Her father looked at her sternly. “I refuse to listen to any more of this nonsense, Rose. You will help Miriam around the house and help take care of your shveshtahs.”
Rose’s eyes filled with tears. “But Daed, the money would come in handy. We would be able to do some of the renovations that need to be completed around the house.”
John Troyer stared at his daughter as if trying to figure out what was going on in her mind. Putting down his coffee cup, he sighed. “Alright, you can get a job, but you must still do your chores around here.”
Rose jumped up and hugged her father. “I promise, Daed!”
“And if I see that you are not pulling your weight around here, you will have to quit.”
“Fair enough, Daed, I promise. You will see.”
Smiling at the memory, Rose pushed open the door of the Butter Churn and walked in. She took a deep breath as she walked up to the counter and smiled at the woman standing there. She recognized Sally King. Sally and her husband Felix owned and operated the Butter Churn which was an Amish Market and Craft Shop.
“Hello, Sally, I don’t know if you remember me, but my name is Rose; John Troyer’s daughter,” she said, holding out her hand.
Sally looked up at Rose and squinted a bit as if trying to pull out a memory then smiled. “Rose, little Rose Troyer; of course, I remember you. How are you?”
“Gut, danke. I see you are looking for help. I’m looking for a job.”
Sally looked at her curiously. “Have you ever worked in a store, Rose?”
“Nee, but I’m a fast learner, and I’ll do anything. I just want to work to help our family financially,” Rose said, hoping that her lack of experience wouldn’t matter.
Sally thought for a moment. “Well, I think you could handle this job. We need someone to restock shelves, organize them and just keep them tidy. We have one other person working here, an Englisch boy named Dillon and he does all the heavy work so you would be working with him.”
Rose nodded, not sure if that meant she had the job or not.
“So, do you want the job or not?” Sally asked, smiling.
Rose’s eyes widened. “Jah, please, I mean danke, jah, I would love the job.”
“Wonderful. Be here at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Your hours will be 9:00 to 5:00 and there may be some later hours, depending on how busy we are. And eventually, we may train you to run the cash register,” Sally said. “Tomorrow I’ll have you sign the necessary papers. Welcome aboard, Rose.”
Rose walked out to the street holding her head up high. She couldn’t wait to tell her father and sisters about her new job.
* * *
The next day, Rose arrived at the shop before 9:00 and found the door still locked. I’m pretty sure Sally told me I would start today.
“Are you the new girl?” Rose heard a voice behind her. Turning, she came face to face with a young Englisch man. “You must be Rose.”
“Yes, I’m starting today. Are you Dillon?” Rose asked, blushing.
“Yep, do you always blush like that?” he teased.
Rose looked down at the sidewalk, trying to ignore the fact she suddenly felt extremely warm. She wasn’t sure what to say. The only thing she knew was that Dillon was quite handsome and she had a hard time looking into his piercing blue eyes.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Sally said as she ran up the sidewalk. “Nothing seemed to go right this morning, so I’m running behind. I see you two have met.”
“Yep, I think Rose and I will get along just great,” Dillon said, giving her a big smile.
Rose felt herself blushing again and just nodded her head. She hoped she would get over this shyness whenever she saw Dillon because it would make things very uncomfortable especially if they would be working together.
“Rose, Dillon will show you around the store and where everything is. After that, I’ll have you sign some papers and then let you know what you can do today,” Sally said, taking off her sweater and hanging it on the coat rack.
The morning passed very quickly for Rose. Sally had her busy with restocking one of the shelves with new scented candles that had just arrived.
Rose couldn’t help but glance at Dillon as he lifted the heavy boxes of candles so she could open them.
“Thank you, Dillon,” Rose said quietly as she reached into the box and picked up two candles to put on the shelf.
“My pleasure, my lady,” Dillon said, bowing slightly while making a sweeping motion with his hand. “Has anyone ever told you, you are cute?”
Rose looked startled at Dillon. “Hum, well, no.”
“Well, you are. And I love the Amish people. They are down to earth, and I like that,” Dillon said handing Rose another candle.
They worked together chatting quietly, and Rose was feeling much more at ease with him and could actually look him in the eyes and not feel herself blush.
“Well, that’s it for today,” Sally said, looking up at the clock. “Rose, you did an excellent job on your first day. Towards the end of the week, I’ll show you how to use the cash register; I think you’ll be able to handle more than just stocking shelves.”
Rose went home that night feeling fantastic. She had so much to tell her family about her first day.
* * *
Chapter 2
Rose had been working at the Butter Churn for almost two months and loved her job. Her father had even come to terms with it when he realized how helpful the extra income was. Rose felt proud that she was able to help out with the finances and could finally finish some much needed renovations around the house.
Even her sisters had accepted the new schedule. Rose tried to keep up with her chores but at times it was hard, and Miriam had agreed to help out when needed. The only one who complained was Katie, but Katie complained about everything.
Not only did she enjoy stocking the shelves and helping out at the cash register, but she loved working with Dillon. She found that she was becoming more and more attracted to him and she thought he felt it too. He never said anything to her, but she could tell by his actions. He was always teasing her and loved to make her laugh.
“Morning, my sweet pea,” Dillon said as Rose came into work one morning.
“Good morning,” Rose replied, smiling at him. “I brought you something.”
“Really? What?” Dillon asked, taking the small package from Rose. After opening it, he looked up at Rose and grinned. “Are these oatmeal raisin cookies?”
“Yes, your favorite. I baked them myself last night.”
“They’re delicious,” he said, after biting into one. “Thank you, Rose! Not only are you cute, but you can bake, too.”
Rose felt herself blushing again and quickly turned away so he wouldn’t see her.
“I’m glad you like them,” Rose said smiling. She had wanted Dillon to know she could bake, which was one of the things a fine Amish housewife did well. “Perhaps one day I can bring in lunch for us.”
“You can cook too?” Dillon teased. “I would love that. You’re a very kind person, Rose.”
“Thank you, Dillon. It’s my pleasure.” Rose hoped that maybe he would ask to see her outside of work. Each night she silently prayed to God, hoping that He would send her a sign. Perhaps it could be God’s will to marry an Englischer and live among them.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity for Rose and her family. The flu struck them all except Miriam who was left trying to care for everyone. Finally, the doctor had given them all a clean bill of health, and they could resume their normal activities.
Rose jumped out of bed the next morning, eager to get back to the store. She was sure that Dillon would be happy to see her. Checking her kapp in the mirror, she turned and ran towards the stairs. Suddenly her foot caught the bottom of the stair rail, and she went tumbling down to the bottom.
Rose’s scream brought Miriam running out of the kitchen just in time to see her sister land face first at the bottom of the stairs.
“Ro
se!” Miriam yelled. “What happened?”
“I tripped and lost my footing.”
“Did you break anything?” Miriam asked, reaching down and helping Rose stand up.
“Ouch!” Rose cried in pain when she tried to stand on her foot. “My foot—I hurt my foot.”
Miriam sat Rose down on the bottom step and examined her foot. “I think you sprained it. There doesn’t appear to be anything broken. I would say a few days with your foot up on ice will do the trick.”
“Miriam, my job! Someone has to let them know what happened. Ach, first the flu and now this,” Rose looked at her sister frantically. Not only was Rose worried about her job but she was worried about Dillon, even though she couldn’t tell anyone. He would worry, she was sure of it.
“Hush, don’t worry, Rose. I’ll take the buggy into town and tell them what happened. I’m sure it will all work out.”
* * *
Finally, the morning arrived when she could stand again and walk without pain. She was so excited that morning as she dressed and packed her lunch. Riding into work, she had visions of Dillon running up to her and hugging her when he saw her again. Thank you, Gott, for watching over me and allowing my foot to heal quickly. Please make Dillon happy to see me and perhaps our relationship will grow…if it is your will, of course.
“I’m back,” Rose called out when she saw Sally at the cash register.
“Ach, Rose, I said many prayers to Gott, and I see He answered me.” Sally went over and hugged her. “You’re all better. Gott has been kind to you.”
“Danke. Jah, first the flu and then my foot. I’m so happy to get out of my house and back to work,” Rose said, looking around the store for Dillon.
“Well, I’m glad to have you back. We’re short staffed now with Dillon gone.”
“What do you mean, Dillon is gone!?”
“I guess you haven’t heard. He got married and moved away. The news took us all by surprise. He came in one day and told me he was leaving and getting married,” Sally said, folding some new napkins they had just had delivered.
“Married? I didn’t know he was seeing anyone,” Rose said, trying to hide her heartbreak.
“I didn’t know either, but she apparently was from another town, and it was a very quick decision. Anyway, they were married last week, and then moved away.”
Rose wanted to cry. Dillon had been seeing someone else, but yet he still flirted with her. Why would he say all those nice things to me if he didn’t mean them, she thought to herself. Was he just being nice? I prayed to Gott all those nights and was sure that Dillon was giving me signs that he liked me.
Rose excused herself to go into the back room, telling Sally she needed more stock for the shelves. She just wanted to be alone for a few minutes. Her heart felt like it had been ripped in two. She had fallen in love with Dillon despite their differences and was sure he felt the same way too. Had she misread his kindness?
She went through the next several days mourning her loss. She had no one she could talk to because they would never understand how she felt. She knew that Miriam had had her heart broken, but it was different. Jacob was Amish, and that relationship would have been accepted. Dillon was English, and it was frowned upon. Rose was so sure that Dillon was going to ask to court her; she had convinced herself that it would have been God’s will for her leave her community to be with him.
Each night she would cry herself to sleep. She felt so alone and even doubted her faith in God. Why had He misled her into believing Dillon was the one when all along there was someone else in Dillon’s life? Rose couldn’t find the answer, but all she knew was that her heart had been broken and she didn’t know if it would ever mend.
* * *
Chapter 3
Rose spent the next few months concentrating on her job and her family. She would fall into bed each night exhausted. She asked herself every night why God would cause her so much pain and heartbreak. She determined she would never let anyone inside of her heart again.
Her older sister Miriam was preparing for her wedding, and although everyone in the house was excited, she couldn’t share in it. She was happy for her sister and excited for her, but at the same time, she wished it had been her. Why did God have to be so unfair at times?
“Rose, after Miriam marries and moves in with Joshua, you’ll have to take over the responsibilities of the house,” John said one morning as Rose was packing her lunch before leaving for work.
“What? But what about my job, Daed?”
“You’ll have to leave it,” John said, taking a sip of his coffee. “I can’t work and run this house by myself and Katie isn’t quite old enough to take on that responsibility. I’m counting on you as the second eldest.”
“But that’s not fair,” Rose protested. “I love my job, and you even said the money was helpful.”
“The extra money was nice and thanks to you we have done all the necessary renovations to the house, but we’ll manage without it,” John said, standing up to get ready for work.
“I don’t want to quit my job,” Rose said, determined to make her father change his mind.
John turned and glared at his daughter. “There’s no discussion. You can continue working until the end of the month, but after that, your responsibilities are to this house and this family.”
Rose stood staring at the door after her father left. She needed her job. Not only was it extra money, but right now it kept her mind busy, and it made her forget her heartbreak. But she knew better than to argue with her father. He was right; her responsibilities were with her family. That was the Amish way and the path that Gott obviously was choosing for her.
* * *
Rose pushed open the door to the store with a heavy heart. She dreaded having to tell Sally she would be leaving.
“Gut morning, Sally,” Rose said when she walked in. “I need to talk to you.”
“Morning, Rose,” Sally replied. “I must talk to you as well.”
“You go first,” Rose answered, noticing the serious look on Sally’s face.
“We’ve decided to sell the store,” Sally said straight away. “We have to move out of town to care for Felix’s mother who is very ill. We have no choice but to sell and move. I’m sorry, Rose, but there is no guarantee that you will have your job after we sell.”
Rose felt a bit of relief and smiled at Sally. “Well, I was going to tell you that at the end of the month, I can no longer work here. My shveshtah, Miriam is getting married in three weeks, so I’ll need to take over the running of the house, according to my Daed.”
“Well, this all works out then. I was worried about telling you because I know how much you love your job,” Sally said, exhaling a deep sigh. “I’ll miss you.”
Rose nodded. “Jah, I’ll miss you too, but it looks like Gott has chosen our paths and we must follow them.”
* * *
At the end of the month, Rose finished her last day at work and hugged Sally and Felix. Although Felix didn’t come into the store very often, he made a special point of coming in this day so he could say goodbye to Rose.
“I wish you the best for your future, Rose,” Sally said. “I am sure Gott has great plans for you.”
“It was a pleasure having you work for us,” Felix said, shaking Rose’s hand. “Good workers are hard to find. You’ve done an excellent job for us, and I know Gott will be watching over you.”
Rose wiped her tear-soaked cheeks as she walked home that evening. I can’t imagine what Gott has planned for me. What will happen to me after Katie and Abigail marry and leave home? Will it be just me and Daed? Will I never find happiness?
Walking into the house, she found John sitting at the kitchen table eating a piece of pie that Miriam had made.
“I hope you enjoy that pie, Daed, because I don’t know if mine will be as good,” Rose joked.
“Rose, sit down for a moment,” John said with a serious look.
Rose looked a bit concerned and sat down
opposite her father. “What is it, Daed?”
“Rose, I made a promise to your Mamm when she died that I would do what was best for you girls,” he said, clearing his throat. “I know you loved your job and I don’t like the fact that you had to quit, but you are needed here more.”
Rose nodded her head. “I know Daed. I understand.”
“Well, I don’t know if you really do. Abigail is still fairly young, and she needs to be supervised, and the chores and cooking still have to be done. Miriam did an excellent job these past years taking care of you girls but now it’s her turn to start her own family.” John reached out and put his hand on Rose’s. “I want what’s best for you and I know I can rely on you to keep this house running smoothly. I appreciate the sacrifice you are making.”
Rose gave her father a weak smile. “It’s alright, Daed. I realize that this is the path Gott has chosen for me. I’ll do my best to take care of the house and Katie and Abigail.”
“I know you will, dear, John said. “Please go upstairs and get Katie and Abigail. It’s time for our Bible reading then I am off to bed.”
Rose put on a brave face as she stood up and hugged her father. Climbing the stairs to call her sisters, she fought to hold back the tears. She had so much to learn about running a house. Gott, please help me to do well. I must prove to my Daed that I can do this and I don’t want to let him down. He’s depending on me.
* * *
Chapter 4
Early one Monday morning, Rose stood at the stove, deep in thought. Miriam had just married a couple days ago and Rose had just finished her last day of work on Friday.
“Where’s my lunch?” Abigail called out from the kitchen.
“What lunch?” Rose asked, startled from her thoughts. She looked up from the oatmeal she was stirring.
“My lunch for school. I have to go to school early today and my ride will be here any minute, and I can’t find my lunch. Miriam always had my lunch out on the table,” Abigail said, looking panicked.”
Rose’s eyes widened in fear. “Ach! I never made you a lunch! What do you normally bring?”
The Troyer Sisters Series - Amish Romance: 4-Book Box Set Page 6