by Molly Jebber
Mr. Zook greeted Mark and Mr. Blauch. “Sorry about the fire, Mark. I’m glad your livestock survived and there wasn’t more damage. Your furry friend did a fine job helping corral the animals.”
“Danki. He came in my barn earlier. I’ll keep him, unless someone claims him.”
Mr. Zook and Mr. Blauch nodded to Mark then got in conversation about their hay fields.
Mark approached Grace. “Danki for kumming.”
Grace wiped her wet forehead. She was pretty, in spite of her dirty apron, the smoke scent, and her sweat-stained face. “It’s over, and the barn is still in good condition. I’m relieved your animals are unharmed. What caused the fire?”
“I wish I knew.”
Dusty joined them.
Grace petted him. “Who is this handsome boy? He’s quite helpful and smart. I was impressed and stunned by his heroics.”
“His name is Dusty. He showed up in the barn earlier this evening. We’re becoming fast friends. I’m surprised at what he did for me tonight too.”
Dusty licked her hand.
“He’s a pretty dog.” She giggled. “He’s friendly, too.”
The Helmuths, Blauches, and many friends and neighbors surrounded him. They asked if they could do anything else, and if not, they were headed home.
“No. I appreciate your help more than I can say. Danki for your quick response.” He waited until the others turned their backs to leave, then exchanged a look with Grace and mouthed the words, Danki again for your help.
He waited until the last person had departed and then checked on the animals. He’d keep his gun handy in case a coyote threatened to harm them. The soft breeze would help rid the barn of smoke.
Monday morning Mark fed the animals, milked the cow, petted Dusty, and went to work after chatting with Noah a minute. He grabbed and pushed a broom across the floor of his store and familiar voices drifted his way minutes later. Icy dread crawled up his back and neck. He held the broom tight. “What do you want?”
The thugs bore down on him.
Buck stood inches from his face. “How’d you like our warning?”
Mark winced at his putrid alcohol breath, stepped back, and gritted his teeth. “You started the fire? Why?”
The man sneered. “Call it a warning.” Buck knocked the broom out of Mark’s hands. “We haven’t found your brother, and we want twenty dollars to tide us over until we do.”
“I don’t have twenty dollars on hand.”
Skinner brandished a knife from his boot. “Maybe you need a little more convincin’.” Skinner stepped in front of Buck and pressed the sharp blade to Mark’s throat. The man narrowed his eyes. “Give us what you’ve got then, or you’re a dead man.”
Heart thundering against his chest, Mark stared at the man. “Let go of me and I will.”
Skinner poked the knife against Mark’s neck then lowered it. “Make it quick.”
Mark reached in his pocket and pulled out three dollars in coins and passed the money to Skinner. “You’ve taken all my money. Now leave.” His legs threatened to buckle, and he hoped the fear rising in his chest wouldn’t show.
Skinner scoffed and curled his fist around the coins. He held them to Mark’s nose. “You think this is enough?” The thug smirked. “Buck, the Amish man isn’t moving to open his cashbox. Guess we shoulda lit his house on fire.” He pressed the knife once again to Mark’s throat and pricked the tender skin. Blood trickled down Mark’s neck.
Buck crossed his arms. “Maybe you didn’t make yourself clear, Skinner.” He crossed the room, and Skinner stepped back.
“We can sure take care of putting some fear into him.” Buck grabbed Mark’s shirt and held up his fist. “You tell me, Amish man. Do I need to knock you around to get our point across? My friend, Skinner here, would like nothing better than to drive his knife into your side. I might let him do it if you don’t cooperate. Where’s your money box?”
Mark held his breath a moment then let out a ragged sigh. “Under the counter.”
Buck pushed Mark. “Come on, Skinner. Let’s see what the Amish man’s got hidden in his treasure box.”
He had taken his earnings to the bank on Friday. Glad the men wouldn’t get a substantial amount of money, he worried their tempers would flare. He slid back the curtain under the counter and removed the metal box.
Buck grabbed it from his hands and opened the lid. “Not much in here.” He counted the money. “Five dollars in coins.” He snorted and pinched his lips together. “This will have to do for now.”
Buck socked Mark in the stomach. “We’ll be back for more if your brother doesn’t show his face soon. You can count on it.”
Mark gasped for air, moaned, and doubled over. “Get out.”
The scoundrels left, slamming the door.
He looked out the window. The men crossed the street to the saloon. It wasn’t the Amish way to notify the sheriff about trouble from Englischers, but he couldn’t put up with these ruffians harassing him. He thought they would’ve been tired of searching for Abel in Berlin and moved on. He’d settled into Berlin, gained friends, and was about to ask Grace’s daed’s permission to marry her. He didn’t want to create a stir about this. He’d wait.
Mark rose to a gray sky on Sunday morning. There had been no encounters or sightings of the menacing men the rest of the week. He hoped not to lay eyes on them again. He shrugged into his clothes, hitched his horse to his buggy, and rode to church.
He caught sight of Grace the minute he entered. He adored her beautiful face, waved to her, and sat next to the men on the other side. Eager to see her, he struggled to pay attention to the bishop’s message for the first few minutes.
Bishop Weaver held up his King James Bible. “Please turn to the Book of Luke, chapter six, verses twenty-seven, twenty-eight, and twenty-nine.” He adjusted his spectacles and read. “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, and do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.”
Mark stared at his hands. This was a difficult message to adhere to these days. He bowed his head in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for wanting to harm the men who came in my shop. Protect Abel in spite of his shortcomings. Prick his heart and conscience. Help him find his way back to You. Please give me the right words to say to Grace’s daed. Amen.
He raised his eyes at Grace and her family. Enough time had passed. He would ask Mr. Blauch for his dochder’s hand in marriage. He was ready to move on with his life and put the past behind him.
Outside, after the service, Jonah hugged Mark’s legs. “Play hide-and-seek with me.”
“I’ll help the women set the table and then I’ll fix you a plate.” Grace strolled toward the food table.
“Danki.” Mark chased Jonah and played the game with him for a while. “Everyone’s gathering around the table. We should fill our plates before the food is gone.” He escorted Jonah to his parents then returned to Grace. “Would you like to join me at the small table under the oak tree?”
She carried two jars of water, and he carried their filled plates of food. She squinted at the bright sun. “I watched you with Jonah. I’m not sure who was having more fun, you or him.”
“He’s a well-behaved boy. I like having him around.” He sat across from her. “I can’t wait to have kinner.”
“Me too.”
He paused, leaned in, and met her eyes. “Grace, I’m in love with you. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life without you in it. I’m going to ask your daed for your hand in marriage tomorrow. He and I have spent enough time together to know and trust each other. I don’t want to wait any longer.” His mouth curved in a teasing grin. “You haven’t changed your mind about marrying me, have you?”
“Of course not!” She squirmed. “I’m anxious to marry you. I’m nervous but confident my
parents won’t have any objections.”
Her sweet expression confirmed her love for him. He reached out to touch her hand but withdrew it. “I have the hardest time not wrapping my arms around you and planting the biggest kiss on your sweet lips.”
She blushed. “Oh, Mark, I’ve longed to have your arms around me. If we were alone, I wouldn’t push you away.”
“Sarah and Levi are coming. I’ve been itching to tell them about our plans, and you must be also, but let’s not say anything until I’ve had a chance to talk to your daed.”
“I’m bursting at the seams to tell Mamm and Sarah. You must kumme for supper tomorrow. Mamm loves cooking and having people over for meals. It will give you a chance to talk to Daed in private.”
Her enthusiastic response and providing the perfect opportunity to carry out his task thrilled him. He wouldn’t forget her expression for the rest of his days. If Mr. Blauch agreed to his request, the Blauch family would soon become his in-laws. It would be comforting to have parents again.
On the way home, Mamm patted Grace’s knee. “I rocked for a few minutes on the porch this morning and delighted in the sunshine, watched squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees, and listened to the birds chirp. I thought about how happy you have been, and it warms my heart.”
Daed nodded. “You deserved a few minutes to yourself. You work hard. Your food tasted delicious, as always. I’m pleased to find our dochder smiling a lot these days too.”
Grace stared off in the distance. She would be a bride soon. Mark’s fraa. He hadn’t appeared uneasy asking her to marry him. A sure sign he was certain about her and their future together. She had no qualms about spending the rest of her life with him.
Grace listened to her mamm’s chatter but couldn’t concentrate on what she was saying.
“My dearest dochder, you haven’t paid attention to a word I’ve said, have you?”
“No, I’m sorry. Tell me again.”
The wagon wheel jostled when it hit a rut in the dirt road. Mamm clasped Grace’s arm for support. “What’s got you preoccupied?”
Daed laughed. “Not what but who would be the appropriate question.”
Mamm patted Grace’s hand. “It’s all right. I’m pleased our dochder and Mark have a spark. This is an important time in her life.” She nudged his arm. “I remember when I swooned after you.”
Daed chuckled and scoffed.
Grace said, “Speaking of Mark, he’s coming for supper tomorrow.”
“Good. I’ll take venison out of the icebox.” She winked. “This might be a very special occasion.”
Daed halted the horse and jumped out of the wagon. “He’s wilkom to our haus anytime.”
Grace climbed down and grabbed a dish. She avoided Mamm’s gaze. The words on her tongue begged to be spoken, but she mustn’t say anything. The joy she’d felt since Mark proposed had put a smile on her face. Mamm must suspect something. Nonetheless, she’d honor Mark’s wishes.
Grace opened a jar of peach jam and emptied it in a small dish Monday evening. Mark would arrive any minute. This had been the longest day. Would her daed have any reservations about Mark’s proposal? She was certain he’d be delighted to have Mark for a son-in-law. “Mamm, what else can I do?”
Mamm bustled about the kitchen. “The table is set, and food is done, and ginger cookies are ready for dessert. You’ve been as jumpy as a cat today. Is anything bothering you?”
Tempted to tell Mamm Mark had proposed, she stifled her excitement. “I’m fine. I’m anxious to have Mark join us for supper.”
Voices came from the sitting room. She went to greet Mark and waited. Her daed welcomed him with a grin and handshake. This night was off to a great start.
“Kumme in, Mark. Take a seat. Let’s have supper while the food is hot. I’m pleased you could join us this evening.” She poured water in their glasses.
Grace couldn’t sit still. Food sat heavy in her stomach, and she struggled to clean her plate. Glancing at the mantel clock, she willed the minute hand to move faster.
Mr. Blauch asked Mark how his store was doing, and they discussed his latest handcrafted items to sell.
Mark asked, “Mrs. Blauch, what would you shop for in my store?”
Being asked her opinion brought dimples to her cheeks. “I would seek out potato keepers, bread boxes, and mending chests large enough to hold material and supplies.” She blushed. “Danki for asking my opinion.”
“You’ve provided a new idea for me. Mending boxes are something I can add to my inventory. Danki.”
Grace passed Mark the carrots. “Would you like more?”
“No danki, but it was delicious.”
They chatted a little while longer about church, the weather, and how well Jonah had recovered from his incident in the woods. She squirmed in her seat. Her patience had run out.
“Let’s save apple pie for later.” Mamm carried the dishes to the kitchen.
Grace wasn’t sure her nerves could take another minute of sitting still. She was more than ready for Daed and Mark to go off alone to discuss what would be a life-changing and memorable occasion for her.
Daed pushed back his chair. “Mark, join me on the porch. The night’s quiet and the stars are shining bright tonight. We can chat while the women clear the table.”
Grace caught Mark’s wink. This was it. Her hands trembled as she dried the dishes Mamm handed her. Straining to listen to the men’s conversation, she couldn’t understand a word they were saying.
Mamm paused, dried her hands, and slipped her arm through Grace’s. “I have an idea what’s going on here tonight. What are we doing in the kitchen?” She gave her a playful grin. “Let’s go to the sitting area. The door’s open. We can eavesdrop.”
Grace’s mouth flew open. “You don’t miss a stitch.” She laughed and gently squeezed her arm.
They sat in the chairs closest to the door. She cast her eyes on Mark through the open doorway.
Mamm leaned forward. “I wish they’d speak up.”
“Me too!”
Mark stood and shook her daed’s hand. They came inside.
Her daed directed his attention to Mamm. “Mark’s got something he’d like to say to you.”
“Mrs. Blauch, I asked Grace to marry me. She said jah, and your husband has given us his blessing. Do you?”
Mamm jumped up from her chair and put a hand to her heart. “I’m thrilled! Grace hasn’t wiped the smile off her face since meeting you. She has a lilt in her voice and a bounce in her step, and I credit both to how happy you’re making her.”
Grace rose and stood next to Mark. “Danki, Mamm and Daed, for your blessing. This is the happiest day of my life.” She gazed fondly at her future husband.
“Why don’t you two take a walk? It’s a beautiful night, and I’m sure you have a lot you’d like to discuss.”
She grabbed a lantern and walked outside next to Mark. Out of her parents’ earshot, she paused. “How did it go with my daed?”
“He was gracious and kind. He didn’t hesitate to offer his acceptance of me as a son-in-law. Spending time with him rescuing Jonah and going target shooting was a good idea. We’ve grown close, and he’s had a chance to find out what kind of man I am. I promised to love, honor, and protect you.”
Grace bubbled with excitement. “Mamm shocked me. She figured it out. Like a schoolmaedel, she wanted to overhear your conversation with Daed. I did too, but we couldn’t understand your conversation. I had no doubt she’d be pleased for us.”
He led her to the barn, hidden out of sight from her haus, set the lantern on a tree stump, and put his arms around her.
Her heart raced and her knees weakened. Not sure what to do, she placed her hands on his shoulders.
He gently raised her chin and leaned close to her face.
Her body melted with excitement. He was going to kiss her. The moonlight hid his eyes. She held her breath for a moment.
“I love you, Grace.” His lips met her
s.
Mark’s lips were soft and the swell of delight went from her head to her toes. His kiss was so much better than she’d imagined it would be. Nothing like the brief, stolen kiss in his furniture store so long ago.
He rested his forehead on hers and hugged her closer. “My heart is about to jump out of my chest.”
“I can hardly speak. I don’t want our time together tonight to end.” She thought her heart would melt.
He’d said what she wanted to hear, and she had no doubt he meant it. Words she hadn’t expected to hear from a man. Not with her ugly birthmark marring her face. Mark had looked past her flaw and taken the time to find out what was on the inside.
“I love you so much. I want to climb the highest mountain and shout to the world I’m marrying Mark King!”
“I’d stand beside you and shout our news too.” He caressed her cheek. “When would you like to get married?”
“Tomorrow!” She laughed. “In all seriousness, we must check the bishop’s schedule. This is a busy time for you with farming and the store. I’ll leave the wedding date to you.”
“I, too, would like us to marry as soon as possible.” He kissed her nose. “I’ll speak with the bishop and schedule the date, then we can look forward to him announcing it to the membership.”
His touch and smallest kiss sent a thrill through her. She didn’t want to wait. “Because of the harvest season, November is popular for weddings. I’m not sure I can wait.”
He stepped back and held her hands. “I’ll ask the bishop for a date in early November.” He swung her hands a little. “As much as I don’t want to wait, our friends and family will enjoy our day more after the harvest. They will also have more time to help us.”
“Good idea. Thursday is a popular day for weddings. It allows us one day before to prepare and gives everyone two days before Sunday to catch up on chores.”
“Will you tell Sarah right away?”
“Yes, she and Levi won’t share our wedding plans with anyone until the bishop has a chance to announce it.”