Two Suitors for Anna Read online

  “I do. I’m happy with Amish life too. I don’t want to do anything to make God unhappy. Besides, I enjoy riding in our buggy and wagon. Our horses are my friends. I wouldn’t want to hurt their feelings.”

  Leah choked on her water. “I’m surprised you didn’t put up more of a fuss. You’re growing up, little schweschder.”

  Grinning from ear to ear, Beth snapped a piece of bacon in two and stuffed it in her mouth.

  Anna grinned. Daniel fit together with her family as well as a soft, snug glove. It was as if she’d known him all her life. She’d wait until their problem with Butch was resolved to consider a wedding date.

  She cleaned the kitchen with Mamm, while Daniel got the wagon and horse ready.

  Beth waved good-bye and scampered to Mrs. Hochstetler, complaining she wished school would start soon.

  Anna glanced out the window. Daniel was watching Beth go next door.

  She followed Mamm and Leah outside and climbed in next to them. They all enjoyed the slight breeze and warm air on the way.

  Daniel dropped the women off at the General Store and Grace’s Dry Goods Shop. “I’ll pick you up at five.”

  Anna grinned. “Danki.”

  She studied him scanning the area before he guided the horse away to go to his first job. She darted her eyes around town. No sign of Butch anywhere. The sheriff waved to them from across the boardwalk. She returned his wave, nodded, unlocked the door, and went inside the shop with Leah.

  Throughout the day, Charity Lantz and other Amish friends brought in quilts for her to sell in the store. She and Leah enjoyed visiting and catching up on their news, grateful the store was slow and allowed them time to chat. Five rolled around fast. She hooked her arm through Leah’s after locking up. They met Mamm at the General Store.

  On time, Daniel halted the wagon and waited for them to settle. Again, she watched him survey the area for any signs of danger on the way home. She did the same. Nothing. She relaxed and sniffed the honeysuckle to the left of them.

  She and Leah told Daniel and Mamm about their stock of new quilts and all the good things happening in their friends’ lives.

  They pulled into the lane leading to the haus. Anna gasped and pointed to Beth. “Mrs. Hochstetler doesn’t have a dog. Beth’s playing with a fluffy white one in her yard. It looks like a tiny fur ball.”

  Daniel laughed. “Otis is taken with his new friend. He’s on the dog’s heels.”

  Beth ran to them, carrying the white dog. “Isn’t she beautiful? Pet her. Mrs. Hochstetler said I can have her if you grant me your permission. Oh, can I keep her, Mamm? Please let me keep her. Otis and Cotton are good friends already. I’ve had so much fun with them today.”

  Mamm scrutinized the dog. “Where did you find her?”

  “She wandered into the yard. Mrs. Hochstetler thinks the owner didn’t want her anymore and abandoned her here.”

  Leah reached for the animal. “The sweet little dog must’ve been scared and hungry. May I hold her?”

  “Mrs. Hochstetler poured water in a bowl and put food in another for my new little friend. She gobbled up both fast. Otis and I named her Cotton.” She petted Daniel’s dog. “Didn’t we, Otis?”

  Otis barked and licked her arm.

  Daniel joined them. “She is a pretty little dog.” He scratched Cotton’s ear.

  The white dog licked his hand and wagged her tail.

  Leah nuzzled her nose in Cotton’s neck. “She’s adorable.”

  Mamm chuckled. “Who could resist her pug nose, chubby little body, and bouncy white hair. Cotton is a perfect name for her.”

  Anna pointed her finger at Beth’s chest. “Listen, you will have to take her outside to do her business, feed, and bathe her. She isn’t a toy you can put aside.”

  Mamm crossed her arms against her chest. “Anna’s right, Beth. Will you commit to taking care of Cotton?”

  She bobbed her head and snuggled the dog close. “I’ll take care of whatever she needs. I promise.”

  “All right, you can keep her.” Mamm smiled.

  “Yippee!” Beth snuggled the dog.

  Leah petted her. “It will be fun to have her around.”

  Daniel stepped to his wagon. “Sounds like Otis has a new friend.” He glimpsed at Anna. “I’m going home to feed the animals. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Take your time.” Anna waved to him, along with the rest of her family.

  Leah and Beth separated outside to milk the cow, feed the animals, and muck the stalls, while she and Mamm cooked supper.

  Two hours later, Anna greeted Daniel coming in the kitchen, and they enjoyed a hearty meal with her family.

  Leah emptied her leftovers onto two plates. “We can feed these to the dogs. I’ll wash the dishes, and Beth, you dry them.”

  Beth shrugged and took heavy steps to the sink. “Oh, all right.”

  “I’m off to fold a basketful of laundry.” Mamm left the kitchen.

  Daniel leaned close to Anna’s ear. “Would you join me for a walk?”

  Nodding, she followed him out the door. Breathing in the warm evening air, she stepped alongside him and they strolled to their spot. The pond’s water stood as still as a pane of glass, and the lush green grass and straight tall maple and oak trees painted a serene picture across her family’s property. She sat and leaned back against an old oak tree and waited for Daniel to sit next to her. “Are you happy you chose to live in Jonathan’s haus?”

  He plucked and toyed with a tall blade of grass. “I’m comfortable and making the haus my own.” He met her gaze. “When you marry me, we’ll live there first. If you’d prefer a larger haus, I’d build you one. You can arrange everything inside. You do a wonderful job with your displays in the shop.”

  Anna pressed a hand to her heart. Daniel accommodated her at every turn. Their relationship was easy. He’d complimented her on her displays, cooking, and so many things. She felt loved and adored. “Your haus is perfect for us. I’d be content to live there indefinitely.” It was exciting to discuss their future. “Have you considered how many kinner you want?”

  “Five would be ideal, but I’d settle for whatever number of kinner you have in mind. Hopefully, God will choose to bless us with kinner.”

  Her breath caught and she hugged herself. She’d assumed she’d have kinner. The thought hadn’t occurred to her she might not. Whether she had a male or female boppli didn’t matter to her. She would be thankful if they were healthy. And if they had a physical handicap, she’d love them more. Noah had wanted only one child. She’d reconciled to having one boppli to please him, but she’d struggled with wanting more kinner if they married. Daniel had removed that worry. “I hope we’re blessed with kinner. Five would be a good number.”

  “The more we communicate about what we want out of life, the more excited I am to start a future with you. We haven’t disagreed on anything yet.”

  Her throat constricted. She hesitated to broach the subject of working after having her first boppli. Working was out of the question for most women. Of course, she’d not manage the shop after her second boppli, but she achieved great satisfaction managing Grace’s Dry Goods Shop. “What’s your opinion about me working at the shop after our first child is born? I could ask Mrs. Hochstetler to watch the child.”

  His cheerful expression turned stern. “Our child and home should be your first priorities rather than working. I’d prefer you quit your job after you find out you’re with child. We will have enough money to live comfortably. There’s no need for you to work.”

  Heat rose to her cheeks. She studied the gray clouds forming above them. They matched the new tone their once-cheerful conversation had taken. “Running the shop is something I enjoy, Daniel. Ordering supplies, keeping the records, meeting and waiting on customers, displaying the quilts and dry goods are things I do well. I’d prefer to remain there for as long as I can. I’d quit when I was with child the second time.”

  His tone firm, Daniel crossed his arms
. “Managing our household and caring for a boppli will be difficult enough without adding the responsibility of managing a store. I would have to insist you stay home.”

  Most fraas stayed home with or without kinner. Her mamm worked after their daed passed because they needed the income. Keeping her job was important to her. Why couldn’t he be more understanding? “I wish you’d take time to consider my request.”

  He stood and swiped one palm over the other. “I stand firm on my decision. Kinner need their mamm’s full attention. You don’t have a sufficient reason to deny your kinner your time.” He offered her his hand to help her to her feet.

  Rising, she grasped his fingers, her heart heavy with disappointment. Silently they returned to the haus. Her family had gone to their separate rooms, and they were alone. She bowed her head and whispered, “Is there anything I can get you before I go to my room?”

  His soft and loving gaze met hers. “No, danki. Sleep well.”

  She squeezed his hand gently, turned, and padded away. She turned up the flame in her lamp, removed the pins from her dress, shrugged out of it, and put on her nightgown. After climbing in bed, she rested her head on the pillow and tears of sadness wet her cheeks. It was early to discuss having boppli with Daniel, but she wanted to know his opinion about kinner and her working as a new mamm before they wed. She didn’t want to disappoint Grace and quit any sooner than she had to. She rolled her eyes. Who was she fooling? Her friend would most likely agree with Daniel. Grace had asked her to manage the store after she’d discovered she was with child. She’d not hesitated to stay home.

  The shop had given Anna a sense of accomplishment. Managing a business before she’d met Grace had never entered her mind. The colorful and perfectly stitched quilts displayed on the walls, and the shelves filled with beautiful-patterned dry goods, provided a pleasant environment to work in. She’d miss every little thing about managing the shop.

  Twinges of guilt pricked her conscience. She rubbed her temples as a dull ache throbbed in her head. She sat up, relit the lamp, and reached for her King James Bible. Flipping the pages to Isaiah Chapter Thirty, Verse One, she read in a whisper, “‘Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.’”

  She had allowed her selfish desire to take hold of her. What had she been thinking? Guilt riveted through her. God would never be happy with her choosing to put work over and above her family. She’d been prideful and ungrateful. Daniel loved her and wanted to provide for his family. What more could she ask? She’d apologize to him tomorrow and tell him she’d had a change of heart and would quit the shop whenever he wished her to.

  After crawling out of bed, she dropped to her knees, rested her elbows on the bed, folded her hands, and pressed them to her bowed forehead. “Dear God, forgive me for my prideful attitude and for pursing my selfish desires with Daniel. I’m sorry for being selfish and stubborn. Danki for bringing him into my life. Please protect Daniel, my family, and me from harm. Danki for Your mercy and grace. Amen.” She rose and got back in bed. She turned out the flame and pulled the sheet up over her. The summer air was warm.

  Thunder clapped and she startled. Regret trickled from her head to her toes. Had she put shadows of doubt in Daniel’s mind about marrying her?

  Chapter Nine

  Anna got up Tuesday morning and milked the cows. Her mamm and schweschders fed the rest of the animals. Daniel had gotten up before them and left a note saying he’d gone home to tend to his animals. He would return in time for breakfast.

  She had to get Daniel alone and ask his forgiveness for her rash behavior, but the task wouldn’t be easy with her family around. Finished with chores a little while later, she went to her room. She peeked out the window. Daniel was kumming down the lane. She dressed into her work clothes and joined her family in the kitchen in time to greet Daniel coming in the door. “Good morning.” She glanced at the handsome and protective man and her heart beat faster.

  “Good morning.” Daniel gave her a half grin.

  Mamm served them, and Leah and Beth smiled and turned their attention to Daniel’s amusing story about chasing the sow back in the barn earlier at his haus.

  Beth and Leah told about the hens fighting over their breakfast.

  Daniel carried his empty plate to the dry sink. “Take your time. I’ll hook up the horse and buggy and wait outside. The weather is perfect today. It’s hot and sunny with a slight breeze.”

  Her stomach churned. She swallowed two bites of buttered bread. “I’m not hungry. Beth, are you interested in the rest of my breakfast?”

  Leah pressed a hand to Anna’s forehead. “You’re not warm. Are you ill?”

  “I’m fine. It’s nothing.” She hurried to the pump outside and filled a pail of water to rinse the dishes. Scanning the yard, she spotted Daniel. Time to talk to him.

  The door banged shut. Beth ran out. “I’m going to Mrs. Hochstetler’s. Have a good day.” Her schweschder skipped off.

  Anna went inside and helped Mamm and Leah wash the dishes. She followed behind them outside to join Daniel.

  The opportunity to approach him alone was lost. She shut her eyes for a moment. Not apologizing to Daniel would prick at her mind throughout the day if she didn’t get a chance to resolve their dispute before he dropped them off in town.

  “Anna, we’re running late. Leah’s got your dinner to take to the shop.”

  Leah held up a basket. “I packed cold chicken sandwiches and ginger cookies.”

  Leah and Mamm sat in the back and left the front seat for her. She got in beside Daniel.

  He smiled at her, flicked the straps, and drove them to town. Leah laughed about Otis and Cotton snoring while sleeping in her and Beth’s room. Anna struggled to sit still. She bumped Daniel’s elbow with hers when the wagon wheel hit a rut in the road. She’d hurt and confused him. She doubted he considered her the perfect fraa. Tonight, after supper, she’d ask him to go for a canoe ride. It would be the perfect place for her to apologize for her impulsive words last night.

  Daniel halted the buggy in front of the General Store for Mamm to get out.

  She glanced at him and grinned. “Leah and I can get out here. The shop’s close.”

  “No. I’ll take you.” Daniel coaxed the horse forward, and he dropped them off in front of the dry goods shop.

  Leah handed Daniel a clean flour sack. “Here’s cold chicken, an apple, and oatmeal cookies for your dinner today.”

  “Oatmeal cookies! I’ll eat those first. Danki.”

  Anna and Leah got out of the buggy.

  She waved. “Have a good day, Daniel. I’ll look forward to seeing you at five.”

  He tipped his hat. “Me too, Anna.”

  Anna unlocked the door, pushed it open, and stepped inside.

  Hand on her hip, Leah faced her. “Out with it. What’s wrong between you and Daniel? You and he were cordial, but strained. Not giving each other endearing glances and engaging in cheerful conversation. You fidgeted with your kapp string all the way here.”

  “I don’t want to have this discussion. Do you mind?”

  Leah waggled her finger. “Jah, I mind. I’m not moving until you tell me what’s going on. Daniel is the perfect Amish man for you. I care about you and him. You’re guilty of something. You won’t look me in the eyes. Tell me what happened.”

  Anna crossed her arms. “Daniel and I discussed kinner. I asked him if we were to get married, if he had any objection to my asking Mrs. Hochstetler to care for our first child while I worked. He is firmly against my idea. I pursued the matter by expressing how much I enjoyed working here. He wouldn’t budge. We walked in silence to the haus and we were cordial, but there was an uncomfortable silence between us.”

  Leah slapped the counter. “Anna Plank, why would you suggest working if he wants you to quit? He’s offering to care for you. Why would you risk losing him to have your way? God wo
uld not honor your request. You’re being stubborn and ungrateful.”

  Her schweschder’s words struck her remorseful conscience. Family came first. It was the basis of Amish teaching. She wished she hadn’t spoken to Daniel about her ridiculous notion to work. “I wanted to apologize to him earlier, but I couldn’t catch him alone to speak in private. I prayed and asked God to forgive me, and I’ll ask Daniel to do the same.”

  Hand on hip, Leah narrowed her brows. “As soon as we get home, you find time to tell him you’re sorry. He loves and adores you.”

  The shop door clanged against the wall. She gasped and froze. Noah. Her heart beat wildly in her chest. What was he doing here? Visiting? She stared at him in disbelief and stepped back.

  Leah clasped Anna’s hand and bristled. She glared at Noah. “What are you doing back in Berlin?”

  Noah removed his hat, raked his fingers through his sandy-blond hair, and curled the corners of his mouth in a cheerful smile. “I’ve kumme home to stay.”

  Anna stared at him and swallowed. Her heart raced. She couldn’t kumme to grips with the fact he was standing right in front of her. She had no words to say to him. His declaration muddled her mind. He is staying in Berlin permanently?

  Noah took one step, paused, and then took another step closer to her. He spoke one notch above a whisper and twisted his hat in his hands. “Anna, say something. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

  Leah stepped between them, raised her chin, and took a defiant stance. “You left her behind, brokenhearted, to move to Lancaster. She’s moved on with her life. How dare you show up to rip her heart open again!”

  Gripping his hat, Noah lifted his pleading eyes to Leah. “I understand why you’re frustrated with me, Leah, and I’ll answer any questions you have once I speak to Anna. Please let me have a few minutes alone with her.”

  Leah put her hands on Anna’s shoulders. “Are you ready to talk to Noah?”

  She nodded and bit her bottom lip.

  “I’ll mind the shop.” She motioned to the back. “The two of you should go behind the store to talk.”