Sure wish Michelle was sitting here beside me right now. Ezekiel looked over at the empty seat next to him, where she sat on the way to and from his cousin’s last night. Glancing out at the snow-covered hills, Ezekiel tried to redirect his thoughts by absorbing the untouched splendor. Before it was shoveled or plowed, the fresh fallen snow was pristine, hiding imperfections under a blanket of white. Sorta like our sins when we accept Christ into our life, he acknowledged. But the Lord doesn’t just cover our sins—He removes them.
A short time later, Ezekiel guided his horse up the driveway. With no encouragement, Big Red trotted right up to the hitching rail. Once in the barn, after attending to the gelding and making sure he had plenty of feed, Ezekiel headed for the house.
After stomping his shoes on the rug by the door, he walked into the kitchen. The smell of maple syrup still lingered from breakfast. I bet Mom fixed pancakes this morning.
“Guder mariye, Ezekiel. It’s nice of you to finally come home.” His mother’s remark startled him. Then her tone changed to concern. “You had me worried to death. Where were you all night, Son?”
“Mornin’, Mom.” Ezekiel took off his jacket and hung it on the peg, then balanced his hat on top of that. Running his fingers through his slightly damp hair, he sat down at the table. “I left a message on the answering machine explaining that I was staying at the Lapps’.”
His mother’s eyes opened wider and she gave a little gasp. “For goodness’ sake.”
Ezekiel figured Mom wouldn’t take it very well, so he continued to explain. “When I took Michelle home, she invited me in. It wasn’t midnight yet, and we wanted to see the New Year come in together.” Ezekiel paused to take a quick breath. “Brad’s van was there, and he’d left his lights on.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Her eyes narrowed.
“Nothing really, except his battery was dead, and because of the weather turning worse, we figured the chances were slim for him getting a tow truck to come.” The next part, Ezekiel knew, would be difficult. “To make a long story short, Michelle suggested Brad and I spend the night and wait till the roads cleared this morning. Sara agreed. Neither of ’em wanted to worry about us being out on the unplowed roads.”
“Oh, so you caused us to worry instead.” Mom gave the top of her apron a tug, as though it was the source of her discomfort.
“So I’m guessing you didn’t get my message?”
She shook her head. “Were the Lapps in agreement to you staying there overnight?”
“They were already in bed when we got there.” Ezekiel watched his mother’s muscles tense. Why is she making such a big deal of this?
Mom stood with her hands on her hips. “Do you have any idea how much I fretted? I got no sleep waiting for you to come home last night.” She went to the stove and poured herself a cup of coffee but didn’t offer any to Ezekiel. “I’m sure you didn’t have one bit of trouble sleeping.” She turned to face him. “And just where did you sleep, Ezekiel?”
“Mom, I have no idea what you are insinuating.” Ezekiel felt a headache coming on as his frustration built. “But if it makes you feel any better, I slept on the Lapps’ couch in the living room, and Brad took the guest room down the hall. Willis and Mary Ruth were in their bedroom, and the girls were upstairs in their rooms.”
“Well, I don’t think it was—” Mom looked toward the kitchen door as Ezekiel’s dad came in from outside.
“Oh, there you are, Son. Glad to see you made it home okay.” He hung his hat and jacket on an empty peg next to Ezekiel’s.
“Do you know where our son has been all night?”
“Why yes, Belinda. I just came from the phone shed, checking messages, and I learned where Ezekiel was last night. I heard him and Big Red go past the shed when I was listening to his message too. Why do you ask?”
“Why?” Mom’s eyebrows lifted. “And you’re okay with him staying all night at the Lapps’?”
“Jah. Our son is home, and he’s safe and sound.” Dad gestured to Ezekiel. “It was a good decision, with the way the weather turned last night.”
“Danki, Dad.” Ezekiel got up from the table and gave his father’s shoulder a couple of thumps. In times past, both Dad and Mom had been hard on him—especially where Michelle was concerned. It was nice to have Dad stick up for him this morning. “Think I’ll go check on the beehives to make sure they’re still in an upright position.”
Looking down at the floor, Mom cleared her throat. “Would you like me to fix you some breakfast, Son?”
“No, thanks. I already ate.” Ezekiel grabbed his boots and put them on. After slipping on his jacket and hat, he headed out the door.
Ezekiel had always respected his parents, but Mom was going a bit overboard this morning. I would think by now she’d trust my decisions. After all, I am an adult. He inhaled the cold crisp air, which helped to clear his head. I realize Mom is just concerned, but is this how it will always be with her—never having anything nice to say about Michelle and always assuming the worst of her?
Ezekiel felt ready to marry Michelle. In fact, he’d marry her tomorrow if possible. But until the classes were done and they’d joined the church, he would patiently wait. Michelle thought taking the classes would be a big test for her. Little did she know the bigger challenge would be his mother—not only for Michelle, but him as well.
Chapter 26
By the end of January, the weather had improved from what it had been earlier in the month. If not for the temperature drop every evening, it seemed as if spring had arrived early this year. But Sara figured the warmer weather would be short lived and was only giving everyone a little tease of what was to come.
Things were going well at work, and they were gearing up for the flowers that would be sold before and on Valentine’s Day. Sara was glad to be keeping busy at work, as well as at her grandparents’ home. It took her mind off other things plaguing her lately. The fact that no one she had asked in her grandparents’ church district knew who her biological father might be was one of the things disturbing Sara. But even more upsetting was that her mother had chosen to hide the truth from her, and also from Grandma and Grandpa. Sara had asked Dean once if Mama ever told him who her real father was, but his answer was no.
Sara tapped her pen on the hard surface of her desk. I wonder if Dean does know the truth and is keeping it from me because he promised Mama he wouldn’t say anything. Sara had always known her stepfather was devoted to his wife, even though she felt certain he’d never truly accepted Sara as his daughter. But then, maybe Dean knows nothing and never pushed Mama to reveal the name of my father.
Since Sara’s mother was no longer living and Sara couldn’t confront her with this, she’d come to realize she might never know the truth. The more Sara thought about it, the more bitter she felt, so it was best if she kept her mind on other things.
Sara’s thoughts turned in another direction. Last night she’d received a phone call from Brad. In fact, he had called her at least once a week since returning to ministerial school. In the most recent conversation he’d mentioned the possibility of making another trip to Strasburg soon—maybe some weekend in March. Sara looked forward to seeing him again.
Brad must be at least a little interested in me, she thought, or he wouldn’t have kept in touch at all. I just wish …
Sara’s introspections were pushed aside when the door opened and a middle-aged Amish man entered the shop. In December, he’d come to the flower shop to buy a Christmas plant for his wife. As Sara recalled, his name was Herschel Fisher.
“Good morning.” He stepped up to the counter.
Sara smiled. “Morning. May I help you with something?”
“Yes, please. I’d like to buy more flowers for my wife.”
What a thoughtful man. “Are you looking for a bouquet of cut flowers, or did you have a houseplant in mind? We have several nice African violets that are blooming right now.”
Herschel pulled his f
ingers down the side of his bearded face. “You know, a blooming houseplant might be kind of nice. It will last a lot longer than fresh-cut flowers.”
Sara bobbed her head and stepped out from behind the counter. “I’ll show you what’s available.” She led the way to the area where the houseplants were located. As Herschel looked them over, she stood back and let him decide. Finally, after several minutes’ deliberation, he chose a dark maroon violet with several lacey blooms.
Sara went back to the counter, rang up his purchase, and placed the plant inside a small cardboard box.
Herschel thanked her, picked up the box, and started across the room. When he reached the door and grasped the handle, she called out to him: “Tell your wife if she follows the watering directions that I put on the little card inside the box, the plant should do well and keep blooming for a good many years.”
The Amish man turned his head, blinked his eyes at Sara, and was gone.
Sara’s throat tightened. Oh to have a man who loves me so much that he regularly buys flowers, even when it isn’t a special occasion.
Clarks Summit
Brad sat in the school cafeteria, staring at his unfinished bowl of tomato soup, and thinking about Sara. Ever since he’d left Strasburg on New Year’s Day, she’d been on his mind. He reflected on the events of New Year’s Eve and how he’d been tempted to kiss her when the Lapps’ grandfather clock struck twelve. But reason won out, and he’d only given Sara a brief hug, wishing her a happy new year.
It’s funny, Brad thought, but when I believed Michelle was Sara, I was attracted to her. Then, when I realized she wasn’t a Christian, I backed off. Now I find myself interested in the real Sara.
Truth was, Brad had no idea whether Sara was a believer or not. So why was he even considering trying to develop a relationship with her?
In his conversation with Sara last night, Brad had mentioned going to Strasburg to see her sometime in March. Even just a weekend there would give him a little more time to get to know her better. Maybe he’d find the courage to ask where she stood spiritually. If Sara was not a Christian, he would definitely need to curtail the feelings he was beginning to have for her.
“Is this seat taken?” A pleasant female voice cut into Brad’s contemplations.
“Uh, no. Be my guest.” He smiled at the pretty, dark-haired woman smiling down at him.
She pulled out a chair and sat down, placing her lunch tray on the table in front of her. “Hi, my name’s Terri Conners. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Brad held out his hand. “Brad Fuller. Nice to meet you, Terri.”
Her long eyelashes fluttered as she gave him a dimpled grin. “Same here.”
For lack of anything better to say, Brad picked up his spoon and ate the rest of his nearly cold soup. When he finished, he was surprised to see Terri watching him with a curious expression.
“Was I slurping?” he asked.
“A little bit.”
Brad grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth. “Sorry about that.”
Her hand fluttered in Brad’s direction. “No problem. I have three brothers, so I’m used to hearing a little slurping at the table. Besides, there really is no other way to eat soup.”
He suppressed a snicker. “So where are you from, and what brought you to this university?”
“I was born and raised in Maine, and I came here with a scholarship. This is my second year.” Terri took a sip of the chocolate milk on her tray. “My goal is to become a youth minister.” She gestured to Brad. “How about you? What’s your plan for after you graduate?”
“My goal is to take a church and minister full-time.”
“Senior pastor or someone’s assistant?” she asked.
“I don’t know for sure. It all depends on what I’m offered.” Brad wadded his napkin into a ball. “But even if I end up starting out as someone’s assistant, I hope to move up the ranks someday.”
She drank more milk and blotted her lips. “I’m a preacher’s kid, so I know firsthand how tough the ministry can be. But the rewards outweigh the struggles and the often difficult tasks.”
Brad reflected on her words a few seconds before responding. “I’m sure it won’t be easy, but I can do all things through Christ.”
“Yes.” Terri’s blue eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “I cling to that verse in Philippians too.”
Brad watched as she peeled back the covering on a small container of applesauce.
After taking a bite, she asked Brad another question. “What do you do when you have some free time? Is there anywhere you like to go?”
“I enjoy going to Strasburg when I get the chance. In fact, last summer I did some work for the Amish in that area.”
“I’ve always wanted to see Amish country.” Terri finished her applesauce. “What kind of work have you done for them?”
“Sometimes they hired me to drive them to appointments or some store that was too far from their home to take a horse and buggy. Other times, I was asked to help out with chores around someone’s farm.”
“Interesting. Maybe I’ll take a drive down that way sometime, when I don’t have my nose in the books.”
Nodding, Brad rubbed the back of his neck. It was nice to talk with someone who shared his beliefs and understood about life in the ministry. He admired Terri for wanting to be a youth pastor. To him, that would be a bigger challenge than being a senior pastor of a megachurch. He hoped she was up to the task.
Ronks
Michelle hurried toward the kitchen to turn in someone’s dinner order. The restaurant had been busy ever since she’d begun her first shift shortly before noon. Michelle had been asked to work the lunch and dinner shifts this week. Since her schedule didn’t coincide with Sara’s, she’d hired Stan to take her to and from work. She hated spending money on a driver—especially when she still owed the Lapps some of the money she’d stolen from them last October. She didn’t have much left to pay back, but the sooner Michelle got it done, the better she’d feel about it.
In addition to the temperature being colder in the evenings, walking home from work when it was dark outside wasn’t a good idea. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have minded one bit. Come spring, if Michelle still had a job here, she planned to walk to and from work every day. By then the days would be getting longer, and it wouldn’t be dark when she walked home. The exercise would be good for her too, and she wouldn’t feel obligated to Sara. While their relationship might not be considered a close friendship as such, they had reached a mutual understanding, and for that, she felt grateful. It was a far cry from the tension between them a few months ago.
Michelle’s thoughts went to Ezekiel. How appreciative she felt for his friendship and the relationship they’d been building. He was kind, helpful, understanding, humble, and everything she’d ever wanted in a man. Ezekiel was nothing like some of the self-centered, commanding jerks she had dated in the past.
On New Year’s Eve, they’d kissed a few moments before midnight, and Ezekiel wished her a happy new year at the stroke of midnight. Michelle sensed that he had wanted to kiss her again, but he didn’t. With Brad and Sara in the room, Ezekiel probably felt a bit awkward.
If he asked me to marry him right now, I’d say yes, Michelle told herself as she moved in the direction of the dining room. But I need to be patient and try not to put the buggy before the horse. Besides, we need to finish the classes we’re taking so we can both join the church.
Michelle straightened up a pile of menus that could easily have fallen to the floor. Maybe Ezekiel has no plans of ever proposing. He might see me as nothing more than a friend.
Michelle’s thoughts took her back to the evening when Ezekiel came all the way up to Harrisburg to convince her to return to Strasburg and face Willis and Mary Ruth. He’d expressed his love for her then. And if he truly did love her, then surely a marriage proposal would eventually come.
Michelle entered the dining room, and was about to approach one of the tables in her sectio
n, when she saw a familiar face. Heart pounding, and hands shaking, she stopped walking and stood as though glued to the floor. Her old boyfriend Jerry sat at a table next to a young woman with short, bleached-blond hair. Since they sat in the section Michelle was responsible for, she had no choice but to wait on them.
Glancing at the clock on the far wall, Michelle’s teeth clamped down on her lower lip. Oh, how I wish it was quitting time. I’d be out that door in a flash.
Chapter 27
As Michelle stepped up to the table where Jerry and the blond woman sat, her mouth felt so dry she could barely swallow, let alone speak an intelligent sentence. Holding her ordering pad in front of her as though it were a shield, all she could do was stand there, looking at Jerry. At first glance, she realized his curly brown hair had been cut a bit shorter and neater. And instead of his normal attire of jeans and a T-shirt, Jerry wore a neatly pressed, dark-green buttoned shirt and tan-colored casual pants. She was surprised to see that he even wore a tie.
Squinting until his eyes appeared as mere slits, he stared back at her. “Michelle?”
She gave a slow nod.
Jerry’s eyes opened wide. “What are you doin’ here, and how come you’re wearing that weird getup?” He pointed to Michelle’s plain dress and apron.
Finally able to find her voice, she squeaked, “I work here, and I am wearing these clothes because I’m Amish. Or at least I will be sometime this spring.” If things go well, that is, Michelle silently added.
With an obnoxious snort, Jerry turned to the woman in the chair beside him. “Can you believe that, Nicki? My old girlfriend’s crossed over into an old-fashioned world of pioneer living.”
His friend didn’t hold back her own snicker. In fact, she seemed anxious to join in with Jerry’s ridicule as she maintained steady eye contact with Michelle.
Michelle couldn’t help noticing all the makeup this girl wore on her face, especially around her eyes, which were outlined in dark black pencil. The young woman’s lashes were so thick with mascara, they clumped together. Her wrists were covered by several inches of bracelets, and numerous earrings dangled from both ears. The blond even wore a small loop in her nose.
The Forgiving Jar Page 18