Chapter 4
Rachael added a teaspoon of cinnamon to her cookie batter Wednesday morning. “Magdelena, what are your thoughts about Joseph Ramer?”
“I don’t know him well. He and his fraa moved to Charm two years ago. It’s sad his fraa died this past year. I noticed him and your mamm sitting together after Sunday services. Are they courting?”
“Yes. Mamm told me he visits often and brings her gifts.” Rachael sighed. “He hasn’t given me any reason to distrust him, but what do we really know about him?”
“His fraa, Edwina, was a shy and frail woman. I spoke with her a couple of times.” Magdelena scraped warm oatmeal cookies from a tray onto a plate for the display case. She frowned. “I’m not sure how I would feel if Mamm died and Daed courted another woman. But everyone wants to be loved. Mr. Ramer is a soft-spoken gentleman who has kept to himself since she died. I’ve never heard a negative comment about him. Your mamm is wise. Trust her.” Magdelena glanced at the clock. “It’s time to unlock the front door for customers. I’ll be back.”
Rachael carried a tray of raspberry jam pastries from the kitchen to the café and slid them into the display case. Caleb and Magdelena had given her advice. She should be thankful Joseph came into Mamm’s life, and she’d be more encouraging. She should get to know Joseph better, rather than depend on what others said about him.
An attractive woman stepped into the bakery, holding Joy’s hand. She had the prettiest honey-blond hair tied back with a white ribbon. She had a beautiful smile and kind brown eyes.
“Rachael!” Joy hurried to her and hugged her legs.
She didn’t understand why Joy was with this Englischer. Where was Nathan? She bent to meet Joy’s eyes. “What’s wrong?”
The young woman came behind Joy and addressed Rachael and Magdelena. “I’m Holly Maxwell. I’m visiting my aunt for a couple of days. I found this little one on the main road and thought she was too young to be walking alone. I offered her a ride and suggested I take her home. She insisted I bring her to the bakery to speak with Rachael. I assume you’re Rachael.”
Rachael kept her hand on Joy’s shoulder as she stood. “Yes. I’m Rachael Schlabach, and I’m close to Joy and her bruder, Thad.” She nodded to Magdelena. “This is my schweschder-in-law and coworker, Magdelena Schlabach.” She faced Joy. Nathan wouldn’t have allowed Joy to take a walk alone. “You didn’t tell your daed you were leaving home, did you?”
Joy frowned. “No.”
“He’ll be worried sick about you.” Rachael would need to take her home.
Magdelena lifted the glass dome on top of the display counter and removed six sugar cookies. She put them in a bag and held it out for Holly. “Please accept these as a gift. It was kind of you to bring Joy to us.”
“Thank you. The warm bread and sugary scents are delightful. I’d like to purchase the vanilla cake. My aunt will love it.”
Magdelena accepted her money and handed her the wrapped cake. “Thanks again.”
Holly squeezed Joy’s hand. “It was nice meeting you. I should be on my way. You take care, Joy.”
Joy beamed at her. “Danki for the ride.”
They bid Holly farewell, and then Rachael faced Joy. “You know better than to leave without telling your daed where you’re going. Holly could’ve been a kidnapper. We’re fortunate she is a sweet Englischer. You should not accept rides from strangers. Why didn’t you tell him you wanted to talk to me?”
Joy shook her head. “I asked him to take me to your haus or the bakery and he refused.” She shrugged. “I’m a big girl, and I thought I could walk to town. I didn’t realize it was so far. I chose the bakery, hoping you’d give me a cookie. I’m glad Holly offered me a ride. My legs were tired.”
Why had Nathan refused to bring Joy to visit her? She understood his feelings might be hurt, but that was no reason to keep her from the kinner. Was she being naïve? Maybe he thought it best to create distance between them. He had to move on with his life.
“I have missed you. I’m happy you’re here, but I’ll take you home now. Your daed won’t be happy you left home without telling him where you were going.”
Joy pouted. “No. I want to live with you.”
Magdelena waited on two customers.
Rachael guided Joy to the kitchen. “Has something happened to make you unhappy at home?”
“Daed isn’t gentle like you when he brushes my hair, and he doesn’t play with me. He’s sad all the time. I’m sure he misses you too. Why won’t you marry my daed? We need you.”
Rachael’s heart ached. Joy’s plea and worried eyes filled her with guilt. She’d missed Joy and Thad, and she had made herself stay away from them to allow Nathan to seek Ava or another woman. She should’ve known it wouldn’t be easy for this little one to accept she wouldn’t be there for them as she had been before Caleb entered her life. “I never meant to upset you. I’m sorry, Joy.”
Caleb cleared his throat. “Good morning.”
Rachael startled. She hadn’t noticed him entering the kitchen. “Good morning.” She couldn’t think of a worse time for him to appear. “Joy, greet Caleb.”
Joy crossed her arms and pouted. “No. It’s all his fault. He took you away from us.”
Caleb squatted in front of her. “I’d like us to be friends. Will you give me a chance?”
“No. I want you to go far away from here. We want Rachael back.” She scowled at him.
“Treat Caleb with respect. You don’t talk to adults that way. Now apologize.” Rachael’s head hurt. She didn’t want to scold Joy. This little girl needed love and attention.
She acted as if Rachael had abandoned her. After losing her mamm and now Rachael, she could understand why Joy was frustrated. What was the solution?
“Joy left home on foot to visit me. An Englischer offered her a ride, and she insisted the woman bring her to me here.”
“Would you allow me to take you home? Rachael has to work. Does your daed know you’re here?” Caleb kept his distance from her.
“No.” Joy harrumphed. “I want Rachael to take me home.”
This was going from bad to worse. “I’ll take her home. Magdelena won’t mind.”
Caleb nodded. “I’ll leave the two of you. I came to tell you I’ll pick you up at your haus Friday evening after work instead of you staying in town and both of us driving home separately. We can also follow your mamm and Joseph to the market event in case they want to leave earlier than we do.”
“Danki.” She gave him a warm smile. She looked forward to spending time with him.
He tipped his hat to them and left.
She held Joy’s hand and walked to the main café part of the bakery. “Magdelena, I’ll take Joy home and be right back.” Rachael’s fingers hurt from Joy squeezing them. But she wouldn’t complain.
Magdelena stooped to Joy. “You should tell your daed where you are at all times, and you should be careful not to trust everyone. Again, it’s not safe to accept rides from strangers.”
Joy sucked in her bottom lip and avoided Magdelena’s gaze. “She was pretty and nice. She wouldn’t hurt me.”
“You cannot tell if a stranger has good intentions or not. I mean it, Joy. This is an important rule to follow.” Rachael hoped she was getting through to Joy. The child was too trusting.
Joy shrugged. “I won’t accept a ride from a stranger again.”
“I should hope not. Give Magdelena a hug.” Rachael didn’t want to face Nathan with having caused his little girl such heartache and confusion.
This time, Joy obeyed.
“Goodbye.” Magdelena hurried to greet the customer kumming in as they left.
Rachael needed to run her errand as quickly as possible. She didn’t want to leave Magdelena alone any longer than necessary.
Rachael retrieved her buggy from the livery. She was glad Nathan’s haus wasn’t far.
“Remember Ava?” Joy toyed with her kapp ribbon.
“Yes. She’s a kind and caring woman. Why do you ask?”
Joy crossed her arms. “She’s visited us, but she pays more attention to Daed than me.”
“She would be a good friend for you, Thad, and your daed.” Rachael was a tinge jealous that Ava might be taking her place with the kinner. Caring for them had been one of the happiest times in her life. She’d promote Ava to Joy. It wasn’t fair of her to be jealous. She’d chosen Caleb.
“She can be my friend, but she can’t marry Daed. I told her so, and she hasn’t been back since then.” Joy gave Rachael a naughty grin.
“You cannot make decisions for your daed, and he would be upset if he knew you were unkind to Ava. You should apologize to her. You are to respect her.” Rachael was concerned Joy was too outspoken.
She reminded her of her friend, Ellie, who was now married and had a boppli. Ellie was bold and protective of her friends. She spoke what was on her mind and didn’t hold back. She’d mellowed a little since marrying her other friend, Maryann’s bruder, Joel. This wasn’t a trait she wanted Joy to keep.
Joy folded her hands in her lap. “Next time we have Sunday service or if she kummes to our haus again, I’ll apologize.”
“Good girl.” She parked the buggy in front of the barn.
Nathan met them. “Joy, where have you been? I’ve been trying to find you. Thad and I searched the property, went to the school, knowing it would be too early for anyone to be there, and I asked our neighbors. I was ready to go into town. Rachael, how did she end up with you?”
Thad’s eyes widened. “Rachael, I’m glad you’re here. Joy, you’ve been bad. How could you worry us like this? We thought someone kidnapped you.”
Joy huffed. “You wouldn’t have let me go to the bakery, so I didn’t ask. I met a new friend. A real pretty lady named Holly. She offered me a ride and my legs were tired, so I said yes. And I brought Rachael to our haus, where she belongs. I did it all by myself.” She jumped out of the buggy, wearing a satisfied grin.
Nathan glared at her. “You’re in big trouble, young lady. Go into the haus, sit in your room, and think about what you’ve done. You disobeyed me, put yourself in danger, and kept Rachael from work.”
Rachael stepped out of the buggy, and Joy hugged her. “Please don’t stay away from us this long again.”
“Get in the haus, Joy.” Nathan pointed to the front door.
Joy dragged her feet to the haus and went inside.
“I apologize for Joy’s behavior. We shouldn’t keep you any longer.” Nathan’s sad eyes bore into hers.
Thad waved her inside the barn. “Before you go, I’d like to show you the baby goat. We named him Scruffy.”
Rachael and Nathan followed him.
“He’s cute, with his scruffy white coat and larger ears than most goats.” She should head back to the bakery right away, but she didn’t have the heart to say no to Thad. Her heart pounded in her chest and her headache hadn’t subsided. She had no idea what to say to Nathan or Thad. She’d been hit with a dose of reality from Joy. She had kidded herself if she thought this transition in their routine and her courtship with Caleb would be easy. She’d ignored the tickling thoughts to check on them when she missed them. She wanted them to grow accustomed to their separation and her spending time with Caleb.
Nathan opened the small stall door, and they stooped to pet Scruffy. Scruffy rose to his feet and tried to lick Rachael’s cheek.
She reached out and scratched his ear. “You’re a loving little pet.”
Thad rubbed the goat’s back. “He’s been fun. I feed and take care of him. Joy liked him at first, but she prefers playing with the barn cats.”
Nathan grabbed the empty bowl in the stall. “I’ll fetch some water.”
“I’m happy you’re here, Rachael. I’ve missed you. Daed explained we needed to leave you alone while you and Caleb court. He said you chose him and we should respect your decision. Is it hard for you not to visit us?” Thad held his mouth in a grim line.
Thad was a wise little boy. “Yes. You and Joy are on my mind often. But in order for your daed to consider another woman and for me to accept Caleb’s offer to court, we have to let each other go. It’s hard on you and Joy, but I don’t know how else to handle it.” Her stomach rolled with guilt.
“Daed said he would’ve married you, but he was too late. We need you more than Caleb does. He doesn’t have kinner. We need a mamm, and Daed needs a fraa. Can’t you forgive him for waiting too long?” His pleading eyes tore at her soul.
“I care about your daed as a friend. He’s a wonderful man. But Caleb has my heart, and I’m sorry this has caused you unhappiness. In time, your daed will court a woman he deems appropriate for him and for you and Joy.” This was too much adult talk for Thad, but she didn’t want to shrug off his concerns or be dishonest with him.
Nathan returned with a full water bowl for Scruffy. He set it near the pet. “Rachael, I would like to have a private talk with you before you leave. Can you spare the time? I’ll understand if not. I realize you need to return to the bakery.”
Thad hugged her neck. “I’ll see you at Sunday service.”
She nodded. “It was good to speak with you today, and it was fun to meet Scruffy. Take care.”
Nathan and she strolled along the pond’s edge. The purple, white, and yellow wildflowers added to the beauty of the blue water and sunshine. “Joy has become a challenge to raise. She’s smarter, braver, more stubborn, and more determined than your average six-year-old.”
“Don’t let her manipulate you.” She gazed at him. “I would be happy to keep them for you from time to time, and so would Mamm, to give you a break.”
“It’s best we don’t give them hope we’ll have a future together. They would read too much into it. Don’t get me wrong—I would marry you tomorrow if you’d let me.”
Her cheeks warmed. “I care for you, Nathan. I really do. But your heart wasn’t free when Caleb came into my life. His heart was ready. It would’ve been convenient for us to marry, but I chose not to settle where love is concerned a long time ago. The kinner are resilient, and they’ll accept things as they are over time. May I ask where you stand with Ava?”
“She has brought desserts and full meals to us. I didn’t invite her in the first couple of times she came to our haus, but she kept bringing food dishes and desserts. I finally did relent and she spent time with us a couple of evenings. She’s not you, and you’re the only one for me. I’ll wait until you marry Caleb, then I’ll be resigned to make an effort with another woman.”
She opened her mouth.
He held up his finger to her lips. “You said not to wait. I’m also determined and stubborn, like Joy. Although I’m more patient.” He shrugged with his hands out and grinned.
* * *
Caleb sat at the supper table with his bruder and family. He’d combined all the vegetable leftovers and added ham bits to create a stew. He wondered if Rachael had stayed long at Nathan’s when she returned Joy today. Nathan was a good catch for any woman. He didn’t discount him as a threat to his relationship with Rachael. He trusted her, not Nathan. She would no doubt end things with him before she would take up with Nathan if she chose to make a change. Those were words he hoped never to hear.
Stephen, pale and short of breath, managed to grin. “I’ll pray.” He offered a prayer to God for the food.
Frannie raised her chin and wore a sly grin. “I picked up boppli clothes from Liza that her dochder, Lorianne, has outgrown for Lily today. I noticed Rachael and Nathan together taking a stroll. They looked like a couple in love.”
Caleb’s brows furrowed. “Frannie, stop with this. You want to rile me and you’re a gossip. You have no idea what was said between Nathan and Rachael.” Why did she provoke him?
Her sly grin said she took satisfaction in it. It annoyed him.
Stephen held up his palm. “I agree with Caleb. Don’t make something out of nothing.”
Frannie smirked. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Again, she seemed to take satisfaction in provoking him. She frustrated him.
Stephen glowered at her. “Frannie, enough. Don’t say another word.”
Frannie shrugged.
Caleb kept to himself the rest of the evening. He went to the barn to avoid Frannie. He trusted Rachael. Frannie was a troublemaker. Why wouldn’t the woman want him to be happy? Was she afraid of losing her cook, nanny, and cleaner?
* * *
Friday evening, Caleb changed into a fresh shirt and pants and drove to Rachael’s haus to pick her up for their outing. He’d been too busy in the garden yesterday to visit her. Stephen’s stamina wasn’t holding out for an entire day, and he’d had to take over more of the chores. He didn’t mind, but he wished his bruder wasn’t so stubborn. He’d begged him, to no avail, to let Dr. Harrison examine him whenever he got the chance. He’d stayed clear of Frannie, and she’d been on her best behavior when she encountered him. Stephen must’ve gotten through to her to watch her tongue.
Rachael answered the door. “We’re ready.” She motioned for Joseph and Mamm to leave. “It’s a smart idea to take separate buggies to give us more room to bring home the things we buy. We may both fill our back benches.” She grinned.
“I was thinking the same thing.” Joseph smiled at her.
Caleb and Rachael followed Eleanor and Joseph to the farmers’ market and food stands downtown and left their buggies at the livery. They reached the boardwalk and main street, where locals were selling their handmade dry goods, desserts, handcrafted wood items, and more. The crowd was thick.
He kept his hand on Rachael’s elbow as they wormed their way through the men, women, and kinner. “I’m glad you and Magdelena didn’t keep the bakery open past regular hours during this event.”
“Liza said we should enjoy the market and not worry about it. She’s the best boss and friend.” Rachael looked at the salted nuts at the stand ahead of them.
The short, bald man yelled and waved them over. “Salted nuts! Kumme and get them before they’re gone!”
Joseph leaned close to her ear. “Let’s go to the peddler’s cart. I’ll buy us each a small bag.”
“I like salted nuts.” Rachael nodded, and they made their way to the cart.
Joseph handed them each a bag.
She plopped one in her mouth. “Danki.”
Caleb liked Joseph. He wasn’t bold or loud. He had an average build and kind eyes and appeared healthy and happy. Eleanor laughed more when she and Joseph were together. She and Joseph had a strong friendship and appeared in love with each other. It was obvious by the way they interacted and leaned into each other. He could relate. He was happiest when he was with Rachael.
The four of them shopped and admired the pottery, furniture, and household items for sale.
Caleb bought Rachael a bag of different colors of yarn she contemplated buying. “What will you make with it?”
“I have several ideas.” Rachael grinned. “Danki.” She glanced around. “We’ve lost Mamm and Joseph.”
Caleb stood on a bench and searched for them. “They’re at the beef sandwich wagon.” He led her to them. “Is this what you’d like to have for supper?”
Joseph held up his palm. “You don’t have to choose the same thing. You can buy food from a different vendor. There’s a picnic table behind the bank. Meet us there. If it’s available, the spot will be a comfortable place for us to enjoy our food.”
“I’d love a beef sandwich with mushrooms and onions. How about you?” Rachael peered at Caleb.
“Done. I’ll buy us each one.” Joseph had already purchased sandwiches for him and Eleanor, and he didn’t want to hold them up. He hurried to pay the peddler and collect his food.
On their way to the picnic table, Caleb inhaled the aroma of fried apple pies, fried chicken on a stick, and doughnuts. He would satisfy his sweet tooth later. They reached the picnic table, and there was a woman alone there. She was a pretty woman, and he was surprised she’d be there by herself. Perhaps she was waiting on a friend or beau.
Rachael put her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Ava, do you mind if we join you?”
“Not at all.” Ava greeted them all.
Eleanor and Joseph chose to sit on a bench under the big willow tree, giving the excuse that it would give them more room at the table. Caleb suspected they loved having time together alone.
“How are you, Ava?” Rachael unwrapped her sandwich and took a bite.
“I’m frustrated and discouraged. I’ve done everything to gain Nathan’s attention and he won’t give me the time of day. Those kinner need a mamm.” Ava frowned.
Caleb bristled at the mention of Nathan’s name. Maybe if he gave the two women time to talk, Rachael would work hard at getting Nathan and Ava together. “If you women don’t mind, I’m going to buy us some fry pies. I’ll buy some for your mamm and Joseph too. I’ll be back.”
Rachael nodded.
* * *
Rachael waited until Caleb was out of earshot. “I wish there was something I could do to help match you with Nathan. Do you have any ideas? You would be perfect for him and the kinner.” She wouldn’t worry about them if Nathan, Joy, and Thad had Ava to take her place.
Ava narrowed her eyes. “I didn’t want to say anything while Caleb was with us, but Joy said you visited them the other day. I tried again to make an effort to get invited to supper by taking over my chicken-and-noodle dish. Nathan did invite me in, but our conversation was strained. Joy couldn’t stop talking about your time at their home. They’ll never move on if you don’t detach from them. They need time apart from you to heal and open their hearts to me or another woman.”
“I have stayed away. Joy ran away from home, and a stranger picked her up and brought her to the bakery, as Joy insisted. I returned her home. I’ll admit I miss them, but I understand the point you’re making, and I agree with it.” Rachael wasn’t happy she had to explain herself to Ava, but she understood her friend’s frustration. And she didn’t want this to damage their friendship.
“I’m relieved it wasn’t a casual visit. Since you’re courting Caleb, I was confused as to why you’d be there alone, without him. I should’ve known better. I’m sorry I misjudged you.” Ava seemed chagrined.
Caleb returned with fried apple pies for each of them and handed one to Rachael and another to Ava. He went to give Eleanor and Joseph theirs and then returned to Rachael. “They are scrumptious. Half of mine is gone already.”
“They are tasty.” Ava took another bite.
Rachael was appreciative of Caleb’s timing. She’d change the subject. She gestured to her bag of yarn. “I bought a bag of yarn from the vendor over there.” She pointed to the couple. “They have the best price going, if you need some.”
Ava finished her dessert. “I’ll visit them and then head home. I’m glad we had a chance to chat. Enjoy the market. Danki, again, Caleb, for the fried apple pie.” Ava stood and weaved through the townsfolk to the vendor.
Rachael watched her leave. She hadn’t divulged what Nathan told her. Should she have? She didn’t want Ava to get her heart broken, and she also didn’t want Ava to think she was boasting because Nathan said he would wait on her. She wanted Ava to keep trying with Nathan. He might change his mind and consider Ava.
She didn’t want to think about Ava and Nathan anymore. She should concentrate on her time here with Caleb, Mamm, and Joseph. She glanced at Joseph and Mamm. Joseph whispered something in her mamm’s ear. Mamm giggled like a love-struck schoolgirl. Her mamm beamed when she and Joseph were together. Joseph hadn’t gone overboard to win Rachael over. He’d been himself. “Kind,” a “gentleman,” and “considerate” were the words she used when she thought of him. She had expected to have to force herself to like him, but she’d found him effortless to be around and talk to.
Caleb tilted his head. “I wanted to give you some private time with Ava, so I used the fried apple pies as an excuse. How did your conversation go?”
“She’s disappointed Nathan isn’t considering her. I don’t know what I can do. She had the wrong impression about my visit to their haus Wednesday, when I took Joy home. Joy insinuated I stopped in on my own. Ava didn’t understand why I would go there without you. I’m thankful she confronted me so I could explain.” Rachael didn’t tell Caleb that Nathan insisted on waiting on her to marry Caleb before he’d consider another woman. She didn’t want to upset him, and she shouldn’t have gotten out of the buggy and stayed to speak with Nathan. “I worry about the kinner.”
“We should keep our distance from Nathan. It would be awkward for us to visit them. Give the kinner time to adapt to you no longer kumming to their place to take care of them. They’ll adjust.”
“You’re right.” Rachael took another bite of her fried apple pie, juice trickling down her chin. She dabbed her lips and chin with her napkin. “They put more cinnamon in their pies. I’m going to add more to the ones I make. It makes all the difference.”
Joseph and Mamm left the bench under the willow tree and approached them.
Joseph glanced at their empty wrappings. “Do you want more food or sugary desserts?”
“I couldn’t fit another morsel of anything in my stomach.” Caleb patted his midsection.
“Are you ready to head home, or do you want to shop more? There’s a piglet race in ten minutes. It might be fun.” Joseph gestured to the race area.
“Let’s stay for the race,” Mamm said.
“Sounds like fun.” Rachael would find any reason to extend her time with Caleb, and she was having an enjoyable time with Mamm and Joseph. She threw her wrappings in the trash can.
They reached the makeshift racecourse and laughed at the little piglets running in their narrow pathway to the dangling carrots at the finish line.
A tall and attractive man dressed in a button-down yellow shirt and brown pleated pants waved his sharp straw hat and yelled, “I won! I won!”
Rachael whispered to Caleb, “What did he win?”
“Twenty dollars. The man in charge has a list of prizes posted on the tree over by his cart. I read it as we passed by.”
Joseph moved to Caleb. “Most of the townsfolk are leaving the market and heading to the livery. It’s about time for the market to close. Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes. Let’s head to our buggies.” Caleb kept his hand on Rachael’s elbow to keep them from getting separated. Joseph did the same with Eleanor. They retrieved their buggies and drove to Eleanor and Rachael’s haus.
The two men walked the women to the door. Joseph held up his forefinger. “Before we men depart, I’d like to invite all of you to my home tomorrow at six. I’ll ask Toby and Magdelena to join us too.”
Eleanor beamed. “You don’t have to cook. Everyone can kumme here.”
Joseph shook his head. “This time, let me take care of everything.”
Eleanor clasped her hands behind her back. “I won’t argue. I like a man who cooks.”
Caleb winced. “I’m sorry. I promised Frannie I’d watch Lily so she and Stephen can go to a restaurant. But Rachael will go, right, sweetheart?”
She nodded. Did Joseph ask them to supper for a special reason? She shouldn’t make too much of it. His offer might have been to continue to get to know their family better. “Yes. I’ll bring dessert. Mamm, I’ll kumme home and we’ll go to Joseph’s together. Caleb, I wish you could kumme.”
“Me too.” Caleb frowned.
They said their goodbyes, and the men went their separate ways home.
Rachael had had a wonderful time with Caleb, as always. She was sad each time they parted. Caleb seemed to like Joseph, and he had influenced her to accept him as a suitor for Mamm. Caleb’s insight was important to her. She wanted a husband who would bring out the best in her. She felt a pang of guilt. She wished her courtship with Caleb could be as easygoing as Mamm’s with Joseph, but she couldn’t blame anyone but herself. She had to reveal the truth about herself sooner or later. She preferred later.