The Beloved Hope Chest

by Amy Clipston

  “I was kidding.” She stared into his eyes. Has he always had flecks of gold reflected in his deep brown pools? Something in the atmosphere around them shifted, and alarm tingled at the base of her neck.

  “What?” He tilted his head as if sensing her worry.

  “Nothing.” She cleared her throat and took a step back toward the sink. His fingers released the ribbon, and it bounced onto her shoulder. “I’ll do the dishes. You can get back to work.”

  “All right. If you need me, just call out. We have the windows open.” He lingered for a moment, his eyes intent on her face. “You suddenly seem uneasy.”

  “I’m fine.” She pushed the ribbons from her covering behind her shoulders. “I’ll have supper ready at five thirty.”

  “Sounds prefect.” Leroy crossed the kitchen to the mudroom.

  Mattie turned toward the kitchen sink and began filling one side with soapy water.

  “Mattie.”

  She looked over her shoulder to where Leroy stood in the doorway, fiddling with his straw hat in his hands. “Ya?”

  “Do you remember when we were kinner and we walked to and from school together?” He spun the straw hat in his hands.

  “Of course I do.” She turned off the faucet and then faced him, leaning against the counter. “How could I forget?”

  “Back then we used to talk all the time, and we told each other everything.” He took a step toward her with the hat still twirling in his hands. “I shared things with you that I never told anyone else, like how I heard mei mamm crying in her room at night.”

  “I remember that,” she whispered, her voice wobbling.

  “I only talked to you about mei dat and how much it hurt when he left us. I told you how much I missed him. Even though mei onkels provided for us financially, they never acted like fathers to Joel and me.” Leroy’s eyes shimmered with emotion. “I told you I used to pray mei dat would wake up one morning and realize he loved our family and would come home.”

  Mattie’s throat dried and she swallowed. “You always trusted me, and I trusted you too.”

  “I know, and you can still trust me. I’m the same person I was back when we were kinner.” He paused. “You can tell me anything, and you don’t need to worry about hurting my feelings. If you need to talk about Isaiah, I’ll listen. I know he was your first love, and I’ll never try to take his place. I just want you to trust me.”

  “Danki.”

  He stood still for a moment as if waiting for her to speak. As much as she longed to pour out all her emotions to him, her lips refused to form the words.

  Leroy frowned, and her heart squeezed with renewed guilt.

  “I’ll see you later,” he finally said after a beat. He pushed the hat onto his head and then disappeared into the mudroom. His footsteps sounded before the screen door clicked shut.

  A pang of anxiety shot through Mattie. She couldn’t let him walk away upset. He deserved better than she was giving him.

  “Leroy, wait!” She rushed out the back door after him. “Leroy!”

  He stopped at the bottom porch step and faced her, his lips pressed into a thin line.

  “Would you help me work on the nursery tonight?” She fingered her apron as she spoke. “Maybe we could work on it after supper if you’re not too tired.”

  His expression softened. “You want me to help you with the nursery?”

  “Ya. I don’t want to work on it without you. It will be more fun if we work together.”

  “I’d love to help you.” The corners of his lips tipped up, and her heartbeat quickened.

  “Great.” She took a step backward. “It’s a date, then.”

  “A date. That sounds gut.” He turned and headed toward the harness shop.

  Mattie went back into the kitchen. Tonight she and Leroy would prepare the nursery. She would make an effort to let him into her heart and try to open the communication between them.

  “Do you want me to paint this room?” Leroy asked as he stood in the doorway of the nursery.

  “No, I think the walls are fine the way they are.” Mattie sat down in the rocking chair and began folding baby clothes before setting them in the dresser drawers. “Besides, you have so much to do at the harness shop.”

  “I don’t mind.” He walked over to the pieces of the crib leaning against the wall in the corner of the room. “I can make time to do it if you want the walls freshened up.”

  “As I said, you have enough to do.” Mattie smiled as he pulled a screwdriver out of his back pocket to begin putting the crib together. “I remember when this was your room.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “You remember that?”

  “I was here for a quilting bee once when I was about eleven, and I snuck up here and peeked into your room.” Mattie pointed to the corner where he stood. “Your bed was over there, and you had a shelf over there with all your books, puzzles, and games on it.” She gestured to the other side of the room. “And you had a dresser over there, and you also had hooks for your hats and your jackets.” She turned back toward him. “I walked through the room and looked at everything, but I didn’t touch anything.”

  A grin overtook his lips, and his brown eyes sparkled in the light of the lantern. “You were spying on me?”

  She shrugged. “I had an older schweschder. I’d never been in a bu’s room. I wanted to see what one looked like.”

  “Were you impressed?”

  “No, not really. It was pretty boring. Just an ordinary room.”

  They both laughed.

  “It’s so gut to hear you laugh.”

  “Danki.” Heat blanketed her cheeks as she returned to her task.

  They worked in silence, and once all the clothes were stowed, she stood and rested her hands on her lower back as she stretched.

  Then she walked over to the crib and rested her hand on it. “You’ve put this together fast. Danki. It would’ve been too much bending for me.”

  “I don’t mind helping.” Leroy pointed to the wall. “Do you want the crib here or in the other corner?”

  Mattie rested her finger on her chin and glanced to the other side of the room. “I think I like it here since there’s more light by the window.”

  “I agree.”

  “Do you remember where your crib was when you were little?”

  Leroy set the screwdriver on the window ledge and then gestured toward the wall. “I think it was right there. I have one memory of mei mamm coming in and saying gude mariye to me when I was about three. She stood in the doorway and smiled at me. She looked so froh.”

  Mattie sniffed as emotion constricted her chest. “That’s so sweet.”

  “Do you have any memories of when you were that little?”

  She paused, thinking back to her childhood, and she laughed. “I remember taking a bath with mei schweschder when I was about three or four.” She could feel her cheeks flaming again. “We were splashing and laughing. We had a very gut time.”

  Leroy’s eyes warmed as he touched her cheek. “I hope we can create froh memories like that for our kinner.”

  “I’m sure we will.” Her pulse galloped as she looked up into his kind eyes.

  He leaned down, and her breath paused as confusion wafted over her. Is he going to kiss me? Do I want him to kiss me?

  His lips brushed her cheek, and she blew out the gust of air she’d been holding.

  “It’s late.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. “We can work on this some more tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Danki again for helping.”

  Leroy ran a finger down her cheek and pushed the ribbon from her prayer covering over her shoulder before resting his hands on her shoulders. “Danki for letting me help you.” He released her shoulders, picked up the two lanterns, and handed her one. “I’m going to head to bed. See you in the morning.”

  “Gut nacht,” she said before heading down the stairs to the master bedroom.

  Warmth unfurled inside of her, spreading to her arms and leg
s as she changed into her nightgown. She was thankful she’d asked Leroy to help her with the nursery.

  For the first time since the wedding, she had a feeling they really could make this marriage work. Perhaps the close friendship she’d always had with Leroy could grow into something more.

  CHAPTER 7

  “ARE YOUR PARENTS AND SISTER COMING FOR THE GRAND opening tomorrow?” Tillie asked Mattie as they hung key chains on a display in the middle of the harness shop showroom floor on Friday afternoon.

  “Ya, they are. I left a message for mei mamm and Lizzie last night. They left me messages earlier this morning. They’re both excited to see the store.” Mattie lifted a leather keychain designed in the outline of a cat from a box and inhaled the sweet, leathery scent. She flipped it over in her hand and ran her finger up and down the side of it. Both Leroy and Hank possessed an incredible amount of talent. This store was going to be a great success.

  She sensed someone staring at her. When she looked over her shoulder toward the counter, Leroy nodded at her and she smiled before he turned his attention back to the battery-operated cash register.

  She continued hanging key chains and then moved on to doorknob hangers with bells. Once they were all displayed, she hung up pet collars and leashes. Soon her cheeks were flushed, and perspiration beaded on her forehead.

  “Are you feeling okay?” Tillie’s eyes were wide.

  “It’s hot in here, isn’t it?” Mattie wiped her hand across her brow. She started to sway and then grabbed onto the display, righting herself.

  “Mattie!” Leroy rushed over with a stool. “You need to rest.” Taking her hands, he steered her toward the stool. “Sit down. I’ve got you.”

  While gripping his hands for balance, Mattie lowered herself onto the stool. When would the room stop spinning?

  “Tillie,” Leroy called over his shoulder, “please get her a bottle of water from the cooler.” Then he turned his focus to Mattie. “Are you all right?”

  “Ya.” She released one of his hands and swiped her hand across her forehead. “It’s just so hot in here.”

  “Here you go.” Tillie opened the bottle of water and then handed it to Mattie.

  “Danki.” Mattie took a long drink, enjoying the cold liquid on her parched throat. Then she held the cool bottle up to her cheek.

  “You should go home and take a nap.” Leroy crouched down beside her and touched her shoulder. “I’ll help you back to the haus.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  Leroy frowned. “You are too stubborn sometimes.”

  “I’m really fine. I’ll just rest for a minute.”

  “Leroy!” Hank called from the doorway. “The vendor is here with the saddles. Do you have a minute?”

  “Ya,” Leroy responded before turning to Tillie. “Please make her sit and rest for a bit. Maybe she’ll listen to you.”

  “I’ll do my best.” Tillie turned to Mattie. “You can sit and supervise me. Sound gut?”

  “Ya.” Mattie sipped more water.

  Leroy studied her for a moment and then touched her cheek. “Don’t overdo it. You need to rest for the boppli.”

  “I know.” She sighed. “I’ll just sit here and give Tillie instructions if she needs them.”

  “Fine. If I find you overdoing it, then I will make sure you go in and take a nap.”

  Tillie rolled her eyes. “She’s not three years old.”

  Leroy stood up to his full height and raised an eyebrow, and Mattie suppressed a grin. He crossed the store to the front door, where Hank stood talking to a man clad in jeans and a black T-shirt.

  “He’s awfully bossy,” Tillie quipped.

  Mattie chuckled. “He’s worried about the boppli.”

  “And he’s worried about you too.”

  “I know.” Mattie bit her lower lip. “Can I tell you something?”

  Tillie raised an eyebrow. “Ya, of course you can.”

  She stared down at the bottle of water. “I’m a little naerfich about tomorrow.”

  “Why are you naerfich?”

  “All these Englishers are going to be here tomorrow, and we don’t know them.” Her shoulders tightened. “How do we know one of the men who comes isn’t violent, like the man who killed Isaiah? What if someone with a gun comes in and tries to hurt someone?” She shivered despite the humid store. “I abhor violence, and I can’t help thinking someone else I love will get hurt by a violent person.”

  “Ach, Mattie.” Tillie touched her arm. “I know you’re afraid it will happen again, but those events are rare. Don’t live in fear of everyone because of what happened to Isaiah. Most likely the people who come tomorrow are kind people who appreciate our culture. They won’t come here looking to hurt us or anyone else.” She tilted her head. “You know Leroy and Hank will do their best to keep us safe.”

  Mattie’s eyes misted over. “That’s what Isaiah did, and he wound up losing his life helping someone else.”

  Tillie blew out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. That was a wrong choice of words. Please don’t live in fear. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  “You’re right.” She forced a smile. “I won’t let it ruin tomorrow.”

  “Gut.” Tillie touched her arm again and then moved over to the display. “Now, what were you working on before you decided to take a break?”

  “Tillie! Mattie!” Hank called into the store later that morning. “Come down to the road. We’re going to unveil the sign.”

  “Be right there.” Tillie hung up another dog leash. “Do you feel well enough to walk down to the road?”

  “Ya, of course.” Mattie stood and placed the empty water bottle on the stool.

  “I can’t believe tomorrow is the grand opening,” Tillie said as they walked toward the front doors. “It seems like we just poured the foundation for this building yesterday.”

  “It sure has gone quickly.” Mattie did her best to sound enthusiastic despite her aching back and throbbing feet.

  Tillie grabbed Hank’s hand and then started down the rock driveway toward the road.

  “Are you feeling better?” Leroy fell into step beside her.

  “Ya.” Mattie looked up at him. The bright sunlight brought out the golden flecks in his dark eyes.

  “Are you telling me the truth?” His lips quirked up. “Or do I need to make sure you take a nap?”

  “I don’t need a nap.” She pointed toward the road. “Let’s go before they uncover the sign without us.”

  Leroy held out his hand, and she took it. Mattie enjoyed the warmth and strength of his hand as they made their way down to the road. She and Tillie clapped as Leroy and Hank uncovered the sign, formally announcing the Bird-in-Hand Harness Shop.

  “We’ve done it,” Hank said, shaking Leroy’s hand.

  “Ya, we sure have.” Leroy’s expression brightened his entire face. He clapped Hank on the shoulder.

  “Danki for supporting this.” Hank pulled his wife into his arms and kissed and hugged her.

  Mattie fidgeted with her apron as she looked up at Leroy again. Leroy suddenly pulled Mattie into his arms. She gasped, taken by surprise.

  “I’m so froh you’re here to celebrate with me,” he whispered into her ear.

  “Congratulations.” Mattie rested her cheek on his shoulder and enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms, where she was loved and protected. She closed her eyes and relished his affection for a moment.

  “Danki.” He released her, and they stared at each other.

  Was he disappointed in only receiving a hug from her? Did he expect her to kiss him with the same enthusiasm as Tillie kissed her husband while their neighbors watched?

  She wanted him to kiss her. She longed to experience the sensation of his lips brushing hers. Her stomach fluttered and her cheeks burned with embarrassment at the thought of kissing Leroy.

  “I think I’ll head into the kitchen now and start baking the cakes and pies for tomorrow,” Mattie blurted out. “Does that sound okay to yo
u?”

  “Ya.” Leroy’s smile was back. “That’s a gut idea if you’re feeling up to it.”

  “Ya, I feel much better. Resting on the stool helped.” Mattie started toward the house, and Leroy walked beside her. “I was thinking about making kichlin and maybe two chocolate cakes as well.”

  “You’d better make three chocolate cakes.”

  “Why?” She shielded her eyes from the sun as she gazed up at him.

  “One will be for me, of course.” He smirked, and he looked so cute.

  “All right.” She chuckled. “I’ll make you your own chocolate cake.”

  “Danki.” He took her hand in his and squeezed it.

  Mattie grinned up at Leroy before heading into the house. As she pulled out the baking supplies, she recalled how much she loved being in his arms. She again pondered what it would feel like to kiss him, and her pulse skittered.

  Pushing those thoughts away, Mattie found her mother’s recipes and concentrated on baking.

  “Good morning. Welcome to the Bird-in-Hand Harness Shop,” Leroy said as he greeted another group of customers the following morning. “Thank you for coming to see us today.”

  The customers had begun filing into the store only minutes after he hung the Open sign in the window. A quick informal survey of the customers revealed his advertisements in the local paper and tourist books had worked. Their new business was off to a promising start.

  Leroy stood a little straighter as he scanned the store. Customers were clogged around the displays, investigating everything from key chains to the leather bags and saddles. He looked over at the counter to where Mattie was ringing up the merchandise while Tillie put the items in bags.

  Mattie looked radiant in her purple dress and black apron. Although they continued to sleep in separate bedrooms, she was slowly warming up to him. She smiled more, and she eagerly prepared baked goods for the grand opening. A table with cookies and individually wrapped pieces of chocolate cake was set up in the corner, and customers had already picked over more than half of the baked goods. Yes, it was going to be a great day, and he was grateful to have Mattie by his side.