by Molly Jebber
He found her stitching a hole in one of his socks. He knelt beside her. “Ellie, I dread our hard conversations. The outside world is full of danger as well as wonder. You are important to me. As your daed, I want to shield you from harm. I love you. God loves you. He has a plan for your life if you’ll listen to Him. Scriptures will guide you to what’s right. Save yourself heartache, submit your life to Him, and stay and make this Amish community your home. You’ve made good friends. Hannah’s family and Peter love you. You are happy around them. Give Charm a chance.”
She went to the window and crossed her arms. “I’m torn. Hannah is a wise and true friend, even though we’ve only known each other for a short time. I trust her, and she truly cares about me, as I do her. Peter is a child who needs me and accepts me. You mean the world to me. I don’t want to leave any of you, but I’m not sure the simple life is for me. I yearn for the modern conveniences, music, and clothing.”
His chest ached at the words kumming out of her mouth. “You’ve gotten a taste of the forbidden. Please don’t leave. It would break my heart.” He grabbed his straw hat and went outside. The sun warmed his damp cheeks. He loved her so much. The sense of helplessness enveloping him overwhelmed him. He went to the barn and knelt by a bale of hay. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for my sins. Danki for Your blessings. Please change Ellie’s heart so she wants the Amish life without a doubt. I can’t bear to lose her. Help me to say the right words and act in the way You would have me do. Amen.”
He snatched a rag from the shelf and wiped beads of sweat from his forehead. Ellie scared him with her contrary nature. She would never be happy until she came to grips with a clear direction, centering on God’s will for her life. She was letting materialistic and worldly things cloud her thinking. What a blessing to have met Liza and her family. They provided such an exemplary picture of a happy Amish lifestyle, friendship, and strong faith in God for Ellie and for him.
He strolled outside and scanned the property, then threw himself into hard labor. He rid the garden of weeds and replaced weathered fence posts and the latch on the corral. Hours later, he’d finished tending to the animals and walked over to the pump and ducked his head under the water to cool off.
Ellie carried out a clean towel and a biscuit for him. “Here’s a rag for your wet face and a biscuit to hold you over. You missed dinner. We’ll be going to supper at Liza’s in an hour.” She gazed across the meadow next to their place. “I love you, Daed.”
Before he could respond, she hurried inside. Her love for him wasn’t the issue. Miles wouldn’t change her love for him or his for her. She didn’t realize how agonizing it was for him to watch her suffer or make mistakes. One day, if Ellie had kinner, she would have a much clearer picture of what he was going through with her mood changes and indecisiveness about her life. He devoured his biscuit, filled the water and feed buckets for the animals, stowed his tools, and walked inside to his favorite chair.
Jacob fell asleep. He woke and jerked upright. How long had he been snoozing? He glanced at the clock. An hour. “Ellie, are you getting ready to go to Liza’s? The last hour got away from me. I’ll wash up and we’ll be on our way.”
Meeting him in the hallway, Ellie winced. “I’m ready. Sorry. I should’ve reminded you.”
“No harm done. I’ll hurry.”
His dochder had a beaming smile on her face. He suspected her new friends, Hannah and the little boy, Peter, were responsible for her good mood. Liza was the reason for his excitement at going to supper. He washed, dried, and redressed.
Heading for the door, he heaved a big breath. “Let’s go, Ellie!” He pushed open the door and a big smile spread across his face. She had readied the horse and buggy.
“I need one more minute. You go ahead and get in.” True to her word, she finished securing the horse to the harness and jumped in beside him. “I intend to make a good impression on Mrs. Chupp. I don’t mind earning a bit of money.”
He patted her knee. “I’m sure Mrs. Chupp will be happy to have you care for Peter. He’s attached to you, and he’ll be your best supporter in encouraging her to hire you.”
“I wish I had a little bruder.”
He opened his mouth, then shut it. Telling her now that she might one day didn’t seem right. Her objections to his remarrying might stir up an argument and ruin the evening. He stifled a chuckle at the thought that he was already contemplating any kind of a future with Liza. They barely knew each other, but it seemed as if they’d met years ago. They’d shared their pasts, they’d discussed issues with Ellie, and she’d helped him more with his troubles than anyone. He had to pursue her with patience. She’d been hurt by her husband, and if he pushed too hard, she might turn away from him. The thought jarred him. “Peter can fill in as your little bruder for now.”
“Jah. I’m anxious to play with him and talk to Hannah again. She and I can differ in opinions without letting them interfere with our friendship. It’s why I feel close to her.”
He was optimistic about Ellie staying in Charm. Why would she leave if she had a job she enjoyed and Hannah, her close friend? It was important to him to strengthen his relationship with his dochder. He had moments, such as these, where he thought he’d succeeded in accomplishing this goal, but doubt crept in. She kept him guessing, that was for sure. He pulled up in front of Liza’s, jumped out, and secured the horse.
Liza greeted them at the door. “Ellie, Peter and Hannah are in the side yard tossing a ball. I’ll help Esther. You go join them.”
“Danki, Liza.” Ellie scurried off.
“You are lovely, as always.” He met her beautiful blue eyes.
Her cheeks pinked. “You flatter me.” She stepped out. “Why don’t you sit in the rocker on the porch? Abe should be here anytime. Esther and Mae are in the kitchen helping me. May I bring you something to drink?”
He shook his head. “Danki, but I’ll wait until supper.” He settled in the rocker, then stood when Mrs. Chupp and Esther came to the door and stepped outside to join them.
Esther wiped her hands on a towel. “Jacob, good, you’re here. Meet Mae Chupp.”
“I’m Jacob Graber. Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Chupp.”
“Call me Mae. Mrs. Chupp is too formal. I told Esther, Liza, and the girls to do the same.”
“Only if you’ll call me Jacob.”
“Agreed, Jacob.”
Esther clutched the towel to her chest. “Oh no, I’d better check on the bread in the oven. It’s been in too long.” She ran to the kitchen and Mae bustled after her.
“There’s Abe. I should get back to cooking. You and Abe relax.” Liza grinned at Jacob.
“Don’t worry about Abe and me. If you need anything, please ask. I’m happy to help.”
“Danki.” She went to join the women.
Jacob stepped off the porch and helped Abe with his horse. He slapped Abe’s back. “How are you?”
“A little worn out but can’t complain.” He gazed at the kinner. A smile crossed his lips. “Ellie, Hannah, and Peter are having a jolly time. Their laughter is infectious.”
“It springs hope in me to have her happy here. My conversations with her are still worrisome. She won’t make up her mind to stay in Charm. It pains me to think of her making a life in the world. I pray she’ll grow closer to God and choose an Amish life.”
“Sometimes hard lessons are learned to steer us in the right direction for our lives. Ellie may stray, but God can still rein her back to Him and to the Amish life.”
“I’m bothered she’ll live in the world and encounter men with bad intentions or harm will kumme to her.”
“Don’t fret about the future. Trust God to take care of her. In the meantime, do all you can to guide her to choose the right path.”
“Abe, danki for allowing me to discuss my problems with you. Sometimes you need to talk to another man about these things.”
The man didn’t judge him or dictate what he should do. He listened and gave him soun
d advice. Abe had a gleam in his eye anytime he had his eye on Hannah, Esther, and Liza. He loved and cared for them deeply. The man was approachable, kind, and considerate.
“Anytime, friend. And I still say you need to consider Liza for a fraa.” He beamed.
Jacob smiled wide. “I am.”
The kinner ran to the men. Ellie bent over to catch her breath, then put her hand on Peter’s shoulder. “Daed, this is Peter. Peter, meet my daed, Jacob Graber.”
Peter held out his little hand. “Happy to meet you, Mr. Graber.”
“You can call me Jacob.”
He clasped a hand to his lips. “Mamm may not let me.”
“I’ll talk to her.”
The little boy stood close to Ellie, who glowed with happiness around the child. His heart thundered with hope that this little boy would have a positive impact on Ellie’s life. She would learn what it was like to have someone depend on and respect her.
Peter crooked his finger for Jacob to kumme closer.
Jacob bent closer to him. “What is it?”
“Could you tell Mamm that Ellie and I will be fine when she’s working? She worries too much.”
Jacob gazed into the precious little boy’s eyes. “I’ll do my best.”
Peter jumped with joy. “Danki!”
Hannah smiled. “You made a new friend, Jacob.”
“I understand why you and Ellie are so enamored with Peter. He’s a sweet child.”
Hannah tousled Peter’s hair. “He’s full of energy. He’s got Ellie and me wrapped around his little finger.”
Abe and Jacob laughed with her.
Liza called out to them, “Time for supper. Wash your hands and kumme to the table.”
The kinner raced to pick up the ball in the yard.
Jacob and Abe waited for them to wash and dry their hands, then they did the same, drying their hands on the towel hanging on a hook beside the pump. The men followed the kinner to the kitchen.
Abe came alongside a flustered Esther. “Fraa, your cheeks are red and you’re in a tizzy. What can I do to help?”
She gave him a playful swat with a rag. “I’m fine, husband of mine. Have a seat. Supper’s ready.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “You know Mae Chupp.”
“Jah, Mrs. Chupp, did these women work you too hard?”
“I’m happy to help, and please, call me Mae.”
Abe pulled out a chair and sat. “If you insist, I’ll abide by your wishes.” He gave an exaggerated bow of his head.
Jacob grinned and exchanged a cheerful look with Liza. He enjoyed having suppers with Liza and her family. Mae and Peter chattering away with Hannah and Ellie added more joy to the mix. He had longed for a big family, but they hadn’t been blessed with more kinner. Maybe he’d marry again and they’d have kinner. He wondered if Liza desired kinner and how many. He swallowed hard. Would she consider him for more than a friend? In time, he hoped she would.
Everyone sat at the table.
Abe reached for Esther’s hand. “I’ll pray for the food.”
Jacob waited for Abe to finish his prayer, then he scooped buttered noodles, sliced tomatoes, and shredded pork onto his plate. “You women have cooked up a storm. The aroma makes my mouth water.”
Peter wiped the milk above his lip with the cloth on his lap. “Jacob, this would be a good time to tell Mamm she shouldn’t worry about me while she’s working.”
Mae’s mouth flew open. “Peter, you address him as Mr. Graber!” She grabbed her cloth napkin and held it to her lips as she coughed.
“He said I could call him Jacob.”
Jacob held up his palm to defend his little friend. “In all fairness to Peter, I did ask him to call me Jacob.” He concentrated on Peter next to him. “Parents worry about their kinner. We can’t help it.”
Peter shrugged. “I don’t know why. We’re gonna be fine.”
Hannah and Ellie grinned endearingly at Peter. Jacob sided with them in adoring Peter. He’d captured his heart the moment he met him.
Mae said, “If it’s all right with Mr. Graber, then you may call him Jacob. And mind your attitude. Be respectful and a good boy.”
Peter nodded.
“Mae, we had an agreement to go by first names. Right?” Jacob glanced around the table for support.
Everyone nodded.
Mae put her fork on her plate. “Jacob, Liza tells me you approve of Ellie watching after Peter from eight until two Monday through Friday.”
Peter stared at him with puppy-dog eyes. “Please don’t change your mind, Jacob.”
“I have no objections. She loves kinner, and we’ve discussed that your mamm is entrusting her with a very important responsibility. She has assured me she understands this is a serious commitment. Right, Ellie?”
“I’ll take this job very seriously.” Ellie reached for her water glass.
Jacob took a sip of his water, then set his glass on the table and glanced at Mae. “Do you need help with your livestock or property?”
“It’s kind of you to ask. I have plenty of help. Danki.”
Esther passed Abe the meat platter. “Take another serving. I brought this for supper tonight. We’ve got plenty more at home, and I have enough for everyone to take a second helping.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Abe scooped a small serving onto his plate.
Hannah sipped her water, then set down her glass. “Mae, I’ve been with Ellie and Peter playing games and talking. He’s happy being with her. The timing couldn’t be better with you being offered the job at Maybelle’s Inn and Ellie being available for Peter. It’s wonderful you’ve offered this job to her.”
Peter wrinkled his cheerful face. “Ellie and I are going to have lots of fun together.”
“We’ll find all kinds of things to do, but we have to do chores too.”
“I’ll do my part. I promise.” Peter gave her a sincere smile.
“Ellie, I’m depending on you to take excellent care of my son. Leah mentioned you telling her about your experience living in the world for a period of time in the past. You mustn’t give him any notions about life in the outside world and don’t express views opposing any of our Amish traditions or laws.”
“I understand.”
Mae paused, then heaved a big breath. “Ellie, I trust you won’t let me down. I’m grateful to you for doing this for Peter and me. I’ll pay you at the end of each week, depending on the number of hours I work. I’ve been told my hours may vary a little. Never more, just less.”
“I’m fine with whatever and whenever you pay me. Danki for the opportunity.” Ellie’s mouth spread in a wide grin.
Peter jumped up and ran to his mamm. He kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy, Mamm. I was scared you’d change your mind.” He went to Ellie and crawled up on her lap. “I can’t wait for you to kumme to my haus on Monday. You can meet my pet bunny, Snuggles.”
Hannah poked Ellie’s arm. “You have a new job.”
“You helped, and I appreciate it.”
“I meant it.” Hannah giggled. “You’ll have Snuggles to take care of too.”
“I love bunnies.” Ellie chuckled.
Jacob smiled at Liza. “Danki for your involvement in bringing Ellie this job.”
Liza carried empty glasses to the counter near Esther. “Esther suggested Ellie. I tend to overanalyze everything. Esther doesn’t hesitate to trust people immediately and doesn’t worry about the repercussions. I should adopt her way of thinking. It’s healthier. I drive myself mad sometimes, overthinking things. I’m sure Ellie will do fine with Peter. Forgive me for my reservations about the arrangement.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. You’ve brought the proposition to me and it has all worked out.” Jacob smiled at Esther. “Danki for suggesting Ellie to Mae.”
Esther stacked the dirty dishes to make room for more. “Of course. Ellie may have her doubts about Amish life, but I’m rooting for her. She and Hannah have formed a friendship. She’s part of our family
and you are too.”
Liza grabbed another wash pan. “I’ll go outside for more water.”
Esther waited until the door shut behind Liza and whispered to Jacob, “I wouldn’t be opposed if you and Liza tied the knot someday in the future.”
Jacob lowered his voice. “I have to take things slow with Liza. She has to overcome her fears about marriage after the way Paul treated her.”
Meeting his gaze, Esther grew serious. “You’ve barely met and I’m pushing you to her. But I have a good feeling about you, Jacob. And there’s no denying the spark between you and Liza. I shouldn’t have been so outspoken, but I can’t resist. Abe and I think you’d make a perfect couple. You’re absolutely right in your assumption. She’s skeptical about a serious relationship with a man, but you’re different. I can tell by the way she smiles when she says your name. You’re making progress, Jacob Graber. Keep it up.”
“I aim to please.” He tipped an imaginary hat. Jesting with Esther brought a grin to his face. Her impish way and outgoing personality drew him to her. Liza was blessed to have such a loving schweschder. Abe and Esther bantered, exchanged endearing expressions, and loved each other very much. It showed in their expressions and how they addressed each other. He envied them. He’d had the same relationship with his fraa, and he longed to have it again.
Liza came inside and set the pan on the stove to warm. “What are you two conspiring about over here?”
“Nothing.” Esther raised her brows and smiled.
Ellie, Hannah, and Peter brought their empty dessert plates to the sink.
Peter folded his hands under his chin. “May we go outside and play?”
Mae motioned to Peter. “We have to go home right after I help with the dishes. You need to get to bed early. It’s been a long day for you.” She coughed.
Liza carried more dishes to the counter. “Mae, I have plenty of help. You take Peter home.”
Mae reached for Peter’s hand. “Ellie, will you kumme at seven Monday morning so I can give you instructions?”
“Jah. I’ll be on time.”
“If you’re sure my help isn’t needed, I will take Peter home.”