Which was a good thing, because no sooner did Mellie go into the house, but Ruthie started in. She was perched on the kitchen rocker as if it were a throne.
“About time you got back,” she said. “Faith hasn’t got the beans to boiling yet, and you know how long they take to become flavorful.”
Mellie sighed and got herself a drink of water. “You remember that I’ll be in the shop during the afternoons from now on.”
Ruthie made a face. “My leg is hurt, not my ears. I heard the plan. No one seems to care that I think it’s foolishness. You’re needed here, Mellie. Here in the house where women belong.”
Mellie swallowed the quick retort that sprang to her lips. “I’ll get the beans started,” she said.
Ruthie clucked her tongue. “No one listens to me around here,” she said.
With her back to Ruthie, Mellie made a face. If only she had a choice whether she wanted to listen to Ruthie or not. The woman’s voice was everywhere.
The next few days proved to be a rocky start, but with time, the household began to take on the rhythm of its new routine. Mellie bustled about every morning, doing Ruthie’s share of the work. When Faith was finished with her own chores, she pitched in as she could, and between the two of them, things got done. Mellie rose early to do some baking before the household stirred. It was her only chance to get any products ready for her afternoons at the shop.
Dan didn’t bring Ruthie downstairs until breakfast was ready, which was a huge blessing. He went outside and fed the animals before coming back in to carry her down. Mellie loved the quiet of the early hours before breakfast. And on the days that Faith joined her, it didn’t matter. Faith didn’t chatter that early. Faith was never one to prattle anyway, and early mornings kept her even quieter than normal.
“Do you want to take Mamm’s breakfast out this morning?” Mellie asked. “Or would you like Ellen to take it?”
Faith looked over at her from the biscuit dough she was rolling out. “I’ll take it. I haven’t visited with her much these days.”
“Neither have I.” Mellie gave a wry smile. “It’s been awful busy around here.”
Faith sniffed. “No more than when it’s canning time.”
Mellie walked over to Faith and picked up the glass they used to cut biscuits. She turned it upside down and pressed it into the dough. “But it isn’t canning time, Faith.”
“Nee. It isn’t. But Ruthie will be up and about before we know it.”
“True.” She giggled. “Then she’ll be down here with us, bossing us about.”
Faith laughed with her. “Jah. You got that right.”
“What’s so funny?” Gabe asked, poking his head around the kitchen door.
“Never you mind!” Faith answered.
“Is Dan still in the barn?” Mellie asked.
“Jah, but he’s coming in any second.”
“Go wash up then. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes.”
Faith placed the biscuits onto the cooking tray. “In ten minutes to be exact.”
“I’ll rouse the kinner,” Mellie volunteered. She left the kitchen and headed for the stairs. But it was an unnecessary trip, for her nieces and nephews were already tumbling down the stairs. “Oh gut! You’re up and dressed.”
Ellen led the way. “Jah. Mamm’s waiting for Dat. I think she’s about to come down the stairs by herself.”
“Nee!” Mellie cried, alarmed. All they needed was for Ruthie to fall again. She pushed by the children, going up the stairs two at a time. “Ruthie?”
“In here,” came Ruthie’s voice from her bedroom. In reality, it was Mellie’s parents’ old bedroom, and Mellie still had a hard time thinking about how Ruthie had taken over the space from Mamm as if it was rightfully hers.
Mellie stepped through the door. “Ellen told me you were going to try the stairs by yourself.”
“And why shouldn’t I? I’ve got two gut arms and one gut foot.”
“We don’t want you to fall again.”
“I hardly think I’d be so clumsy as to fall twice, now, would I?” Ruthie moaned. “I have to tell you, Mellie, I’m right sick of this cast.”
Mellie looked at her sister-in-law’s frustrated expression, and her heart softened. “I’m sure you are, Ruthie. But the weeks will go fast, and soon, you’ll be good as new.”
“The weeks can’t go fast enough for me. I hate being idle. How many dishcloths can a person crochet before they want to gouge their eyes out?”
Mellie’s eyebrows rose. This was harsh talk even for Ruthie. She moved closer. “Would you like me to help you down the stairs? I’m sure we can manage it.”
“That won’t be necessary,” came Dan’s voice from the doorway. “Step aside, Mellie. I’ve got her.”
For all his thinness, her brother Dan was a robust man and with apparent ease, he picked up his wife and carried her down the stairs. Mellie followed, wondering for the umpteenth time what Dan had seen in the woman to want to court her.
“Mamm!” young Walter cried, running to Ruthie.
“Wait till your dat puts me down,” Ruthie instructed.
Dan slid her into her chair at the dining table, and Walter hurried over to lean against her shoulder.
Mellie went to the kitchen to help Faith serve the food.
The mailbox was situated close to Mellie’s Sweet Shop. At times, when business was slow, Mellie would walk out and gather the mail, perusing it while she waited for customers. That afternoon was one of those times. Mellie had thought the shop would be bursting with people since she was only open afternoon hours. But evidently, the word hadn’t spread sufficiently, and folks must have thought she was still closed.
With a sigh, Mellie dashed out for the mail, not even bothering to throw her cape about her shoulders. The cold air rushed at her, and she gasped. It felt like snow. Glancing up, she saw the grayish white cloud covering above and knew it would snow before evening. Mellie didn’t mind. She liked the way snow covered the harvested stubby stalks of corn, falling over the fields like a clean lace tablecloth.
She pulled open the metal door of the mailbox and peered inside. One lone letter. She pulled it out and was overjoyed to see it was from Beth. She darted back into her shop and sat on the chair in the corner, ripping open the envelope.
Dear Mellie,
First of all, please give everyone my greetings. Wait. On second thought, that might not be a good idea. If you do, they’ll all want to read this letter, and truth be told, I only want you to read it. Not even Faith.
How are you? I hope you’re doing fine, and that things have slowed down now the wedding season is over. Things here at school are busy. We’re working on a recitation program for the parents. This is the first one ever in Meadow Lark, and I’m nervous. But the children are doing magnificently, memorizing their pieces with high energy.
I wanted to tell you some personal news. Now, I’m fully aware that we Amish don’t usually share things of the heart, but you and I have always been a bit different, making our own way.
Mellie smiled. It was true. She and Beth had always been a bit looser in what they shared. Mellie liked it, too, and wondered why others in the community weren’t bolder with their news.
I told you all about Timothy when I came for the wedding. Well, anyway, you already knew about him from my earlier letters. But I think it was during my time back in Hollybrook for Eli’s wedding that it really hit me. I’m quite fond of the man. More than fond, if the truth be known.
When I returned to Meadow Lark, I could hardly wait to see him again, and I didn’t have to wait long. He came to pick up his girls from school, and he stayed a minute to talk with me. Oh Mellie, I can hardly contain my joy. He’s courting me now. Serious courting.
I’ve become like a quivering bowl of jelly around him. It’s like I can’t look at him enough. I can’t hear his deep voice enough. I can’t be with him enough.
I am doomed!
But a good kind of doomed. You know
that I didn’t want to get serious about anyone because of my teaching. I still love to teach. It suits me as if I was made for it. But with Timothy… I have no choice. I must be with him. I am driven to him.
After we marry (this isn’t official as we haven’t been published, so please say nothing), I will continue to teach until I am with child. Timothy’s mother will continue to watch Benny for us. Of course, when I am expecting, I will have to resign. But later, many years later, Timothy said I can teach again if I wish. He understands my need to teach. And like you told me, Mellie—in the meantime, I will have my own parcel of kinner to teach right at home.
I never thought I could be so thrilled with the prospect of marriage.
Mellie paused and wiped a tear from her eye. It was good to read Beth’s words. It was good to hear how in love she was. Mellie blew out her breath in a sigh. Beth had been right to break it off with Caleb. He had never caused such emotion in her like Timothy did. Had Beth felt this way about Caleb, she would have never moved to Meadow Lark.
But she had moved.
I have been pondering this for a while. Do you think that Caleb should be told? When he hears the news, once it’s made public, he’s going to wonder. My excuse for breaking up with him was my teaching. And now, here I am, going to marry another.
Since Timothy is a widower, we probably won’t wait till next year’s wedding season. Timothy plans to speak with the bishop about it. Then we will come to Hollybrook and speak with Mamm and Dan. Oh! You’ll get to meet Timothy. You will love him as I do. He’s a wonderful man.
If you feel that Caleb should know, please tell him. Or perhaps, I’m being silly about this. I do know that Caleb won’t breathe a word of it. I guess I’m still feeling guilty about spurning him. But if I hadn’t, I would never have met Timothy.
Mellie, you must think me crazy. I’ve gone on and on like a lovesick dove. Perhaps that’s what I am indeed. But how I thank the Lord God for His blessings.
Write soon. I’m eager to hear your thoughts.
Much love, your sister,
Beth
Mellie refolded the letter and slipped it back into its envelope. She tucked it beneath her apron where no one would see it. She was happy for her sister. Truly happy. Her mind flitted to Caleb. Would he care about Beth’s upcoming marriage? Should she tell him, or warn him? That’s really what it would be—a warning, so he wouldn’t be blindsided with the news when it came out.
It sounded like Beth planned to be married in Meadow Lark if they were talking to the bishop there. Mamm wasn’t going to like that. In fact, could Mamm even travel that far to attend? Mellie needed to talk with Beth. It didn’t seem proper for her not to be married right there in Hollybrook.
The bell over the door rang, and Mellie jumped, almost as if she was guilty of something. One of her regular Englisch customers, Mrs. Adams, smiled at her.
“So glad you’re open again, dear,” she said. She went right toward the cinnamon raisin bread. “My hubby’s been complaining about no bread for a few days, so I thought I’d come by on the chance you’d be open.”
The thin woman nodded toward the door. “You might want to put a sign out there with your new hours. I’ve heard other folks wondering, too.”
Mellie stepped from behind the counter. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Things have been a bit hectic lately. I’ll be open afternoons for the time being. Just until my sister-in-law heals. Then it will be back to full days.”
Mrs. Adams grew concerned. “What happened to your sister-in-law?”
“She fell down the stairs. She’s doing well, except I’m stepping in for her at the house.” Mellie didn’t mind sharing a bit of family news with the woman. After all, she’d been a loyal customer for years.
Mrs. Adams nodded. “Well, I’m glad she’ll be all right. That’s your brother Dan’s wife, isn’t it?”
“Jah, it is.”
Mrs. Adams grabbed up two packages of chocolate chip cookies. “I think this will do it for today, dear. What do I owe you?”
Mellie added up her total and took her money, which she tucked in the cash box.
“Thank you, Mrs. Adams. I hope to see you again soon.”
“Oh, you will, dearie.” With a cheery smile and a nod of her head, the woman left the shop.
Mellie pressed her hand over where she’d hidden Beth’s letter. Her mind was awhirl with the news. So Beth was to be married. She closed her eyes and dreamed of the wedding. She wished she knew what Timothy looked like so she could envision him, too. Funny. In the past when she’d envisioned her sister’s wedding, her sister was always standing next to Caleb. What a relief to know that it wouldn’t be Caleb standing next to Beth anymore.
Chapter Four
The bell over the shop door rang again, and Mellie greeted three more customers. The rest of the afternoon remained busy, much to Mellie’s relief. Her short absence over the last days hadn’t made her customers totally forget about her. When it was near closing time, her shelves were nearly bare. She’d have to bake vigorously in the morning.
She took out her cloth bag and was placing the left-over goods inside to take home when the bell rang again. She looked up into Caleb’s eyes. Her breath caught, and she stopped moving.
“Hello, Mellie,” he said. His voice was quiet and low.
“Hello, Caleb.”
“Back open, I see.”
“Jah.”
“How’s Ruthie?”
“Coming along.”
He stepped further inside, and the door clicked shut behind him. “How was business today?”
She ran her hand over her hair, ensuring that it was tucked snugly beneath her kapp. She blew out her breath and put on a smile. The letter resting close to her heart burned with its message. Caleb always asked after Beth. Was he going to this time? And how would she answer? Her heart beat wildly beneath her cape dress, and for one fleeting moment, she worried that Caleb would hear it.
He walked along one of her display shelves, running his fingers over the smooth wood.
“I only have a few things left,” she said. “I was just packing them up to take home.”
“Must be mighty nice to have you in the family,” he said. And then, as if realizing the meaning of his words, his cheeks grew red.
Mellie forced a laugh. “Jah. The kinner like the cookies in particular.” Oh, if only I was part of your family.
He opened his mouth to speak, and Mellie braced herself. It was coming. She knew it was coming. He was going to ask about Beth.
“I got a letter,” she uttered, without giving him the chance to speak.
He raised his brows. “Oh?”
“Jah. From Beth.”
A wary look came over his face. Mellie stared at him. She couldn’t help it. Every cell in her body yearned to know his reaction to the news.
“She’s being courted.” Her eyes didn’t leave his face. She watched as his expression tightened. He seemed to have stopped breathing. The red left his cheeks, and he blinked rapidly. He took a step back and then raised his chin.
“Is she now?” She couldn’t read his tone.
Mellie’s hands fell to her sides. “Jah.”
He nodded slowly. And then as if in slow motion, he moved closer to her until he stood directly in front of her. “He’s from Meadow Lark?”
“Jah. One of the parents.”
“So, he’s been married before.”
Mellie nodded.
“I see.”
He wasn’t looking at her, his gaze seemed to be fixed somewhere above her head. But her gaze was on him. Every muscle, every curve of his face. The stubble on his chin that needed to be shaved again. The thick brows that framed his startling blue eyes. The chiseled cheekbones.
Her lips parted as she continued to gaze.
And then, he shifted his eyes to hers. Her head jerked back slightly in surprise, and her eyes widened.
“That’s gut,” he said. “Real gut.”
Does he mean it? Or
is it just the proper thing to say?
“And she told you this in a letter?”
Mellie nodded, her hand involuntarily pressing the envelope beneath her apron.
“Strange. That she told you, I mean.”
“I know,” she murmured. “But Beth and I have always told each other everything.”
He tilted his head and now seemed to be the one studying her. His gaze lowered and lingered on her lips. The moment became almost intimate, and Mellie didn’t understand what was happening, what he was thinking. But then, just as quickly, it was over. He straightened his shoulders and let out his breath in a short sigh.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to closing your shop.” He stepped away from her and turned toward the door.
“Did you want something? I can unpack…”
“Nee. I don’t need anything.” He hesitated, his back to her. She held her breath. Was he about to turn around and stay with her longer? Could they have a regular conversation? One that had nothing to do with Beth? The moment stretched, and she breathed a prayer that he’d turn back around. From a distance, she heard the sound of a horse and buggy approach and then pass by her shop. A crow screeched from some nearby tree.
And still she waited. But Caleb didn’t turn back around. With two more long steps, he was out of the shop and on his way home. Mellie nearly collapsed against the counter. She shuffled backward and dropped into her chair.
It was done. She’d told him. Now he knew that Beth was no longer available. Was he heartbroken all over again? She closed her eyes and saw his face. Had he looked brokenhearted?
Yes. And no.
She wasn’t sure. She pressed her hands over her chest and willed her heart to be calm. Why, why, why couldn’t she feel this way about Obadiah?
It was mid-morning, and all the morning chores were finished. Mellie was excited. Perhaps she could open her shop earlier that day.
Amish Romance Box Set: Finding Home Page 16
