by Molly Jebber
Mrs. Foster pushed the door open. “Irene, come on. You’ve done enough apologizing for me to these people. I’m not going to wait much longer.”
Noah nodded. “I accept your apology, and I wish you and your schweschder safe travel home.”
The women left, and Noah heaved a big sigh. “I’m so relieved this terrible misunderstanding is over. Do you mind if we hold hands and pray?”
They got in a circle, held hands, and bowed their heads. Noah thanked God for Mrs. Tisdale’s discovery of the rip in the skirt and the purse being found. Noah pointed to a pitcher of water on a small table. “Do you mind if I have a glass?”
Leah pulled a glass from a small cabinet and poured water from a porcelain pitcher into it. “Here you go.” She passed the glass to Noah and chatted with him about the two women and their different attitudes.
Daniel gazed at Anna. Her hand in his during the prayer was small and warm. Her touch sent excitement through him. He thought of her night and day. His mind said wait. His heart said not to.
Chapter Thirteen
Anna met his eyes and pulled him aside. “You were a good friend to Noah to stick by him through all this. You didn’t have to go to the bishop’s haus or kumme here with him. You are the kindest man, Daniel Bontrager.”
“He would have done the same for me.”
“I suppose we should join Leah and Noah.”
He nodded and followed her.
Leah had given Noah a cup of coffee, and they were chatting.
Anna pressed a hand to her throat. “Noah, you should tell your mamm, the bishop, and the sheriff what happened before they find out from someone else.”
“Jah, I should. Again, I’m grateful for everything all of you have done for me.”
Daniel opened the door. “I should get back to work. I’ll stop by your haus later, Anna. Good-bye, Leah.”
Anna told them good-bye and shut the door behind them. Minutes later, the door reopened. “Grace, I’m glad you’re here.” She recounted her story about the women accusing Noah of stealing.
“That’s terrible! How is Noah?”
“He’s relieved the ordeal is over.”
Leah wrinkled her nose. “Where’s Joy?”
“She’s with Mamm. I stopped in to chat with Mark, and I wanted to visit with you if you weren’t too busy. You and Leah have done a wonderful job displaying the quilts on the walls.”
Leah looked up as a customer came into the shop. “I’ll help her while you two visit.”
Anna motioned to Grace. “Let’s go outside for a few minutes.”
Grace and Anna sat in the two old wooden chairs out back.
Anna crossed her legs and relaxed. “I’m glad you’re pleased with the display.” She told Grace more about Noah’s accusers, and where they found the coin purse. “I’m sure he’ll tell Mark the story.” Mark had been a loyal friend to Noah. He’d advised him on life matters and taught him woodworking techniques. He’d paid him to work on his property, and Noah enjoyed his job. Mark hadn’t judged Noah for leaving. He’d allowed him to make his own decisions and supported him in his dreams.
Grace and Mark followed Amish law but bent the rules when they supported their friends. She had done the same in her life and was thankful Grace had shown her this through her friendship with Becca Carrington, who had married an Englisch doctor in Massillon, Ohio, but maintained her faith in God and values, getting involved in a church in Massillon.
“Poor Noah. Mark will be shocked. He thinks the world of him.”
Anna had been brokenhearted to find him so forlorn. How could Mrs. Foster have been so cruel? She shook her head. No need to dwell on the incident. It was over. “I was proud of him. He kept his wits about him and didn’t allow Mrs. Foster to rattle him. Wrong or not, I wanted to lash out at her.”
“I don’t blame you, but nothing good would have kumme of it. You did the right thing holding your tongue. On another note, are you any closer to a decision between the two men?”
“I told Noah I realized I’d fallen out of love with him before he returned. I got wrapped up in the past, remembering when we first fell in love. I was so shocked when he came back, and those memories confused me. We had a good conversation. He admitted he tried to change me. He thought we could overcome our differences, and he still wanted us to marry. After I pointed out our disagreements and the tenseness between us at times, he agreed I was right.”
“He hasn’t told Mark yet. I’m certain he will soon. Will he remain in Berlin?”
“No, he’s going to ask his mamm to sell her property and relocate with him to Lancaster. Mr. Zook will probably look after the place until someone buys it. Noah’s in a hurry to leave. I suspect she will go with him, and I hope she does. They’re close, and they’ll benefit from being together.”
“I agree with you, but Mark will be sad for Noah to quit working for him again. Although, there are plenty of men who’ve asked Mark for work. He won’t have trouble finding someone, and he’ll support Noah’s decision. He has a soft spot for Noah. Have you had a chance to speak to Daniel?”
“I did. He loves me, but he’s not ready to make any wedding plans. He’s been hurt by all of this too. I disappointed him by not realizing I had fallen out of love with Noah the minute he returned. I wish I had.”
“If God means for you to marry Daniel, He’ll heal his heart.”
“I hope so, Grace. I love him so much.”
Grace covered Anna’s hand with hers. “Daniel loves you. Give him the time he needs, and I believe he’ll ask you to marry him.” She grinned wide. “I heard about Daisy through gossip. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“I love being a mamm. She’s delightful.”
“I’m thrilled for you and Daisy. Joy has enriched my life and Mark’s more than we could’ve imagined. I’m certain Daisy will do the same for you. What did Noah and Daniel think of her?”
“Daniel’s delighted with her. Noah wasn’t interested in her. He didn’t want to raise her as his and made his point clear. I’d already planned to tell him I was completely in love with Daniel before he told me his strong opinion about her.”
Shrugging, Grace sighed. “It wouldn’t be easy for an Amish man to raise an Englischer’s boppli as his. I can understand his concern. You’re blessed Daniel is accepting of her.”
“He’s been wonderful with her. He and I want a big family.”
“Mark and I are hoping to have more kinner, but no news yet.” She squeezed Anna’s hand. “Do you still want to work at the shop after you’re married?”
She shook her head. “I’m excited to take care of Daisy at home before I’m married. I waited to tell you because I wanted to make the transition smooth for you. Leah’s agreed to manage the shop, and Mamm has given her two weeks’ notice to the General Store. She’ll join Leah here at the shop.”
Grace slapped a hand to her chest. “You are a wonderful friend to ask your mamm to work in the shop for me. I love your mamm and Leah, and they already have the experience I need. I’m thrilled. I’m available whenever they need for help or questions.”
“I’ll help them too.”
“You’ve been through a lot of turmoil lately.” She squinted. “I heard about Butch Winter causing trouble with your family before he was finally put in jail. Is it true Daniel intervened on your and Leah’s behalf against Butch?”
“Jah, and Leah and I were terrified. He was attracted to Leah, and he wouldn’t leave her alone. He came to the shop and bullied her. Another time, he caused Leah and Beth to have an accident while traveling. He shot off a rifle and rode past them fast, spooking our horse. They ended up in a ditch but thankfully weren’t hurt. We didn’t have proof, but Leah was fairly certain she recognized him. He did a number of things to scare us. Daniel did his best to keep us safe. I’m relieved we don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
Grace slapped her leg. “How terrible and petrifying! I’m thankful you’re unharmed and safe.” She picked up a daisy and r
emoved each of the petals. “Tell me more about why you love Daniel.”
“He’s calm, steady, and enjoys a routine, which is a lot like me. He’s happy in Berlin, and he wants to make a life here. It doesn’t hurt he’s handsome, a devout believer in God, and has all the traits I’m looking for in a husband. He’s proven he will protect me, provide whatever I need, and love me unconditionally.”
“I’d say you couldn’t do any better than him. You’re choosing him for all the right reasons. I’m sure everything will work out. Be patient.” She stretched her arms. “I need to go home and fetch Joy from Mamm. She’s probably worn her grossmudder out.”
Grace hugged Anna. “Dear friend, I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to visit you before today, but I’m grateful time doesn’t get in the way of our closeness.” Anna went back inside, and Grace left.
* * *
Anna and Leah worked until five, locked the door to the shop, picked up Mamm, and told her about Noah’s trouble with the two women on the drive home. Anna agreed to stay on at the dry goods shop a while until Leah had a chance to train Mamm.
After halting the horse, Anna jumped down from the buggy. Leah and Mamm followed.
Beth, holding Daisy, and Cotton greeted them. “I came outside the minute I heard your squeaky buggy wheels kumming down the lane!”
What a beautiful sight. Anna took Daisy in her arms. “Let’s go inside.” Anna held Daisy and sat across from Beth at the kitchen table, Cotton at her feet. She explained in general to Beth what happened with Noah and Mrs. Foster’s coin purse. She didn’t want her to hear the story through idle talk.
“Mrs. Foster sounds like a meanie. Good thing God worked a miracle for Noah.”
“You’re right, sweetheart.”
Leah and Mamm came in and took seats at the kitchen table.
Anna had enjoyed the shop, but Daisy needed her at home to care for her. The boppli had changed her priorities.
She had given Daniel such a hard time about working after their first boppli was born. Daisy’s kumming into her life had shown her how ridiculous she had been to suggest such a thing.
She heard a horse’s neigh and peeked out the window. Daniel. What a pleasant surprise!
He climbed down, tied his horse to the hitching post, and walked to the door where Anna greeted him. “Good to see, everyone!” He put his finger in Daisy’s sweet hand. “How’s the wee one?”
Daisy cooed and smiled at him.
Beth tugged on his shirtsleeve. “Where’s Otis?”
“I left him at home. I’ll only be here a short time. I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on. I’ll bring him next time.”
Mamm smiled at him. “Stay for supper.”
Leah nodded. “Jah, stay.”
He shook his head. “I’ll join you another night. I have to get home and replace a loose board on my porch and a latch on the corral. I’ve had so much outside work, I’ve neglected my place.”
Leah took Daisy from Anna. “You two go to your spot and chat awhile. I’ll take care of our little angel.”
* * *
Daniel and Anna walked to the pond, while the rest of her family went inside.
He’d prayed and thanked God for showing him his need to understand Anna’s predicament about Noah. He hadn’t considered how he would feel if he’d been in her position. He’d gotten clarity through Scripture and prayer, and he was ready to move on with their lives. His heart sprang with joy. He gently pulled her behind the barn. Picking her up, he twirled her around. He lowered her steadily to the ground and held her close.
He raised his head, knelt, and clasped her hand in his. “Anna Plank, I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Will you marry me?”
She fell to her knees and cupped his face in her hands. “Of course I will, Daniel Bontrager! I love you so much!”
“Let’s set a date with the bishop and ask him to announce our special day to the members. We’ve waited long enough. I’ve never been in love with anyone but you. Having had time to study the Scriptures and through prayer, I realize I, too, might have been confused if I were in your same position. I’m ready to get on with our lives.”
“Oh, Daniel, I’m so relieved.” She hugged herself.
“I’m so excited!” She waved her hands in delight. “Let’s go tell my family!”
Beth ran out the door and met them halfway. “You’re both smiling!”
He grinned wide. “We’re getting married!”
“Yippee!” Beth hugged his legs.
He hugged her. “You are a sweetheart. Danki for rooting for me, little one.”
“I’m thrilled! I knew she’d choose you!”
The three of them laughed.
Beth grabbed his other hand. “Let’s go tell Mamm and Leah!”
Beth grinned as she dragged him inside. “Leah! Mamm! Anna and Daniel are getting married!”
They circled in a warm family hug.
Leah wiped a tear. “Congratulations!”
Mamm dabbed her eyes with the corner of her worn apron. “I’m thrilled for both of you!”
Anna glowed with happiness. “Daniel is asking the bishop to schedule a date and to announce our plans at the next service.”
“How wonderful!” Beth clapped her hands.
Cotton barked and jumped as if he understood they were celebrating.
“I can’t believe how Daisy can sleep through anything!”
Mamm pointed to the closed bedroom door. “She’s a good boppli. She cries when she needs a change, is hungry, or tired. Otherwise, she’s content. I don’t think a train whistle would wake her.”
They chuckled and discussed organizing food with their friends for the wedding meal.
Daniel grinned. “This sounds like women’s work. I’ll take my leave.”
Anna escorted him to his wagon. “I love you, Daniel Bontrager.”
He kissed her. “I love you, Anna Plank. Soon your name will be Anna Bontrager and we’ll take the necessary steps to legally adopt Daisy.”
“The grossmudder left two legal documents along with Daisy the day I found her on our porch. One is from the daed signing over custody of Daisy to her. The other is Mrs. Cooper waiving her rights and giving custody to me. Both are signed by a judge.”
“Good. We’ll take the documents to the judge in town after we’re married and officially change Daisy’s name to Bontrager too.”
“We have so much to look forward to. I can’t wait.”
“This would be a good time to visit the bishop. This has taken priority over doing the repairs I’d planned earlier. I’ll schedule the date and return.”
Anna grinned. “I’ll be waiting.”
Daniel left and drove to Bishop Weaver’s haus. The bishop was on the porch in a rocking chair. He halted his wagon at the old white hitching post in front. “Good evening.”
The gray-haired man gestured to him. “Kumme join me.” He pointed to the other rocker.
Daniel stepped onto the porch and sat in the comfortable chair. “I’ve been at the Planks’.” He smiled. “Anna has agreed to marry me.”
“Congratulations!”
“Danki. Would you consider announcing our wedding date in the service next Sunday?”
“Of course. I’d be happy to.” He rose and opened the door. “I’ll be right back. I’ll get my calendar. We’ll schedule a date.”
The bishop was being very agreeable. He hoped the kind man would agree to a date early in November. He didn’t want to wait long after the harvest.
Bishop Weaver returned and dragged his chair closer to Daniel’s. Flipping through his calendar, he scanned the pages. “Do you have a date in mind?”
“Would you agree to November fifth?”
“The harvest will just be over. Are you sure? I have no problem with the date.”
“Jah, I’m sure.”
Bishop Weaver offered his hand. “We’ll tell our friends and neighbors in the service next Sunday. Will Daisy live with you and Anna?”
<
br /> A thrill of excitement passed through Daniel. He and Anna had a plan. They could forge ahead with their preparations for their wedding day. “Jah, I accept her as my dochder without hesitation.” He reached over and shook the bishop’s hand. “Danki, Bishop Weaver.”
“I hadn’t announced Daisy joining the Plank family yet. I planned to tell them Sunday after the service. I’ll inform the congregation of both events after I deliver the message.” He winced and smacked his arm. “I don’t want to rush you, but it’s getting dark and the mosquitoes have feasted on me enough tonight.”
Daniel stood and grinned. “I should get going too.” He tipped his hat and stepped off the porch. The lilt in his step was back. His life would change. No longer alone, he’d soon have a fraa at his side. They’d share meals, work out their concerns and decisions, plan for a family, and enjoy each other. He couldn’t wait to tell Anna the date.
He and Noah had had their differences, but he was glad they parted friends. He didn’t want him to leave town without a final conversation with him. He’d pay him a visit. Thoughts of getting to his neglected chores went by the wayside.
He returned to the Planks’ and knocked on the door.
Anna opened it. “Daniel! What did Bishop Weaver say?”
Stepping inside, he smiled wide. “The bishop scheduled November fifth for our wedding date! He’ll announce it and Daisy joining your family next Sunday.”
Anna said, “Half the townsfolk have heard from Mrs. Hochstetler by now about Daisy. She’s been caring for her, and she’s invited friends and neighbors to meet our new addition.”
Mamm grinned. “I’m glad the bishop is making a formal announcement to the congregation. His support will mean a lot. I’m certain they’ll be happy for us and accept the child.”
Mamm, Leah, and Beth gathered around them. They circled Anna in a hug. Beth giggled. “I’m excited for you both!”
“We’ll have to get busy planning for your big day!” Mamm grinned.
“Anna, Daniel, I’m thrilled!” Leah bounced on her toes.
Daniel grinned. “Danki, everyone.” He turned to Anna. “Would you walk me to my wagon?”