Jeremiah Gingerich leaned back against the cushion and eyed his son from his wooden chair in the schtupp. He’d been pretending to read The Budget, but his distracting thoughts weighed heavily. Aaron was the youngest bu in the family and at the age of twenty four, he had yet to marry. The last thing he desired was for his son to end up an old bachelor.
He gazed out the window, the last few rays of sunshine fought for their place in the clouds. Brilliant hues of pink, purple, and orange dazzled the evening sky. Why wasn’t Aaron with his aldi? Maed love nights like this – at least Tabitha had. He remembered the countless times they’d watched the sunset walking hand in hand by the creek or cuddled together in his courting buggy.
“Aaron, Sohn, you know I really want ya to have this farm. But ya need to get yourself hitched first,” Aaron’s father said.
“I’m workin’ on it, Dat,” Aaron uttered between gritted teeth. The problem was, he didn’t think he and Anna were anywhere near the marrying stage in their courtship. Maybe he should step things up a bit.
“Well, if you know what ya want, you gotta go after it,” his father suggested. “Ya ain’t getting’ any younger.”
“I think I just might do that, Daed.” Aaron pulled his hat off the rack and placed it on his head. He grunted inwardly, loathing when his father threw his age at him, which was often. It wasn’t as though he hadn’t heard the story a hundred times, I was married with four kinner by the time I was your age.
Didn’t his father realize he was aware of his own marital status? It’s not like he hadn’t courted any maed. There’d just never been one that seemed truly interested in him…or should he say none that interested him. He was fully cognizant of his good looks and fine physique, not that he was hochmut or anything. But by the way the maed behaved around him, their attraction was apparent. He tried not to let it go to his head but at the same time, he knew he could probably attract any girl he wanted.
And he decided he wanted Anna. After all, she was the most beautiful girl in these parts. A chill shot up his back when he thought of the time he’d driven up in his buggy and she was hanging up the laundry. Ever so gently the wind had picked up causing her cape dress to outline her voluptuous figure. He’d never forget that image. Yes, he had every intention of making Anna his fraa.
Aaron knew what he would do. Surely a sweet puppy would melt any girl’s heart. He took purposeful strides toward the barn. Stepping into the dark dwelling, he quickly lit the lantern that hung on a nail by the door. Soon his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting.
He quickly walked over to the barricaded area where the Blue Tick Hound pups were caged. He spotted his favorite immediately and scooped him up into his arms. He stroked the frisky puppy as it licked his fingers ferociously, eyeing its brown and black coloring. For sure this pup was the most desirable out of the lot and would most definitely fetch the best price, with his distinct markings and what not.
But he knew only the best would do for Anna. Besides, if he played his cards right, the puppy would end up being his anyway. Not a bad thing to have the offspring of champion hunting dogs, for a hunting Amish man. Aaron smirked at his own genius.
<><><>
Anna had a busy day at work and couldn’t wait to just finish the rest of the chores and put her feet up. It seemed Amish and Englisch alike had intentions of giving handmade items for Christmas this year. She supposed business would probably increase even more between now and the holiday. A yawn escaped her lips as she closed the barn door and headed back toward the house.
Her thoughts drifted again to the lunches she’d been leaving near the alley every day. Since that day with Aaron, she still hadn’t seen a trace of the homeless man. She hoped Aaron hadn’t scared him off, but perhaps that is why he remained aloof. Does everybody treat destitute folk as if they hold no value? Surely God values them.
Each time she left food, it disappeared, so apparently someone was enjoying the meals. Somehow, though, she wished she could do more. Bring the man a blanket maybe? Or clothes? She was certain some of Dat’s old trousers and shirts sat in a box up in the attic. She’d meant to give it away after he and Mamm passed, but never found an opportune time. Until now. But surely he wouldn’t fit into her father’s things. Her father had been stocky, while this man appeared quite thin. She supposed she could alter the trousers by guesstimating the man’s size. Yes, that’s what she would do.
“Mammi, do we still have that box of Dat’s things up in the attic?” Anna asked, stepping into the front sitting room.
Mammi pushed her glasses atop her nose farther, setting her crochet project on her lap. “I haven’t moved it. So, I guess if you haven’t moved it either then it’s probably still there. Did ya need somethin’ out of it?”
Anna shrugged noncommittally. “I just thought maybe we should give some of it away since we aren’t using it.”
“Jah, that is a gut idea.” She nodded satisfactorily and turned her attention back to her afghan.
Good. Now Anna didn’t have to worry about Mammi asking questions while she rummaged through the attic. Now, she just hoped there were no spiders lurking up there. Mice, she could deal with. But there was nothing worse than the feel of a potentially poisonous arachnid crawling around on one’s skin. Anna shivered just thinking about it.
As Anna topped the last step to the attic, she heard the unmistakable sound of horse hooves and a buggy rolling to a stop in their yard. She sighed, partly in relief of not having to fend off the spiders for an extra few moments. But now she’d have to postpone her lofty excursion for another time.
“Anna,” her grandmother called up the stairs. “It looks like Aaron's buggy. You'd better come down.”
Anna groaned. “Coming.”
<><><>
Aaron held the puppy behind his back as he knocked on the Smuckers' back door for the second time. The creature was beginning to get restless. Why hasn't she opened the door yet? he wondered impatiently.
When the door opened, he said the first thing that came to his mind. “It's about time.”
Anna's eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“Ach, I'm sorry, it's just that...here.” He handed her the puppy.
Anna received the puppy with a puzzled look on her face. “Uh, he's cute. This is a nice dog, Aaron.” She handed the dog back.
“Nee. It's for you. I wanted you to have him as a pet,” he explained.
“Oh. Uh...thank you, Aaron. But it's not really the best time for us to be takin' in a pup. We don't have any extra resources and I'm afraid a dog would require quite a bit of food. And with me working at the fabric shop and my chores, I'm afraid I wouldn't have any time to spend with it,” she said, hoping she didn't hurt his feelings.
“So you really don't want him?” he asked with surprise.
She shook her head. “We can't take him. I'm sorry, Aaron.”
Out of all the reactions he thought he might get, this one had never crossed Aaron's mind. I guess I'll take him back home. Aaron looked back to his buggy, wondering whether the puppy would stay in the box while he spent time with Anna.
“Would ya go on a short walk with me? I'll just put the puppy up in my buggy,” Aaron said.
“Jah, just a short walk.” Anna really didn't want to, but she already felt guilty about rejecting his gift. It wasn't like Aaron to bring gifts and she wondered if maybe he was up to something. But what could it be?
They walked along her property and Anna listened politely as Aaron talked all about his puppy business. While he continued on, she began wondering why she was still seeing him. He was handsome, jah, but it seemed as though they didn't really mesh well together. Their interests were so different and, besides their faith, she couldn't think of one thing they had in common. No, she needed someone who valued the same things she valued. Someone compassionate, who wouldn't turn their back on another in need.
When they arrived back at the small front porch, Aaron took her hand. “Uh, Anna, I wanted to ask you something.”
Anna's eyes bulged as Aaron came closer and pressed his lips – and his body – against hers. She stood frozen like a statue and stiffened her lips as she pushed him away. This was not how she'd envisioned her first kiss.
“What's wrong? Can't I even get a kiss from my girl?” he asked, forcing her close. He bent down to kiss her again, holding her tight. She squirmed under his strong grip and he released her, letting out a chuckle. “Just relax, would ya? I was wanting to ask you to marry me.”
Definitely not! “Nee, Aaron. I don’t think we’re meant to be together,” she said, taking a step toward the house.
“What do you mean, Anna? I bring you a nice pup and you reject it. I court you for months and now you’re not interested?” His voice raised.
“I'm sorry, Aaron, but–”
“No, Anna. I cannot accept that,” he interrupted. “Please, will you just consider it? Listen, I'm sorry for trying to steal a kiss from you.”
“Aaron, please. You and I are just too different. We wouldn't make a good couple,” Anna attempted to explain without totally offending him. “I wouldn't make a gut fraa for you.”
“You'd make a fine fraa, Anna. I know, I've tasted your cooking. And I've been inside your home for meeting; it appeared clean enough.” Aaron gently stroked her forearm.
Anna sighed. Surely he knows there's more to marriage than a clean house and food on the table!
“Anna, please give me another chance. Let's give it another month or two so we can get to know each other better,” he coaxed.
“All right.” She gave in. “Another month.”
“Denki, Anna. You'll see. We'll make a gut couple,” Aaron assured her.
A squeal from the buggy brought Anna the relief she sought. “Uh...I think your pup is getting antsy.”
“Jah, I'd better get him home. I'll be seeing ya soon,” he said, tipping his hat before hopping into the carriage.
A yawn escaped Anna's lips as she entered her and Mammi's quiet home. Only a single lamp burned on the small coffee table in the sitting room, indicating that Mammi had already gone to bed. Forgetting about her previous quest for clothing, she readied herself for bed and slipped into another dream-filled night.