Of course, Lenore reminded herself, my daed has many good attributes and has never been stingy when anyone in the family has needed money for important things. Lenore had good parents, and for that she felt thankful—not like poor Michelle whose parents had been physically and emotionally abusive. Lenore couldn’t imagine growing up in a family without love and support, or having a mom and dad who treated their children harshly. It was no wonder Michelle had struggled to forgive and rise above her circumstances. If she hadn’t given her heart to the Lord and found forgiveness for her own wrongdoings, Michelle wouldn’t have found peace or be where she was today.
Lenore glanced at Sara again, wondering what it must be like for her cousin not to know who her biological father was. Although Sara hadn’t mentioned that topic for some time, Lenore figured she must have given up her search for him. Perhaps someday if the Lord willed it, the truth would come out.
B–boom! B–boom! B–boom! Lenore nearly jumped off the picnic bench when more fireworks went off, only this time with less color and more of an explosive sound. Lenore wasn’t the only one affected, for the dog started barking and little Cindy began to howl.
“Here, let me take her inside the house where it’s quieter.” Lenore went around to where Sara sat with Cindy on her lap. “She probably needs her diaper changed by now anyhow.”
Sara handed her the baby. “Would you like me to come with you?”
“No, that’s okay. I can manage.” Holding the sobbing child securely, Lenore glanced in Jesse’s direction before heading to the house. She couldn’t read his serious expression. Was it one of concern for his daughter, or did Cindy’s father have something else on his mind?
For the next several minutes the adults chatted while Peter and Ben headed off to get firewood for the bonfire they’d both requested. Even though everyone had eaten a delicious meal of barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, and several kinds of salads just a few hours ago, the boys said they were hungry and ready to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Jesse didn’t usually eat anything much past supper, but tonight he would make an exception. It had been some time since he’d felt this relaxed and enjoyed himself so much. The Lapps were good people and had been most hospitable to him. Jesse almost felt like he was a part of their family.
When Brad stopped talking to the men long enough to ask his wife a question, Jesse glanced toward the house. I wonder how things are going with Cindy. Maybe I should go up to the house and find out.
“Excuse me, everyone.” Jesse stood. “Think I’ll go see if my daughter needs anything.”
Ivan nodded. “No problem. Take your time. When you get back, maybe my boys will have the bonfire going.”
“Do any of you need anything from the house?” Jesse asked.
“Not at the moment,” Mary Ruth spoke up. “There’s no point bringing the hot dogs out till the fire’s been built and has died down a bit.”
“My fraa is right,” Willis agreed. “Roast the hot dogs too soon, and they’ll be black as coal.”
“All right then. I’ll be back as soon as I find out how Cindy’s doing. Hopefully Lenore’s got her calmed down by now.”
Yvonne smiled. “If anyone can calm your boppli down, it’s my daughter.”
Jesse hurried toward the house. When he stepped inside, all was quiet. That was a good sign. Upon entering the living room, he spotted Lenore sitting in her grandma’s chair, humming softly while rocking Cindy. “Is she asleep?” Jesse whispered, moving quietly across the room.
“Almost.”
“That’s good. I think one of the reasons she became fussy is because she’s tired.” Jesse took a seat on the couch.
“That could be.” Lenore looked over at him and smiled. “Did you get tired of watching the fireworks? Is that why you came inside?”
He shook his head. “Came to check on Cindy and to ask you a question.”
“Oh?” She tipped her head. “What would you like to know?” Lenore spoke softly.
He swallowed hard and licked his dry lips. I don’t know why this is so hard for me. It’s not like I’ve never asked a woman out to supper before. It’s been a while since I thought about courting.
Lenore kept rocking and patting Cindy’s back as she looked at him expectantly.
Jesse drew a deep breath and exhaled quickly. “If you’re not busy Friday evening, would you like to go out to supper with me?”
Lenore blinked and got the rocking chair moving a bit faster. “Just the two of us?”
“Jah. I checked with Vera this morning, and she’s agreed to watch Cindy while I’m gone.” He tugged on his shirt collar. “I thought it would give us a chance to get better acquainted.”
Lenore stopped rocking and nodded slowly. “Jah, Jesse, I’m free to have supper with you on Friday.”
“Okay, good.” He stood and wiped his sweaty hands on the sides of his trousers. That wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. At least it’s the first step in the right direction.
“Guess I’ll head back outside and see if Ben and Peter need any help with the bonfire. Will you be joining us soon?”
“Once Cindy is fully asleep, I’ll put her down in the playpen. I will come back in periodically, though, to check on her.”
“Okay. Danki for taking such good care of my little girl.”
“You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.”
Jesse left the living room and headed out the back door. Sure hope I didn’t make a mistake asking Lenore out for supper. She might get the idea that I see her as more than a friend, and then I’d have to offer an explanation. I need to go slow and establish a solid friendship with her before I even mention the idea of marriage.
Chapter 13
Michelle headed down the road with her horse and buggy Friday morning, conflicting thoughts flitting through her mind. For the last few days she had been thinking and praying about Ezekiel’s desire to move to New York and learn a new trade. The thought of leaving Strasburg put a knot in her stomach, but at the same time she wanted to please her husband. It was her duty as his wife to offer support and be a good helpmate. If she put up a fuss and stood in his way, she’d feel guilty for holding Ezekiel back and squelching his desire to start over in a new place.
What Michelle needed right now was some solid advice, which she hoped to get from Mary Ruth and Willis.
Approaching the Lapps’ home, she sent up a silent prayer. Lord, please help me to be open-minded, because I am sure Mary Ruth and Willis will give me good counsel.
Mary Ruth was surprised when she heard a horse whinny. They weren’t anticipating any company. But then, friends and neighbors sometimes dropped by unexpectedly, as did family members.
Peering out the kitchen window, she saw a horse and buggy come into the yard and pull up to the hitching rail. A few seconds later, Michelle climbed down. After she’d secured her horse, she headed for the house.
Mary Ruth dried her wet hands on a towel and hurried to open the back door. “Well, good afternoon. What a pleasant surprise.” When Michelle stepped onto the porch, she gave her a hug. “We haven’t seen you for a while. Come inside so we can visit.”
Mary Ruth couldn’t help noticing the slump of Michelle’s shoulders as she entered the kitchen. “If you’re not busy, I was hoping I could talk to you and Willis about something.”
“Willis is sleeping right now, but I’d be happy to listen to whatever you have to say.” She gestured to a chair at the table. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable? I’ll fix us something cold to drink.”
Michelle hesitated before pulling out the chair. She obviously had something troubling on her mind.
“Is everything all right?” Mary Ruth asked as she poured them both a glass of freshly brewed iced tea. “You look a bit verlegge.”
“I am troubled.” Michelle heaved a sigh. “Ezekiel wants us to move.”
“To a home of your own?”
“Jah, only not here in Strasburg. He wants to start over in one of the Amish communities in New York.”
Mary Ruth blinked. “I never expected he would move away from his family. From what I understand, they are dependent on his help in the greenhouse.” She set their beverages on the table.
“I know.” Michelle picked up her glass and took a drink. “I can’t talk to Ezekiel’s parents about this, because he hasn’t told them yet. I’m sure they would not give their blessing. Ezekiel’s daed has said many times that he needs the whole family’s help in the greenhouse.”
Mary Ruth stared at the table, pondering the best way to respond. “I’m sure there are plenty of able-bodied men Vernon could hire to work at his business.”
“You’re right, but they wouldn’t be part of the familye—and their greenhouse has always been a family business.”
“How do you feel about moving to another state?”
Michelle’s face tightened. “It would be hard for me to leave all our friends, but if it’s what Ezekiel truly wants, then I may not have any choice.” She took another drink of iced tea, then held the glass against her reddened cheek.
“Have you prayed about the matter?” Mary Ruth questioned.
Michelle nodded. “It may seem selfish, but I’ve been asking God to change Ezekiel’s mind and make him be satisfied to stay here. He could always look for some other job in the area if he’s determined not to work in the greenhouse anymore.”
“And if he doesn’t change his mind?”
“Then as his wife, I’ll need to go with him.” Michelle’s chin trembled. “It won’t be easy, but I’ll have to trust God that things will work out and I’ll adjust.”
“When would you expect to move?”
“Probably not till spring. That’s if Ezekiel ends up taking over the business of some Amish man who recently put an ad in The Budget.”
“It’s a big decision, and I’ll definitely be praying for both you and Ezekiel.”
“Danki. I feel better being able to talk about it.”
“Have you told anyone else?”
Michelle shook her head. “I’d rather not mention it to others yet—not till Ezekiel has made up his mind and told his parents.”
“I understand, and I certainly won’t repeat what you’ve said.” Mary Ruth pointed up. “And always remember that wherever you go, whatever you do, the Lord will be with you.”
Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
Lenore’s stomach quivered as she sat beside Jesse in his open buggy. Could his invitation to supper be considered a date, or did he merely want to get to know her better for the sake of his child, whom he’d hired her to care for?
She fidgeted nervously with the handles of her purse. I can’t imagine that Jesse would be interested in me romantically. After all, his wife hasn’t even been gone a year. And Jesse’s pained expression when he has spoken of Cindy’s mother indicates the depth of his grief.
“Is that the schoolhouse where you’ll be teaching when school starts next month?”
Lenore turned to the right where he pointed.
“Yes, that’s the one,” she replied. “It will be my first time teaching there since moving from Paradise to Strasburg.”
“I’m guessing you must like your job?”
She smiled. “Jah. I find teaching to be most rewarding.”
“More so than being a mudder?”
Lenore’s mouth opened slightly. Jesse’s question was unexpected. “Well, umm … since I’ve not had the privilege of being a mother, I can’t compare it to teaching, but I would like to have kinner of my own someday.”
“I see.” Jesse glanced briefly at Lenore, then back at the road again. They rode in silence for a while before he posed another question. “How long do you think you’ll be living with your grandparents?”
She shrugged. “It depends on how well Grandpa does. If he can regain full use of his left arm and leg, I might be able to return to my parents’ house. Then again, with me teaching in Strasburg, it would be better if I remained at Grandpa and Grandma’s house indefinitely.”
“What if you get married someday?”
“Then my place would be with my husband. But since I’m not being courted by anyone, it’s not an issue I need to consider.” Lenore didn’t understand why Jesse was asking such personal questions. Could he be interested in me? Would he ever consider me as a potential wife? She gave him a sidelong glance, but he kept his gaze on guiding his horse into the parking lot of the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant.
Strasburg
“I hope Lenore has a nice time this evening. She works so hard around here, and it’s good for her to get away for a while and have some fun for a change.” Mary Ruth’s knitting needles clicked as she carried on her conversation with Willis, who sat in his recliner beside her rocking chair. He’d made a few comments about what they had for supper when she’d first helped him into his chair but hadn’t said much since then.
“It was nice of Jesse to invite Lenore out for supper,” Mary Ruth continued. “I have a hunch he might be interested in courting our granddaughter. What do you think, Willis?”
A soft whistling sound followed by a couple of obnoxious snorts was her husband’s only response.
Disgusted, Mary Ruth looked up from her knitting and shook her head. Not only had Willis fallen asleep, but now, with his mouth hanging slightly open, his obtrusive snores bounced off the living-room walls.
“Oh well,” she murmured, twirling a piece of yarn around her finger, “guess I ought to get used to talking to myself.” These days Willis slept a lot more than he had in the past. But at least the paralysis he’d been left with since his stroke had lessened some, and for that she felt thankful.
Bird-in-Hand
“What’s it like in the area of Kentucky where you are from? I’ve never been there, so I don’t know anything at all about it,” Lenore said, as she and Jesse enjoyed their meal from the bountiful buffet.
“Let’s see now … I suppose I should start by giving you the history of the area.” Jesse tapped his fingers on the table. “Christian County is named for Colonel William Christian, a native of Augusta County, Virginia. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and settled near Louisville, Kentucky, in 1785.” He paused for a drink of water. “It might interest you to know that Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, was born in Fairview, Kentucky, which is in Christian County.”
“Interesting facts. What else can you tell me about that part of Kentucky?”
“Well, Christian County and its county seat, Hopkinsville, are located in southwestern Kentucky, a part of the Pennyroyal region. The Pennyroyal region’s name comes from a branched annual plant of the mint family that can grow up to eighteen inches tall. Pioneer settlers found Pennyroyal growing throughout the area, and so they bruised the leaves and stems for use as an effective mosquito and tick repellent. Also, they discovered that a tea made from the plant was effective at treating pneumonia.”
Lenore’s brows lifted. “Wow, I’m impressed. You sure know a lot about the history of Christian County.”
He smiled. “I enjoyed learning about our country’s history when I was a boy and have read a good many history books as an adult.”
“That’s interesting. I’m fascinated with history as well.”
“We’ll have to share some historical facts we’ve learned about Pennsylvania some other time when we’re together,” Jesse said.
“Jah, that would be fun.” Lenore finished eating her chicken, then posed another question. “Were you involved in woodworking when you lived in Kentucky, or is that something you took an interest in after you moved here?”
“I built a few things in a little shop on my folks’ property but mostly helped my daed on the farm.”
“What crops did you grow?”
“Wheat, corn, and some soybeans.” Jesse cleaned his plate and wiped his mouth on a napkin. “Think I’ll go back up to the buffet and get some dessert. Are you coming?”
Grimacing, Lenore placed both hands against her stomach. “Wish I c
ould, but I ate too much chicken and mashed potatoes. I don’t think there’s any room left for dessert.”
“Not even a small schtick of shoofly boi?”
She shook her head. “As much as I would enjoy a piece of shoofly pie, my common sense tells me I’d better not.”
“Okay, guess I’ll have to eat your share then.” Jesse winked and headed for the buffet.
Lenore leaned back in her chair and tried to relax. Are those fluttery feelings in my stomach from eating too much food, or am I just feeling giddy from time spent with Jesse?
Lancaster
“Thanks for helping me do the dishes, and also for having supper ready when I got home.” Sara smiled at Brad as she took the sponge from the sink to wipe the kitchen table.
He winked at her. “Not a problem.”
She glanced at the clock and saw that it was almost seven. “Your Bible study group should be here soon. Think I’ll go to the living room and make sure everything’s ready.”
Brad stepped over to Sara and slipped his arms around her waist. “Nothing to worry about there. I vacuumed earlier and even dusted.” He wiggled his brows. “Since my folks had no girls, Mom taught me how to cook, clean, and do the dishes, so I’ve had plenty of practice over the years.”
“I appreciate everything you do to help out around here.” She turned and kissed his cheek. “Oh, and the next time I see your mother, remind me to tell her thanks for raising such a considerate man.”
“Thank you, I sure will.” He tweaked the end of her nose. “And now, Mrs. Fuller, let’s take time for a word of prayer before our guests arrive.”
They sat beside each other at the table and held hands. Brad prayed out loud, asking God to bless their time with the new believers and to give him the wisdom to say the right things and share the scriptures that would be most helpful to those in attendance.
He’d just finished praying when the doorbell rang. “Sounds like our first guest has arrived.”
With sweaty hands, Sara followed Brad to the front door. She could deal with customers at the flower shop, no problem, but knowing what to say to a group of new Christians was an entirely different matter—especially when she was a fairly new one herself.
The Healing Jar Page 8