Liza's Second Chance

by Molly Jebber

  Before she could answer, he headed outside to finish his chores. Determined to impress upon her the importance of following God and the Amish life, he wouldn’t let her arrogant attitude defeat him.

  Hours later, he went inside. They had supper in silence. He chewed and swallowed his last bite. He didn’t want to end their evening with dissention between them. He had hoped supper would go better than their earlier dinner. “I’m going to read my Bible in the front room. Would you like to join me?”

  “No, you go ahead. I’ll clean up and then go to my room to read scriptures before bedtime.”

  He nodded and went to sit in his favorite high-backed chair. He flipped the pages to the Book of Isaiah in the King James Bible, Chapter 41:10: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  He bowed his head. “Forgive me of my shortcomings, Heavenly Father. Equip me with the wisdom to guide Ellie off this path of rebellion. Change the desire of her heart to obey You and me. Prick her heart to long for the Amish way of life and scriptures. I pray one of the young women will befriend her and be a good influence on her life. I praise You, Heavenly Father, for Your love and power. Amen.”

  He raised his head and Ellie dashed past him without a word. He was puzzled. He’d thought they’d ended supper on a good note. He got up and knocked on her closed door. “Ellie, is everything all right? Are you saying your prayers before bed?”

  “I’m doing fine. I’m going to bed early. And jah, I’ll say my prayers.”

  “Sleep well. Good night.”

  She opened the door, stepped over the threshold, embraced him, then stepped back in her room and shut the door.

  His heart soared. He’d take whatever glimmer of hope he could get. Returning to his chair, he blew out a breath and the tension from his conversation with Ellie eased out of him. He leaned back and rested his head on the smooth wood of the chair. Liza flashed in his mind. Ezra had given him good news. Not delighting in the loss of her husband but in his timing in moving to Charm and finding her available. Ellie wasn’t the only one who needed friends. He could use a few too.

  His cornfields, large garden, and livestock would provide a better-than-average living for a family, but not to the extent of what Paul had left Liza. Their financial difference didn’t intimidate him, but Paul’s reputation as a pillar of the community, according to Ezra, did a little.

  Knock knock.

  Ezra stood on the porch with a covered plate in his hands. “I’m sorry to bother you. You’re probably getting ready to go to bed soon, but the missus insisted I bring this warm cinnamon bread over to you. Annabelle thought you might enjoy it for a snack this evening. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Tell her I’m going to enjoy a piece right away. Danki.” He opened the door wider. “Kumme in and share a piece with me.”

  “No. I’ve got a long day tomorrow.”

  “Please tell your fraa I’m grateful to her for thinking of us.” He hoped this was the beginning of a good friendship with Ezra and his fraa.

  “Will do. Have a nice evening.”

  He waited until his new friend was in his wagon before shutting the door.

  Ellie rubbed her eyes and padded into the front room. “Who was at the door?”

  “Our neighbor, Ezra. His fraa sent him over with some dessert.” He unwrapped the warm, fluffy bread and waved it under her nose. “Want to join me for a slice?”

  “It’s my favorite. I’m going to enjoy having Ezra and his fraa living next door.”

  His heart warmed as he followed her to the table.

  Ellie grabbed two plates, poured them water, and handed him a fork. She took a bite. “Delicious! I wish I could bake like this.”

  He grinned. “In our short time here, I’ve been quite pleased with the people in Charm.”

  “Me too.”

  Her childlike glow as she took bite after bite of the bread and her happy countenance was a wonderful change. She needed to shed herself of the anger and hurt she held inside and enjoy more happy moments.

  Thunder clapped and lightning lit the dark sky. Hard rain pelted the roof. The weather reminded him that trouble could be lurking around the corner when he least expected it. Ellie had taught him this through her struggle to obey him and Amish law. He’d savor the moment with his beautiful but discontented dochder.

  Chapter Two

  Liza had glanced at the front door of the bakery each time it opened for the last week and a half. No sign of Jacob. She hugged herself. Wednesday has finally arrived. The day Jacob would bring Ellie to the social. Her heart fluttered. He had a strong stature but a gentle way about him. It had been easy to politely say no to other men showing interest in her. Fear reared its ugly head. Don’t trust any man. She tightened her fists. One minute she’d told herself to get better acquainted with the charming man and the next she warned herself to avoid him. She was driving herself mad.

  Dr. Harrison and Sheriff Williams entered the bakery and sat on their usual oak stools. Right on time. They had made visiting the bakery their ritual since the day she opened and she enjoyed having them. She could use the distraction. She poured and served them coffee. “Greetings, Dr. Harrison and Sheriff Williams.”

  “Good morning. Do you have any nut bread?” Dr. Harrison peered over his spectacles, his silver-gray hair perfectly in place and his crisp white shirt and pants pressed. Mrs. Harrison did a fine job on pressing his clothes. Liza’s heavy, sad iron wasn’t her favorite thing to use. She’d rather bake desserts than iron her dresses.

  She guessed the age of the two men at around fifty-five. They’d known each other all their lives and were close friends. The sheriff was the doctor’s opposite. He might not own a comb, and his rumpled clothes hadn’t been touched with an iron. He’d been married for thirty years when his fraa had passed from consumption five years ago. He’d never remarried. They were extraordinary men with their big hearts, doing a good job serving the townsfolk of Charm.

  “I’d like brown sugar and cinnamon bread if you have it.” The sheriff unfolded his paper and handed his friend half of the pages. “Paper’s got another article on the sinking of the Titanic. The last one was about the vessel’s construction and exquisite design inside and out. It was the largest and most luxurious ship ever built. I had hoped to read passenger accounts of their voyage after they returned.” He took a sip of coffee.

  Dr. Harrison lifted his cup. “April fifteenth will be a day that goes down in history.”

  “What a frightening thing to experience!” The families whose loved ones met their tragic death in the icy waters of the Atlantic must be devastated. The pictures the sheriff and Dr. Harrison had showed her in the newspaper before the ship sailed came to mind. To imagine it disappearing into the vast, dark water brought chills. She prayed a quick, silent prayer for them, then served the men.

  “Remember the stunning photographs in the paper? The chandeliers, staterooms, grand ballroom, and more. The Titanic had both comfortable and elaborate accommodations. The menus made my mouth water.” Dr. Harrison spread butter on his bread.

  The sheriff darted his eyes from the newspaper article to his friend. “The passengers must’ve been shocked to find out the boat had only twenty lifeboats. The water was freezing, and the ones who had only life vests must’ve known they wouldn’t survive long.”

  Dr. Harrison shook his paper to straighten it. “The anguish the travelers and crew must have felt.” He pulled the paper closer. “The Titanic hit the iceberg, then sank four hundred miles off the coast of Newfoundland. All those lives lost. What a shame.”

  Liza wiped the counter and stopped. “How many souls were lost?”

  The sheriff brought down his reading material and peered at her. “Somewhere around one-thousand, five hundred and seventeen passengers and crew.”

  She held a hand to her open mouth. “How terrible!” Families would never
be the same. Memories of this tragedy would haunt the survivors for the rest of their lives. The last words spoken to loved ones, the tears, the longing to hold on to them. Her eyes pooled with tears. She couldn’t bear to dwell on it. Dabbing her eyes, she swallowed hard. She listened to the men chat as they finished their bread and coffee.

  Dr. Harrison stood and patted his middle. “Delicious, as usual, Liza.”

  Sheriff Williams tucked his paper under his arm. “My buttons are about to burst! I shouldn’t have eaten the whole thing.” He shrugged. “I won’t complain. It was worth it! Enjoy the rest of your day, Liza.”

  “Good day, gentlemen.” She smiled as they left and four women entered. She served a steady flow of regular customers all day and met some new ones. She shifted her gaze to the small oak clock on the shelf behind her. Three o’clock. Where had the time gone? Her guests would arrive any minute for the social. A smile crossed her lips. Jacob would be here soon.

  Hannah peeked around the door. “I’ve arranged the ingredients we need to make your peach cookie recipe.” She held up two jars. “I brought extra canned peaches from home in case we need them.”

  “You’re a sweetheart. Danki. How’s your mamm doing in the back room? I haven’t had a chance to check on her or you.”

  “Wiping sweat off her brow as we speak. Loaves of nut, white, and cinnamon sugar bread are cooling on the counter. Dozens of assorted cookies are stowed and ready for tomorrow’s crowd. We’ve had a successful baking day.”

  Walking to the back with Hannah, she grinned at Esther. “Sweet schweschder of mine, you are a whirlwind. The rows and rows of bread on this table are astounding. Hannah said you made cookies too.”

  Swiping the flour from her apron, Esther laughed. “Hannah and I baked one thing after another. We didn’t even stop for dinner. She checked the shelves and told me how empty they were earlier. We didn’t want to stay late, so we worked together to have extra for tomorrow. You sold out of almost everything today.”

  “Sales were good,” she said, then told them about the Titanic.

  Esther and Hannah paled and froze.

  Hannah hugged herself. “A happy occasion switched to a life-altering one in a split second. Life can be scary.”

  Esther said, “I’m relieved the rescuers found survivors.”

  Voices caught Liza’s attention. She raised her head, along with Hannah and Esther, from praying. She greeted Leah Mast and Eva Fehr.

  Hannah ran to her friends. “I’m glad you came. Ellie Graber is going to join us.”

  Leah wrinkled her freckled nose. “Who is she?”

  “She’s new in town. Nappanee, Indiana, is where she and her daed lived before moving to Charm. Mrs. Graber died three years ago. According to Mr. Graber, Ellie’s having a difficult time adjusting to life without her mamm. Liza invited her to bake with us today to help her make new friends. Let’s do our best to wilkom her.” Hannah backed up and leaned on the counter.

  “Mamm and I are close. She’s the one I tell everything to. Speaking to my daed about my worries and concerns wouldn’t be the same. I love him, but he doesn’t listen with interest like mamm does.” Eva straightened a loose straight pin in her white bonnet and pushed it tighter into her thick black bun.

  Liza gazed at them. “Be patient with her. It would mean a lot to Jacob if she could have friends to support her through this sad time in her life.”

  Quiet until then, Esther came alongside Liza. “Maybe God sent her to Charm to meet you girls and heal.”

  Jacob and Ellie entered the bakery and let the door shut behind them.

  “Good afternoon to all of you.” Jacob tipped his hat.

  Liza went around the counter to meet them. “Jacob, kumme in and have a seat. Ellie, I’m glad you’re joining us.”

  Ellie wore the same scowl she had the first time they met. Would she be cordial to the girls? Hannah had the gift of patience and could make conversation with anyone. Leah and Eva were more timid. This social would be interesting to say the least.

  Ellie shuffled her feet and whispered, “Danki.”

  Hannah introduced Ellie and Jacob Graber to Eva and Leah.

  Esther untied her soiled apron from her waist and hung it on a hook. “Girls, head to the back room and get started. I’m going to Albert’s Apothecary for some liniment. I’m out and I like to keep it on hand. Liza will be here if you have any questions.”

  “Take your time, Esther. Enjoy the spring air.” Liza watched Esther go and then spun on her heel to Jacob as Hannah took Ellie and her friends to the back. She and Jacob were alone. Her heart skipped a beat. His warm brown eyes stared back at her and she held his gaze for a moment. The connection between them was undeniable. Did he feel it too? She had to stifle her urge to learn more about him. Marriage had proven a mistake for her. Handsome and genuine wasn’t enough to tempt her to consider him for more than a friend. She’d be hospitable.

  “Would you like coffee and something from the display case? I have ginger cookies, nut bread, and apple tarts.”

  “Will you join me? If so, I’ll take a ginger cookie, please, and a cup of coffee.” He pointed to the one closest to them.

  Should she? No harm in keeping him company for a few minutes. “I’d be glad to, but I’ll have to wait on customers if they kumme in. It could get annoying.”

  “I don’t mind. I’ll take whatever time you can spare.”

  Her shoulders tensed. His statement made clear his interest in her. Part of her was flattered, but the other part wanted to run. No doubt she was drawn to his kind manner, sweet nature, and openness. Curious, unnerving questions swirled in her mind. Why not find out more about him? She might not like what he had to say and her curiosity about him would dissipate. Did he have siblings? A mamm and daed? Did he have a temper? Was he the gentleman and good daed she had observed so far? Did she dare risk finding out? His answers might entice her to consider a deeper friendship with him. She couldn’t stop the struggle going on inside her. Her heart said sit down and enjoy her time with Jacob. Her mind told her to guard her heart. She prided herself on being decisive. Her decisions about him were another story.

  Lifting out a cookie, she silently commanded her hand to stop shaking. Much good that did. It was like trying to bring a train to an abrupt stop. Her nerves were getting the best of her. She served it to him with a cup of coffee. She poured a cup for herself and sat across from him. A shiver of excitement surprised her. Quit thinking and acting like a silly schoolgirl. “How is Ellie adjusting to Charm?”

  He traced the rim of his cup with his forefinger. “She’s a challenge for me, Liza. If I say one thing, she will argue the opposite just for the sake of irritating me. I’m praying to God for guidance. I follow the scriptures, but I’m at a loss most of the time as to what to say to her. I can’t win. If I’m lenient or if I’m strict, it makes no difference. She’s rebellious and not happy. I wilkom any advice.”

  Raising a dochder couldn’t be easy, let alone one who wouldn’t listen. “Bringing her to the social today might help. The girls will talk to her. Hannah will do her best to get her to relax. Having girls her age to confide in and share what’s in her heart may lighten your load and lift her mood.”

  Cupping a hand to his ear, he leaned in a little. “So far, no sound of her causing a ruckus. Maybe you’re right.” He tilted his head and grinned. “Was owning the bakery a dream of yours?”

  Jacob didn’t waste any time. He asked direct, personal questions. Clearly, he wasn’t going to ease into getting better acquainted. She should at least be amiable. “I love to bake and the shop has been a dream kumme true. I never thought I’d manage a bakery. The customers are an added pleasure.”

  “What do you like to do in what little spare time you have?”

  “I knit, take walks, fish, and create new recipes.” She grinned. “Enough about me. What do you like to do?” Don’t ask too many questions that will give him the wrong idea. Or did she really want to learn more about this man?
/>
  There it was again. The struggle in her brain about him. Pushing her back against the chair and crossing her legs, she swallowed. His deep brown eyes captivated her.

  “Long walks and fishing are two of my favorite things to do. I also like to build furniture when I have the time. I haven’t made anything for the last couple of years. My daed and I used to build pieces together. He and my mamm died within a year of each other. My daed got kicked in the head hard by a stallion he’d tried to tame. He was killed instantly. I believe my mamm died of a broken heart. They were older when they had me and I was an only child.”

  “My parents are both in Heaven too. I miss them.”

  “My late fraa’s parents died in a wagon accident. She didn’t have any siblings. Ellie is the only family I have left.” Sadness shone in his eyes.

  “I’m sorry you’ve experienced such tragedy in your life. I think you’ll find Charm a wonderful place to settle down. The people are friendly for the most part, and the Amish are close here.”

  He glanced around. “Does your business slow down around this time each day?”

  “Jah, from three to five we usually have a lull.”

  “Do you mind if I kumme by tomorrow and chat again around three-thirty?”

  She should tell him she did mind, but the words wouldn’t form on her tongue. Her heart told him to please kumme back. “You can stop by anytime.”

  Esther returned from the apothecary. “Liza, I’m glad you’re taking a break. Jacob, Liza has been on her feet all day. Danki for getting her to sit for a minute.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Stowing her bag under the counter, Esther grinned. “Jacob, you and Ellie are invited to join Abe, my husband, Hannah, and me for supper around six this evening. I’ve got leftover beef and vegetable pie to warm, and I’m taking home a loaf of fresh oat bread to go with it. What do you say?”

  His eyes brightened. “How kind of you. I have to admit, I’m tired of the same three dishes I cook. Ellie can cook, but she’s not been happy about it. She and her mamm used to make meals together. This would be a real treat for us. We’d be delighted.”