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  Toby shook his head. “I’m twenty, and I’ve still got time to get married. I’m not ready to consider courtship. I choose to concentrate on my daed and work for you. My schedule doesn’t leave time for much else. My family needs my labor and the money you pay me. And I don’t begrudge the position I’m in. I can put a little money away, but it will take a while for it to build before I can consider courting a girl.”

  “Toby, together, we can build you a haus, and I would loan you the money.”

  “I appreciate your offer, but I’m content with the way things are right now. I’m unsure how much time I have left with Daed, and I want to take advantage of every minute I can. Mamm and Rachael have become dependent on me, and I want for them to have the assurance I will take care of them.”

  Andrew stared at Toby in disbelief. His friend had gone from responsible to stubborn. “You can take care of them and have a fraa. Your fraa would be a help to you and your family.”

  “I’m in no rush. I’ll know when it’s the right time.”

  Andrew raised his palms. “I won’t pester you about it. You’re doing all the right things. You make it hard to argue the point. I admire your dedication to your family. Be aware things will never be perfect.”

  “Danki for the advice.” He adjusted his hat on his head. “Are you building anything today in the woodshop?”

  He got the message. Toby didn’t want to discuss this topic any longer. He’d concede and talk handcrafting.

  “Yes, would you like to join me?” Andrew noticed the glint of happiness in Toby’s eyes when he offered. He liked teaching Toby how to build things, and his new friend was good at it.

  Andrew drew designs and examples, discussed processes, and demonstrated ways to sand, finish, and build chairs, tables, and other furniture for the rest of the afternoon. He glanced at the antique clock he’d kept from his parents’ belongings. He remembered them each time he looked at it. “Time for me to go to the bishop’s. I’ll be back soon.”

  Toby set the hammer in his hand on the worktable. “Hope you get the date you want.”

  Andrew departed and drove to the bishop’s haus. He knocked on the door.

  “What brings you by? Kumme on in.” Bishop Fisher ushered him inside and to a chair.

  “I’m excited to inform you Maryann Harding has agreed to marry me.”

  The bishop slapped his own leg. “Why, I’m tickled for you both. What date did you have in mind?” He yanked his calendar off the oak end table next to him.

  “We’d like to schedule May fourteenth with you, if you have it free.”

  The bishop flipped the pages to May. “I will mark the date. You sure? It’s planting season.”

  “I’m patient where most things are concerned, but not about marrying Maryann. I’m ready today. May is too far, but I must be reasonable.” He chuckled.

  Bishop Fisher penciled in their names. “Women like to have a lot of time to sew their dresses and make arrangements.”

  “Yes. I want her to enjoy the time leading up to, and the actual day of, our wedding.”

  “I miss Faith. My sweet fraa wasn’t on earth with me long enough before she took ill and died. It’s been five years, and I still expect to find her at the stove in the mornings. Cherish each day.”

  Andrew’s heart went out to the man. He didn’t want to think about losing Maryann for any reason. He chatted with him a couple of minutes and then bid him farewell.

  He got in his buggy and drove to the bakery. They had firm plans in place for their wedding. She’d be pleased he’d taken care of this. He parked his buggy in front of the bakery and stopped at the post office to collect his mail. He glanced at each envelope and opened the letter from his uncle Luke. Guilt settled in his stomach. He’d owed them a letter.

  Dear Andrew,

  I pray this letter finds you in good health and enjoying life and home in Charm. I hope you haven’t grown roots there, as I have a job offer for you. How would you like to work with me for the next couple of months, and then I’ll hand the store over to you to manage? When I’m gone, it’s yours. All I ask is for you to take care of your aunt Dora. Clyde had been my partner for twenty-five years, and he died in his sleep November twentieth. He was seven years younger than me. I never expected he’d leave this earth before I did.

  I’m not well, and I’m not sure what’s wrong. It doesn’t matter. I’m ready when God chooses to take me home. I have a young man overseeing the store, but he’s not interested in staying. He’s doing me a favor. I need you to kumme as soon as you can. It won’t take long to tell you all you need to know about the store to run it. I can put the store up for sale, but I’d rather keep it in the family. The farm next to me is for sale. The haus is in decent shape and the land is one hundred acres. I’ve got farmhands taking care of my property. We can hire additional men to take care of your land next door if you want to buy it. I’ve asked the owner to wait until I hear from you before announcing it’s for sale. He’s a friend.

  I’m excited about having you close. You’ve always been like a son to me and Dora. Write and tell me how soon we can expect you in Millersburg to talk this over.

  Love, Uncle Luke.

  Andrew groaned and shook his head. “What am I going to do?” He had a lot to consider before he spoke with Maryann. He’d promised to tell her about their confirmed wedding date, but he couldn’t think straight. He’d tell her what Bishop Fisher said tonight. He got in his buggy and headed home. Maryann had her unstable mamm who needed her. He wasn’t sure she would leave Charm. This was the opportunity of a lifetime for him. How would Maryann react to this news?

  Chapter Three

  Maryann poured coffee in Dr. Harrison’s and Sheriff Williams’s mugs early the next day. “May I offer you another custard pastry?”

  The sheriff split the newspaper with Dr. Harrison. “I’ll take another one, danki, Maryann.”

  Dr. Harrison patted his flat stomach. “Not me. I’m full.” He stared at the paper. “Says Denver, Colorado, may reach forty-five inches of snow by the end of today. A record for them. Article says roofs are collapsing, the roads aren’t passable, and the railroad is at a standstill. What a mess. I wouldn’t want to live there.”

  The sheriff huffed. “I’m sick of the snow, and it’s just started. January and February are usually the worst for us. Says the First Lady, Ellen Wilson, is about ready to decorate the White House for Christmas. Were you aware President Benjamin Harrison was the first president to put a Christmas tree inside the White House?”

  “Interesting tidbit of information. Why, I couldn’t have gone another day without being told such an important fact. How impressive.” Dr. Harrison chuckled.

  The sheriff harrumphed. “You’ll go home tonight and tell the wife about it for interesting conversation. You don’t fool me.”

  “You’re right. I can’t fool you. You’ve got me pegged, old friend.” He laughed.

  Maryann stifled a chuckle threatening to escape. She enjoyed the two best friends’ banter at the same time each morning. It was endearing that the bakery was their meeting place and time for discussing the latest news. She didn’t mind learning what was going on in the world, even though she wasn’t supposed to care, according to the bishop. “I like the change of seasons, and I like to ice-skate, so I don’t mind the snow.”

  “The wife and I ice-skated when we were younger. Now we’re older and not as flexible. I’d for sure end up on my rump or break a bone. The older I get, the more I like summer.”

  The two men chatted, drank their coffee, and departed twenty minutes later. Maryann cleared their dirty plates and mugs.

  She wilkomed the two Englischers entering the bakery. “What can I do for you ladies?”

  The two women ignored her greeting and sat at the far table in the corner. The older woman lifted her chin. “Get us two cups of hot chocolate and two oatmeal cookies each.”

  Maryann whirled around, selected the cookies and set them on two plates, and then po
ured hot chocolate in two mugs and served them. “Would you like anything more?”

  The older woman glared at her. “No. Please leave us. We’re trying to have a conversation.”

  Maryann left them and returned to the counter. She heated water on the small stove behind her for coffee. These two women could use some manners.

  The woman’s friend rolled her eyes. “I hope she’ll leave us alone. I find the Amish odd. Look at her dress. No buttons. How ridiculous.” She sipped her hot chocolate and then set her mug down. “Enough about them. I’ve got important news. My niece Glena made a terrible mistake by moving to Canton and marrying Norman.”

  “Why would you say such a thing, Minnie? You told me they were meant for each other.”

  Minnie sat on the edge of her chair. “Her family needs her. Her mamm’s not well, and she’s worse without her. Her father and brothers are taking care of her, but it’s not the same as having her daughter close.”

  Minnie’s friend cocked her head. “Why did they move? Her husband had a good job at the bank.”

  Minnie smacked her hand on the table. “Nancy, you won’t believe this. A friend wrote and surprised him with the position and increase in pay at a larger bank. My niece intended to visit often. Weather, distance, and responsibilities keep her from it. I do what I can, but she’s in a dark mood now Glena’s left.”

  Nancy splayed her fingers on the table and huffed. “Family should come first. He made enough money in Charm. Young couples can be selfish and greedy.”

  Minnie heaved a big sigh. “I agree. Selfish is right. Family should always come first.” She finished her last cookie. “Let’s pay our bills and head home. I’d like to finish the dress I’m making.”

  “For yourself?”

  “Yes, I pin-tucked pleats in the blouse. You’ll love it.” Minnie paid Maryann.

  Nancy dug in her reticule and lifted out her coin purse. She dropped her coins in Maryann’s palm and followed Minnie to the door. “I want you to make me one, sight unseen! The blouse sounds lovely.”

  Rude Englischers. Maryann grimaced. They could’ve said danki. Most of the Englischers she encountered were pleasant. Maybe they were passing through Charm and she wouldn’t have to serve them again. What a difficult spot Minnie’s niece’s husband put her in. She wouldn’t want to make the same decision.

  Hannah and Ellie strolled in.

  Ellie furrowed her brows. “We bumped into two women kumming out of the bakery on our way in, and they told us to watch where we were going and bustled away. They could use a lesson in manners. Did you have any trouble with them?”

  “Minnie and Nancy were their names. I overheard their conversation while they sat at a table not far from the counter. They need to learn to say danki and please. A goodbye might be nice. I was invisible to them. The two women judged Minnie’s niece for relocating and leaving her mamm, who has a tendency to sulk when she’s not around.”

  “Why did she leave?” Hannah perused the baked goods.

  “Her husband was offered a better job.”

  Ellie whistled. “That’s a hard one. I value family. I would hope Joel would pass up an opportunity and choose to stay in Charm.”

  Maryann didn’t want to discuss this with Ellie. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it. Andrew’s comment about possible relocation pricked her mind. “Enough about those women. Let’s change the subject.”

  Ellie lifted the lid above the plate on top of the counter containing butter cookies. “I love these.” She lifted one to her nose. “My favorite scent. We miss you and working at the bakery. We thought we’d stop in and visit.”

  Maryann pointed to Ellie’s stomach. “How are you feeling? Are you sticking with the name Emma for a girl and Amos for a boy?” The names were precious. She’d consider them if she had kinner in the future, if Ellie chose not to use them.

  “The nausea has passed, and I can’t get enough food. I’ll be bigger than a barn if I don’t stop eating. Yes, we love the names and haven’t changed them. We’re both excited for this little one to appear. I’m guessing the boppli should arrive sometime in June.” Ellie pointed to the molasses cookies. “I’ll have one of those, please. We came to have cookies and discuss your upcoming wedding. I hope this boppli doesn’t arrive until after your marriage to Andrew.”

  Maryann handed her the cookie. “We’re planning a May fourteenth wedding, depending on the bishop’s schedule. He’s supposed to let me know if he got the date confirmed, but he hasn’t kumme in yet. I love the way he asked you and the family. He didn’t hint at supper about a proposal. I was shocked and thrilled.”

  Ellie brushed crumbs from her lips. “Are you sure you’re ready to marry him?”

  Maryann walked around the counter and crossed her arms. “I thought you liked him.” Ellie had been skeptical of Andrew at first, but her schweschder-in-law had been in favor of him soon after. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Why would she say this?

  “I do like him. You and he have courted such a short time. I’m asking the question to make sure you aren’t rushing into this.” Ellie gently squeezed Maryann’s arm.

  Hannah gazed at her. “We love and trust you. If you’re ready, we’ll support you. There’s no question Andrew adores you. It takes more than love to have a firm foundation for marriage. I have no doubt you both are committed to God and the Amish life. Are you agreeing on finances, kinner, and those types of decisions?”

  Maryann shook her head. “I appreciate your concern. But rest assured, I am ready to marry Andrew. I’m confident we agree on what is necessary for us to marry.”

  Rachael and Magdelena strolled in from the kitchen.

  Magdelena hugged Hannah and Ellie. “I recognized your voices. Rachael and I had our hands in dough and couldn’t kumme out right away. We always love it when you both visit. Ellie, you are glowing.”

  Ellie beamed and patted her stomach. “I’m great. Danki. I’m twenty and consider myself young and having plenty of time to have more kinner. Joel is twenty-four and worried he’s getting too old. I teased him and said maybe we’ll have twins. He choked on his milk.”

  They all laughed.

  Maryann said, “He’s got plenty of time to have more kinner.”

  They all nodded in agreement.

  Rachael squeezed Hannah and Ellie’s hands. “We miss you.”

  Hannah grinned. “Ellie and I miss you, too. Sunny keeps me company while I bake and that sweet husband of mine, Timothy, is working. The dog loves to snuggle and is pleasant to have around, until I find where my furry friend has gotten into the trash looking for bones and made a mess.”

  “Speaking of misbehavior, I’ve got a story to tell you.” Maryann shared with them the encounter with Wally Ferguson.

  “The little imp was fortunate Andrew didn’t march him to the sheriff.” Ellie shook her head.

  Hannah said, “Andrew is brave and kind to take Wally to his daed. Mr. Ferguson could’ve tried to pick a fight with him since you said he found the Amish strange. His act of kindness may have given Mr. Ferguson a reason to reconsider his prejudice about the Amish.”

  Ellie scowled. “I’d have taken Wally by the ear, loaded him in the buggy, and hauled him home. I’d have told his daed he should teach the boy manners, gotten in my buggy, and left them both standing there.”

  Maryann covered her open mouth. “Ellie, you wouldn’t dare. It wouldn’t be proper for an Amish woman or any woman to confront a strange man.”

  “I would, and then you, Hannah, and the girls would’ve told me what a mistake I’d made.” She held her stomach and laughed. “The old Ellie would’ve done it, but not the new Ellie. I had you going. You all believed me.”

  The girls laughed with her.

  Maryann put a hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “You know how to get a rise out of all of us, you tease.”

  Hannah circled her arm around Ellie’s waist. “She does keep us laughing. I love her for it.” She nodded to Ellie. “We should go and let them get ba
ck to work.”

  Maryann packed some goodies for them.

  Ellie peeked in her bag and closed it. “Danki for the extra butter cookies. And tell Andrew we are sorry we missed him. He was leaving town when we came in the bakery.” She and Hannah hugged the girls.

  Why hadn’t he stopped in the bakery? Maryann hugged them. “I will.”

  Hannah and Ellie left, and Maryann closed the door behind them.

  “It’s always good to chat with Hannah and Ellie.” Magdelena clasped her hands in front of her.

  Rachael glanced out the window at them getting in the buggy. “I love them. They’re special. Now let’s get back to work. We’ve got pies to bake.” She gave Magdelena a playful push to the kitchen.

  Maryann took care of the customers ambling in. Her thoughts flashed to Andrew as she filled their orders. What has kept Andrew from visiting today?

  * * *

  Andrew urged his horse to go faster on the snow-covered roads.

  He had assumed his uncle would sell his store to his longtime friend and partner. He’d planned to stay in Charm, save enough money to open a large store, or approach Mr. Kline when his finances were in order. Now everything had changed. Would Maryann understand he’d had the best intentions to honor her wishes to stay in Charm, but his uncle had changed this plan and he had to consider it? Ellie and Joel would be close by for her parents. Everything would be all right, or would it? His stomach churned as he turned down his lane. He’d told her he’d stop in the bakery. He felt bad for not doing so. What would he have said?

  Toby met him outside the barn. “I’ll take care of your horse. How was your trip to town?”

  He wasn’t sure how to answer his friend’s question. Toby would be affected by the move. He shouldn’t discuss his uncle’s offer with anyone until he’d told Maryann. He held the letter to his side. “I got what I needed. When you’re finished in the barn, join me in the woodshop.”