by Molly Jebber
“Do we have anything to sell?” Liza rubbed her aching temples.
Esther opened a corner cabinet in the back room. “These containers of oatmeal, ginger, and butter cookies are all right. We can arrange those on front-room counter shelves.”
Hannah untied her apron and hung it on a sturdy maple peg. “I’ll fetch the horse and buggy, pick up our extra canned fruits, and ask some of our friends if they can spare a few to hold us over.”
Liza nodded. “Danki, Hannah. We’ll take them goodies to show our gratitude in the next day or so.” She watched her niece leave.
Esther slid the cloth curtain below the big centered working table in the kitchen. “Oh, good! The culprit didn’t find the sacks of flour and sugar I had under here.”
“What about our other ingredients?”
Esther’s cheeks dimpled and she opened the door to the right-sided cabinet standing on her tippy-toes. “I had extra. We’ve got plenty for now.”
Liza closed her eyes for a moment. “Esther, you’re an angel. You saved the day, hiding these things. I’m thankful you both came with me today or I would’ve been facing this disaster alone.”
Esther squeezed her hand. “If this ever happens again and I’m not here with you, you fetch us, Hannah and me. We’re always available for you.”
“Danki. I’m blessed to call you my schweschder.” She blew out a breath. “I’m glad I remembered to take the cash home last night.”
Jacob entered and lifted his brows. “What happened?”
Liza’s heart thumped in her chest. She had no control over it when it came to Jacob. She loved him so much it hurt. “We arrived to find the bakery in shambles. The door had been kicked in. Jars of preserves broken and splattered on the floor, chairs and tables toppled over, and spices, flour, and sugar sacks broken open and tossed on the counters. The place was a mess.”
“You should’ve kumme to get me. I would’ve been glad to help you clean up. Who could’ve done this and why?”
Liza put her hands to her cheeks. “You’re kind to offer. Esther and Hannah grabbed mops and rags and whipped the bakery back into shape with me in time to open.” She frowned. “Mr. Phillips is in jail or I would’ve suspected him. No one else kummes to mind.”
Scratching his chin, Jacob appeared in deep thought. “I’ll go talk to Sheriff Williams. Maybe other store owners have had breakins and reported the damage to him.”
Again, he’d offered to help. Always kumming to her aid. She found comfort in knowing he was available and willing to assist her with whatever she needed. She didn’t want to grow dependent on him. She bit her lip. It was too late. “I’d rather not involve the sheriff. I don’t want to draw attention to our community. We should avoid involving the law in our Amish lives if at all possible.”
Hands on hips, he heaved a big sigh. “Liza, we need to know if this was an isolated incident. If so, this attack on your business is personal. I’m worried about you, Esther, and Hannah here alone.”
Esther’s mouth flew open. “Liza, Jacob’s right. Please let him speak with the sheriff. We must know what we’re facing.”
Hannah carried in a bag. “Jacob, greetings.” She shifted the bag to her other arm. “The general store had preserves, sugar, flour, and everything else we need for today.”
Jacob reached for the bag and set it on the counter. He smiled wide. “Always a pleasure, Hannah.” He nodded to Liza. “I’ll fetch tools and lumber and fix your door. On the way to the store, I’ll speak with the sheriff.”
“Danki, Jacob.”
Liza watched Jacob leave. He had a knack for showing up right when she needed him. Something she would miss when she told him she couldn’t marry him. She had a stack of reasons why she was dreading that conversation and was putting it off. Could the love, respect, honor, and his integrity, along with the overwhelming love she had for him, outweigh her concerns? She pressed a hand to her forehead. She’d give herself more time before putting an end to their relationship. She hoped they could remain friends. “I’m anxious to find out what the sheriff will say.” Hand to her cheek, she stared at Esther.
Esther patted Liza’s shoulder. “Jacob swoons each time he sets eyes on you. The man’s eyes betray his emotions. I find it an endearing trait. Put the man out of his misery, Liza. Tell him you feel the same. You blush, smile wide, and get giddy around him.”
“You make it sound simple. It’s not.” She pushed desserts closer together in the case. “I don’t want to talk about this, Esther.”
Hannah leaned back against the wall. “Why not? This should be a happy conversation. What could be wrong with him? He adores you.”
“Please don’t push me.”
“We’ll let you off the hook for now.” Esther put a finger under Liza’s chin, lifted it, and stared into her eyes. “Don’t let him go. I believe you’ll regret it if you do.” She patted her schweschder’s shoulder and went into the kitchen.
Hannah kissed Liza’s cheek. “Listen to Mamm. He’s nothing like Uncle Paul.”
Liza dabbed her tears with the corner of her apron. Her family didn’t understand. Ellie’s reaction and not being able to have kinner concerned her. Issues she considered too big to overlook. She cared about Jacob so much, she would let him go. No matter how much it hurt or scarred her.
*
Liza served customers and Hannah and Esther baked goodies until Jacob and the sheriff arrived. “Would either of you like lemonade and a slice of wheat bread?”
Sheriff Williams sat on the stool in front of the side counter. The same one he sat on every time he frequented the bakery. “I’d love both.”
Jacob sat next to him. “Me too. Danki.”
Liza served them.
Minutes later, Esther and Hannah joined them.
Esther said, “Do you have any information about who ransacked the bakery?”
Hannah stared at the sheriff with wide eyes.
Sheriff Williams took off his hat and put it on the empty stool next to him. “Two young male Englischers aged sixteen broke into your bakery to steal some goodies and money. They created a mess out of anger because you didn’t have anything in your cashbox.”
“Did they kumme to you and confess?” Liza couldn’t imagine why the boys wouldn’t keep their identity a secret.
“The boys are twins, and their father, a good man, overheard them bragging about their bad behavior. He brought them to me, as part of their punishment. Will you press charges?”
“You know I won’t, Sheriff. We Amish don’t like to cause trouble, no matter what the cost.”
“I’m obligated to ask.” He clasped his glass. “The boy’s father insists he compensate you in some way.”
“How?” Liza held her breath a moment. She didn’t want to contend with mischievous boys working off their debt to her.
“He suggested his sons work for you without pay for a couple of days.” He patted Jacob on the back. “Jacob didn’t want the young men around you, and I don’t either. Jacob agreed to have them work for him for a day, and the father took him up on the offer. They were still present when Jacob came to my office.”
Esther grinned. “Jacob to the rescue again! Danki.”
Hannah nuzzled close to her mamm. “It’s a good idea. We don’t know these boys and they could cause us more trouble.”
Liza blew out a breath. “I’m relieved and grateful to you, Jacob. I agree with Hannah.” She gave Jacob a shy smile. “Danki,”
Jacob held her gaze for a moment. “I’m happy to do it for you.”
Those big brown eyes flowed with love for her. She was sure of it. Would she have the courage to break both their hearts and end the future they both so desperately wanted together? She shouldn’t put off letting him go for good, but she didn’t have the strength to discuss it with him. He’d understand after he found someone else. Ouch! The thought of him with some other woman sickened her. She managed a weak smile. “Danki, Jacob.”
The sheriff gobbled the rest of h
is bread and drank his lemonade. “I shouldn’t dally. Thank you, Liza. If you need anything, give me a holler.”
Esther and Hannah bid him farewell and went back to the kitchen.
Jacob shook the sheriff’s hand. “Danki for all your help, Sheriff.”
“Good day, Sheriff.” Liza watched the door close behind him. “He’s a dedicated lawman. This town is blessed to have him.”
“I like him.” Jacob stood. “I’ll repair your door.”
She glanced at him while she cleaned and straightened the bakery. The man had breezed into her life like a breath of fresh air. She didn’t want to let him go, but she must.
An hour later, he packed his things. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“You’ve done enough and I’ve taken up too much of your time with my problems. The door looks as good as new. Danki. I appreciate everything.” She avoided eye contact and stared at her feet.
He came around the counter and faced her. “Liza, what’s wrong? Did I overstep taking matters into my own hands? Is it about the way I left in a huff the other day? I’m sorry. I get exasperated that you won’t budge on accepting my proposal.”
She shook her head. “It’s not you. It’s me. I have a lot on my mind.”
“Tell me.” He touched her shoulder and dropped his hand.
“Not now. We’ll talk later.” The warmth of his fingers lingered.
A young Englisch couple entered. Liza forced a smile. “Kumme in. How may I help you today?”
Jacob stepped aside and waited.
The woman pointed to a shoofly pie. “I’ll take the pie and a dozen of those cute little cookies. What are they called?”
Jacob grinned. “Molasses cookies. They’re Liza’s specialty.”
“Give me two dozen.” The woman’s full cheeks dimpled.
Liza packaged the order, accepted payment, and thanked the couple. She waved to them as they left.
*
Jacob waited until they were alone. “Liza, please tell me what’s on your mind. Kumme have supper with Ellie and me tonight.”
“She needs time alone with you. She’s been home such a short time.”
“Please, Liza. I want the two of you to talk and establish a friendship. Bring Hannah.” The breakin at the bakery had taken precedence over him telling her about his discussion with Ellie. He was glad he hadn’t mentioned it to her and would wait until Liza and Ellie had opportunities to get better acquainted. He was sure Ellie would find Liza irresistible to confide in, given time. Tonight, Hannah and Ellie could visit apart from him and Liza after supper, giving him a chance to confront Liza about what was bothering her.
Hannah joined them. “Bring me where?”
“I would like you and Liza to kumme for supper tonight. I’m sure Ellie would love to talk to you.”
A big smile crossed Hannah’s lips. “We’ll kumme for supper. Right, Liza? I’d love to see Ellie.” She grinned. “Mamm and Daed are going to the Yosts’ for supper, and I was going to stay home and knit. This works out perfectly.”
“It’s settled. Six o’clock.” Jacob hurried out the door before Liza could answer. He chuckled and patted himself on the back for his abrupt escape.
He sensed she was afraid of Ellie’s rejection, considering his dochder’s past bad behavior. Liza must be worried about how Ellie would take the news of their relationship. He’d handled problems for her to prove she could depend on him. He’d not let anything interfere with their planning a future, Ellie included.
He’d put the women together as much as possible to foster a friendship between them. He was certain Hannah and Esther would join him in this endeavor, without him having to say a word. They’d been supportive to him from the time he’d met them. He was confident God had brought him to Charm and chosen Liza for his fraa.
He went home and worked in the barn and garden. He washed his hands under the pump, then shielded his eyes from the sun at the buggy turning onto the lane. He waved to Ellie.
She halted the horse, jumped out, and plopped the reins in Jacob’s outstretched hand. “How was your day, Daed?”
“Good afternoon to you. My day could’ve gone better. I’ve got some disturbing news. Two young men broke into the bakery and made a mess.”
Eyes wide, Ellie’s jaw dropped. “Englischers?”
He gave an affirmative nod. “They were after free dessert and money. They’d planned to rob Maybelle’s Inn. They thought better of it when they noticed the owner still inside.”
“How did you find out who they were?”
“I went to the bakery to visit Liza and she told me about the incident. I hurried to the sheriff’s office to ask if any other store owners had had trouble. The daed and his twin sons were there. He didn’t know if anyone witnessed them breaking into the bakery, and he thought it would be better if they confessed. Liza won’t press charges, but the daed insisted they compensate her in some way.”
“She shouldn’t put herself at risk with them working at the bakery. They may get out of hand. She doesn’t know them.”
“I made arrangements for the twins to work for me tomorrow.”
“Good. I wouldn’t want them to cause any trouble for Esther, Hannah, or Liza.”
“I’ve invited Liza and Hannah for supper tonight.”
“Why Liza?” She narrowed her eyes.
“You know why Liza.”
She shrugged. “I’ll be happy to have Hannah here. Maybe we’ll take the canoe out on the pond after supper.”
“Whatever you would like to cook.”
She avoided his eyes. “We have leftover ham. I’ll make a big pot of ham and beans and bake some corn bread.”
“Sounds delicious.” He wouldn’t allow her to ignore Liza. Ellie must’ve had a happy day. She was in a good mood. “How was your time with Peter?”
She beamed. “He’s a curious little boy. He asks lots of questions about animals, food, you name it. I enjoy him. I almost feel guilty getting paid to care for him.” She paused and sucked in her upper lip. “I think it will take time for Mae to restore her confidence in me again.”
“You can appreciate her perspective. Peter is everything to her. You disappointed him, and her too.”
“I didn’t realize when I left how much my actions would wound you, Hannah, and Peter. I’m so sorry. In time, I’ll win over Mrs. Chupp and restore your and my friends’ faith in me. I wish I hadn’t left in the first place.”
“We don’t need to rehash your mistakes. I’m glad you had a change of heart.” He walked toward the haus.
She joined him, and they stepped inside. She plucked her apron off the hook and tied the strings behind her back. “I’d better get busy preparing the food or we won’t have anything to serve for supper.”
Jacob smiled and went outside to feed and water the animals. He strolled to the barn and dropped to his knees. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for anything I’ve done or said to disappoint You today. Danki for returning Ellie home. Please open Ellie’s heart to accept Liza into our family. Danki for bringing us to Charm and for all the blessings You’ve bestowed on Ellie and me. Amen.”
He stood and grabbed a water pail to fill for the horses. He was falling more in love with Liza each day. Nothing would stop him from persuading her to marry him. Ellie was back, and he’d give them time to get better acquainted. Ellie hadn’t given Liza a fair chance to know her or have a reason to cultivate a closer relationship with her. Ellie now knew he loved Liza, and she would benefit from a friendship with her. He hoped she’d understand this.
*
At six, Jacob answered the knock at the door. “Wilkom, Hannah and Liza. Ellie’s whipped up ham, beans, and corn bread. She’s setting the table.”
Hannah took a deep breath. “Yum! I’ll head to the kitchen and help her.”
Liza gave him a shy smile. “Yum is right. The cooking aroma in your haus is wonderful. It was thoughtful of Ellie to provide supper.”
He rubbed his forehea
d. He should wait until they had more time to talk. He bit his lip. He couldn’t wait. He had to get this off his chest now. The other women were busy in the kitchen. They would be far enough away on the porch for them not to overhear their discussion. “Please join me on the porch. We have a few minutes before she’s ready for us to sit at the table.” He followed her to two rocking chairs on the porch.
She leaned back in the rocker and met his gaze, then stared at the pond.
He sensed her uneasiness and covered the hand resting on the arm of the chair. “Liza, do you still love me?”
“Of course I do. But Jacob, love isn’t enough.”
“Are you saying you don’t want us to build a life together, to solve our problems together, to take care of each other in sickness and health?”
Ellie popped her head out the door. “Time for supper!”
Liza jumped to her feet and rushed inside.
Jacob gripped the arms of the rocker and closed his eyes for a moment. Ellie’s timing had been horrible. Not her fault. He had a battle on his hands with Liza. He was determined to win. He’d speak with her again about their future after supper.
He joined the women in the kitchen. “You did a superb job cooking this meal, Ellie.”
Liza poured water in glasses for each place setting. “I’m grateful for the invitation to share this beautiful array of food, and I’m not unhappy about not having to cook tonight.”
Ellie gestured to the chairs. “Everyone sit and, Daed, please pray for our food.”
Jacob bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father, danki for the food we are about to eat. Danki for bringing Ellie home safe, and for Liza and Hannah becoming such an important part of our lives. Amen.”
He listened to the women discuss the robbery, recipes, and Peter. He hung on Liza’s every word and cheered inside when she and Ellie had a pleasant conversation without a hint of tension. Pushing his plate aside, he stood and carried his plate to the sink. “Ellie, what did you make for dessert?”
“I have apple cookies.”
Jacob motioned to her. “Don’t get up. I’ll serve them.”
“Danki, Daed.”