The first thing Belinda did was put the OPEN sign in the window. Then she checked a row of plants to be sure they’d been getting enough water. Next, she got out a dust rag to clean off the counter where they waited on customers. She’d just finished cleaning it when Amy came in.
“I finished the dishes and checked on Sylvia and the kinner.”
“Are they doing all right?”
Amy nodded. “Sylvia’s in the rocking chair with the baby, and Allen’s stacking wooden blocks on the living-room floor.”
“Did you by any chance think about going out to the phone shed to check for messages?”
Amy shook her head. “No, but I can do that now since we have no customers yet. I’ll see if the mail’s come too.”
“Danki.” Belinda heaved a sigh. “If you see Henry, would you please tell him there are a few chores in here I’d like him to do?”
“Sure, Mom.” Amy opened the door and stepped outside.
Belinda took a seat on the tall wooden stool behind the counter. I probably should pick some dead blossoms off some of the flowers, but I honestly don’t feel like it. She really didn’t feel like doing anything at all. Everything about the greenhouse seemed so overwhelming. Things she used to take for granted that had once seemed like simple chores now felt like heavy burdens she could hardly bear. As time passed, she hoped they would settle into a routine and things would become easier.
The bell attached to the main door at the front of the greenhouse jingled, and Belinda turned her head. She was surprised to see Mary Ruth Lapp enter the building, since she’d been under the weather recently with sinus issues. Mary Ruth was such a dear, sweet woman—always helpful and putting others needs ahead of her own.
“Guder mariye.” The elderly woman smiled as she approached the counter. “I came by to see if there was anything I could do to make your load a bit lighter.”
Tears gathered in the corners of Belinda’s eyes, and she was powerless to stop them from spilling over. “Bless you, Mary Ruth. I appreciate the offer so much, but I really don’t know what you can do. Besides, from what I understand, you haven’t been feeling well lately, so you should probably be home resting.”
“I’m doing much better since the antibiotics the doctor gave me did their work on my sinus infection. It’s not easy having such horrible face pain and pressure, but I was able to get through it.”
Belinda patted her friend’s arm. “Glad you’re doing better.”
“Danki. Now back to what I’m here for…. What can I help you with?” She set her purse on the counter. “If not out here in the greenhouse then how about inside the house? I’m sure there are plenty of things I can do there.”
Belinda couldn’t deny it as she slowly nodded. “Sylvia’s in the house with her children, but I doubt she’ll get any housework done. She’s taken Toby’s death really hard and can barely function.”
“It’s understandable. It was difficult for me when Willis passed, but keeping busy helped.”
“Busyness is a good antidote for depression. However, Sylvia hasn’t realized that yet.”
Mary Ruth stepped around the counter, put her hands on Belinda’s shoulders, and massaged them. “I don’t have a lot to do these days except dote on my great-grandchildren, so feel free to let me know whenever you need anything done in the way of housecleaning, pulling weeds in the garden, cooking, or even babysitting the little ones.”
“That is so kind of you, Mary Ruth.”
“So, what should I start on today?”
“The kitchen may need some tidying. Amy did the dishes, but she probably didn’t take time to do much else.”
“I’ll take care of it. Anything else?”
“Maybe sweeping the front and back porches.”
“Consider it done.” Mary Ruth stepped back around to the other side of the counter. “I’ll check in with you after those chores are done and see what you all might like for lunch.” She ambled out the door before Belinda could respond.
How nice it was to have friends willing to help in a time of need. Several other women from their Amish community had come by these past two weeks with food and offers of help. Belinda didn’t know how anyone could get through something like this without family and friends.
A few minutes later, Amy came back in and handed her mother a stack of mail.
“Did you see Henry and give him my message?”
“No, Mom. I didn’t see him.”
Belinda lifted her gaze to the ceiling. Oh, great! This is certainly not what I need today.
With her last bit of energy, Amy yanked on the green hose and turned on the water to reach some thirsty flowers on display. She gently sprayed them and rearranged the whole group after removing some of the empty trays the plants sat on and placing them on the concrete floor. They’d sold quite a few bedding flowers, and it seemed the bright yellow ones were the most popular.
When Amy finished her chore, she coiled the hose back in its spot. Then she picked up the wooden trays and stacked them near the rear of the greenhouse. Mom had said she would do it, but Amy was more than willing to take care of the task.
She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and reached for a bottle of water she’d left sitting on a shelf. Taking a needed break felt good, and the cool drink relieved her parched throat.
It was almost time to close the greenhouse, and Amy’s feet hurt so bad she couldn’t wait to soak them. She’d been busy all day walking up and down the plant aisles either pruning, repotting, or repositioning to make some of them more noticeable. When she wasn’t doing that, Amy answered customers’ questions and directed them to various plants, seed packets, and other gardening items. Mom had spent the day behind the counter, waiting on a steady stream of customers.
Amy didn’t know if the larger-than-usual number of people who came into the greenhouse today was because most folks in the area knew about their tragic loss and wanted to help out financially or if it was simply a matter of the greenhouse having been closed for two weeks and so many were in need of things for their garden. Either way, she felt thankful for the money that came in and also the offer by some to help out with chores or whatever Amy’s family needed to have done.
Jared, who’d arrived a short time ago, was one of those people, and he stood beside Amy now. She couldn’t help her attraction to him, and his tender smile made her heart melt. Jared had a sweet way about him, but Amy wouldn’t allow her feelings to undo a thing. Her mind was centered around the work that needed to be done at the business and the support her family required at home. The combination was proving to be exhausting.
Jared shifted as he stood looking at Amy. What a pretty color his brown eyes are. And that genuine smile nearly melts my heart. Oh, I wish things could be different, but they’re not, and I must accept it. Amy blinked away her thoughts.
“If your stables need cleaning, I can do that now for you,” he said.
“The offer’s appreciated, but Henry should have done it this morning.”
“Are there any other chores I can do?” Jared’s words were rushed as he rubbed his hands down the sides of his trousers.
“I can’t think of anything, but you may want to check with my brother. Mom and I have been in here most of the day, so Henry would be the one to know if there were any chores left undone.” Amy swiped a hand across her sweaty forehead as she offered him a tired smile.
“Okay, I’ll do that in a few minutes, but first, I wanted to ask if you’d like to go out to supper with me this evening. It’s been a while since we spent any time together, and I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too, but I’m too tired to go anywhere this evening. We had a very full day here, with so many people coming in. We barely had time to eat the lunch Mary Ruth brought out to us.”
“Glad to hear you had lots of customers, but sorry to hear you’re too mied to go out for supper. I was looking forward to us being together for a few hours.”
She drew in a we
ary breath. “Maybe some other time, Jared, when things slow down and Mom and I get more organized.”
“How long do you think it’ll be?”
She shrugged. “I have no idea. With only the two of us working here right now and Henry running a few errands for us, it could be some time before I’m free to go anywhere just for fun.”
Jared’s shoulders slumped, and he lowered his head. Just as quickly, he looked up at her, and his brown eyes softened. “I understand, and I want you to know that I’m not being selfish wanting to take you out.” Jared gestured to the array of plants nearby. “Just figured it would be good for you to get away from all this for a while and do something fun and relaxing.”
Amy didn’t want to hurt Jared’s feelings, but her grief over losing Dad and the others was still too raw to consider doing anything for fun, not to mention her lack of free time. It also wouldn’t be right to take off for the evening and leave Mom, Sylvia, and Henry home alone. They might think she was insensitive to their needs, and indeed, she would be. At least that’s how she felt about it.
Bumping Jared’s arm lightly with her elbow, Amy looked up at him and offered another smile, more heartfelt than the last one. “Things will get better in time, and then we can begin courting again.” If only Jared could help my brother somehow. Or maybe he could fill in here at the greenhouse temporarily until Sylvia can help out. Amy rubbed away the dirt smudges from her hand. But I won’t ask because he’s too busy with his roofing business, and that’s his livelihood, so it should come first.
He shuffled his feet a few times and gave a quick nod. “I’ll go see if I can find Henry now. If he has more chores to do, I’ll help out before heading home.”
“Okay, Jared. Danki.”
“Sure, no problem. Take care, Amy, and I hope things go better for you soon.” Jared gave her arm a gentle squeeze and hurried from the building.
Amy looked at her mother, still sitting behind the counter with a slumped posture and shear exhaustion clearly written on her face. I could never have gone out with Jared this evening and left cooking supper up to Mom. She looks like she’s almost ready to collapse. Her needs come before mine even if it means I have to sacrifice my relationship with Jared. The next time he comes around, I should tell him that he should look for someone else to court, because it doesn’t look like I’ll be free for that anytime soon. It wouldn’t be fair to expect him to wait for something that may never occur. Mom will always need my help to keep the greenhouse running. And for sure, Sylvia—and even Henry—need me right now.
As Jared headed for home that afternoon, all he could think about was Amy. If they couldn’t spend time together, their relationship would suffer.
He had courted two other young women before he met Amy, but neither of them stole his heart the way she had. Thoughts of her were never far from his mind. It wasn’t Amy’s pretty face, shiny brown hair, or soft brown eyes that attracted him—it was her gentle, sweet spirit and concern for others.
Jared remembered the first day he’d met Amy and seen her consoling her little brother after his dog had run away. She’d not only given him a pep talk but had also combed the neighborhood, helping him search for the dog. There was no doubt about it: Amy would make a good wife and mother.
His thoughts went to Henry. Things weren’t right with him. Henry had taken his father and brother’s deaths really hard. Jared had a feeling the boy was full of pent-up anger that would not be resolved until he gave it over to God. During his visit at the Kings’ today, Jared had found Amy’s brother leaning against the corral gate. Henry’s drooping shoulders and negative comments told Jared the trauma of losing three family members must be burning inside the young man. He’d asked Henry about helping in some way today, but his efforts had been squashed. Amy’s kid brother was either too proud or too stubborn to accept Jared’s help.
As Jared’s horse and buggy rounded a bend in the road, he kept a firm grip on the reins. Since Amy doesn’t have time to go out anywhere with me, maybe I should go over to her place some evenings and we could play a few games. No doubt there would be other family members hanging around, but at least we could see each other and have a little fun. Think I’ll drop by the greenhouse in a few days and mention the idea to her.
Amy watched her sister out of the corner of her eye. Sylvia hadn’t said a word during supper, and now, as she sat holding her baby in the living room, she remained quiet. Two weeks wasn’t enough time to heal her broken heart, but holding everything inside and refusing to talk about it wasn’t good for her either.
Henry had talked some while they ate, but it was mostly complaints. He’d gone outside as soon as they’d finished the meal. If only there was someone he could talk to, he might feel better. Henry looked up to Ezekiel, so he should be the one. But what were the chances of Henry going out to the phone shed and calling his big brother? Slim to none.
Amy rubbed her hands down the front of her apron as she continued to fret and seek answers. Maybe I should give Ezekiel a call in the morning and ask him to phone here and leave a message for Henry, saying he’d like to talk to him and asking him to call. If anyone could get through to our younger brother, it would be Ezekiel.
Amy remembered how when Henry was a boy, he used to follow Ezekiel around, asking all kinds of questions and seeking his attention.
She glanced over at Mom, seated in Dad’s favorite chair with her eyes closed. Today had been exhausting for her mother, even though she had been sitting most of the time. The last thing she needed was to deal with Henry’s complaints and angry attitude. All of them were sad about what had happened to Dad, Abe, and Toby, but getting mad and taking it out on the others didn’t make things better.
Yes, she told herself, I’m definitely going to call Ezekiel again in the morning. He has the right to know what’s going on with Henry and be updated on how the rest of us are doing.
Clymer, New York
“Have you heard anything from your mamm in the last few days?” Michelle asked as Ezekiel sat beside her on the sofa that evening.
“No, but Amy left a message this morning, saying they would be opening the greenhouse for the first time since the accident. She asked for our prayers that everything would go well and lots of customers would come in.” With a grimace, he set the newspaper he held aside. “I can’t help but worry about them. How are two grieving women and a troubled teenage boy supposed to take over a business that did so well with my daed in charge?” Ezekiel rushed on before Michelle could respond. “Dad knew everything about running the greenhouse, and he had a certain way of doing things. I don’t think it’ll be long before Mom comes to her senses and realizes they can’t do it without my help.”
“Your mother and Amy may be stronger than you think.”
He shook his head. “This is not just about being strong or full of determination. Running a business is a lot of work, and it takes a person with a business head to make it succeed.” Ezekiel touched his chest. “Just ask me. I had no idea when I took over my beekeeping supply business what all was involved.”
“But you have done well and are making a decent living to provide for our little family.”
“True, but it hasn’t come easy. I’m still learning new ways of doing things almost every day. I can’t help worrying about them.”
Michelle placed her hand on his arm. “I’m gonna give you the same piece of advice that you offered during the message you gave to our church members last week on the topic of worry.” Michelle stood and got the Bible from the side table nearest the couch. She opened it to the book of Matthew and read from chapter 6, verse 27: “‘Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?’ You explained that the verse means we can’t add a single hour to our life by worrying. Remember?”
“Jah.” Ezekiel took the Bible from Michelle and held it against his chest. “If I can’t even practice what I preach, then how am I ever gonna be a good minister?”
“You’ll get there, dear husband. Just
remember to trust God in all things.”
“You’re right. That’s what I promised myself I would do if the lot ever fell on me.”
Ezekiel reflected on the recent event of choosing a new minister for their church district and how he’d received enough votes from the congregation to be nominated as a candidate for ministry. Ezekiel had broken out in a cold sweat as he and the other men who had also received more than three votes chose a hymnal. He, like the others, was well aware that one of the songbooks held a slip of paper with a scripture verse written on it. He couldn’t help holding his breath as the bishop inspected each of the books to see which one the lot had fallen upon. When Ezekiel’s hymnal was opened and the verse was found inside, he nearly collapsed from the emotion and realization of what it meant.
Becoming a minister in the Amish church was not viewed as an honor, as some might believe. Rather it was a serious, heavy responsibility. Ministers usually served in their position for life and received no salary. But that wasn’t what bothered Ezekiel. His greatest concern was whether he was spiritually and emotionally up to the task. His duties as the new minister included studying the scriptures in preparation for preaching a sermon on Sundays and at other church-related functions; assisting the bishop in administering church discipline when necessary; baptizing; and helping to regulate any new changes within the church district. Each Saturday, Ezekiel would need to spend a good amount of time preparing for their biweekly Sunday services, where he could be expected to preach an hour-long sermon. The worst part was that he was supposed to preach without any notes.
The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1 Page 4