Two Suitors for Anna Read online

  “I’d never hesitate to give my life for yours or Leah’s.”

  “You’re a brave man, Daniel Bontrager. You’re the calmest man I’ve ever met.” She patted Leah’s back. “Do you mind if Daniel and I talk behind the store outside?”

  “No, go ahead.”

  Dr. Rogers glimpsed at Leah. “I would like a few more clean towels.”

  “I’ll get them.” Leah passed him some from a small display table.

  Anna motioned to Daniel to follow her to the back of the room out of everyone’s earshot. With all the commotion, she’d forgotten about telling Daniel about Noah. He could’ve run into Noah in town before he came here. She hoped not. She would prefer he found out about Noah’s return from her first. “What brought you here early?”

  He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I needed more paint to finish a job. I’ve been nervous about Butch and thought it best if I checked on you and Leah.” He met her gaze. “I would be lost if anything happened to you.”

  Staring at him, she inhaled his woodsy scent, and admired his thick, brown hair and structured jaw. The calm sound of his voice and the protectiveness he’d displayed during their scary time with Butch reminded her how much she loved him.

  “I feared you’d be shot. I couldn’t stand to lose you.” She fumbled with her kapp strings. “I’ve had time to ponder my asking your permission for me to manage the shop after having a child, and I’m sorry. It was selfish and foolish of me. I would quit whenever you asked me to without hesitation.”

  “Anna, sweet Anna, I’m so relieved we can put our dispute behind us. I love you so much. Are you ready to set a wedding date yet? With Butch’s arrest, there’s nothing else standing in our way.”

  Dread shot through her. Her throat dry, she dropped her chin to her chest. “I’ve got some troubling news to tell you. Noah is back in Berlin. He came to the shop, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. He said he came back for me. He’s asked me to forgive him and pick up where we left off.”

  Stepping back, Daniel sucked in a loud breath. “What did you tell him?”

  The anguish in his voice hurt her heart. “My mind circled with joy, frustration, and confusion. I told him I needed time to sort out my emotions.”

  “Anna, what about us? Did you tell him about us?”

  “Jah! Jah! Of course. I told him I love you very much and we plan to marry.” With watery eyes, she gazed at him. “Daniel, I must take time to digest his return and request.” She brushed his hand with hers. “I’m sorry I’ve upset you. Noah’s return is shocking for both of us. I’m begging you, please don’t walk away from me. Please give me time to think.”

  He held her hands. “I’m disappointed his return has confused you about us. I’m stunned, but I love you. I’ll wait for now.”

  Leah approached them. “Daniel, Dr. Rogers would appreciate your tying Mr. Winter’s and his son’s horses behind your wagon and taking him home. He could take himself home, but he’s a little shaky and pale.”

  * * *

  Daniel nodded to Leah and gave Anna a weak smile. “I’ll take him home first. Later, I’ll return to take you, Leah, and your mamm home.”

  She wiped her damp cheeks and, lips trembling, smiled feebly.

  His heart heavy, he bid Dr. Rogers good day, went to the livery, returned to the shop, and went inside. He escorted Mr. Winter to the wagon.

  Daniel’s thoughts ran rampant. Noah had kumme back to Berlin to win Anna’s heart again. He could hardly comprehend her revelation. Anna’s asking for time to contemplate this new turn of events was more difficult. Noah’s history with her held more weight than he’d understood.

  He had to put his problems aside and take Mr. Winter home. Butch’s daed must be bereft with having to tell his fraa their son had shot him in a scuffle to prevent him from killing Daniel, Anna, and Leah. The pain in the man’s shoulder probably paled in comparison to the agony in his heart. He secured the horses and climbed in beside Mr. Winter. “Our ride home isn’t a smooth one. Are you in pain?”

  “A little but not too bad. I’m weak but capable of making the trip.” He winced. “I dread discussing my son’s actions with my wife even more than the physical pain. Butch’s going to jail again and for a more serious crime will turn her world upside down. We agonize over what we have done wrong in raising him.”

  Clicking his tongue, Daniel coaxed the horses onward. “You and Mrs. Winter aren’t to blame for your son’s transgressions. I’m certain you taught him right from wrong. He’s responsible for his choices.”

  Hanging his head, Mr. Winter pressed his arm tighter against himself to minimize the movement of his shoulder on the bumpy road. “I love my son, but I’m relieved he’s in jail. I worry each night his temper will escalate and he’ll seriously harm someone. I’d hoped he’d learned his lesson while he was there, but he’s as unpredictable and dangerous as ever. My wife is a wonderful woman. She’s nurturing, loving, and gentle. It’s heart-wrenching to watch her suffer because of our son. He’ll spout off to her, and she’ll make excuses for him. It’s her way of coping with him.

  “Did your son disrespect you when he was younger?”

  “He helped me in the fields and garden, but he kept his distance. After our evening meal, we played board games with him, hoping to lighten his dark moods. He participated and laughed with us, but if he didn’t win, he got angry and stomped off to his bedroom. I believe he’s not right in the head. I’ve never met a person so unhappy most of the time for no apparent reason.”

  “Have you asked Butch if something is bothering him?”

  “Many times. He shakes his head ‘no ‘and apologizes for his bad behavior. Soon after, he shuts me out.”

  Daniel yearned for a close relationship with his kinner. If he encountered such a dilemma, he’d pray to God for guidance and search the Scriptures for answers. “Have you asked God for help concerning your son?”

  The man scratched his neck. “We stopped going to church a while ago. We were too embarrassed about Butch’s rabble-rousing in town. We attended the Methodist church where the bell rings each Sunday at nine thirty in the morning. I miss going there.”

  “If I’m going through a difficult time, I ask God to direct my path. He doesn’t always provide the answer I want, but I trust Him to do what’s best for me. I read my Bible in search of answers to my problems. I find comfort in Him. I trust He will provide you and Mrs. Winter with the strength and comfort you need. I’m so sorry for your pain and sorrow you’re experiencing with Butch.”

  The man nodded, hanging his head. “Our pastor and friends have visited us many times and pleaded with us to come back to church. When I did pray, God provided me with a peace I can’t explain. I need to get back to praying and attending church services.” He glanced at Daniel. “I admire the Amish. You keep your focus on God at all times.”

  Daniel had his faults, and he hadn’t always taken his own advice. He questioned why Noah had returned to take the woman he loved away from him. Why would God allow this turmoil in his life? He rubbed the knot in his neck. It might have nothing to do with him. Could God be using him to teach Anna or Noah something? He didn’t want Anna to have any doubts about him for her husband, nor did he want to be used by God to teach them anything. Should he withdraw his proposal or wait? In the meantime, he wouldn’t rest easy. “We have our downfalls and problems, too.” He brought the horses to a standstill, jumped down, tied the animals to the hitching post, and helped his passenger to the front door.

  Mrs. Winter met them. “You’re hurt! What happened? Where’s Butch?” She helped her husband sit in a cushioned maple high-back chair and knelt beside him. “Are you all right, dear?” She turned her head to Daniel. “Thank you for bringing him home.” She stood and wrung her hands. “One of you must tell me what is going on.”

  Mr. Winter’s fraa hadn’t taken a breath between asking her questions. They hadn’t had a chance to answer them. He knew he best let Mr. Winter explain his injury and Butch’s part
in it.

  Daniel held his hat. “I’ll leave and let you have privacy.”

  Mr. Winter grasped his hand. “Again, I’m sorry for the trouble my son caused you and your friends. Thank you for all your help.”

  Mrs. Winter gasped and her mouth fell open. “What trouble has Butch gotten himself into, George? Is he hurt?”

  “I’ll tell you after Daniel leaves, dear. I’ve taken up enough of his time.”

  Mrs. Winter crossed the room and opened the door. “Oh my! I’m so sorry for my outburst. I’m worried sick about my son. Again, I’m grateful to you for bringing my husband home.”

  “Don’t apologize. I understand. Good afternoon.” He tipped his hat and left.

  On the way home, he had a heavy heart. He resented Butch for treating his parents with disrespect. Missing his mamm’s love, hugs, and encouragement, he couldn’t relate to the way the wrongdoer acted with his parents. The rage in Butch’s eyes suggested something was off about him. Maybe he did have something wrong with him mentally. Why did Butch have such a strong desire for power, dominance, and control?

  He went and finished painting the fence he’d repaired for a neighbor and collected payment. He checked the clock on the neighbor’s mantel. The women would be waiting for him to pick them up and take them home. He gathered his tools and put everything in the back of the wagon but left enough room for Leah and Mamm to sit in the back. There was enough room for three up front, but he’d leave where to sit to them. He’d gotten used to practically living at the Planks’ haus to protect them from Butch. He’d have no good reason to stay at night any longer. He drove to the shop. Would Anna invite him to her haus? Would their time together be awkward? How would her family react to Noah’s return and declaring his love for Anna? Would Noah be invited for suppers? He didn’t want to compete with Noah for her hand in marriage. He needed a fraa sure of him and only him.

  He stared ahead, instead of enjoying the rolling hills and farmland on the way. He shouldn’t act in haste. She might conclude she loved him, and not Noah. He’d wait for now. What choice did he have? His heart wouldn’t let him walk away from her.

  Daniel waved to Leah and his lovely Anna standing outside, waiting on him. Anna’s sad eyes and tentative smile showed she wasn’t in her usual chipper mood. Noah’s return must be burdening her. He’d rather she be sad than giddy with excitement about having Noah in Berlin. He wanted to go back to the way his life was with Anna before Noah’s return. He put on a smile and greeted them. “How was the rest of your day?’

  Anna sat next to him, and Leah climbed in the back. Anna turned to him. “We reopened the shop, and we had a steady flow of customers but sold only two quilts. Most of them witnessed the sheriff taking Butch to jail, and they were curious about what happened.”

  Leah asked, “How did your day go, Daniel?”

  Shrugging, he said, “I took Mr. Winter home, painted a fence I’d repaired for a neighbor, and he paid me a fair sum.” He glanced at Anna. “I’ve had better days.”

  Anna met his gaze, her gaze rife with empathy.

  He needed to speak to her in private. Would he have a chance to speak with her tonight? He stiffened. Noah could be taking his place at their table. Squinting, he clutched the reins and clenched his jaw.

  “Whoa, boy.” He coaxed the horse to halt in front of the General Store. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Plank.”

  Mamm hoisted herself into the back of the wagon. “Daniel, I’m so relieved you are all safe. I heard about what happened at the shop. I couldn’t get away from the General Store to check on all of you, but the sheriff stopped by and assured me you were all fine. I was the only one managing the General Store for most of the day.” She rubbed her arms and shuddered. “Butch Winter is a dangerous man. He needs help. Danki for protecting my Anna and Leah!”

  “I’m happy to oblige.”

  “Of course, you’ll join us for supper.” Mrs. Plank settled next to Leah.

  Rolling his shoulders back, he loosened his grip on the reins. “Danki, Mrs. Plank.” He glanced at Anna.

  She smiled and nodded. “I’m delighted you’re kumming over.”

  He grinned and this time it was genuine. “Me too. Will you take a walk with me later?”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  His mood lifted. She’d met his gaze and her sincere eyes reflected joy at his acceptance of her mamm’s invitation. He listened as Leah recounted to Mamm her version of Butch barging in and threatening them and shooting his daed.

  Mamm said, “The sheriff came to the General Store for tobacco and told us what happened just now. I’m sad for Mr. and Mrs. Winter. It must break their hearts to have their son back in jail, but it’s also a relief to know he is safe and unable to hurt anyone. Maybe he’s learned his lesson.”

  Anna shook her head. “His temper is out of control. I wish he’d turn from his evil ways, but he’s so full of anger. We’ll have to remember him in our prayers.”

  Leah said, “Mamm, Noah came to the shop today. He’s returned to Berlin to stay.”

  Mamm touched Anna’s shoulder. “You must’ve been stunned when Noah came to the shop.”

  Anna fidgeted with her kapp string. “Please, I’d rather not talk about him right now.”

  “Jah, of course. I should’ve waited until later to ask you about him.”

  Daniel heaved a breath. “I don’t mind, Mrs. Plank. Anna told me she needs time to sort out her emotions about Noah.” He scooted back in the seat. “I love your dochder, and I asked her to marry me before he returned. We kept our plans to marry to ourselves because Anna was afraid friends might think she had jumped from one man to another too quickly. In light of Noah’s return, please understand you’re like family to me and you should be aware of where I stand with Anna.” He exchanged a loving look with Anna.

  “I’ve noticed the way you look at her, and she’s been giddy and all smiles around you. My heart goes out to you, Daniel. You have my blessing should Anna choose to marry you.” Mamm cleared her throat. “We’re fond of you and Noah. I’m sure Anna will ask God to give her direction.”

  Anna blushed and wiped the tear dripping onto her cheek. “I am praying for God’s guidance, and I’ll search the Scriptures for answers. I don’t want to hurt Daniel or Noah.” She glimpsed at Daniel.

  He swallowed around the lump in his throat. He’d ask God to steer Anna toward him. Noah had abandoned her. The man hadn’t cared enough about her wishes to stay and marry her. It would take the force of a tornado to remove him from Berlin, away from Anna, if he’d been in Noah’s place. “I’m glad we’re talking about Noah and me openly.”

  Leah sighed. “Butch’s interference in our lives would’ve been a lot scarier without your protecting us. It seems as if you’ve always been a part of our lives. No matter what happens, please don’t walk out of our lives, Daniel.”

  Anna lowered her chin to her chest and wiped her damp face.

  He wished he could hold and soothe her. Leah’s plea touched him. He’d miss them if he had to back away because Anna chose Noah. “I care for all of you, but I can’t make any promises when we don’t know what the future holds. I may not be able to remain in Berlin if Anna isn’t a part of my life. Running into her in town and church would be too painful for me.” He halted the wagon in front of the haus and climbed out. He tied the horse to the hitching post.

  Beth embraced the squirming Cotton, and Otis stood at her side as she ran to them. “I watched you coming down the lane. I’ve been playing outside at Mrs. Hochstetler’s. I’ll tell her you’re home, and then I’ll kumme back to help with the cooking.” She skipped away.

  Mamm touched Anna’s arm. “Leah and I will be inside. Take your time kumming in and speak with Daniel.”

  “Danki, Mamm.”

  Leah frowned. “I should have waited to tell Mamm about Noah. I’m sorry, Anna.”

  “I’m not upset with you. By telling her in front of Daniel, you allowed him the opportunity to speak his mind and br
ing our plans out in the open.”

  Daniel grinned. “One of my favorite things about being with your family is the openness you share. I’m thankful you include me in these conversations and permit me to make clear where I stand.”

  “I agree. I’ll leave you and Daniel to talk in private and go and help Mamm.” Leah left them.

  Beth said, “I had the best day! Thomas’s mamm came to visit Mrs. Hochstetler. Thomas and I played checkers. I let him win. He still won’t agree to marry me someday, but I’ll keep working on him.”

  Anna and Daniel chuckled.

  Daniel grinned. “Give Thomas time, little one. You both have a lot of growing up to do before you need to worry about getting married.”

  Anna smiled. “Beth, do you mind if Daniel and I chat alone?”

  Her little schweschder shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t mind. I’ll go help Leah and Mamm.” She picked up Cotton. “Kumme on, Otis.”

  Anna twisted her hands. “I’m shocked and confused Noah is back. I need to get used to the idea and sort out my feelings. I love you, Daniel. Please try and understand. I need time to put all this in perspective.”

  He held her hands. “I’m hurt Noah’s return interfered with your firm commitment to me. I wish you were as certain of me as I am of you. His return and effect on you is confusing for me, too.”

  Beth came out and interrupted them. “I can’t find the sugar cookie recipe. Mamm said I could make a batch.”

  Anna shrugged. “I’ll have to search for my note. I don’t remember where I put it.” She tilted her chin. “We’ll finish our conversation after supper, Daniel?”

  “Of course.” It would be wonderful if he and Anna could put their troubles behind them and be happy. When would she make up her mind? She wouldn’t have an answer to his question, so he wouldn’t ask it. His patience was waning, and a full day hadn’t passed yet.

  Steam rose above the carrots and green beans Mamm placed in the center of the table. Thick slices of ham arranged on a platter made his mouth water. His stomach growled, and he couldn’t wait to taste the pork. Daniel joined hands with Anna and Leah, prayed, and asked God to bless their food.