by Molly Jebber
“Do you have to go?” Charity stuck out her bottom lip.
“We do. I’ve enjoyed your company. Danki for playing checkers with me.”
Charity got up and hugged his neck.
He stood, and he and his family thanked them for their hospitality, got in their buggy, and headed home.
Mamm glanced at him in the back seat. “How did you and Magdelena get along?”
“She’s a woman I admire, but I’m not interested in anyone but Ellie. I’ve got to heal over our parting.”
“I wouldn’t waste another minute on Ellie. Magdelena will have other offers. She’s quite a catch with her beauty and charm.”
Daed halted the horse in front of the haus. “What a pleasant evening. I really enjoyed myself.” He grinned. “Why don’t you both go in and get settled. I’ll take care of putting the mare in the barn.”
“I’ll help you.” Joel got out.
“Nah. I’m sure you’re anxious to have some time to yourself. I can handle it.”
Mamm stepped out of the buggy and headed for the haus. “I’m going in before I catch a cold.”
Joel waited for Mamm to go inside and shut the door behind her. “Danki for everything you did for me tonight.”
Daed winked. “I’m proud of you. You handled yourself well. And we men have to stick together, right?
“Jah, but you go the extra mile to help me out. Your support means a lot.”
“I enjoyed our visit with the Beachy family, but I didn’t approve of Mamm pushing you in Magdelena’s direction without your consent.”
“She means well, but she’s ruthless in her attempt to steer me away from Ellie.”
“Ignore her. She’s in a hurry for you to get married and have kinner.”
Joel laughed. “She’s relentless.”
“Of course. She can’t help herself.” Daed gave him a rueful grin. “Go inside. I’ll be in soon.”
He nodded, went inside, and hurried to his room, hoping to avoid Mamm. He didn’t run into her. She must be in her room or the kitchen. He slumped in his bedroom chair. He didn’t know how to get across to Mamm to stop interfering in his life. He was glad he’d gone to the Beachys’. Magdelena had made good points about Ellie. He’d been foolish to judge her. He’d talk to her tomorrow and make things right.
Chapter Eight
Ellie cleared everything from the counter. She swiped the glass shelves with a damp rag and then dried them with a dry towel on this quiet Tuesday morning. She refilled the shelves again with the day-old pastries, tarts, and Liza’s famous molasses cookies. She’d offer them for a reduced price. Since the last time she’d seen Joel, the days had dragged by slower than dripping molasses in January. She wished they’d had a service this past Sunday so she could at least have found an excuse to ask how he was doing.
She’d been foolish to sit on the porch and hope he’d tell her and show her that she was the only woman for him. Her stance on his negative reaction to her news shifted back and forth like a clock pendulum from sad to angry and back again. She wasn’t surprised to once again suffer the consequences of her behavior. Her story was hard for any Amish man or woman to hear and accept, considering she’d outdone herself on disobeying most of what she’d been taught. Anger fired in her stomach. He should forgive her and love her enough to trust her. She slumped her shoulders. Sadness eased out the anger as she reminded herself she’d waited too long to reveal what she knew he would find repulsive, or worse, unforgiveable.
She’d take him back in a moment, but each day he didn’t contact her, her hope waned. She heaved a sigh. There was also the problem of his mamm’s rejection of her. Even if Joel could put what she told him about her past behind him, God would have to perform a miracle before Mrs. Wenger would agree to them planning a future together. She’d caused enough damage to her family and disregarded God’s will for her life too often to make the mistake twice. She wouldn’t marry any man without his family’s blessing. It was asking for trouble.
She popped her head in the kitchen. “Liza and Hannah, are there any new goodies to add to the shelves today?”
Hannah held up a big metal bowl. “I’m experimenting with adding blueberry jam to butter cookies.”
“Interesting combination. I’ll be anxious to sample your new creation.”
Liza picked up her rolling pin. “I’m mixing peaches and cherries together for a pie. It’s a good thing we canned a lot of fruit.”
“Those will sell fast. Put one aside to take home.”
“Good idea. I have enough fruit to make eight.” Liza rolled the large wooden pin back and forth.
“Good morning, Ellie. Do you have some hot coffee for us?” The sheriff slid the paper from under his arm.
“I sure do. I didn’t hear you kumme in. How are you both today?”
Dr. Harrison accepted a portion of the pages from the sheriff. “My knees are sore, but overall, I’m in good shape.”
The sheriff gasped. “President Roosevelt was shot yesterday!”
“What? Where?” Dr. Harrison peered over his friend’s shoulder at the article.
Ellie stopped to listen.
“Says here President Roosevelt was on his campaign trail greeting attendees in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when a saloonkeeper, John Schrank, shot him at close range.”
Ellie gulped. “What’s his condition? Is he in the hospital?”
The sheriff wrinkled his nose and pulled the paper closer. “Pages of his speech and a glasses case slowed the force of the bullet and saved his life. He went ahead and gave his speech and went to the hospital after he was finished. They’re calling his injury a flesh wound.”
Dr. Harrison shook his head. “Why did the man shoot him?”
“He didn’t approve of Roosevelt running for a third term.”
“What a silly reason to pull a gun.” Dr. Harrison harrumphed.
Ellie finished wiping the counter. “Maybe he’s touched in the head.”
“You’re right.” The sheriff read on. “The paper is reporting he’s mentally ill. He’ll probably end up in the mental institution.”
Ellie straightened two chairs and Abigail’s face came to mind. She was glad her encounters with the disturbed girl hadn’t been violent like President Roosevelt’s encounter with the saloonkeeper who shot him. What a relief the bullet was slowed by the glasses case and papers. He could’ve been killed. Her daed had kumme much too close to something like that when Mr. Phillips shot him and grazed his shoulder. People could surprise you, and not in a good way. She was glad the president survived.
Dr. Harrison and the sheriff finished their coffee and food and left for work. Ellie watched the door each time it opened. No sign of Joel. She couldn’t help it. She wanted him to burst into the bakery and declare her past didn’t matter and he couldn’t imagine his life without her. Almost a week had gone by without a word from him. Was he thinking about her? Did his heart hurt like hers? Or was he set on letting her go for good? She’d have to talk to him soon. She couldn’t let him go without an attempt to reconcile.
Hannah skipped to her, holding a pastry. “Try this.”
Ellie tore off a piece and plopped it in her mouth. “Blueberry and strawberry filling with lots of sugar?”
Liza poked her head in. “And a bit of lemon and maple syrup.”
“I love it!” Ellie tore off another piece and set it on her tongue.
Hannah smiled. “Liza and I made them together.”
Liza shrugged. “Our customers will be the true test. Here’s a plateful to put in the case, Ellie.”
Ellie accepted the plate and bent to place it on the glass shelf. “Let’s call them red and blue tartlets, shall we? I’m sure they’ll be a new favorite.”
Hannah approached Ellie. “What a wonderful idea!” She untied her apron and put on her thick cape. “Do you mind if Liza and I go to the general store? They got in a new shipment of small, medium, and large wooden spoons, and I’d like to show them to Liza. We could use some n
ew ones in the kitchen.”
“Good idea. Sure, go ahead.”
Liza and Hannah bundled up in their capes, bid her farewell, and left.
The door swung open, and Ellie gasped. “Bill Phillips, what a nice surprise! How are you?”
He picked her up and twirled her around.
Dizzy, she laughed. Then froze. Joel. When had he kumme in? His timing couldn’t have been worse. “Bill, please put me down.”
Joel, red-faced, bristled, and slammed the door.
“Bill, I’ll be right back.” She hurried outside and searched. Where did he go so fast? He’d probably never speak to her again. She’d have to find him and explain later. She had a store to run and a friend to talk to. Hands on hips, she glanced in both directions and then went back inside the bakery.
“The man left in a huff. A friend of yours?”
“Joel is his name. Until last week, I had hoped he and I were developing our friendship into something more serious.”
“I can explain to him this was harmless.” He brushed her fingers with his. “Although I’ve missed you, and I did stop in to find out if I had a chance with you.”
“You’re a good friend, Bill.” She folded her hands behind her. “But I’m committed to the Amish life in Charm, and this is where I will stay. I love being back with my family and friends. The Englisch life isn’t for me.”
He smiled. “I understand. Would you like me to meet Joel and explain? I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
She threw up her hands. “I’m not sure what to do. I appreciate your offer, but I’ll tell him our meeting here today was innocent. I’m hoping he’ll understand. I told him a few days ago about my time in the outside world with you and your aunt and uncle. He was shocked, and he hasn’t spoken to me since then. This didn’t help matters.”
“I’m sorry, Ellie.”
“You didn’t mean any harm. Enough about me. How are you and your family?”
Bill had been patient and good to her. His aunt had been instrumental in helping her heal during her stay with Bill and his relatives. His aunt helped her sort out her confusion and supported her decision to go home to Charm.
“Mother and my aunt and uncle are doing fine. Mother and I live in the house behind theirs, and we’re happy we’re near them. Mother’s been altering clothes and making dresses for the women in the community.”
“Has your daed written to you? I’ve been praying he’d have a change of heart.”
“He’s written Mother and me several times from prison.” He grinned. “He said he’s had time to reflect on his life, and he isn’t proud of his actions. He’s asked us for forgiveness.”
She believed God could work a miracle in Mr. Phillips’s life, and she was happy for their family. Mrs. Phillips had lived with his bad temperament a long time. She could understand if the woman might not believe him. “Is your mamm skeptical of him?”
“Yes, but the more he writes to us and shows his emotions, the more she believes him. We wouldn’t move in with him again right away, but we might permit him to visit us when he gets out. He could get released early for good behavior and showing remorse. I plan to stay in our house on my aunt and uncle’s property. There’s enough work for both of us to make a good living, and I’m content there.” He winked. “I’d be happier if you’d agreed to consider me a suitor.”
She blushed. “I’m sorry, Bill. You’re a good man, but my place is here with my Amish community and family.”
“I understand.” He grinned. “The sweet, sugary aroma of this place makes me hungry.”He eyed the desserts displayed on the glass shelves.
She rounded the counter and selected pastries and an assortment of cookies, packaged them, and handed them to him. “These are yours free of charge. Give your family hugs for me.”
He lingered at the door in silence for a moment. “I wish you the very best, Ellie.”
She smiled and watched him shut the door behind him. Bill had been a good friend, and if she hadn’t met his aunt, she might have stayed in the outside world longer and gotten into more trouble before she listened to God. Bill would make any woman a wonderful husband in every way, just not her. She had her sights set on Joel. What could she say to Joel to assure him Bill’s swinging her around with such familiarity had been harmless? She groaned. The shocked expression on his face and picturing what she and Bill must have looked like to him put her nerves on edge. He might refuse to give her a chance to explain.
What if customers had kumme into the bakery? His picking her up had surprised her and made her laugh. She’d been flustered and it was over in a matter of seconds. She hadn’t thought fast enough to tell him to put her down right away. Lesson learned. She’d be more careful if Bill ever came in again, but she sensed his good-bye was final this time.
Hannah came inside and opened her package. “Look at this dark blue fabric I found on sale for half price.” She held it up to her cheek. “The material is soft.”
Liza nodded. “I bought two large wooden spoons to replace our cracked ones.” She held them up, then stuffed them back in the bag. “Ellie, you’re not listening to us. What’s on your mind?”
Hannah took a step closer to her friend. “Jah, Ellie, did something happen while we were gone?”
Ellie told them about Bill and Joel.
Hannah gasped and put a hand to her mouth. “Oh dear!”
“I should’ve told Bill to set me on my feet right away, but he caught me off guard. His visit was a surprise. I didn’t react the way I should’ve. For a second, I stepped back with him to the outside world.”
Liza brushed Ellie’s cheek with the back of her fingers. “Sweetheart, did Bill swing you around often to surprise you when you stayed at his aunt and uncle’s?”
Ellie shook her head. “Nah. This was the first time.” She shrugged. “Englischers are more carefree with their harmless touching as male and female friends. Such as a hug or pat on the shoulder or holding hands for a moment. Bill didn’t do those things, but Jane explained she had male friends who greeted her with a hug.” She let out a regretful sigh. “I realize it’s not proper anywhere, but he whisked me up in his arms fast. I should’ve protested.”
Liza tucked her bag of spoons under her arm. “You can’t change what’s happened, but you can attempt to repair the damage with Joel. Go to his home after work. Pull him aside and tell him the truth.”
“Liza’s right. You should explain to him about Bill’s visit as soon as possible. We’ll take care of the customers.”
“Danki to you both.” She untied her apron and hung it on the wooden hook. “I’ll meet you at home, Liza. Hannah, I’ll tell you what happens in the morning.”
Liza grabbed Ellie’s hand. “Let’s pray before you go.”
They held hands.
Liza bowed her head. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for anything we’ve said or done that is not pleasing to you. Give Ellie the right words to explain herself to Joel to mend this misunderstanding and for both of them to be at peace. If your plan is for them to be together, please give Joel the assurance Ellie is the right woman for him and open his mamm’s heart to accept and wilkom Ellie into their family. Amen.”
Ellie dabbed her damp eyes with the pads of her slender fingers. “I’m blessed to have such a loving family and friends who love and support me. Here I go. I’m shaking I’m so nervous.”
“You’ll do fine. No matter the outcome, you need to do this for your sake.” Hannah stepped behind the counter and tied her apron on.
Ellie waved at them, crossed the road to the livery to pick up her horse and buggy, and headed to Joel’s. Her hands shook as she held the reins. Would he talk to her? Maybe he would be outside and she wouldn’t have to speak to his mamm. The woman might answer the door and refuse to tell Joel she was there. She scooted back on the bench and sat up straighter. She could do this.
Arriving at Joel’s haus, she gulped. Her heart pounded in her chest. Joel. Handsome as ever, staring right at
her. She hurried to get down.
He took long strides to her. “Ellie, what are you doing here?”
She held the reins and waited. He didn’t take them from her. She hurried to tie them to the hitching post. “Please, Joel. Give me five minutes to explain.”
His lips pinched in a grim line and his arms crossed, he glared at her. “What is there to explain? You were in a man’s arms while you laughed. Very inappropriate for an Amish girl. The Ellie I thought I knew would never do such a thing. Nah, you don’t have anything to say I need to listen to.” He swiveled away from her.
She touched his arm. “I’m in love with you and only you. Bill, the Englischer I told you about in my past, a good man who remained a friend, came in and lifted me off my feet before I could utter a word. He meant no harm and neither did I. I should’ve told him to put me down right away, but he took me by surprise. I told him about you, and that I am here to stay. Please, Joel, understand the act was innocent. I wouldn’t let it happen again, given how it looks.”
“Ellie, how would you have reacted had you found me in the same predicament?”
She bowed her head. “Startled and upset. But if you explained, as I’m doing, I would’ve understood.”
He took off his hat and raked fingers through his thick sandy-blond hair. “You don’t mind your actions, and I can’t be with a woman who doesn’t respect me enough to consider me when she’s out in public. Had Leah’s mamm walked in on you and Bill, she would have spread the news all over town in five minutes. I don’t want to damage my family or friendships with someone who doesn’t value them or the Amish life like I do.”
She had a glimmer of hope. Joel hadn’t disputed her explanation about Bill, but he was upset about their greeting he witnessed. She noticed his face had softened when she’d said she loved him. He’d turned and given her his full attention again, instead of walking away from her.
“Joel, I’ve made mistakes. Today, I made another one, pushing you farther away from me. I pray you’ll believe I’m sincere in staying here and hopefully building a future with you. I am the woman who will honor you, respect you, and make you happy. I’m willing to do my best to show your mamm all of this too.”