by Molly Jebber
“Does this mean the wedding is back on?”
“Yes, the wedding is back on, if your bruder will have me.”
Shem joined them a couple of minutes later, and Betsy lifted her arms to him. “Pop, Pop.”
Shem lifted her out of the playpen and hugged her. “You are precious.” He rocked Betsy in his arms. “You’re both smiling. This talk must’ve gone much better than the previous one. I’m glad.” He lifted his brows. “I don’t suppose the bishop’s message had anything to do with it?”
“Did you speak to him about me?” She motioned for them to sit.
“No. When God speaks to us through a message, we assume it’s just for us. I would surmise others in the service benefited from it as well.” Shem patted her hand.
Gabe winked at Betsy. “I’ll be your uncle in a couple of months. What do you think about it?”
Betsy wiggled in Daed’s arms and clapped her chubby little hands. He set her back in the playpen.
She plopped down and stacked her blocks.
“Is it true?” Shem smiled.
Maryann nodded.
“I’m happy you came. Danki, Gabe, for intervening. You’re a good man.” Shem patted his arm.
“Are you heading back to Millersburg in the early morning?” Maryann relaxed.
“Yes. I’ll have breakfast with Toby and then leave.”
Maryann tilted her head. “I’ve enjoyed our time together. I look forward to more like these.”
He had shown how much he loved his bruder by kumming to Charm and pleading Andrew’s case. She loved his devotion to Andrew. She’d look forward to talking with him more.
Shem gazed at him with a wide smile. “Now I will gain two good men in the family soon.”
“Do I have your permission to tell Andrew you’ve changed your mind when I return to Millersburg, or should I annoy him until he visits you again in Charm?” He grinned.
“I’m anxious for him to know. You tell him as soon as you are back in Millersburg. I would like him to kumme to Charm in April as planned. I’d go with you, but it would be easier if Andrew came here, since I have Betsy. Is it possible, with regard to your uncle and the store?”
Shem put his hand on her arm. “I’m sure the bishop would shorten the counseling sessions and still marry you on May fourteenth, given his uncle’s condition.”
Gabe waved a hand. “I can take care of the store and my uncle while Andrew kummes to Charm to marry you. You’ll love Aunt Dora and Uncle Luke. They have plenty of room in their big haus for you and Betsy until you and Andrew have time to sell his place and buy one in Millersburg.”
She didn’t miss the moment of sadness in Daed’s eyes. She’d miss him, too. She considered Andrew. Would he be thrilled, or have misgivings about the way she’d treated him and doubted his integrity? Andrew didn’t know Gabe had kumme to fix things between them. What if Gabe didn’t realize Andrew had changed his mind about her through all of this? She shuddered. “I’ll be happy to move to Millersburg.” She squeezed Daed’s wrist. “I’ll miss you. We’ll visit.”
“I’m thrilled for you. You’ve done a good thing, Gabe, bringing these two back together.” Shem nodded.
“I have no doubt Andrew will be elated. I am, too.” He gave her a mischievous grin. “I’m not sure I could’ve kept that secret.”
They chuckled.
“How is your uncle’s health?” Maryann asked.
“My uncle is a bag of bones. His hands tremble when he holds anything. He won’t eat. I’m not sure how long he’ll last. I’m glad I’ve gotten some time with him. He’s always been wonderful to Andrew and me.”
“I’m sure your uncle is thrilled to have you with him. Andrew, too.” She rose. “I’ll be right back.” She padded to the kitchen, warmed coffee, and poured it into three mugs. She unwrapped ham and cheese slices and put ginger cookies on a plate, added folded cloth napkins and small plates, and set it all on a tray. She carried it to the living room. They each took a small plate and filled it. She left again and returned with the mugs of coffee on another tray.
Shem sipped his coffee. “Tell us about the furniture store in Millersburg.”
“I can’t resist.” Gabe patted his stomach. “You’re determined to make me gain some weight I don’t need. I love the store. I’m fortunate Uncle Luke gave it over to Andrew and he’s hired me. I’m anxious to learn everything about it. I love creating furniture, and being with family again makes my heart happy.”
“What did you do for a living while you lived in the outside world?” Maryann brushed crumbs from her lap.
“I worked in furniture stores. I don’t consider building pieces work. It’s more like a hobby. Getting paid for doing it is a blessing.” Gabe set his mug on the end table.
“Did you meet a girl of interest while you were away or since you’ve been home?” Maryann smiled.
“I did. I fell in love, but, in the end, she chose another man who had more money. I would like to marry and have kinner someday.” Gabe picked up his mug and took another sip of coffee.
Betsy lay asleep in her playpen, her doll tucked under her little arm.
Shem had his head back against the chair, mouth open, eyes shut. He let out a snore.
Gabe and Maryann grinned.
Maryann shared stories with Gabe about the bakery, customers, friends and family, until time to go to bed. “Danki, Gabe, for kumming. You’ve changed my life for the better, and I’ll not forget it. I’ve enjoyed our conversation, and I look forward to more.”
“Already we’ve made memories, and we have a lot to look forward to. I should get back to Andrew’s place and get some shut-eye before I have to travel tomorrow.” He followed her to the door, kissed Betsy on the forehead, and bid them good night.
She woke Daed. “Time to go to bed.”
He startled and roused. “Did Gabe leave?”
“Yes. He needs a good night’s rest for traveling tomorrow.”
Shem nodded. “Good night, sweet dochder.”
“Good night, Daed.”
He padded down the hall to his bedroom.
Then she carried Betsy to bed. She went to her room, and her heart soared. God had worked a miracle for her at the church service today and blessed her with a message and a new family member. She’d be a bride on May fourteenth. She couldn’t wait to feast her eyes on Andrew soon. Today had been a remarkable one. One she would never forget. She prayed Andrew would be as elated as she was.
* * *
Andrew worked in the workshop with Matt Monday morning. How long would Gabe be gone? He didn’t want his bruder to settle old debts or revisit his past for any reason. He should’ve inquired more about what he had to do. What did he travel for? He’d worried about Gabe’s whereabouts and safety for a long time. Having him home had been such a relief. Now, he was back to wondering if Gabe was all right.
Matt clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You upset about Maryann? You’ve been staring out the window for a good minute or two. Is there anything I can do?”
“It’s Gabe. He wouldn’t tell me where he was off to or why. I could’ve gone with him. I’m frustrated I didn’t insist on it.” He’d been consumed with his problems with Maryann, but he didn’t doubt Gabe would return. He wasn’t sure if Gabe would be detained or hurt if he was settling an old gambling debt, trying to right his wrongs.
“We could go look for him.” Matt put his hands on his hips.
“He didn’t say where he was going. I’m sure he’ll be home soon.” Andrew picked up a piece of sandpaper. “Danki for offering, friend.”
“Sure.”
James poked his head in the door. “Lena brought sandwiches.” He handed them each one.
“Does she have any available friends?” Matt chuckled. “She takes good care of you. Feeds you and made you a shirt. Have you missed a day where you and she haven’t been together?”
James beamed. “No, and my boys like her. She’s been to my haus each day while I’ve been at work. She
spoils the boys with cooking food for them and doing their household chores. She’s cleaned, done laundry, and had supper ready when I kumme home. Is it too early to propose?”
Andrew choked on the bite of sandwich he’d taken, took a swig of water, and swallowed. “What! You’ve known her for a couple of weeks. You need more time.”
Matt shrugged. “Love at first sight isn’t a crime. Sounds like you and she are meant for each other. Ask her. If she doesn’t need more time, then why not get married?”
“I’m not sure this is wise advice.” Andrew stared at James.
Matt waved a forefinger at him. “You told me you didn’t wait long to propose to Maryann.”
Andrew moved his head from side to side. He’d had a deep connection he couldn’t explain the moment he met her, and he’d never doubted she was the perfect girl for him. He’d give anything if he and she could plan for a future again. “Matt’s got a point. You should go where your heart leads you.”
“Danki. I’ll talk to the boys tonight.” James ducked his head back and out of sight.
“I’m jealous and happy for James.” Andrew pictured Maryann and Betsy and his heart sank.
* * *
At closing time, Gabe hurried into the store and rushed into the workshop. “Andrew, I’ve got to talk to you!”
Andrew’s heart thumped fast. “What is it? Are you in trouble? Are you all right?” Andrew put a hand on Gabe’s back. Relief washed through him. It had passed through his mind he wouldn’t know where to find his bruder if he’d gone missing for days or weeks.
Matt stood next to Andrew. “Tell us whatever it is. We’ll help you.”
“No. I’m fine. I’m not in trouble or hurt. I went to Charm.” Gabe dragged over a stool and sat.
“What! Why?”
“To talk to Maryann.”
Matt whistled. “Without your bruder’s permission?”
“Yes, if I said anything, he may have tried to stop me. It’s partially my fault you and Maryann are apart, Andrew. I owed it to you to try and fix it.”
“No. It’s not your fault. You don’t owe me a thing. What did you say? What did she say?” His stomach clenched. Had Gabe angered Maryann? This might have made their situation worse.
“She was as miserable as you. We visited each day I was there, and we had a pleasant time together. I met your friends and the rest of her family at the Sunday service. Ellie is a stitch. She’s direct, funny, and outspoken. She doesn’t hold back. She shot questions at me and didn’t take a breath. She then showed her softer side, telling how much she cares for you and Maryann. I do like her.”
“I’m glad you met my friends in Charm. Please, though, tell me about Maryann. How was she when you left?”
“Your wedding is back on. The bishop’s message at the Sunday service had pricked her heart, and all our prayers have been answered. She gave me her blessing to tell you she’ll marry you and move to Millersburg!”
Andrew dropped his jaw. “Did she say she’d marry me?”
Gabe nodded.
“What great news!” Matt exclaimed.
“I’ve got to go to her. Gabe, how did you do it?” Andrew’s mind raced with questions of what to do next.
“With God’s intervention, a well-delivered message from the bishop, and a reminder of your stellar traits, she searched her heart and really forgave you. She realizes the cost is too great to not give you another chance. She doesn’t want a future without you.”
“Danki for talking to her. I can’t believe it. This is amazing news.”
James snuck in the room.
They jerked when he spoke.
“What’s going on back here? Gabe, where have you been?”
Gabe recounted his story to James.
“Congratulations, Andrew!” James grinned.
Matt chuckled. “Gabe, you and I better get busy. Everybody’s getting married but us.”
“Lena’s got friends. I’ll ask her to introduce you.” James’s eyes twinkled.
“Just kidding, James. I prefer to keep an eye out for the right one on my own.”
“Me too.” Gabe cocked his head. “Who else is getting married?”
James put a finger to his lips. “Don’t say anything. I’ve got to talk to the boys first. I’m planning to propose to Lena soon.”
“Are you out of your mind? Didn’t you say you’d met her two weeks ago?” Gabe’s eyes widened.
“That’s what I said.” Andrew threw up his hands.
“I told him if he’s sure she’s the one for him, I support his decision.” Matt chewed on a toothpick.
“I might be asking her too soon, but I don’t care. She’s different from my first fraa, but I like her quirks and decisive attitude. I made all the decisions in my first marriage, and I’m not opposed to having a partner who shares her opinion on matters. She’s smart, funny, and not as serious as she portrays. We got sleds out of the barn, and she joined right in. We all laughed and had a lot of fun together.”
“You are smitten, my friend. It’s all over your face,” Matt said.
They laughed.
“A double wedding might be in order,” Gabe teased.
“Lena would insist on her own day, I’m certain,” James said. “Please don’t take offense, but I prefer it that way, too.”
“Gabe’s jesting with you. You should have your own day, and I prefer for Maryann and me to have the same. That sounds good. I was afraid it wasn’t ever going to happen. I’ve got a lot to do before I go to Charm. Do you men mind managing the store for April and part of May? I’d like it if you’d close the store for a couple of days and attend our wedding on May fourteenth.” He would miss having his friends and Gabe there. Maybe he shouldn’t expect it with his uncle being sick. Someone should stay back.
“I’d love to attend.” Gabe bit his bottom lip. “I may need to stay in Millersburg. Uncle Luke and Aunt Dora may need me.”
“I’ll be there, unless you need me here.” Matt grinned.
“I’d love to go to the wedding. But I will stay in Millersburg if you need me.” James clapped a hand on Andrew’s shoulder.
“Matt and James, we’d love to have you. Gabe, we’ll assess how Uncle Luke is doing and then decide.”
Gabe rose. “Time to call it a day, isn’t it? I’m tired from the drive home.”
Andrew said farewell to Matt and James and followed Gabe home. “I’ll take care of the horses. You go inside. They’ll be glad you’re home safe. We’ll tell them the wedding is back on, and I’ll leave early in the morning to go to Maryann. I’ll stay a day or two and then return and go back to Charm in April. I can’t wait to celebrate with her.”
Gabe nodded, handed him the reins, and strolled across the yard to go inside the haus.
Andrew finished securing the horses in the barn, and then he went inside. He glanced at Aunt Dora and Gabe visiting in the kitchen. He bent to greet Uncle Luke. Something wasn’t right. Uncle Luke’s lifeless eyes were wide open. His skin was gray, his head drooped, and his jaw was slack. He checked his uncle’s pulse. No sign of life. His uncle had died. It couldn’t have been long. The room was semi-dark, with the small fire in the fireplace providing a dim light. Aunt Dora and Gabe must’ve assumed their uncle was asleep. His heart sank. “Gabe, Aunt Dora, please kumme to the living room.”
Aunt Dora hurried in with Gabe. “Your bruder told me the wedding is back on. I’m so happy for you!” She looked at Andrew and then to her husband. Her smile vanished, and she rushed to Uncle Luke. She knelt on the floor, laid her head in Uncle Luke’s lap, and wept. “Oh no! He’s gone.”
Gabe wrapped his arms around her. “He’s in Heaven singing with the angels.” His voice cracked. “And in no more pain.”
Andrew let tears drip onto his cheeks. He sat in the chair close to them. He was grateful for the time he and Gabe had had with their uncle. It’d been apparent Uncle Luke had been on death’s door last week. He’d struggled to move at all. He’d noticed the grimaces and wince
s as he’d sat in his chair throughout the evening, and he’d assumed it was pain. His uncle’s suffering had ended, and he had moved to his home in Heaven. He’d miss him.
Minutes later, Gabe helped Dora to her feet and to a chair.
Aunt Dora dabbed her face with a thin, worn handkerchief. “I had a good life with your uncle. I’ll miss him each day for the rest of my time on earth. It’s like half of me went with him. We were best friends, soul mates, and very much in love.” She wiped her wet eyes. “I don’t want to prolong the services. Your uncle said it should be a celebration when he went to his home in Heaven. I agree, but I’ll still wear black, and I’ll dress him in white to follow Amish tradition.” She stared at her husband.
Gabe’s lips quivered. “I’m grateful for the time I had with him.” He rose. “I built a pine box for this occasion while you were in Charm the first time, Andrew. I sensed it was kumming. I have it covered up in the barn. I’ll bring it inside when you’re ready, Aunt Dora.”
Aunt Dora squeezed his hand and nodded.
Andrew gasped. “What a thoughtful thing to do.” He’d been reminded of Gabe’s compassionate heart since he’d returned. His bruder kept showing him how he’d matured.
“You and he have set a perfect example for Gabe and me.” Andrew gazed at his aunt with loving eyes.
“We had such a good life together. I pray you boys will share the same happiness with your fraas. Andrew, I’m happy for you. I’m glad things have worked out with Maryann.” She grabbed his hand. “I’m thankful you and Gabe were with us before he passed. We have enjoyed you both so much.”
Aunt Dora knelt again by her husband. “You boys living in this haus will make this easier for me. I’d rattle around in this haus not knowing what to do with myself.” She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, got up, and pulled a drawer out of the desk in the corner. She handed Andrew papers. “He signed the store legally over to you a week ago. He told me to make sure I gave you this when he passed.”