Simple Choices

by Nancy Mehl

  We chatted until Jessie came back with our drinks. I kept an eye on the entrance, hoping Pat would show up. A few minutes later, we ordered. Dad and I went for the liver. Mom ordered the catfish nuggets and Sweetie asked for fried chicken. Sam’s order was no surprise. He ordered a rib-eye steak. Sam’s nuts about steak. It’s his very favorite food. Papa Joe settled on the chicken and noodles. Mama used to make great chicken and noodles. I hoped Hector’s recipe would hold up next to Mama’s.

  Sweetie and my father started a conversation about people and events from years ago—before I was born. As they talked, my attention was divided between watching for Pat and listening to Dad talk about his childhood in Harmony. I figured he could tell I wasn’t giving him my full attention, but he seemed to have his own distraction to deal with. I caught him frowning at Sam more than once. His reaction to Sam when they first met troubled me. Something wasn’t right, but I had no idea what it was. Certainly, it would have been better if they’d met before now, but the reasons were pretty clear. I couldn’t believe Dad would hold something against Sam that wasn’t his fault. My father had always been a fair man. In dealing with him, it was always best to confront the situation head-on. Next chance I got, I’d ask him directly to explain his odd response toward Sam. With Hannah’s situation, Papa Joe, and the wedding looming, I didn’t need one more weird situation to deal with.

  In a small town where everyone knows each other, my parents and Papa Joe drew attention. Several people came up and spoke to them. Ruth was taking a break from her store, and I was happy to introduce her and tell my parents that she donated flowers every month to put on Benjamin’s grave. Joe Loudermilk from the hardware store stopped by the table. Although Joe moved to Harmony after my grandparents left, his dad had known Papa. I couldn’t tell if Papa really remembered Joe’s father, but he acted like he did, and they had a nice but short visit. The Scheidler brothers from the local farm implements store came over, too, and I introduced them.

  By the time our food arrived, my parents had met almost every single person in the restaurant. Even Hector came out to greet them and Papa. Before he left, he told them their lunch was on him—a kind of welcome back to Harmony gift. Once our plates had been delivered, we were left alone to eat. Harmony folk were nothing if not well mannered. Dad said a quick prayer over our food, and we all dug in.

  “Oh Daniel,” my mother said softly, “this catfish is wonderful. I’ve forgotten what fresh catfish tastes like.”

  My dad laughed. “We’ve had fresh catfish since we left Harmony, Bev.”

  She shrugged. “Well, maybe so, but it didn’t taste like this.”

  “How’s your liver, Dad?” I asked.

  He grinned. “It’s the best I’ve had in years. You know your mother never makes it. I always have to sneak some when she’s not around.”

  “Sneak it?” Mom said, raising her quiet voice a bit. “Are you sneaking it now, Daniel? My goodness. You make me sound like an old nag who doesn’t want her husband to enjoy his favorite foods.”

  My dad winked at me. “I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to make you sound that way. When we get home, you can make lots and lots of liver and onions for me. I look forward to it.”

  My mother’s look of disgust made me giggle. She pointed her fork at my dad. “You’re making me look silly,” she said, trying hard not to laugh.

  He blew her a kiss. “Again, I apologize. It’s just so easy.”

  Sweetie chuckled. “You two act just the same as you used to. I remember you teasing each other when you was kids. Some things never change.”

  “I agree,” Papa said smiling. “Beverly is just as sweet and beautiful as she was back then. I’ve never seen any woman keep her looks the way you have, Bev. Except Essie. She was the most beautiful woman I ever saw—right up to the day she died.”

  “Yes, she was, Papa,” my mother said, tears filling her eyes. “She certainly was.”

  “Sam,” my father said, “we didn’t get a chance to look around your farm yesterday. When we get back, I’d love to have a tour.”

  Sam, who had just stuck a big piece of steak into his mouth, nodded, chewed quickly, and swallowed. “I’d be happy to take you around, sir. You, too, Mrs. Temple.”

  My mother smiled. “I think you can start calling us Daniel and Beverly, Sam. We’re going to be family.”

  “Thank you, Beverly,” he said. “I’d like that.”

  I just started to say something about joining them on the tour, when I noticed everyone’s attention drawn toward the front door of the restaurant. I looked over to see a woman dressed in a black two-piece suit come into the room. Wearing black in July, unless you were Old Order Mennonite, was unusual in this heat. Actually, anyone wearing business apparel in this town stuck out like a sore thumb.

  Jessie was at a table near the door, talking to the Scheidler brothers. I saw her walk over to where the woman stood, looking around the restaurant. They spoke briefly, and then the woman left. I wondered what she’d wanted, but I had to wait until Jessie came back to check on our drinks before I could ask her.

  “She was looking for Abel,” Jessie said. “She’s already been to their house. I suggested she go over to church. I think I saw his car there when I came in.”

  “Did she say why she wanted to talk to him?” I asked.

  Jessie shook her head. “No, but she seemed pretty serious. I hope it’s nothing bad about Hannah.”

  My stomach turned over as I looked toward the front window of the restaurant. I could see the woman standing next to her car, writing something down on a pad of paper. “Excuse me,” I said to everyone at the table. “I’ll be right back.” I hurried out the door and down the steps, reaching the woman’s car just as she was getting in.

  “I’m sorry to bother you,” I said. “But I was told you’re looking for Abel Mueller. Does this have anything to do with his daughter, Hannah? I don’t mean to be nosy, but I’m a friend of the family, and I’ve been so concerned …”

  The woman squinted at me, her eyebrows knit together in a frown. “I’m sorry, but I’m not able to share anything about the Muellers with you. You’ll have to ask them for information. Right now, I’m just trying to locate them.”

  I glanced over at the church. Sure enough, Abel’s dark-blue car was parked next to the side entrance. “Well that’s his car.” I pointed toward it. “You should try the side door because he may not hear you if you knock on the front door.”

  She put her hand up to shield her eyes and stared toward the church. “What in the world is wrong with that automobile?” she asked. “It looks like someone has painted the bumpers black.”

  “That’s right. It’s a Mennonite thing. Some people believe keeping their car as plain as possible will help to curb envy.” I shrugged. “Abel only did it because he didn’t want to offend people in his congregation who hold with the practice.”

  “That’s the silliest thing I ever heard,” she snapped, each word said with emphasis. “What is wrong with these people?” She turned to look at me with suspicion. “Do you paint your bumpers, too?”

  “No, I’m not Mennonite. But Abel …”

  “How well do you know the Muellers?” she said, interrupting me. “What can you tell me about them?”

  Her rude attitude was beginning to bug me. “Actually, you’ll have to talk to them yourself,” I said sharply. “I don’t know you, and I have no idea why you’re here. If you’ll excuse me.” I’d turned on my heel to leave when she called out to me.

  “What’s your name?”

  I whirled around. “I’m Gracie Temple. And you are?” I knew my tone now matched hers, but I didn’t care.

  “You can call me Mrs. Murphy.”

  “Then you can call me Miss Temple.” With that, I stomped off toward the restaurant, irritated and angry. When I got to the table, Sam grabbed my arm.

  “Who is that?” he asked.

  “I have no idea. She wouldn’t tell me. But I don’t think she’s up to a
ny good, and she’s headed to the church. Should I call Abel and warn him?”

  “You don’t even know what she wants. Why do you assume she’s out to hurt Abel?” he said.

  “Them business-suited types is always up to no good,” Sweetie interjected, waving a piece of chicken around to highlight her pronouncement. “I’d call if I was you.”

  My dad shook his head. “What do you intend to say? Watch out, Abel, a woman in a business suit is coming your way? Doesn’t that sound a little silly?”

  “I—I guess so,” I said slowly. I still felt alarm bells going off inside me, but rather than jump in the middle of Abel’s business, I elected to keep my nose where it belonged—for now.

  Halfway through lunch, Pastor Jensen came into the restaurant, and I introduced him to my family. Since he was performing the wedding ceremony, they were especially glad to meet him. He sat with us for a few minutes while he and my parents went over details for the rehearsal. Jessie came back to refill our drinks and overheard them talking.

  “Who’s making the food for the reception?” she asked.

  “I plan to,” Sweetie said. “The Menlos are making the wedding cake.”

  Jessie frowned. “How many people are you expecting?”

  “It’s a small wedding,” I said. “Only about twenty people.”

  Jessie laughed and winked at Sweetie. “So you’re planning to start a war in Harmony, are you?”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, alarmed.

  “Well, I kinda tried to tell you …” Sweetie said.

  “This is Harmony, Gracie,” Sam said, grinning. “The whole town will just assume they’re invited. You’re going to have some hurt feelings if you try to keep them out.”

  “But you never said anything …”

  Sam shook his head. “I started to, and so did Sweetie. But then you left for Wichita, and we never got another chance.”

  “I’ve lived here all my life,” Jessie said. “They’re telling you the truth. I’d expect at least a hundred people. Maybe more.”

  “A lot of folks feel they know you, Gracie,” Pastor Jensen said. “With finding Jacob Glick’s body on your property and catching his killer, you’re already famous in Harmony. A real celebrity. And Sam knows lots of people through his fruit farm.” He smiled reassuringly. “It’s your wedding—yours and Sam’s. If you only want twenty guests, we’ll find a way to do it. But I can’t promise you that people won’t be offended.”

  I glanced at Papa. The last time someone brought up Jacob Glick’s name, his reaction was severe. But he seemed to be staring at some of the old pictures on the wall and didn’t appear to be listening to us. I’m sure he recognized many of the people and places. Thankfully, the one picture with Glick in it had been removed.

  Relieved that we weren’t going to experience another outburst, I shrugged at Sam. “What do you think?”

  “I think we should let everyone who wants to attend do so. Besides, we’ll get more gifts that way, won’t we?”

  I slapped him lightly on the arm. “It’s not about the gifts.”

  “I’m more than willing to do whatever I need to do,” Sweetie said. “But I’m not sure I’m up to cookin’ for over a hundred people.”

  “That’s why I brought it up,” Jessie said. “Hector would love to prepare the food for your reception. If Sweetie would allow him to help, together they could do a great job.”

  “What do you think, Sweetie?” I asked, preparing myself for an explosion. Again, she surprised me.

  “I think that would be great,” she said with enthusiasm. “Tell Hector I’ll come back by this afternoon when it’s slow and go over the details with him.” She swung her attention to my mother. “You can come with me, Bev, if that’s okay. We can work on it together.”

  Mom happily agreed to her proposal, and I was left to wonder what had happened to the real Sweetie. It was like watching Invasion of the Body Snatchers played out right in front of me. She had definitely changed since our first meeting. God was busy moving out the negative personality traits and keeping the good ones. Thankfully Sweetie was still Sweetie, and there wasn’t anyone else like her.

  With my reception plans on the way to completion, and the size of my wedding blown up at least five times, everyone seemed happy. Jessie went back to the kitchen to inform Hector, and Sweetie and Mom put their heads together to decide what kind of food should be served. I kept waiting for them to ask my opinion, but I seemed to be a side note at this point. Fine with me. I couldn’t care less what people ate as long as they were happy.

  I glanced over at Papa to see how he was holding up. He’d started off pretty good, but now he seemed distant again. As if he were somewhere else. His silence concerned me. Dad tried to engage him several times, but Papa just nodded, seemingly focused on his food. I’d begun to wonder if we needed to take Papa home when the front door of the restaurant swung open and C.J. Bradley walked in. I was glad to see him, but I’d hoped it was Pat. I waved him over.

  “I see you took my advice,” I said when he reached our table.

  “You were right,” he said, taking off his cap. “It feels great in here.” His sunburned face made it clear the cap was a new addition. One he should have added quite some time ago. “I needed a break and your suggestion was too good to pass up.”

  I introduced C.J. to everyone at the table. “I remember you both,” he said to my parents. “But just barely. You left town not long after I arrived.”

  My father shook his head. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long time, and my memory’s not what it used to be.”

  “Well, I remember you,” my mother said. “You were friends with Melanie Pemberton when I knew you.”

  C.J. nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Melanie and I planned to be married, but she moved away.”

  “I don’t suppose you’ve kept track of her down through the years.”

  C.J. grinned. “As a matter of fact, we recently connected again. Believe it or not, after I finish getting Mom back on track, we intend to take up where we left off all those years ago.”

  My mother clapped her hands together. “Oh how wonderful. I’m so thrilled to hear that, C.J. Please tell Melanie I said hello.”

  “I certainly will do that.”

  My father frowned as he looked at C.J. “I sure apologize for not recalling you. It seems I should.”

  I remembered Ida telling me that Papa wouldn’t allow my father and Benjamin to play with C.J. when they were boys. Obviously this was why Dad couldn’t clearly place him. This was one situation where Papa’s memory lapse was a blessing. It would be embarrassing if he said something rude to C.J. I glanced at Papa, but there was no recognition on his face when he looked at C.J.

  “It’s all right,” C.J. said. “I’m sure Beverly only remembers me because she was friends with Melanie. After your parents moved away, I got to know your brother, Benjamin. He was very kind to me.” He smiled. “He showed me how to make birdhouses and we put several rocking chairs together before I went to college. I was so sorry to hear he passed away. I wish I’d gotten the chance to see him again.” He turned his attention to Papa Joe. “It’s certainly good to see you again, Mr. Temple. It’s been a long time. How are you, sir?”

  He stuck out his hand, and Papa took it, but his expression was blank.

  “I’m fine, thank you,” he said. “Nice to meet you.”

  C.J. looked a little surprised as he released Papa’s hand. Next time we were alone, I’d have to explain Papa’s condition.

  “So you haven’t been back to Harmony since you left for college, C.J.?” my mother asked. “That’s a long time, isn’t it?”

  “Oh no. I’ve been back to see Mama several times. I just hardly ever make it into town. My mother prefers to stay on her own property.” He ran his hand through his short reddish hair. “Honestly, I think she may be slightly agoraphobic. Of course she swears she’s fine and just wants to be left alone.”

  “How long are you staying?” my father
asked.

  “I’m not sure. I don’t see how I can go until Mama’s back on her feet and the house is in better shape.”

  “This is a busy time for our wheat farmers,” Sam said. “They’re working hard to bring in their harvests, but I’m sure I can round up a few men to come out and help you.”

  C.J. smiled. “Thanks, I really appreciate it, but to be honest, right now I’m just assessing the problems and taking care of the emergency fixes. Let’s wait until I have a better idea of how to proceed.” He sighed. “Besides, my mother doesn’t take to visitors very well. I’d have to get her permission, and I’m not sure she’ll give it.”

  “Well why don’t you let me know after you get a better idea of what needs to be done. And if she’ll agree to it, we can help you get your repairs done a little faster.”

  “I appreciate that more than I can say,” C.J. said. “I may have been gone from Harmony for quite some time, but I certainly remember the way neighbors helped neighbors here. You don’t find that in California.”

  “Harmony is different, that’s for sure,” Sweetie said. “I’ve been here a long time myself. Sure don’t remember seein’ you and your mama together. Sorry. I guess we just didn’t run in the same circles.”

  “Oh Miss Goodrich. I’m sure you don’t remember me, but I couldn’t possibly forget you. All the boys in Harmony knew who the prettiest gal in town was.”

  Sweetie blushed. “That was a long time ago.”

  “I guess so, but I recognized you right away.”

  I fought a grin. C.J. was nothing if not diplomatic. He certainly didn’t tell Sweetie she hadn’t changed, yet his words made her happy. Good for him.

  “I bet you was one of them rowdy boys who used to watch me whenever I came to town,” Sweetie said. She narrowed her eyes and stared at him a minute. “In fact, I think you was the boy who used to whistle at me sometimes, ain’t you?” Her face lit up with recognition. “Tarnation, your hair was bright red back then, weren’t it?”

  C.J. broke out laughing. “Oh no, my sins have come back to haunt me. You’re right. That certainly was me.”