The Amish Millers Get Married BOXED SET Books 1-3 (Amish Romance Book Bundle: The Way Home, The Way Forward, The Narrow Way) (Boxed Set: Amish Millers Get Married)

by Ruth Hartzler

  Soon there were bright blue tents lining both sides of the pathway, and Martha was pleased to see she was again between a bakery and an organic vegetable grower. That would mean people were thinking about food when they reached her stall. She herself was thinking about food; the aroma of freshly baked bread was tantalizing and reminded her of home and of the fact that she hadn't had breakfast.

  Gary did prove to be of help, although he was quite absent-minded at times. He took out the cartons of chocolates as Martha had instructed and helped her set them up. The official time for the market to start was still half an hour away, but people were already drifting through. Although Martha had allowed herself plenty of time, she felt she was rushing to set up in time. She was grateful for Gary's help, but sometimes doing things oneself was the fastest way to get things done; instructing took time.

  "Rebecca!" Martha saw Rebecca, the youngest of the four Miller sisters, approach. The two of them had always been close, just as Hannah and Esther had always been close. Martha hugged Rebecca and Rebecca returned her hug, but then when they pulled away, Rebecca's eyebrows were raised. It was not usual in Amish communities to show affection, at least not in public.

  "You’re so Englisch now," Rebecca said, looking Martha up and down. Before Martha could reply, she added, "And I really miss you. Mamm's got a steady stream of menner coming to the haus. She wants to get me married off as soon as possible."

  Martha laughed. "Jah, she's always been like that."

  "Jah, but I'm the only maidel left at home, so she's turned all her attention to me."

  Rebecca looked so downcast that Martha tried to cheer her up. "Come on, then, have a chocolate. Denki for helping me too."

  "I always help you at the markets, Martha." Rebecca's mouth was still turned down at the sides.

  Martha had forgotten about Gary, who was standing behind the stall. "Oh Rebecca, this is Gary. He lives in the apartment above me."

  The two exchanged greetings, and then Rebecca leaned in close to Martha and whispered, "Is he de bo?"

  "Nee, nee, he's not my boyfriend," Martha whispered hurriedly, glancing at Gary who was clearly pretending he wasn't listening, but was.

  "What’s happening with Moses then?" Rebecca whispered, while Gary took a step closer while looking off into the distance.

  "Nothing, nothing at all." Martha gave her schweschder a stern look.

  "This is me you’re talking to," Rebecca whispered, but more loudly this time. "Don’t try to fool me. I'm not ferhoodled; I know you too well."

  Martha held up her hands in exasperation, but then her first customer for the day arrived, which saved her from Rebecca's questions. Martha tried to concentrate on the customer's questions, but she kept one ear on Rebecca, who was now questioning Gary.

  When the customer left, Martha turned to Gary. "Thank you so much for bringing me here and helping me set up. Now that Rebecca's here, I’ll be right for some time, if you want to go off and explore the markets."

  Gary scratched his head while he apparently thought over her suggestion. "Okay, sure. I’ll come back from time to time to see if you need help."

  Martha made to thank him but Rebecca spoke first. "See that cream colored tent over there?" She pointed and Gary nodded. "They have the best apple butter, and apple snitz and apple cider too."

  Gary's face lighted up and he hurried away. "So, tell me what's going with Moses now," Rebecca demanded, her hands on her hips.

  "Nothing's going on with Moses, truly."

  "But you like him, don’t you?"

  "Jah." Martha nodded furiously. "But he’ll never leave the Amish."

  Rebecca shrugged. "So? Surely that's a gut thing."

  Martha was exasperated. "I don't know why no one takes me seriously, not even my own familye. I've said for ages that I was going to be Englisch, and not come back to the Amish, and have a chocolate business."

  Martha expected Rebecca to be annoyed, but she simply said, "You can have a chocolate business and be Amish."

  "Yes, but…" Martha's voice trailed away.

  "So what's it like being Englisch?"

  Martha thought for a moment. "Well, if something goes wrong, there's really no one to call on for help. I mean, you could ask a neighbor or a friend, and they might give some sympathy or help a little, but there's no certainty of complete help like you get from the community. You have to go out to a store to buy milk and eggs, plus it’s very lonely too. I wasn't expecting that. There's a feeling of isolation. There's an emphasis on how you look and even I've caught myself looking in shop windows at my reflection lately, even though the Englisch have mirrors everywhere. There's a big emphasis on personal appearance."

  Martha would have gone on, but Rebecca stopped her. "Is there anything gut about being Englisch?"

  Martha rubbed her chin. "Well, there's the freedom, and cars are much faster than buggies."

  "Do you have a license to drive a car?" Rebecca popped a chocolate coated cherry into her mouth.

  "Well, no."

  "So you have to be driven anyway, and that's the same as being Amish, isn't it?"

  Martha had to admit that Rebecca was right. Still, there must be good things about being Englisch, and, as Martha served the next few customers, she tried to think what they were.

  "I wonder why that is," Rebecca said to herself when a large group of customers left.

  "What's that?"

  "The customers never come one at a time; there are no customers for a while, then they all come at once."

  Martha laughed. "That's true, but at least it gives us a bit of a break. Anyway, how are Hannah's twins?"

  "Oh they're so cute," Rebecca gushed. "Hannah wants you to come and see them again soon. You will, won't you?"

  "Of course." Martha was hit with pangs of guilt, as her visits to Hannah and her bopplis had been infrequent. Had she still been living at home, she would have visited Hannah and the bopplis every day.

  Martha had just finished wrapping chocolates for another customer when Rebecca tugged on her arm and nodded to her left. Martha followed the direction and saw Moses approaching.

  Martha was hit with a sudden coldness followed by dizziness and an unpleasant churning in her stomach. Laura, the waitress from work, was walking with Moses. Laura had not mentioned Moses to her lately, so Martha had thought she had lost interest in him.

  The two walked over to Martha's stall, smiling. Martha introduced Rebecca to Laura. "I found Laura at the markets," Moses said pointedly.

  Martha wondered if he'd said that to reassure her that the two of them had not come to the markets together. Still, I'm not dating Moses, she thought, so why would he feel it necessary to say that? Or perhaps he is interested in her and doesn’t want anyone to suspect. Martha found it hard to think clearly with Moses and Laura standing opposite her, looking for all the world like a happy couple.

  Deuteronomy 33:21.

  He chose the best of the land for himself,

  for there a commander's portion was reserved;

  and he came with the heads of the people,

  with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD,

  and his judgments for Israel.

  Chapter 13 .

  While Martha was trying to clear her head, Gary appeared. He was clutching a large jar and looking awfully pleased with himself. "Look, I bought some Sweet Pumpkin Hummus," he announced. "You’d even think there was such a thing? Oh hi, guys." He nodded to Moses and Laura. "Did you come here together? Are you an item?"

  Moses and Laura both looked shocked. "No, no," they said in unison. "I just happened to see Laura when I arrived," Moses added, "so we came looking for Martha."

  Martha was surprised at Gary's lack of tact, but grateful that his questions had bought out the answer that Moses and Laura were not dating. She breathed a sigh of relief.

  Moses turned to Martha and smiled. She melted under his smile, and suddenly, all felt right with her world again. "Can I have a word with you?" he asked. "Perhaps R
ebecca can mind the stall for a moment."

  Martha nodded. "And Gary, can you please help Rebecca?"

  Moses raised an eyebrow. "Gary's here helping me today," Martha explained, but then saw a cloud pass over Moses' face. Oh no, he's jealous, she thought. He must think that Gary and I are more than just friends.

  "I'll help too," Laura said, casting a sidelong glance at Gary, a glance that didn't escape Martha's notice. Martha smiled to herself and thanked Laura.

  "Come, let's get kaffi," Moses said, leading Martha away. They walked in companionable silence under a pleasant canopy of trees which provided welcome relief from the sun. Moses kept walking, away from the markets.

  "Where are we going?"

  "Just a little grocery store that's also a café," Moses said, "It’s close to the markets and has better kaffi. I thought we could have lunch."

  "That's a gut idea, and we can avoid any Amish people," Martha said.

  Moses looked at her and raised his eyebrows.

  "Well, I feel a little strange wearing Englisch clothes," Martha said. "I don’t want to answer questions about rumspringa."

  Moses nodded, but didn't answer as they had arrived at the café. He opened the door for Martha to enter, and she was immediately struck by the cheerful atmosphere of the little café. The walls were painted mint green, and some of the tables were glass-topped wood, while others were covered with pink tablecloths. There were pretty flowers on every table. Pine shelves lined the walls and they were filled with all manner of produce, in bottles with brightly colored lids. Other walls had brightly colored abstract paintings. Martha's spirits lifted just by being in the place.

  As soon as she took her seat, Moses asked, "Has there been any word from Sheryl?"

  Martha shook her head. "Nee, and I'm quite worried. The police wouldn't keep her locked up all this time, would they?"

  It was Moses' turn to shake his head. "They wouldn’t, but it’s strange that she hasn't contacted you."

  "Perhaps she's embarrassed," Martha said, enjoying Moses' proximity and the fact that she had him all to herself, at least for lunch. "So you didn’t come to the markets with Laura?" Martha was at once dismayed by her words as she had not wished to voice her concerns aloud.

  Moses merely smiled. "Are you jealous?"

  "Of course not." Martha tried to fix him with a stern and convincing look.

  "And Gary's helping you today?" he asked.

  "Yes." Martha smiled. "Are you jealous?"

  "Jah, as a matter of fact, I am."

  Martha's mouth fell open. She had no idea that Moses was jealous, and had even less idea that he would actually admit to it. She did not know how to respond, so stared at the menu. When Moses did not speak, Martha considered how she had felt when she was jealous over Laura, so thought that the right thing to do would be to set Moses straight. "He's just a friend, and that's all." She avoided Gary's eyes when she spoke. "I am hoping he and Laura will start dating."

  She risked a glance at Moses, and he was smiling. "Let's order lunch."

  Martha's stomach growled as if on cue. "I've haven’t had breakfast."

  Moses frowned. "That's not gut, Martha; you mustn't skip meals, especially with a hard day's work ahead of you."

  Martha smiled. It was nice that Moses cared for her wellbeing. Her feelings for him were strong, but could she go back to the Amish and stay there forever? The growling of her stomach turned her thoughts, for now, to food. Martha ordered black bean and cheese quesadilla with home made guacamole, and Moses, fishermen's stew. They both ordered lemonade to go with their meal, and kaffi to come with the raspberry lavender pies afterwards.

  As soon as the waiter left, Moses said, "I have a lawyer for you."

  "You do? How much will he cost? I still have some money I've saved, and I'm hoping to do well today, too."

  Moses shook his head. "Nee, Martha." He laid his big hand over hers. Vibrations ran all through Martha and a warm, tingly feeling settled over her like a spring cloud. "I'll be paying for your lawyer," he added, patting her hand gently.

  "But you can’t; we're not married," Martha blurted, much to her own embarrassment. Why I can't I think before I speak? she silently berated herself, feeling her face grow hot and the tips of her ears burn. She wished she could sink right through the floor.

  "Well, unless you're planning to marry anyone else soon, I hope you'll allow me to pay for your lawyer." When Martha didn’t reply, he added, "You're my closest friend, and I want you to allow me to do this for you."

  Martha thought for a bit. "Thank you, Moses; that's very gut of you and I appreciate it. I really should ask my daed to pay for it, though, as it sounds like it’s going to be expensive." The waiter returned and deposited a glass of lemonade in front of each of them. When he had left, Moses said, "Nee, Martha, you can't tell your familye, or your mudder will force you to move back home."

  Martha was shocked. "But isn’t that what you want, Moses?"

  Moses smiled, and his eyes were full of warmth, and something else, but Martha did not know what. "Of course I want you home. But rumspringa is all about deciding for yourself. I wouldn’t want you just because you felt obligated; I'd want you to come home to stay forever only if that's what you wanted with your whole heart."

  Martha met Moses' eyes and something passed between them. She held his gaze and felt unable to look away. Martha knew there was more to his words than on the surface, that Moses meant more than her returning to the Miller haus.

  Proverbs 3:5-6.

  Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

  and do not lean on your own understanding.

  In all your ways acknowledge him,

  and he will make straight your paths.

  Chapter 14 .

  Martha and Moses arrived at the lawyer's offices. Moses had assured her that the lawyer was a good one, and Martha knew that Moses would have been careful in that regard. However, she had expected to find the lawyer in a tall building, all steel and glass, so was surprised when the taxi pulled up outside a red brick and stone, Georgian-style building. The fact that the lawn needed mowing gave Martha pause. There was a statue of Justice outside the porch, and that would have been fine, had not the statue been leaning to one side. That statue and the sign saying "William Griffits, Attorney at Law" were the only clues that this was in fact, the office of a lawyer.

  Martha looked down the street. It was well kept, with nicely manicured lawns unlike the lawyer's and had a variety of Georgian homes. The building next to the lawyer's building was white with pretty, green shutters on the windows.

  As she approached the front steps, Martha felt a rush of anxiety. Moses held the door for her and she walked in. There was no one else in the waiting room, but Moses had told her that he had chosen the appointment time of 9 a.m. so that they would not be kept waiting. The elderly and efficient-looking receptionist looked up at them from behind her massive, timber desk.

  "Martha Miller to see Mr. Griffits," Moses announced. Martha was glad that Moses had spoken; in fact, she was glad that Moses had arranged absolutely everything pertaining to the lawyer for her. She was so nervous and upset that she was sure that she wouldn't have been able to speak at all. She looked to Moses for reassurance and he smiled at her.

  "Mr. Griffits will be with you in a minute," the receptionist said automatically as if she were reciting a dull poem. "Please take a seat."

  Martha sat down and looked around her. The carpet was floral, and looked very old indeed. It was slightly worn around the edges. The waiting room was drab and had little, if any, natural light. The fluorescent light overhead flickered and Martha was sure it would give her a headache. Her temples were already beginning to pound.

  Soon there was the distant sound of a door opening, and an elderly man came down the hallway toward them. He was bent over, and appeared to have difficulty walking even with his walking stick, which Martha noticed was very fancy with a shining silver and white handle. His white, bushy eyebrows swooped upward
s to meet high in the middle of his forehead, giving him an expression of constant surprise. When he reached the pair, he bent over Martha and said, "Miss Miller, please come in." His voice was booming, and seemed out of place with his fragile appearance.

  Martha and Moses stood up to follow him, and follow him they did, all the way down the long corridor, and at a very slow pace. Mr. Griffits opened the door to his office and nodded to them to enter.

  Martha at once saw that the room was oversized, and she hurried to sit in one of the equally oversized, brown leather chairs, which creaked and crackled as she lowered herself into it. The walks were yellowing beige and Martha wondered for a moment if they were moldy, as the smell of damp hung on the air.

  Moses took the other chair and Mr. Griffits finally made his way to his large wooden chair and sat down on it with obvious relief. He then drank some water from a nearby glass and then sneezed violently.

  "As you would be aware," he began, "I am Mr. Griffits."

  "Oh yes, Mr. Griffiths," Martha said.

  Mr. Griffits fixed his gleaming eyes on her. "I am not Mr. Griffiths, but rather, Mr. Griffits," he said sternly.

  "Oh yes, I knew that, Mr. Griffiths, err Griffits, Griffits," Martha stammered, fighting back the urge to laugh nervously. "I'm just very anxious."

  Mr. Griffits smiled thinly. "There is no need to be anxious. I have practiced law for over forty years. I provide an aggressive defense for all matters including theft."

  "But I didn't do it," Martha said.

  "There is one thing I tell my clients," Mr. Griffits said in his booming voice, "and you would do well to heed it. The law has nothing to do with justice. Do you understand?"

  Martha nodded, although she didn't quite understand, truth be told.

  "Mr. Hostetler has given me an overview of the situation; now be so kind as to give me your version of events."