“We’d better lock up the car and walk the rest of the way home,” Sara suggested, looking toward the sound of horse’s hooves clip-clopping on the pavement.
A few minutes later, an Amish buggy, heading in the opposite direction pulled up on the other side of the road. The driver got out and secured his horse to a fence post nearby. When he walked across and joined them, Sara recognized him right away.
“Do you need some help?” When he looked at Sara, his brows rose slightly. “Don’t you work at the flower shop in Strasburg?”
“Why yes. And you’re Herschel Fisher.” Sara looked at Michelle. “Mr. Fisher is a customer at the flower shop.”
“Nice to meet you.” Michelle glanced at her soggy-looking feet, then back at Mr. Fisher. “We’re stuck. We tried rocking the car, hoping to get it out of the ditch, but I don’t have enough strength to even budge the vehicle.”
“Let me help you.” Herschel looked at Sara. “Just ease on the gas when I tell you.” He turned to Michelle. “You’d better stand back out of the way.”
Michelle did as she was told. All it took was Herschel’s strength, and after a few pushes, Sara’s car was out of the ditch.
She sighed with relief. “How can I ever thank you, Mr. Fisher?” Sara noticed his clothes were sprayed with mud too.
“No thanks is needed.”
She got out of the car and handed him and Michelle paper towels.
“Yeah, thanks, Mr. Fisher. Without you, we would still be stuck.” Michelle wiped her face with the towel.
Herschel touched the brim of his hat. “I’m glad I happened along when I did.” He told the girls goodbye and hurried back to his buggy. When he reached it, he turned and shouted, “Be careful driving. The roads might get icy as the temperature starts to dip.”
“We don’t have far to go. Thanks again.” Sara joined Michelle in the car. When she turned the heat up, Michelle tossed her gloves on the floor and held her hands toward the vent. “Boy, I’m glad he came along when he did.”
“Me too.” Sara looked out her side mirror, watching Herschel’s buggy as it got farther away. “The next time that nice man comes into the flower shop, I’m going to pay for whatever he purchases.”
“Good idea.” Michelle bobbed her head. “This incident has made me realize how much I appreciate the Amish people in this community. Most that I know are always willing to help when someone has a need.”
“You’re right,” Sara agreed. “Everyone is like family—willing to be there for each other. I admire that so much.”
Michelle gave Sara’s arm a light tap. “Maybe you should think about giving up your English ways and becoming Amish.”
Sara glanced at Michelle, then focused back on the road. “It’s a nice thought, but I think not.”
Chapter 30
On Valentine’s Day, at Mary Ruth’s request, Michelle walked out to get the mail. She had done this every day when she’d first lived with the Lapps so she could intercept any letters the real Sara might have sent.
I should never have deceived them like that. Michelle kicked a clump of dirt in the graveled driveway. If I could only go back in time, I’d make it all right.
It wasn’t good to dwell on the past or berate herself for things she couldn’t change, but sometimes the memory of her lies plagued her. She’d been forgiven, and for that she was thankful, but perhaps she still hadn’t pardoned herself.
Michelle’s breath expelled in a frosty vapor as a shiver went through her. The morning air was nippy, this second Thursday of February. She looked up toward the sky. Every day last week had been cloudy and dreary, but today the clouds were finally peeling away. Behind them she enjoyed the large patches of crystal-blue sky and the warmth of a brilliant sun. In certain areas where cloud formations still mingled, translucent rays of light scattered over the ground below.
Michelle hugged her arms around herself. Even though February was a cold month, this weather was invigorating. But spring would start next month, and she was eager for warmer temperatures too. Today being Valentine’s Day made the sun’s appearance even more special.
When Michelle reached the mailbox, she pulled out a stack of mail that included several advertisement flyers, as well as envelopes that appeared to be bills. One letter was addressed to Sara and postmarked, “Clarks Summit.”
She smiled. I bet this is from Brad. He’s the only person we know who lives up there. She turned the square envelope over and studied it a few seconds. I wonder if this is a Valentine’s Day card.
Michelle thumbed through the mail once more to see if any envelopes were addressed to her. Finding none, she closed the mailbox flap and started back toward the house. As she approached the Lapps’ home, she stopped walking and stood looking up with her mouth slightly open. On the frosty roof, someone had written a message for her: MICHELLE … LOOK IN THE BARN.
Now who would climb all the way up there and leave me a message like that? Surely Willis wouldn’t have done anything so dangerous. His wife would have a conniption if he took a chance like that.
Michelle hurried into the house, dropped the mail on the table, then ran all the way to the barn. She’d barely gotten inside, when Ezekiel stepped out of the shadows, causing her to jump.
“Ezekiel, you about scared me to death! What are you doing here at this time of day? Shouldn’t you be helping at the greenhouse?”
“I will be, but we don’t open for another hour or so. I have plenty of time to get back by then.” He moved closer. So close, she could feel his warm breath on her face. “I came to bring you a Valentine’s Day present.”
Confused, Michelle tipped her head. Ezekiel held no present in his hands. But then, seeing him here on this cold, raw morning was gift enough in itself.
“Didn’t you see the botschaft I left on the Lapps’ roof for you?” he asked.
“I did see the message, which is why I came running out to the barn. I just didn’t realize you were the one who wrote it.” Pleased that she’d understood the Pennsylvania Dutch word Ezekiel had spoken, Michelle poked his arm. “What were you thinking, pulling a stunt like that? The roof is high, not to mention slippery from the frost. How did you even get up there? Don’t you realize how dangerous it could—”
Ezekiel wrapped his arms around Michelle’s waist and stopped her words with a kiss so sweet she forgot all the questions he had not yet answered. When the kiss ended, she pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a heart full of love. “So you are my Valentine’s Day present?”
He shook his head. “Not really. I’m just the messenger and deliverer of the gift.”
“What gift?”
Ezekiel took hold of Michelle’s hand. “Come with me, and soon you will see your Valentine’s Day surprise.”
She followed him willingly toward the back of the barn, where a gas lantern hanging from the rafters had been lit. When they reached a small wooden barrier, Ezekiel stopped and pointed inside. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Michelle. I hope you like her.” Sleeping in a pile of straw lay the cutest little auburn-haired pup. “The puppy’s an Irish setter, and she’s seven weeks old today.” Ezekiel slipped his arm around Michelle’s waist. “I know she won’t replace Rascal, but the puppy needs a loving owner, and I believe you’re the one she’s meant to have.”
Tears slipped from Michelle’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks. “Oh Ezekiel, danki.” She stepped over the enclosure, bent down, and scooped the pup into her arms. “I’m gonna call her, Val—short for—”
“Valentine’s Day.” Ezekiel finished Michelle’s sentence. “When I went to look at the puppies, this cute little thing was the only one left out of a litter of fourteen. I wasn’t going to let her get away.” He reached out to rub the dog’s ears, covered with wavy fur. “When I saw the pup’s auburn fur, it reminded me of the color of your hair—not to mention that auburn is kind of a reddish color, appropriate for Valentine’s Day.”
Holding securely to her new pet, Michelle stepped back over the barri
cade and kissed Ezekiel’s cheek. “It’s all so perfect. This is the best Valentine’s gift anyone has ever given me. Not that I’ve had many presents on Valentine’s Day.”
He returned the kiss on Michelle’s lips. “And you are the best aldi any man could ever want. I love you with all my heart.”
“I love you too, Ezekiel.”
At that moment, the puppy woke up and licked Michelle’s chin. Hints of Val’s sweet-smelling breath reached her. Chuckling, she stroked the dog’s silky head. One thing she would teach little Val when she was old enough to learn would be not to chase cars. Michelle couldn’t risk losing another dog.
Sara had just entered the kitchen to help Grandma with breakfast, when Michelle came into the room, holding a bundle of auburn-colored fur in her arms and smiling ear to ear.
“Look what Ezekiel gave me for Valentine’s Day.” She held the puppy up and then draped the little thing over her shoulder as if it were a baby.
“What a siess hundli!” Sara’s grandma exclaimed. “And what a thoughtful gift Ezekiel gave you this morning.”
Michelle nuzzled the pup with her nose. “You’re right, Mary Ruth. She is a sweet puppy.”
“Have you chosen a name for her yet?” Sara questioned.
“Yep. Since I got the puppy on Valentine’s Day, I decided to call her Val.”
“Now that’s appropriate,” Grandpa interjected when he entered the kitchen. “I went out to the barn a short time ago, and just before Ezekiel left, he told me how he’d surprised you with the hundli. And that’s not all.” He grinned at Michelle. “That beau of yours told me how he climbed up on our roof this morning and wrote a message for you in the frost.”
“Jah, I couldn’t believe he would do such a thing. I’m not sure I want to know how he got up there either. Oh, and speaking of messages—there’s an envelope for you on the table, Sara.” Michelle motioned with her head. “It’s postmarked Clarks Summit, so it’s probably from Brad.” A slow smile spread across Michelle’s face. “I bet he sent you a Valentine card.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that fellow’s not sweet on you, Sara.” Grandpa’s bushy brows jiggled up and down.
With trembling fingers, Sara looked through the stack of mail. When she came to the one in question, she tore it open. Her shoulders slumped, however, when she saw a “thinking of you” card with a verse of scripture on the inside. She read: “‘They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.’ Psalm 125:1.”
Sara pursed her lips. I wonder what that’s supposed to mean. What exactly is Brad trying to tell me?
“Is it a Valentine’s card?” Michelle asked.
Sara shook her head. “Just a ‘thinking of you’ card.” Unable to hide her disappointment, she moved over to the stove to heat up the frying pan in readiness for the bacon Grandma had taken from the refrigerator.
“Uh-oh.” Michelle giggled, holding little Val away from her shoulder. “Looks like this little schtinker just initiated me.”
Sara turned toward Michelle and noticed a wet area forming on the front of her dress.
Michelle switched arms and cuddled her puppy. “I’ll take the cutie back to the barn. Then I’ll come back in and change clothes before I sit down to breakfast.”
“There are some cardboard boxes in the basement. If you like, you can put your puppy in that and keep her inside while we eat,” Grandma suggested.
“Sounds like a good idea, but I’d better get her introduced to Sadie.” Michelle put her jacket back on. “Wish me luck.”
It was wrong to feel envious, but Sara couldn’t help feeling a bit jealous of Michelle. Her boyfriend cared so much about her that he’d not only given her a puppy, but he had risked life and limb to leave Michelle a message on Grandma and Grandpa’s frosty roof this morning. Every day when Michelle looked at her puppy, she’d be reminded of how much Ezekiel loved her.
Sara hadn’t heard a word from Brad in two weeks, and now just a note with a scripture she didn’t understand? The least he could have done is send me a Valentine card. Of course, Sara thought, when reason won out, I am not Brad’s girlfriend, so why would he have even thought about me in relationship to Valentine’s Day? We haven’t known each other very long, and to him I’m only an acquaintance. For all I know, he already has a girlfriend. I’m just fooling myself to think he might be interested in me.
As the bacon began to sizzle, Sara reflected more on the situation. It was too soon to really know how she felt about Brad, but for some reason, ever since she’d met the would-be preacher, he had been on her mind.
Clarks Summit
As Brad prepared for his first class, his thoughts went to Sara, as they often did since he’d returned from Strasburg on New Year’s. Had she received his “thinking of you” card by now? If so, Brad wondered what her reaction was to the verse of scripture he’d included. It was the one God had placed on his heart to include.
He glanced at the calendar on his cell phone. It was Valentine’s Day, and he’d remembered his mother with a card and a dozen pink carnations—her favorite flower. He’d ordered it from a local florist, and the flowers had been delivered to his aunt’s place in Seattle, where he assumed Mom was still helping out. Brad had also sent Aunt Marlene another bouquet, because she loved the first one he’d sent while recuperating and he didn’t want her to feel left out.
Brad had toyed with the idea of sending flowers to Sara but dismissed the idea. Not only would it be an added expense, but she might get the wrong idea.
He looked at his watch and saw he still had enough time to get to the university. Maybe he’d opt for a bowl of cereal this morning since it wouldn’t take long to eat.
When he went to get a bowl, his cell phone rang. Seeing it was his parents’ number, he answered right away.
“Hi, Brad, it’s Mom.”
“Hey, Mom, how you doing? I was just thinking of you and Aunt Marlene.”
“I’m well. Just wanted to call and let you know I’m home. But first, and most importantly, happy belated birthday, Brad.” She sighed. “I was going to call last Friday on your birthday, because I thought I’d be home by then. Unfortunately, your aunt came down with a bad cold, and I had to stay an extra week. Sorry we missed Christmas together, and now your birthday came and went too.”
“It’s okay, Mom. I’ve been so busy I have hardly had time to think about it.” Brad looked at his watch again and saw he only had half an hour until his first class started. Since he hadn’t talked to his mother since Aunt Marlene’s surgery, he’d just skip breakfast so he could talk longer to her. “How is Aunt Marlene doing since I last talked to you?”
“She did well after some convincing to lay low. You know how your aunt is—nothing keeps her down. Anyway, she healed well from her surgery, and luckily her cold only lasted a few days, so I was able to come home yesterday.” She paused, and then added, “I want to thank you for the beautiful pink carnations you sent me. They were delivered to her house two days before I left. And your aunt liked her flowers too.”
“Good to hear. Glad I sent them early.”
“Yes, I’m sitting here looking at a picture of them now. You remembered pink carnations are my favorite. Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring them home in my suitcase.”
“I’m glad you got to enjoy the flowers for a few days. Hey, how’s Dad doing? Did he manage okay while you were gone?”
“He said so. I’m sure he enjoyed the peace and quiet.” She paused again, then asked, “Did you get your friend anything for Valentine’s Day?”
“Are you referring to Sara?”
“If that’s the one you told me about the last time we talked, then yes.”
“No, Mom, we’re still just friends, so it wasn’t appropriate to send something to her for Valentine’s Day.” Brad looked at his watch one more time. “Sorry, Mom, but I’m gonna have to go. I have fifteen minutes to get to my first class.”
“Okay, Brad. Have a good day. Oh,
and I’ll fix you something special for dinner when we see you next time.”
“No problem, and tell Dad I said hi.”
As Brad put on his coat, he thought about his mother’s question. I need to get to know Sara better before giving her any gifts, Brad told himself as he gathered a stack of books and put them in his backpack. Since spring break would be coming up next month, he hoped to make a trip to Strasburg and stay with Ned again. Of course, the main reason Brad planned to go to Lancaster County was to see Sara. In the meantime, he would keep in touch through letters and phone calls as time allowed. If it was meant for them to develop a relationship that went beyond friendship, Brad would know. Hopefully, Sara would too.
Chapter 31
Strasburg
I can’t believe it’s the third Saturday of March already.” Mary Ruth pointed to the calendar on her kitchen wall. “With this warmer weather we’re having, it’ll soon be time to plant my garden. And did you notice”—she added with enthusiasm—“the hyacinths are almost ready to bloom?”
“Jah, I did see that.” Smiling, Michelle washed their breakfast bowls. It was nice to see Mary Ruth get excited about something as simple as planting a garden and seeing flowers bloom. “You can count on my help again this year,” Michelle volunteered. With the exception of the pesky gnats that would no doubt plague her as they had last summer, she too looked forward to planting seeds, pulling weeds, and harvesting a bounty of organically grown produce.
“I’m also willing to help you in the garden on my days off, Grandma,” Sara said, reaching for another juice glass to dry. “From the time I was a young girl, I helped Mama in her garden, so I’ve had a little experience.”
“Thank you, Sara. I will take all the help I can get. And as I may have mentioned, your mother always liked to have her fingers in the dirt.” Mary Ruth stared across the room, as though reliving something from the past. “I remember how excited she got, especially when she was a little girl and saw the seeds she helped me put into the soil sprout and turn into mature plants.”
The Forgiving Jar Page 21