by Molly Jebber
Her cheeks flaming, Anna put her hands in her apron pockets. “I do agree. Daniel is all those things.”
“Are you interested in Daniel, Leah?” April had her back to Anna.
Leah shook her head. “No, I’m not the one he’s interested in. I have a suspicion he does have his eye on someone, but I’d prefer not to say.” Leah glanced at Anna and grinned.
Putting a finger to her lips behind April’s back, Anna shook her head at her schweschder.
“I’m sorry. I’m asking too many questions.”
Anna’s cheeks warmed again. “Let me check your stitches.” She accepted the material from the young woman and studied her project. “You catch on fast. Your handiwork will turn into a beautiful quilt when you’re finished. You’re off to a good start.” She passed the fabric back to April.
April pushed her threaded needle through the fabric. “I want to finish a full-size quilt first, but I wish I had time to stitch a boppli quilt before my little one is born.”
Anna breathed easier. The tension released from her body. April hadn’t pushed the topic of Daniel. She was relieved.
Tapping her chin, Leah patted the young woman’s shoulder. “I’ve got a boppli quilt in the back I made last year that I was keeping as a spare for the next friend of the family who found out she was with child. You can have the blanket. I’ll make another one.” She dashed to the back room before April could protest and returned carrying a green-and-white patchwork quilt. “Here you go.”
“You are so generous. It’s lovely. I’ve really had a good time with both of you today. After my husband left, a lot of the women treated me like I had leprosy. They acted as if his leaving was my fault. I’m glad I’ve had a chance to fellowship with you.” She glanced at the wood clock on the counter. “I should get home. I’ve got chores to do, and I need to check on my grandmother.” She gathered her things and hugged Anna and Leah. “Thank you for everything.”
Anna had enjoyed getting acquainted with April, and she hoped the pleasant young woman birthed a healthy boppli. Anna touched her shoulder. “After you have your newborn, please bring him or her into the shop.”
“I will.” She grinned and left.
“I hope she does bring in her boppli.” Leah nudged Anna’s shoulder. “I’m curious to find out if she has a boy and names him Daniel.”
Chapter Seven
Wednesday evening, Daniel sat next to Anna at their favorite spot behind the barn and near the pond. He patted his stomach. “Your mamm outdid herself on supper. The stew and peach pie were excellent.”
“Two weeks have passed, since you said you were going to paint the barn, and you’ve not only completed that task, you’ve also repaired our fence, corral, and chicken coop. We appreciate all you’ve done for us. The least we can do is feed you.” Anna smiled shyly. “She’s flattered you enjoy her cooking.”
He would do anything for Anna and her family. Any chance he got, he found a way to spend time with her. He’d run out of things to fix. Maybe she would suggest something. “I’ll be glad to do any repairs you might need. Don’t hesitate to ask.”
“You’re spoiling us, Daniel.” She nudged his arm and grinned.
Her little nudge sent a thrill through him. Encouraged she might consider him more than a friend. “I enjoy doing things for you and your family.” She hadn’t mentioned Noah, and she seemed to relax and smile more often. He hoped he’d had a part in making her happier these days.
“I’m happy you chose to live in Berlin. You’ve become a good friend to me and my family.” She pulled up her legs, wrapped her arms around her knees, and rested her chin.
He swallowed. Friend? He had to tell her what was in his heart. He couldn’t stand to wait another minute. “Anna, I want more than friendship with you. I’ll not rush you, but I’d be honored if you would consider me for your future husband. We can take all the time you need to feel comfortable.” He covered her hand with his.
She met his gaze and didn’t move her hand. “I’d be pleased to consider you, Daniel.”
His heart skipped a beat, and he wanted to jump and shout. Jonathan had gushed about meeting Adele and falling in love at first sight, and he’d thought it was doubtful he’d ever experience such a connection. Until he met Anna. Her overall beauty caught his attention. Her soft voice and kind ways touched his heart. Since he’d met her, she’d been joyous, humorous, and a little flirty with him. They’d discussed their childhoods, deep faith and trust in God, and importance of living close to family. Values they shared.
She shooed a bumblebee buzzing around her head. “My family has been pushing for something more than friendship between us since you came to supper the first time. They’ll probably spread the news to everyone in the neighborhood.”
Delight soared through his veins. Her mamm and schweschders had wilkomed him with open arms. He missed Anna and her family on days he hadn’t visited or shared a meal with them. He glanced at Beth playing with Otis at the other end of the serene pond. “You and your family have filled a void in my life. I’ve grown accustomed to spending time with you and them. Beth brought me sandwiches and lemonade for lunch on the days I worked. I tossed a ball with her several times, and we had a chance to get better acquainted.”
Anna smiled. “I hope she didn’t pester you too much.”
“No, she’s a sweetheart.” He paused. “She’s curious about us.”
“What did she say?”
He wanted to discuss Noah, and the time seemed right. “She said you hadn’t mentioned Noah lately and you smiled more when you were around me.”
Chuckling, she hugged her knees to her chest. Her long dress covered her legs to her shoes. “She’s correct. I’ve thought less of Noah and more of you.”
“Discussing Noah shouldn’t be an awkward subject for us. I want you to talk to me about whatever is on your mind.” He hoped Noah would become a distant memory as they grew closer. But he understood she had history with him, and she might need a little more time to get over him.
“He’s not kumming back, and I’m ready to move on with my life. Do I think about him? Now and then, but you’ve taken up residence in my mind more than Noah.” She tilted her head with a reassuring smile.
Beth and Otis joined them. Her schweschder plopped on the grass next to Daniel and Otis settled on her lap. Beth scratched the dog’s ear. “I’m sorry you’ve finished repairing everything around here. We’re afraid you and Otis won’t visit us as often.”
Anna leaned forward and grinned. “Daniel and I will be spending a lot more time together.”
Eyes wide, Beth clapped her hands and squealed. “Yippee! You finally told her you liked her, didn’t you?”
His heart soared at Beth’s delight. “Jah, I did, and thankfully, she likes me, too.”
“Well, of course she does.” She stood and bounced on her toes. “I’ve got to tell Leah and Mamm.” She skipped to the haus.
Anna watched her. “I hope Beth spreading the news of our friendship growing into something more won’t embarrass you.”
Embarrass me? He couldn’t wait for everyone in town to find out. He’d been afraid she’d decline his offer and find ways to avoid him. Thankfully, she’d been receptive and open to his suggestion.
He stood and offered Anna a hand. “I’d better get going, as much as I don’t want to.” He glanced at the orange hue coloring the sky. “The sun is setting, but its beauty doesn’t compare to you.”
She clasped his fingers and got to her feet. “Danki.”
He brushed her fingers with his lips and gently squeezed her hand. “You’ve made me a happy man, Anna Plank.” He walked her across the yard.
Leah came running toward them. “Beth told Mamm and me the news. When can we plan the wedding?”
Mamm joined them and pulled Anna close. “I’m overjoyed!” She changed her smile to a stern look. “Don’t rush them, Leah. They’ve got a lot to discover about each other.”
Beth and Otis joined them. “Why
wait?”
He and Anna laughed. She playfully yanked on Beth’s kapp string. “We have more to learn about each other, and we’ll tell you when we’re ready to make plans.”
He would’ve married her the next day, but he understood she may need more time letting him into her life after Noah’s departure. Their attraction had grown fast, and their conversations had progressed with ease. Each time they were together, his love for her had grown.
They went inside, and Anna loaded him up with food to take home. She walked him to the wagon and breathed in the warm air. “We are fortunate to have met you, Daniel Bontrager, especially me.”
He grinned. “Our time together has been brief, but I’d marry you tomorrow. You decide when you’re ready to get married, and I’ll set the date with the bishop.” He wanted to pull her into his arms, hold her tight, and kiss her lips. He would wait for the right moment, but he could hardly contain himself. He held her hand for a few seconds. “I love you, Anna.”
Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled. She rubbed her thumb over the top of his hand. “I have strong feelings for you, Daniel, but I need time to let them grow. Is that all right? Our friendship has progressed at a rapid pace. I don’t want our friends to think I’m jumping from one man to the next.”
He moved closer to her and softly caressed her cheek. “You make a good point. We can wait to announce our news. I just want you happy.”
He bid her farewell and left. The clouds darkened, thunder clapped, and a bolt of lightning hit the ground yards from him. Raindrops pelted his hat. The weather had changed in minutes. The rapid change in climate reminded him life was uncertain. Hairs prickled on his neck. He hoped nothing ruined the progress he’d made with Anna.
* * *
Anna dragged a puzzle off the shelf, and she and her schweschders chatted and finished piecing the picture of a squirrel in an oak tree in an hour. She yawned and stretched her arms. “Time for me to go to bed.”
Mamm stood. “I’m ready to say good night too. Beth and Leah, say your prayers and tuck yourselves in tonight. I’ll put the puzzle away.”
“Danki, Mamm.” Leah and Beth hugged Mamm and Anna and went to their room.
Anna washed her face, changed her clothes, and rested her head on the pillow. Daniel had finally told her he loved her. She and her family had no doubt he’d been working to get her attention. There wasn’t one thing left he could possibly do for them. He had worked a lot at their place over the last two weeks. The wood was stockpiled high and their property had never looked better. They’d enjoyed their time together in their special spot by the pond. Putting a hand to her heart, she smiled. She was falling in love with him.
The man had a calmness about him. He loved God, and he worked hard. Enjoying a steady routine, he was comfortable with the ebb and flow of country life. Confidence, strength, and self-assurance, but not arrogance, were attributes she found attractive about him. Daniel was satisfied and content, and his lifestyle matched hers. How many kinner did he want? Would she still work in the shop until they had kinner? She had so much to learn about him.
* * *
Thursday morning, Anna and Leah waited on customers. Two Englischers strolled into the shop. The tall woman wearing an ankle-length pink cotton skirt and high-collared crisp white blouse wandered in, whispering to her friend. The friend was almost the same height as her companion.
“Doreen, do you remember me talking about the Winter family?”
Anna bid her present customer good-bye and moved closer to the Englischers. Eavesdropping on their conversation, she paused and straightened towels on a shelf. She stood close enough to overhear what they were saying.
“I remember. You said the couple was delightful but the son was quite rude. Am I right, Tilly?”
“Yes, and my neighbor is friends with Mrs. Winter. She told me the Winters’ son had been out of town to pick something up for his father. He got in trouble and thrown in jail. He’d been released from jail, and he returned to Berlin last night. He went straight to the saloon, and he’s already in jail here for getting into a fight and breaking her cousin’s arm. They drank too much, and their behavior got out of hand. She mentioned Butch has a temper and is always getting into trouble.”
Anna shuddered. The man was dangerous. They hadn’t encountered him lately, but this got her stomach churning. Had he stayed away from Leah because he’d spent most of his time in jail?
“How much time will he be locked up, Doreen?”
Anna glanced at Leah. She was oblivious to the women’s discussion about Butch. The patron her schweschder waited on had her cornered in the back room, asking endless questions about keepsake quilts.
“I don’t know.”
“Does his father care about what his son is doing?” Tilly picked up an apron and examined the stitching.
“Butch’s parents are sorely embarrassed. George, Butch’s father, is a kind and considerate man, and he is the opposite of his son. He’s spoken to the young man about his behavior, but Butch won’t listen. It’s a shame they have to contend with such a disorderly son.” Tilly strolled over to her friend. “The last time I saw you in your apron, it was showing wear. You should buy a new one.”
Anna rubbed her temples. Her head began to pound. She hoped Butch wouldn’t harass or harm them, but she couldn’t convince herself this would be true. She approached the women. “May I help you?”
Tilly unhooked the wedding quilt. “The workmanship and pattern are exceptional. I’ll buy it.”
“Your daughter will be grateful for the gift.” Doreen ran her hand over the top. “I’ll buy this larger apron. I’ve had a terrible time finding one to provide enough material to cover my expanding stomach. I’ve got to put my fork down and quit indulging in too much dessert each night.”
Anna motioned them to the counter, wrapped the purchases, accepted payment, and thanked them for their patronage.
Leah wrapped her patron’s dry goods order and bid her farewell. She stretched her back. “The store is finally empty. We’ve had a lot of customers today. I’m exhausted.”
Anna glanced at the ceiling and frowned. “Did you happen to overhear any of my last customers’ conversation?”
“No, I didn’t.” Leah shook her head. “Why?”
“I’m afraid I did, and what they had to say was disturbing.”
Leah straightened and frowned. “Anna, you’re scaring me with your worried look. What did they say?”
“They said Butch Winter has been out of town and in jail. He came back to Berlin last night, got in a fight, and is back in jail here.”
Wringing her hands, Leah furrowed her brow. “I hoped we’d seen the last of him because he decided to leave us alone, not because he’s been locked up.”
Anna paced the floor. “I’m nervous and frightened. I don’t trust him. The women didn’t mention when he was being released. You’ve got to keep a watchful eye and be careful.”
Leah hugged herself. “Don’t worry. I’ll be cautious.”
Daniel came in and set a paper bag on the counter. “I brought you and Leah a treat.”
Like the sun shining through a soft rain, Daniel’s kind face lifted her mood. She breathed in the sweet scent. “Gingerbread cookies! Danki.” She passed one to him and one to Leah.
“How is your day going?”
“Good until a few minutes ago.” Leah pulled three chairs together.
Alarm crossed his features. “What happened?”
Anna’s cookie crumbled in her tight grip. She caught the pieces in her apron. “Butch has been in jail for getting into a fight and breaking a man’s arm.”
Daniel frowned and rubbed his chin. “I’m not confident he’s forgotten about you, Leah.” His jaw tensed. “In jail, he’s been unable to get to you.”
“Leah and I were thinking the same thing. The Englischers said he served additional time in jail for resisting arrest, which doesn’t surprise me. He’s been nothing but belligerent and rude to us.”
Daniel remained calm the first time they encountered the defiant young man, and he was calm now. She hadn’t hesitated to discuss difficult subjects, such as Noah and Butch with Daniel. She could depend on him to speak about these situations in a thoughtful manner. Another trait she found attractive about him.
He stood. “I’m going to go to the sheriff’s office and ask him when he plans to release Butch. I’ll kumme back and tell you what I found out.”
Anna and Leah nodded.
He dashed out.
Leah slumped in the chair. “What would we do without Daniel? He’s been a lifesaver. Having him in my life is akin to having a big bruder I can depend on. I’m glad you’re considering making him an official part of our family.”
“He is pretty wonderful.” Anna closed her eyes a moment, lifted her shoulders, and grinned wide. “I am falling in love with him.”
“How could you not? The man’s a devout believer in God and kind, and he can’t take his eyes off you.”
Anna and Leah spoke quietly a little while longer. The door opened.
Daniel rushed in and paused to catch his breath. “I asked the sheriff about Butch and I told him about his rude behavior toward Leah in the shop. He said Butch will remain in jail until Sunday, but he’s worried he may cause trouble when he gets out. The sheriff said his temper hasn’t improved. We need to keep a watchful eye out for him.”
She quivered. “I hope he’s done badgering Leah.”
Leah gripped fistfuls of her apron. “Danki for checking on Butch’s whereabouts. You’re like a big bruder to me, Daniel. I feel much safer when you’re around.”
“I’m flattered you consider me a big bruder.”
An Amish couple strolled into the shop.
“I’ll wait on them. You and Daniel visit.” Leah approached them. She greeted and waited on the elderly man and woman.
Anna led Daniel to the back door and they stepped outside. “I’m concerned about Butch pursuing Leah.”
He held her hand, his eyes reassuring. “The sheriff is going to walk by the shop and drive by your haus to keep a lookout for Butch after he is out of jail. I’ll kumme by and check on you and your family, too, once he is released.” He caressed her cheek. “Hopefully, he’ll not want to go back to jail and keep his temper under control. Try to put him out of your mind. We may never deal with him again.”