“Sara, none of us knows what our future holds, but for now, just enjoy being back where you belong at this time.” Michelle squeezed Sara’s shoulder. “It’s perfect, because you will also be here to help with my wedding plans.”
Sara gave Michelle a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Michelle.”
Michelle rubbed Sara’s back. “Everything will fall into place for you too. Just wait. You’ll see.”
Chapter 43
The summer was going by much too quickly to suit Sara. Here it was the end of July already. Sara’s business was booming, and word had spread about a new owner who’d taken over the flower shop. Some folks came in just to meet her or see if she’d done anything different to the store.
Basically, the shop itself had not changed, but Sara had shuffled a few things around inside. Instead of flower pots and vases being intermixed among the buckets of fresh flowers and potted plants, she’d designated one area just for those. Sara had even added a section with various sprinkling cans and some garden decorations. She’d also included a rack to sell the cards Lenore now supplied to the store, and had made a few beaded items to sell as well. Many of the patrons had made special requests for Lenore to personalize a card for a family member or friend.
But the real hit with the customers who came and went was the display window. Not long ago, in the back part of her grandparents’ barn, Sara had found an old scooter. Grandma told her it had belonged to Ivan when he was a young boy. The scooter was quite old and had some rust in spots, but that’s what made it unique. One Sunday, when Ivan and his wife stopped by, Sara asked if she could use it for something special. Ivan was more than glad to give it to her, especially when she told him her idea. Sara put the scooter in the shop’s window, intermixed with a floral display. Many customers who came into the store commented on the old Amish scooter. She loved telling those who asked that the scooter in the window belonged to her uncle.
Sara had arrived at the store earlier than usual this morning, hoping to do some internet searching and make a few phone calls. In addition to taking care of some business matters, Sara had some personal things she needed answers for too, and social media in addition to some other places on the internet seemed like the best place to start.
Sara took a seat at her desk and turned on the computer. While she waited for it to boot up, she looked at her monthly schedule and also any orders that had come in the day before. She also did a walk-through to make sure everything in the store was in place.
Sara’s social calendar was full, as she saw Brad every opportunity she could. With the exception of her uncertainty about the future, her life was going better than she’d ever expected. The more time Sara spent with Brad, the more attached she became. She dreaded the day he would return to Clarks Summit to continue his studies. But the ministry was Brad’s calling, and she wouldn’t stand in his way.
Sara’s twenty-fifth birthday, on the first of July, had been special. Just like Michelle, Sara didn’t want a big fuss made. She’d been happy with the small family gathering at her grandparents’ home that evening. Instead of cooking on the grill, Grandma had made Sara’s favorite chicken-and-rice casserole. Brad had stopped at a seafood restaurant and brought out a huge container of shrimp scampi to go with the meal.
Sara smiled to herself. A little birdie must have told Brad I liked seafood. Of course Michelle and Ezekiel were included in the meal. Sara liked it that way—nothing fancy—just the sweet fellowship with those she cared about. By now, Kenny was quite comfortable with everyone and had a good rapport with Brad and Ezekiel. After supper, they’d all gone out to the picnic table and enjoyed cheesecake for dessert.
Kenny was doing well and sported a farmer’s tan from all the work he helped Grandpa with outdoors. He was eager to help in any way and had gotten used to living on the farm.
Sara wished she could help Grandma more, but between her new business and time spent with Brad, there weren’t many hours left in the day. Grandma never complained or asked Sara to do anything. In fact, she’d said many times that she was happy Sara had acquired the flower shop and was home with them again.
Sara halted her musings and turned back to the computer. It was fully booted and ready to go, so she quickly went online. She had just begun her first search, when the bell above the shop door jingled. She looked up and smiled when Herschel Fisher entered the store. I bet he’s here to buy his wife more flowers. I hope she appreciates her husband’s consideration.
Sara saved the internet site she’d found and went to greet the Amish man. “Good morning, Mr. Fisher. What can I help you with today?”
“Roses. I need a dozen yellow roses.”
Sara bit the inside of her cheek. “Sorry, but we are currently out of those. Would another color be all right?”
He shook his head firmly. “Nope. Has to be yellow.”
Sara drew a quick breath. She hated to send Mr. Fisher to another flower shop, but what else could she do?
She was about to suggest the floral shop in the next town over, when Ezekiel entered the store. “I have some roses and other cut flowers from our greenhouse in the back of my market buggy,” he announced.
Sara had forgotten he’d be making a delivery today. She hoped some of those roses were yellow.
“Please bring them in,” she told Ezekiel. Then she turned to Herschel. “If some of the roses are yellow, I’ll ask my assistant, Peggy, to make you a nice bouquet. If not, then feel free to take your business elsewhere today.”
Herschel shook his head. “Nope. If I can’t buy the flowers from you, I won’t buy ’em at all.” The laugh lines around his mouth deepened as he grinned at Sara. “You know, I’ve been comin’ here for a few years now, and I was concerned when I heard the Roberts were planning to sell the store. But then when you bought the place, I felt better, ’cause you were always helpful when you worked here before.”
Sara smiled. It was nice to be appreciated, especially by a customer she barely knew. After hearing Andy and Karen were retiring, other customers had also told Sara they were glad she’d become the new owner of the flower shop.
When Ezekiel returned with a box full of roses—some yellow and some red—Sara felt relieved. She gathered up a dozen yellow roses and headed for the back room. Peggy was an expert designer, and Sara felt sure she would create a beautiful bouquet for Herschel Fisher’s wife.
I wish he’d bring her into the store someday, Sara thought. I’d like to meet this special lady whose husband gives her flowers so often.
Sara was preparing to close the store for the day when an elderly Amish woman came in. She walked with a limp and used a cane, but no evidence of pain showed on her face.
“May I help you?” Sara asked. She hoped the woman wouldn’t want a special arrangement made up, because Peggy had gone home a few minutes ago. And while Sara had good customer skills, knew how to balance the books, and keep the shop tidy, she hadn’t yet learned how to create any of the fresh-flower bouquets they sold in the shop.
The woman stepped up to the counter, peering at Sara through thick-lens glasses. “You need to stop selling my son flowers. It’s a waste of money.”
“What?” Sara was taken aback by the woman’s harsh tone and pinched expression. “I–I’m not sure who you’re referring to, ma’am.”
“My name’s not ma’am. It’s Vera Fisher, and my son is Herschel. He comes here nearly every week and buys flowers for his wife, does he not?”
“Oh, you must mean Mr. Fisher.”
The woman’s head moved up and down.
Conflicted, Sara pressed her lips together in a slight grimace. “Is there a problem with your son buying flowers for his wife?” Sara wondered if Herschel’s mother might be jealous or didn’t approve of his choice for a wife.
Vera tapped the tip of her cane against the hardwood floor a few times. “There is most definitely something wrong.”
Sara couldn’t imagine what it might be, so she stood quietly, hoping the lady would explai
n.
“How long have you been living in Lancaster County?” Vera asked.
“I moved here to be with my grandparents back in October, and then I—”
“Just how much do you know about the Amish?”
“Well, my grandpa and grandma are Amish. Perhaps you know them. They live—”
The woman interrupted Sara again. “If you knew the Amish, you’d know that we don’t put flowers on our loved one’s graves.”
Perplexed, Sara’s eyebrows lowered. “I don’t understand.”
Vera pointed a bony finger at Sara. “Those flowers you’ve been selling my son end up on her grave marker, and that’s just not done.”
“Oh dear.” Sara put her fingers against her lips. “I had no idea. I—I thought when Herschel first came into the store and said he wanted flowers for his wife that he would be giving them to her in person. I had no idea Mrs. Fisher was deceased.”
“She died nearly two years ago, when a car hit her while trying to cross the street.” Heaving a sigh, Vera placed her free hand against her breastbone. “My son’s never gotten over his wife’s death, and he began putting flowers on her grave soon after she was buried.” She slowly shook her head. “He knows it’s not the Amish way, and he could get in trouble with our church leaders for doing it. So far, they’ve chosen to look the other way, thinking in time his grieving would subside and he’d stop what he was doing.”
“I’m sorry for his loss, Mrs. Fisher. I had no idea.”
“So you’ll quit selling him flowers?”
Sara rolled her neck from side to side, trying to get the kinks out. She was really on the spot here. “The thing is … I really can’t stop Herschel from buying flowers, but the next time he comes in, maybe I could mention that I’d heard about his wife.”
Vera shook her head vigorously. “That won’t do any good. You just need to tell him you’re not going to sell him any more flowers.” As if their conversation was settled, the woman turned and limped her way out the door.
Sara groaned. Well, the day here in the shop may have started out on a good note, but it certainly didn’t end that way.
That evening, when Brad came over for supper, Sara waited until after she’d helped Grandma and Michelle do the dishes before she went to Brad and asked if she could speak to him privately.
“Sure can.” He grinned at her. “In fact, I was planning to ask you the same question. I have something important I want to tell you.”
“Sara, why don’t you and Brad go out on the back porch, where it’s cooler?” Grandma suggested when she entered the living room where Brad had been visiting with Grandpa.
“Good idea.” He got up from his chair and led the way.
When they stepped out onto the porch, Sara took a seat on the porch swing, scooching over, so there’d be room for Brad. “What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked.
“No, it can wait. You go first.”
“I had a little problem right before I closed the flower shop today.” Sara went on to tell him about Herschel Fisher and how his mother barged in, asking Sara to stop selling her son flowers, and the reason.
“What do you think I should do, Brad? Knowing what I do now, I feel sorry for Mr. Fisher, but I wouldn’t feel right about refusing to sell him flowers.”
“Refusing to sell anyone what they come into your store to buy wouldn’t be good business,” Brad said. “Besides, if the man’s church leaders haven’t reprimanded him for putting flowers on his wife’s grave, then you shouldn’t either. I’m sure that eventually Herschel will come to grips with his wife’s death, and then he will probably stop buying flowers for her grave.” Brad shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows? He might eventually fall in love with another woman and remarry.”
“True.” Sara placed her hand on Brad’s arm. “Thanks. You’re certainly full of good advice. You’ll make a great preacher.”
“Speaking of which …” Brad took hold of her hand. “I’ve been praying about things, and I’ve recently made a decision.”
“Oh? What sort of decision?”
“I’m not going back to the university in the fall.”
Sara tipped her head. “How come?”
“I’m staying in Lancaster County and will do the rest of my studies through online courses.”
“Really? That’s a surprise.”
He let go of Sara’s hand and reached up to stroke the side of her face. “You must know why I want to stay in the area.”
Sara moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “Well, I …”
“I love you, Sara, and I can’t stand the thought of being away from you for the next two years while I finish my degree.”
“You could come back here for visits.” Sara’s heart pounded as Brad gazed into her eyes. She wanted to make sure he would not regret his decision to leave the school in Clarks Summit.
“I could, but it wouldn’t be enough for me. I want to see you as often as possible. I want to give our relationship a chance to really deepen.”
“I–I want that also, because I have recently realized that I love you too.”
Brad wrapped his arms around Sara and pulled her close. “And I hope you’ll be prepared with an answer, because someday I plan to ask you to be my wife.” Before she could offer a response, his lips touched hers in a gentle, yet firm kiss.
As Sara enjoyed being held in Brad’s arms, her concerns about the future evaporated. All she could think about was how happy she was to have found such a wonderful Christian man. Sara felt thankful for God’s love and forgiveness. She would have never experienced any of this if it hadn’t been for a prayer jar that led her to the truth.
Chapter 44
Four months later
Sara sat on a backless wooden bench inside the Kings’ barn, watching and listening as Michelle and Ezekiel said their vows in front of the bishop. The oversized building had been cleaned from top to bottom, leaving no sign that it ever housed any animals. The horses had been put in the pasture, and the Kings’ dogs were secured inside a temporary enclosure. In addition to Ezekiel’s father and brothers, Uncle Ivan and his sons had come over a few days ago to pressure wash and clean every nook and cranny inside the barn. Bales of hay and straw had been put in the loft above, and if it hadn’t been for the shape of the structure, no one would have known they were sitting inside a barn.
Sara heard some sniffles and glanced at her grandmother. Sure enough, tears had splashed onto Grandma’s cheeks, and she was none too discreetly blotting at them with her delicate white handkerchief.
Sara struggled not to cry as well, for the look of joy radiating on the bride’s and groom’s faces made her feel like tearing up. She clasped her hands together in her lap. A year ago, who would have believed I’d have a friendship with the young woman who had impersonated me for over four months, let alone be one of the guests at Michelle’s wedding.
So much had changed in Sara’s life that she sometimes felt as though she’d imagined it all. She glanced at the men’s side of the room and caught Brad looking at her. She couldn’t help but smile. His love for her was obvious, and she felt the same way about him. Sara wondered if some day she and Brad might be saying their vows, with a whole new life starting for them. So far, however, he’d made no reference to them getting married since their conversation four months ago. Brad knows how much I like living near my grandparents. Maybe he hasn’t asked because he’s afraid I’ll say no.
Smiling, Sara looked at two young English men who sat on the bench behind Brad. When the wedding was over, she would introduce them to Michelle.
Michelle took her groom’s hand, and as the bishop pronounced them husband and wife, she struggled to keep her emotions in check. Today was the most special day of her life. Even the weather cooperated, giving them sunny skies and mild temperatures for the month of November.
The other day, Michelle had called her foster parents to let them know how much her life had changed and to invite them to her and Ezekiel
’s wedding. Al and Sandy Newman were the only link she had to her childhood after she was taken from her parents. Al had been delighted to hear Michelle’s voice when he picked up the phone and immediately yelled for Sandy to get on their other extension. The three of them talked for nearly an hour, and the Newmans said they wished they could come to the wedding but unfortunately had made other plans for that day.
Michelle thought about the letter she’d previously sent to her parents. Unfortunately, it had come back with no forwarding address, so she had no way of getting in touch with them. They probably wouldn’t have come to my wedding anyhow, she thought. And maybe it’s for the best. I’m sure they would have had unkind things to say to me, Ezekiel, and even the Lapps.
For a moment, Michelle leaned her head back and looked up. The only thing that would have made today it any better would be to have Ernie and Jack in attendance. But it was an impossible dream, and she needed to keep her focus on Ezekiel, for he was all she could ever want in a husband. Michelle looked forward to having a family someday and teaching their children about God. If only she’d had a personal relationship with Him when she was a child, it would have been easier to deal with all the trials she and her brothers had faced.
Better late than never, Michelle thought as she gave her groom’s fingers a tender squeeze before they returned to their seats.
When the wedding concluded and people milled around outside the tent where the first meal of the day would be held, Sara searched for Michelle. She found her talking to Ezekiel’s sister Sylvia.
“I don’t mean to interrupt”—she said, stepping up to them—“but I’d like to give Michelle the wedding present I got for her.”
Sylvia blinked a couple of times. “Can’t that wait until later, when the bride and groom open all their gifts?”
The Forgiving Jar Page 30