Pulling his shoulders back and drawing in a breath, Ezra knocked on the door. A few seconds later, Ellen answered.
He took a step to one side, and then two back, bumping the porch railing. “Oops.” His cheeks warmed. She must think I’m a klutz.
“Guder owed.” Ellen smiled. “What brings you by here this evening, Ezra?”
He lifted the paper sack in his hand. “I ate supper at your folks’ house, and since your mamm knew I’d be comin’ this way to go home, she asked if I’d stop in and give you this.” Ezra handed her the sack.
“Let me guess. Mom made something for dinner with red sauce in it.” Ellen looked at Ezra with a sly grin.
“Why, yes. Earlier, when your mamm invited me to stay for dinner, she asked what I liked.” Ezra’s cheeks grew warm. “I told her stuffed peppers was one of my favorites, but how did you know there was red sauce?”
“Because you have a smudge of it on your face.” Ellen pointed to her own face to show him where it was on his.
“Oh, oh.” Ezra licked a finger and went over the spot. “Did I get it?”
“Jah, good enough. And don’t worry about it,” Ellen added. “When that happens to my daed, he always says, ‘I’m saving it for later.’ Now let’s see what Mom has for me.”
Ezra watched Ellen peek into the bag while he absentmindedly rubbed his face again.
“Yum. Mom sent me some chocolate whoopie pies. These will be nice to share with Mandy.”
“Will you be sending them to her in Hawaii?”
Ellen shook her head. “Mandy’s here now. She came back to get her and Ken’s personal things, because they’re staying in Hawaii for good.”
“Your daed mentioned that.” Ezra turned sideways and gestured to the FOR SALE sign out front. “What are you gonna do once this place is sold?”
Ellen shrugged. “I’m not sure. It all depends on who buys it and whether they want me to continue working here.”
Since Ellen hadn’t invited him inside, Ezra figured it was time to go. “Guess I’ll be seein’ you, Ellen. Maybe at the next young people’s singing.”
She’d barely said goodbye, when Ezra leaped off the porch and raced for his carriage. “If Ellen had any interest in me at all, she’d have invited me in to taste one of those whoopie pies,” he mumbled, releasing his horse from the hitching rail. Most B&Bs in the area didn’t have a designated place for visiting horse and buggies, but this one did, which made it nice for Ezra or any other Amish person who might come by.
As Ezra climbed into his buggy and headed for home, he had a little talk with himself. It wasn’t the whoopie pies he wanted, for Nora Lambright had served some of those after supper this evening. The truth was, he’d hoped Ellen might invite him in so he could spend a little more time with her. Of course, Ezra reminded himself, I’d have probably tripped over my own tongue trying to make a sensible conversation.
He snapped the reins. “Giddy-up there, Harley. Let’s get home. My mamm’s probably wonderin’ why I missed supper tonight.”
As Ezra headed down the road, he grimaced. I can’t believe I showed up with red sauce on my face. How embarrassing.
“Who was at the door?” Mandy asked when Ellen returned to the living room.
“It was Ezra Bontrager. He had supper at my folks’ place this evening, and my mamm asked him to drop off some chocolate whoopie pies for me on his way home.” Ellen held up the paper sack. “In a little while, let’s each have one with a cup of lavender tea.” Ellen placed the sack on the coffee table and took a seat beside Mandy again.
“Isn’t Ezra good friends with Sadie’s brother?” Mandy asked.
“Jah, he and Saul have been hanging out with each other since eighth grade. And Ezra still works at my daed’s shoe store.”
Mandy nodded. “I’ve seen him there when I’ve gone to buy shoes. He’s kind of quiet, but always polite.” She pulled a throw pillow away from her back and scooched into the couch. “How old is Ezra anyway?”
“He’s a couple years younger than the both of us, remember?”
“That’s right … I’m surprised he isn’t courting someone by now. Ezra isn’t too hard to look at, and he’s earning himself a fair living.” Mandy turned toward Ellen. “He could make a nice young woman a good catch.”
“So what do you think you’ll go through first?” Ellen quickly changed the subject.
“I haven’t decided yet. I’ll make some decisions in the morning.” Mandy pointed to the sack of whoopie pies. “I’m ready for some of those now. Should I go to the kitchen and fix us some tea?”
“No, that’s okay. Please stay here and rest. I’ll be back soon with the tea and some napkins.” Ellen hurried from the room.
Mandy leaned against the sofa cushions and closed her eyes. Even though it’d be hard to leave this home again, her place was in Hawaii with Ken. For the next two weeks, she would concentrate on packing up all their belongings, knowing after that, she’d return to her loving husband.
CHAPTER 7
I can’t believe I’ve been here a whole week already. There’s so much to do yet.” Mandy rubbed her forehead and groaned. “I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted.”
“It has been a job, but between me and your family you’ve had plenty of help.” Ellen gestured to the boxes on the floor in front of where they knelt. “We’ve emptied all of the closets, gone through the garage, and made a place for anything left over your folks could put in a yard sale or give away to family or friends.”
“Yes, and what a relief. I’m glad all the furniture is staying with the B&B.” Mandy closed another box and marked on the outside what it contained. “I never realized how much work it would be to go through everything and make a decision as to what to keep and what to give away.” Her shoulders sagged.
Ellen wished Mandy didn’t have to return to Hawaii, and that she and her husband would come back to stay. But under the circumstances, their choice was for the best.
Ellen stared down at the boxes. This is difficult, letting go of a good friend. But I need to be supportive and strong. Mandy is relying on me.
Mandy gestured to the open box, full of Ken’s clothing. “Since the Realtor is bringing someone by at noon, I’d better close this up. We need to be out of here before they show up.”
Ellen nodded. “I’m glad Sadie and Barbara are free today and can meet us for lunch. It’s been a long time since the four of us got together for a meal and a nice visit.”
“You’re right.” Mandy smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Shipshewana, Indiana
Even with the clouds hanging low and snow in the forecast, Ellen looked forward to being with her friends. Drawing in the aromas of cooking meats and deep fried foods as she and Mandy entered the Fireside Café in Yoder’s Shopping Center, she realized how hungry she was.
“Sadie and Barbara are over there.” Ellen pointed to one of the tables. “I wonder if they’ve ordered already.”
“Let’s go see.” Mandy followed as Ellen led the way.
A busy waitress heading toward the kitchen with a tray full of dirty plates, stepped between the two girls, nearly running into Mandy. The woman’s eyes widened as she stopped in her tracks. “Pardon me, miss.”
“It’s okay.” Mandy spoke pleasantly.
As they approached the table, Barbara and Sadie stood up and hugged Mandy.
Ellen’s heart clenched when she saw tears gather in her friends’ eyes. She struggled not to cry too. Today might be the last time they’d be together for some time. Surely, none of them would be going to Hawaii anytime soon, so they’d probably not meet as a group again until Mandy was able to make another trip to the mainland.
“Have you two placed your orders yet? I’m famished.” Ellen hoped to lighten the mood.
Sadie shook her head. “We wanted to wait till you and Mandy got here. That way they’d bring all our food out together. Oh, and by the way—everyone’s lunch is my treat today.” She pointed her fin
ger at Mandy. “And no arguments, please.”
Mandy gave a small laugh. “Have I ever won an argument with you?”
“Well, maybe once.” The flecks of green in Sadie’s hazel-colored eyes became more pronounced when she chuckled and poked Mandy’s arm.
Mandy snickered in response.
“Shall we take turns ordering, or should we all go up to the counter at once?” Barbara pushed a small piece of her nearly black hair back under her white head covering.
“Here’s how we’re going to do this.” Sadie pulled a notebook and pen from her black-and-white quilted purse. “You can all write down what you want, and then I’ll go place our orders. It only makes sense, since I’m the one who’ll be paying.”
Sadie waited until everyone wrote down their requests, then she headed for the counter.
Mandy took a seat beside Barbara, while Ellen sat across from them.
“Where’s your cute little girl today?” Mandy asked. “I was hoping I’d get to see her.”
“I left Mary Jane with Gideon’s mamm. She’s cutting another tooth and is kind of fussy, so I figured it’d be best not to bring her along.” Barbara’s blue eyes brightened as she told how her one-year-old girl had learned to walk. “She never tried to crawl. She just pulled herself up at the coffee table one day and took a few steps.”
Mandy laughed. “I’m looking forward to being a mother someday.”
“Parenting is a lot of work,” Barbara said. “But the rewards are many, and I wouldn’t trade motherhood for anything.”
Ellen couldn’t help but notice the look of longing on Mandy’s face. She and Ken had been married over two years. No doubt she’d hoped to be pregnant by now. Well, at least Mandy had found a good man. It didn’t take a genius to see that she and Ken were deeply in love.
Ellen tugged on her lower lip as she shuffled her feet under the table. I wonder if I’ll ever fall in love and get married. I’d like to find my soul mate, raise a family, and grow old together. But maybe it’s not meant to be. I might end up like my aunt Ruth, in her sixties and still single.
Sadie returned to the table and sat beside Ellen. “This feels like old times, doesn’t it, ladies?”
They nodded.
“How are things in Hawaii, Mandy?” Barbara asked.
“The weather was beautiful when I left Kauai a week ago, but Ken, his mother, and I have been so busy since his dad passed away that we’ve barely had time to notice. I can’t imagine how the two of them are managing while I’m gone.”
“What about Ken’s brother?” Sadie asked. “Wasn’t he helping his dad with the chicken farm while you and Ken lived in Middlebury?”
“Yes, he was, but after Charles died, Dan didn’t want to work there anymore.” Mandy fiddled with her purse straps. “A few days before I left Kauai, Dan and his wife moved to California, where her parents live. Fortunately, they were renting, not buying a house.”
Barbara’s dark eyebrows furrowed. “He left his mother when she was in need? I can’t imagine anyone doing such a thing.”
“His actions might seem strange, but Dan took his dad’s death pretty hard. In fact, he could barely function for the first several weeks. He and his wife talked it through and decided the best way for him to deal with everything was to leave the island—at least for a time.” Mandy pursed her lips. “It was hard on his mother to see them go, but Vickie seemed to understand. And she appreciates having Ken and me there to help with the farm.”
Sadie’s shoulders drooped as she heaved a heavy sigh. “Hawaii is so beautiful. When we were all there, enjoying our vacation, it felt like I’d had a taste of paradise.”
“It’s always seemed that way to me,” Mandy agreed. “But losing Ken’s father dampened our spirits. To tell the truth, we haven’t had time to do much of anything fun since it happened.”
“Losing a loved one is always hard.” Barbara clasped Mandy’s hand. “I’ll remember to pray for you, Ken, and his mother.”
Mandy smiled. “Thank you.”
A waitress came with their food, and the conversation turned to other things. Ellen felt thankful for this opportunity to be with her friends, but she couldn’t help wondering how things were going at the bed-and-breakfast. Would the people who looked at it make an offer?
Middlebury
Sunday morning dawned with a beautiful sunrise. Most of the snow in the area had melted, and a taste of spring was in the air. It put Ellen in a cheerful mood as she and Mandy headed down the road with her horse and buggy toward Gideon Eash’s parents’ house, where church would be held.
Seeing a FOR SALE sign as they went past a house took Ellen’s thoughts in a different direction. The Realtor had called Mandy last evening, saying the couple who looked at the bed-and-breakfast realized they weren’t ready to take on the commitment of running a business that would tie them down. Ellen wondered why they’d even bothered to look at the place if they understood all the work involved. It seemed like a waste of the agent’s time, and the news had dampened Mandy’s spirits. Selling the B&B would help her and Ken financially, and be one less thing to worry about as they focused on running Ken’s father’s business on Kauai.
Once more, Ellen wished she had enough money to buy their home. But apparently, it was not meant to be.
Fortunately, they hosted no guests right now, so she hadn’t fixed the usual continental breakfast she prepared on Sundays when guests occupied rooms.
Ellen glanced at Mandy, sitting beside her in the front of the buggy with a faraway look in her eyes. “May I ask what’s going through your mind right now?” Ellen took one hand off the reins and touched her friend’s arm.
“Oh, reminiscing a bit.” Mandy looked over at Ellen and smiled. “In some ways it seems like a long time ago that I drove a horse and buggy. In other ways, it feels like only yesterday when I sat in the driver’s seat, guiding my horse down the road.”
“Do you ever regret not joining the Amish church?” It was a question that had been on Ellen’s mind for some time, but she’d never had the nerve to ask before.
“Sometimes, but I couldn’t join the church and marry Ken, so I don’t regret that. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a husband, and I love him so much.” Mandy spoke in a quiet voice.
Ellen nodded. “When you and I were stranded on Kauai, every time Ken came around, it was obvious that you two had fallen for each other.” She relaxed her grip on the reins a bit, allowing her horse to pick up speed as they drew closer to the Eashes’ place. “At first it upset me, because I was afraid if you two established a permanent relationship it would mean you’d become English and probably stay in Hawaii. But then, Ken chose to move here. So by the time you two got married, I’d accepted things and felt confident that even though we weren’t both Amish, we could still remain friends.”
Mandy’s eyes glistened with tears. “And friends we shall always be. Our bond is as strong as if we were sisters.”
Ellen couldn’t argue with that. Ever since she and Mandy were children, they’d gotten along. As they grew into adulthood, their relationship had become even stronger. The distance between Hawaii and Indiana could never change that.
CHAPTER 8
Lihue
Kauai County, Hawaii
As Mandy’s plane pulled up to the gate a little after three o’clock Tuesday afternoon, the FASTEN SEATBELT sign shut off. Passengers began assembling their belongings, whether from the overhead bins or under the seats in front of them. After retrieving her bag from the upper bin, Mandy remained in the aisle seat she had in coach. If she’d had the money for first-class seating, she would have been one of the first people off the plane. But that was okay. She was just glad to be home.
Mandy saw the flight attendant waiting by the door as a mobile bridge attached itself to the plane. She could hardly wait to see Ken. But the passengers ahead dillydallied down the aisle like slow cattle.
As she exited the security gate, Mandy heard a familiar voice call out to her. He
r heart swelled and tears clogged her throat when she spotted Ken waiting. Mandy had missed her husband during the two weeks she spent in Indiana, but it didn’t hit her how much until now. He looked so handsome in his blue-and-white Hawaiian-print shirt and navy blue shorts. Ken’s skin had darkened in the two weeks she’d been gone, making his blond hair stand out even more.
“It’s so good to have you home. I’ve missed you like crazy.” He wrapped his arms around Mandy in a welcoming hug.
“I’ve missed you too.” She stood on tiptoe and gave him a kiss, not even caring if they had an audience. If I had joined the Amish church when my friends did, I would never display this much affection in public—even greeting my husband after an absence. She glanced around. Several other couples were hugging and kissing. To them, she and Ken didn’t look out of place or appear too forward.
They walked hand-in-hand to the baggage claim. As much as Mandy missed her family, being with her husband again was a reminder that here in Kauai was the place she needed to be. Whether in Hawaii or back in Indiana, when she was with Ken, it felt like home again.
In the baggage area, her husband picked off a suitcase from the conveyer belt. “I think this is your bag.” Ken rolled the case up to Mandy.
“Nope, my bag is bigger and has a long scratch down the front.” She giggled.
He slapped his forehead. “Oops, that’s right. I’ll go back and get the right one.”
“Hang on. I’ll go with you.” Mandy smiled up at him.
“Well it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve seen the suitcase.” He gave her a silly grin. “Anyway this bag is black and looks like all the rest.”
Ken returned the case back on the moving belt, and soon after, a man came up and grabbed the bag. “I was wondering where my suitcase was.” The man looked over his shoulder at Ken, as he darted off toward the car rental shuttles.
The Hawaiian Discovery Page 5