Grace's Forgiveness (23 page)

Hester put hands on her hips. “What is it?”

“Mark King proposed to me. I’m getting married!”

Her friend’s eyes sparkled. “I’m thrilled for you, Grace. Tell me about him.” She slid her rocker closer to Grace’s and sat.

“He’s everything I want in a husband. Kind, compassionate, and handsome with thick brown hair and beautiful eyes I get lost in. He stands tall next to me, and his scent is a pleasant one of cedar. He’s a talented man. He handcrafts furniture, household items, and toys. He owns a furniture store in town next to Sarah and me.” She loved talking about Mark. What she couldn’t say was how the joy of his touch and thoughts of him were with her every waking moment.

Hester said, “I recognize the name. I’ve walked by his store in town.”

“Mark’s talking to the bishop today about our wedding date. I wish you could attend.”

“Since I’m an Englischer, I’m blessed the Amish let me teach you midwifery and let us work together. Your community appreciates my help, but I understand not being included in their social lives. It’s all right.”

Grace paused and nervously fingered the string on her kapp. “Can you tell Becca I’m getting married the next time you write or visit her? I can’t be in contact with her any longer.”

Hester covered her hand. “Of course I will. She’ll be happier than a bee in a pot of honey.”

“I miss her, but I’m pleased she’s happy.” She paused. “Do you have any mamms expecting bopplin soon?”

“I’m not aware of any. I’ll visit the shop and tell you if I hear of pregnant women needing us.”

“I’m ready to help whenever you need me.” Grace stood. “It’s so good to see you, but I should get to work.” She winced. “Mark and I can’t tell the Amish community we’re getting married until the bishop announces it. Please keep the news to yourself until then, except for telling Becca.”

“I’m good at keeping secrets.” She crossed her lips with her forefinger. “My lips are sealed.”

“Danki. Take care of yourself.” She hugged Hester and drove to work.

On her way to town, the sky darkened and the wind threatened to blow her kapp off. She hurried to beat the rain sure to kumme soon. Arriving at the store, she went inside and peeked through the middle door to Mark’s shop. Dark and quiet, he wasn’t there. Maybe he was meeting with the bishop at this very moment. She ducked back into her and Sarah’s shop.

Sarah entered minutes later, shaking out her black umbrella. “The rain came down with a vengeance. Water is pounding the dirt.”

“I’ve been anxious for you to get here.”

Sarah’s concern shadowed her face. “Why, what’s wrong?”

“Mark asked me to marry him. I said yes! Mamm and Daed gave their blessing last night at supper. Mark’s going to ask the bishop for his blessing and set a date for the wedding.”

Sarah reached for Grace’s hands. “I couldn’t be more thrilled. I understand I mustn’t tell our friends and neighbors yet, but may I tell Levi?”

“Yes, please inform him.”

“He’ll be thrilled. We’ve been praying for this to happen. What can I do to help?”

“I haven’t been able to think straight, I’ve been so excited. First, I need to check our fabric supply. I’d like light blue for my dress. Mark will need a new white shirt and black pants. I’d love it if you’d stitch my white kapp.”

“I’d love to. Danki, Grace.”

Grace slipped her arm through Sarah’s as they strolled to the back. She pulled a box from a shelf and rummaged through the stack of fabrics. “Look, I found the perfect shade of light blue for my dress.”

“I like it.” Sarah unfolded white material. “Here’s enough to make Mark’s shirt.” She fingered black fabric. “There’s enough black cloth to make a pair of pants.”

“Not having to order and wait on fabric is a big relief. I can get started on my dress tonight.”

“When is Mark talking to the bishop?”

“He’s not in his store yet. I’m hoping he’s visiting him as we speak. I hope the date will be sooner than later. I’m itching for it to happen so I can share my wedding date with our friends.”

“I’m already counting the days.” Sarah put her hand on the middle door. “Let’s see if he’s here yet.”

Mark woke with Dusty snuggled up against him. He glanced at the clock and groaned. “It’s late. I overslept.” He patted his pet and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Standing up, he stretched, washed his face, combed his hair, and dressed.

Grace entered his mind. Anxious to talk to the bishop, maybe he should go visit him first. He was hoping for the early part of November. He was anxious to share his life with her. Soon, they’d live together here in his haus.

He downed a few bites of buttered bread and drank half a cup of coffee.

Noah pushed the door open. “Mark, I’m surprised you’re still here. I thought you’d be at work.”

“I’m running late today, but the shop can wait to open. I’ve got an important errand to run before I go to town.” He rested his hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Can you keep a secret?”

Noah squinted. “Jah, you can trust me.”

“I’m getting married!”

Noah pushed his back against the chair. “Congratulations, I hope you and Grace will be very happy together. When’s the wedding date?”

“I’m on my way to the bishop’s haus to ask when he can perform the ceremony.”

“I couldn’t be happier for you.”

“I’m having a difficult time keeping this information to myself. I want to shout it all over town.”

Mark pulled back the window curtain. “The rain has ceased. I should hurry to the bishop’s haus. I hope we don’t get another downpour.”

“Again, I’m thrilled for you, Mark.”

“Danki, Noah. You’re an important person in my life. I wanted to tell you before anyone else did.”

Mark left and rode straight to the bishop’s haus. He rapped on the door, and raindrops fell.

The bishop answered with surprise on his face. “This is an odd time of day for you to visit.” He gestured him inside. “Is everything all right?”

“Everything’s more than all right. I asked Grace Blauch to marry me, and she said jah. I’m here to ask your blessing and to schedule a date for our wedding.”

“Congratulations, and I’m pleased.” He pushed his spectacles back up on his nose. “Have you asked Mr. Blauch for his approval?”

“Jah, he and Mrs. Blauch are in favor of our impending union.”

“I really didn’t have any doubt they would grant you their permission. I’ve observed you chatting with them at church. You all appear to get along well.” He leafed through the pages of his calendar. “November fifteenth is available.”

“November fifteenth it is then. Grace and I want to get married as soon as possible. We’re ready to experience life together.”

Bishop Weaver adjusted the spectacles on his nose. “Let’s meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at five at my home for premarital counseling. Is this time all right?”

“We’ll be here.”

The older man shook his head. “I didn’t offer you anything. Would you like to visit for a few minutes? I have lemonade.”

“No, I should get to the shop. I’m late opening today. Danki.”

The bishop patted his back. “I’m sure our members will rejoice when they hear of it. I’ll announce it sometime in October.”

“It will be a very memorable and important day for Grace and me. I’m anxious to marry her.”

Bishop Weaver laughed. “Your enthusiasm is infectious. I doubt I’ll stop smiling the rest of the day.” He patted Mark’s shoulder. “Take care. Give Grace my best when you see her.”

“Will do. Danki again.” The rain had disappeared and white puffy clouds parted in the sky. A vibrant rainbow arched. Grace’s family and the bishop had been receptive to their impending marriage. He couldn’t have asked for things to go any smoother.

A short time later, he strolled into Sarah and Grace’s shop.

“Mark, did you visit Bishop Weaver?” Grace bit her lip in anticipation.

Sarah hugged the quilts in her arms. “Congratulations! Grace told me you’re getting married. I can’t wait to tell Levi. He’ll be happy for you.”

“Danki, Sarah. And jah, Grace, I did visit the bishop. November fifteenth is our wedding date, and we will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at five for our premarital counseling meetings at the bishop’s haus.”

Grace’s face glowed. “November fifteenth is perfect. It gives us enough time to prepare, and we don’t have to wait as long as I’d feared.”

Sarah set the quilts on the counter. “All the women will want to cook and take part. A wedding brings such joy. I can’t wait.”

A customer came in. “Can someone show me what you have to offer in aprons?”

Sarah rushed to her. “I’ll help you.”

Grace pressed her hands together. “Mark, danki for taking care of this so soon.”

Mark looked at the Englisch woman and Sarah. They had their backs to them. He brushed her hand then stepped back. “Talking to the bishop was the first thing I thought of the minute I woke up this morning. Time is going to tick by slow for me until we are in front of the church saying our vows, although I’m thankful for the date the bishop gave us.”

Her eyes sparkled. “This is wonderful. I wonder what the bishop will say to us during our counseling meetings. I’m a little nervous.”

Mark shrugged his shoulders. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m sure he’ll stress how important the sanctity of marriage is and for us not to take our commitment to each other lightly. I have no reservations about marrying you.”

“I’m committed to you and have no doubt you’ll be a loving husband, and I will work hard to be the very best fraa to you.”

He scanned the room then leaned close to her ear. “Soon your name will be Grace King.”

She blushed. “I like my new name.”

He wouldn’t want anything to spoil their joy. “I don’t want to leave you, but I should get back to work.” He lifted his shoulders. “I’m counting the days until I can call you my fraa.”

He entered his store. The hours passed slowly as he waited on customers the rest of the day. He’d been busy and hadn’t noticed it was half past five. Opening the connecting door, he found Grace and Sarah’s shop locked. They must’ve gone home. She wouldn’t have bothered him if he’d been waiting on customers. He frowned. Too bad he’d missed her.

Mark went home. Noah had already left. Dusty ran to greet him, wagging his tail. “Good boy.” He smoothed his hand over the dog’s soft black fur and eyed his food and water bowls. “Noah takes excellent care of you. You won’t go hungry while he’s working here.” Something on the table caught his eye. “He must have something to tell me. He left a note.”

He picked up the paper and stared at the signature.
Abel.
A chill coursed through him.

Mark, I’m in town. I’ll return around six tonight.

I’ll come through the back door, so no one will spot me.

Mark slumped in a chair, wadded the paper, and pushed it aside. It was after six. Abel could arrive at any moment.

The fateful day he’d rolled over in his mind time and time again had kumme. He had no idea how to handle this. Should he speak to him? Should he risk everything by letting him in his haus and disobeying Amish law? He had to inquire about Abel’s well-being and tell him Buck and Skinner had been searching for him. What if those ruffians found him, while he was out? Would they kill him? There was nothing for him to do but wait.

He warmed boiled ham and beans, sat, and spooned a bite in his mouth. He finished half the serving on his plate and pushed it aside. Stomach tense and head throbbing, he poked his head out the door. No sign of Abel. He could tell him what he had to say at the door. Letting him inside put everything he had with Grace at risk.

Choosing a container, he stored the leftover food in the icebox and washed and dried his dish. The back door banged open then shut. He stiffened.

Abel swayed and caught the counter. “Hey, bruder, how are ya?”

Dusty jumped to his feet and snarled.

Staring at his bruder, Mark swallowed the lump in his throat and calmed Dusty. He was relieved Abel was alive. He studied his bruder’s bloodshot eyes and too-relaxed manner. He was drunk. Abel had no regard for him or he wouldn’t barge in and put him at risk of losing Grace and his respectable reputation in the community. “How did you get here?”

He pulled out a chair and sat. “I hid my horse in your barn so no one would see you have company.” He held up the flour sack and scarf. “Thanks for storing my stuff.” He pulled out the scarf. “This is a present for my special lady.”

“I had no idea it was your bag. Have you been hiding in my barn? Why?” Mark narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms against his chest. “Why not barge into my haus like you are now?” Mark gritted his teeth in anger.

Abel hung his head. “I’m sorry. I haven’t hid in your barn much. I had to find places to hide for a while. I thought as long as you or anyone else didn’t see me, you wouldn’t get in trouble with the bishop or the community. I came inside now because Buck and Skinner, the same thugs I owed money to before for a gambling debt, are after me again. I used the money you gave me a while back to pay them off. This time I owe them even more money. Will you give me forty dollars?”

“You hiding in the barn and coming here puts me at risk of losing everything. You left to discover the world. I didn’t. It’s wrong of you to put me in this position. Furthermore, Buck and Skinner showed up at my store searching for you and demanded I pay them money you owe them from a gambling debt. They stole what I had on hand, but they weren’t satisfied. They’re still looking for you.”

Abel straightened. “What! Oh no! I didn’t think Buck and Skinner would find you here.” He stared at his feet. “When I paid them the money you gave me the first time to satisfy my gambling debt, they beat me until I told them where I got the bag of coins. I had to tell them I got it from you when you lived in Lancaster. I had no idea they’d find out you moved to Berlin.”

The reason Amish law was necessary to shun family members who left the community to join the outside world had never been clearer to him than at this moment. “Buck and Skinner learned my whereabouts from the postmaster in Lancaster. I’d left my forwarding address at the post office. Since my full name is the on my shop and matches your last name, it was easy for them to find me. They charged in and demanded I tell them your whereabouts.”