Room on the Porch Swing

by Amy Clipston

  “Oh.” Her eyes widened. “Danki.”

  “I was wondering if you’d come over for supper tonight. Mei mamm is making roast beef, and she baked a couple of lemon meringue pies.” His expression turned hopeful. “I can pick you up at five. Allen’s haus is on the way to mine, so it’s not a problem to stop here.”

  “I appreciate the invitation, but I can’t tonight. Maybe another night?”

  “Why can’t you come tonight?” His eyes searched hers.

  “I promised Allen I’d stay overnight so he can get some sleep.”

  “You’re staying overnight here?” He pointed to the porch floor.

  “Ya.” Her shoulders tensed as his expression clouded with a frown.

  “Why?”

  “I told you. Allen hasn’t had much sleep for the past two weeks. Mollie has been up screaming every night. He rocks her for hours, but she won’t let him put her back into her crib.”

  “What do you mean she won’t let him put her back into the crib?”

  “She cries inconsolably when he tries, so he has to rock her all night. I offered to stay over.” When his lips flattened into a thin line, words tumbled out of her mouth at a quick clip. “I can sleep in her room with her, and I’ll rock her if she gets upset.” She pointed to the shop. “He can’t possibly work on an hour of sleep. He could get hurt if he slips with a tool.”

  Rudy’s jaw tensed. “How many nights are you going to stay here?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “It depends on how long she keeps waking up in the night. Right now I’m just focused on helping them. Irma Mae was a tremendous help to my family when we lost mei mamm, and I want to do the same for her and her family. Besides, Mollie is like mei bruderskind, and I’ll do anything for her.”

  “So when will I get to spend time with you?”

  “I don’t know.” She forced a smile. “How about Sunday? We can visit after church.”

  He nodded, but his expression remained clouded. Maybe he was angry that he had to wait until Sunday to see her. But if so, what was the source of this sudden need to spend more time with her?

  “Today is Wednesday, so that’s only a few days away. Will that work for you?”

  “Sure.” He shrugged, but his expression hardened.

  When a cry sounded from inside the house, she jumped up. “I need to get Mollie. She’s going to wake up Allen.”

  She hurried into the house before Rudy could respond. Mollie was standing up in the play yard, jumping up and down and crying.

  “Hi, Mollie. I’m here.” She lifted the baby into her arms, and when she instantly calmed down, Laura deposited her on the sofa and began changing her diaper.

  “Laura, I really was hoping we could get together tonight.” Rudy sidled up beside her. “You’re working long hours for Allen, and I want to be sure I see you.”

  “You’ll still see me,” she said as she fastened a diaper on Mollie. “I’m just really surprised you’re inviting me over for supper. Lately it seems like a week goes by before you even think about me. If I hadn’t invited you over for supper last week, I probably wouldn’t have even seen you.”

  “That’s not true. We’re both just busy. Mei dat has given me more responsibility at the hardware store. He says he wants me to take over the store when he eventually retires, so he wants me to know every side of the business. He has me working with suppliers and handling inventory. I’m under a lot of pressure. And you’re working here, so we both have a lot going on. But you’re still my girlfriend. We just have to make time for each other.”

  Laura snapped Mollie’s onesie and looked at Rudy as irritation nipped at her. Was he really that dense? “Sometimes I feel like you don’t make time for me, so it’s really not fair for you to try to make me feel guilty because I’m here helping Allen. I told you, helping him is very important to me, and I need you to understand—”

  Allen was standing at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes were bright and alert, and they were focused on her. While his expression was unreadable, it was also intense, sending an unfamiliar tremor through her body.

  “Allen.” She breathed his name as she adjusted Mollie on her shoulder. “You look much more rested. How do you feel?”

  “I feel better. Danki.” His eyes moved to Rudy, and his expression relaxed slightly. “Hi, Rudy. It’s nice to see you. It’s been awhile.”

  “Hi, Allen.” Rudy stepped over to Allen and shook his hand, but his jaw remained set.

  “When do you want lunch?” Laura asked Allen.

  Allen shrugged. “Maybe in an hour or so?”

  “Just let me know when you’re hungry, then.” She tried to smile, but her frustration pressed her lips together. How could Rudy blame their lack of time together on their schedules? They used to make time for each other when they were younger. What had changed between them?

  Embarrassment heated her cheeks as she looked at Allen. How much had he heard? She’d never planned on airing her problems in front of him. He had enough on his mind. She longed to ask Rudy to leave. Now was not the time to discuss their relationship issues.

  “Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m ready,” Allen told her. “I’m going to get to work.” He looked at Rudy before heading into the kitchen.

  “Laura.” Rudy held up his hands. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  Guilt chewed on her as she studied his brown eyes. How could she be angry with Rudy for wanting to see more of her? She needed to try harder if their relationship was going to work.

  “I’m sorry I’m busy tonight, but we can see each other another day.” When Mollie shifted, she placed her on the floor and handed her a couple of toys from her play yard. “Let’s plan on visiting Sunday after church.”

  Rudy’s expression softened. Perhaps he was beginning to understand her point of view. “That sounds gut. I need to get back to work. We’ll talk more soon, okay?”

  “Of course.” She hugged her arms to her chest.

  “Gut. Take care.” He started for the kitchen but then turned and faced her one last time. “I do care about you.”

  “I know.” She nodded. “Tell your family hello.”

  As Rudy walked into the kitchen, Laura looked down at Mollie. “No matter what, I won’t abandon you.”

  EIGHT

  Guilt coiled in Allen’s gut as he lingered in the kitchen and listened to Laura and Rudy’s conversation. He didn’t want to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t push himself toward the back door.

  He had awakened from his nap refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day. After dressing and washing his face, he’d stepped into the hallway, and their voices had carried up the stairwell. He walked slowly down the stairs, taking in what Rudy and Laura were saying.

  Allen’s concern had come true—the time Laura spent helping him was interfering in her life and the time she could spend with Rudy.

  Once Allen had reached the bottom step and Laura saw him, her expression registered both shock and embarrassment. But what shone in Rudy’s formal greeting was disapproval.

  Allen longed to tell Rudy he never intended to cause problems in their relationship, but the little voice in his head insisted he stay out of their business. Now he stood near the doorway and listened to their discussion.

  When Rudy announced it was time for him to leave, Allen slipped quickly into the mudroom, pushed his feet into his boots, and headed out the back door and down the porch steps to his shop. He didn’t want to get caught eavesdropping, and he also didn’t want to be forced into a conversation with Rudy.

  As Allen opened the bay doors and gathered his tools, a whisper of guilt intruded. He needed to tell Laura she could quit. It would be better if he hired a nanny. He didn’t want to be the reason Rudy and Laura encountered problems in their relationship.

  As he turned toward his current buggy project, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. He spun to face the driveway, where Rudy strode toward his waiting horse and buggy. He froze, hoping Rudy wouldn’t w
alk over and say something to him. But he climbed into the buggy and guided his horse down toward the road.

  Shoving away frustration, Allen set to repairing the waiting buggy.

  An hour later, the sound of footsteps on the concrete floor of his shop pulled Allen’s attention away from the buggy he’d been restoring. He set his tools on the floor and stood while wiping his hands on a red shop rag.

  “Are you hungry yet?” Laura stood a few feet away from him, smoothing her apron.

  He noticed she wore a light-blue dress that complemented her eyes. She seemed somehow different from usual—nervous or unsure of herself. Had her discussion with Rudy caused her to feel uncomfortable around Allen? That feeling of irritation from earlier resurfaced as he studied her.

  “I’m still not very hungry,” he told her.

  Her eyebrows lifted. “You know, along with proper sleep, you also need proper nourishment to stay healthy. You can’t run a shop if you’re not healthy.”

  His lips turned up in a smile. “You’re right. I’ll be in soon.”

  Her expression brightened.

  “What?” he asked.

  “You smiled. Again.” She pointed at him. “That’s one of only a few smiles I’ve seen since—well, since we lost Savilla.”

  “Is it?” His smile widened. “I suppose it is.”

  “You should smile more.”

  “I’ll try.”

  They stared at each other for an awkward moment, and then he gestured toward the buggy behind him. “I’ll be in soon. I just want to finish fixing the suspension on this buggy. It will only take me a few minutes.”

  “Okay.” She hesitated. “Do you like chicken salad?”

  “Ya, I do. Danki.”

  “Gut.” She paused again. “Mollie has been calling for you.”

  His heart tugged at her words. “I promise I won’t be long.”

  “Gut,” she said once more and then nodded and started for the door.

  “Laura.”

  She spun to face him, her eyes wide. “Ya?”

  “I feel like I owe you an apology.” He stepped closer to her.

  She stared up at him. “Why would you say that?”

  “I overheard your conversation with Rudy in the schtupp.”

  “Oh.” Her cheeks glowed from what he assumed was embarrassment. “What did you hear?”

  “I got the impression that he’s upset you’re working here so much. He can’t see you as often as he wants to.” He cringed. “I never wanted to cause problems between you and Rudy. I appreciate all you’re doing, but this is too hard on you. You’ve been together a long time, and my situation is temporary. It’s not worth risking your relationship.”

  “You’re not causing any problems for me.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “That’s not the impression I got earlier. Look, Laura, I appreciate your dedication to Mollie, but I can hire a twenty-four-hour nanny without any repercussions.”

  “No. I want to do this for Irma Mae and for Savilla. We’re family.” Her lower lip quivered and her eyes glimmered. “Savilla would want it this way, and Rudy needs to understand that.”

  Was she going to cry? His throat dried. “I agree. She would want it this way. But I still don’t want to cause problems between you and Rudy.”

  “I told you. You won’t cause any problems.” She pointed toward the house. “Come in for lunch, okay?”

  Before he could respond, she was out the door and marching up the path toward the house.

  “Have you heard from Milton?” Laura asked as she handed Allen a bowl of chicken salad. “I was wondering how everything is going for Irma Mae at the rehabilitation center.”

  Rudy’s frustrating words had haunted her all morning. But instead of worrying, she’d tried her best to concentrate on taking care of Mollie and Allen.

  “Ya.” Allen’s response pulled her back to reality. “He left me a message. Her physical therapy is going well, and she’s making gut progress. She’s getting stronger.”

  “That’s great news.” She turned toward Mollie, who hummed as she ate a handful of chicken salad. “We should take Mollie to see her.” She stilled, realizing she’d just given Allen instructions as if they were a couple.

  “That’s a great idea.” Allen’s face brightened. “I think seeing Mollie would be therapeutic for Irma Mae.” He looked at his daughter.

  “Ya, I agree.” She swallowed a sigh of relief, grateful he hadn’t been offended by her bossiness.

  They ate in silence for a few minutes, and her mind moved to her plans for the evening. A friend of Irma Mae’s had offered to shop for groceries the week before, beating Laura to it. And today, when Laura had chosen a recipe from her mother’s favorite cookbook, she found all the ingredients she needed in the well-stocked refrigerator and cabinets. She’d start on supper once Mollie was down for her afternoon nap.

  Her thoughts turned to sleeping there tonight, and she realized she didn’t have any pajamas or clothes to wear tomorrow.

  “What’s on your mind?”

  She lifted her head to find Allen shooting her a laser-like look. He lifted a potato chip and bit into it.

  “I was wondering if I could borrow one of Savilla’s nightgowns for tonight.”

  “Sure.” He shrugged, but some emotion flashed over his face as he looked down at his plate. “I haven’t gotten around to packing up her clothes. Would you like them?”

  “Ya, I can take them.” She gave him a little smile. “I would have to hem her dresses since she was taller than I am. Her dresses and aprons would fit Cindy better than me.”

  He turned his gaze on his plate.

  “And could we move a bed into Mollie’s room so I can sleep in there with her? That way she won’t wake you up if she cries. I’ll keep the door closed and just stay in there with her. I know it would probably be easier to move her crib into your spare room, but all her supplies are in the nursery, and I think she’ll feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings.”

  “Of course. I can move the single bed from the sewing room after lunch.” He lifted another chip.

  “I’ll have to call my family and tell them I’m staying tonight. Can I use your phone?”

  He paused and studied her as he lifted an eyebrow. “Are you serious, Laura? Do you really feel like you have to ask permission to use my phone?”

  She gave a nervous laugh. “I guess I knew I didn’t have to ask.”

  “You should feel as comfortable here as you did when Savilla was here, okay? Like you said earlier, we’re family.”

  “Right.”

  “But there is something else I want to discuss.” They both glanced at Mollie, but she seemed to be entertaining herself.

  “Okay.” She braced herself, praying he wouldn’t bring up the subject of Rudy again. She didn’t want to analyze her relationship with Rudy. She only felt comfortable discussing personal subjects with Mark. She didn’t even share as much with Cindy as she did with her twin.

  “I’ve been thinking about something all morning.” He folded his hands on the table. “If you’re going to stay overnight and then work all day, I want to pay you. I’m taking you away from your family and your chores at home.” He pointed to the table. “I’m not going to take no for an answer, so don’t even try arguing with me.”

  Laura opened her mouth to protest but then closed it. Allen was right. It was only proper to take payment for her time. “Okay.”

  His expression relaxed as he leaned back in the chair. “That was much easier than I expected.”

  “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

  “I can’t say you’ve ever disappointed me.” He shook his head. “So I was thinking about your salary while I was working outside. Let me tell you what I think sounds right.”

  They had agreed on a salary amount by the time they finished lunch.

  Allen helped her carry their dishes to the sink.

  “You can go work,” she said, waving him off.

  “Nope.�
� He shook his head. “I want to help you. I used to help Savilla wash dishes at times, so I can help you.” He nodded toward the back door. “Why don’t you go leave a message for your family?”

  “All right.” She hesitated as he carried the bowl of leftover chicken salad and utensils to the counter.

  He swiveled toward her. “What are you waiting for? Do I need to get bossy like you do?”

  “No.” She grinned. “Danki for helping. I’ll be right back.”

  Once in Allen’s office, she sat down at the desk and dialed the number for her father’s phone shanty. As the phone rang, she imagined her family sitting at the kitchen table for lunch. After the fourth ring, her own voice sounded through the phone.

  “You’ve reached the Riehls’ farm. To leave a message for Vernon, please press one. For Jamie, press two. For Laura, press three. For Mark, press four. And for Cindy, press five.”

  She pressed one and then began to speak after the beep. “Hi, Dat. It’s Laura. I want to let you know I’m going to stay at Allen’s overnight. He hasn’t had any sleep in two weeks because Mollie cries and wants to be rocked all night long. I’m going to stay in her room so Allen can get some sleep and feel rested enough to work. Please call his shop if you need me. I’ll check in with you tomorrow. Bye now.”

  When Laura reentered the kitchen, Allen was drying dishes. He glanced at her and smiled. “Did you leave a message for your dat?”

  “Ya, I did.” She leaned against the counter beside him. “You can go back to work now.”

  “I’ll go move the bed into Mollie’s room first.” He handed her the dish towel. “Here you go.” He touched his daughter’s head as he walked out of the kitchen.

  Laura laid Mollie in the crib and then held her breath, hoping she wouldn’t start crying again. An hour earlier, Mollie had awakened, crying, and Laura had sung to her and rocked her until she was snoring on her shoulder. It was now one o’clock, and Laura was hoping to get some more sleep. The soft glow of the Coleman lantern on the nightstand beside her bed was her only light as she looked down into the crib.