by Amy Clipston
LATER THAT EVENING, RACHEL STOPPED BY VERONICA’S room on her way to her own bedroom. She found Veronica sitting on her bed reading a book while a flame danced from a sweet-smelling candle on her nightstand. She was dressed in her white nightgown with her long, blonde hair falling in waves to her waist. Her expression was serene as she focused on the book and turned a page.
For the first time in months, Veronica actually looked relaxed. Hopefully Jason would be the key to Veronica’s happiness. Her sister had suffered so much during the past three months, and Rachel was thankful that her older sister was finally happy again.
“Is that a new book?” Rachel stepped into the room.
Veronica looked up at her and smiled. “Ya.” She held it up so Rachel could read the cover. “It’s one I saw in the bookstore last week, and I was waiting to buy it.”
“It looks gut.” Rachel crossed the room to the end of the bed. “Mamm said you were gone for a while earlier today. Did you go to the library?”
“No, I wasn’t at the library.” Veronica looked at the cover. “The book was a gift—an unexpected gift, actually.”
“Oh.” Rachel lingered, hoping her sister would share more. From what she’d heard her mother and Veronica discussing earlier, it sounded like Jason had brought her gifts. Was the book one of them? “Where did you get it?”
“It’s from Jason.” Veronica’s cheeks blushed bright pink.
“Jason brought you gifts?” Rachel sat down on the edge of the bed. “I didn’t know he’d come to see you today.”
“He stopped by, but I refused to see him.” Veronica grimaced. “I didn’t want to face him after I’d turned down his offer to date me.”
“You turned him down?” Rachel gasped.
“Ya.” Veronica sighed and placed the book beside her on the bed. “When he visited me last Sunday while you and Emily were at the youth gathering, he was about to ask me if I would be his girlfriend, and I told him no before he could even do it.”
Rachel shook her head. “I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you and Emily.” Veronica shrugged. “I guess I was too upset. I told Mamm.”
“It’s okay.” Rachel understood. She didn’t tell her sisters everything either. Lately she’d found herself wondering if something was going wrong between her and David since he’d been so cool toward her, but she hadn’t admitted it aloud to her sisters or anyone else. “So Jason came by to see you today, and you didn’t want to talk to him?”
“Right. He talked to Mamm and left me a bag of gifts.”
“What did he give you?” Rachel asked. Her eyes widened with surprise as Veronica showed her the gifts and then told her about visiting Margaret.
“So you feel better after talking to Margaret?” Rachel asked.
“Ya, I do.” Veronica’s eyes clouded as if she might cry. “I needed to hear her say she would be comfortable seeing me date another man. I didn’t want to hurt her or Ellie.”
“I understand.” Rachel fingered the bedspread. “So you’re going to see Jason?”
“I guess so.” Veronica gnawed her lower lip. “I’m so naerfich.”
“Oh, don’t be. Everything will be fine. I’m froh for you.” Rachel beamed. “Emily told me it was obvious Jason liked you when you ran into him at the market. I think you’re right to give him a chance. He seems very genuine, like he really cares for you.” She turned toward the candle and watched the flame dance. “That smells appeditlich, and vanilla is your favorite.”
“I know.” Veronica looked curious. “I can’t figure out how he knows me so well. He also gave me two pretzels. He’s very intuitive.”
“That’s rare,” Rachel said. “It seems like David doesn’t understand me at all.” The words slipped from her lips before she could stop them. Maybe she’d subconsciously wanted to share her worries with her older sister.
“What do you mean?” Veronica asked, her tone full of concern.
“I don’t know.” Rachel sighed. “I can’t really put it into words. We just don’t seem to communicate well anymore. He acts almost aloof lately. When I ask him if everything is okay, he just shrugs. I feel like I’m missing something.”
“Oh.” Veronica frowned. “I’m sorry. Don’t give up on him. You both have had some really gut times. Just try to work things out. Keep talking to him.”
“I promise I will. You know I don’t give up on things easily.” Rachel smiled again. “What are your plans with Jason? Did he say he’d come back, or are you going to call him or go see him?”
“No, he didn’t say he was going to come back. He just asked Mamm to give me the gift bag, so I don’t know what to do. I was just wondering about that earlier.” Veronica shook her head. “He told me he works construction, but I don’t know exactly where. I don’t even know where he lives, though I know now which church district is his.” She turned her attention to the book again. “I need to thank him. He’s very generous, and I don’t deserve these things after the way I treated him.”
“Ya, you do,” Rachel said gently. “He knows you’ve had a difficult time, and I’m sure he understands that you’re still grieving. He cares for you, so he wants to show you.” She touched Veronica’s arm. “I’m just so thankful that you and Jason found each other. You’ve been through a lot, and you deserve to be froh again.”
“Danki.” Veronica sighed and stared at the quilt folded at the bottom of the bed. “I didn’t think I could find happiness ever again, but with Jason, I just might.” She looked hopeful instead of sad.
“You will. I promise you.” Rachel hugged Veronica. “I’m going to go to bed. Gut nacht.”
“Gut nacht.” Veronica smiled.
Rachel hurried down the hallway and stopped at Emily’s bedroom door. She couldn’t wait to tell Emily the exciting news about Veronica and Jason. She knocked quietly and then entered when Emily called. She stepped inside and softly closed the door behind her. She found Emily wearing a pink nightgown and propped up in bed, writing in her journal.
“Hi,” Emily said. “Wie geht’s? You look awfully excited. What’s going on?”
“Did you know Jason came by to see Veronica today?” Rachel whispered as she sat down in a chair next to Emily’s bed.
“No.” Emily’s blue eyes widened with surprise. “When was he here?”
“He came by this afternoon. I was cleaning upstairs, so I missed it. You must’ve been helping Dat in the store.” Rachel recounted what Veronica had shared. “Margaret convinced Veronica it was okay to date Jason, so Veronica is going to give him a chance.”
“Oh!” Emily gasped. “That is wunderbaar news!”
“Shh.” Rachel warned. “She might hear you and come down to see what we’re talking about.”
“I’m sorry.” Emily grinned. “I’m just so froh and thankful he hasn’t given up.”
“I know.” Rachel sighed. “We have to help her. She doesn’t know where he works or how to get in touch with him. We have to get them together.”
Emily twirled her finger through her waist-length, wavy blonde hair while she thought a minute. Suddenly her eyes widened, and she snapped her fingers.
“I’ve got it!” Emily announced. “The Bird-in-Hand mud sale is Friday. We’ll make sure she goes. I’m positive we’ll run into Jason there. If we don’t, then we can ask around to find out if anyone knows where he lives.”
Rachel instantly considered that event for their purpose. At the Bird-in-Hand mud sales, community members came together to sell items as a way to support the local volunteer fire department. Members of the community sold a variety of items, including farming equipment, furniture, quilts, and even livestock. The event was called a “mud sale” since many of the items are sold outside during potentially muddy spring conditions.
Yes, it was just the kind of place where she and Emily could accomplish their goal. And they already had a booth to sell quilts.
Rachel gasped as excitement overtook her. �
��That’s a gut idea. We can convince her to sell her pies, relishes, and jams there. She’ll want to do that. And, just as you said, if Jason isn’t there, we’ll find someone who knows him. I know it will work.”
“Great.” Emily gently squeezed Rachel’s arm. “This is going to be wunderbaar. Veronica will be froh again.”
“Ya.” Rachel sighed. “I can’t wait.”
JASON SAT ON THE PORCH LATER THAT EVENING AND heaved a deep sigh. He knew he wouldn’t sleep tonight. Instead of tossing and turning in bed, he’d headed out to the porch to get some fresh air and think. Had Veronica opened the gift bag, or was she so upset with him that she’d thrown it out? What had she thought of the letter? He slumped back on the bench and looked out across the pasture toward the pond. Of course, staring at the pond reminded him of the evening he’d spent sitting with her at the youth gathering. He longed to walk out to the pond and try skipping stones the way she’d taught him, but he couldn’t imagine skipping stones without her.
The front door opened with a squeak, and Dat stepped out from the house.
“There you are,” he said. “Your mamm sent me to find you. She was worried when you weren’t in your room.”
“I came out here to think.”
“Oh.” Dat nodded. “May I join you?”
“Ya, of course.” Jason slid to the other side of the bench, and Dat sat beside him.
“Is everything all right?” Dat asked.
“Ya.” Jason ran his fingers down the arm of the bench. “I took your advice about Veronica. I went to see her today.”
“How did it go?” Dat looked hopeful.
“Well, she wouldn’t see me, but I left her a gift bag with a few of her favorite things and a letter.” Jason sighed. “I can’t stop wondering if I made a mistake. What if she threw the gifts away and burned the letter?”
Dat shook his head. “I have a feeling she didn’t.”
“But what if she did? What will I do then?” His voice quavered, and he longed to have better control of his feelings. As his mother said, he often wore his heart on his sleeve.
Dat gave him a rueful smile. “If she threw away your gifts and your letter, then she isn’t the maedel for you.”
Of course Dat was right, but Jason didn’t want to hear it. He wanted to hear that Veronica would be thrilled with the letter and gifts and would tell him she wanted to be his friend, if not more.
“Jason,” Dat began, “you will find the right maedel someday. Just be patient. I know Arie hurt you, and now Veronica, but you’ll find someone else.”
“Right.” Jason’s voice was low as he looked up at the stars in the clear night sky.
“What was in the gift bag?”
“I wrote her a letter and gave her a few things Seth mentioned she liked. I picked up a couple of pretzels, a vanilla-scented candle, and a couple of books.” He paused, debating if he should explain the weatherman joke and tell him about the umbrella. Finally, he said, “I also gave her an umbrella because she calls me her weatherman.” He explained how Veronica had asked him for a pretend weather forecast every time she saw him. When his father remained silent, he turned toward him. “Do you think it was a bad idea?”
Dat rested his hands on his suspenders. “No. Actually, I think it was a great idea.”
The tension coiling in Jason’s stomach lessened ever so slightly. “You do?”
“Ya.” Dat smiled. “And if she’s not impressed with the gifts and the letter, then, again, I don’t think she’s the maedel for you.”
But I know she is. Jason nodded. “Should I go see her or wait for her to come to me? Her mother talked to me. She’s supportive, but she thinks I should let Veronica come to me.”
“I agree. Just give her a little while and see if she contacts you before you do anything else.” Dat tapped the bench. “I’m going to go to bed. Don’t stay out here too long.”
“Gut nacht, Dat.”
“Gut nacht.” Dat disappeared into the house, and the door clicked shut behind him.
Jason lifted his eyes to the sky and blew out a deep breath. He hoped Veronica enjoyed the gifts. And even more, he hoped he wouldn’t have to wait too long to find out.
CHAPTER 13
JASON FOLLOWED STEPHEN, LEAH, AND MARY THROUGH THE Bird-in-Hand mud sale Friday afternoon. While an auctioneer yelled out prices for livestock, they made their way past tables where vendors were selling baked goods. He scanned the tables, absently wondering if Veronica was there.
When his thoughts turned to Veronica, he frowned. All week his dat’s words repeated through Jason’s thoughts—And if she’s not impressed with the gifts and the letter, then I don’t think she’s the maedel for you. He hadn’t heard from her, and he wondered if that meant she wasn’t interested.
“Jason?”
Mary looked over her shoulder at him with a concerned expression. “Are you all right? You’ve been so quiet today.”
“I’m fine, danki.” Jason forced a smile. “I’m just tired.”
Stephen gave him a look of disbelief. Jason hadn’t told Stephen that Veronica had turned him down; nor had he shared his last visit to her house with the gift bag. He didn’t want to hear his brother say, “I told you so.” Instead, Jason had kept his woes to himself at work and pushed through the week.
“Did you want to buy anything in particular?” Mary said.
Jason rubbed his chin. “I suppose I could pick up a few cows,” he said, joking.
“We’re carpenters, not dairy farmers.” Stephen raised an eyebrow. “Tell me you’re not serious.”
“Aren’t I?” Jason asked, and Mary laughed. She still talked all the time, but at least she wasn’t acting as much like she had a crush on him.
“Oh, Leah,” Mary gushed. “Look at that gorgeous quilt.” She grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her toward a table covered with homemade quilts. They stood close to each other, speaking softly about the workmanship.
“What’s wrong, Jay?” Stephen asked while the women were preoccupied. “You’ve been quiet all week.”
“Nothing’s wrong.” Jason stuck his hands in the pockets of his trousers and surveyed the sea of people purchasing a variety of items at the mud sale.
“Jason!”
He spun around and spotted Emily Fisher trotting toward him, grinning and waving. He gasped with surprise. If Emily is here, then Veronica most likely is too!
But she doesn’t want to see me.
“Jason.” Emily worked to catch her breath. “Could I talk to you for a moment?” She smiled at Stephen. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Stephen said, clearly recognizing Emily from that first day at the bake stand. “I’ll give you two a moment to talk.” He walked over to Leah and Mary. “What are you two looking at?” “Will you check out this quilt?” Leah asked Stephen. “Tell me if you like this pattern, and I can try to make one for you.”
Emily motioned Jason to move away from the crowd of people. “Veronica is here,” she began as they walked side by side toward a less populated area. “Would you please come and talk to her?”
Jason suppressed the excitement building inside of him. “She doesn’t want to see me. When I went to your house last Saturday, she refused to come to the door.”
“Please, Jason. Give her another chance,” Emily pleaded. “She really enjoyed the gifts.”
“If she liked them so much, then why didn’t she contact me to tell me?” He didn’t mean for the question to come out so forcefully.
Emily gave him a wry smile. “She doesn’t know how to get in touch with you. She doesn’t have your phone number or address. She doesn’t even know where you work.”
She’s right about the address and phone number. I never gave those to her! But it’s actually a good thing Veronica doesn’t know where I work.
“Oh, right.” Jason considered the possible consequences if he talked to Veronica as Emily requested. If she rejected him, at least he’d know he’d tried one last time before having to accept that his
father was right that she might not be the girl for him. “Where is she?”
Emily grinned and made a little squealing noise in her throat. “She is going to be so excited that you’re here. Rachel and I convinced her to sell her pies, relishes, and jams here so she’d come to the sale today. My mamm, Rachel, and I already had the booth to sell quilts, and we told her she could have half of it. We were hoping you’d be here so you two could talk.”
“Wait a minute.” Jason held up his hand to slow her down. “You and Rachel asked Veronica to come and sell her homemade goods so you could find me and get her to talk to me?” When she nodded he evaluated her possible motives with puzzlement. “Why are you so determined to get Veronica and me together?”
Emily gave him an incredulous expression. “You’ve given her hope and made her froh for the first time since she lost Seth. Rachel and I are rooting for you.”
Jason blinked. “Really?”
“Ya.” Emily folded her hands. “So will you come with me and talk to her?”
“Ya.” Jason nodded as a renewed optimism rang through him. “I will.” He looked over his shoulder to where his brother stood with Leah and Mary. “Let me just tell them where I’m going.”
VERONICA HANDED A WOMAN TWO OF HERPIES, TOOK THE money, and thanked her. She glanced around the vending area and silently marveled at the crowd of people. She’d sold more than a dozen pies in only a few hours. She was thankful that she’d filled four coolers before they came out to the mud sale. She’d considered staying home today, but her sisters had insisted she come with them. It had been a profitable morning considering all the food she’d sold, but it was crowded and humid at the mud sale grounds.
After two women each bought a jar of relish and a jar of jam, Veronica turned toward Rachel, who was standing behind the booth with David and her best friend, Sharon. “Where did Emily go?”
Rachel shrugged. “I’m not sure. She was here a few minutes ago.”
Mamm stepped over from her end of the booth where she had quilts on display. “She went to find the restrooms.”