“Hope I’m not barging in,” she said as she closed the screen door behind her.
“Well, just had myself a long after-dinner nap, so this is a gut time.” He motioned her into the area where he had been resting. “Sit over there,” Benuel said, pointing to the settee. “It’s the most comfortable spot—well, aside from this here chair.” He patted the upholstered arms.
“I won’t stay long.”
“Puh! Don’t worry ’bout that,” he replied, leaning forward and making the chair creak. “I enjoy a conversation with a perty girl.”
She smiled, enjoying how very Amish he looked with his gray beard and bowl-shaped haircut. “To be honest, I’d like to pick your brain about something.”
He chuckled. “Such as it is.”
“Seriously, I’ve been thinking about talking to Deacon Ebersol. Something’s weighing on my mind.”
“No one’s ever regretted seeking out that minister. He has a right agreeable way ’bout him.”
Gloria had heard it before. But my father never seemed to think so.
“Pete and the deacon are lifelong friends.” Benuel tugged on his thinning beard. “Don’t s’pose your father wears a beard anymore.”
“Actually, he does.”
“Well now.” Benuel looked serious. “Wonder why he kept it.”
“Maybe it’s too bothersome to shave every day.”
“I s’pose that would be rather vexing. And a beard becomes part of a man’s chin and face over the years.”
“I’ve never seen my father without one.” She tried to imagine what he’d look like. “But my mother got her hair cut—it was down past her sitter. She donated it to Locks of Love.”
“Read ’bout that organization somewheres,” he said.
“I’m sure Leona told you that all of us are fancy now—sticking together as a family, as my father likes to say.”
“But the Lord Gott calls us one by one, Gloria.” Benuel sighed heavily. “And ’tis more important to honor God than family.”
Gloria pondered that. She didn’t recall hearing anything like that before.
Benuel continued, “And to recite a verse I heard often as a lad, ‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.’”
“I tried to do that as long as possible,” Gloria said, but she knew she had not succeeded. Still, there was something very sincere about Benuel’s concern for her. “Leona’s real lucky to have such a caring family.”
“No luck about it.”
“Well, you know what I mean.”
Benuel dipped his head. “The Lord alone showers blessings on those who honor His name.”
Gloria agreed, then thanked him for the visit and rose to go.
“Gloria, don’t forget: When life is hardest, the Lord Gott is still to be praised. ’Tis our only lifeline, our best hope, to keep fear from festerin’.”
“I believe that, but I can’t help worrying sometimes. And I’m not sure what to do in my present case . . . at least now that my life has gone in a different direction,” she admitted. “Honestly, I don’t know what I think.”
“Well, to be blunt, what you or I think doesn’t change the truth one iota.” Benuel nodded as if to punctuate his remark. “You’ll consider that, won’t ya?”
She said she would.
“And this time, please don’t leave town without saying farewell, all right?”
At the look on his face, Gloria promised to drop by again. Truly, Benuel Speicher was someone she didn’t wish to disappoint.
Gloria took Leona’s wicker basket and hurried out toward the clearing Leona so loved and began to gather up twigs and vines and berries for some new wreaths. She missed being out in the woods like this, and she was certain Leona would want to fashion more wreaths before the next market day. It’s only fair I help out.
She thought of Leona’s Dawdi Benuel and what he’d said about God calling His children “one by one.” It had been so reassuring to talk with him . . . until he’d mentioned how the Lord showered blessings on those who honored His name. That wasn’t new to her, of course, but she’d felt uncomfortable all the same. And convicted, she thought.
“I can’t let this get to me.” Gloria shook her head, knowing her father would object to what Benuel had said.
CHAPTER
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Gloria placed the basket filled with wreath-worthy material on the worktable in the screened porch and went in to help Millie chop vegetables for a salad. “I had a real nice chat with your father-in-law,” she said, going to wash her hands.
“He prob’ly enjoyed that.” Millie pulled out an apron from the side drawer and offered it to her.
“When will Leona be home?”
“She’s finished at five o’clock, so if you’d like to drive over and pick her up in twenty minutes or so, you could say hullo to Maggie at the same time.”
“Okay, I’ll do that once I finish up here.” She moved to the wooden block to dice the already scraped carrots and peeled cucumbers. Then she washed the lettuce leaves and tore them gently before scooping all of it into a large Tupperware bowl and placing it in the fridge.
“You enjoy workin’ in the kitchen, ain’t so?” Millie said.
Gloria smiled, guessing what she was thinking. “Jah, I’d make a good Amishwoman, if that’s what you mean.”
“I do indeed.” Millie smiled.
Thinking now might be the right time, Gloria asked, “Would Pete mind possibly accompanying me to see the deacon sometime?”
Brightening, Millie nodded. “Don’t see why not. Peter would be glad to take you, if ya ask.”
“Denki,” she said, thinking she wanted to talk with Leona about possibly staying till Sunday.
On the way out to the car, Gloria noticed Benuel sitting on his back porch. He waved to her as she climbed into the car, resisting the inclination to check her phone messages.
About a mile down the road, she slowed when a horse cart came rumbling toward her. A closer look told her that Orchard John was holding the reins, and he was motioning for her to pull over.
Nerves clenched her stomach. This was bound to happen, she thought, not that she’d been trying to avoid him.
Quite surprised, she slowed to a stop and rolled down her window, shyness overtaking her at first, embarrassed for him to see her driving a car. What will I say?
“Willkumm back, Gloria,” he called from his perch, his straw hat squared on his head, the way he always wore it, and his black suspenders pronounced against his light gray shirt. He hasn’t changed, she realized, though she couldn’t help but note his tentative expression.
“How are you, John?”
“I thought I might run into ya, considering how often I travel this road.”
“What’ve you been up to?” she asked, feeling awkward as she filled in the space. Leona would say I’m all ferhoodled!
“Well, ya know . . . workin’ long hours.” He paused, removing his hat. “Not too busy to meet you for coffee, though, if you’d care to.”
For a moment, if she let her mind wander back, it was almost like she still lived around here.
“Okay,” she replied without thinking.
“We could meet at our old favorite, say around seven tonight?”
She nodded, hoping this wasn’t a mistake. “I’ll see you there.”
He bobbed his head, put his hat straw hat back on, and signaled the horse to move forward.
“What did I just agree to?” she murmured as she stepped on the gas. And what if we’re seen together? she thought, concerned for his sake.
Pulling up to Maggie’s Country Store, she parked, wondering if she ought to tell Leona about the chance meeting and Orchard John’s invitation. I’ll have to eventually, she thought, considering the plan was for tonight. Otherwise, Leona will be curious why I’m leaving the house.
Gloria noticed the pink tulips growing profusely in planters in front of the shop and along the walkway leading to the steps. They remi
nded her of Ada Miller’s flower beds earlier. What a lovely, welcoming woman, she thought, still surprised she’d been able to peek in her former bedroom, the very spot where she’d once dreamed of marrying Orchard John. To think he’d stopped his horse to talk to her just now! And I agreed to meet him for coffee tonight. . . .
Inside Maggie’s adorable shop, she spotted Leona and waved. “I’m your taxi driver today.”
“How nice.” Leona hurried to gather up her things and called for Maggie to come say hullo. Maggie appeared from the alcove and put on a big smile when she saw Gloria there.
“It’s so gut to see you again,” Maggie said, coming right over. “Leona says you’re having yourself a little vacation.” Maggie’s eyes sparkled.
Gloria glanced at Leona. “Sometimes a person just needs to get away.”
“Well, ya picked a mighty perty time to be here, that’s for sure.” Maggie waved her hand at the front door. “Did ya see the tulips when ya came in?”
“Everywhere I look, there are flowers. It’s like one big florist’s shop,” Gloria said. “I also got a chance to gather some of nature’s bounty for Leona’s wreaths today.”
Leona pulled a mock grimace. “You went to the clearing without me?”
“I certainly did,” Gloria teased, to which Leona laughed.
“Well, if you run out of things to do, come back and do a bit of shopping,” Maggie suggested as they walked toward the door.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Gloria called over her shoulder. “Denki!”
They were pulling into Leona’s driveway when Gloria finally told her friend about the encounter with Orchard John.
Leona’s eyebrows rose. “That didn’t take long.”
“We’re meeting for coffee tonight.”
“Tonight?” Leona’s face lit up.
“Early evening,” Gloria said, trying to put a damper on her own feelings. “Just a friendly visit, is all.”
“Oh, I’m sure it will be that,” Leona said mischievously.
He’s baptized Amish, after all, and I’m the daughter of a shunned church member, Gloria thought as she parked the car around back of the Speichers’ farmhouse, concealed from the road.
“Might be a good idea not to say anything to your family,” Gloria said.
“What’s to hide? They’ll find out sooner or later.”
Gloria nodded. “I suppose.”
“Just mention it casually, maybe, at supper or during dessert.”
Gloria reached for her purse. “We’re making too much of this.”
Leona looked at her and frowned good-naturedly. “You’re the one stewin’, ain’t?”
“Yet there’s nothing to stew over,” Gloria said as she got out of the car. Nothing at all.
CHAPTER
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At suppertime, Gloria decided to share that she would be leaving the house after evening Bible reading and prayers. Not that she needed Pete and Millie’s permission, of course, but she was polite and wanted to follow Leona’s recommendation. “I’m meeting an old friend for coffee,” she said while passing the mashed potatoes across to Leona.
“An old friend?” Millie asked innocently.
Gloria caught Leona’s eye.
“He’s not that old,” Leona said.
“Well now.” Millie passed the gravy boat to her and looked Pete’s way, though he seemed preoccupied with his food.
“Just a friendly chat,” Gloria said. “Nothing more.”
Leona’s Dawdi Benuel cracked a smile and continued eating.
There, thought Gloria. That wasn’t so hard.
———
Following devotions, Leona spent a few minutes with Gloria in Leona’s room. “How was your visit with Dawdi Benuel?” she asked. “What did ya talk about, if I may ask?” She removed her Kapp and hung it on the bedpost.
“Oh . . .” Gloria sighed. “I told him I’ve thought of talking to Deacon Ebersol sometime while I’m here. He’s all for it.”
Leona stared at her. “Really, you want to?”
Gloria nodded her head but didn’t divulge what she had in mind.
“Well, you can be sure Dawdi’s advice is trustworthy . . . the deacon’s, too.”
“Still sorting it all out.”
“As long as ya pray ’bout it, too.”
Gloria’s cheeks turned pink. “If I prayed over every little thing, that’s all I’d ever be doing.”
“Ain’t such a bad thing, is it? The Lord teaches us to pray without ceasing.”
“But how is that possible?”
Leona smiled and adjusted the pillows behind her. “Dat once said that it means always being in an attitude of prayer. You know—having your heart tuned to the Holy Spirit.”
“Your father is wise . . . and a truly devoted husband and father,” Gloria observed.
“I used to think that about your father.”
Gloria patted the tops of Leona’s feet. “Nice of you to say, but—”
“Nee, I’m serious. I envied your relationship with your parents.”
Gloria grimaced. “Funny . . . I haven’t really felt like I can rely on my parents. Not even Mom. She’s always in Dad’s corner now, whether she wants to be or not.”
“I’m awful sorry.” She felt sick hearing this, though she’d noticed the flaws in Gloria’s relationship with her parents while visiting in Arkansas. Jeannie had talked so sweetly to Gloria whenever Leona was around, but there were definitely some cracks. Like the pressure over Darren . . .
Gloria glanced at the day clock on the dresser. “Yikes! Guess I’d better get going.” She scooted off the bed. “Remember, it’s just coffee.”
“Exactly.” Leona winked.
“Besides, I’d be a terrible choice for Orchard John, and you know it.” With that, Gloria left to freshen up in the spare room.
———
Leona watched Gloria back out of the driveway and head down the road to meet Orchard John. “She loved him once, and he loved her,” she mused as she prepared to write in her daily journal, chronicling the day, particularly Gloria’s and her visit to Ada Miller’s. How strange it was to see her standing in her old room, she wrote. And pointing out the little nicks in the window—reminders that must cause Gloria a certain amount of sadness now.
When she finished, Leona closed her journal and redid her hair bun, preparing to go out herself, over to Deacon Ebersol’s to get his opinion on Gloria.
She heard Mamma’s footsteps in the hallway, and then Mamma appeared in the doorway. “I hope things go well for Gloria.”
“She’s maybe callin’ this a friendly meeting, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Orchard John wishes otherwise.”
“Poor fella . . . still single after all this time.”
“He’s gotta be going through a lot, seeing her back.”
Mamma stepped into the room and sat on the bed, something she rarely did. “Gloria helped me cut out my new dress pattern this afternoon. She sewed up the seams and pressed them, too.”
“She didn’t tell me.”
Mamma linked her hands in front of her. “I daresay there’s a tug-of-war taking place in her heart.”
“I sometimes think she’s ashamed because of her shunned father.”
“The dear girl . . . I pray Gott shines peace into her troubled soul.”
“Denki, Mamma.” Leona went to sit next to her mother, just being quiet there with her. A treasured moment, for certain.
“Gloria’s blessed by your loyal friendship, ’specially now. Not too many folk in our district would welcome her back when she hasn’t made any declarations ’bout returning to the church.”
Leona placed her hand over her mother’s callused and wrinkled hand. “You’ve been so kind to my friend, Mamma. It means ever so much to me.”
The coffee shop seemed quiet even for a weeknight. As Gloria entered, she immediately spotted Orchard John sitting in the corner at the table they’d always frequented. He waved to her, straw hat removed a
nd his blond hair looking fresh from a recent shower.
He stood up to greet her, sitting down again only when she did.
Gloria noticed a latte awaited her, and smelling it, she realized it was her favorite kind. “You remembered?”
“Of course,” he said softly, eyes shining. “How could I forget?”
“Well, thank you.” She took a sip, and the familiar taste and surroundings reminded her of the many wonderful times she’d spent with the smiling young man across the table.
“Are you enjoyin’ your visit with Leona?” he asked.
“I guess the grapevine’s caught up with me.”
John smiled. “Sometimes a person just has to come home again, jah?”
“Well, I’m only here for a short break.” An escape from my life . . .
“I was curious ’bout why.”
To keep things from becoming too personal, she quickly said, “Leona and I had an interesting morning over at Jacob Miller’s house.”
Orchard John took a sip of his coffee before speaking. “It was providential that Jacob got all that land when he did.”
“Well, he’s a terrific carpenter. I saw his handiwork in the kitchen.” She described the handsome cupboards and built-ins. “I’m not sure my father could have gotten my mother to leave if it looked like it does now.”
John nodded, chuckling. “A woman and her kitchen.”
Gloria thanked him for inviting her.
“When I saw ya sitting there on the stone wall yesterday mornin’, I knew I needed to see you again.”
She found herself nearly holding her breath and wondered what more he would say.
“It might seem like a long while since you lived here, but for me it was just a matter of time before you’d miss all of us and return, if just for a visit.” He paused, clutching his coffee cup with his right hand.
“And now, seeing me in these fancy clothes, you must wonder how I could’ve left it all behind—right, John?”
He held her gaze. “You always were a devoted daughter. Naturally, you’d want to follow your father . . . stay with your family. ’Specially if you were just goin’ along to get along, ya know. Not really buying into their beliefs.”
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