by Ruth Reid
“He’s still very torn up about his bruder’s death. He won’t want anything to do with me. I can’t blame him. It’d be impossible for anyone.” Except for Ephraim, who needed someone to care for his children.
“Caleb is nothing like Peter. Tell him.”
Jonica nodded. Her friend was right, especially now that Caleb had kissed her. She couldn’t withhold that information. But how did one begin that type of conversation? She’d been ashamed of her waywardness and had worried about what others thought of her for so long, it’d become normal. But Caleb had treated her different. He’d shown respect and hadn’t even asked about Stephen’s father—why?
* * *
It’d been a week since Caleb had seen Jonica—a week since she’d received the letter from the man who wanted to marry her. At first Caleb didn’t balk when his mother gave him a list of chores that kept his days and nights busy. He needed time to get his head together. He wasn’t the jealous type—until he thought her heart belonged to someone else. The conversation after their kiss repeated in his mind.
“I should have asked.”
“I would have said nay.” Her initial response had caught him off guard. When she added, “I’m glad you didn’t ask,” he believed her.
“Caleb.” His mother’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “You need to finish your pancakes. I need you to take your daed into town for his follow-up doktah’s appointment.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. “I won’t be able to catch him if he falls.”
Daed entered the kitchen grumbling that he’d heard her. “I’m nett going to fall.”
“Until the doktah says you’re strong enough, you need to accept help from others.” She turned back to Caleb. “You don’t have anything else to do today, do you?”
Only miscellaneous things you find for me to do.
Daed grunted putting on his boots. “I’m perfectly capable of driving mei own buggy.”
“I don’t mind,” Caleb said. “I have a few things to do in town anyway.”
“At Yoder’s Market?” Mamm’s brows arched, and there was no mistaking the smile. She wanted him to go to the market.
“Why do you ask?” If she needed something picked up, he’d stop at the Englisch grocery store.
“I thought you might be ready to accept Melvin’s job offer.”
It wasn’t just a job proposition, but something told him she was well aware of the arrangement. “Nay, I need to talk with Luke at the hardware store.” Caleb shoved the last bite of food in his mouth, washed it down with milk, then stood. “I’ll hitch the horse.”
He rushed out of the house before his mother pelted him with more questions. He planned to help them with the medical bills, but not by being strong-armed into marriage. Even if Jonica went back up north.
Daed ambled out of the house, leaning more on Mamm for support than what his father would admit. He was breathless and needed Caleb’s help to get onto the buggy bench.
“Are you coming, Mamm?” Caleb asked, surprised she’d turned back to the house.
“It’s only a checkup,” Daed said. “Your mamm has other things she needs to do.”
What “other things” were more important than going with her husband to his doktah’s appointment? His parents were acting odd.
“Don’t be late,” his mother said.
Caleb climbed into the buggy. “She’s acting strange.”
“The women’s sewing frolic location was moved to our haus. She has a lot to prepare before Friday.”
Caleb wasn’t sure what would need to be done between now and Friday, but something told him it would involve his help. “And you’re allrecht with a houseful of women while you’re still recovering?”
Daed stared straight ahead. “If it’s important to your mamm, it’s important to me.”
His father’s near-death experience must have changed him. Either that, or he was worried his heart would give out again.
“Watch the pothole,” Daed said.
Too late. Caleb didn’t veer the horse to the other side of the road in time and the wagon wheel came down hard, giving the buggy a jolt.
“That’s hard on the horse. Hard on the buggy. You could have damaged one of the wheels. You need to be more mindful of where you’re going.”
“Jah, I’ll try.” So much for believing his father had changed. “Just relax. You don’t want your blood pressure soaring.”
“How can I relax when you’re all over the road?”
Caleb allowed his mind to drift to a better place. Jonica had kissed him back. She responded. He pictured Stephen’s smile as he pointed to the pumpkin he’d selected. The more time he spent away from them, the more he missed them. Focusing his thoughts on Jonica and Stephen, Caleb was able to block out everything else. His father’s crankiness, his mother’s constant clinginess, his shattered family. The bishop and Melvin’s visit. The marriage arrangement. He had to see Jonica—today.
Pulling into the doctor’s office parking lot, all of the places were filled. He dropped Daed off at the front door, then looked for a spot in the back of the building to tie his mare.
Stabbing pain shot up Caleb’s leg as he lumbered toward the front of the building. The lobby was full of patients. Daed was standing at the front desk, jotting his name on the sign-in log. Caleb waited until he finished, then walked him to an empty seat, standing close by as he sat in case he needed assistance.
“Didn’t you say you had errands to run?” his father said the moment Caleb sat.
“It can wait.” His leg was hurting and the thought of walking to the back of the building again made him inwardly cringe.
“Nay,” Daed said. “Do what you have to do. No sense in both of us sitting in the lobby doing nothing.”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“It’s just a checkup.”
Caleb didn’t like leaving Daed alone, but he also didn’t want to agitate him more by staying. He scanned the room, counting to himself how many patients were waiting to be seen. “I’ll probably be back by the time your name is called.”
“Don’t rush. Take your time.”
Caleb left the office and climbed into his buggy, more confused than ever—until he passed Yoder’s Market on the way to the lumberyard. Then it hit him like a shovel to the head. His father must have thought he was going to the market to accept Melvin’s arrangement. To propose to Darleen.
“Lord, I need help. I need a job.” He pulled into the hardware/lumberyard, tied Nutmeg to the post, and went into the office, doing his best not to favor his leg.
“How’s it going, Caleb?” Luke stood from behind the desk and came around to the customer side of the counter of the small office.
“I’m gut. You?”
After a few minutes of small talk about the new county building codes, Luke asked, “What brings you in today?”
“I’m looking for a job. You know mei background in construction. I can be a help to you and your customers.”
“You would be a great asset. But you know how it is around here in the winter. Construction comes to a halt. People may do some minor indoor home improvements, but, for the most part, the lumber and building materials sit in storage.”
Caleb nodded. Even when he was in construction, he did very little during the winter.
“I can use you in the spring if you want to check back. I know that’s several months away, but”—he shrugged—“I barely keep the doors open during the winter as it is.”
“Thanks anyways.”
“If you want to post a handyman sign on the board, I could probably snag you a few customers. I’ll give you a good reference. With all the lumber and supplies you’ve purchased over the years, I’ve never heard one disgruntled customer of yours, and I hear it all. The people around here have only good things to say about your company.”
“Danki. I’ll keep the handyman idea in mind.” Caleb hung his head as he left the building. Disappointed in himself—in God. “You know how much I need
a job. If I posted a handyman sign, how would people get in touch with me without a phone or phone shanty in the district?”
He prayed for wisdom as he climbed into the buggy, then pulled out of the parking lot and prayed even harder as Yoder’s Market came into view. “Lord, I need help. Please, give me wisdom. I might have found happiness with Darleen had Jonica nett kumm back to town.”
A driver behind him wailed on his horn as Caleb waited for traffic to clear before he made the left-hand turn into the doctor’s office. He didn’t trust impatient drivers, especially ones who thought nothing of blowing their horns. Once the road was safe, he tapped the reins. He parked in the same spot and tied Nutmeg to the commercial-size trash container. The moment he set his foot on the ground, pain shot up his leg again. As a result of trying to disguise his limp at the lumber store, he’d inadvertently made it worse.
His father wasn’t sitting in the lobby. “I’m Abraham Schulmann’s sohn.”
“The nurse just took him back, sir,” the receptionist said. “I’ll buzz you in.”
Caleb waited for the door to unlock between the lobby and the hallway to the exam rooms, then waited to be directed to his father’s room.
“What happened to your leg?” one of the nurses asked.
“I got pinned between a herd of cattle and the fence. I think the fence won.”
She chuckled. “I guess that’s better than a bull.”
“Jah.” He probably wouldn’t be walking at all if one of the steers had stepped on him.
“I’m sure Dr. Mallory will take a look at it. How long ago did it happen?”
“A couple weeks ago. I injured mei leg the same day mei daed had a heart attack.”
“You shouldn’t still be limping. You might have a hairline fracture.”
Caleb shook his head. “I don’t want to hear that.”
She opened the first door on her right and flipped on the light.
Caleb hesitated. “This isn’t mei daed’s room.”
“You need to have your leg checked. I can tell by a person’s expression when they’re in pain. You’re hurting.” She motioned to the table. “Have a seat and I’ll let Dr. Mallory know you’re here.”
“I can’t afford this. Just take care of mei daed. I’ll be fine.”
“You don’t have to worry about your father. We’ll take care of him. But you need to let Dr. Mallory determine if you’re fine.” She smiled. “I happen to know Mrs. Mallory would like some flower boxes built. I’m guessing you can negotiate, and between you and me, her birthday is coming up.”
Caleb still hesitated. His leg was swollen and stiff, but he could get around.
“You can’t afford not to have your leg checked out. It could be something serious.”
* * *
A buggy pulled into the yard, and Jonica’s heart raced. She sped to the door expecting Caleb but was taken aback by his mother.
“Hiya, Jonica. May I kumm in?”
“Sure.” She stood aside and waited for Deborah Schulmann to pass. “I’ll let Aenti Edna know you’re here.”
“I’ve kumm to see you. Shall we sit somewhere?”
Jonica’s stomach dropped. Did she know about Stephen being Peter’s son? Surely Faith wouldn’t have said anything.
Jonica motioned to the kitchen. “I’ll put the kaffi pot on.”
Her secret would be discovered sooner or later. She just wished she’d been more prepared. Jonica led Deborah into the kitchen.
“I can’t stay long.” Looking around, Deborah’s gaze seemed to stop on Stephen’s pumpkin sitting on the counter. Her eyes narrowed.
Jonica pretended not to notice and busied herself preparing the coffeepot with fresh grounds.
“I’m nett sure if you’ve heard.” Deborah began the conversation. “The women are having a sewing frolic.”
Jonica breathed easier. Perhaps this was a friendly visit.
“Friday, from noon to three at mei place. Everyone is bringing a dish to pass.”
“Danki for letting us know.” She poured two mugs of coffee. “I’ll be sure to pass along the news to mei aenti.” She forced a smile as she placed Deborah’s mug and a spoon on the table.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been in town. Has it been four or five years?”
“Five and a half.” His mother was much harder than she’d remembered. Caleb had said that Peter’s death had changed his mamm and daed, and Jonica sympathized with their loss. Her parents’ deaths had changed her too.
Deborah added a spoonful of sugar and stirred the coffee. “A lot of things have changed.”
“I heard about Peter. I’m very sorry for your loss.”
Deborah’s stirring stopped. “I didn’t kumm here to talk about Peter.”
Jonica turned away from the table and disguised her relief in a cough.
“Caleb has the chance to become part owner of Yoder’s Market. It’s an opportunity he needs to . . . make the most of.”
Stephen zipped into the kitchen, his stuffed dog in his hand. “Can I have a kichlin?”
“Maybe later. We have a guest.”
Stephen faced Deborah. “Want to see mei horse?” Before she had a chance to answer, Stephen sidled up on the chair beside her. “See.”
“That’s a nice-looking horse you have.” Deborah shifted away from him.
Stephen tugged her dress sleeve. “Want to see mei wooden horse?”
“Stephen, sweetie, you’re being rude.” Jonica needed to come up with something to occupy him while Deborah was here. “I think Aenti Edna is looking for you.”
“Nope. She’s sleeping.”
“Maybe you should check on her.” Jonica popped up from the chair. “Here, take Aenti a kichlin.” She handed him two pumpkin-spice cookies.
“For me?”
Jonica held up one finger. “One for you and one for Aenti.”
“What about her?” He pointed to Deborah.
“Nay danki.” Deborah shook her head. “I don’t snack between meals.”
Stephen took the cookies and went into the sitting room.
“He doesn’t seem sick to me.” Deborah sipped her drink.
“He’s much better.”
“What exactly is wrong with him? I heard it has something to do with his blood.”
“He has von Willebrand disease.” If she thought Deborah was concerned, she would share more about the condition, but she seemed disinterested, which was ironically uplifting. But if this visit had nothing to do with Peter and nothing to do with Stephen, then why was she here?
“He has a doktah’s appointment at the same time as the sewing frolic, so I don’t think I’ll make it to the get-together.”
Deborah smiled as she took another sip. “As I was saying, as part owner of the market, Caleb can do well.”
Stephen zoomed back into the kitchen, startling Deborah and making her spill some of her coffee.
“Stephen, stop running in the haus.” Jonica stood to get the dishrag.
“This is Nutmeg.” Stephen climbed up beside Deborah and held up his wooden horse.
The older woman’s brows quirked. “What’s his name?”
“Nutmeg. Like Caleb’s horse. Only mine is a bu horse.” He trotted the horse on the table, making neighing sounds that sprayed spit everywhere.
Jonica wiped up the mess. “I apologize. He’s nett always this way.”
“Nothing a stern hand couldn’t correct.”
Deborah’s singsong tone didn’t fool Jonica. It was a dig at her parenting ability.
“I don’t suppose he has a daed to—”
“I will have,” Stephen interrupted. “Mr. Jordan said so.”
Deborah’s brows rose to a new height, and she shifted in her chair to face Stephen. “Is this Mr. Jordan going to be your daed?”
“Nay, silly. He’s an engel.”
“He’s nett an engel. He’s an Englischer.” Jonica walked around the table and picked Stephen up from his chair. “It’s time for your
nap.” She carried him to the staircase, then lowered him onto the first step. “I’ll be up in a minute.”
“Your sohn has quite the imagination.”
“Sometimes he does.” Though calling Mr. Jordan an angel was new to her. She’d have a talk with Stephen about that once they were alone. “As for Caleb, if he wants to become a store owner, I’m happy for him.”
Deborah smiled. “I’m pleased to hear that you support Caleb’s decision to marry Darleen Yoder. She is a gut match for him.”
Chapter 28
“Tell me that again,” Caleb said, not fully following Dr. Mallory’s explanation. “Mei muscles are bleeding?”
“You have a muscle tear, which has damaged some of the surrounding tissue and vessels. I believe the damaged vessels are bleeding into the muscle and is what’s causing the extensive bruising, swelling, and pain.”
Caleb raked his fingers through his hair. “Why do you think I have a bleeding disorder?”
“You have the same signs and symptoms as someone with von Willebrand disease. Same as Stephen, the child you brought in to see me. There are different types of von Willebrand and not everyone responds the same. That’s why the blood tests to determine how much clotting factor you have are important.”
Caleb tried to remember what Jonica had said about the disorder. Knowing Stephen could live an active life was all that had mattered at the moment. He couldn’t wrap his mind around it all. “And I’ve got this disease, how?”
“The condition is inherited, which means your siblings have a high likelihood of also having the disease. You need to make family members aware. Many people don’t know they have a problem until they have a problem like you and Stephen. Had your leg injury been an open wound, you might have bled to death.”
Caleb shook his head. Nothing the doctor was saying made sense. He pointed to his leg. “This is from falling off a horse and being nearly trampled by a herd of cattle. Besides, it wasn’t like I cut myself and couldn’t stop the bleeding. I didn’t bleed. At all. Wouldn’t this type of injury, bruised ribs, muscle tear, be expected?”
“The injury makes sense, but the amount of swelling and bruising is another thing. You’ll need to see a blood specialist and a surgeon. And like your son, you’ll have to take a lot of precautions from now on.”