by Molly Jebber
Beth passed him a dish of steaming hot vegetables. “Take all you want. There are more in the pan on the stove.”
“Danki.” He plopped a heaping spoonful of carrots and green beans onto his plate.
Forking a small piece of ham, Leah cleared her throat. “Beth, we have some news.”
“What?”
Anna told Beth about Butch. “We can put him out of our minds. He’s in jail, and he’s likely to stay there for a good long while. I don’t want you to worry.”
Beth swiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “I’m thankful you, Leah, and Daniel weren’t hurt.”
They discussed Butch and the scary event for a few minutes.
Leah waved a dismissive hand. “Enough about Butch Winter. We have more news. We had a visitor at the shop you might be interested in.”
Beth wrinkled her forehead. “Who?”
Anna stared at her plate. The room silenced. Each of them had ceased eating. Hearing Noah’s name and talking about him sickened Daniel, but Beth should learn Noah was back in town from family.
Leah lowered her chin but met Beth’s gaze. “Noah.”
Bobbing her head up, Beth leaned forward. “Is he here for a visit?”
Sucking in her top lip and toying with the corner of her white cotton napkin, Anna stared at her hands. “He’s staying in Berlin. He’s asked me to forgive him and he wants to marry me.”
Daniel stifled the urge to cover Anna’s hand and comfort her. Her sagging shoulders and defeated look softened his heart. Hurt at the notion she might choose Noah over him, he wanted her happy.
Beth set her fork down with force. “Forgive him, but don’t marry him!”
Biting his tongue, Daniel delighted in her reaction. He couldn’t agree more.
Leah choked and caught the water spewing out of her mouth with a cupped hand.
Anna swallowed her sip of water. She opened her mouth to speak, but Beth stood and interrupted her.
Beth crossed her arms, as if ready for battle. “Daniel, what do you have to say?”
Mamm put her hand up. “Beth Plank, I’m ashamed of you. You are being rude. It is none of your business how Daniel stands on this matter. Furthermore, you are to address Daniel with respect.”
He was fond of Beth. She spoke her mind, and she had no problem voicing her support of him. Smiling, Daniel motioned for Beth to sit. “As difficult as this conversation has been, I prefer we discuss Noah’s return together. I appreciate being included and having an opportunity to answer your questions. I love Anna, and I’ve asked her to marry me. She agreed but requested we wait a little longer before telling anyone other than the bishop. She was concerned people would think she’d chosen another man too soon after Noah’s leaving.”
Beth grinned and took her seat. “You had me worried. You don’t need to wait. You and Daniel should set a date for the wedding.”
Groaning, Anna sat back. “I’m seeking guidance from God on what He would have me do.”
Beth swung her head closer to Anna and gripped the edge of the table. “What?”
Mamm rose and gathered the dirty dishes. “Beth, anything else you have to say to Anna, you need to tell her in private.”
Leah lifted the platter and a vegetable dish. “Beth, you’ve said enough.”
Daniel carried the water glasses to the dry sink. “I’ll wait for you outside, Anna. Take your time.”
Beth ran to him. “I need to tell you a secret.”
He bent to her level.
Beth cupped her mouth and whispered in his ear. “I’m rooting for you.”
“You’re sweet, little one.” He wanted to twirl her around and tell her she was the best little schweschder he could ever hope for, but he refrained. He couldn’t feed into her support of him. Her family wouldn’t approve, and conspiring to have an edge on Noah wasn’t his way.
Ten minutes later, Anna joined him. “Would you care to take the canoe in the pond?”
He nodded and grinned. After turning over the canoe, he grabbed the paddles from the barn and threw them inside. They carried it to the pond. He held her hand until she got seated on the wooden slat serving as a bench. He shoved off, jumped in, and sat opposite her. He then paddled them out to the middle and threw over the tin can sealed with heavy rocks to anchor them. He waited for her to speak.
“I’m so sorry for Beth’s outburst, and for my family’s discussing my dilemma in front of you. You were gracious to allow them to talk about Noah’s return in your presence.”
He held her hand. “I’ve grown close to your family. Conversations aren’t always pleasant. Sometimes difficult problems must be discussed. If we marry, it would be so. I’m thankful they are willing to speak freely in front of me.”
“Daniel, I don’t have the right to ask, but I beg you for your patience.”
“I won’t lie and tell you I’m comfortable with your confusion about Noah and me. This is an awkward predicament we’re in. I’m seeking God’s guidance and His will for our lives too.” He released her hand and gazed at the fish jumping for insects. “Will you invite Noah to your haus for meals and walks with you?” He gazed at her with worried eyes.
Hands on either side of her neck, she squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “Noah wants to ask my family to forgive him for causing me heartbreak. He’ll kumme to the haus and talk to them at some point, and he and I will need to have private discussions to help unravel my turmoil.
“Please don’t shy away from me, Daniel. My love for you hasn’t changed. I promise. I have to sort this out to do what’s best.”
He paddled the canoe back to shore, helped her out, and stepped onto land. He pulled the canoe far enough away from the pond, turned it over, and tied it to the tree. He joined her, and his eyes drifted to two deer frolicking on the other side of the pond. Noah had wilkomed him and been kind. Under any other circumstances, he’d have been glad to have him back in Berlin. He’d have enjoyed spending more time with him. But Daniel loved Anna, and he didn’t want to lose her.
He rubbed the ache in his neck. He would treat Noah with respect and be kind if they ran into each other. Seeking God’s will for his life, he would trust Anna to do the same and accept her decision either way. He wasn’t comfortable having the woman he loved confused about her feelings for another man from her past. He rolled his head and closed his eyes for a moment. He loved her too much to let her go yet. He’d be patient for now. “Maybe time apart from me will help you arrive at a decision sooner.”
“No, Daniel, please don’t change our routine.”
“I’m uncomfortable you are considering him. He was your first love. I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing keeping my hat in the ring.”
“I love you, Daniel.”
“I love you, too.” He looked deep into her eyes, willing her to perceive the depth of his love. “Have no doubt, I’m praying you’ll wed me.”
She broke their gaze and glanced at the two hummingbirds fighting over the sugar water hanging from the handcrafted tin feeder.
He stared at the tiny wonders. The birds resembled him and Noah vying for her attention. He bid her farewell and drove down the lane. What would he do in Anna’s situation? Decisive, he doubted he’d have to contemplate which woman to choose. Had a woman he loved left him to move for no good reason, he would surmise she didn’t care enough about him in the first place.
Noah had invested so much time in his and Anna’s relationship. If he’d been Noah, he couldn’t have walked away from the woman he loved. Would her history with Noah change her mind about him?
Chapter Ten
Trembling, Anna bid Daniel farewell and waited until he disappeared heading home. She had no idea what to say to her family about what she was feeling inside for Noah and Daniel. Confusion reigned. She loved Daniel and she had mixed sentiments about Noah.
Mamm sat knitting mittens and Beth and Leah teased Cotton with a ball of yarn. Mamm set her wooden needles in her lap. “How are you holding up? I’m
sorry you’re going through a difficult time.”
She covered her face and sobbed. Mamm, Leah, and Beth circled her and wrapped their arms around her. Their tenderness and compassion meant more to her than at any other time in her life. Minutes later, she raised her head from her mamm’s shoulder. “Danki for your love and support as I go through this difficult period.”
She plopped on the high-backed maple chair.
Cotton bounced over to her and jumped on her lap. She petted the dog’s soft, fluffy white hair and enjoyed her pet’s snuggle. “Daniel’s gone home. Let’s get your questions out of the way.” Discussing her emotions and thoughts about both men with her mamm and schweschders may help her find answers. They loved her and knew both men.
Beth slapped the dish towel against her leg. “Why you are considering Noah? He chose Lancaster. He didn’t care enough about you to stay.”
“I’m not sure if I love Noah for more than a friend. I’ve forgiven him for leaving, but I’m hurt he left. He was my first love, and we’ve created good memories together. I was happy to marry him until the last few months before he left. His constant suggestions about my cooking and baking, not wanting to take long walks, how I throw my fishing line, and so many other things got on my nerves. He wasn’t satisfied with anything I did. His relocation demand on such short notice left me no choice but to refuse to marry him. I had too many doubts. He declares he’s in love with me and will stay in Berlin and stop his complaining. Has he matured and realized he loves me the way I am? I need time to decipher my feelings for him first, and if what he says is true.”
Leah settled in the settee next to Mamm. “I expect you to forgive him, but can you trust him? He chose Lancaster not you.”
Her schweschders made this complex situation sound simple to solve, and it wasn’t at all. “I trusted him until he left me. He’s saying to give him a chance to prove I can trust him again. The Noah I fell in love with is what I’m having a hard time letting go, but maybe it’s the past I’m holding on to and there is no present for us.” She threw her head back, exasperated. “I don’t disagree with either of you. Noah’s showing up in my life again is confusing and my heart has been ripped wide open. I have to make sure I have no regrets where Noah’s concerned.”
Mamm folded her hands in her lap. “Pray and read your Bible. God will direct you to the man He has chosen for you to marry. Be patient.”
Leah knelt before Anna. “Let’s pray.”
Beth slid next to her middle schweschder. They held hands.
Mamm joined them.
Anna bowed her head and closed her eyes. God didn’t promise life would be easy, but she wished He’d hurry and shout out His answer.
Leah’s sweet voice calmed her. “Dear Heavenly Father, we kumme before You today and ask You to forgive us when we’ve disappointed You. We’re asking You to provide a clear answer to Anna about whether she should wed Noah or Daniel. Help us as a family to encourage and support her in her decision. We love You. Amen.”
Mamm gestured to the Bible on the table near her. She bent one finger at a time reciting each word of the Book of Philippians, Chapter Four, Verse Thirteen. “‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’”
Anna’s lips quivered. “My favorite verse. You taught me this verse when I was a child, and it calmed me.” Her mamm always knew what to say in good and bad times.
Beth raised her eyebrows. “I’m fond of Noah, but I’m hoping you marry Daniel. I don’t believe Daniel would’ve ever left Anna. He loves her too much.”
Puzzled, Leah asked, “You sound so grown up for a maedel your age. How can you be sure?”
“In my heart, I am certain. It’s the way he’s cared for us. He’s always put our needs before his.”
Leah glanced with a raised eyebrow and small grin. She reached out to her schweschder. “You’ve got a point, little one.” She yawned and motioned to Beth. “Time to go to bed.”
Anna bid her family good night and went to her room. Changing into her bedclothes, she rolled her neck from side to side to relax. A warm breeze cooled her through the open window. Innocent, Beth hadn’t experienced falling in love with a man yet. She’d been a decisive child from the time she could reason. There were no gray areas for her schweschder. Beth’s and Leah’s questions and opinions held a truth she couldn’t ignore. She trusted Daniel. Did she trust Noah?
* * *
Cotton jumped on Anna’s bed early Wednesday morning. She grabbed him before his wet, rough tongue licked her face. “Good morning, you fluffy pile of fur.” She nuzzled his neck. Minutes later, she coaxed him off the bed and onto the floor. After quickly dressing for milking the cows and feeding the horses and sows, she padded outside and joined her schweschders in the barn. “Good morning, everyone. Sorry I slept late.” She lifted a dented pail and carried it to a small stool. Sitting on the three-legged, wobbly pine seat, she milked the cow.
Beth and Leah smiled at Anna. They offered food and water to the animals.
Leah said, “You needed the extra rest. You’re going through a hard time with having Noah back in town.”
Mamm came to the barn. “I’ve got grits, warm biscuits, and fried eggs for breakfast. I have milk out of the icebox and warm coffee.”
Anna took the milk inside and strained it. She washed and dressed for work and joined her family. At the kitchen table, she mashed and pushed her eggs around the plate. Breakfast didn’t appeal to her. “Does anyone care to have my breakfast?”
Mamm rapped her fingers on the table. “Anna, you need your strength.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t swallow a bite without gagging. My stomach’s in knots. I’m hoping the shop will take my mind off things.”
Beth pulled Anna’s plate to her. “I’m hungry. Danki, Anna.”
Leah stood and poured Anna a cup of hot tea. “Drink this. It will help settle your stomach.” She rested her hand on Anna’s shoulder. “I’m not rushing you, but how long will you keep these men waiting for an answer?”
“I don’t intend to take long. I’ll talk to Noah again in more depth. Hopefully, I will gain some clarity.”
Beth spooned grits. “I’ll be nice to Noah, but I’m still rooting for Daniel.”
Mamm shook her head. “You’ve made yourself clear on your support of Daniel, Beth. I’d argue you should keep your preferences to yourself, but you always speak your mind before I have a chance to warn you.”
Beth turned her chin up to Anna. “Anna cares about what I think.”
Anna laughed and patted Beth’s head. “I do care.”
Beth hurried to swallow the last of her breakfast and scampered to her room. She returned in minutes, dressed and ready to begin her day. “I’m going to Mrs. Hochstetler’s.” She lifted Cotton. “Kumme on, friend, it’s time to go.”
Cotton wagged her tail and licked Beth’s chin.
Anna and her family bid Beth good-bye, dressed for work, and harnessed the horse to the buggy. Anna drove them to town. After dropping Mamm off, she left the horse and buggy at the livery and walked with Leah to the shop. She paused. Noah and Daniel!
Hooking her arm through Anna’s, Leah leaned close to her ear. “Are you prepared to face them at the same time?”
Tongue twisted and beads of sweat forming above her lip, she nodded. “I better get used to running into the two of them in town and at church.”
“They aren’t smiling.”
She opened her clean flour sack she used for carrying her things and removed her keys. She approached them and shoved the key in the lock. “Good morning, would you like to kumme in?” She stared at the door and hurried inside. Stowing her bag under the counter, she closed the curtain to conceal her belongings. Slowly, she glanced at them.
The men stood staring at her.
Noah tipped his hat. “I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee.”
Leah pulled a container from her bag and poured the coffee in a pan over the stove. She lit the wood, already in the compartment, to wa
rm the coffee. “Shouldn’t take but a few minutes to warm.” She smiled and stowed her bag next to Anna’s under the counter. “Would you like a cup, Daniel?”
“No, danki. I intended to say good morning and be on my way. Have a good day.” Daniel nodded to them and left.
Leah winked at Anna. “Why don’t you and Noah go out back and talk in private. I’ll manage the store.”
“Danki, Leah.”
Anna and Noah crossed the room, and she pushed the back door open. Stepping outside, Anna faced him.
Noah grazed her hand with his. “Daniel told me what happened with Butch Winter. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to protect you.”
A spurt of annoyance took her by surprise. She touched her hot cheeks. “I wish you would’ve been here too. A lot has taken place in my life since you left.”
“You can’t blame what happened with Butch and Leah on me. I would’ve done everything I could to help you had I been here.” Noah held her fingers. “Anna, I’m thankful none of you were harmed. Daniel’s a good man. He told me about Butch and Mr. Winter and how he and the sheriff helped you.”
Anna sighed. Noah couldn’t understand the depths of her reaction to Butch, since he wasn’t here when she encountered him. Their trouble with Butch wasn’t his fault. She was taking her lingering fear out on him, and she shouldn’t resent him for leaving. Her anxiety did them no good. “I’m sorry, Noah. I shouldn’t have gotten terse with you.” She shook her head. “I was surprised Leah agreed to meet Butch alone. She’s usually an intelligent and obedient young woman. We all make errors in judgment. She had no idea of his true character.”
“I’m glad it’s over and you don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
“Me too.” She tilted her head in question. “What will you do for work now that you’re back?”
“Mark has rehired me to manage his property, and I can use his workshop in the evenings to build things to sell in his store.”