I woke up early Friday morning. Beau had slept next to my bed all night. Papa had planned to put him out in the barn, but when it came right down to it, he didn’t have the heart.
“Beau is an animal, Hope,” he’d warned me. “If you treat him like a person, it will confuse him. He can sleep in the house for a few days, but after that, he will have to stay outside.”
I nodded to let him know I understood, not voicing my belief that Beau would never spend one night in the barn. Maybe my father didn’t wear his feelings on his sleeve like Ebbie, but underneath his bluster beat a heart too tender to turn the little dog out.
Every morning after cooking breakfast and packing our lunches, I liked to take a cup of coffee outside with me and sit on the front steps of our house. Papa always fed and watered Daisy, checked the chicken coop for eggs, milked our cows, and tended his garden before we left for town. My time alone on the front porch had always been a peaceful time for me. Sometimes I read my Bible or prayed quietly, and other times I just meditated on different things.
However, this morning the world felt different. Avery’s death had changed our town, and a pall of something dark and sinister seemed to hover over us. Someone full of hate had brought destruction to this special place, even though our forefathers settled here in the belief we would be safe from the influence of sin. Ebbie’s words about Satan working through malicious men drifted into my head, and something rose up inside of me. I had no intention of allowing anyone to destroy Kingdom. Our spirit would never be broken if I had anything to say about it.
The morning air was warm, but a shiver ran through me, and I cut my coffee time short. I wrapped up a large loaf of friendship bread for Berlene and her husband, Herman, as I expected they would arrive at Avery’s house from Summerfield today, tomorrow at the latest. Though I wasn’t allowed to travel on the main road outside of town, I was certain someone would be going that way and could deliver it to them. Our community was very supportive, and when one of us died, everyone took the loss personally. We delivered food and helped in any way we could.
As Papa and I prepared to leave for the shop, Beau came running and jumped right into the carriage seat. His routine of riding with Avery seemed stronger than his fear of our buggy. I don’t think Papa planned to take him with us, but once again, he didn’t protest. As he had yesterday, Beau climbed up on my lap, and I stroked his head as we rode into town. We were confident about our safety because our house sat near town, and we didn’t have to use the main road to reach the quilt shop. I couldn’t help but wonder about those who lived on farms outside our borders. Would we get to town only to discover someone else had been assaulted?
When we reached the shop, Papa jumped out of the buggy and tied Daisy up. “You go in and open the store, Hope,” he said. “I want to talk to Noah and find out what happened at the meeting last night.”
Beau and I got out and went inside the shop. I found an old blanket in the back room and made a place for him to lie down behind the front counter. I also put some water in a bowl and placed it near him. Last night Papa had filled a dish full of rice mixed with ground beef and carrots for Beau’s dinner.
“Chicken will be better for him than beef,” Papa said. “I’ll buy some tomorrow from Brother Anderson and grind it up. And when I pick the peas, we can add them to his food.”
“How do you know how to feed him, Papa?” I’d asked.
“We had a dog when I was a child, Daughter. My father used him to herd livestock. One day he was attacked by coyotes and killed. I learned then that becoming attached to an animal can have grave consequences. I have no desire for you to feel that kind of pain, but I could not turn Beau away. All I can do is pray that you will not allow yourself to care more for this dog than you should.”
And that was all he said about it. Strange how you think you know everything about a parent only to suddenly discover something new. Lizzie once said, “Parents are a gift that keeps unwrapping itself. You never know what you’ll find under the next layer.” That was certainly true of my father.
While Beau investigated the store, I put change in the cash register and tidied up. Then I sat down on my stool behind the counter, picked up my own quilt, and began to work. Beau, who seemed to have satisfied his curiosity, discovered the blanket and plopped down on it.
“Good dog,” I said. He gave me back a doggy smile, but his tail remained limp. At this point, I was just grateful he was doing as well as he was after going through such a terrible ordeal. I was certain he missed Avery terribly.
I ran my hands over the quilt I was working on. I’d started it as a wedding quilt, something to adorn our bed after Ebbie and I were married. Even though it looked as if that wasn’t going to happen, I decided to finish it anyway. I loved the pattern and the deep blue and yellow colors. I’d planned to embroider our names in the final square, but now I’d just leave it empty. Funny, that’s how I felt. Empty. Before, when I thought about my wedding to Ebbie, I’d been excited about the future and having my own home. I tried to console myself with the knowledge that Ebbie and I weren’t really meant to be together. Odd how much I missed him.
I worked for about thirty minutes. Then Isabelle Martin came in for some fabric and threads. A tall red-haired girl with a smattering of freckles across her nose, Belle had a sweetness about her that was infectious. We visited for a little while. Not long after she left, Papa returned from his meeting with Noah.
“So what did the elders decide?” I asked as he entered the shop.
“Goodness, Daughter. Let me at least close the door behind me.” His sharp tone made it clear he was upset.
I waited patiently until he joined me behind the counter. He noticed Beau lying on the blanket I’d put on the floor. He frowned and started to say something but stopped and shook his head. Then he pulled up another stool and sat down.
“The elders have concluded that it might be wise to keep a closer eye on the road into Kingdom. Watch for strangers but only as the opportunity presents itself. However, Noah expressed his belief that the elders’ decision did not go far enough. He suggested regular patrols. Although the other elders did not agree to sanction this idea, it was decided that should anyone wish to guard the road on a more structured schedule, they will not oppose it.” He rubbed his beard and sighed. “I am afraid Noah is being influenced too much by Jonathon Wiese.”
“Protecting our citizens isn’t a bad thing, Papa.”
“I understand how you feel, but we must be careful that our emotions do not stir us up to react in a way contrary to God’s Word.”
I cleared my throat and tried to look as if I were concentrating on my quilt. “So where does Ebbie stand?”
Papa was silent for a moment. “I think you know the answer to that, Hope. He will not sway from his belief that we should spend our time in prayer rather than trying to find ways to defend ourselves. He says that God should be our only protection.”
That made my head snap up. “Well, God didn’t do a very good job of protecting Avery, did He?” I was sorry as soon as the words popped out of my mouth. Usually Papa would be upset with something I said that sounded rebellious, but he didn’t seem angry at all. Just sad.
“I know it seems like that, but I still believe in the goodness of God. Sometimes things happen we do not understand, yet I will still trust God’s promises of protection. We are in a war against a cruel and heartless enemy, and although we may not pick up carnal weapons, we must certainly fight with spiritual ones.” He shook his head. “I have seen my share of death, and more than once I have found myself wondering why a particular person, a good person, has died before their time.” He gave me a small smile. “But I will trust God’s Word over mortal circumstances until the day I draw my last breath. My father brought me up like that, and I believe he was right.”
“I heard Miriam Zook say that God took Avery home. It hurts me to hear people blame our loving heavenly Father for the violent death of one of His children.”
“It hurts me too. God is the bringer of life, Hope. It is our enemy who steals, kills, and destroys.”
I almost dropped my needle. Ebbie had quoted the very same Scripture. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. He and Papa were a lot alike.
“Well, I’m glad Grandfather brought you up the way he did. And I’m grateful you brought me up the same way.”
He smiled at me. “Thank you. That means more to me than you can imagine.” He crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. “Now, just when were you going to tell me about Ebbie breaking your engagement?”
This time I didn’t drop my needle. Instead, I jammed it firmly into my finger. “Ouch!” I stuck my throbbing appendage into my mouth, which was fine since it gave me a little time to think. Grabbing a nearby tissue with my other hand, I finally took it out. “I was going to tell you, Papa. I just didn’t know how. I knew you’d be upset.”
He let out a deep sigh. “I was upset at first, Daughter, but Ebbie talked to me for quite a while about it. He reminded me that I was in love with your mother, and that I should want the same thing for you. Somehow I ended up feeling as if I should apologize to both of you. I have no idea how he did that. He is a very persuasive young man.”
I shook my head slowly. “But I do love Ebbie, Papa. If it matters, I told him I didn’t want to break our engagement. He wouldn’t listen to me.”
“He doesn’t believe your love for him is strong enough to make a good marriage, Hope. No man wants to spend his life wondering if he was his wife’s second choice.”
I started to respond to Papa’s comment when he held his hand up, signaling me to be quiet. “It doesn’t matter now. The engagement is ended.” He pointed at me. “I want to make one thing perfectly clear. I do not intend to get into another argument about Jonathon Wiese, but I vehemently oppose a marriage to him. I will not change my mind.”
I sighed with exasperation. “Why do you keep implying that Jonathon and I have a serious relationship? We don’t. He has never expressed a desire to marry me, Papa. Not once.”
“Good. I will pray it stays that way.”
“You’re wrong about Jonathon, you know.”
Before he had a chance to say anything else, the front door opened and Lizzie came in. I greeted her, thankful to escape any further conversation about Jonathon with my father.
“I thought you’d like to know that Berlene and her husband have arrived at Avery’s house. The funeral will be Monday morning.”
“Thank you, Lizzie,” Papa said.
“We’re preparing food for everyone after the service, but if you want to bring a salad, that would be helpful.”
“We’ll be glad to,” I said. “How did Berlene receive the news?”
She shook her head. “She hadn’t been back to see Avery for a while. I’m sure she’s regretting it now.”
“I feel bad for her.”
Lizzie nodded. “I do too. Father is having a hard time of it. He and Avery were very close. I will always remember his kindness to Charity and me when we first came to Kingdom. He gave us most of our furniture.”
“Avery was a very giving person,” Papa said sadly. “He will be missed.”
“Berlene asked me to pass a message to you, Samuel. She would appreciate it if you would come by Avery’s house this afternoon. She has something she wants to talk over with you. I have no idea what it’s about.”
He looked puzzled. “Of course I will go, but I cannot imagine what she has to say to me.”
I felt my stomach clench as I looked at Beau. “Maybe she wants Beau back.”
Papa shrugged. “Perhaps that is it. I should probably take him with me.”
I put my head down and stared at my quilt, but the tears that filled my eyes made it impossible to see.
“I’m certain that’s not it,” Lizzie said. “She asked about Beau, and when we told her he was with you, she was pleased.”
My heart leapt with relief. I quickly wiped my eyes but not before a tear splashed down on the quilt.
“Then I won’t take him,” Papa said. “I will go to Avery’s house right after lunch.”
“You must drive on the main road to get to Avery’s house, Papa. I don’t want you out there alone.”
“Noah and the elders have asked that we let them know if we need to travel out of town,” Lizzie said. “Someone will go with you. I know Noah would be happy to drive you in his truck.”
“I would appreciate that,” Papa said. “Are you sure it is not too much trouble?”
“No, not at all.” Lizzie smiled at me. “We haven’t had much time together lately, Hope. Do you think this crotchety father of yours would let you come over and have a piece of pie with me this afternoon while he and Noah are gone?”
Papa chuckled. “I think that could be arranged.”
“Thank you, Papa,” I said with a smile. “About two, Lizzie?”
“That would be perfect. See you then.”
I waved good-bye to her. My heart soared knowing we would have some time to visit. Lizzie liked to call it “girl time.”
“I wonder why Berlene would want to see me,” Papa mused, stroking his beard again.
I shook my head. “I have no idea, but I’m glad we can do something to help her.”
Papa agreed. A few minutes later Bethany Mendenhall, the pastor’s wife, came in with one of their daughters, and I spent some time helping them pick out fabric for a new quilt they wanted to make together. Bethany wasn’t an experienced seamstress, so teaching her daughter to quilt would be a bit of a challenge. We talked for almost an hour about how to choose the right fabrics and notions, along with what quilt pattern might be the easiest for a beginner. By the time they left, I felt confident they were equipped to create the kind of quilt they would be proud of.
The rest of the morning passed quickly. We’d just finished lunch when Noah came by to pick up Papa and drive him to Avery’s house. I cautioned them to be careful.
“I doubt anyone would suspect we were Mennonite by my truck,” Noah said with a grin.
“Oh, right. And your hats won’t tip them off at all,” I said wryly.
“Oh, I forgot.” He looked at Papa. “Maybe we should take our hats off and put them in the back seat.”
My father’s face took on an expression I was familiar with. Steadfast and resolute. “I will not remove my hat for fear of any man.” He peered intently at Noah. “I know it is nothing more than a hat, but for me to take it off would mean I am hiding who I am and what I believe. I will not do that.”
Noah looked embarrassed. “Of course. You’re right, Samuel. My apologies for suggesting it.”
Papa patted him on the shoulder, his humor restored. “I am too quick to react sometimes, Noah. You are a good man, and I am happy to call you my friend.”
“I’m only sorry your response wasn’t mine,” Noah replied. “You always seem to find the right path faster than I can.”
I sighed heavily. “If you two are finished congratulating each other on your finer qualities, perhaps you could get going? I need to get ready for some serious girl time with Lizzie.”
Papa looked stunned for a moment, but then both men began to laugh. I couldn’t help but join in.
“My daughter has a way of making me look ridiculous sometimes,” Papa said, still chuckling. “I must agree with her. We can express our admiration for each other later. Let’s get over to Avery’s and see what Berlene needs.”
“I have several casseroles from some of the women in town as well as a basket of Lizzie’s fried chicken and a bowl of potato salad in the truck,” Noah said. “I’m sure Berlene and her husband have been visited by other residents delivering food and assistance.”
“Oh my,” I said. “I almost forgot. I have a loaf of bread for them. Let me get it.” I hurried to the back room, where I removed the bread from our propane icebox. I wrote a quick note of condolence and slid it between the layers of cloth I’d used to cover the loaf. “Here it is,” I said as I came back into the main shop room. Taking a sack from under the counter I slid the loaf inside so it would be easier to carry.
“Thank you for thinking of this, Daughter,” Papa said. He leaned over and kissed my forehead. “We will be back later this afternoon. Have a pleasant visit with Lizzie.”
“I will, Papa. Please be careful.” I smiled at Noah. “Hats or no hats, don’t take any chances, okay?”
“I won’t, Hope. We’ll be fine.” Noah picked his hat up from the counter where he’d put it when he came in and planted it firmly on his head. I saw him cast a quick glance toward Papa, and I found it touching that he cared so much what my father thought.
After they left, I put all the supplies away that were lying on the counter and prepared for my appointment with Lizzie. It had been too long since our last visit, and I needed to unburden myself to her about my broken engagement to Ebbie. Leaning down to put some thread on the bottom shelf of the front counter, I heard the front door open. I hoped desperately it wasn’t Maybelle Crabb. She was a nice woman who lost her husband several years ago and craved company. Her visits could go on and on, and I wanted to get to the restaurant.
I straightened up, praying I’d see anyone but Maybelle. My prayer was answered. Instead, I found myself looking up into the intense eyes of Jonathon Wiese.