Grace's Forgiveness (30 page)

“Did you speak with Anna after all the commotion ended?”

“Yes. I went back to the shop and explained everything. She said the gunshots and banging around scared her but she stayed put to wait on customers. She said two couples stayed a long time in the store after I left. The men didn’t want to leave her alone. It was kind of them. She is mature beyond her years and has been a big help to me. She’s become a fast friend. Sweet and considerate, she’s thrilled for me and wants to help with the wedding plans.”

Knock. Knock.
Startled, they paused. Grace shivered at the insistent loud rapping. Heart pounding, she rushed with Mamm to the door.

Levi stood as pale as chalk, with a white knuckle grip on his hat. “Kumme quick. Something’s wrong with Sarah.”

Grace grabbed her medical bag. A sick sense of worry caught in her throat. “What is it?”

Levi kept pace alongside her, walking to his buggy. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

Mamm stood at the door. “Tell Sarah I’m praying for her.” She stepped outside. “I’ll have your daed fetch you in an hour or two.”

Glancing over her shoulder, Grace said, “Danki, Mamm.” She scrambled into the waiting buggy. She stowed her bag between herself and Levi. “Tell me what happened.”

“She had gone to the bedroom to fold clothes and cried out for me. I left the kitchen and ran to her. I found her doubled over, clutching her stomach. The blood on the floor shocked me, and I almost dropped the glass in my hand. Grace, I’m worried.”

Grace froze but willed herself to stay calm. Levi was terrified. It wouldn’t benefit anyone if she fell apart. Riveting fear shot from her head to her toes. “I am too, but we have to stay calm for Sarah.” She stared at her lap and fidgeted with the corner of her apron. “How much blood was on her and the floor?” Grace hoped he’d say droplets and not a puddle. She closed her eyes for a moment in anticipation of his answer.

Levi blanched. Grace understood his hesitation. This personal conversation would be difficult to talk about with another woman. Her being Sarah’s best friend didn’t change this. “Not a lot.”

She breathed easier and relaxed a little. There wasn’t a puddle of blood on the floor.
This is encouraging news.
“What did you do next?”

“I carried her to our bed.”

Grace’s heart ached for him.

He urged the horses in a faster trot. “Could she lose the boppli? How serious is this?”

Grace carefully thought about what to say. She had no idea what she would discover when they arrived. “I’m not sure until I examine her.” Her friend’s haus came into view. “Why don’t you go into town and fetch the doctor. It may be nothing, but I’d like to have his opinion.”

Levi nodded. He halted the horses.

She jumped to the ground, ran, and opened the door. She drew in a deep breath and uttered a quick prayer then headed for the bedroom. “Sarah, it’s me, Grace.”

Sarah stretched out her arms. Beads of sweat covered her forehead and upper lip. Her cheeks glowed deep pink. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m scared something is wrong. I doubled over in excruciating pain and then blood trickled down my legs and onto the floor.”

Grace poured water from the white pitcher on the corner table into the matching bowl and dampened a cloth she retrieved from the cabinet below. Dabbing Sarah’s face, she forced a grin and spoke in a calm tone. “Relax and take a deep breath. I want you to stay as calm as possible for me. It’s important for your boppli. Levi is fetching the doctor.”

Sarah reached for Grace’s arm and held it in a tight grip. “Can’t you examine me and tell me something . . . anything?”

Gently dropping the cloth in the bowl, Grace covered her friend’s hand. “Yes, I will, but it won’t hurt to have Dr. Rogers’s advice.” She untied her bag and pulled out what she needed. She swallowed hard then peeled back the covers. A rush of relief swept through her. A few spots of blood wet the sheets, not the puddle she’d feared might have formed since Levi had kumme to fetch her.

Grace inserted the tips of the stethoscope in her ears and listened to Sarah’s heart. Her friend’s heart rate was normal. Tenderly, she pressed Sarah’s stomach. It would be too early to hear the infant’s heartbeat. “You and the boppli seem all right. I would be more concerned if there had been more blood. Droplets like you’ve had are not uncommon, although I tell expectant mamms to take it easy when this happens and rest. Propping your feet up helps.” She grabbed a chair pillow and put it under Sarah’s feet and then pulled the sheet over her friend.

Sarah gave a heavy sigh as she rose to a sitting position. “Danki, Grace. Before you arrived, I was sick with worry.”

Wincing, Grace patted her friend’s arm. “At this point, I believe your boppli is probably fine.”

Levi and Dr. Rogers strode into the room.

Hoping the doctor agreed with her assessment, she stepped back and watched him. “Dr. Rogers, I checked her and everything seems normal, but I wanted your opinion.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Grace. I don’t mind coming with Levi to check Sarah at all.”

Levi kissed Sarah’s forehead. “Are you all right?”

“I haven’t had any pain since you left. Grace checked me, and the bleeding has stopped. I’m much better.”

Levi removed his hat and twisted the brim. “Grace, Dr. Rogers, danki for kumming. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.”

The doctor opened his medical bag. “Sarah, I asked you to take it easy. Have you been overexerting yourself?”

“No, I haven’t done any heavy lifting.”

“All right, I understand. This is normal for some women expecting a baby. It may be nothing.”

He examined Sarah. “You assessed the situation well, Grace.” He turned to Sarah. “I believe your boppli is fine. Stay in bed as much as possible for the next two weeks. If you don’t have any more pain or bleeding, then you can do a little more on your feet with caution.”

Sarah and Grace thanked and bid him farewell.

Levi came in. “Dr. Rogers told me you have to take it easy. He said you and our boppli are all right.”

Sarah dropped her head back on the pillow. “Yes, he and Grace have relieved my mind.”

Levi sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ll ask your mamm to kumme and stay with us.”

“Excellent idea about fetching Mamm. I’m sure you’ll be glad. You love her cooking.”

Grace stood at the foot of the bed. “Everybody loves your mamm’s cooking. She and my mamm have a knack for making the best dish, no matter what it is.”

Sarah patted the edge of the bed. “Do you have a few minutes to stay and chat? I’ve missed you.”

Levi stood. “I’ll leave you alone to visit.”

“No, Levi, stay.” She shot her arms up. “Mark and I are getting married!”

Sarah pressed a hand to her heart. “I’m so thrilled for you, Grace!”

Levi sighed. “I’m delighted you two can finally be together. Sarah and I have been praying for you both. What changed your daed’s mind about Mark?”

Grace told the story to Sarah and Levi.

Levi exclaimed, “Is Mark hurt?”

“They roughed him up, but they didn’t break any bones. He’s bruised and sore. The sheriff arrested the men and they’re in jail. It tore my heart in two to find Mark bleeding and in such pain.”

“I’m relieved Mark and your daed have mended their relationship.” Sarah hugged herself. “I’m so joyful I’ll be attending your wedding!”

Levi stood. “Give Mark our best wishes. I’ll be busy here since Sarah must rest, but tell him to visit when he is better.”

“I’m sure he’ll look forward to seeing you.”

Sarah leaned forward. “When is the date?”

“The bishop let us keep November fifteenth. We’ll have to set up our premarital instruction meetings before then.”

“I’m sure the bishop can work it out.”

“While Grace is here with you, I’ll head to your mamm’s haus. I’ll tell her what’s happened and ask her to kumme back with me.” Levi walked over to Grace. “Is this all right with you?”

“Yes, go ahead. If Daed arrives to pick me up, I’m sure he won’t mind waiting.”

Sarah blew him a kiss. “Danki, sweetheart. It will give Grace and me more time to discuss her wedding.”

Levi blushed and waved good-bye.

Sarah gripped Grace’s hand after Levi left. “Do you have any questions about your wedding night?”

What would her first intimate experience with Mark be like? Sarah had told her what to expect in general, but she was still apprehensive about it. She wasn’t sure what to do to please him. “No, I have an idea of what will happen based on what you told me after you and Levi got married. I’m nervous, but I trust Mark.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll let him take the lead and go from there.” She squinted. “Is there anything else you need to tell me?”

Gently squeezing her hand, Sarah leaned closer to her. “You have nothing to worry about. It will be a special act of love you’ll enjoy. Do what kummes natural.”

“It’s sweet of you to want to put me at ease. I treasure our friendship. Danki for your encouragement.”

“What may I do for the wedding?”

“You must take care of your boppli, which means you obey Dr. Rogers’s orders.”

Sarah tapped her chin. “I’ll kumme up with something to do for you while I’m twiddling my thumbs in this bed.”

Her friend had trouble keeping still. Grace worried her mood would plummet. “You can work on the project you had in mind, as long as you can do it in bed.”

“I promise to behave.” She gently squeezed Grace’s fingers. “I’m so happy for you. This is really going to happen. God worked a miracle in your life. I fretted your daed would stand firm in his decision.”

“I had faith God would intercede. Everything worked out. Mark didn’t get the outcome he would’ve liked with his bruder, but at least he can rest knowing he’s safe and the criminals are behind bars. We can finally get married and plan our future. You and Levi are having a boppli. There is so much for all of us to look forward to in the coming months.”

“Anna must’ve been frightened hearing the scuffle next door, when you left to fetch the sheriff.”

“She is brave to have stayed and managed the shop during this ordeal. I’m thankful the connecting door to our shops remained locked.”

“You both were brave.”

“It all happened so fast. I told her what happened afterward. She’s kind, smart, and good company. I like her. She genuinely likes working at the store. I believe God sent her to us. She wants to help with the wedding.”

“I’d like to sit and chat with her.” Sarah tapped her chin. “I have an idea in mind for a gift for you. Would you ask Anna to bring me white and light blue cotton fabric from the store? It would give us a chance to visit.”

“I’m sure she’d love to. How many yards of material would you need?”

“Eight total would be good.” Sarah clapped her hands. “We have so much planning to do. Please let me help you stitch your dress or Mark’s shirt and pants.”

“No. I want you to rest.”

“Staying off my feet is hard. I hope I’m able to kumme to the wedding.”

“You and your boppli’s health are most important to me. If you have to miss the wedding, it will be sad but worth it for both of us. This boppli will be a joy to all of us.”

“Can you believe it? I’ll be a mamm soon.”

Sarah rubbed her stomach. “My tummy is sticking out a little. I love it! Thanks to you and Dr. Rogers, I can relax and not worry. Levi and I are discussing names. Do you have any suggestions?”

Grace thought for a moment. “Hmmm . . . I like Elizabeth, Katie, and Lily for a maedel. Nathaniel has always been a favorite of mine, but I also like Jeremiah and Isaiah for boy names.”

“I like Lily for a maedel and Jeremiah for a boy. I’ll suggest those to Levi. I’m no good at kumming up with names. Danki.”

Horses neighed.

Grace peeked out the window. “Levi and your mamm are pulling up out front, and Daed is coming down the lane. I must be going.” She rolled her shoulders. “Since your mamm lives two streets away from you, it will be easy for her to go back and forth and check on your daed. You behave and let your mamm wait on you. I’ll be over soon.” She hugged her friend then strode to the door and opened it. “Hello, Miriam!”

Mrs. Miriam Mast hugged Grace then stepped back and gazed at her with worried eyes. “Grace, is Sarah all right? Should I be worried?”

Grace loved Miriam. The kind and compassionate woman was like a second mamm to her. She didn’t want her upset. “No, Sarah’s fine. It’s not unusual to experience a little bleeding in the first three months of pregnancy. She should take it easy as a precaution, though.”

Pressing a hand to her chest, Miriam’s breath whooshed out. “I’m so thrilled about this boppli. I’ve already stitched white sheets and knitted three sets of booties.”

“This should be an exciting year for both Sarah and me.” Grace bounced on her toes. “I’m getting married to Mark King!”

Miriam’s cheeks dimpled. “I’m so thrilled for you, Grace. I want to help. Tell me what to do.”

Sharing her announcement made the anticipation of marrying Mark even more thrilling. “I’m sure Mamm will speak to you about the after-wedding meal. I wouldn’t mind having some of your special chicken and dumplings.”

“Say no more. You’ll have them, and I’ll make your favorite apple tarts.”

“Danki.” Grace kissed Miriam’s cheek. “Please keep the news to yourself until the bishop announces it.” She grinned. “I’ll say good-bye to Levi and be on my way.”

Miriam walked into the haus.

Grace approached Levi standing and talking to her daed, sitting in the wagon. “Sarah’s resting and she’ll be in capable hands with you and her mamm.” She put a hand on her daed’s arm. “We should head home. Mamm must be wondering what happened to Sarah.”

Her daed held the reins. “Jah, you’re right. Take good care of Sarah, Levi. If you need anything, ask.”

“Danki.” Levi waited and watched them prepare to leave.

Grace climbed in the wagon. “How’s Mark?”

“He’ll be all right. Noah’s staying with him tonight.”

The thought of the beating he’d taken at the hands of those outlaws quelled her.

She put a hand on his arm. “Danki for your blessing to allow Mark and me to marry.”

“Grace, please forgive me. I’m sorry for putting you and Mark through a sad and difficult time. I want nothing more than for you and Mark to enjoy a happy life together.”