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  ASKING FOR A SECOND CHANCE

  “What can I do to convince you I’m sincere?” Andrew asked.

  “I want to fix this, but I’m not sure how to get past it.”

  Andrew covered her hand. “I’m truly sorry. We must overcome this.”

  “I have no doubt your apology is sincere. I’m miserable letting you go. But I vowed not to marry another man who didn’t treat me as a partner. You should’ve trusted me enough to know telling me Gabe’s story wouldn’t have mattered.”

  “I do trust you. You’re my partner. Can you admit you love me?” Andrew pleaded, “At least give me that much hope.”

  “Yes. I love you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be upset. Love isn’t enough. I learned this lesson when I married Gerald. You had me convinced we’d built a firm foundation for a marriage and future, until this. Please give me time.”

  “I’ll leave, but I urge you to reconsider your decision. We grew a friendship, which blossomed into a long-lasting love and respect for each other. I promise you we can have the future you desire.” He walked to the door and glanced over his shoulder. “I love you, Maryann. I always will . . .”

  Books by Molly Jebber

  The Keepsake Pocket Quilt series

  CHANGE OF HEART

  GRACE’S FORGIVENESS

  TWO SUITORS FOR ANNA

  The Amish Charm Bakery series

  LIZA’S SECOND CHANCE

  ELLIE’S REDEMPTION

  HANNAH’S COURAGE

  MARYANN’S HOPE

  Collections

  THE AMISH CHRISTMAS SLEIGH

  (with Kelly Long and Amy Lillard)

  AMISH BRIDES

  (with Jennifer Beckstrand and Amy Lillard)

  Published by Kensington Publishing Corp.

  Maryann’s Hope

  MOLLY JEBBER

  ZEBRA BOOKS

  KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

  www.kensingtonbooks.com

  All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

  Table of Contents

  ASKING FOR A SECOND CHANCE

  Also by

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Epilogue

  GLOSSARY PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH/GERMAN

  Recipes

  ZEBRA BOOKS are published by

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  119 West 40th Street

  New York, NY 10018

  Copyright © 2021 by Molly Jebber

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

  If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

  Zebra and the Z logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

  BOUQUET Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

  ISBN: 978-1-4201-5067-4

  ISBN-13: 978-1-4201-5068-1 (eBook)

  ISBN-10: 1-4201-5068-5 (eBook)

  Ed, my loving husband and best encourager

  Sue Morris, my beautiful and loving mother

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Thank you to:

  Dawn Dowdle, agent, and John Scognamiglio, editor-in-chief, for their support, kindness, and guidance. I’m grateful for you both.

  Misty, my beautiful, talented, and smart daughter who lights up my life and helps me in so many ways.

  Mitch Morris, the best brother, friend, encourager, and someone I admire.

  To Debbie Bugezia, Lee Granza, Margie Saenz, Mary Byrnes, Connie Melaik, Elaine Saltsgaver, Kelly Hildreth, Barbara Visto, Mary Salan, Lynn Smith, Linda Schultz, Beverly Hancock, Georgia Bulson, Margie Doerr, Donna Snyder, Melanie Fogel, Ginny Gilmore, Cyndee Perkins, Darla Landren, Ann Wright, Sigrid Davies, Shirley Madden, Doris Kerr, Diane Winters, Marcia Appel, my Southbridge, Quilt, and Church friends. You know who you are and how much you mean to me.

  Aunt Sharon Sanders, Beth Sanders, and Aunt Sheila Walters for their support, love, and memories.

  Patricia Campbell, Diana (DJ) Welker, Marie Coutu, and Southwest Florida Romance Writers group for your advice, love, and friendship.

  To Connie Lynch, you are such a blessing in my life. I appreciate you so much.

  To Marilyn Ridgway and Carolyn Ridgway—You have lifted me up more times than I can count! You’re such a blessing!

  To Sandra and Denise Barela—Celebrate Lit Publicists. Thank you for your friendship, advice, and encouragement!

  To the Keeping Up with the Amish Group—I appreciate your support and encouragement so much! I appreciate you.

  To my readers—I couldn’t do this without your encouragement. Thank you so much.

  Chapter One

  Charm, Ohio

  December 1, 1913

  Maryann gazed across the cozy corner table into Andrew Wittmer’s light brown eyes. He was twenty-two. They were out of their teens, the same age, and had plenty of time to learn if they were meant to have a future together. She hoped she wouldn’t let her past get in the way of trusting another man. “Danki for inviting me to supper.” He’d captured her heart in such a short time. How fast time had gone since she’d fled Massillon, Ohio, and returned to Charm after her late husband, Gerald’s, murder. Could she trust her judgment about men?

  His eyes twinkled as he chuckled. “I wondered how many socials and after-church meals you would insist we attend together before you’d accept my invitation to supper where we could talk and not be interrupted every five seconds by our friends.”

  She’d been cautious about him. His patience and irresistible kind heart impressed her. She doubted many men would’ve waited as long as he had until she was ready to have supper at the corner restaurant by themselves tonight. He had attended his fair share of family and community social events with her before now. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “I’m teasing you. I’d have waited for as long as it took for you to be comfortable kumming to supper with me.”

  She gave him a lopsided grin. “We’ve been having conversations and sitting together at social events and after-church meals for several months, and it seems like we’ve been acquainted much longer.” She liked the waitress’s choice for the table in the small restaurant, near the beautiful orange hue of the flames in the fireplace. A wilkom change from the cold wintry snow falling outside the window. Andrew made her laugh, listened, and cared about what she had to say. She bit her lower lip. She should be careful. She had much to learn about her new suitor. She wondered if he’d be spending the holiday alone. She didn’t like the thought. “I can’t believe this is December first. You’re invited to join my family for Christmas.”

  “Danki. I’ll look forward to it.” Andrew pushed his empty plate to the side and he leaned
forward. “Maryann, I haven’t had a strong connection with any woman like I have with you. I’m amazed you’re a mamm and manage a bakery, unlike most Amish women. I admire you for it.”

  “Most Amish men may not approve of my working at the bakery. I’m glad you do. I was surprised when Ellie and Hannah quit after they married. I could understand Ellie leaving, since she’s with child, but I expected Hannah would stay after she wed and wait to cut ties with the bakery until she had a boppli. I miss them, but I’m glad they’re happy staying home. I’ve learned a lot managing the bakery, and I love it.”

  Who wouldn’t like a man who supported your dream? Not to mention his tall frame, broad shoulders, and handsome face. His easygoing nature and quick wit were attractive, and he was quite talented. “Enough about me. The handcrafted hardwood desk and chair you gave Mr. Kline to sell for you in his small store is beautiful. Did your daed teach you how to build things?”

  “Danki. Yes, Daed and Uncle Luke. I have the best memories of Daed and me in his woodshop. He kept his tools and wood organized. We designed pieces and worked on them together. He was a good teacher, and he was inspiring. We visited Uncle Luke and Aunt Dora, or they came to our haus. He’s Daed’s bruder, and he has a furniture store with a workshop in back of it to build things. The three of us worked together whenever we visited them in Millersburg. Uncle Luke and Aunt Dora and I exchange letters to keep in touch.” He shrugged. “It’s never been a chore to create things.” He grinned and his eyes widened. “I’ve been saving money to buy a furniture store.”

  “Andrew, what a wonderful idea.”

  He should open a store. His attention to detail in the kitchen table and chairs he’d made to sell had been exquisite. She could understand why Mr. Kline had set it in the big display window.

  He shrugged. “I’m saving money to open a store in Charm, but I may have to relocate based on the right location and price.”

  Her stomach churned. She didn’t want to leave Charm. She’d left once, and it had been a mistake. She’d missed precious memories with her family and friends. Her daed and bruder told her Mamm had turned difficult and temperamental after she left. She cringed when they told her how hard life had been with Mamm during her absence. She didn’t know if she could leave and cause Mamm to sink into her sullen and dark moods again. But she wouldn’t worry about this now. He said he’d consider Charm. She’d face this if it became a problem. She didn’t want to discuss this anymore tonight. “Do you miss Shipshewana, Indiana?”

  The young waitress approached their table. “Are you finished? Would you like dessert? We have sugar cream or butterscotch pie.” She laughed. “Since we buy them from your bakery, Maryann, you know they’ll be good.”

  “We can’t pass up dessert. We’ll each take a piece of butterscotch pie. Danki.” Andrew handed the girl his and Maryann’s empty plates.

  “You didn’t have to order dessert. You’ve been generous to buy supper.” Maryann’s face heated.

  “You love butterscotch pie, and having dessert gives me more time with you.” He gave her an endearing smile.

  “The waitress interrupted us when I asked if you missed Shipshewana. Do you?”

  He must’ve had family memories and friends he’d left behind.

  “Before Mamm and Daed passed from bad health, I liked growing up and enjoying life there. I was seventeen when Daed died, a year after Mamm. He was lost without her, and his health declined. He had trouble breathing and was too weak to get out of bed about three months before he took his last breath. Afterward, the place held sad and lonely memories for me. I pictured Mamm and Daed in their favorite chairs, as I sat on the settee, and Daed whistling on his old weathered stool when I was in his woodshop. I needed a fresh start, and I’m happy I moved to Charm and met you.”

  Her cheeks warmed. “I’m glad too.” She gave him an impish grin. “You’re a charmer.”

  “I assure you, I’m sincere.” He locked his gaze with hers.

  She wanted to reach over and cover his hand to let him know she cared about him, but it wouldn’t be proper. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have teased you. I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t sincere. I enjoy your compliments.” She liked not having to guess if she was special to him. He didn’t mince words. “Tell me more about your family.”

  “You can tease me. I like how comfortable we are with each other. It was the perfect opportunity for me to tell you I’m serious about you.” He smiled. “I’ve told you about Uncle Luke and Aunt Dora and my parents passing away. There’s not much more to tell. I’m looking forward to having a family of my own one day.” He raised his brows and grinned.

  Her face heated. “I’m surprised you didn’t move to Millersburg from Shipshewana and work with him at his store.” She was curious to find out why.

  “Uncle Luke has a best friend, Clyde, who’s his right-hand man. He didn’t need me, and he likes being the sole owner. Clyde is younger than Uncle Luke. I’m sure he’ll pass the store on to him when he can no longer manage it.”

  “He and your aunt don’t have kinner?”

  He shook his head. “They would’ve made wonderful parents. It’s unfortunate. Speaking of kinner, Betsy is such a sweetheart. She’s a mirror image of you with her blond hair and sky-blue eyes. She made my day when I first met her and she reached her arms to me.”

  The waitress returned and provided them with clean forks and their pie. “Enjoy.” She smiled and walked away.

  Maryann finished a small bite of butterscotch pie. “Betsy warmed up to you fast. Danki for the wooden blocks you brought her. She loves them. My parents and family like you, and that’s not an easy approval to gain. Mamm and my schweschder-in-law, Ellie, are hard to win over. They’re the most hardheaded and opinionated women in all of Charm, in my opinion. And they have a fierce love for their friends and family. I treasure them.”

  He exaggerated a swipe with his hand across his forehead. “I’m relieved I met with their approval.” He cocked his head. “How is it you’re available? I’m sure you’ve had lots of suitors interested in you.”

  “I had one interested widower, but he wanted an arranged marriage. A fraa to take care of his six kinner. I want to marry for love. Most Amish men don’t approve of my past marriage to an Englischer, nor do they want to raise another man’s boppli. As I mentioned earlier, I’m sure my job at the bakery doesn’t thrill them either. They may not trust me to stay in Charm or to remain faithful to the Amish life. You recognized my last name, Harding, is not Amish the first time we met, and you still asked me to supper. I was shocked and pleased.”

  “You caught my attention right away the day I walked into the bakery. I couldn’t leave without knowing we would meet again. You’re as beautiful inside as you are on the outside, and I can’t resist those sky-blue eyes.” He leaned forward. “It’s not your fault your husband passed. You chose to return to Amish life. I assumed you’d asked forgiveness for leaving to live in the outside world, once you returned. It’s obvious you’ve committed your life to God and the Amish traditions. Do you mind telling me how you were able to leave your family and Amish life behind?”

  She didn’t want secrets between them. That was what ruined her first marriage. She hoped their courtship would lead them to a future together. She was smitten with him. She set her fork on the plate beside her half-eaten pie. “I was young, immature, and curious about the outside world. Mamm smothered me, wanting us to remain close. Gerald offered me a life of freedom with him. He was fun-loving and handsome and had a good job at a bank to provide for us.”

  “How did you meet him? It must’ve been hard to escape your mamm if she had a close eye on you.”

  “I ran to town for anything she or Daed or Joel needed, and met Gerald. They were happy to have me fetch things in the stores for them. I feel terrible for what I put them through. I was a selfish and thoughtless girl. I’m thankful God has forgiven me, but I’m not sure I’ve forgiven myself. Daed and Joel told me Mamm’s mood changes were diffi
cult on them. She’s different from other women in this way. She’s not right in the head. We are aware her drastic mood changes aren’t normal. I knew this, and I left. She smothered me and wanted me with her all the time. I couldn’t take it anymore. Gerald offered me a way out, and I took it. I’m guilt-stricken over it. They’re relieved I’m back, and she’s better.”

  “It’s shocking and sad about your mamm. I’m also relieved she’s better.” He forked another piece of pie. “Did you love Gerald? Were you happy in your marriage? If I’m asking too many questions, tell me. We can change the subject.”

  She shook her head. “Since we’re courting, it’s best you know everything. I fell for Gerald the minute he approached me and introduced himself. He was handsome, had a zest for life, and made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. I told him I needed an escape from Amish life and my hovering mamm. He told me about the beautiful music, clothes, conveniences, and things he’d provide for us.”

  “How long did you court before you married him?”

  Maryann gave him a crooked smile. “In six weeks, he asked me to marry him. He was tired of sneaking around. He was in town to train a manager as a favor for his daed’s friend who owned the bank. He had to return to his job in Massillon, and I went with him. He found a judge the day we arrived, and we got married. My infatuation with him turned into love until he put our lives in jeopardy and kept secrets.”