“I don’t think she’ll see you.”
“In that case, please assure her that I won’t bother her again. Tell her I’m sorry and I hope she can forgive me.”
“I will give her your message. The family plans to stay until after the Potato Blossom Festival. Hopefully Julia will stay, too.” He turned on his heels and left his friend’s house, disappointed in his behavior toward Esther’s sister.
Esther was waiting impatiently in the buggy. “What did he say?”
“He sends his apologies and promises not to see her again. And he asks her forgiveness. Will that be enough to keep Julia here?”
“I don’t know. She was very upset. I don’t want her to leave. We are finally becoming friends again.”
Because it meant so much to Esther, Gabe would do his best to convince Julia to stay. “I’ll speak to her.”
“Thank you,” she signed. “I think I’ll take over Jonah’s teaching duties.”
He tweaked her nose. “I’d like that. A lot.”
Her laughter was music to his ears. He drove home in a happy mood. Things were looking up between them.
At the house, he stopped Topper by the front gate and turned to Esther. “Why don’t you ask Julia to come see me in my workshop?”
“All right. I’ll be down later to start working on the rose patterns.”
“While I was in the barn with Randy today, he suggested we make some laptop carrying cases. I think the idea has merit. I’ll have to find a pattern that’s simple but sturdy.”
“Perhaps Lilly has a laptop we can use to get dimensions.”
“Goot idea. We can go see her tomorrow.”
Gabe gave Topper a rubdown, watered him and stabled him with fresh hay. When he opened his workshop door, he found Julia waiting for him. She was sitting in Esther’s chair in front of the leather stitcher.
“You wanted to speak to me?”
He leaned against his cutting table. “I went to see Danny today.”
Julia pressed her lips into a tight line and tipped her head back. “I can’t believe Esther involved you in this.”
“She cares about you. So do I. She doesn’t want you to leave. She feels she has grown closer to you and your sisters since your arrival here.”
“We have. I love Esther, but I’m not going to endure the same treatment I suffered at home.”
“Danny has realized he made a mistake taking his cousin’s word about your behavior.”
“Well, good. Better late than never,” she snapped.
“He called your bishop and heard the whole story. He’s ashamed and embarrassed. He has promised not to see you again. He begs your forgiveness.”
“You think he means it? He won’t bother me again?”
“I believe he is sincere. I’ve known Danny for two years. He’s never done anything like this. He knows he made a mistake, and he regrets it. I hope this eases your mind enough to feel you can stay with us awhile longer.”
“Ogden can be very persuasive. I should know. All right, I’ll stay.”
“Esther will be delighted.”
She tipped her head slightly. “That’s important to you, isn’t it?”
“More than you know. I’ve made several missteps in my relationship with Esther. I don’t want that to happen again. She is very dear to me.”
“As long as you accept Esther for who she is without reservations, you’ll do fine. If I can help in any way, please let me know.”
“I may hold you to that.”
The outside door opened, and Esther came in. “Are you staying, sister?”
Julia nodded. “Your young man has convinced me to remain.”
“I’m so glad.” She hugged her sister and then reached for his hand. She squeezed his fingers. “Danki.”
The happiness in her eyes was all the reward Gabe could have asked for.
* * *
Over the next two days, Esther wasn’t sure she had ever been so happy. She and Gabe worked side by side in the shop all day Saturday. In the evening they walked to Lilly’s farm through the woods. Lilly used her computer to show Gabe what kind of carrying cases were on the market for laptops.
The off Sunday, the one without a church service, was spent in quiet reflection and Bible reading during the morning. The afternoon was devoted to visiting friends. Three local families stopped in to enjoy Talitha’s cinnamon rolls and coffee. Esther’s sisters and Jonah took turns signing so she was able to enjoy the company, too.
On Monday Gabe and Esther were back at work in the shop. Gabe took inventory of the leather they had available and discovered he didn’t have enough to make more than one laptop case. “I reckon I’ll have to take another trip into Fort Craig. I hope Ed has enough of the weight I need.”
“We are low on the dyed leather for purses, too.”
“I think it’s best we don’t go to the farmers market this Wednesday. That way will have more merchandise to take with us to the festival next week.”
“Have we made enough pieces?”
“To fill our booth, yes. Will we earn enough money to make the venture worthwhile? I’m not sure.”
She wanted to ease his concern. “What more can we do?”
“Keep working. I’ll go to Fort Craig tomorrow. That will give us a few days yet to produce more.”
“I wish we knew what would sell the best. We could concentrate on making more of those.”
“Unfortunately, this first year will be mostly trial and error.”
That evening Esther began teaching Gabe the sign language alphabet. Talitha joined them for her first lesson. To Esther’s surprise, Waneta asked to sit in, too. Nancy and Pamela decided to instruct Moses and Seth in signing. Both couples managed to find quiet corners in the garden to practice. Esther wasn’t sure how much teaching was actually accomplished.
On Tuesday morning Gabe left early for the trip into Fort Craig. Esther was stitching the last two belts when her stepmother came in. Waneta made a circuit of the room examining the machinery and boxes of items Esther had finished embellishing. She finally stopped in front of Esther’s machine.
“How can you abide working in this smelly place?”
“I like the scent of leather.”
“That’s fortunate.”
“Did you want something?”
Waneta clasped her hands together. “I believe I owe you an apology.”
“For?”
“My impatience with you. Julia pointed out that I have—” She turned to the side, and Esther wasn’t able to read what she was saying.
“I’m afraid you must face me, Waneta. I can’t see what you’re saying otherwise.”
Waneta flushed bright red and stammered, “Of—of course. I was saying that I may have treated you poorly. For that I’m sorry. You may not believe it, but I love your father. He has struggled with your decision not to use your cochlear implant, and I felt I had to support him.”
“I’m aware of my father’s feelings.”
“That being said, Talitha and I have noticed how much Gabe depends on you and how happy he seems lately. I have always liked the boy, and it’s gratifying to know my decision to bring you along has met with his approval. That’s really all I wanted to say. We should—” She turned away and walked out, leaving Esther wondering what it was they should do.
She shrugged and went back to sewing.
When Gabe returned in the early afternoon, bright joy filled Esther at the sight of him. She cared for him so much. She couldn’t deny her feelings any longer. She loved him. He cared for her, too. She knew by the way his eyes lit up when he caught sight of her.
“Ed Carson’s place was closed,” he said and hung his hat on the peg by the door. He held a small package in one hand.
“You had a wasted trip. That’s too bad. Will you go again tomorrow
?”
“There isn’t any point. He’s closed until after the festival. The shopkeeper next door said he’s gone to visit his daughter in New York. She just had a baby.”
Gabe walked across the shop floor and sat down at his desk. He laid the package on top of it then he slumped forward with his elbows on his knees. “There isn’t another tanner in the region.”
“We can’t get more leather?”
“I’m afraid not. This is a setback I didn’t foresee.”
“There’s no way you could have.”
“Okay. Well, my trip wasn’t a complete waste of time.” He picked up the package and held it out to her.
She took it gingerly. “What’s this?”
“A small gift for you.”
She opened it and pulled out a book. Colorful flowers adorned the cover. “Wildflowers of Maine, Quebec and New Brunswick.” She smiled as her heart grew light at the thought of his kindness. “For me?”
“The shop next to Ed’s place is a bookstore. Do you like it?”
“I love it. Now I can discover the names of the flowers I see.”
“Weeds. There’s an index. Look under W.”
She hugged it to her chest. “Danki. It was very thoughtful of you.”
“You’ve worked hard without pay this past two weeks. It’s only a small token of my appreciation.”
“I’ll treasure it always.”
* * *
She was smiling now, and that was all Gabe wanted. To make her happy. “You’ve done enough work in here today. Let’s go find out how good your book is. Maybe you can find a flower that isn’t in it.”
“All right. Where to?”
“The woods and then the bog. Unless you have somewhere else you’d like to explore.”
“That sounds lovely. I’ll get my sketch pad.”
“I’ll raid the kitchen for some snacks. I missed lunch.”
Fifteen minutes later, they entered the cool woods behind the barn. Instead of taking the path to the Arnett farm, Gabe chose one that led toward a small clearing where an old cabin stood. He and his brothers had discovered it when they first came to Maine. It had been deserted for years, but he remembered the place being surround by flowers when he first saw it.
The path led upward into the wooded hills above New Covenant. There were several places with fine views of the mountains and the winding river below. He took Esther’s hand to help her over fallen logs or boulders that jutted out of the ground. When the path widened out and they could walk side by side, he took her hand again and held it. She smiled shyly but didn’t pull away.
They stopped at an opening in the trees. The valley lay spread out below in a checkered patchwork of fields and farms. She grinned. “This is beautiful.”
He gazed at her face. “Yes, you are,” he said softly, knowing that she wasn’t looking at him.
She opened her book. “Let me see what these little white flowers are.”
He took the book from her. “The better flower show is a little farther down the trail.”
“If you say so, but I would like to know the name of this one.”
“It’s a weed.”
“You have no appreciation for the simple things.”
“Not when spectacular looms just around the corner.”
“Lead on to this amazing scene, if you must.”
He took her hand and led the way. A group of cedar trees had overgrown part of the path. He stopped there. “Cover your eyes.”
“What?”
“Cover your eyes. I won’t let you stumble.”
She did. “What are you up to?”
He didn’t answer. She couldn’t see his mouth, anyway. He led her around the trees and stopped. Then he gently pulled her hands away from her face. “Not weeds.”
He stepped aside. The clearing was filled with a carpet of pink, lavender, purple and white spires of lupine. She gasped and stepped out into the masses. “They’re beautiful.”
He moved close to her and caught her by the shoulders. “You’re beautiful. I think I love you, Esther. I’m going to kiss you.”
“It’s about time.” She smiled and circled his neck with her arms.
He pulled her close. She fit so perfectly next to him. She lifted her face to his. He couldn’t resist a moment longer. He gently kissed her lips. When she didn’t pull away, he cupped her head in his hands and deepened the kiss as tenderness flooded his soul. She hadn’t said that she loved him, but he knew in his heart that she did. He could wait until she was ready to say the words.
* * *
Joy filled every fiber of Esther’s being. She tightened her arms around Gabe’s neck, drawing closer to him. His lips left hers. Before she could protest, his mouth moved across her cheek to her temple. Then he kissed her eyes and nuzzled her ear. She sighed with contentment. When he drew away, she opened her eyes. “That was better than the first time.”
He chuckled. She could feel the vibrations in his chest beneath her hands. He slipped a finger under her chin and lifted her face. “Practice makes perfect.”
“Then we should practice some more.” She planted a peck on his lips.
He held her away. “It’s a long walk back, and we still have work to do.”
“Did I mention that my arm and shoulder ache from working the lever on the stitcher so much?”
“I can take over now that my arm is better. Any other excuses? A headache, perhaps?”
“My head is fine. Thank you for bringing me here. This is lovely.”
“I knew you’d like it.”
Together they started back to the house. Halfway there she saw Pamela and Seth strolling toward them.
Esther smiled at her sister. “The view is lovely up ahead, but go all the way to the little cabin.”
“I know.” Pamela slanted a glance at Seth. “We’ve been there already.”
“Is Gabe a good kisser?” Pamela signed. “Your lips are a little puffy.”
Esther touched them with one finger. The feel of Gabe’s kiss lingered there still. She cast a covert glance his way. “He’s good, but he needs more practice.”
Pamela burst out laughing while Gabe and Seth looked on with confused expressions. She linked her arm with Seth and drew him along the path.
Gabe arched one eyebrow as he stared at Esther. “What did you say?”
“It was just a little sisterly gossip.”
He took her hand and walked on. When they came around the barn, Esther saw a car parked in front of the house. She recognized it as the one Mr. Jefferson had driven away in. He appeared to be in a heated discussion with Zeke as Asher and Moses stood behind their father.
She looked up at Gabe. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know.”
As they drew closer, Mr. Jefferson caught sight of her. He pointed. “She’s the one. She took my order. I needed those harnesses today.”
Zeke turned to Esther. “Did you take an order from this man for six parade harnesses?”
“No. He came into the workshop. I told him Gabe was out cutting wood. I asked if he wanted to leave a message. I searched for a pen and paper. When I found them and looked up, he was leaving.”
“So you didn’t hear me say I needed eight parade harnesses like the one you folks showed me by today? If you people can’t get the work done, then I’ll take my business elsewhere.”
Esther’s heart was about to pound out of her chest. “I didn’t hear you because I’m Deaf, sir. I can lip-read, but only if you are looking at me.”
His anger deflated. “Oh. Well, how was I to know? Why didn’t you say something?”
“You didn’t give me the chance.”
“I’m sorry about that, but you shouldn’t be working where folks expect verbal orders to be taken. I could sue you people for breach of contract.�
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Zeke scowled. “A handshake is how we seal a contract, Mr. Jefferson. That’s the way we do business. If there was no handshake, there was no deal.”
“You Amish.” Hank Jefferson stomped off to his car and drove away.
Esther pressed a hand to her cheek as she looked at Gabe. “I’ve cost you thousands of dollars in lost business. I’m so sorry.”
Zeke laid a hand on her shoulder. “Gott allowed it. Who are we to question His will?” He walked into the barn. Asher and Moses followed him.
Gabe seemed to sag under the weight of what had happened. “It would have made all the difference, but—”
She didn’t catch what else he said, for he had started walking away. She followed him to the workshop. He went to the desk and sat down with his head in his hands.
“I’m sorry.”
He shrugged and looked up. “It was my fault as much as yours. I have invoice order forms. I should have told you about them and put them out for you to use.”
He pulled open the desk drawer. His hand froze in midair. He slowly lifted out a piece of paper and looked at her. “This is something else I’ve been meaning to speak to you about.”
She saw it was a brochure like the ones in the doctor’s office about hearing aids. Esther took a step back. Pain shot through her chest. She couldn’t breathe. Not again. Don’t let it happen again, God. “No! No. Put it away. Better yet, throw it in the trash.”
His eyes were full of confusion and disappointment. “Tell me why you won’t at least consider this option? It’s not the same as a cochlear implant. Don’t you want to hear?”
“I am as Gott made me. I’m Deaf. I’m not broken. I don’t need to be fixed. Do you understand me? I’m not broken! I thought you loved me.” Tears began streaming down her cheeks.
He took a step toward her with his hand out. “Esther, I do love you, but I don’t understand.”
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