Two Suitors for Anna

by Molly Jebber

  “What about the young man he has working for him?”

  “He’s been offered a job with his uncle to help with additional property he’s bought. I’m thrilled to have my old job back.”

  Noah and Mark had been close. Mark must be overjoyed he’d returned to town. They shared a lot of the same interests. “Your mamm must be ecstatic to have you home.”

  “She’s cooking and baking for me. She and I stayed up late last night and talked. I missed her. Our reunion has been a good one.”

  Jane was cheerful and easygoing. She would never have asked her son to give up his dreams for her personal well-being. She put Noah’s happiness before hers.

  Anna had seen how she’d cooked, cleaned, and doted on him. They shared a close bond. “Wasn’t leaving her difficult?”

  He gently squeezed her arms. “Leaving you, Mamm, and my friends was difficult. I realized my mistake not long after I arrived in Lancaster. My aunt and uncle understood. I told them I had to win you back and return to Mamm. God spoke to me through prayer and the Scriptures. He pricked my heart, and showed me I’d been selfish to satisfy my desires.” He shuffled his feet. “I was miserable and, even though I met interesting people and had plenty of work, I couldn’t take my mind off you.”

  Anna stared at her hands. “I should go back in and help Leah.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Noah opened the door, and they went to the front of the shop.

  An Englischer, a short and round man dressed in a blue shirt and linen tan pants, shiny leather shoes, and a fancy straw hat, approached them. His fraa matched his body type and stood by his side, blinking and smiling, her cheeks pink and her eyes twinkling.

  The woman said, “A friend visited your shop and showed us the most beautiful wedding ring quilt. We came to purchase one.”

  Anna pointed to the quilts on the wall. “Please take a look around. I’ll be with you shortly.”

  The man and rosy-cheeked woman studied each quilt.

  Noah clutched the doorknob. “May I kumme by your haus later? We could grab our fishing poles and catch up on our news by the pond.” He rearranged her washcloths and placed them next to the towels on the lower wall shelf. “Customers will notice these better there. You’ve got them hidden.” He unhooked her aprons hanging on a peg and moved them to another peg next to a small table containing folded boppli blankets. “These colors go better displayed next to each other.”

  Anna folded her hands in a tight clasp. She wouldn’t ask him to leave her dry goods alone. She had customers to tend to. “Please do kumme by later.”

  He gently tapped her nose and whispered, “I love those big hazel eyes and sweet little nose of yours. I’ve missed everything about you. You’re more beautiful than I remembered. I’ll be at your haus later.”

  Anna closed the door behind him. He had a sparkle in his eyes and a lilt to his step she enjoyed. He made the most of every minute, always exploring, and his mind swirled with ideas constantly. What she once thought was exciting she now found irritating. She felt herself tensing around him like she had before he left Berlin the first time. She missed the calm she enjoyed with Daniel.

  Leah was showing the couple the various quilts they had for sale. They oohed and aahed at each one. Glancing out the window, Anna watched Noah leave Mark’s store and head to the livery. Dinah Yoder, a strikingly pretty Amish woman, stopped to speak with Noah. They laughed, and she handed him a container. Had she baked or cooked something? He handed the container back to her. She appeared disappointed. Had Dinah found out he was in town? Was she interested in Noah? She’d batted her eyelashes at him a time or two before he left Berlin.

  Jealousy reared its ugly head. Picturing Noah with someone else sent a wave of nausea sailing through her. Dinah and Noah had much in common with their adventuresome ideas, overabundant energy, and desire for change. Her chest tightened with guilt. She liked and admired Dinah, and they were having an innocent conversation. What was wrong with her? She forced a smile at the couple and darted her eyes back to the brown paper on the counter.

  Anna wrapped the quilt the couple had chosen. “You made a wonderful choice.”

  The sweet woman beamed. “We’re buying the quilt for our daughter. She’s getting married and moving far away from us. I’m going to write a letter to her and place it in the pocket. The letter will remind her each day how much we love her.”

  Leah accepted payment. “What a thoughtful gift. Your reason for buying the quilt is what gives us such joy to sell them.” She took the wrapped package from Anna and passed the purchase to the couple. “Danki for shopping with us today.”

  Searching outside the window, Anna noticed Noah and Dinah were gone. She’d been silly to jump to conclusions.

  Leah stretched her neck. “I caught a glimpse of Dinah and Noah outside. She and Noah have similar personalities, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s interested in him. I don’t think she’d take a second glance at Daniel.”

  “Why not Daniel?”

  Leah reached for her clean flour sack of goodies from under the counter and pulled out a bag of lemon drops. She held out the bag to Anna. “Want one?”

  Shaking her head, Anna waited for her answer.

  “Daniel’s calm, reserved, predictable, and safe. Most important, Daniel is dependable. Noah can’t sit still, and he’s unpredictable. His mind is working nonstop. He gets bored easy, and he craves change. I can understand Dinah loving those things about him. She’s like him in many of the same ways.”

  Leah’s observations hit a sore spot. She and Dinah couldn’t be more different. She worked hard, but she enjoyed planning her day and going to bed early. Noah’s opposite personality had challenged her and livened up her life. She’d delighted in being around someone unlike herself, until the last months before he left. Irritable and annoyed with his constant plans to interrupt their lives by moving away from Berlin and his determination she needed to change her way of doing things, she was so frustrated with him. Was he better suited to a woman with a personality matching his? If Dinah had given Daniel food and batted her eyelashes at him, she would’ve been more jealous. She moved closer to her decision.

  * * *

  Hours later, Anna rocked on the porch in the white maple chair gazing at the horses at Mrs. Hochstetler’s place. The brown horses whinnied and danced playfully in the corral. Noah pulled into the lane and galloped his horse to the hitching post.

  She stood and went to greet him. “You’re on time.” She raised her eyebrows and grinned.

  He laughed. “Being late to everything isn’t something I’ve overcome. I’m working on being on time.”

  “I’m teasing you.” She patted his arm.

  He surveyed the property and windows. “No one’s looking.” He leaned in, and she turned her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have presumed I could kiss you.” He hurried to tie his horse and gently clasped her hand. Lifting fishing poles and a small rusty metal box from his wagon, he gestured. “Let’s go to the pond.”

  “I’m sorry, Noah. I’m having a hard time overcoming the awkwardness of being with you again. I’m not sure where we stand.” Oh no, he was leading her to the spot she and Daniel favored.

  She cringed. Tugging his hand, she hurried to another thick green patch of grass still behind the barn but a few feet away. “Let’s fish here.” She prepared to cast her line.

  “Throw your line harder. You never bring your arm back far enough to make a good cast.”

  She swallowed the aggravation welling in her. “I’ll be right back.” She ran into the barn, snatched a horse blanket, and spread the coverlet on the ground. “I’m not in the mood for fishing.” She didn’t want to endure a list of instructions on fishing tonight. “I’ll sit here and watch you. We’ll talk after you’re finished.”

  She drew up her knees and clasped them with her arms. “I saw you and Dinah having a conversation when I peeked out the shop window today.”

  “Yes, Dinah offered me a container of co
okies she’d bought from my mamm at the bakery for herself. I handed them back and told her to enjoy them. She’s a sweet woman, but you have nothing to worry about.”

  “She is a sweet woman, and she reminds me of you.”

  He opened a can of red worms and baited his hook. “Dinah isn’t the woman I love. I love you.” He paused and gave her a long stare. “I’m scared of losing you, Anna.”

  She looked away from him and stared out over the sun dancing on the water. “Can I trust you to settle here and not become resentful?” She sighed. “You challenge me, but do I challenge you?”

  “Jah, you can trust me. I wish you were more spontaneous, energetic, and carefree like me, but our differences don’t hinder my love for you. I’ll love you forever.” He pulled his line out and set it in the grass alongside the blanket. He sat next to her.

  “Noah.” She gazed into his eyes. “I’m content and happy with my routines, and I’m worried you’re too often annoyed with my way of doing things. Your constant suggestions upset me. I don’t rearrange your wagon bed of tools or criticize your handcrafted products, or ask you to change anything.”

  He pulled his knees to his chest and hugged his legs. “You calm me. Something I need. I get carried away and push you to change. I’m sorry.” He caressed her hand with the pad of his thumb. “I enjoy sitting here, having discussions, and sharing our thoughts with each other. Again, my suggestions to you are harmless.” He grimaced. “I believe you would benefit from not being so set in your ways.”

  She gazed at two skittish barn kittens rolling and playing on the ground near them. She remembered the time when she’d flutter with excitement waiting for Noah to visit her at the shop or her haus. Sitting here with him, she couldn’t deny their good memories, but she had an awkwardness with him now. Her stomach rolled with uncertainty.

  He squeezed her hand. “You and Daniel have gotten serious in a short time. I’m surprised you’ve fallen in love with him so quickly.”

  She didn’t want to discuss Daniel with Noah. The Amish frowned on competition of any kind. Pitting them against each other for her affection was the last thing she wanted to do. Her choice would be based on what she knew and loved about them thus far.

  She rose and dusted off her dress. “The mosquitoes are biting. We should get inside.”

  Noah rose to his feet and walked with her to his wagon. “I’m sorry if I overstepped my bounds. I should go home.”

  She nodded and stared at her hands.

  He brushed her cheek with his lips. “Sleep well.” Touching the lingering warmth of his mouth on her face, she waited until he’d left and went inside. She cherished his sweet and kind heart, in spite of the distress she had with him.

  * * *

  Daniel drove past the Planks’. Jah, there was Anna standing with Noah beside his wagon. His heart plummeted. He could drop in. She had offered him the opportunity. He had no desire to share his time with Anna and Noah. It was painful enough picturing the two of them together.

  Driving home, he groaned and slumped forward. He dreaded heating cold potato soup for supper and spending the evening alone. The Planks had spoiled him with hearty home-cooked meals and lively conversation. He’d been accustomed to the quiet eating and working alone until he met them. He loved every minute he’d spent with her family. He missed Anna, but their marriage might not be meant to be. She might want more time with Noah than he was willing to give her. He scratched his ear. He longed to enjoy their courtship again and not carry around this heavy burden of worry.

  He stirred his soup in the iron kettle over the fire in the fireplace, enjoying the orange hue and the crackle of the flames. The evening had cooled, but he’d have to extinguish the fire after he heated his food to keep the temperature comfortable inside. The breeze blowing through the windows helped.

  Otis had devoured his supper and lay snoring on the floor in front of the hearth.

  The clip-clop of horse hooves caught his attention. He opened the door. What was Noah doing here? Earlier they’d spoken at the shop. They’d avoided speaking about the subject of their mutual love for Anna. He waved Noah in. “Kumme inside. Is anything wrong?”

  Otis raised his head and barked.

  “You stay put.”

  The dog reluctantly went back to his bed by the fireplace.

  Noah got out of the buggy and tied the leads to the hitching post. “We need to have a serious conversation. I’ve a favor to ask you.” He stepped inside.

  “Have a seat. Are you thirsty or hungry?”

  Noah shook his head. “I’m fine.”

  “What kind of favor?”

  “I’m not comfortable with you and Anna spending time together, and I’m certain you don’t relish her and me discussing the future.”

  “I’m not willing to walk away from Anna if you’ve kumme here to ask me to step aside.”

  “I am asking you to step aside for a couple of weeks. Before you met Anna, she and I had nurtured a three-year relationship and planned to marry. I’d hoped she’d join me in Lancaster and stopped at the post office often hoping she’d sent me a letter saying she’d had a change of heart. Time passed and I realized I’d made a terrible mistake. She’ll remain confused if she spends time with us both.”

  “Why should I step aside? Why not you?”

  Noah’s request set his teeth on edge.

  “You’ve had time with her while I’ve been away.” He smacked a mosquito biting his arm and swiped the dead pest away. “Please, Daniel, allow me this time with her.”

  Noah nagging him to stay away from Anna was as annoying as a pesky mosquito. Noah was draining him of his happiness with the love of his life. Daniel mulled over his words. He’d justified his request because of the history he had with Anna. It was apparent in his sincere tone and pleading eyes. He was desperate to gain her trust and win her heart again. Had he not fallen in love with Anna himself, he’d have empathy for Noah. But he did love Anna, and he wouldn’t honor Noah’s request. “I’m not willing to distance myself from her unless she asks me to. It is her decision. Not yours and not mine.”

  Noah clutched the smooth maple side arms of the comfortable chair. “The day you and I met at the shop before I left, I enjoyed our conversation. We spent a little time together at church and sat together at the meal. I considered you a new friend. You’re a good man, but I resent you not respecting what Anna and I had together. You’ve only been in Berlin a short while.” He straightened his spine and thrust his chin forward. “Find someone else to marry.”

  Fury flowing through his veins, Daniel had heard enough. Noah shouldn’t assume he knew what he and Anna had together. He’d had his chance, and he’d ruined her trust in him. “Noah, I’m not stepping aside. I’ll decide the length of time I will wait on Anna’s answer, and I’ll continue to visit her at her haus and the shop unless she asks me to stop. Above all else, I desire Anna’s happiness. Do you?”

  The man’s face paled and his determination wavered. Daniel hoped he’d gotten through to Noah.

  Noah removed his hat and twisted the brim. “I was wrong to demand you do anything. Forgive me for presenting my request to you in a rude way. I’m asking because I’m desperate to make this right with Anna. I beg you to consider my request. If not, I won’t hold a grudge.” He offered his hand to Daniel.

  Daniel shook his hand and nodded. “I’ll consider your request.”

  “Danki, Daniel.” He tipped his hat and headed outside to his wagon.

  Daniel waited until Noah was out of sight to shut the door. He stretched out on the settee and shoved a pillow under his head. Staring at the ceiling, he reached down and idly petted Otis on the floor next to him. He closed his eyes. “Dear Heavenly Father, I have no idea what to do. I’m asking You to intervene on my behalf and speak to Anna’s heart. If my request is not Your will, please cover me with the grace to accept losing her. Forgive me for getting angry with Noah. Guide and direct me in the way You would have me go in all matters. Amen.”
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  Should he allow Noah and Anna time to find out where they stood with each other? Would there be such indecision in Anna’s heart if God wanted them together? It wouldn’t be easy, but he’d distance himself from her for a couple of weeks. It was the right thing to do. God would bring them together if they were meant to marry.

  * * *

  Two weeks later on a warm and humid Wednesday evening, Anna rested her hand on Leah’s arm after replacing loose stitches in her white kapp. “Noah’s been over every night this week. Daniel hasn’t kumme to the shop or the haus. You and I have driven by his place on the way home from work several times, and there’s been no sign of him, but his wagon may be in the barn. He wasn’t at church Sunday either. Would you go with me tonight to visit him? I’m worried he’s given up on me.” She loved Daniel. Her heart ached at the thought of losing him.

  “He was probably repairing things for customers when we went by his haus, but I agree. It does look as if he’s avoiding you.” She squinted. “Are you any closer to a decision?”

  “Jah, but I’m not ready to voice it to Noah or Daniel yet.”

  “Why don’t you leave him alone for now? He may need time to think too.”

  She’d honor Daniel’s position, but she had to understand why he’d shied away from her. “I need to ask. Whatever he says, I will abide by his wishes.”

  They told Mamm and Beth their plan.

  Mamm stared at her in awkward silence. She cleared her throat. “You’re putting these two men through a difficult time. I can understand if Daniel is having second thoughts. He probably wants a woman who is sure about him. I’m not accusing you of doing it on purpose. I realize how agonizing the choice is for you, but don’t tarry too long on telling these men your decision. You and Leah be careful. Give Daniel my best.”

  “Danki for your advice, Mamm. I’m gaining clarity on my decision.”

  Beth smiled. “Tell Daniel to bring Otis and kumme over real soon.”

  Anna nodded and followed Leah out the door and headed for the buggy. She drove to Daniel’s. How would he react to her kumming to speak with him? She hoped he would tell her his thoughts and not hold back. They’d not held back on their thoughts thus far.