Grace's Forgiveness

by Molly Jebber

  The younger woman held out the blue wedding quilt. “Mother, I like this pattern. Meet Anna. She showed me the fine stitching around the edges. It’s lovely. I’d like to give it to Alfred for a wedding gift. He can cover his legs when he reads in the winter by the fire.”

  The mamm joined her dochder and fingered the corner. “We’ll buy them both.” She slid a finger in the pocket. “What do you put in here?”

  “You write a letter to the person who will receive the quilt. They can pull the letter out and read it anytime and think of you.”

  “I’ll write a love letter to Alfred and tuck it inside. You and I can write letters to Grandmother and stash them in the heart quilt for her. She would be touched.”

  The mamm cast an affectionate, endearing glance at her dochder. “The letters are a lovely idea. Let’s pay for the quilts.”

  Grace crossed the room to the counter and grasped the cashbox and accepted the Mamm’s money. She recorded the sales in her journal. The wedding quilt stung her heart to touch it. She had one similar to give to Mark on their wedding day.

  The two women thanked them, carried their quilts, and pulled the door shut behind them.

  Anna put her hands to her cheeks. “The keepsake pocket quilt is a wonderful idea. I’m going to stitch a quilt for Mamm as soon as I can afford to buy the supplies.”

  She dug in a box and held up a fistful of fabric pieces in assorted colors. “You can have this material for your quilt.”

  Anna separated the swatches. “Danki. I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re wilkom. Before another customer kummes in, let me show you the supply room.” Grace pointed to the shelves. “This is where we keep extra stock. We have women in town who stitch quilts for us and bring them in on a weekly basis.” She gestured to the cot. “I’m a midwife. Most of the Amish women in our community are aware I work here, and from time to time have shown up in need of my services.”

  “I’d be happy to help you. I’m not squeamish about blood.”

  “If I need assistance, it’s good to know you’re willing, but usually we have customers and I’ll need you in front to wait on them. I will ask you to heat pots of water on the stove for me if you’re not busy.” She cupped her ear. “Someone came in. We should return to the front.”

  An Englisch woman approached them. She grimaced at Grace’s birthmark then directed her question to Anna. “I’m interested in a bed covering for my mother. Maybe a plain white quilt would do. Do you have any?”

  Anna grabbed one from the shelf. “How does this one suit you?”

  Her new helper was going to work out fine. She’d taken the rude woman off her hands.

  Grace selected a quilt from the back and hung it on the wall to replace the Jacob’s ladder–patterned quilt purchased earlier. The harsh rap and deliberate click of the customer’s boots set her teeth on edge.

  Anna explained the purpose of a keepsake pocket quilt. She ran her hand along a puffy white material. “If this eyelet one doesn’t suit you, we have more.”

  The woman’s smile bloomed. “This is exactly what I had in mind. Thank you. How much is it?”

  Anna unpinned the price note and handed it to the woman.

  “I’ll buy it.” The woman followed Anna, carrying the quilt to the counter.

  Grace opened the cashbox. The woman wouldn’t look at her. She pressed the exact number of coins in Anna’s hand and bid them farewell.

  Frowning, Anna raised her eyebrows. “The woman was rude to you.”

  “I’m used to it, at least most of the time. Danki for waiting on her. I’m pleased with how you handle customers. Do you have any questions?”

  “No, I’m comfortable waiting on customers and collecting payment. I like working here. Danki for hiring me.”

  The rest of the day, Grace studied Anna assisting customers. The attractive woman had a clear and pleasant voice and sold quilts and aprons as if she’d worked there for a long time. The young woman couldn’t be more perfect for the job. Sarah would be pleased she’d found such a capable Amish woman to take her place.

  Grace put a hand to her head. Pain throbbed. Opening her bag, she searched for aspirin powder. She’d have to buy some.

  Anna approached her. “You look tired, and your eyes are weary. Are you all right?”

  “I have a headache. Do you mind staying here while I go to the apothecary for some aspirin powder?”

  Shaking her head, she rested her hand on Grace’s arm. “No, you stay. I’ll go. I’d like to pick up a small pan from the General Store.” Anna hoisted a plain blue bag over her shoulder. “I won’t be long.”

  Grace bid her farewell and put a new patchwork keepsake quilt on empty hooks in place of the one Anna sold earlier.

  The door opened and banged against the wall. Mark and Noah entered carrying Dusty. Blood dripped from the dog’s body.

  Mark. Gasping, Grace rushed to them. “What happened to Dusty?”

  “He’s got a large cut on his side. He roams the woods in the early morning when I let him out to do his business. This morning he didn’t kumme back around his usual time. I found him like this. There was no one around. I got the bleeding to stop for a time, but he struggled to get up and it started again. I haven’t been able to stop it. I fear he needs stitches.”

  “Follow me to the back room and lower Dusty on the cot.” She turned to Noah. “My bag is under the counter. Will you get it for me?”

  Noah left but returned in moments, handing her the bag. “Can you tell how he hurt himself?”

  Grace bent and gently wiped Dusty’s wound and examined him. “It looks as if he’s cut himself on wire or a sharp branch.” She threw open her bag and selected her stethoscope, bandages, saline solution, thread, and a needle. She grasped clean rags from a small stand.

  Mark glanced at Noah. “Will you look in front of my shop? If there are customers, please go and wait on them. The cashbox and journal are under the counter.”

  “Grace, do you have a rag I can wipe my hands on?”

  She indicated the stack beside her. “Grab a cloth from there.”

  Mark wiped his hands, dug his fingers in his pocket, and pulled out his keys. “Here’s the key to the box. I’ll be over in a few minutes. Danki.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. Take care of Dusty.” Noah rushed out of the room.

  Mark looked at her with worried eyes. “It’s so good to finally see you, but I shouldn’t be here. I’m sorry to bring him to you. What if your daed kummes in?”

  “Let’s not worry about it. Chances are he won’t. Even so, I’m glad you’re here. We should still help each other in time of need. He would want me to care for Dusty, given the circumstances.” She was glad Dusty was such a good dog and didn’t give her any trouble while she cleaned the wound, stitched it, and applied a bandage. “He’ll be sore for a couple of days, but he’ll be fine.” She met Mark’s gaze.

  He clasped her hand. “I miss you. I pray each night for God to change your daed’s mind about us. I’m so sorry about this, Grace.”

  She wiped a tear from her cheek. The hurt in his face gripped her heart. He hadn’t done anything wrong. Abel had pushed his way into Mark’s life and thought only of himself. Not having siblings, she couldn’t imagine what it must be like for Mark to grow up sharing a close relationship with Abel only to have him leave then return and cause such heartbreak. “You are a good man. We have to have faith this will work out.”

  Anna peeked inside. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Jerking his hand back, Mark stared at Dusty, hoping Anna hadn’t witnessed his gesture.

  Grace stepped back from Mark. “Kumme in. Meet Mark King. He owns the store next to ours. He brought his dog, Dusty, in for treatment. Mark found him injured. Mark, Anna Plank.”

  Putting a hand to her open mouth, she stepped in and studied the dog. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. King.”

  “Call me Mark. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure we’ll r
un into each other now and then.”

  “Your dog is beautiful. And please, call me Anna.” She turned to Grace. “Will Dusty be all right? Do you need any help?”

  “No, Dusty will be fine. His wounds should heal in time.”

  Anna handed Grace the aspirin powder pack. “I got you three packets.”

  “I appreciate you getting them for me. If you don’t mind, will you go to the front and see if anyone has kumme in?”

  “I’d be glad to.”

  “Danki.” Waiting until her new friend was out of sight, she met Mark’s eyes. “My life changed for the better when I met you. I’ve never been happier. Abel ruined everything for us. I pray God will intervene and we can plan our future together.”

  A door slammed, and they both jumped. “It sounds like several customers have entered. I should help Anna.”

  “Where’s Sarah?”

  “She’s going to have a boppli! I’m so happy for her and Levi. The doctor ordered her home to rest for an indefinite period of time.”

  “Levi must be thrilled! I’m happy for them.”

  “I need someone to take her place at the shop. I noticed Anna in church Sunday, and I asked Mamm about her family. She, her mamm, and her schweschders moved here from Lancaster. Her mamm is a widow.

  “Anna came in and asked for a job this morning, and I asked her to start right away. I’m blessed to have her here. She’s a hard worker and a sweet woman.” Grace gestured for him to follow her to the front and almost bumped into her new helper. “Anna, I thought I heard voices.”

  “Two women came in looking for the bakery. They are visiting and not familiar with town.”

  A woman entered, and Anna left to help her customer.

  Grace couldn’t stand the thought of him leaving. She gestured Mark to the back room again. “When will I see you?”

  “I’m not sure. We can’t afford for your daed to find us together. I want to give him time to settle down about finding Abel at my haus. Then I’ll ask him to reconsider his decision about us.” He caressed her cheek. “You’re on my mind constantly. I would do anything to regain your daed’s trust in me.”

  “His mind’s made up for now, but I’m not giving up hope.”

  “I agree.” He beheld her. “Standing here with you is difficult. Danki for my letter. I’ve read it over and over again. It’s comforting.” He gazed into her eyes. “Oh, Grace, I love you.”

  “I love you, too. I always will.”

  Dusty barked and moaned.

  Grace examined the bandage. “His pain should diminish over the next couple of days as the wound heals, but watch to make sure he doesn’t tear his stitches. You can snip them out in about seven days. If the wound doesn’t look healthier each day, we’ll need to meet again.”

  Mark tenderly scooped his faithful dog in his arms.

  Dusty whimpered.

  He petted the animal. “It’s all right, boy.”

  Mark would be walking out the door any minute. Her heart ached to watch him leave and not know what the future held for them. Days ago, she’d been planning a wedding. “I miss you terribly.”

  He gently caressed her cheek. “I miss the soft sound of your voice and those brown eyes looking at me like you are now. In time, I hope we’ll be setting a wedding date. I should go. Your daed could walk in unexpected any minute.”

  Grace followed him to the connecting door. She opened the door and he went inside. Shutting the door behind him, she wiped a tear from her eye and walked in Anna’s direction.

  Anna’s customer had paid for aprons and left. Anna joined Grace, readjusting supplies on the shelves from customers fingering them. “Is Mark your friend?”

  She paused for a moment. “We love each other, but unfortunate circumstances are keeping us apart.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “You’re not. The situation is complicated. We would like to get married, but my daed is upset about something that happened and won’t give his blessing.”

  “I can’t imagine what you must be going through. I’ll pray for you and Mark.”

  “Danki. We need God’s intervention. My daed’s feet are planted firmly in the ground on this matter.”

  Anna gently squeezed her hand and went to greet the customer coming in the shop. Having Anna here would be good for her. The young woman’s compassion and kindness had helped comfort her. She looked forward to learning more about Anna and her family.

  Grace went to the back room and gathered the soiled sheets from the cot where she’d treated Dusty. Sad because the sweet dog had been injured, she hoped he’d heal without complications.

  In spite of the circumstances surrounding why Mark had shown up, she’d been thrilled he brought Dusty to her. Closing her eyes for a moment, she heaved a big sigh, imagining Mark’s familiar cedar scent. Touching her hand, she relived the brush of his fingers. She stepped outside to pump water in a basin and stared at the sky. “Why, God? Why has this happened? Please make a way for us to marry.”

  A noise alerted her. Heat rose to her face. Oh no, she shouldn’t be so careless. Had anyone heard her? She glanced to the left and right, behind the shops next to hers. No one was in sight.

  The workday ended, and Grace bid Anna farewell, visited the livery, and steered her horse home. Daed stood outside the barn. “I’ll help you secure your horse and then I’d like you to kumme inside. I have an idea I’d like to share with you. Mamm will join us.”

  Would he tell her good or bad news? Her stomach churned. Mamm or Daed might be sick. She’d taken for granted they’d always be with her. “Are you or Mamm seriously ill?”

  “No, we’re fine.” He took her horse’s reins. “You go inside. I’ll join you and Mamm in a few minutes.”

  “I’ll wait for you.” She sat on the porch step until he was finished and then followed him inside the haus with trepidation.

  Mamm sat at the table. “Have a seat. I’ve put fresh lemonade on the table for us.”

  Her mamm avoided her gaze and stared at her glass. Not a good sign of what was to kumme. Oh no, had he found out Mark came to the shop today? She opened her mouth to explain and then thought better of it.

  “As the bishop announced in church a while ago, Esau Erb’s fraa passed. He earns a good living as a farmer, adheres to the Amish law, and has a quiet and kind demeanor. I’d like to approach him about an arranged marriage with you.”

  Grace gasped and grabbed her throat. Heat surged from her head to her toes. Marry another man? She couldn’t possibly share her life with anyone but Mark. She stifled the urge to scream at her daed. Not something she’d ever let enter her mind before, but she couldn’t imagine doing what he was asking of her. “I love Mark King, and he loves me. You’ve asked men to marry me before, and they have taken one look at my birthmark and declined. I want to marry for love like you and Mamm.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “Please, Daed, don’t add to my sorrow.”

  “I understand you’re upset about Mark, but you’ll get over him in time. I want you to enjoy being a fraa and have kinner. The light has gone out from you. I want to help you.”

  Grace gripped her apron. Her palms dampened. Esau Erb probably was a decent man, but he wasn’t the husband for her. No man would do but Mark. Esau Erb had a permanent slight bend and his weathered ruddy skin made him appear older than forty-five. His fraa had been a frail and kind woman unable to have kinner. The doctors hadn’t diagnosed why she died three months ago. Grace empathized with the widower, and she hoped he’d find happiness with another Amish woman, but it wouldn’t be with her.

  She had to remain calm and convince her daed this was a terrible idea. She wiped her damp eyes and swallowed hard. “I am sympathetic to Mr. Erb’s situation, but please don’t ask me to wed him. I would be miserable. I’d rather be a spinster. I have the shop and my midwifery skills to keep me busy. Please respect my decision, Daed. I’m begging you.”

  Grace swallowed hard. Mamm squeezed Daed’s hand. The gesture Mamm
used to calm Daed eased Grace’s mind a bit. She hoped it worked.

  Daed patted Mamm’s arm and bowed his head for a few moments then looked at Grace. “I’ll honor your wishes. I thought this might help, but I realize it may be too soon for you to consider another man. I don’t want to add to your unhappiness. Your mamm and I love you, Grace.”

  She loved her daed, but his stubbornness about Mark had put a strain on their close relationship. It suffocated her like the humid air on a hot day. She missed the ease of their conversations. “Daed and Mamm, I love you, too.”

  Her daed stood and pushed back his chair. “I must get to work.” He kissed Grace then Mamm’s forehead and strolled outside.

  Mamm dragged her chair closer to Grace’s. “I’m sorry, my sweet dochder. I wish there was something I could do to lift your mood.”

  “My heart skips a beat each time I encounter Mark. I’d rather be alone the rest of my life than marry anyone but him.”

  “I’m praying for you. It’s all I know to do right now.”

  A pain pierced Grace’s chest as tears formed in her eyes. “I am praying too, and so is Mark.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Mark fluffed his furry friend’s favorite blanket next to him on the floor and then lifted Dusty and set him on it later in the evening. He gently petted the animal. “I worry about you. I wish you’d be more careful out in the woods.”

  Dusty had cut himself a time or two on jagged branches. Grace had smiled happily at the sight of him entering her store. Talking to her and touching her again was both exciting and painful. Their brief and guarded time together ignited the love he had for her. Her daed’s disapproval of him loomed like a thunder cloud.

  The windows open, he listened to the crickets and frogs. The night appeared peaceful, but his heart lay heavy. Alone wasn’t how he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Grace was the fraa for him. He settled back in his favorite chair and wondered how long he should wait before approaching Mr. Blauch again.