A few moments passed with neither of them speaking, and then Jesse asked another question. “Would you like to join me for lunch? We can take turns holding Cindy, and hopefully with you here she’ll be quiet for me.”
Lenore lifted her chin to look at him, wondering how to respond. As much as she relished the idea of sitting at Jesse’s table and holding his precious daughter, Lenore didn’t want to start any gossip going around. If anyone they knew saw them eating lunch together, they might get the idea that Jesse was courting her. But if she didn’t take him up on his offer, little Cindy might start howling again, and Jesse might not get to eat his lunch at all.
When Cindy burrowed her perky nose against Lenore’s shoulder and gave a little whimper, Lenore made up her mind with no hesitation. “I’d be happy to eat my lunch here and take turns holding your baby.”
When Lenore, still holding his satisfied daughter, walked away to ask the waitress to bring her lunch over to his table, Jesse mulled things over. I wonder if Lenore would agree to watch Cindy until she starts teaching school again. That would give me more time to look for a full-time maid.
“The waitress said it won’t be a problem to bring my order over here when it’s ready,” Lenore said after she returned to Jesse’s table.
“Okay, good.”
When Lenore sat down with Cindy, Jesse continued to eat his meal. After her order came, it was Jesse’s turn to hold Cindy. He was surprised his little one remained quiet, although fixated on Lenore as she ate her sandwich.
Bouncing Cindy on his knee, Jesse threw caution to the wind and blurted out the question on his mind. “I was wondering … Would you be interested in watching Cindy for me while I’m at work, until you start back teaching schul?”
She set her glass of iced tea on the table. “Well … uh … I suppose I could do it, but it would have to be at my grandparents’ house, where I’m living right now to help out.”
“Not a problem. Right now my wife’s great-aunt is watching Cindy, and since she and her husband live in Gordonville, it means I have to take Cindy there every morning, then come back here to Strasburg to my job at the furniture store, and then return to Gordonville at the end of the workday. Also, Vera’s really not up to watching the baby five days a week, although she won’t admit it.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Since you live in Strasburg and we are in the same church district, it will be much closer for me to bring the baby to your grandparents’ house.”
Lenore wiped her mouth with a napkin, then reached into her purse and took out a small notebook. “I’ll write down my grandparents’ address for you.”
“Thanks. I’ll be by on Monday morning around seven.”
“Will I see you at church tomorrow morning?”
“I won’t be attending church in our district this Sunday. I promised Vera and Milton I’d bring Cindy to church in their district this week.” Jesse grinned. “I think Vera wants all her friends to see how much my little girl is growing.”
“It’s understandable. When children are young they grow so quickly. I taught some of my older students when they first started school, and whenever I see them now I can’t believe how much they’ve grown.”
Jesse kissed the top of Cindy’s head. “I hope she doesn’t grow too fast. I appreciate the innocence of her youth.”
“I know what you mean.” Lenore glanced at the clock on the far wall. “I suppose I should get going. I still have a few more errands to run for my grandma.” She stood and moved to Jesse’s side of the table. Reaching out to touch Cindy’s chin, she smiled and said, “See you Monday morning, sweet girl.” She looked at Jesse. “I hope the rest of your day goes well and Cindy remains as happy as she is right now.”
Jesse nodded. “Danki again for getting her settled down.”
“It was my pleasure.”
When Lenore left the restaurant, Jesse worried that his daughter might start fussing again, but she seemed totally relaxed in his arms.
He looked down at her and gulped. I hope I did the right thing asking Lenore to watch my baby. Sure hope Vera won’t mind. I don’t want to ruffle her feathers.
Chapter 9
Gordonville
Throughout the Sunday service, and even during lunch, Jesse thought about his encounter with Lenore the day before. Now that he and Cindy were at Vera and Milton’s house, it was time to tell Vera of his decision about his daughter.
Cindy had fallen asleep and lay curled up on the living-room floor on a thick blanket, while Milton slept in his recliner nearby. Since Vera had gone to the kitchen to make coffee, Jesse determined this was a good time to speak with her.
When he entered the kitchen, the spicy aroma of gingerbread made his mouth water. A plate filled with several pieces of the thickly cut bread had been placed on the table.
Vera smiled at him and gestured to the plate. “I thought you and Milton might like a treat to go with your kaffi.”
Jesse smacked his lips. “A cup of coffee sounds good, and that gingerbread looks awfully tempting, but your husband is sleeping as soundly as my little maedel right now.”
“He can have some when he wakes up.” Vera pulled out a chair at the table. “Pour yourself a cup of kaffi and take a seat.”
Jesse obliged, and after she joined him, he jumped right into the topic on his mind. “I’ve found someone else to watch Cindy while I’m at work.”
Vera blinked rapidly. “Oh? Who is she?”
“Her name is Lenore Lapp, and—”
“Where is she from? Does she live here in Gordonville, or someplace closer to you?”
“Lenore lives in Strasburg, and she’s a schoolteacher. But she’s not working right now and has agreed to watch Cindy until she starts back to school toward the end of August.”
Vera rested both arms on the table, looking at him intently. “If she can only care for your daughter a short time, what’s the point? I mean, what is the reason you chose her?”
“Lenore is good with kinner. In fact, when I had no success getting Cindy to quiet down at the restaurant yesterday, Lenore got my little girl to stop crying almost as soon as she picked her up.”
“She’s never cried much for me.” The wrinkles around Vera’s mouth deepened as she pursed her lips. “And I told you before that I don’t mind watching her.”
Jesse squirmed in his chair. Although he didn’t want to offend Vera, Jesse felt his decision was best, not only for Cindy, but for Vera as well. He hoped he could make her understand and that there would be no hard feelings.
“You’re right—you are good with Cindy, and I appreciate all you have done to help out. But you need a break and more time to do some of the things you like. Caring for a young child is a full-time job.”
She nodded slowly. “All right, I accept your decision, but once Lenore returns to teaching, if you need me to watch Cindy again, I’m willing.”
“I appreciate that, but maybe by then I will have a full-time maud.”
Vera’s eyes twinkled as she pointed at him. “Or a fraa.”
He shook his head. “That’s not going to happen.”
“Never say never, Jesse.” Vera snapped her fingers. “Say, I have an idea. Why don’t you ask Lenore Lapp out for supper some evening and see where things go from there?” She gave him a toothy grin. “You can’t be sure till you get to know the young woman, but Lenore might be the one for you.”
“No, I don’t think—”
“If she handles your daughter well, she might make a good mudder, and good mothers are usually good wives.”
Jesse fought the urge to roll his eyes. “I appreciate your concern, Vera, but I’m not planning to get married again.” He quickly reached for a piece of bread and took a bite. No woman except Esther is the one for me. But God took her to heaven and left me and Cindy alone, so I guess that’s how it’s meant to be. Jesse would say no more to Vera on this topic. He preferred to keep his thoughts to himself.
Strasburg
Mary
Ruth sat on the couch, watching Willis sleep in his favorite reclining chair. She tried not to worry about him, but sometimes her thoughts ran amuck. If her dear husband had another stroke—or even a heart attack as their doctor had warned—she didn’t know what she would do. In less than two months Lenore would resume her teaching duties, and Mary Ruth would be left alone all day to care for Willis and do all the chores around the house.
Maybe we should have taken Ivan up on his offer to move in with him and Yvonne. Of course, with them both working at his general store, I’d still be alone with Willis all day. But at least they’d be close enough to come home for lunch and check on us. Mary Ruth shifted on her chair, sucking in a breath. She knew what Willis would say if she again suggested moving to Paradise to live with Ivan and his family. His response would be a resounding no.
It’s best if I don’t dwell on this too much, Mary Ruth admonished herself. Even though I’m not as young as I used to be, as long as Willis doesn’t get any worse, I’m sure I can manage when Lenore is not at home.
Lenore sat on the edge of her bed, thinking about Jesse and his baby girl. Holding the child yesterday had felt so good, and the fact that Lenore had easily calmed Cindy down surprised her as much as it apparently had the baby’s father.
She hadn’t told her grandparents yet that she’d agreed to watch Cindy during the days her father worked. She hoped they wouldn’t object.
Lenore tapped her chin. I should have asked them first before agreeing to Jesse’s request. If either Grandma or Grandpa has any qualms, I’ll have to let Jesse know right away so he can find someone else.
She got up and moved over to the window to watch several birds carrying on in the trees closest to the house. It was hard to stay focused on the birds, though, when her mind was somewhere else. Having a baby in the home might be too much for Grandpa. If Cindy gets fussy, it might disrupt Grandpa’s peace and quiet.
Lenore moved away from the window, walked over to the bed, then paced back again. This is what I get for being so impulsive. The decision I made yesterday at the restaurant was hasty, and I didn’t think things through well enough.
A soft knock sounded on the door, diverting Lenore’s attention. “Come in,” she called.
Grandma entered the room and joined Lenore at the window. “You’ve been up here since you got home from church. I thought you might be napping.”
“No, just thinking.”
Grandma took a seat on Lenore’s bed and patted the quilted cover. It was a simple nine-patch quilt like the one Grandma had taught Lenore and Sara to make some time ago. “Why don’t you sit here and tell me what’s on your mind?”
Lenore sank to the bed. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Grandma’s eyes darkened. “You look so serious. Is there a problem?”
“No. Yes. Well, I guess there could be. I agreed to do something without checking with you first.”
“What do you mean?”
Staring at her hands folded in her lap, Lenore explained about Jesse’s request for her to watch Cindy here at the house. “I shouldn’t have agreed to it without getting your approval, but I got caught up in the moment of holding the adorable child, and then before I knew it, the word yes came out of my mouth.”
“It’s okay, dear one.” Grandma clasped Lenore’s hand. “It might be kind of nice to have a little one around for a while. Things have been way too serious here at the house since your grossdaadi’s stroke. A sweet little boppli, no doubt full of lots of cute antics, might be just what we all need to bring some joy and laughter into our home again.”
Lenore leaned close and gave her grandmother a hug. “Danki for being so understanding. But I want you to know, if it doesn’t work out and the boppli gets on Grandpa’s nerves, I’ll ask Jesse to make some other arrangements for his daughter.”
Grandma gave Lenore’s back a few gentle pats. “Not to worry. I’m sure it’ll be just fine.”
Lenore hoped the babysitting would go well, because she looked forward to watching Cindy. Getting to know the baby’s father a little better would be nice too. No doubt he’d been lonely since his wife died. Perhaps there would be some evenings when he could join them for supper. Lenore was almost sure her hospitable grandma would extend some meal invitations.
Chapter 10
As Jesse pulled his horse and buggy up to the Lapps’ hitching rail, Cindy began to fuss. She’d dozed off on the way over here, which had given him the peace and quiet he needed to concentrate on the road and try to relax. He still felt a bit apprehensive about leaving Cindy with Lenore, but they were here now and there was no turning back.
Once Jesse got the horse secured, he took Cindy out and carried her and the canvas bag full of necessary baby items up to the house. Before he had a chance to knock on the door, it opened and Lenore greeted him with a dimpled smile.
“Come in. We have everything set up for Cindy.”
Jesse wasn’t sure what Lenore meant by that, but when he followed her into the living room, he was surprised to see a playpen sitting near the rocking chair.
“My aunt Rhoda used it when she was a baby,” Lenore explained. “When Grandma told me it had been stored in the basement, I went down last night and brought it up. I thought it would be better than putting a blanket on the floor for Cindy to lie on.” She motioned to the playpen. “It’s all cleaned up and ready to use when needed.”
“Good idea.” Jesse glanced across the room, where a man’s straw hat lay on an end table. “Are your grandparents okay with you watching Cindy here in their home?”
Lenore nodded. “They’re fine with it. Grandma even said having a boppli in the house would give us all something to smile about.” Lenore held out her arms. “And I’m definitely looking forward to spending time with your sweet baby girl.”
Jesse handed Cindy over to Lenore and set the satchel on the couch. “Everything she might need is in here.” He stepped forward and kissed the top of Cindy’s head. “Be good for Lenore, little one. Daadi will see you this evening.”
He turned and was almost to the door when Lenore called out to him. “If you have no plans for supper this evening, we’d like you to join us. Grandma plans to make stuffed cabbage rolls, and there’s bound to be more food than the three of us can eat.”
Jesse’s mouth watered at the anticipation of eating a good home-cooked meal. “I would be pleased to join you. Danki for the invitation.”
When Jesse left the house and started across the yard, he stepped a bit livelier than usual.
“I see the boppli has arrived.” Upon entering the room, Grandma gave a wide smile.
“Jah. Cindy’s daed dropped her off about fifteen minutes ago.” Lenore sat in a rocking chair, tenderly patting the baby’s back. “She’s real schee. Don’t you think so, Grandma?”
“Yes, but then, I think all bopplin are pretty.”
“Me too.” Lenore heaved a sigh. “I would like to have a child of my own someday, but at the rate things are going, it looks doubtful that I’ll ever fall in love and get married.”
Grandma clicked her tongue. “Never say never. The right man will come along someday. Maybe he already has.”
Lenore tipped her head. “What do you mean?”
“Could be this pretty baby’s father will take an interest in you. He is without a wife, you know.”
Lenore lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “Oh Grandma, I’m sure Jesse has no interest in me other than as someone to care for his daughter.”
“He may not now, but he could develop feelings for you in the future. And the same goes for you.”
Lenore had to admit, even in the short time she’d known Cindy’s father, she found him appealing—not just his good looks, but his gentle voice and the kindness she saw in his eyes. Of course, she wasn’t about to admit it to Grandma or anyone else for that matter.
She rose from her chair and put Cindy in the playpen. “The baby is sleeping now, so I’m free to help with any chores.”
> Grandma shook her head. “The chores can wait. Your grandpa’s still reading the newspaper at the kitchen table. Why don’t we join him for a cup of coffee, and then we can plan out our day.”
“Okay.” Lenore covered Cindy with a lightweight blanket and followed Grandma out of the room.
That evening when Jesse came back to the Lapps’ after work, as soon as Mary Ruth led him into the house, he was greeted with the tantalizing aroma of cooked cabbage and tomato sauce. His stomach growled at the prospect of eating cabbage rolls, which he hadn’t had since Esther died.
“How’d my little girl do today?” His question was directed to Lenore, who sat in the living room holding Cindy.
“She did very well.” Lenore smiled, raking her fingers lightly through Cindy’s shiny hair. She gestured to the gray-haired man sitting in the recliner next to her. “Cindy’s cute smile and giggle kept Grandpa well entertained.”
“Good to hear.” Jesse moved toward the man and extended his hand. “I’m Jesse Smucker. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Lapp.”
“Nice to meet you too, and you can call me by my first name. It’s Willis.” He held out his right hand. “Ich schlaag hot ihn gedroffe, and it left me partially paralyzed.”
“I’m sorry to hear you had a stroke.” Jesse gave an understanding nod. His paternal grandfather had suffered one too, followed by a massive heart attack that had taken his life ten years ago. The world would be so much better if it were free of death and suffering, he thought.
Jesse gave Willis’s shoulder a light tap. “I hope you will experience a full recovery.”
“He’s doing much better than a few months ago,” Mary Ruth spoke up. “His speech has improved and he’s even able to walk a little when he’s out of his wheelchair. Although he does have to use a cane or a walker,” she added. “I do believe his physical therapy sessions are finally paying off.”
“That’s great. Keep up the good work, Willis.” Hearing familiar baby noises, Jesse glanced at Cindy. She’d begun pulling on Lenore’s dress sleeve and kicking her bare feet.
The Healing Jar Page 6