Chapter 1
April 1, 1915
Charm, Ohio
Rachael Schlabach served vanilla cake with white frosting to Nathan Wagler and his two kinner. She cut a slice for herself and sat at the Waglers’ round kitchen table on Thursday evening.
“I love this cake, Mamm.” Joy giggled and scooped icing onto her finger and licked it.
Rachael froze. She was used to the six-year-old saying whatever came to mind, but this was the first time she’d called her mamm. She’d helped with Nathan’s late fraa Katherine’s funeral eight months ago. She’d gone to the Waglers’ home and washed clothes, cooked evening meals, and cared for Joy and Thad after work most nights since then. Their daed still mourned Katherine’s death, and he spoke about her often. She considered Nathan a close friend, but would their friendship ever grow into something more?
Nathan cleared his throat. “Rachael is our special friend. You should call her by her given name. Your mamm is in Heaven.”
Thad, at eight, was wise beyond his age. He crossed his skinny arms. “Peter calls Liza Mamm and his real mamm is in Heaven. Mamm wouldn’t mind. She would have liked Rachael.”
Rachael didn’t want this awkwardness to linger. It had been two weeks since he’d asked her to give Katherine’s clothes and things to the Amish who could use them. She’d kept handkerchiefs, a bonnet, and a brush and comb for Joy when she was older. She would try to help them understand. “Liza married Jacob and they adopted Peter. Liza is his stepmamm, but they’ve agreed he can call her Mamm. I’m your neighbor and friend who loves you both. I’m here to lend a helping hand for a while. You should call me Rachael. I love you no matter what.”
Nathan stood and carried dirty plates to the sink. “I’ll wash.”
“Don’t worry about the dishes. Go to your sitting room. The kinner and I will clean up, like always.”
Thad dragged Joy’s wooden stool covered in crayon marks to the sink for her to stand on.
Rachael waved Nathan out of the large kitchen, with twice as many cabinets as she and Mamm had at home. “You go relax. We’ll be fine.” She was relieved when he headed to his sitting room and put an end to the conversation. She would like him to ask for a private conversation to discuss if and when he would court her. But she was patient. Did she really want him to ask? It would be a risk. Their friendship wasn’t guaranteed to blossom into love. But she loved the kinner. She could envision herself being their mamm, and they would be worth maybe never falling in love with Nathan.
She limped to the sink and washed and dried the china dishes with a red apple in the center of each one. She admired the unique design. She allowed the kinner to help her and then worked a puzzle with Joy and Thad in the sitting room while Nathan read his Bible. A half hour later, she bid them all a good night. She drove the short distance to her farm next door and went inside. Mamm had already gone to bed. What would she do if Nathan pursued her? Maybe she didn’t need to ponder it. He might not find her attractive. Should she back away from the Wagler family? It was too late. Her heart would break not being around the kinner. She prayed to God for guidance.
* * *
Rachael overslept Friday morning. She dressed and kissed Mamm’s cheek. “I don’t have time for breakfast.”
Mamm passed her a wrapped fried egg biscuit sandwich. “Take this. You need something in your stomach.”
She accepted the sandwich. “Danki.” Then she ran outside, harnessed her mare to the buggy, and drove to the livery. She crossed the wide road, waved to other shop owners unlocking their doors, and entered the bakery. “Good morning, Magdelena. I’m sorry I’m late.” She loved her best friend and schweschder-in-law. Magdelena was perfect for her bruder, Toby. She slipped her apron over her head and tied the strings behind her back. She stood at the big, hardwood, waist-high worktable centered in the room, where they had enough space to create their delicious desserts.
Magdelena grabbed the rolling pin and pushed it back and forth over her dough. “You’re only a couple of minutes late. Don’t apologize. I’ve been late a time or two. Anything new with the Wagler family?”
“Joy called me Mamm.” She told Magdelena what Thad had said.
“How did you feel about it? Do you want to be their stepmamm someday?” Magdelena stopped rolling her pin and stared at Rachael.
Rachael recounted to Magdelena what she and Nathan told the kinner and how Joy and Thad reacted. “I don’t know where Nathan stands. I may love him, but I’m not in love with him. Not to say I couldn’t fall in love with him, but who knows? It’s not like I’m overrun with suitors knocking on my door. I love the kinner. Any advice?”
“I’m not sure what to tell you. Let’s pray about it together.” Magdelena offered a prayer to God to intervene on Rachael and Nathan’s behalf. To close the door or open it for a courtship.
“Danki, Magdelena.”
For the next two hours, Rachael and Magdelena discussed the Waglers, recipes, and gardening as they baked bread, pies, and cookies to sell.
“I should’ve unlocked the door for customers ten minutes ago.” Magdelena hurried to the front room, where a display case showed their desserts for sale and white metal “ice cream” parlor chairs and tables were available to customers to enjoy their purchases inside the bakery. She unlocked the door.
Rachael slid a tray of molasses cookies onto the glass shelf in the display case. She stood and caught her breath.
A handsome Amish gentleman walked into the bakery. He met her gaze with his big, sky-blue eyes. He was tall, with broad shoulders. She guessed his age close to hers. He didn’t have a beard. He must be unmarried. “Good morning.”
He smiled, and his teeth were white as snow. He tipped his hat, and he had a head full of thick blond hair. He’d probably never go bald. “Good morning, ladies. I’m Caleb Yutzy and I’m new in town. I hope you have cinnamon bread.”
Rachael pressed a hand to her heart. She couldn’t wrench her gaze from his. “I’m Rachael Schlabach. We have a fresh loaf right out of the oven.”
Magdelena waited on the two customers who came in behind Caleb.
“I’d love a loaf and a slice of it right now, if you don’t mind.” Caleb chose a middle table among the other five “ice cream” white-metal chairs and tables in the café area decorated with red tablecloths.
“Would you like coffee or hot chocolate?” Rachael cut a thick slice of bread from the loaf and packaged the rest. Then she limped over to him and served him the warm cinnamon bread with butter and a cup of coffee. What was happening to her? She couldn’t quit staring at this tall, lean-framed man.
He pulled out the other chair at the table. “Will you take a break and join me? I promise to not keep you long.”
Rachael’s heart fluttered, and she hesitated. He was bold, but she didn’t mind.
Magdelena approached them. “She’ll be glad to. I’m Magdelena Schlabach, Rachael’s schweschder-in-law. I overheard you say your name is Caleb Yutzy and you’re new to Charm. Where are you from?”
“Nappanee, Indiana. I moved here with my bruder, Stephen, and his fraa, Frannie, and their boppli, Lily.”
Two women entered the bakery.
“Excuse me. I should take care of these customers. Rachael, take your time.” Magdelena greeted the women and returned to the display case.
Rachael sat at the table with Caleb. She could gaze into those blue eyes all day. “What brought you and your family to Charm?” She wanted to know everything about this man.
“Stephen and his family lived with Frannie’s mamm. When her mamm died, she found it difficult to live with the memories attached to the haus she grew up in. Stephen suggested they sell the haus and move here. He’d passed through Charm a time or two and he was made to feel wilkom. The town made a lasting impression, and he mentioned it to Frannie, and she was in favor of moving here. I sold our parents’ place and came with them.” Caleb sipped his coffee. “Do you have a suitor or husband?”
Rachael’s cheeks warmed. “No. I live with my mamm. Daed died last year. Magdelena married my bruder, Toby, in September, and they live not too far from us. Forgive me. I’m rambling.”
“Please continue. I want to know everything about you.” He winced. “Stephen says I’m too direct sometimes.” He covered his mouth with his hand, then dropped it. “I hope I haven’t offended you.”
She smiled and shook her head. “I’m not offended.” She wanted to encourage him, but she didn’t want to be too forward.
He finished the last of his bread. “Would you like to kumme to supper tomorrow night at my family’s haus? I’d like for you to meet them, and we could get to know each other better. Give me directions to your haus and I’ll pick you up.”
“Yes. I’d love to meet them.” She gave him directions. “I should get back to baking, but I’m pleased to have met you, and danki for the invitation.” She couldn’t wait to spend more time with him.
“The pleasure is all mine.” He stood and made an exaggerated bow. “I’ll be at your haus at six tomorrow evening.” He bid her good day and left.
Magdelena served a patron coffee and then pulled Rachael aside. “What a handsome fellow, and his interest in you is apparent. Caleb didn’t waste any time finding out if you are unmarried.”
Rachael waggled her forefinger at Magdelena. “Were you listening to our conversation?”
“Of course. The connection between you and him was immediate. You and Caleb couldn’t quit smiling from the time your gazes met. His high cheekbones and square chin with those blue eyes give him a striking face, and he must be a little over six feet tall. If he wasn’t Amish, he could’ve been an actor. He does need some meat on those bones. He needs you to invite him to supper.” She chuckled. “I’m proud of you. You didn’t hesitate to meet his family.”
“I don’t know what came over me. One look at him and I was smitten. I didn’t flinch when he asked me to supper, having just met him. My limp didn’t seem to bother him. I haven’t had any Amish men show interest in me like this for quite a while. With Nathan, I invited myself and pitched in to care for him and the kinner. But our situation is different. He’s lost and mourning his fraa. I didn’t have any expectations where he and I are concerned.”
“You’re giddy about Caleb.”
Rachael grinned. “I’m excited to meet Caleb’s family and talk with him tomorrow night.” She picked up a towel on the counter and gripped it. Joy and Thad might be upset when she told them she had plans and wouldn’t be joining them for supper. This would be a definite break in their routine. Would her plans with Caleb matter to Nathan? She’d break the news to them this evening.
Magdelena beamed. “I’m happy for you, my friend. This could be the beginning of something wonderful for you and Caleb.”
“I hope so.” Rachael’s heart soared.
Magdelena’s dark eyes and coal-black hair, plus her slender frame, usually captured everyone’s attention first. But Caleb had been different. He’d set his gaze on her. She had questions to ask him. What were his likes and dislikes? Had he been in love before? Did he plan on staying in Charm?
At the end of the workday, she drove to Nathan’s haus. He had a wraparound porch in front and a swing she and the kinner liked to sit in. He had cows grazing in the field, and his smokehaus and barn were on one side of the property and the garden was on the other side of the haus. He had a small pond beyond the garden. She liked the layout.
Joy ran to her, holding a picture. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Rachael tied her mare to the hitching post and then held her arms open wide. Joy’s bonnet fell off her head, showing her white-blond curls as she ran into her arms. She was a beauty. She’d have a line of suitors at her door when she was ready to court.
Rachael hugged the child. “What did you draw?”
Joy held her picture high for Rachael. “You, Daed, me, and Thad. Oh, and my barn cats.”
Rachael’s heart sank. She didn’t want to disappoint or hurt Joy, but this picture portrayed them as a family. Joy had drawn her and Nathan holding hands. “This is a wonderful picture. Did you show this to your daed?”
Joy nodded. “He liked it. Thad did too. I’m keeping it on my dresser. Is Eleanor kumming for supper?”
Rachael had invited Mamm often to the Waglers’ for supper, but she’d accepted the invitation only a couple of times. Mamm had friends who kept her busy. She worked hard, and she suspected Mamm would like for Nathan to take an interest in Rachael as more than a friend. Rachael stopped asking her to join them each time and told her she was always wilkom. Her mamm went to Magdelena and Toby’s a couple of times a week for supper.
“Not tonight. How was your day at school?”
“Thad and I played hide-and-seek with Peter and Charity at dinnertime. I slipped and fell in the mud chasing the yellow cat, and I had to change clothes when I came home.”
“We’ll wash your dress after supper. Accidents happen.” Joy stained her clothes with dirt or food more than Thad. Her favorite thing to do was make mud pies. Joy pumped water from the pump in anything she could find and then poured the water over the dirt to make mud to play in.
“Where are your daed and Thad?”
“Daed has a chicken plucked and ready to cook. He wanted to surprise you, so don’t tell him I gave away his secret.” She giggled and held her forefinger to her lips. “Thad and he plucked the feathers off the chicken together.”
“What should we have with our chicken?”
Joy often stayed by her side in the kitchen, waiting for tasks to do. “Mashed potatoes.”
Rachael tweaked Joy’s cheek. “You’d have mashed potatoes every day if you could.”
Joy laughed. “Yes, I would. They’re my favorite. You let me mash them when we cook, but Daed insists on doing it himself.”
They entered the house and went to the kitchen.
Thad grinned and pointed to the table. “I set the table and filled the water glasses.”
“The chicken is ready to kumme out of the oven, the potatoes are ready, and there’s brown bread sliced in the basket.” Nathan pulled out her chair. “We’ll serve you.”
She hadn’t expected this. He’d not made supper before this evening and he’d gone to a lot of trouble.
“I appreciate this. Danki.” Rachael sat, unfolded her napkin, and spread it out on her lap.
Nathan had readied a chicken for her to bake or fry in the past, but he’d not prepared the entire supper. He’d even changed the plain yellow tablecloth to a red one edged with lace. He had cloth napkins to match. Was this a danki or something more?
Nathan and the kinner took their seats. Nathan bowed his head and said a prayer to God for the food. “Enjoy. We’ll have enough food left over to have the same thing tomorrow evening. You won’t have to work as hard.” Nathan removed the chicken from the oven, cut and put the pieces on a platter, stirred the drippings into the gravy, and carried it to the table. He had the mashed potatoes warming on top of the stove, and he put the bowl next to the meat.
Thad placed the bread basket beside the butter, and raspberry jelly was already on the table. “Would you like bread?” He passed the basket to her.
Thad’s chocolate-brown eyes gazed at her. With his lanky build and wavy, light brown hair, he was a handsome boy. She loved his kind and wise demeanor.
“I want one.” Joy reached in and took a slice as Rachael accepted the basket. She wouldn’t call Joy bashful. The six-year-old always let you know what was on her mind.
“Will you bring home some iced sugar cookies for dessert tomorrow night?” Joy held a scoop of potatoes on her spoon.
Rachael traced the rim of her glass. She hoped they wouldn’t get upset. “I have plans tomorrow evening with a friend, so I won’t be joining you. You can have the leftover chicken and make sandwiches.”
Joy grinned. “We’ll kumme with you. Bring the cookies to your friend’s haus. We’ll all have dessert together.”
Thad shrugged. “Yes. Where does your friend live? What’s your friend’s name?”
“Caleb Yutzy. He’s new in town.” Rachael’s cheeks heated.
Nathan avoided eye contact with her. “Enough with the questions. You’re being rude. Rachael doesn’t expect to go with you when you go to a friend’s haus. It’s not proper to invite yourselves to tag along with Rachael and her friend.”
Joy pouted. “You want us to kumme, don’t you, Rachael?”
“I’m sorry. Your daed is right. It’s not appropriate for me to bring you. We’ll talk at church on Sunday.” She avoided eye contact with them.
Nathan and the kinner frowned and the room went silent.
She had to bring smiles to their sad faces. “Would you like to mix a batch of sugar cookies before we do the dishes? It wouldn’t take us long.”
Joy’s head bobbed. “Yes!”
Thad grinned. “I’ll stir the batter.”
Nathan put his napkin on the table. He’d left half the food on his plate. “I’ll be in the barn if you need me.” He left the room.
She pressed a hand to her nervous stomach. Nathan and she had no romantic relationship. They hadn’t flirted or hinted at even the possibility of courtship. Why had he acted hurt? She understood the kinner might get upset, but why Nathan? Or had he gotten used to their routine and didn’t want it interrupted? She wouldn’t confront him about his abruptness. She’d wait until he was ready to discuss it.
She instructed Joy on what and how much of each ingredient to put in the bowl.
“This is fun.” Joy followed her directions.
“Thad, you can stir.”
He waited for Joy to step aside, and he stirred the batter.
Joy stood close and watched his every move.
Rachael let them each scoop small amounts of batter onto the cookie sheet. She slid the cookies in the oven and put the ingredients away.
Joy slid her finger around the bowl and licked the batter from her finger. “I like the batter more than the baked cookies.” She giggled.
Thad took the bowl from her. “Leave me some.” He swiped out the rest of the batter with a wooden spoon and licked it. “So good.”
Rachael washed and let Joy and Thad dry the dishes.
Joy handed a plate to Thad to put in the cabinet. “I’ll miss you when you go to your friend’s haus.” She pouted.
Thad stayed quiet.
“I’ll miss you too.” She didn’t know if she’d resume their routine. She didn’t want to say too much. She wasn’t sure what the future held. She took the cookies out of the oven. “We’ll let the cookies cool while we wash Joy’s dress.”
She and Joy washed the muddy dress. Thad hung it up to dry.
Thad entered the kitchen and grabbed a container for the cookies. “I’ll put the cookies away and leave out four for us so we can each have one.”
“Danki, Thad.” Rachael waited for him to empty the baking pan and then washed and dried it. She put it away.
Joy reached for a plate on the counter and placed four cookies on it. “I’ll carry the cookies to the sitting room and choose a board game for us to play.”
Rachael and Thad followed her to the sitting room. Joy carried the plate of cookies to each of them, and they took one.
Joy sat on the floor next to Rachael. They finished their cookies, laughed, and had a good time.
Nathan came inside. His tone was stern. “Kinner, time for bed. Change into your nightshirts, and I’ll be in to say prayers and good night in a minute.”
“Daed, we saved you a cookie.” Joy pointed to the plate. “Do we have to go to bed now?” she begged.
“Yes, and don’t whine.” Nathan pointed to her room. “Go now.”
The kinner hugged her goodbye.
Rachael went to the door. “Sleep tight.”
“Rachael, danki for taking care of the dishes. You don’t need to wait if you’d like to go home.”
“Danki for the delicious food. Good night.”
“Good night.” Nathan headed to Joy’s bedroom.
Rachael drove home. Nathan wasn’t himself tonight. His mood changed from jovial to serious after she said she had plans tomorrow evening. Should she have asked him why he was upset? His extra effort with supper could’ve been a danki for taking such good care of them. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. Why would he avoid her and not talk about it? She went inside the haus and Mamm was reading her Bible.
“How was your evening?”
“Nathan cooked supper. He did a marvelous job. He’s never expressed interest in me. The supper could’ve been to show he wanted to reciprocate and not expect me to do all the cooking. I’m not sure. When I told him I have plans tomorrow, he became quieter than usual. I didn’t press him about it. Tomorrow evening, I’m having supper with a new family who moved to Charm. I’ll tell you more about them and introduce you to Caleb when he picks me up.”
“Who is Caleb? What’s his last name?” Mamm put her Bible on the end table. “I need more information.”
“Yutzy. Caleb lives with his bruder’s family. He came to the bakery and asked me to join them.”
“You’ve talked to him once and you agreed to go to his haus? Isn’t this too soon? If he’s new in town, no one knows much about him.” Mamm worried her brows.
Rachael shook her head. “We’ll be with his family. I can’t explain it, but I was drawn to him on sight. I haven’t gotten giddy over a man since John died. It’s been four years. I’m curious about Caleb.”
“Since his family will be present, I suppose it’s all right. When you told Nathan and the kinner you wouldn’t be with them tomorrow night, it was probably hard for them. They are used to you having supper with them. Nathan may have cooked to show interest in you. I’m uncertain, but it would explain why he was upset. What about the kinner?”
“Nathan should’ve said something instead of sulking. Joy and Thad were disappointed. I’m not sure Nathan and I will ever be more than friends. I love the kinner, and I’ll always be there for them if they need me. I’m taking this change one day at a time. Who knows what will happen with Caleb. This might be my first and last supper with him.”
“You’re right about everything you’ve said. There’s no reason not to get acquainted with Caleb and his family.” Mamm reached for her Bible and opened it. The binding was loose and she handled it with care.
“Mamm, do you have plans tomorrow?”
“Yes. I’ll already be at the Yoders for supper before you get home from work. I’m going early to help them cook and bake. Have a good time. I’ll look forward to meeting Caleb when you kumme home.” Mamm kissed her dochder’s cheek.
Rachael hoped it would be the first of many times she and Caleb would spend time together.
* * *
Caleb dried and put away the last dish from supper Friday evening. Rachael had occupied his mind since he met her today. She had beautiful emerald eyes and a pleasant voice. She had pretty, light brown hair where her kapp was set farther back on her hair. She didn’t seem put off by his questions or his interest in her. She had a positive attitude and a genuine smile. She had a limp. Was she born with it? He’d find out soon enough. He went to the porch and sat in the white-painted rocker near his bruder, Stephen, and his schweschder-in-law, Frannie, holding Lily on her lap. “What a beautiful evening. I’m glad we could switch from coats to light sweaters. I’m ready for summer.”
Frannie cocked her head to Caleb. “Danki for taking care of the dishes.”
“You’re wilkom.” Caleb hadn’t told them about Rachael.
Supper had been more chaotic than usual. Lily had been fussy, and Stephen had knocked over his water glass. He’d sent them to the porch to relax, hoping they’d be in a better frame of mind when he told them he’d invited company for tomorrow night. He prayed it would be calmer when Rachael was with them.
He braced himself. “I met Rachael Schlabach at the bakery in town today. I invited her here to meet you and have supper with us tomorrow evening.” He was on pins and needles waiting for Frannie’s reaction.
No surprise. Frannie raised her brows. “I’m not ready for guests. The haus is a mess most of the time with Lily’s toys, unfolded laundry, and dirty dishes in the sink. I can’t keep up with inside chores and take care of Lily too. The last thing we need is company. Take her to a restaurant.”
“Now, Frannie, don’t fret.” Stephen patted her hand. “Caleb and I will help you. We need to make friends in Charm. Be happy a girl has caught Caleb’s eye.”
“I’ll make potato soup and ham sandwiches. Easy to make and clean up.” Caleb bit his tongue. He didn’t want to say something he’d regret.
Frannie was a burden for Stephen. His bruder pushed himself hard to meet her demands and take care of the farm. Stephen had tired eyes and slumped shoulders most of the time. He stayed up late and got up early to straighten the haus or cook food for them. Frannie got plenty of rest. She was spoiled. Not the kind of woman Caleb wanted for a fraa.
Frannie waggled her forefinger. “I’m counting on you both to keep your word.”
* * *
Caleb woke early Saturday morning and hurried to do his chores throughout the day. Later, he made the potato soup as promised, and left it on the stovetop to keep warm. He was ready to fetch Rachael.
Frannie placed Lily in the playpen in the living room. “Did you set the table? Is the soup finished? When will you make the sandwiches?”
His stomach clenched. She was the most demanding woman he’d ever met. “The table is set and the soup is done. I’ll warm it when we’re ready for supper, and then I’ll make the sandwiches.”
“Did you slice the ham or do I have to?” Frannie sighed.
“The ham is sliced and in a container on the counter. I’ll be back soon.” He would’ve told her she was being unreasonable to not help prepare the food, but he didn’t want to start an argument. He wanted Rachael to feel wilkom when she met them.
Frannie pursed her lips and nodded.
He’d make it to Rachael’s haus right at six if he hurried. She lived about a mile from him. When he arrived, he found her waiting on the porch with a beautiful smile on her face, holding a white tin cake carrier.
“Good evening.”
She got inside the buggy and placed the cake carrier on her lap. “Danki for the invitation to meet your family. I brought a white double-layer cake from the bakery. It has vanilla frosting with pink roses on top.”
“I should’ve invited your mamm. It’s not too late to ask her. We have plenty of food.” Caleb shouldn’t invite Mrs. Schlabach without warning Stephen and Frannie, but he would take his chances Frannie wouldn’t be rude.
“You’re thoughtful to invite her. Mamm’s at a friend’s haus, having supper with them. I would like you to kumme in and meet her when you bring me home.”
“It will be my pleasure.” He flicked the reins and headed home. “I’m pleased and surprised you accepted my invitation. I should’ve spoken with you at the bakery and church a couple of times before I asked you to supper. But the minute I met you, I wanted to become better acquainted. At the bakery there are too many customers around, and at church you’re surrounded by friends. After supper, we’ll take a walk or buggy ride, if you’re all right with this suggestion.”
She chuckled. “I appreciate your forthrightness. I’d enjoy a buggy ride with you this evening.”
“I’m relieved. The last thing I want to do is offend you.” He halted the buggy near the haus and tied the mare to the hitching post. He patted the horse with affection.
Rachael stepped out of the buggy, holding her cake carrier, and joined him. “The wraparound porch on the haus must be a wonderful place to relax on the swing or rocking chairs.”
“It’s what drew all of us to this haus. The farm is about one thousand acres, and the barn and smokehaus mirror many of the structures of our Amish neighbors. The porch and layout of the haus is what sold Frannie on this place.” He didn’t want to warn her about Frannie. He hoped his schweschder-in-law would behave and wilkom Rachael as a new friend.
They walked to the haus and went inside. Caleb introduced Rachael to his family.
Frannie narrowed her eyes and balanced Lily on her hip. “Please take a seat.”
Stephen stood next to Frannie. “We’re glad you could join us this evening, Rachael.”
“Danki for having me.” She reached for Lily’s chubby hand. “What a pretty little girl with her light brown hair and big brown eyes. How old is she?”
“She’s two and full of energy. She wears me out,” Frannie harrumphed.
Caleb kissed Lily’s forehead. “She’s a cheerful little girl.” He addressed Rachael. “I’ll make the sandwiches and heat the soup. You stay and visit.”
Rachael shook her head. “I brought dessert. I’ll take it to the kitchen since Frannie has her hands full. I’d like to help.” She followed him to the kitchen and gestured to a container. “Is this the ham? May I use the bread in the bread box?”
He pointed to a covered plate on the counter. “You’ll find the ham on the counter, and the bread in the bread box next to it. You can make the sandwiches and pour water in the glasses, if you don’t mind. The pitcher is behind you on the other counter.” Caleb was relieved Frannie had kept the fire going in the stove. His soup was warm.
“I’d be happy to.” Rachael prepared the sandwiches and poured water into the glasses.
Caleb called out to Stephen and Frannie through the open archway from the kitchen to the living room, “Supper’s ready.” He poured the soup into a white porcelain tureen and added a ladle.
Frannie lowered Lily into her high chair, and the rest of them took their seats.
Caleb offered a prayer to God for the food. He stood. “Pass me your bowls and I’ll fill them for you.” Each of them did as requested.
Rachael’s eyes widened. “Caleb, you’ve outdone yourself with this soup. The parsley was a nice touch.”
He beamed. “Danki.”
Frannie mashed the potatoes in the soup and fed Lily. She then buttered a biscuit and tore it in pieces for her. “This should keep you busy while the adults chat.”
Lily used her fingers to put a small piece in her mouth.
“Stephen, would you pour a small cup of water for Lily?” Frannie bit into her sandwich.
Stephen left the table and returned with a small tin cup of water for Lily.
Frannie stared across the table at Rachael. “How do you work in the bakery and manage to do your chores at home?”
“Our farm and garden are modest compared to most in this area. Toby, my bruder, helps us, and so do some of the Amish men who live near our place. Mamm is in good health, and she enjoys taking care of the garden and inside chores. We have a small haus, so it’s easy to clean. We work well together. The bakery brings in extra money, and I love working there.”
Frannie shrugged. “I could never work outside the home. Chores inside and outside this haus and caring for Lily are more than I can handle. I still don’t know how you do it.” She cocked her head. “I’m surprised you haven’t married.”
Rachael’s cheeks reddened. “I had plans to marry a wonderful Amish man, but he was killed over three years ago.”
Frannie sat ramrod straight. “What happened?”
Stephen covered his fraa’s hand. “Rachael doesn’t know us. This may be too personal a question for her to answer.” He nodded to Rachael. “You don’t have to explain.”
Caleb nodded. “Yes. Rachael, you don’t have to answer.”
Rachael smiled. “I don’t mind. Daed wasn’t comfortable keeping his money at home. He knocked over a kerosene lantern once, and we put out the small fire before any real damage occurred. From that day forward, he was worried about it happening again and causing a destructive fire. He kept his money in the bank. On one occasion, Daed asked John and me to take money to the bank to deposit for him. On the way to town, hooligans circled our buggy and tipped it over. John was killed, and I was injured and left with a permanent limp.”
Frannie’s mouth gaped open. “How tragic.”
Caleb was embarrassed Frannie had asked such a personal question. Rachael might never accept an invitation to his haus again, and he wouldn’t blame her. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“Danki. God has given me the peace and strength to overcome my grief. The bakery has been a fun place to work with friends and create yummy desserts our customers enjoy. I taught myself how to make pretty flowers on cakes. And we’re always experimenting with new recipes. It’s fun.”
Stephen licked his lips. “You’re making my mouth water talking about cakes. I can’t get enough of sweets.”
Lily grinned and finished the last of her biscuit. She wore soup and butter on her face and bib.
Frannie pouted. “Look at the mess our dochder’s made for me to clean up.”
Stephen said, “Don’t worry about it right now, sweetheart.”
Caleb didn’t want to listen to Frannie whine. He had to listen to her complain about how tired she was most of the time. She’d kumme from a home where she’d been spoiled, and Stephen continued to pamper her. “Do you decorate all the wedding cakes?”
“Yes. You met Magdelena at the bakery. She’s my schweschder-in-law. She and my bruder, Toby, married last October. They requested a large cake with lots of roses. I enjoyed making it for them.”
Frannie yawned. “Stephen, can you wash your dochder’s face and hands? She has food all over her.”
Stephen finished the last of his sandwich, rose, and poured water from the pitcher to wet a cloth. He washed Lily’s face and hands.
Lily pushed the cloth away and whimpered, “No. No.”
Stephen got the worst of the food off of her, the high chair, the table, and her bib. He gave her a butter cookie and took his seat.
“Stephen, you didn’t ask me if she could have a cookie.” Frannie rolled her eyes.
“She needs something to occupy her while we visit with Rachael. She’s fine.” Stephen smiled at Rachael. “Tomorrow will be our first time attending the Sunday service. We’re looking forward to it. I’m anxious to meet more of the Amish here.”
Rachael gave them directions to the Yoders’ place. “The service begins at nine. The ladies bring cold cuts, meat spread, salads, and desserts for the after-service dinner. I’d be happy to introduce you and Caleb to my bruder, Toby, and he’ll introduce you to the other men.”
“I’d appreciate it.” Stephen pushed his plate away to make room for his elbows.
Caleb said, “I’m anxious to make new friends here too. Danki, Rachael.”
“Frannie, Liza has a boppli, Lorianne. She’s about two and a half. Liza owns the bakery, and she’s a close friend. Ellie has a dochder, Emma, ten months old, and Maryann has Betsy, who is about two and a half. Hannah doesn’t have a child yet. They are my closest friends. You’ll meet them all tomorrow. We also have socials at the bakery or someone’s haus now and then. You’ll have to kumme.”
Frannie waved a dismissive hand. “I don’t have time for friends.”
Caleb stood abruptly. He couldn’t take another minute of Frannie being rude and insensitive. “I’m ready for dessert.” He removed the lid of the white tin cake carrier. “Rachael, this cake is lovely. The roses are amazing.” He brought the cake to the table.
Stephen’s eyes widened. “You are talented. The roses look hard to make.”
Frannie glanced at the cake. “They’re pretty.”
“Danki.” Rachael rose. “Where are the plates? I’ll serve dessert.”
Caleb pointed to the middle oak cabinet above the sink. He then put a pot already filled with water on the stove to heat for washing the dishes while they had dessert. He stifled his reproach to Frannie. Her nonchalant attitude set his teeth on edge.
Rachael removed the plates and waited while he put a slice of cake on each one. She served Stephen and Frannie and carried over her and Caleb’s desserts.
Lily clapped her hands. “Me.” She pointed at the cake.
“Is it all right if I give her a little piece?” Rachael addressed Frannie.
“Sure, but make her piece very small. I wouldn’t let her have cake if she had finished her cookie.” Frannie snatched the rest of the cookie off Lily’s high-chair table.
Rachael cut a small piece for Lily and gave it to her. “I’m sorry, little one. I didn’t mean to leave you out. Enjoy.”
Lily grinned and clapped her hands together and then took handfuls and put them in her mouth.
“Someone likes the cake.” Caleb chuckled. He was ready for time alone with Rachael.
Frannie had been better than he’d anticipated, but she’d asked inappropriate questions and hadn’t attempted to help in the kitchen.
Stephen closed his eyes. “This cake is delicious. And I don’t understand how you make these delicate and beautiful roses.”
“It takes a lot of practice and patience, but I enjoy creating them. Danki.” Rachael finished her small piece.
Caleb devoured his cake. “Rachael, let’s take a buggy ride around town, and then I’ll take you home.”
Frannie frowned. “What about these dishes?”
Stephen went to the sink. “I’ll do them.”
“No. Wait until I return. We’ll do them together, bruder.” Caleb swallowed his frustration.
Frannie was lazy and selfish.
Stephen rubbed his eyes and yawned. “I don’t mind.”
Rachael nudged Caleb. “Let’s wash and dry the dishes together. We can have this kitchen clean in no time. I’ll clear the table and you fetch the water.”
He didn’t want to waste time with this, but he didn’t want to leave Stephen with the task. He doubted Frannie would lend him a hand. He picked up the dishpan. “Stephen, go relax. You need some rest.”
“Yes, Stephen. Kumme with me. I’ll put Lily to bed, and you and I will sit together in the sitting room.” Frannie picked up Lily.
“You go ahead, Frannie. I’ll carry the dirty dishes to the sink.” Stephen gathered dirty utensils.
Frannie left with Lily without another word to anyone.
Rachael finished the last two bites of her cake and then stacked dirty dishes. “Take advantage of this time to relax. Stephen, Caleb and I can do this. Go enjoy your time with Frannie and Lily.”
“You’re thoughtful, Rachael. Danki.” He dropped the utensils in the dish tub and patted Caleb on the back. “You should hang on to this girl.” He winked at him and departed.
“I plan to.” Caleb grinned and enjoyed Rachael’s blush. He added hot water in the pot on the stove to the washtub in the sink.
Rachael smiled at him. She washed, and Caleb dried the dishes. “It was sweet of you to provide us with the cake. I’m sorry to make you work for your supper. First, you help prepare it, and now, you’re cleaning up. This isn’t very hospitable of us.”
“It gives us a chance to become better acquainted and help your family at the same time.” Rachael washed the last dish and handed it to him.
He dried it and then stacked it on top of the clean plates in the cabinet. He poured potato soup into a container and set it on the counter. “This is for your mamm.”
“Danki. She’ll appreciate it.” Rachael dried her hands.
“I like to cook, but it’s a necessity around here if you don’t want to waste away to nothing. Frannie does everything she can to avoid preparing food for us.” He stared at the floor. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t disparage her. We’ve just met.”
“You and Stephen do most of the cooking?” Rachael hung the damp dish towel on the hook by the sink.
“Yes. We’d rather prepare the meals than listen to her grumble and complain all day. My poor bruder can’t get a minute’s peace. He runs himself ragged to keep up with the farm, and then she expects him to also take care of the haus chores and Lily. I wish she wasn’t lazy and didn’t take such advantage of Stephen. Enough about Frannie. Let’s go on our buggy ride and talk more about you. We’ll tell my family we’re leaving and then we’ll be on our way.”
Caleb and Rachael went to the sitting room, where Stephen was fast asleep and snoring in the chair and Frannie was knitting.
Frannie rose, set her yarn and needles in the chair, opened the door, and then they all stepped outside onto the porch. “I don’t want to wake Stephen. He has a difficult time getting back to sleep when he goes from the chair to the bed. Are you leaving, Rachael?”
“Yes. Danki for a lovely evening. Is Lily asleep?”
“Yes.”
“Give her a kiss for me. You have an adorable dochder. I’m glad we had a chance to talk and get acquainted.” Rachael smiled.
“Caleb didn’t leave me much choice.” Frannie smirked at him.
“We should go.” Caleb cupped his hand at Rachael’s elbow. “Wait here a moment.” He went back inside the haus to the kitchen, retrieved the soup he’d put in a container for Rachael’s mamm, and returned. “Are you sure you don’t want to take your mamm a piece of cake?”
Rachael nodded. “No. We’ve got desserts at home. Danki again, Frannie.”
Frannie gave her a curt nod.
Rachael and Caleb went to the buggy.
Caleb waited for her to get in, and then took his seat. He put the soup container between them on the bench. He grasped the reins. “When are you free to meet again?” He passed her a lap blanket he kept in the back of the buggy. “You may want this.”
Rachael covered herself with it. “Danki. We can talk after the church service tomorrow. I have plenty of food to bring tomorrow. Don’t worry about cooking anything.”
“You’re generous and a big help. I appreciate it. Next time, I’ll make sure I have a dish to bring.” He reached for her hand and gently squeezed it. “You’re a bright ray of sunshine in my life, Rachael.”
He drove them for a short time around town and then on the country roads going past a couple of Amish farms on the way to her haus. “Are you warm enough?”
She patted the blanket on her lap. “I’ll keep the blanket over my lap for now and then take it off if I need to. It’s not too cool outside.”
“I’m sorry Frannie asked you such personal questions.” He had been surprised she’d shared information about her accident and the loss of her beau. He hoped she’d volunteer more, but he didn’t want to push her.
“I’m not offended. My limp draws attention, and I’ve gotten used to strangers asking how I acquired it. I’m not as self-conscious about it as I was when it first happened,” Rachael said.
“I can’t imagine the agony you suffered in losing the man you loved. Are you open to marrying?” He didn’t know what the future held for them, but he prayed they’d grow a close friendship as they got better acquainted. He was captivated by her.
“Yes.” She stared at her hands above the blanket. “It’s my turn to ask you questions. Have you been in love?”
Caleb glanced at her and then back at the road. “Two years ago, I proposed to Cora Troyer. We’d been neighbors and friends since childhood.”
“What kept you from having a future with her?”
He hesitated. “She had a tragic accident.”
“What!” Rachael covered her open mouth. “How did it happen?”
Caleb’s sadness tore at his chest. “She worked at the general store. A week before our wedding, she climbed a ladder in the store’s supply room. When she didn’t return, the store owner went to check on her, and he found her dead on the floor in a pool of blood with the ladder on its side. She must’ve lost her balance, fell, and hit her head hard.”
Rachael winced. “How sad. I’m so sorry.”
“I was stunned when the store owner and doctor told me. The store owner felt terrible. He had the supply room jam-packed with supplies on the shelves and floor. It wasn’t safe for anyone.” He hadn’t been interested in another woman since Cora’s passing until he met Rachael. They didn’t look anything alike.
“Tell me about her.”
“Cora was short with bright red hair and freckles dotting her cheeks and nose.” She’d had a fuller frame than Rachael. “She loved to tease me, and it was a rare occasion if she was sad or frustrated.”
“She must’ve been a joy to be around.”
Caleb nodded. “She had a jolly laugh, and she was quick-witted. I came here with Stephen and his family to help him, and also to get away from the memories of her. I was ready to move on with my life, and I’m glad we’ve met.” He grinned.
She grinned too. “Me too. Do you plan to stay in Charm?”
“Yes. Have you ever considered moving?” He had good reason to stay in Charm now he’d met her, but it would be good to know her plans.
“No, I love living here. My daed died last year. My family is close, but I’d say we’ve become even closer since his death. I wouldn’t want to leave Mamm, Toby, my friends, or my job at the bakery. I hope to never part from them.”
“What was your daed’s name?” Caleb wanted to know details about her family.
“Vernon. He was the sweetest and kindest man. None of us minded caring for him when he was ill. He kept a good attitude from the time he became ill until he passed away. Tell me more about you.”
“I kept my parents’ haus after they died, and Stephen and Frannie had a home next to me. I miss having privacy, as I’m sure they do. I’d like to buy a place. What can you tell me about any properties for sale?” Caleb would grow roots in Charm and concentrate on his friendship with Rachael. She was thoughtful, sweet, easy to talk to, and a good listener. He was like a schoolboy around her.
“I don’t know of any for sale right now, but stop by and check the postings at the general store and post office. They’ll have the farms for sale listed there,” Rachael said.
“Danki. I’ll stop by one day this week and read the postings.” He pulled into her lane and stopped the buggy. “I would like to officially court you. We’ve just met, but the purpose of a courtship is to learn more about each other and find out if there’s a future for us. Do you agree?” He gave her an impish grin. “I can’t run the risk of another man asking you.”
“Yes. I’m happy you asked.”
He kept his hand over hers. “I’m intrigued by you.”
“I’m excited about our courtship for the same reason.” Rachael gazed at his hand on hers.
“I’ve kept you longer than I intended. You must be tired from a long day at work.”
Rachael grinned. “I’ve enjoyed our evening together.” She folded the blanket and handed it back to him. “Would you like to meet Mamm before you go?”
He nodded and opened the door. Her mamm sat on the settee, stitching a hole in an apron.
Rachael gestured to Caleb. “Mamm, I’d like you to meet Caleb Yutzy.”
Caleb removed his hat. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Schlabach.”
“Please call me Eleanor. We’re not formal. Did you have a pleasant evening?”
Rachael grinned. “Yes. I met Frannie, Stephen, and Lily, Caleb’s bruder, schweschder-in-law, and dochder, who is two. She’s a cutie, with light brown hair and pretty brown eyes.”
Caleb offered Eleanor the container of potato soup he’d brought for her. “I doubt the soup’s as good as your recipe, but I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
“Danki. How considerate of you.” Eleanor accepted the container.
He cleared his throat and traced the brim of his hat. “I’ve asked Rachael if I may court her. She said yes. It will give us both time to get better acquainted, and we’ll discover if we want a future together. I promise to honor and respect your dochder. I realize this is sudden, but we’d like your blessing.”
“A courtship this soon after you have just met is sudden.” She smiled. “But I trust Rachael’s judgment. You both need to discover if you’re compatible. Yes, you have my blessing.”
“Danki. I should say good night. You ladies enjoy the rest of the evening. I’ll see you tomorrow at the service.” He pushed his hat on his head.
Rachael and her mamm wished him well.
He left their haus, got into his buggy, lit the lantern attached to it as the night was growing dark, and whistled on his way home. He liked this time of evening. Quiet, except for the clippity-clop of the horse’s hooves against the dirt road, frogs, and katydids chirping. The days were warmer and the nights had been cool. Eleanor had the same kind and calm demeanor as her dochder. He looked forward to talking with her more as he and Rachael proceeded with their courtship.
He was relieved Rachael hadn’t been upset with Frannie’s direct questions or laziness. She hadn’t hesitated to help in the kitchen or to answer Frannie’s nosy questions. He wouldn’t have blamed her if she’d changed the subject or refused to answer. Her bakery job was impressive because she and her mamm were alone to take care of their place. She must be a hard worker to bake at the bakery and assist with chores at home. He liked her a lot and would enjoy her company again tomorrow.