by Molly Jebber
Saturday afternoon, Mark crossed the yard, crunching the brown leaves beneath his boots. He reveled in the slightly cool breeze on his way to find Noah. He found his friend in the garden. “Would you help me with something?”
“Sure, I’d be glad to.” Noah followed Mark.
“I’ve built a cradle for Sarah and Levi. You’ve probably noticed it in the workshop. I need help lifting it into my wagon.”
“I peeked at it the other day and thought you were selling it in the store. They will appreciate the beautiful piece.” He studied Mark. “You’re moving a little better than you were this morning.”
“I swallowed some aspirin powder and drank water, and the medicine has helped ease the aches and pains.” He uncovered an oak cradle. “Do you have time to go with me to take this to them? I’d like to deliver the cradle today.”
Noah slid the bag off his shoulder and dropped it onto an old weathered trunk. He sniffed in the scent of the fragrant wood. “I never tire of the cedar scent. You outdid yourself on this piece. This cradle is the prettiest one I’ve laid eyes on. I admire your talent.”
“You’re kind. If you want to learn to work with wood, I’ll be glad to teach you.”
“I’ll take you up on your offer. In the winter, it would give me something to do.”
“If you like constructing the things I sell in my store and do a good job, I’ll buy your pieces from you. You can use the wood in my workshop. Construct a stool first and follow the pattern of the one already made in the barn.”
“I’m eager to get started. After the harvest and wedding, I’ll have time.”
Noah and Mark carried the cradle into the wagon, climbed down, and covered it with an old blanket.
Mark groaned, leaned against the wagon, and held his side.
Noah said, “I should’ve asked a neighbor to help load this. It’s too soon after your ordeal for you to lift it.”
“I’ll be fine, but when we take it out, let’s have Levi help you.” Mark straightened and wiped his forehead with his sleeve. A wave of nausea passed.
“I’ll hitch up the horse, and we’ll go there now.”
“Before we go to Levi and Sarah’s haus, let’s go into town. I’d like to speak to Grace about something and show her the cradle.”
“She’ll love it.”
Mark stepped outside, washed his hands at the pump, and then joined Noah in the barn. He wiped his hands on his pant legs to dry them then climbed in the wagon.
Noah led the horse outside, hitched it to his wagon, and drove down the lane.
Mark listened to Noah prattle on about helping harvest the fields, his mamm’s selections for canning vegetables, and furniture he was anxious to learn how to construct. He’d liked working alongside Noah in the barn, garden, and fields. Even better, he’d love teaching him how to build things out of wood.
His friend stopped in front of the store. Together, they walked inside the shop.
Grace and Anna stood at the counter sorting through quilts. Grace darted to them. “Mark, you look much better.” She waved Noah over. “Kumme here, it’s good to see you.” She gestured to Anna. “Mark, you met Anna when you brought Dusty in for treatment.”
“Jah, it’s nice to see you again.”
“How are you and Dusty feeling?”
“Dusty and I are on the mend. Danki for your concern.”
Grace gestured to Noah. “Anna, Noah Schwartz works for Mark doing farming and chores.”
Noah removed his hat and bowed his head a little. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Anna blushed. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Mark pulled Grace aside. “The bishop visited me. Our counseling dates are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays at five thirty.”
Grace beamed. “I’m so happy! Everything is going smoothly.”
“The days and time work out perfectly.”
He glimpsed at Noah and Anna, thankful they were chatting and not paying attention to him and Grace. Relieved no customers were coming through the door as well, he grazed her hand.
“I want to hold you in my arms.”
Her cheeks pinked. “It won’t be long and we’ll be together each day.”
“You can count on it.”
“I wish it was tomorrow.”
“I’m ticking the days off until I can carry you over the threshold to our haus.”
She blanched. “I like hearing you say ‘our haus.’”
Grace peered over at Noah and Anna. “They aren’t having any trouble finding things to talk about. Look at those cheery faces. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they were interested in each other?”
Mark chuckled. “I remember the first time I met you. I was smitten at the sight of you. Noah looks enamored with her already.”
The attraction the couple portrayed on their shy faces warmed his heart. He hoped Noah would decide to stay in Berlin. Maybe falling in love with an Amish woman would entice him to stay. He was reminded, once again, of the first time he met Grace. The overwhelming connection he had with her, he couldn’t quite explain it at the time. The same one he experienced over and over again each time he saw her.
“You made an excellent impression on me during our first meeting, Mr. King.” She blushed. “It didn’t take me long to fall in love with you.”
“You had my heart early on, Grace Blauch. No doubt about it.”
Noah’s laugh interrupted them.
Mark viewed the couple. They were both beaming and seemed unaware of anyone around them.
Grace smiled. “Anna and I drove to Sarah’s. They chatted for a bit, and we delivered fabric Sarah requested. They enjoyed each other’s company. Sarah liked her. She and Levi are so excited for us.”
A customer entered. “Oh sorry, I’m in the wrong place. I’m looking for the post office.” She ducked out before any of them could answer.
“I have a present for Sarah and Levi. I wanted to show it to you first. Noah and I have it in the wagon. We’re taking it to them after we leave here.”
Grace stepped to the door. “Anna, can you watch the store for a minute?”
She nodded then returned her attention to Noah.
Mark and Grace stepped outside. He slowly climbed in the wagon. He winced and uncovered the cradle.
She stepped to the bench, sat, and turned around to view him and the piece. “Oh, Mark! Be careful.”
“It’s getting better.” He motioned to the gift for Sarah and Levi. “Do you like it?”
She perused the piece. “This is an exquisite cradle! I love it!”
“Someday, I’ll make a cradle for our kinner.”
“What a wonderful thought.” She stroked the side of it.
Mark covered the cradle again. “May I tell Sarah and Levi we’ve got our counseling dates set?”
“Yes, please tell them. Noah reminds me of you. You both take initiative and help. It’s one of the many traits I love about you.”
“He’s become a good friend to me, as Anna has to you. Wouldn’t it be something if they had a budding romance?”
“Yes, I’d like watching their attraction grow.”
“We’re accumulating a nice group of close friends. I’m really happy I chose to settle down in Berlin.”
She gazed at him. “I’m thankful your haus in Berlin will soon be my address.”
He gripped the side and stepped out of the wagon and reached for her hand. “Me too.”
She jumped down. “We’re fortunate Levi and Sarah are our age. It will be convenient to live close to them.”
“You can change and decorate the haus anyway you’d like. I’m looking forward to your special touches.”
“I’m eager to organize the cupboards and arrange the furniture. Most of all, I’m yearning to get into our own routine. My parents like to drink hot chocolate by the fire at night. Mamm knits and Daed reads his Holy Bible. They discuss their day. They have a rule never to go to bed angry. I’m not sure if they follow it all the time, but it’s a good pr
actice.”
Mark covered the cradle. “Let’s follow this same rule in our marriage.”
“I can be stubborn. If we have an argument late in the day, it might be difficult to resolve before we go to bed. We might need to further discuss it the next day.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “We’ll resolve our issues faster if we’re tired and anxious to get some rest.” He winked.
She raised her eyebrows. “Good point. When I told her Mamm and Daed’s rule, Sarah suggested they practice it. She said the rule has worked quite well for them. Let’s try it.”
Noah came out of the shop. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but the shop is getting busy with customers. Anna asked me to fetch you.”
“It’s our busiest time of the day. I should go back inside. Danki, Noah.” She bid Mark farewell.
Mark waited until she left and climbed on the bench seat.
Noah untied the horse and got in. He jiggled the reins. “Anna and I couldn’t help but notice you and Grace seem excited about something.”
“Bishop Weaver gave us our dates for our counseling. I wanted to tell her first before anyone else.”
“Congratulations! I’d love to help with anything you need.”
“I appreciate it. I can’t think of anything at the minute.” He paused. “How did you like Anna?”
Noah blushed. “She’s very sweet.”
He’d been right. Noah had found Anna attractive, and she seemed interested in him. “Grace told me Anna is a hard worker and kind to customers, and they have become good friends.”
“I have trouble talking to young women my age, but I found conversation easy with Anna. I want to spend more time with her and learn more about her. I find her intriguing.”
“I understand what you mean, Noah. Grace had the same effect on me when we met.”
Noah grinned. “Your countenance changes around Grace. You beam like a full moon lighting the sky on a dark night.” He halted the horse in front of the Helmuths’ haus. “Whoa, boy.”
Levi stepped to the wagon and greeted them. “What a nice surprise.” He wiped sweat from his neck with a handkerchief.
“I hope this isn’t a bad time to stop by.” Mark took his time stepping out of the wagon.
“No, kumme in. You’re not as pale, but you’re moving a little slow. Are you getting better? Congratulations on your wedding date. I’m sorry for the difficult time you’ve been through.”
“I’ve put the unpleasantness behind me. I’m impatient and have pushed myself with chores, but I can’t sit still. I stayed out of the shop today, but I’ll open it tomorrow.”
Mark watched as Noah threw back the cover and exposed the cradle. “Do you like it, Levi?”
“This is such a beautiful cradle! Sarah will be so pleased.” He climbed in the wagon and stroked the edge then rocked it back and forth. “Mark, you’ve outdone yourself. It’s perfect in every way.” Levi and Noah carried it inside.
Mark led the way and held the door open for them. He gestured to Sarah. “I brought you a present.”
Sarah was dressed and had her legs outstretched on the settee with a quilt covering her. She put her hands to her open mouth in surprise. “Mark, Noah, kumme in and sit.” She cocked her head to study what they were carrying inside. “A cradle! Oh Mark, danki!”
Noah and Levi set it on the floor in front of her. She leaned over and stroked the wood. “It’s exquisite.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “This means so much to us, Mark. Danki.”
“I wanted you to have something special for your new addition to your family.”
“Hopefully, we’ll have more kinner and put it to good use. I love it. It’s perfect.”
Noah nodded. “Mark does very good work, but this is one of my favorite pieces. He’s going to teach me how to construct items for his shop after the harvest and his wedding.”
Levi slapped Noah’s shoulder. “The more knowledge and skill you have to earn money, the better. You’re blessed to have such a talented craftsman as Mark for guidance.”
“I agree.”
Mark’s face heated. “I could use a hand in making furniture for the store. Business has increased, and I have a difficult time keeping up with the demand. We’ll both benefit from this.”
“The cradle is our first piece of boppli furniture. It’s hard to believe we’ll be placing a newborn in it before long.”
“I’m impatient. I can’t wait to be a daed and hold the little one in my arms. I’ve always wanted kinner. I hope I’m as good a daed as mine was to me.” He looked lovingly at Sarah. “Sarah will be an excellent mamm. She takes wonderful care of me.”
Mark studied the couple. The bishop had been right. Their marriage was a good example for him and Grace to follow. The way they gazed into each other’s eyes, lifted each other up with kind words, and teased each other lovingly. He had no doubt his friends would be wonderful parents. “I’m relieved you and Sarah will have kinner before Grace and me, then you can educate us.”
Sarah smoothed the quilt on her legs. “I’m a little scared to raise kinner, but it’s thrilling, too.” She gave Mark a mischievous grin. “The love of your life and Anna were here earlier. They dropped off some fabric for me. Anna’s a delightful young woman. I’m happy she’s working for us.”
“Grace told me. Noah and I went to the shop before we came here to show her the cradle. She loved it. Noah and Anna got better acquainted.”
Noah’s cheeks pinked. “She’s a delightful maedel.”
“Delightful?” Sarah cocked her head. “What else do you have to say about her?”
“Uh-oh, I apologize, Noah. I opened up a can of worms. Sarah’s going to want details.” Mark chuckled.
Noah pursed his lips. “You’re not sorry. You and Levi are enjoying watching me squirm.”
Levi and Mark laughed.
Levi winked at Sarah. “Go easy on him.”
“Seriously, Noah, are you going to pursue your interest in her?”
“I’m sure Anna and I will have more conversations, but that’s all I have to say on the matter.”
“If you like Anna, you may not want to wait too long to tell her you’re interested in her. No doubt many available Amish men will approach her soon.”
Mark stifled the chuckle in his throat. Sarah had been direct the first time she’d introduced him to Grace. She loved to play matchmaker, and Noah and Anna would be her next project. She wanted everyone to find happiness like she had with Levi. He found it endearing.
Noah cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. “Enough talk about me. Mark has big news.”
Sarah crossed her arms. “Tell us! What is it?”
He liked being the one to deliver this information to Levi and Sarah, thankful Grace gave him the privilege. Saying it out loud heightened his joy even more. “Our marital counseling dates are set! All our plans with the bishop are in place.”
“The two of you must be ecstatic!”
“She would’ve told you, but when she found out I was coming here, she said I should tell you.”
Sarah grinned. “I’m glad the counseling didn’t interrupt having the wedding date you wanted. I stitched a kapp for Grace a day after the first time you asked her daed for her hand in marriage. I had a feeling things would work out. It’s tucked away in my clothespress for safekeeping.” She pressed a hand to her heart. “This makes my day! The cradle did too! We’re going to have a marked year to remember!”
Chapter Sixteen
Grace woke on November fifteenth. Her wedding day! The weeks had passed by quickly. The harvest meal in October had been delicious and an enjoyable celebration, but today would burn in her memory forever. Her wedding day had finally arrived. She lay in bed and hugged herself. She would become Mrs. King today. The bishop had announced their wedding date in a Sunday service, and weeks later, their meetings with Bishop Weaver were over. They’d met six times to discuss how to manage their finances and how to settle their differences.
The bishop
encouraged them to compromise when a disagreement arose. He told them what God’s Holy Word has to say about raising kinner. He instructed them to continue honoring God in all they did. She and Mark had gotten even better acquainted with the bishop and appreciated his compassion for them and his guidance.
God had blessed her. Through scriptures, God hadn’t promised life would be easy and, at times, it had been difficult, especially concerning her birthmark and almost losing Mark, but she’d always found comfort reading her Bible.
God had given her Mark, more than she’d ever hoped or dreamed for in a husband. She was thankful to not have an arranged marriage but to have the opportunity to fall in love first. Her parents’ relationship had grown with Mark, and her friends had accepted him without question. Mark had earned his good reputation in their tight-knit community.
As she glanced around her room, her lip quivered. She’d created too many memories to count in this haus. It wouldn’t be the same ever again. She would miss Mamm clanging pans in the kitchen and Daed’s boots thudding on the floorboards as he crossed a room. Mamm and Daed couldn’t be quiet if they tried. Her family had a routine for daily living. She would miss it and her parents, but life was about to take on a whole new meaning. One she was eager to begin.
Mamm peeked inside her door. She was carrying a wrapped package. “Are you up? This is your big day.” She stepped in and sat on the edge of the bed. She stroked her dochder’s cheek. A tear trickled onto her apron. “I’m so happy for you, but sad, too. I’ll miss you.”
Grace covered her hand. “I was reminiscing about my life here with you and Daed. I’ve been blessed God gave me you and Daed. You’ve provided me with love, understanding, and advice. The example of your marriage has set the tone for mine. I’m thankful I’m only a short distance away. I’ll need recipes and advice, and we will have to keep up on all the gossip!”
She and her mamm laughed.
Grace lifted her mamm’s hand and kissed her fingers. “We’ll get together often.”
“I am relieved you’re staying here in Berlin, unlike some couples who move to another community. I’d be heartbroken.” She beamed. “I have no doubt God had it in His plan all along for you and Mark to marry. I’m always here if you need me for anything.” She passed her the gift.