Unsure of the time, Anna hurried back to the fabric shop. I hope I’m not late, she chided herself for not having paid attention to the time. Opening the door to the shop, she glanced up at the clock. Two minutes till one. Anna sighed in relief.
She looked around the shop, but there was no trace of Linda. She’s probably in the back. Anna smiled, still picturing Joe and Harvey. Those two sure were an apronful of laughs. It’s amazing, given their circumstances, they can still have contentment, Anna mused.
“You look happy. Must’ve had a good lunch.” Linda smiled knowingly.
Anna hadn’t even realized she was still grinning. She dropped her purse on the counter in the back room. “Yes, it was nice.”
“Did you meet Aaron someplace?”
Anna flustered. “Ach, no. I just had lunch with some friends. You don’t know them.”
Linda raised an eyebrow but said nothing, to Anna’s relief. Anna’s eyes roamed the shop in search of something to change the subject.
“Should we begin putting up the Christmas decorations?” Anna asked. “Seems like most everyone else has started.”
“I know. Why they put them up earlier every year is beyond me. I’d prefer to wait a few more days. At least till December.”
“Do you suppose decorating early could bring in more sales?” Anna wondered aloud.
“I don’t know, but I’d prefer to keep our focus on the Saviour and not on sales,” Linda said, carrying a bolt of fabric under her arm and walking past Anna into the main room. “God will provide for us.”
Linda’s comment reminded Anna of God’s provision in her cousin Jacob’s upcoming visit. It would be nice having her cousin and his wife around to fellowship with and to help out. Jacob had always been a lot of fun, although he was a couple years older than Anna. She’d been closer to his sister Elisabeth in the past, who, to Anna’s disappointment, had jumped the fence to the Englisch world. Now she wondered if she’d ever see her Englisch cousin again. The thought dampened Anna’s spirits a bit, but she was thankful her cousin had left before she joined the church. If she’d been shunned, Anna would certainly never be able to fellowship with her again – unless she renounced her fancy ways and came under the authority of the Ordnung.
<><><>
Aaron patiently waited on Anna’s porch, sipping on a mug of hot coffee her grossmudder had offered him. She had invited him inside, but since Anna should be returning soon, he declined. He figured he’d better spend more time with her if he only had a month to convince her they belonged together. He pulled his pocket watch out of his trousers and checked the time again.
When he heard the clip-clop of a horse’s hooves coming up the road, his eyes lit up. Anna’s home. He marched down the steps as the buggy rounded the corner and turned in to the Smuckers’ lane. When his eyes caught Anna’s, he raised his hand in greeting and she waved back. Soon Anna was maneuvering Brazen to the barn and Aaron unhitched the horse and led him to his stall.
<><><>
Oh no. Anna sighed when she spotted Aaron on the porch. Lord, help me to give Aaron a chance. I’m certain this is not the way a woman is supposed to feel when she comes home to the man she loves. If we’re not supposed to be together, please make it abundantly clear. She breathed the prayer silently.
She was glad when Aaron took the reins and put Brazen up in his stall, and even more surprised when she noticed the barn had been cleaned. She looked to Aaron in wonder. “Did you do this?”
Aaron shrugged. “Jah. I thought that we could have more time together if I did it before ya got home.”
“Denki, Aaron.” Anna blinked, still trying to register Aaron’s good deed.
“Would you like to go for a walk after ya put your things in the house?” He eyed the large bag she carried with her. “Goodness, did ya take the whole house with you today?” He chuckled.
She glanced down at her bag remembering the extra food she’d taken for Joe. “Ach, no. Uh…let me see if Mammi needs help with dinner.” She quickly made her way up the porch lest she be required to explain the contents of her bag.
Aaron gallantly held the door open for her.
“You may take a seat in the schtupp while I speak to Mammi,” Anna advised. After Aaron headed to the living room, she greeted her grossmudder in the kitchen. “How was your day?”
Mammi’s face brightened. “Wunderbaar. I see Aaron’s come to see you again. Did you invite him to stay for supper yet?”
“Nee. He asked me to go for a walk, but I’m a little tired,” Anna said. “Besides, I need to help you with dinner.”
“Nonsense. Go spend time with your beau. Supper’s already in the oven and I don’t need any help.” Mammi shooed her out of the kitchen.
Anna frowned, but left the kitchen anyway. Sooner or later she’d have to face Aaron. Might as well be sooner.
Aaron’s face brightened when Anna walked in to the living room and he set down the magazine he’d been reading. He patted the cushion next to him on the sofa inviting Anna to sit by him.
Reluctantly, Anna sat next to him on the couch. Aaron slipped his arm around her, but she scooted a little further away from him. “Relax, Anna. I said I wouldn’t try to kiss you again. I meant it.” He moved his arm back to his side. “Better?”
Anna nodded, feeling the awkwardness dissipating some. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Nee. Your grossmudder gave me a cup of coffee before you got here.” He sat up taller and sniffed the air. “What is that I smell?”
“Ach, Mammi’s making a roast for dinner. Would you like to stay?” she asked politely.
He smiled. “Only if you want me to.”
What has gotten into him? His answer caught her off guard. “Uh…jah. Of course, I want you to.”
His entire countenance illuminated at her statement. “Then I’d love to.” He raised his eyebrows seeking permission before interlacing his fingers with hers.
Anna looked down at their intertwined hands and began to relax. “How was your day?” she asked, knowing he loved to talk about his dogs.
Aaron began to speak, but then seemed to think better of it. “I’d like to hear about yours first.”
This definitely wasn’t the Aaron she knew. Maybe he really is trying to change. The thought comforted Anna. “It was fine. Business seems to be picking up a little bit now that Christmas is coming.”
“That’s great. Have your grossmudder’s quilts been selling?”
He’s asking about Mammi’s quilts? Unbelievable! “No, not really. I’m praying that they’ll sell soon though. We could really use the money.”
Aaron reached into his pocket then put something in her hand. “I want you to have that.”
Anna’s eyes widened when she glanced down at the hundred dollar bill in her hand. “Ach, Aaron. I couldn’t take this from you.” She shook her head, handing back the money.
He closed her fingers around the money and held her hand in his. “I want you to have it, Anna. You said you need the money and I want to help. I sold two pups today, so I can afford it.” His penetrating gaze caught her off guard.
Truly shocked, Anna said, “Denki, Aaron.” She placed the money into her apron pocket and sent up a quick prayer of thanks.
Mammi’s voice called from the kitchen. “Supper’s ready!”
Aaron held out a hand. “Shall we eat?” His eyes sparkled.
Anna placed her hand in his, allowing him to help her up. “That sounds gut, Aaron.”
<><><>
All throughout the meal, Anna couldn’t believe the change in Aaron. He seemed so different, as if he’d do anything she wished. He’d been polite, helpful, and even served her and Mammi’s meals for them. He actually insisted on helping Anna wash dishes after the meal, which was uncharacteristic for any man she’d ever heard of. She began to wonder if maybe she really had misjudged Aaron.
As Anna and Aaron sat out on the porch after the meal, he slipped his arm around her. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“Ach, no. It is a little chilly out.” She rubbed her arms and pulled her shawl a little tighter.
Aaron said nothing, but took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
“Won’t you get cold without your jacket?”
“Nah, I’m fine. Especially since I’m sitting next to you.” He grinned.
“Denki.” She smiled up at Aaron, but looked away when she allowed her gaze to linger a little longer than she should. His broad frame and pleasant face were a little too easy on the eyes.
“Anna, will you join my folks and me for supper one of these nights? I know we’re supposed to keep courtin’ a secret, but I’d like ya to get to know my Mamm some. Mammi’s welcome to come too, of course.” His eyes pleaded for a positive response.
Anna tugged on her kapp string. “That might be nice. I’ll have to ask Mammi and see if she’d like to go.” She was almost certain her grandmother would approve. It seemed she’d taken a liking to Aaron. Anna was sure to get an earful when she went back in to the house.
“Well, I guess I better go. Morning comes pretty quick.” He stood up from the wicker chair.
Anna also stood up and handed his coat back to him. “Goodbye, Aaron.”
Without even attempting an embrace, Aaron waltzed to his buggy, waved goodbye, and left Anna standing on the porch.
Speechless.