The Amish Sweet Shop, page 25
Seth closed the metal locker. “Meatloaf is just fine. You surprised me, that’s all.”
Hannah wrapped her heavy cape around her shoulders. “We have something important to discuss.”
What had been the beginning of a smile on Seth’s face faded away. “I think I know what this is about. Lead the way, Mrs. Klein.”
She waited to broach the subject until they were seated in a booth with menus and glasses of water. “We have kept Mr. and Mrs. Howard waiting long enough.”
“I agree,” Seth interrupted. “Let’s tell them to accept the offer from Kings Hardware. We’ve been selfishly hoping for a miracle while Lawrence and Martha have been hung out to dry. Those two need to get on with their life.”
It took Hannah a moment to decipher his metaphor. “That’s not what I meant at all. Yes, the Howards should move on with their plans. And we should sign the partnership contract and present our offer for the store.”
This time Seth needed a moment. “Nothing has changed, Mrs. Klein. I’m not Amish and haven’t reconciled with my father.”
“But you’re looking more Plain each day. Are you going to remain stuck between two worlds forever?”
“Hopefully not. Some who leave the Amish happily embrace the English lifestyle. I haven’t been able to do that, not completely. I do love wearing jeans and driving my truck, but Amish is who I am. I just realized it the other night. But until I swallow my pride and face my father, I can’t take the kneeling vow.” He lifted and dropped his shoulders.
“Whether you return to the Amish faith or stay English, I’m willing to form this partnership, even without my parents’ approval. I’m a grown woman and I want to do what’s best for my child.”
“You folks ready to order?” asked the waitress, breaking the tension.
“I’ll have the meatloaf special with iced tea,” she said.
“I’ll have the same, ma’am. Thank you.” Seth set his menu on the edge of the table, but he never took his gaze off Hannah. “The fact you’re willing to go against the bishop only makes me sad. And I can’t let you do it.”
“Then you’re just being stubborn.”
Seth turned redder than a bowl of tomatoes. “You haven’t thought this through. I know exactly what it’s like to live without a family’s love and support. That’s not what I want for your son or daughter . . . or you. Besides, your parents are right—this purchase comes too soon after your husband’s death. You could regret a hasty decision after you’ve properly grieved.”
Hannah swallowed hard, but the lump in her throat refused to budge.
“I believe God closed one door when he took Daniel home. But maybe he opened another with this partnership.”
Seth didn’t blink. “Not if all you would have to rely on is a half-Englisher. With a child to raise, you’ll need your family and district.”
Abruptly, the waitress plopped down their meals. “Here we go, folks, two speedy specials of the day. Either of you want more iced tea?”
“No, thank you,” they said simultaneously.
“We seem to have reached a stalemate,” Hannah murmured once they were alone. “Why don’t we eat before the food gets cold? It looks delicious.”
For the next ten minutes they limited conversation to requests for salt, pepper, or the bowl of extra gravy. When they finished the meal, Hannah extracted a twenty-dollar bill from her wallet.
“No, Mrs. Klein, I insist on paying.”
“But I invited you, so I should pay.”
“But I’m just plain stubborn, remember?” Seth picked up the check and strolled to the cash register.
Hannah left money for the tip and followed him out the door. “Why don’t we take the weekend to think things over? If we still can’t come to an understanding, we’ll tell the Howards no Monday morning.” With a shiver, she tightened her coat around her throat.
Seth rubbed his chin where a beard had sprouted. “Agreed. Now let’s get you home.” He took her arm until they reached the shoveled sidewalk. “Good night, Mrs. Klein. Stay warm and I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Good night, Mr. Miller. Try not to be late for work.”
* * *
With Mrs. Morgan’s carrot dangling before her nose, Hannah couldn’t sleep no matter how many sheep she counted. She tossed and turned half the night before uttering a familiar prayer: “I accept your will, whatever that may be,” and then finally fell asleep.
Although a last blast of winter was predicted for later on, the morning dawned bright and sunny. With clear roads, Hannah had no trouble getting to services on time with her usual Sunday driver. What proved difficult was sitting through a two-hour service and a long buggy ride home without telling the family her decision.
No sense in worrying them until she and Seth spoke on Monday. And Carrie Morgan’s good feeling about her final place to check? Hannah put the possibility out of mind. With a far more accepting attitude about things beyond human control, Plain folk were less prone to premonitions and hunches.
On the buggy ride home, Lydia filled Hannah in on her wedding plans. The marriage would take place in six weeks, once spring planting was finished. Hannah was grateful, not only that Lydia’s beau had popped the question, but because her parents had no chance to ask about the store.
When her father brought the horse to a stop next to the house, Hannah climbed out and hurried indoors. She would help Mam set out a cold dinner, while Lydia tended livestock with Dat. During the meal, Lydia described Nathan’s ambitious plan to build them a house.
“Was that a car in the driveway?” asked Mam. “Who would be calling today? Our English friends know we don’t sell eggs or chickens on Sunday.”
Hannah’s chin snapped up. “I’ll go see who it is. The person might be looking for me.”
“Transact no business on the Sabbath, daughter,” cautioned her father.
“I won’t.” Wrapping a shawl around her shoulders, Hannah ran out the door and down the steps.
“Slow down, Hannah.” Carrie Morgan climbed from her SUV. “We don’t want you to fall.”
“Did you find the rings?” she asked, dispensing with social niceties.
“Yep, come take a look.” Carrie pulled a plastic bag from her pocket and poured two rings into her palm—one a plain gold band and the other sparkling with diamonds.
“They’re lovely. Where did you find them?”
“In the sofa Mom gave to a niece and her husband. They had fallen in between the frame and the springs, down so deep even the re-upholsterer hadn’t found them.” Carrie shook her head. “Mom had a bad habit of taking her rings off when arthritis swelled her fingers. I didn’t remember the sofa until yesterday. We gave most of the furniture to Goodwill.”
“Seth will be so relieved that Mrs. Robb has her rings back.”
“He’s not the only one who should be relieved.” Carrie rocked back on her heels.
“Of course, I am, too. Since I’ve decided to go ahead and buy the store, my family will be glad Seth will be cleared of any wrongdoing.”
“Very true, but your family isn’t the one I meant.” Carrie’s grin couldn’t get any wider.
“What are you up to, Mrs. Morgan?”
“You and I are going to pick up Mom at the nursing home. Then Mom and I will apologize to Seth in person. These rings have caused so much grief.”
Hannah remembered how easily Seth became embarrassed. “Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary.”
Carrie waved off the comment. “It certainly is and it’s long overdue. We’ll all meet at the home of Seth’s parents. They should be home today. Seth’s estrangement with his family was a direct result of Mom’s forgetfulness. This will give his father a chance to do the right thing.”
Hannah felt the blood rush to her face. “I know you mean well, Mrs. Morgan, but this isn’t a good idea.”
“Why not?” Carrie set both hands on her hips.
“Seth has a stubborn streak. He’ll never agree to meet us at his parents’ farm.”
“A real chip off the old block, eh? What do you suggest, then?”
A bead of sweat formed on Hannah’s lip. Since she was one who had involved Carrie in the first place, she’d better think of something. She stared over the snow-covered fields until an idea came to mind. “Seth would go to his sister’s if you told him I was there!” she blurted.
“Perfect! Do you know where his sister lives?”
“No. Only that Rachel lives around the corner from their parents.”
“Okay, tell me where the parents live.” Carrie opened the GPS on her phone.
“I don’t know that, either.” Hannah pressed a palm to her forehead.
“I need a little help here,” Carrie said with a laugh.
Hannah inhaled a deep breath. “All I know is his brother lives at the farm, and Adam has been a regular customer of Howard’s Hardware. If you take me back to the store, I can look up the address and then call Uber. In the meantime, you go pick up your mother.”
Carrie looked confused. “And then what?”
“Once Uber picks me up, I’ll find the Miller farm, then figure out which house his sister lives in. Then I’ll call you with Rachel’s address.”
“But you don’t have a phone.”
“The Uber driver will. If necessary, I’ll pay him to use it.” As fast as ideas popped into Hannah’s head, they flew from her mouth. “You tell Seth to meet me at Rachel’s house and bring your mother there.”
“This is a very complicated plan, but with any luck it might work.”
“Let me get my heavy coat and tell my parents I’m visiting new friends,” Hannah said over her shoulder. Halfway up the steps she felt her baby kick and knew if this crazy plan worked, it would have nothing to do with luck.
Chapter 10
Hannah’s daring plan worked well until the Uber driver pulled into the unplowed driveway of a large, rambling house.
“You sure this is the place?” the man asked. “Doesn’t look like anybody’s home.”
“It doesn’t, but this is the first house around the corner.” Hannah stared at the dark windows with flagging courage.
“If I pull farther up, I might get stuck in the snow.”
“That’s okay. I’ve got boots on. I’ll walk up and ask, but please don’t leave yet.”
“I promise. Hey, look. People live here after all.” The driver pointed at the front porch where two, then three, and then four children appeared.
Hannah paid the fare, along with a healthy tip, and climbed out. “Those kids are Amish.” She ducked her head back into the van. “That’s a good sign. I’ll be right back.”
Before she went twenty paces, a man and woman joined the children at the railing, followed by another couple. A crowd had formed to watch her trudge through the snow. Hannah opened her mouth to shout, but a gust of wind blasted her face with snow. When the wind died down, she cupped her hands around her mouth. “Hello. Are you Rachel Miller—the former Rachel Miller?”
After a bit of discussion the woman yelled back, “Ya, I’m Rachel Miller. Can I help you?”
Hannah took a few more steps and nearly fell on a patch of ice.
Suddenly, the second man shouted. “Hannah? Hannah Klein?” Hurrying down the steps, he slipped and slid his way to her side. “It’s me, Adam Miller. What on earth are you doing here?”
“It’s a long story, but I need a favor before I tell it.” Hannah extracted a slip of paper from her pocket.
“Of course, what do you want me to do?”
“Go ask the van driver if we could use his phone one more time. Then call this number and tell whoever answers this address—your sister Rachel’s address. Mrs. Morgan is expecting the call.”
When Adam stared blankly, Hannah pleaded. “Please, Adam. I’ll explain everything inside the house.”
Prodded to action, Adam hiked through the snow, while Hannah continued her slow trek toward the house. Soon the other man, presumably Rachel’s husband, arrived to help her up the steps and into the house.
Before she knew it, Hannah was sitting before a roaring fire in the family room with a blanket around her legs and feet. The four children, all dressed in Sunday black and white, watched her from positions along the wall.
“Hannah, is it? I’m Rachel Mast.” The woman handed her a cup of hot tea.
“Yes, Hannah Klein. My husband was Daniel, my parents are John and Sarah Troyer of northern Lancaster County.”
Pulling a chair close to Hannah’s, Rachel continued the introductions. “That was my husband, Thomas, who helped you into the house. I won’t confuse you with the names of my kin-ner. You already know Adam. And this is his wife, Amanda.” A pretty young woman stepped forward to shake hands.
“How can we help you?” asked Adam, returning from his errand. “It must be important to come out in this weather.”
Hannah took a sip of tea. “I’m here about your brother, Seth. He and I are about to form a partnership in order to buy Bluebird’s hardware store.”
“I love Howard’s Hardware,” exclaimed Amanda. “You must be so excited.”
Thomas Mast wrapped an arm around his wife. “Although Rachel and I don’t get up that way much, we wish you two the best.”
“Thank you, but I’m not here to solicit new customers. Something is about to take place that will allow me to form this partnership.”
“Take place here?” asked Rachel, bewildered.
“Yes. This was very presumptuous of me, but I didn’t know what else to do.” Hannah looked from one confused face to the next. “Seth is on his way here, but he knows nothing about this. Mrs. Robb and her daughter are on their way, too.”
“Isn’t that the English woman who accused my brother of stealing her wedding rings?” Adam asked.
“Yes, her rings have finally been found and her daughter feels terrible about the trouble they caused. She wants to apologize to Seth and his family in person.”
“Why the daughter and not Mrs. Robb?” asked Rachel.
“Mrs. Robb suffers from advanced memory loss, which probably accounts for how this all happened five years ago.”
“How awful for Mrs. Robb.” Rachel pressed a hand to her heart. “What can we do?”
“I know one thing.” Adam jumped to his feet. “Thomas and I need to shovel that driveway before more company arrives.” Without another word, the two men and four children vanished into the back hall.
With only Rachel and Amanda left in the room, Hannah relaxed a bit. “Seth might resent my meddling. I know he’s a private man who has lived on his own for a long time.” She focused her gaze on Rachel.
“Don’t worry about my brother. Seth is lucky to have a friend willing to mend fences like this.” Rachel rose to throw more wood on the fire.
“Sounds to me like that Englisher did most of the meddling. We’ll stand with you.” Amanda patted Hannah’s shoulder.
“You rest, while Amanda and I prepare a snack and brew more tea.” Rachel patted her other shoulder as she left the room.
The women hadn’t been gone five minutes when Hannah heard the unmistakable sound of a truck in the driveway, followed by heavy boots stomping snow in the back hall. She pushed herself up from the chair just as a big, snow-covered bear lumbered into the room.
“What’s going on, Mrs. Klein? Some woman called and told me to go to my sister Rachel’s house. She said you would be here.” Seth shrugged off his jacket and tossed it across a chair. “Are you all right?”
Hannah didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “I’m fine. In fact, I’ve never felt better. You’re the one who should sit down.” She pointed at the opposite chair. “And you might want to start calling me by my first name now.”
When Seth sat, Hannah returned to her chair by the fire. “Soon the woman who called you, Carrie Morgan, will arrive with her mother. Her mother’s name is Mrs. Robb.” Hannah paused until the significance became clear.
“Mrs. Robb had the door that needed sanding. I take it you finally found her?” Seth dropped his head into his hands as Rachel and Amanda slipped back into the room.
“Yes, I not only found her, but her daughter found the missing rings. They had fallen between the frame and springs of her sofa. Even a re-upholsterer hadn’t seen them. But Mrs. Morgan remembered the sofa had been given to a niece. When they practically tore it apart, they found the rings. She insisted on apologizing in person for the heartache her mother caused. Poor Mrs. Robb suffers from dementia.”
As Seth lifted his face, his eyes glistened with tears.
“Are you angry because I butted my nose into your business?” she asked.
“Angry? No, Hannah. My pride caused this heartache, far more than Mrs. Robb’s forgetfulness. I’m just amazed you went to all this trouble for a stubborn man like me.”
In the shadows Rachel and Amanda released a collective breath.
“We really want to buy that store.” Hannah placed both hands on her belly.
“And so the three of us shall. I’ll present myself for the Sunday morning baptism classes and take the vows before the next communion service. Tell your parents your business partner will be Amish.”
Rachel slipped her arm around Seth’s waist. “I can’t wait to tell the bishop, brother.”
“You should tell him of my decision, but since I need to live close to Bluebird, I’m hoping Hannah’s district will have me.”
“We’d better iron out the details later,” said Amanda Miller at the window. “I just saw someone pull into the driveway. It’ll take a lot more shovels to get Mrs. Morgan’s car up to the house.”
Hannah jumped up to join the Millers and Masts.
“No, Hannah. You stay by the fire,” said Seth. “You’ve done enough for one day. Now it’s up to me and my family.”
August
Seth stepped onto his front porch with his first cup of coffee of the day. His old-fashioned drip pot might not work fast, but the coffee tasted just as good. His coffee maker, along with his laptop, electric clock, microwave oven, toaster, and George Foreman grill had been sold at a garage sale, along with his power tools, cell phone, and every other piece of technology. He contributed the proceeds from the sale to the medical fund for his new district. His old Levi’s, leather belts, flannel shirts, and Carhartt jackets went into the Goodwill collection box at the grocery store.
