in his father’s shop late at night, making her a gift. He couldn’t wait to give it to her, but he had to wait until they were alone.
“I’ll see you later,” Veronica said before hurrying off to join her sister.
Rachel smiled and waved at Jason, and he returned the gesture. Both her sister and her father had already made him feel welcome this morning. He was thankful for their acceptance, but he worried their feelings toward him would change once they found out the truth about his knowing Seth.
“So, Jason,” Hank said. “How far do you live from here?”
“I’m in Gordonville.” Jason talked to Hank about traffic and shortcuts while they waited for the time to file into the barn. Soon it was nine o’clock, and Jason made his way inside. The familiar aroma of animals, hay, and dust settled over him as he sat with the other unmarried men. Jason was talking to another young man when he noticed the young, unmarried women coming into the barn.
His eyes settled on Veronica as she walked with her sisters. She met his stare, and when she gave him a little wave, he felt exhilarated. He knew at that moment that he loved her. His feelings for her were much stronger and deeper than anything he’d ever felt for Arie. The urge to tell her how he felt overwhelmed him. He would tell her later today when they were alone. The thought both excited and terrified him. He could only hope she felt the same for him.
Once all the members of the congregation were seated, the service began with a hymn, and he joined in as the congregation slowly sang the words. Jason concentrated on his feelings for Veronica as he sang. He recalled how close he was to telling her the truth during their picnic on Thursday. He needed to find a way to harness his courage tonight. He couldn’t afford to be afraid any longer. Their love couldn’t thrive if he continued to keep such a tremendous secret from her.
Jason was still deep in thought when the ministers returned during the last verse of the second hymn. One of them began the first sermon, and his message droned on like background noise to the thoughts swirling in Jason’s head. Although he tried to focus on the service, he couldn’t stop looking across the barn. Veronica caught his eye, and a smile formed on her pink lips. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach as he smiled back at her.
The first sermon ended, and Jason knelt in silent prayer along with the rest of the congregation. He closed his eyes and prayed.
Lord, thank you for bringing Veronica into my life. Please help me explain to her how I found her and why I kept my friendship with Seth a secret from her. I know I should’ve been honest from the beginning, but now I fear losing her when I tell her the truth. Guide my words, and when she learns the truth, please soften her heart toward me. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
When the service was over, he helped a few of the other men convert the benches into tables and then sat and talked with them while they waited for their lunch. He looked up as Veronica moved past him and nodded a greeting. He couldn’t wait to talk to her later.
“I SAW JASON DURING THE SERVICE,” EMILY SAID AS THEY filled trays with food in their kitchen. “That’s nice that he came today.”
“Ya,” Rachel chimed in as she picked up a coffeepot. “You got to see him Thursday and then again today. You must be excited.” “I am.” Veronica nodded and lifted a tray filled with bowls of peanut butter spread. “I’ve asked him to stay after lunch too. I thought he could spend some time with the family.”
“You don’t want to go to the youth gathering?” Emily asked, looking surprised.
“No, I’d rather be with him,” Veronica said with a shrug. “We’d better get the food out there before the men start complaining.”
Veronica smiled at Jason as she delivered food to his table. She couldn’t wait to talk to him later.
After lunch, with the help of some of their guests, the Fisher women cleaned up the kitchen. Then Veronica walked outside to find Jason. She had seen him talking to her father earlier. She spotted Tillie, Hank’s wife, and walked over to the woman with graying brown hair and kind, deep-brown eyes. She and Hank had lived next door to Veronica’s family for as long as she could remember. Dat and Hank had grown up together, and they both worked as apprentices for the same leatherworker in Ronks when they were teenagers. They saved their money and opened their own shop when they were in their twenties. Since Veronica and her siblings had known Tillie and Hank all their lives, they considered them to be like an aunt and uncle instead of only their neighbors.
“Wie geht’s?” Tillie asked, touching Veronica’s hand. “How are you doing?”
“I’m doing fine, danki.” Veronica smiled. “How are you today?”
“I’m gut.” Tillie’s attention moved to Veronica’s dress. “I noticed that you’re wearing color today instead of dressing in black. Does that mean you’re feeling better?”
“I am, danki,” Veronica said. “I still miss Seth, but it’s getting a little easier.”
“Ach, Veronica.” Tillie’s eyes brightened. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. Hank and I have been so worried about you. You’ve been through so much.”
“I appreciate your concern.” Veronica’s thoughts turned to Jason. “I’ve actually met someone.”
“You have?” Tillie said with obvious curiosity. “Who is he?”
“His name is Jason.”
“I had no idea. Your mamm hasn’t told me. How did you meet him?”
“He visited my bake stand, and we became freinden. He came to service today. He’s tall and has brown hair and eyes. He was talking to my dat earlier.” She looked around the yard, finding only Hank talking to David. She would have to ask Rachel about that later.
“Now that you mention it, I think I saw Jason with your dat,” Tillie said with a smile. “He’s handsome.”
Veronica nodded. “Ya, he is, and he’s very sweet and easy to talk to. I feel like God sent him to help me through my grief. I’m so thankful.”
“That’s gut to hear.”
“Did you happen to see where they went?”
Tillie pointed toward the store. “I think they went into the shop. I heard them talking about tools or something. You know how buwe get.”
“Danki. I’ll talk to you later.”
Veronica surveyed the driveway, which had been clogged with buggies earlier, and found it empty. The members of the congregation had left for the day, and the youth, including Emily, probably by now had left to go to another farm for their gathering. Rachel must be somewhere waiting for David. The bench buggy, which had transported the benches they used for the service, sat parked by the open barn door. Since no work was allowed on Sundays, her dat and Hank would load them up tomorrow and take the buggy to the next home that would host the service in two weeks.
Veronica walked over to the store, her shoes crunching on the rock path that ran from her house to the front door of the store. She moved up the path and opened the door, causing the bells attached to it to jingle. She breathed in the familiar scent of leather and walked past the displays of bags, leashes, and blankets on her way to the workroom. Veronica found Jason and her father deep in conversation as they sat on stools next to the long workbench. They were oblivious of her presence, despite the loud bells that had rung when she’d entered the store.
She leaned against the doorway that separated the store from the workroom and watched them, enjoying their discussion of leatherworking and tools. She admired Jason, taking in his handsome face and serious eyes while he talked to Dat. He looked like he fit in with her family, like he belonged there. Was Jason her future? Would she take his name and build a home and family with him?
The thoughts swept through her and sent goose pimples down her arms. She knew her feelings were growing for him, but she hadn’t thought about marriage yet. Was she pushing herself too quickly into those feelings, or were they genuine?
Jason turned toward her, and his eyes widened. “Veronica?”
Dat looked over his shoulder. “How long have you been standing there?”
Veronica shrugged. “A few minutes.”
“Are you spying on us?” Jason’s face formed a mock frown. “You do realize we were discussing top-secret men topics.”
Veronica rolled her eyes. “Trust me when I tell you that I am not interested in your top-secret men topics.”
Dat laughed. “She’s never had the slightest interest in this store. Emily is my dochder who wants to come out here and work.”
“You know I’d rather bake than run a cash register.” Veronica ran her fingers over the doorframe.
“I’m sorry for stealing Jason from you,” Dat said. “He asked me about one of my projects, so I thought I’d show it to him.”
“Oh.” Veronica smiled. “I just was wondering where you were. I was hoping you hadn’t left.”
“I told you I wouldn’t.” Jason glanced over her.
“I’m glad you didn’t leave.” She gestured town the door. “Mamm and I will be putting supper together in a while. Can you stay that long?”
Jason nodded. “Yes, I’d love to.”
“All right. You two have fun. I’ll see you later.” Veronica smiled as she walked back toward the house. Jason fit in so well with her family. Was she ready to give him her heart?
LATER RACHEL PLACED THE TUNA CASSEROLE VERONICA made into the oven to warm.
“Rachel,” Veronica said, “I saw David out there talking to Hank earlier. Is David staying for supper?”
“Ya.” Rachel set the timer on the stove and smiled. “I took your advice, and we talked the other night. He told me he was feeling distant from me too. We worked things out, and I feel better about our relationship now.”
“Oh, that’s gut.” Veronica washed her hands at the sink. “I’m so glad it worked out for you. I thought you were going to the youth gathering with Emily tonight. I was surprised to see David here.”
Rachel began pulling dishes out of the cabinets. “It was David’s idea to stay. He said he wanted to spend more time alone with me. He feels like we have too many other freinden around us all the time, and we don’t have much time to talk in private.”
“That’s really nice that he wants to spend more time alone with you,” Veronica said. “I’ll help set the table. Jason is staying for supper too.”
“This will be fun.” Rachel beamed. “Our boyfriends can get to know each other.”
“Right.” Veronica let the word reverberate through her mind—boyfriend. She hadn’t called Jason that, but he seemed to have already earned that title. Did he consider himself her boyfriend?
Veronica let that question filter through her mind while she and Rachel prepared the table for supper. Rachel put out the plates and utensils, and she set out a pitcher of water and glasses.
Once the tuna casserole was warm, Rachel and Veronica called the men into the kitchen for supper. Veronica sat with Jason, and Rachel and David sat across from them. Dat and Mamm sat at their usual spots on either end of the table. David and Jason talked about woodworking while Veronica and Rachel discussed their plans for the week.
When supper was over, Rachel and Veronica washed and dried the dishes and Mamm wiped the table and swept the floor.
“David and I would like to sit on the porch,” Rachel told Veronica as she wiped her hands on a dish towel. “Is that okay? I know you and Jason like to sit there, but I was hoping to have some more time to talk to David alone.”
“It’s fine,” Veronica insisted. “I’m sure Jason and I can find somewhere to go. Maybe we’ll go for a walk.”
“Danki.” Rachel hugged her. “You’re the best schweschder.”
“I’m going to tell Emily you said that,” Veronica teased.
Veronica and Rachel found Jason and David standing out by the barn.
“David,” Rachel said, walking up to him. “Would you like to sit on the porch with me for a while?”
“Sure,” David said. “I’ll talk to you later, Jason.”
As Rachel and David walked around the house, Veronica let Jason know they had a decision to make. “We lost our spot. Where would you like to go?”
“I haven’t seen your dat’s pasture,” Jason said. “Do you want to walk over there?” He pointed toward the fence around the perimeter of the small pasture.
“That sounds nice.” Veronica fell in step beside him, and he took her hand in his. They walked the length of the fence and discussed their plans for the week.
Just as the sun was starting to set, they made their way back to the driveway. Jason retrieved his horse from the barn, hitched him to the buggy, and said, “Let’s talk a little longer.”
Leaning against the buggy, his focus moved down to the pasture, and he seemed to be deep in thought.
He turned toward her. “I had a nice time with your dat today.”
“Gut.” She sidled up to him. “You two were so busy talking that you didn’t even hear the bells on the door when I came into the store.”
