Rachael's Decision, page 22
“Mamm, you and Joseph brought him here?” Rachael quirked her brow.
Mamm nodded. “Yes. We had been meaning to stop at Caleb’s and lend a hand with anything he needed as a housewarming present. I intended to offer to wash his clothes and clean haus for the day while Joseph and Caleb worked on something they could do together. Joseph had been meaning to lend Caleb a hand when he first moved in, but he hadn’t had a chance. We found Caleb on the ground, passed out and bleeding. We shook him a little, and he woke. I put a bandage on the wound, and we brought him here.”
Caleb and Joseph opened the door and joined them. “Rachael.”
She wiped tears from her eyes. She was afraid he could’ve been hurt much worse. She hadn’t even asked Mamm what was wrong on their way to Dr. Harrison’s office. She ran until she could find out from Dr. Harrison. She’d been afraid to ask Mamm.
“I’m so thankful you’re all right. You had me worried sick.”
“Joseph and your mamm acted fast and brought me here. Then Dr. Harrison took excellent care of me.” Caleb nodded.
Joseph blushed. “Glad we could help and relieved your injury wasn’t more serious.”
Frannie bolted in the doorway and brushed by Rachael. “Caleb, what happened?”
“How did you know?” Caleb frowned.
“I went to the bakery and overheard Magdelena tell Hannah why Rachael wasn’t there. Where were you hurt?”
“I fell off a ladder onto my shoulder. There was broken glass on the ground, and I fell on the shards. I was going to clean it up after I repaired the roof. I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt much. I didn’t break anything, and I’m more embarrassed than hurt. Where’s Lily?”
“Luke agreed to watch her for me for an hour while I did a little shopping in town. I came right over when I heard you might need me.” She gave Rachael a sideways glance.
“No need to worry. But I will ask you to take me home. I don’t want to trouble Joseph and Eleanor. Joseph, danki for your offer to help, but I don’t need any right now. I’ve got everything in place and a routine. Plus, you’re planning a wedding, which will be happening soon. I’m sure you’re busy.”
“Don’t overdo and don’t hesitate to call on me if you change your mind and need a hand with anything. You may find it’s harder for you to do chores with your injury. I’ve got plenty of time to help you if need be before the wedding.” Joseph headed for the door and opened it for him and the ladies.
“Danki, Dr. Harrison.” Caleb paid him for his services.
Dr. Harrison smiled and shook his hand. “Just doing my job. Take some aspirin powder if you have any pain.”
“I will.”
Rachael followed all of them outside. “Caleb, if you need someone to change your bandage, I’ll kumme by and take care of it after work.”
Frannie waved a dismissive hand. “No need. I live closer. I’ll take care of it. You have a bakery to manage. I’m sure Caleb doesn’t want to inconvenience you. Right, Caleb?”
She bit her tongue. Frannie was like a wasp sting. She set her teeth on edge in seconds with her slyness. The bishop mustn’t have gotten through to her about Caleb. She came to claim what she thought to be her territory once again. Caleb had been too gullible this time to recognize it at the moment, and he was being considerate of her, Mamm, and Joseph’s time. She was sure he chose to let Frannie take him home so as not to inconvenience them.
“You’re always wilkom, Rachael.” He held her gaze for a moment.
Frannie nudged him. “Time to go. I don’t want to trouble Luke any longer than necessary with watching Lily.” She stuck her nose in the air.
He bid them farewell and left with her tugging him toward the livery, as if he were a reluctant puppy.
Mamm circled her arm around Rachael’s waist. “I left Dr. Harrison’s office and ran to the bakery to tell you. I thought you should know.”
“You did the right thing. I would’ve wanted to know. I’m relieved the incident wasn’t worse. Joseph, danki.”
* * *
Caleb’s heart sang. Rachael had rushed to his side the minute she found out he was injured. It’d been difficult, but he’d stayed away from her home and the bakery this past week. Her concern was evident, and the love they shared was still there. Magdelena and Hannah had been correct. Being patient was working.
“Caleb, are you listening to me?” Frannie glowered.
He hadn’t paid any attention to her. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“You haven’t been over to check on me or Lily for over a week. We could’ve been dead for all you knew,” she harrumphed.
“Frannie, Luke is there with you. If you needed me for anything, I knew you’d ask. What is the problem?” He was frustrated with her each time they were together. If she were the last woman on earth, he wouldn’t marry her. He was thankful Luke had made it this long working for her.
“You’re a poor excuse for a bruder-in-law. At least care about Lily. She misses you.”
“Lily’s fine. I have a farm and livestock to manage. I don’t have time to run over to your place to visit often. You’ve been to my place enough for me to know you’re doing all right. How is Luke working out?”
“He’s a jewel, compared to you. The man dotes on Lily and me. He can do the work of two men. He doesn’t complain and he likes to cook.” Frannie held her head high and batted her eyelashes.
He stifled a chuckle. Was she trying to make him jealous? She couldn’t achieve that. He was ecstatic she might like Luke. He doubted Luke would have such favorable comments about her. He should ask Luke how he was faring. “Why don’t you take me to your haus first for a couple of minutes? I’ll chat with Luke and hug Lily.” His wound barked with pain, but he’d go home with her to visit with Luke and Lily to silence her complaints.
Her mood changed. “Wonderful. And stay for supper. Luke’s making chicken noodle casserole.” She drove down the lane to the barn. “Wait. Who is Luke talking to?”
Caleb had the same question. The woman was in Englischer clothes. She was a pretty Englischer. She wore a low-cut red dress with ruffles and had a belted waist and long, coal-black ringlets. Her high-heeled shoes matched her clothes. He didn’t know how she could walk in the grass in them without falling. He stayed in the buggy. “Let’s give them some privacy and sit here a couple of minutes.”
“I will do no such thing. This is my haus. I have every right to know who she is and what she wants with Luke.” Frannie jumped out of the buggy. “Take care of the harness and mare.”
Caleb covered his grin. Was Frannie jealous or afraid she’d lose Luke as a property manager? He couldn’t tell. He tied the mare to a tree. He should check on Luke and the women. He approached them, and the two women waggled fingers and yelled at each other.
Frannie scrunched her face. “You’re on private property. Leave and don’t kumme back.”
“You have no business joining our conversation. You little simple Amish woman. Look at you. No style or personality. Luke, why would you settle for her?”
Luke held up his palms. “Stop this arguing. Frannie, please go inside.”
“I’ll not move an inch. What are you trying to hide, Luke? Do you have plans with this woman? Have you been in contact with her?” Hands on her hips, Frannie glowered.
“I have not been in contact with Helena since she broke our engagement a year and a half ago when I lived in the outside world.” He glanced at Helena and back to Frannie. “She asked the postman if he knew me. I left your address there for my mail. I have a couple of friends I thought may write.”
Helena caressed Luke’s arm. “Please, let’s talk in private. I love you. I left Ernie. We’ve divorced. You don’t have to worry I’ll go back to him. I’m sorry. I made a terrible mistake when I broke off our engagement for him. I’ll be the best wife in the world if you’ll give me a chance. You still love me, don’t you, Luke?”
Caleb kept his distance and stayed silent. He didn’t want any part of this conversation, but he didn’t want to leave until Luke said he would either stay or leave Charm.
Luke glanced over his shoulder. “Caleb, I’m sorry about all this.”
“We need to talk after you’ve finished your discussion,” Caleb said.
Luke gestured Helena to a bench by the pond, farther away from Caleb and Frannie.
Frannie stomped her foot. “Do something, Caleb. I want to know what they’re saying.”
“You and I should stay out of their business.”
Frannie’s cheeks blazed. He doubted she could’ve pinched her lips any tighter. He hoped she was jealous, and then maybe she’d leave Caleb alone. If Luke stayed, maybe she’d appreciate him more, or realize she might have feelings for him.
“You’re no help.” She glared at him. “Luke has been an excellent farmhand, and he has cooked, cleaned, and taken care of Lily. Not many men would be amenable to such chores. I don’t want to start over again with a stranger.” She plopped in the rocking chair on the porch beside him. “I care about him.” She stared at the couple sitting on the wooden bench across the yard by the pond. “I wonder what he’s saying to her. I’m going to find out.” She stood.
Caleb grabbed her arm. “Check on Lily. We’ll give them a few more minutes and then we’ll interrupt.” He didn’t have all day, and he needed Luke to wrap up this squabble.
One minute Helena was shaking her forefinger at him and the next she was hugging him. Luke had backed away from her each time.
Frannie returned. “Lily’s asleep. Luke plays blocks and reads to her. He brings her outside and holds her hand as she walks. He’s patient, like Stephen. Many things about Luke remind me of your bruder. He doesn’t complain, he’s kindhearted, and he’s easygoing. This woman’s intrusion on my property is very unsettling.”
“I will always be here when you need me as ‘family,’ but, as I’ve said a number of times, I won’t marry you. From what you’ve said, you may like Luke as more than a farmhand or friend. If so, take your focus off me and put it on Luke. Admit it: If he walked away right now, wouldn’t you miss him as a man you might be falling in love with and not just for his skills as a farmhand?” He prayed this was true.
She stared at her folded hands in her lap. “I had my mind set on you.”
Caleb cocked his head. “But not your heart.”
“No. I was hoping we’d marry and fall in love over time. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m attracted to Luke, and we’ve had our moments where we’ve laughed and shared stories of our past over suppers. Until today, I hadn’t allowed myself to admit it. I didn’t know I could depend on him. He has nothing keeping him here.” She raised her eyes, met Caleb’s, and glanced over at the couple.
“Have you told him you may be interested in him, or has he hinted he may like to pursue a courtship with you?” Caleb noticed her face soften.
She shook her head. “We haven’t discussed where we stand. We’ve built a friendship, but I suppose for me it’s more. I’m surprised to hear myself say it. I was afraid Luke may be the type of man who may not grow roots in Charm. He’s unmarried and has no ties here. You were a sure thing. I’m not happy alone. I need a reliable husband.” She kept her chin to her chest.
Helena yelled, “This isn’t over, Luke.” Then she ran to her buggy and stepped inside, then left with her mare galloping.
Luke approached them and sat across from them in the swing. “I apologize for Helena’s rudeness and visit. The furthest thing from my mind is her seeking me out and begging me to rekindle our relationship.”
Frannie gripped her white apron. “Are you still in love with her? Would you consider leaving with her?”
Luke reached for her hand. “Not for a second. I’m here to stay, if you still want me to work for you.” He darted a look at Caleb.
“Frannie, the decision is yours.” Caleb motioned to her.
“Yes. Yes. Yes. I don’t want you to ever leave. I care about you. I didn’t realize how much until your ex-fraa made every effort to coax you to go with her. I’ve been relentless in my pursuit of Caleb, but I would rather find a man to fall in love with to marry.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m falling in love with you, Luke.”
Luke kissed the back of Frannie’s hand and then gazed at Caleb. “I’m falling in love with Frannie. I hope this doesn’t upset you.”
“No. I’m happy for you.” Caleb could’ve jumped with glee, he was so giddy about this.
Luke was solving his problem of Frannie driving him mad. She wanted to be coddled and taken care of. But she might be sincere about her interest in Luke. He prayed they’d have a future together. Luke had been an upstanding man since they met.
“I believe we have something special. Frannie, would you consider a courtship with me?”
“Yes.” She beamed. “I would love to.” She tapped her forefinger to her chin. “I have an idea.” She gazed into Luke’s eyes. “Why wait? Let’s skip the courtship and plan a wedding.”
Caleb cleared his throat. “Maybe you need to court first. You haven’t known each other long.”
He didn’t want Frannie to have regrets and kumme whining to him a month from now. Or Luke to get exasperated with her and leave. She wanted to make sure Luke would stay in Charm, and this was her way of making sure of it.
“I agree with Frannie. I assumed a marriage would be out of the question or I would’ve proposed. I love her, and I’m ready to marry her.”
“I believe I’m falling in love with you too.” She hugged herself. “Caleb, please give us your blessing.”
“You’re grown adults. I’m a little dubious, but I’ll relent. How fast should we put this wedding together?”
Rachael’s soon-to-be stepdaed and her mamm were to wed June 29. He wasn’t sure they could arrange everything any earlier.
Luke drummed his fingers on the arm of the swing. “I’ll ask the bishop first thing in the morning what he has available on his calendar. We’ll post an announcement in the bakery and ask our friends to spread the word. Not everyone will have enough notice to kumme, but we don’t need much. We’ll have the wedding here and use the Sunday service benches. We should have a date in mind. How about Tuesday, June 22?”
“Yes. June 22 or whatever is close to that date would be great. I can’t believe it! We’re getting married!” Frannie clapped her hands to her cheeks and grinned. “Caleb, you must think I’m mad, the way I’ve chased you. I’ve been such a terrible schweschder-in-law.”
“What matters to me is you’re happy, and I believe God has a plan and Luke is the one for you.” He rose and Luke did too. He shook Luke’s hand. “Congratulations.”
“Danki. And you should know I have money saved and I will take over paying for our needs and the farm’s, if you aren’t opposed.”
“The farm is Frannie’s and yours once you’re married.” He smiled.
“I appreciate it, Caleb. I will be an honorable and loyal husband and take care of Frannie and Lily.”
“That’s all I ask.” Caleb couldn’t wait to tell Rachael. She’d be shocked and thrilled. He was sure of it. This would erase any obligation she considered him to have as far as marrying Frannie. He hadn’t gotten through to her that was never going to happen, but now she’d know for sure.
Luke put his hand on Caleb’s back. “Would you kumme with me to ask the bishop about our wedding? I’ve had conversations with him, but he might be more receptive if you’re there to voice your approval.”
“Sure. I’ll meet you here tomorrow morning and we’ll go over to his haus together.”
“Danki.”
“I’ll leave you both to plan and, again, congratulations.” He tipped his hat and left.
Would this push Rachael closer to him? All he had to do now was pray she would accept he wanted to marry her. She’d been more open with him, and he kept hearing her say she missed him. He had hope.
Chapter 13
Caleb had an idea. He hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed, but it was worth a try. First, he’d carry through on his promise to Luke. He mucked the stalls, redressed, and drove to Frannie’s to meet Luke. June was pleasant and sunny so far, and this Tuesday was no exception. He arrived at Frannie’s, and Luke met him at the wagon.
“Danki for accompanying me to Bishop Fisher’s.” Luke stepped into the wagon.
“I have another reason to visit Bishop Fisher, so this works out well for both of us. Luke, are you sure you’re ready to marry Frannie?” Caleb didn’t want Luke to feel pressured.
“I’m ready. It’s sudden, but we’ve worked together since I accepted the job. I love her and I love Lily. Frannie can be demanding and difficult at times, but her kindness and the ways she shows she cares far outweigh her bossiness. It’s a breath of fresh air to have a woman who loves the Amish life, loves God, and now, me. Lily is a treasure, and I hope God blesses us with siblings for her.”
Caleb was thankful God had brought these two together. His life would be much easier without Frannie insisting he marry her. She could have the love she desired with Luke. “You’ve got my blessing, and I wish you and Frannie much happiness.”
Luke fumbled his hands. “I’m nervous about what Bishop Fisher will say when I ask to marry Frannie. I pray he doesn’t refuse since we’re getting married so soon after meeting.”
“Bishop Fisher is a reasonable man. Relax.” Caleb liked Luke. He was a humble man, and not afraid to speak his true feelings.
Caleb parked the wagon and walked with Luke to the front door.
Bishop Fisher greeted them. “Caleb and Luke, what brings you here?” He motioned for them to step inside.
Caleb and Luke sat on the settee. Caleb gestured to Luke. “Luke and Frannie would like to get married on June 22.”
“Luke, you haven’t lived in Charm long. Isn’t this sudden?” Bishop Fisher sat on the edge of his chair and didn’t smile.
