Grace's Forgiveness

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Grace's Forgiveness Page 18

by Molly Jebber


  “I’d like them to know now.” He gently squeezed her. “I’m so anxious to begin our life together.” He embraced her and kissed her again.

  She closed her eyes for a moment and willed herself to remember the way his lips touched her mouth, his arms circled around her waist, the perfect night air, and the stars lighting the sky. “I’ve been praying for a man like you. God sent you into my life when I least expected it.”

  “Since losing my parents and Abel, I’ve anticipated finding a fraa but never found the right woman, until I met you. Now I understand why. God had you in mind for me.” He caressed her soft cheek. “We should go back. I don’t want to have you out here too long. The last thing I need is for your daed to catch me kissing his dochder!”

  She laughed, and they went inside. Mamm and Daed sat across from each other in the sitting room drinking lemonade with Bibles in their laps.

  Mark said, “I wanted to say farewell and danki for the meal and your blessing.”

  Mr. Blauch stood and patted him on the back. He glanced at Mamm who joined him. “We couldn’t be happier.”

  Mamm handed him a container. “Here’s a bag of shortbread cookies and some leftovers to take home.”

  “I’d never turn down your cooking. Danki.”

  Watching her parents, Grace hugged herself. This night had surpassed her expectations. She walked outside to bid Mark a private farewell then stepped in the haus.

  “When will Mark speak to the bishop?”

  She stifled her giggle at Mamm’s enthusiasm. “Tomorrow. It’s no secret I’m not a patient woman. Waiting for my wedding day to arrive will be my hardest challenge yet.”

  The three of them shared a warm laugh.

  Daed kissed their foreheads. “I’m off to bed. I’ll leave the two of you. You have a wedding to plan.”

  Mamm returned to her chair. “Of course, you’ll make your dress. Do you and Sarah have light blue fabric at the store? It would be perfect.”

  “You and I have the same idea. If we don’t have enough of what I’d like, I have time to order the material.”

  “Grace, I’m so elated for you and Mark. He fits in well with us and the community. I’m looking forward to helping you with your dress, cooking for the wedding, and whatever else you need.”

  “Danki. You’ve set a good example of what a good fraa should be to her husband.”

  “I fell in love with your daed the first day I met him. Taking care of you and your daed makes me happy. I want the same for you.” She reached across the short distance between them and squeezed her hand gently. “I love you, Grace. It warms my heart you’re happy.”

  “I’m not going to sleep a wink tonight, I’m so thrilled. I’ve waited a long time for this moment.” She hugged her mamm. “I’ll see you in the morning.” She went to her room and shut the door. After attending a number of weddings, she’d be the bride this time. She’d stitch her wedding dress instead of one for a friend who couldn’t sew, stand with Mark in the church, and exchange vows with him.

  She undressed and shrugged into her nightclothes. She’d be a mamm someday. A pang of guilt went from head to toe. She’d doubted God at times. She knelt beside her bed, folded her hands, and bowed her head. “Dear Heavenly Father, I’m sorry I doubted You in my prayers to provide a husband for me. In my heart, I thought I’d be a spinster. Mark is an even kinder, gentler, stronger, and more loving man than I’d pictured marrying. Danki for mercy and grace. Danki for Mark and my parents’ acceptance of him. Amen.”

  Pushing herself up, she stood. Sharing their wedding day with friends and neighbors would be a pleasure. She wished she could tell everyone her news now. They were supposed to keep their secret until a month before the ceremony, but she’d tell her best friend. Sarah would be delighted.

  She fingered the quilt over her chair in the corner. She took a bottle of ink and a piece of paper and wrote Mark a letter. Tucking it inside, she wondered when she should give it to him. She could give him one before and the other after the wedding. He’d have the note in the pocket to read and remind him of her before they were married, and the other as a keepsake to read on their anniversary date for years to kumme. It would be her way of telling him she loved him every day.

  Becca would be happy for her, but how could she tell her without getting in trouble? She’d visit Hester and ask if she needed help. At the same time, she’d tell Hester she was getting married. No doubt Hester would pass her news on to Becca. This day had been special, and she couldn’t stand to have it end.

  Chapter Eleven

  Grace arrived at Hester’s haus on this bright and warm Tuesday morning. A red fox scurried in the brush, and a fish jumped out of the pond, making a splash. She climbed out of the wagon and tied her horse to the hitching post. She flinched. A little gray mouse crossed in front of her feet.

  Hester stood fastening a sheet to a clothesline. Her long dark braid hung down her back. Her calico dress fit pretty on her tall thin frame.

  Grace tiptoed and snuck up behind her. “Good morning.”

  “What a nice surprise!” Hester quickly turned and circled her in a hug. “It’s been a while since I’ve laid eyes on you. Have you been busy at your shop?”

  “Our shop is making a profit this year. Have you delivered any bopplin lately?”

  “No, but children hurting themselves have kept me busy patching them up.” She gestured to the porch. “Let’s sit outside in the rocking chairs. I need a break.” She paused. “Would you like lemonade?”

  “Get some lemonade for you, but I’m all right. I won’t be here long. I must get to the shop. I have something exciting to tell you.” She sat.

  Hester put hands on her hips. “What is it?”

  “Mark King proposed to me. I’m getting married!”

  Her friend’s eyes sparkled. “I’m thrilled for you, Grace. Tell me about him.” She slid her rocker closer to Grace’s and sat.

  “He’s everything I want in a husband. Kind, compassionate, and handsome with thick brown hair and beautiful eyes I get lost in. He stands tall next to me, and his scent is a pleasant one of cedar. He’s a talented man. He handcrafts furniture, household items, and toys. He owns a furniture store in town next to Sarah and me.” She loved talking about Mark. What she couldn’t say was how the joy of his touch and thoughts of him were with her every waking moment.

  Hester said, “I recognize the name. I’ve walked by his store in town.”

  “Mark’s talking to the bishop today about our wedding date. I wish you could attend.”

  “Since I’m an Englischer, I’m blessed the Amish let me teach you midwifery and let us work together. Your community appreciates my help, but I understand not being included in their social lives. It’s all right.”

  Grace paused and nervously fingered the string on her kapp. “Can you tell Becca I’m getting married the next time you write or visit her? I can’t be in contact with her any longer.”

  Hester covered her hand. “Of course I will. She’ll be happier than a bee in a pot of honey.”

  “I miss her, but I’m pleased she’s happy.” She paused. “Do you have any mamms expecting bopplin soon?”

  “I’m not aware of any. I’ll visit the shop and tell you if I hear of pregnant women needing us.”

  “I’m ready to help whenever you need me.” Grace stood. “It’s so good to see you, but I should get to work.” She winced. “Mark and I can’t tell the Amish community we’re getting married until the bishop announces it. Please keep the news to yourself until then, except for telling Becca.”

  “I’m good at keeping secrets.” She crossed her lips with her forefinger. “My lips are sealed.”

  “Danki. Take care of yourself.” She hugged Hester and drove to work.

  On her way to town, the sky darkened and the wind threatened to blow her kapp off. She hurried to beat the rain sure to kumme soon. Arriving at the store, she went inside and peeked through the middle door to Mark’s shop. Dark and quiet, he wasn
’t there. Maybe he was meeting with the bishop at this very moment. She ducked back into her and Sarah’s shop.

  Sarah entered minutes later, shaking out her black umbrella. “The rain came down with a vengeance. Water is pounding the dirt.”

  “I’ve been anxious for you to get here.”

  Sarah’s concern shadowed her face. “Why, what’s wrong?”

  “Mark asked me to marry him. I said yes! Mamm and Daed gave their blessing last night at supper. Mark’s going to ask the bishop for his blessing and set a date for the wedding.”

  Sarah reached for Grace’s hands. “I couldn’t be more thrilled. I understand I mustn’t tell our friends and neighbors yet, but may I tell Levi?”

  “Yes, please inform him.”

  “He’ll be thrilled. We’ve been praying for this to happen. What can I do to help?”

  “I haven’t been able to think straight, I’ve been so excited. First, I need to check our fabric supply. I’d like light blue for my dress. Mark will need a new white shirt and black pants. I’d love it if you’d stitch my white kapp.”

  “I’d love to. Danki, Grace.”

  Grace slipped her arm through Sarah’s as they strolled to the back. She pulled a box from a shelf and rummaged through the stack of fabrics. “Look, I found the perfect shade of light blue for my dress.”

  “I like it.” Sarah unfolded white material. “Here’s enough to make Mark’s shirt.” She fingered black fabric. “There’s enough black cloth to make a pair of pants.”

  “Not having to order and wait on fabric is a big relief. I can get started on my dress tonight.”

  “When is Mark talking to the bishop?”

  “He’s not in his store yet. I’m hoping he’s visiting him as we speak. I hope the date will be sooner than later. I’m itching for it to happen so I can share my wedding date with our friends.”

  “I’m already counting the days.” Sarah put her hand on the middle door. “Let’s see if he’s here yet.”

  Mark woke with Dusty snuggled up against him. He glanced at the clock and groaned. “It’s late. I overslept.” He patted his pet and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Standing up, he stretched, washed his face, combed his hair, and dressed.

  Grace entered his mind. Anxious to talk to the bishop, maybe he should go visit him first. He was hoping for the early part of November. He was anxious to share his life with her. Soon, they’d live together here in his haus.

  He downed a few bites of buttered bread and drank half a cup of coffee.

  Noah pushed the door open. “Mark, I’m surprised you’re still here. I thought you’d be at work.”

  “I’m running late today, but the shop can wait to open. I’ve got an important errand to run before I go to town.” He rested his hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Can you keep a secret?”

  Noah squinted. “Jah, you can trust me.”

  “I’m getting married!”

  Noah pushed his back against the chair. “Congratulations, I hope you and Grace will be very happy together. When’s the wedding date?”

  “I’m on my way to the bishop’s haus to ask when he can perform the ceremony.”

  “I couldn’t be happier for you.”

  “I’m having a difficult time keeping this information to myself. I want to shout it all over town.”

  Mark pulled back the window curtain. “The rain has ceased. I should hurry to the bishop’s haus. I hope we don’t get another downpour.”

  “Again, I’m thrilled for you, Mark.”

  “Danki, Noah. You’re an important person in my life. I wanted to tell you before anyone else did.”

  Mark left and rode straight to the bishop’s haus. He rapped on the door, and raindrops fell.

  The bishop answered with surprise on his face. “This is an odd time of day for you to visit.” He gestured him inside. “Is everything all right?”

  “Everything’s more than all right. I asked Grace Blauch to marry me, and she said jah. I’m here to ask your blessing and to schedule a date for our wedding.”

  “Congratulations, and I’m pleased.” He pushed his spectacles back up on his nose. “Have you asked Mr. Blauch for his approval?”

  “Jah, he and Mrs. Blauch are in favor of our impending union.”

  “I really didn’t have any doubt they would grant you their permission. I’ve observed you chatting with them at church. You all appear to get along well.” He leafed through the pages of his calendar. “November fifteenth is available.”

  “November fifteenth it is then. Grace and I want to get married as soon as possible. We’re ready to experience life together.”

  Bishop Weaver adjusted the spectacles on his nose. “Let’s meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at five at my home for premarital counseling. Is this time all right?”

  “We’ll be here.”

  The older man shook his head. “I didn’t offer you anything. Would you like to visit for a few minutes? I have lemonade.”

  “No, I should get to the shop. I’m late opening today. Danki.”

  The bishop patted his back. “I’m sure our members will rejoice when they hear of it. I’ll announce it sometime in October.”

  “It will be a very memorable and important day for Grace and me. I’m anxious to marry her.”

  Bishop Weaver laughed. “Your enthusiasm is infectious. I doubt I’ll stop smiling the rest of the day.” He patted Mark’s shoulder. “Take care. Give Grace my best when you see her.”

  “Will do. Danki again.” The rain had disappeared and white puffy clouds parted in the sky. A vibrant rainbow arched. Grace’s family and the bishop had been receptive to their impending marriage. He couldn’t have asked for things to go any smoother.

  A short time later, he strolled into Sarah and Grace’s shop.

  “Mark, did you visit Bishop Weaver?” Grace bit her lip in anticipation.

  Sarah hugged the quilts in her arms. “Congratulations! Grace told me you’re getting married. I can’t wait to tell Levi. He’ll be happy for you.”

  “Danki, Sarah. And jah, Grace, I did visit the bishop. November fifteenth is our wedding date, and we will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at five for our premarital counseling meetings at the bishop’s haus.”

  Grace’s face glowed. “November fifteenth is perfect. It gives us enough time to prepare, and we don’t have to wait as long as I’d feared.”

  Sarah set the quilts on the counter. “All the women will want to cook and take part. A wedding brings such joy. I can’t wait.”

  A customer came in. “Can someone show me what you have to offer in aprons?”

  Sarah rushed to her. “I’ll help you.”

  Grace pressed her hands together. “Mark, danki for taking care of this so soon.”

  Mark looked at the Englisch woman and Sarah. They had their backs to them. He brushed her hand then stepped back. “Talking to the bishop was the first thing I thought of the minute I woke up this morning. Time is going to tick by slow for me until we are in front of the church saying our vows, although I’m thankful for the date the bishop gave us.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “This is wonderful. I wonder what the bishop will say to us during our counseling meetings. I’m a little nervous.”

  Mark shrugged his shoulders. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m sure he’ll stress how important the sanctity of marriage is and for us not to take our commitment to each other lightly. I have no reservations about marrying you.”

  “I’m committed to you and have no doubt you’ll be a loving husband, and I will work hard to be the very best fraa to you.”

  He scanned the room then leaned close to her ear. “Soon your name will be Grace King.”

  She blushed. “I like my new name.”

  He wouldn’t want anything to spoil their joy. “I don’t want to leave you, but I should get back to work.” He lifted his shoulders. “I’m counting the days until I can call you my fraa.”

  He entered his store. The hours passed slowly as he w
aited on customers the rest of the day. He’d been busy and hadn’t noticed it was half past five. Opening the connecting door, he found Grace and Sarah’s shop locked. They must’ve gone home. She wouldn’t have bothered him if he’d been waiting on customers. He frowned. Too bad he’d missed her.

  Mark went home. Noah had already left. Dusty ran to greet him, wagging his tail. “Good boy.” He smoothed his hand over the dog’s soft black fur and eyed his food and water bowls. “Noah takes excellent care of you. You won’t go hungry while he’s working here.” Something on the table caught his eye. “He must have something to tell me. He left a note.”

  He picked up the paper and stared at the signature. Abel. A chill coursed through him.

  Mark, I’m in town. I’ll return around six tonight.

  I’ll come through the back door, so no one will spot me.

  Mark slumped in a chair, wadded the paper, and pushed it aside. It was after six. Abel could arrive at any moment.

  The fateful day he’d rolled over in his mind time and time again had kumme. He had no idea how to handle this. Should he speak to him? Should he risk everything by letting him in his haus and disobeying Amish law? He had to inquire about Abel’s well-being and tell him Buck and Skinner had been searching for him. What if those ruffians found him, while he was out? Would they kill him? There was nothing for him to do but wait.

  He warmed boiled ham and beans, sat, and spooned a bite in his mouth. He finished half the serving on his plate and pushed it aside. Stomach tense and head throbbing, he poked his head out the door. No sign of Abel. He could tell him what he had to say at the door. Letting him inside put everything he had with Grace at risk.

  Choosing a container, he stored the leftover food in the icebox and washed and dried his dish. The back door banged open then shut. He stiffened.

  Abel swayed and caught the counter. “Hey, bruder, how are ya?”

  Dusty jumped to his feet and snarled.

  Staring at his bruder, Mark swallowed the lump in his throat and calmed Dusty. He was relieved Abel was alive. He studied his bruder’s bloodshot eyes and too-relaxed manner. He was drunk. Abel had no regard for him or he wouldn’t barge in and put him at risk of losing Grace and his respectable reputation in the community. “How did you get here?”

 

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