Love Comes to Paradise

by Mary Ellis

  Emily clucked her tongue. “Your poor daed has his hands full with you,” she muttered under her breath.

  All three women sighed with relief when they reached Grain of Life. Unfortunately, there would be no slow start to their workday. Three cars were waiting in the parking lot for the bakery to open. After Nora helped her inside, Violet readied the store deftly from her wheelchair. Emily turned out the horse into the fenced area, while Nora carried in totes of pies baked last night. With a steady stream of customers all morning, they had no chance for conversation, whether on Emily-approved subjects or not. By one o’clock, they ran out of every variety of cookies. Nora started mixing batches of molasses crinkle and oatmeal raisin. Those cookies had barely cooled when a vanload of tourists arrived to purchase every last one.

  It was close to two before they enjoyed their first lull. With the baking done for the day and the parking lot empty, Nora pulled sandwiches and fruit from the cooler.

  “Whatever you can share is fine with me. I’m starving.” Violet rolled up to the work table. “I left without packing a lunch, not eager to cross paths with my father this morning. He’s still not happy I rode a mile and a half alone with Seth. A mile and a half? No one can get into mischief in that short distance.” She giggled while Nora cut a turkey sandwich in half.

  Rising to her feet stiffly, Emily dropped her sandwich onto the waxed paper. “I’ll eat later. I want to make sure my horse has enough water in this heat.”

  Violet waited until the door closed before she whispered, “Did a bee crawl under her kapp? Why is Emily in such a bad mood?”

  Nora pondered while she chewed. “I’m not sure, but she seems irritated that I went to the singing without Lewis. I got the impression she feels we should have stayed home, listening to the crickets on the porch.”

  “We’ll do plenty of that when we’re gray-haired.” Violet chomped into an apple. “But there is something I need to discuss with you, something important.”

  “Violet Trask, we were together last night, then on the way to work, and all morning. You’re finally getting around to this?”

  Her mouth drooped into a frown. “This isn’t a topic I could talk about in front of Seth or Emily. Now that we’re alone, I’m not sure where to begin.” Violet set down the apple.

  Nora fought off a frisson of anxiety. “We’re friends. Just tell me.”

  “Do you remember when Elam stopped us after work a couple weeks ago?”

  “Of course, I do. I ended his misconceptions, once and for all.”

  “Jah, but do you recall his parting words?” Violet began tearing her napkin into shreds. “He said ‘You’re going to be sorry you ever crossed me’.”

  She stopped eating. “An idle threat. He was angry about being rejected. His male pride had been bruised. Believe me, Elam has probably focused his dark eyes on another gal by now, maybe an Englischer this time.”

  Violet shook her head. “He’s making good on his threat, Nora, causing trouble behind your back.”

  An undefined unease took root and grew into full-blown fear, bordering on panic. “Spit it out already. You’re scaring me with all this dillydallying.”

  “Elam is spreading stories among the Amish at Gingerich Lumber…stories about you. And some men were repeating those lies at the social last night, after the singing finished.”

  Nora thought she might be sick. “What kind of stories?”

  “That you’re…easy. That you have loose morals. That any man can get some without trying too hard.”

  Her words were little more than faint whispers, but they struck Nora like slaps to the face. “What? That’s not true! Elam got fresh on our way home from Columbia and I told him no. He got fresh again the day he stopped us and I slapped his face.” Nora trembled as shame from past deeds came home to roost. “You were there. You saw that I didn’t encourage him.”

  “Jah, that’s what I saw and I believe you. But I’m not the one you need to convince. There’s more. He said you snuck out with him at night in Maine and drank beer at parties in his buggy, unbeknownst to the hosts. And that you helped him buy a car on the sly from his bruder and kissed him willingly.”

  Nora felt the oppressive heat of a bakery in summer close in, cutting off the air. She felt faint, while her dull headache ratcheted into a migraine. She struggled to stand. “I need to step outside a minute.”

  “Is it true?” A stern voice sounded from behind them. “Is any of it true?”

  Nora and Violet turned to see Emily in the doorway, shocked and angry.

  “Some of it. But I can explain my behavior—”

  The bell above the door jangled, drawing everyone’s attention. In marched a gaggle of women, talking and laughing as though life held no cares or worries.

  “I will listen to your explanation later, but not now. Start baking more cookies, and Violet, see to our customers.” Emily strode to the sink to wash with military-erect posture. She wore no smile—neither for the tourists, nor for them for the rest of the afternoon.

  Nora measured out sugar, flour, shortening, and sweet chocolate chips with a practiced hand. She stirred to mix the dough and dropped spoonfuls onto her baking sheet with expert uniformity. But while she baked cookies, she dwelled on the lies Elam was spreading throughout the district: He said you snuck out with him at night in Maine and drank beer at parties in his buggy, unbeknownst to the hosts. And that you helped him buy a car on the sly from his bruder and kissed him willingly.

  Except those tales weren’t lies. They were true, every last one of them.

  Emily felt much older than thirty-two years when they closed the bakery that Saturday night. Overhearing Violet’s words weighed heavily on her heart. She must do something. Nora’s reputation was dissolving faster than a meringue pie left in the sun. When she had agreed to provide a home for the young woman, she had accepted the responsibility that had been her sister’s. But it was more than that. Emily truly liked Nora. She reminded her so much of Sally during her rumschpringe days, before Thomas Detweiler married her and took her away from Paradise…and from a past too wild to be forgotten. Maybe the area is cursed as Solomon contends. Weakening our resolve and character until we fall so far from grace there’s no way back. It might be too late for her, but Emily vowed to save Nora King, if only from herself.

  “I’m glad we don’t have preaching tomorrow,” said Violet as they climbed into the buggy. “I’m so tired I could sleep standing up like a horse, even wearing these leg braces.”

  Emily stowed the wheelchair in the back and untied the mare from the hitching post. “You both worked hard today. Danki,” she murmured.

  “You’re welcum,” replied her two employees in unison. Then they settled back in silence for the ride to Violet’s house.

  Emily couldn’t remember them ever so quiet, but the silence provided time to plan her approach. Unfortunately, brilliant insight still hadn’t arrived by the time Nora helped Violet to the porch and returned to the buggy.

  “Danki for not talking about Elam in front of Violet,” said Nora as soon as they rolled away from the Trasks’. “I don’t want to burden her with my problems.” Nora gazed off at the passing scenery.

  “Does Elam bear false witness against you?” asked Emily.

  “Nein. Most of what he said is true.” Nora’s voice was flat and expressionless. “I did drink beer because I was curious about what it tasted like. And I let him kiss me twice because I was curious about that too. But only kisses—we went no further than that.”

  “Did you sneak out to see him?” Emily focused on the open road ahead.

  Nora’s young face crumpled with misery. “Jah, I took a late night buggy ride while my sister and Sally’s family slept soundly in their beds. And once I followed him to see where he was going, but he didn’t know I had until later.”

  “Why would you do such things?”

  “Because I was bored and unhappy in Harmony.”

  Emily sniffed with disdain. “Did you help
deceive my brother-in-law?”

  Nora began to cry but kept her voice controlled. “Jah. I helped Elam the evening he bought a car, which he hid from Thomas in an abandoned barn. And I knew he was planning to leave Harmony, but I didn’t tell anyone.”

  Emily swallowed down the taste of disappointment. “Why would you do such things to Thomas and Sally? They took you in and provided a home, as Jonas and I have done.”

  Nora stared at her hands in her lap, as tears fell on her apron and dress. “Because I was a spoiled little girl who had lost her mamm and daed that spring. I felt sorry for myself and didn’t care about anyone’s feelings but my own.”

  The admission caught Emily by surprise. “That doesn’t sound like you. There must be more reason than that.”

  Nora waited several moments before replying. “I fancied myself in love with Elam. And in love with his freedom and lack of restraint. I wanted that and was convinced my future would be with him. It took little encouragement for me to follow him to Missouri.”

  “And once you got here?”

  “It wasn’t long before I realized he didn’t love me. I simply amused him.” Her inflection dripped with scorn.

  “Yet you continued to see him. You chose to court both men as though you couldn’t make up your mind.” Emily added an unnecessary huff for punctuation.

  “A man can test the waters during rumschpringe, so why not a woman? I wanted to know the affections of two men, to feel sought-after and special. Like Elam, I wanted to be carefree and not tied down until I chose to marry.” Without lifting her head, she spoke with conviction.

  Emily bristled at her stupidity. “Is that how you feel now—carefree? I don’t know why it’s different for women than men, but it just is. Girls can’t behave that way even during rumschpringe without being branded as loose, which apparently is what has happened.”

  Nora emitted several gasps, struggling to draw breath into her lungs. “But I never gave myself to Elam—it was only two kisses. He’s making it sound worse out of spite because I refused to see him anymore.” Suddenly, her head jerked up as though realization finally took hold. Nora faced Emily on the bench. “I’ve never deceived you or Jonas. I’ve neither snuck out at night, nor drank beer since arriving in Paradise.” She hugged herself, with arms crossed over her chest. “Since I’m baring my soul in confession, I also kissed Lewis—once after our dinner in Sturgeon.”

  “Why?” Emily pulled the buggy to the side of the pavement.

  “Why what?” Nora’s sorrowful demeanor turned confused.

  “Why did you kiss Lewis? Were you feeling sorry for yourself that day? Maybe the customers had been rude or maybe I worked you too hard in the shop?”

  “No, of course not—”

  “Then why did you kiss him? Were you curious how Lewis smooched compared to how Elam kissed? Who, I would imagine, has had more practice,” she added wryly.

  “Nein, Emily. I kissed Lewis because I care for him. I’ve come to love him.” She whispered the words as though the briar thicket might be listening. “Although apparently I came to that conclusion too late, considering the damage Elam has done.” Her focus returned to her folded hands while tears started anew.

  “Maybe all is not lost. You should write to my schwester and Thomas to apologize for your deception. Then tell Lewis the truth about your past behavior in Maine. He may know more than you think. Speak with one of the ministers or Bishop Ephraim whether you should confess your sins during church. Although I don’t think it will be necessary because you’ve done nothing against our Ordnung.” Emily heard an audible sigh of relief.

  “But there are greater things at stake, Nora. You’re risking your eternal soul. You must leave rumschpringe behind. Take the classes and join the church as soon as possible. Get baptized and dedicate your life to serving the Lord. God will forgive a contrite heart, but people love to gossip. Only actions will prove you’re not the same woman you used to be.”

  “Folks will believe Elam?” asked Nora. “But he’s not a member of the Paradise district. He drives a car, dresses more English than Plain, and has never gone to a single preaching service.”

  “All true, but the natural human tendency is to believe what you hear. No one knows you very well either to dismiss his assertions. And partial truth lends credibility to everything he says.”

  Nora shrank inside her clothes. “Will Lewis believe him?”

  “I don’t know, but I would talk to him if I were you. Tell him everything. You have no choice.”

  She just sat there—not agreeing or disagreeing, which struck Emily as odd. If she truly loves Lewis, wouldn’t she be anxious to profess her innocence? A charge of promiscuity usually rang a deathblow for a man with marriage on the mind.

  “If he’ll still have you, perhaps you two should marry and return to Maine as soon as possible. Plan to make your home close to your families.” Emily shook the reins and guided the horse back onto the road.

  “Maine? Why would I have to move back?” Nora arched her back like a startled stray cat.

  “It was the best choice for Sally. She married Thomas, left behind her reckless past, and now has two fine kinner.” Emily clamped down on her molars. “This section of Missouri isn’t kind to those who have fallen from grace.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If Sally and Thomas had stayed in Paradise, they would be childless—the same as Jonas and me.”

  “You can’t believe a couple’s address determines their fertility.” Nora issued a statement, not asked a question.

  “That know-it-all attitude is why you’re in hot water now. Never listening to counsel and acting from your own pride and willfulness. Jah, I do believe it. This county is cursed except for the truly righteous. And there are few of them around anywhere.” Emily glanced at Nora and softened. “Go back to Harmony and start fresh. Make the necessary adjustments. Don’t forget that Elam Detweiler lives here now. If you and Lewis stay, you’ll never live down your shame. And that’s on top of the wrath of God.”

  If the look on Nora’s face was any indication, Emily’s warnings had finally hit their mark.

  FIFTEEN

  Redeeming love has been my theme

  Nora climbed down from the buggy feeling sick to her stomach. “Shall I take care of the mare?” she asked.

  “Nein. You start supper—something quick, like hamburgers, baked beans, and succotash.” Emily shook the reins and the horse headed to the barn.

  Nora felt as though she walked underwater wearing tall boots filled with stones. How foolish I was to think my past wouldn’t catch up with me. How can I possibly deny Elam’s accusations to Lewis? Although I never lost my virtue to Elam, I’m hardly white as snow.

  Inside, she washed up and began frying hamburger patties in a cast-iron skillet. The smell of sautéing onions and peppers whet her appetite. Once she set the pan of burgers in the oven to stay warm, she placed pots of beans and mixed vegetables on to simmer. Deciding on a last-minute salad, she hiked to the garden to pick a bowl of spinach and scallions.

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

  Nora straightened to see Lewis leaning against a gate post. His sleeves had been rolled above the elbow, revealing his muscular arms, while his blue eyes sparkled like the pond at dawn against his summer tan. Her heart swelled with love that would never be hers. “Tough week, Mr. Miller?” She resumed picking salad.

  “Indeed it has been, Miss King. I’ve never been so glad for a week to be over. And as much as I love to hear the ministers’ fiery sermons, an extra hour of rest tomorrow couldn’t come at a better time.” He closed the distance between them in two long strides.

  When she looked up, he stood right behind her. “Extra sleep will be nice.” Accidentally, she tugged spinach up by the roots instead of breaking off the tender leaves.

  “Need some help?” He planted his feet on either side of a row of green beans.

  “I’m all done.” She clutched the colander to her chest and
hurried toward the gate. “As soon as I wash these greens, supper will be ready. I suggest you get cleaned up.”

  Before she could duck under the arbor arch, Lewis grabbed hold of her. “Give me just a minute, Nora.” He dropped her arm the moment she stopped. “We barely spoke all week and haven’t seen each other except during supper. Will you walk with me tonight or maybe take a buggy ride?”

  For an instant, a bizarre thought flitted through her head: Why, did you hear rumors that I was easy? She shook off her hatefulness like a horsefly. “We’re both tired, Lewis. You said so yourself. Why don’t we talk tomorrow on the porch after morning devotions?”

  “No, this can’t wait another day. And we need a bit of privacy. So will it be a walk to the pond or a ride to the schoolyard? I’ll push you in the swing if you say please.”

  Another memory returned—this one poignant and melancholy of her daed pushing her on the backyard tire swing. He was smiling and laughing, as delighted as she. Nora closed her eyes tightly to concentrate on the present. “All right, a walk to the pond. No buggy rides where people on front porches can see us.”

  “As you wish, but how about some protection from gopher holes lurking dangerously in the tall grass?” Lewis offered his right elbow.

  “No, danki. I…I must hurry inside.” She took off running, heedless of hidden gopher holes. She was more harmful to herself than any outside threat. Inside, Nora found the table set and Emily at the stove, frowning.

  “Good thing you set the burners on low or everything would be burned. Should I call Jonas for supper? How long will the salad take you?”

  “It’ll take only a minute to rinse the greens.” Nora held the colander under a cold stream of water, not looking at Emily.

  Without a summons Jonas wandered into the kitchen, flipping through a stack of mail. After a short perusal, he tossed all but one small envelope on the counter. “A note from Minister Trask. I’d recognized his slanted handwriting anywhere.” Jonas slit open the envelope with a butter knife.

  Nora carried the skillet of burgers and fried onions to the table as Jonas’s face turned dour. “No visiting with my parents and family tomorrow. We’ve been summoned to the bishop’s house again by Solomon. He wants us to come by ourselves—without our guests.” His gaze flickered over Nora at the counter, and Lewis, who had entered from the back mudroom.