The Storekeeper's Daughter (19 page)

Am I?

The question in Fannie’s mind frightened her. She’d never been the kind of woman to throw herself at a man. Had she been too forward, asking him here tonight?

When Abraham stepped up beside her, she shivered.

“You cold?” he asked.

“No, no, I’m fine. You ready to eat?”

He nodded. “Jah, sure. Always ready for some gut food.”

“Who’s doin’ the cookin’ at your place now that your oldest daughter’s gone?” Fannie asked as they strolled down the driveway, side by side.

“Nancy, but she’s only ten and can’t cook nearly as good as Naomi.” He stopped walking and kicked a small stone with the toe of his boot. “Sure has been hard to keep things goin’.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Fannie said, feeling an ache in her heart for Abraham. “Do you have help at the store?”

He shook his head. “Not since Naomi left.”

“That’s a lot of responsibility for one man. I know, because I run my quilt shop with the help of my daughter. Don’t know what I’d do if Abby ever quit helpin’ out.”

“I’ve thought about hiring someone, but I don’t know who. It would have to be a person I could trust to do a good day’s work and not fool around like some of the young ones are apt to.”

“I understand,” Fannie said. “Have you put the word out that you’re lookin’ to hire someone?”

“Nope. Thought I could manage on my own awhile yet. Been hopin’ and prayin’ Naomi might come to her senses and return home.”

When Fannie looked into Abraham’s blue eyes, she could see the depth of his pain. She wished there was something she could do to help. But what would it be?

As they continued walking toward the group of people gathered at the tables, an idea popped into Fannie’s head. “Say, I was thinkin’ maybe I could help at the store. Just ’til you’re able to hire someone more permanent,” she blurted out.

His eyes grew large, and he looked at her as though she’d offered him a special gift. “You mean it, Fannie?”

She nodded. “I’ll phone the English gift shop next to our store tomorrow morning and ask them to get word to Abby. If she’s agreeable for me to stay here a few weeks, I’ll be free to help you.”

He tipped his head to one side. “But if you’re helpin’ me, won’t that leave your daughter alone at the quilt shop?”

Fannie pursed her lips. “My daughter-in-law, Lena, would probably be willing to help Abby during my absence.”

A huge smile spread across Abraham’s face. “Fannie Miller, I believe you’re an answer to my prayers!”

Fannie had never seen the time pass so quickly. It was hard to believe she’d left Ohio two months ago and had been helping Abraham ever since.

“I sure like your little house,” Fannie said to Edna as the two women cleared their breakfast dishes one morning.

“Danki. I think it’s kinda cozy and comfortable.”

“It’s nice you can live close to your family yet be off by yourself. It’s not like it is with most
grossdaadihaus—
grandparents’ houses—where you are right next door.”

Edna grinned. “I’m afraid my family couldn’t put up with me livin’ that close. My joke tellin’ and silliness might bother ’em to no end.”

Fannie shook her head. “I doubt that, Cousin. I think your happy attitude is a real pleasure, and I’ve enjoyed our time together more than I can say.”

Edna poured liquid detergent into the sink and turned on the faucet. “When you came for my birthday, I never expected you to stay so long.”

“Have I been a bother?”

Edna clucked her tongue. “Goodness, no. I’m right glad you’re still here.” She leveled Fannie with a serious look. Too serious for Edna. “That storekeeper must have some hold on you, that’s all I’ve gotta say.”

Fannie grabbed a dish towel, in readiness for the clean dishes. “Abraham doesn’t have any kind of hold on me. He needs my help, and since Abby’s been more than willin’ to let me stay on—”

“He couldn’t have hired someone in the area to work at the store?” Edna interrupted.

Fannie shrugged. “Guess he likes the way I do things.”

“Humph!
I’d say it’s you he likes.”

Fannie’s face heated up, but she didn’t argue. Truth was, she had a hunch Abraham was beginning to see her as more than someone to help at the store. They’d become good friends, and she’d even gone to his house for supper a time or two. Of course, she usually ended up doing the cooking, since Nancy’s meals were pretty bland.

If she were truly honest, Fannie had to admit she’d agreed to stay on longer for more than Abraham’s need of help. She enjoyed the man’s company and hoped ...
What exactly am I hoping for?

“Looks like it might snow,” Edna said, breaking into Fannie’s thoughts. “Sure is cold enough for it.” She chuckled. “When my twins were little, they used to think the clouds were giant pillows leakin’ feathers all over the earth.”

Fannie smiled and nodded absently.

“Do you think it’s safe to take my horse and buggy to the store today? I could always run next door and ask my Mennonite neighbor to drive you.”

Fannie shook her head. “That’s all right, Edna. I rather enjoy driving my own buggy, and I know how to get around in the snow, should the clouds decide to let loose of their feathers.”

“You be real careful crossing Route 30, ya hear? There was a bad accident out there last week.”

“I never go against the light, and I’ll take every precaution.”

The women finished the dishes as they engaged in light conversation, and a short time later, Fannie had Edna’s horse and buggy hitched and ready to go.

“Take care, ya hear?” Edna called as Fannie got the horse moving down the lane.

“I will!”

A short time later, Fannie headed down Fairview Road toward Paradise. By the time she got to Paradise Lane, the buggy started shaking.

“Was is letz do—what’s wrong here?” she mumbled, trying to hold the reins steady.

The buggy wobbled, lurched, then unexpectedly tipped to the right.

“Ach!” Fannie halted the horse and climbed down to evaluate the problem. It took only a moment to realize the right back wheel had fallen off and was lying in the ditch.

The frosty November wind whipped against Fannie’s dress, and she shivered, wrapping her woolen shawl tightly around her shoulders. “This isn’t good. Not good a’tall. I sure can’t put the wheel in place, and even if I did know how, I have no tools to fix it.”

Fannie climbed back into the buggy. At least she was out of the cold. She’d have to wait until someone came along who might be willing to help—wait and pray it would be soon. She’d left Edna’s place later than planned and had no idea how long it might be before help arrived. She was going to be late showing up at the store, and Abraham would probably be worried.

Fannie closed her eyes and prayed.
Father in heaven, send someone who can fix my buggy. Help Abraham not to worry, and please be with his daughter and baby boy today.

At the sound of a horse’s hooves, Fannie opened her eyes. A young Amish man driving an open buggy pulled in front of her rig. He hopped down and came around to the right side where Fannie sat holding the reins. She opened her door and greeted him.

“Looks like you’ve got a problem with your buggy. Maybe I can help,” he said with a smile.

“Oh, I surely hope so. I was travelin’ along fine one minute, and the next, I’d lost a back wheel.”

He extended his hand. “I’m Caleb Hoffmeir, the buggy maker in this area. I’ve got some tools in the back of my rig, so if the wheel’s not badly broken, it shouldn’t take me long to fix.”

“I’d be much obliged,” she said, stepping out of the carriage.

Fannie stood off to the side as Caleb picked up the wheel and set it in place. When he headed to his buggy to get some tools, she remembered something Abraham had told her one day at the store. “Caleb Hoffmeir, the buggy maker, wanted to court Naomi, but I wouldn’t give my permission for her to even go to singings. If I’d allowed them to court, Naomi might still be with us,” he’d said with a look of regret.

As she watched Caleb work on the wheel, Fannie decided they needed to have a little talk. “My name’s Fannie Miller, and I own a quilt shop outside of Berlin, Ohio.”

“I know the place. Was there awhile back and saw some English folks in front of your shop.” He grunted. “Thought maybe the baby they had with ’em was Abraham Fisher’s boy.”

“Abraham told me. I’ve been helping in his store the last couple of months, but I don’t believe I’ve met you before.”

Caleb grunted. “I haven’t been in Fisher’s store for quite a while.”

“Abraham’s mentioned you several times.”

“I bet whatever he said wasn’t good. The storekeeper and me don’t see eye to eye, especially concerning his oldest daughter.”

Fannie shifted from one foot to the other, praying for the right words. “Actually, I think Abraham regrets not allowin’ Naomi to be courted by you.”

Caleb looked up from his job and frowned. “It’s a little late for that, wouldn’t ya say? Naomi’s gone, and there’s no chance of us ever courtin’ now.”

Fannie offered up another quick prayer. “Abraham believes if he’d given Naomi more freedom, she might not have run off like she did.”

Caleb stood and pushed his hand against the buggy wheel. “Seems like it’s in good shape now.”

Fannie was amazed at how quickly he’d fixed it. She was also stunned by his lack of interest in what Abraham had to say.
Maybe it’s not a lack of interest
, she decided.
I fear the young buggy maker has a bitter heart toward Naomi’s father.

“Danki, for fixin’ the wheel
.
How much do I owe you?” she asked.

He shook his head. “No charge. I was passin’ by anyhow, and I’d never leave anyone stranded.”

She smiled. “I can see why Naomi was so taken with you.”

He shrugged. “I ain’t so sure about that. If she’d been taken with me, then she wouldn’t have run off with her English friend. She left the Amish faith and her friends and family behind. Truth be told, I think she’s probably much happier now.”

Fannie wished there was something she could say to make Caleb feel better or at least offer him a ray of hope. She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue and decided to make one last attempt. “I want you to know that I’ve been praying real hard—prayin’ God will take this situation with Abraham’s two missing kinner and turn it into something good.”

Caleb’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed, and Fannie could see he was struggling to keep his emotions in check. “That’d be right nice if God could make something good come from the whole mess, but to tell ya the truth, I ain’t holdin’ my breath for no miracle.” He grabbed his tools and turned toward his buggy. “It was nice meetin’ you, Fannie Miller.”

“Same here,” she called. “And I’ll continue to pray for everyone concerned.”

Naomi arched her back and wiggled from side to side, trying to dislodge the kinks that never seemed to go away. It was cold and raining outside, which Carla said was typical for November in Portland, Oregon. Between the chilly rain and her aching back, Naomi had been tempted not to come to work today. However, she needed the money.

Naomi donned her monogrammed apron and massaged the muscles in her lower back. She was grateful for her job as a waitress here at Jasper’s Café, but she hated the work. She had been waiting tables for the last two months and still hadn’t gotten used to the expectations placed upon her. Naomi had plenty of chores to do at home, but she could do them as she found the time and was pretty much in charge of things. Here at the restaurant she had a boss telling her what to do and criticizing every time she messed up.

Of course,
she reasoned,
I did have Papa tellin’ me what to do—especially at the store.

Thoughts of her family sent a wave of homesickness through Naomi so sharp she felt as if her knees could give way. She missed Mary Ann’s silly questions, Samuel’s curious nature, and even Nancy’s sometimes defiant attitude. She longed to listen to Matthew’s mellow voice, telling her things would work out all right, and she would give most anything to have a little chat with Jake, or even Norman, who often got on her nerves.

She sighed.
I miss Papa, too, even though he does blame me for Zach’s disappearance. Maybe my daed was right when he said some of the English like Ginny are spoiled. Seems to me most of ’em I’ve met have way too many things to take up their time. I’d much rather be sittin’ out on the front porch, eating homemade ice cream and visiting with the kinner and Papa than I would rushin’ off to movies, dances, and whatever else Ginny and Carla do on the weekends.

Naomi had thought she and Ginny would be able to pool their money and get an apartment of their own. But as it turned out, Ginny decided the kind of place she wanted was too expensive, so they were still staying at Carla’s.

At least Naomi had her own bedroom, which was something to be grateful for. Ginny and Carla shared a room with twin beds, and that was fine with Naomi. She felt out of place around Carla, who drank beer and smoked cigarettes. Back in Pennsylvania, Ginny seemed to care about Naomi and acted like she wanted to be her friend. Here, she only seemed worried about her own needs and practically ignored Naomi unless she wanted something. Being able to escape to her room at the end of the day was one small comfort. For the most part, she felt removed from everything—like she didn’t really belong.

Not only had Ginny and Carla become best friends, often leaving Naomi out of things they’d planned, they expected her to prepare most of the meals and keep the apartment cleaned and picked up. Already they were talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas and how they looked forward to the meals she would cook. Naomi wondered if she could make it through the holidays away from her family, while she catered to the whims of Carla and Ginny.

As she neared the restaurant’s kitchen, Naomi smelled spaghetti sauce cooking. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The aroma reminded her of the scalded, peeled tomatoes she and Mama used to make for homemade, savory tomato sauce. It was nothing like the plain old canned stuff that came from the grocery store.

“Sure wish I could go home,” she mumbled.

“Are you gonna stand there all day rubbing your back and talking to yourself, or did you plan to start working sometime in this century?” Dennis Jasper’s dark, bushy eyebrows drew together as he planted his beefy hands against his wide hips.

“I—I was only trying to get the muscles in my back to relax,” Naomi replied, making no mention of the private conversation she’d been having with herself.

His thin lips turned into a scowl. “Make an appointment with a massage therapist, or see one of them bone crackers, but do it on your own time!”

Naomi nodded, grabbed her order pad, and headed for the dining room. This was not a good way to begin the day.

Jim had thought if he gave Linda more time, she would relax and not be so overprotective with their son. Two months had passed since he’d decided to take charge of things, yet so far he hadn’t done a thing to let Linda know her actions were unacceptable and would only lead to trouble for Jimmy later on.

“Today’s the day I lay down the law,” Jim told himself as he headed across town to bid another job. “As soon as I get home tonight, I plan to tell Linda the way it’s going to be from now on.”

Jim’s cell phone rang. “Probably the owner of the house I’m supposed to bid,” he grumbled. “I’m only a few minutes late, but some customers can be so demanding.”

“Scott’s Painting and Decorating,” he said into the phone.

“Jim, it’s me.”

He shook his head. Didn’t she know by now that he recognized her voice? “What’s up, Linda?”

“Jimmy fell and split open his lip. I think you should come home so we can take him to the emergency room for stitches.”

“How deep is the cut?” Jim asked, feeling immediate concern.

“Not very deep, but it’s bleeding.”

“A lot or a little?”

“Well—”

“Linda, is the cut really bad or not?”

“I—I—think it could be.”

“You think or you know?”

There was a pause.

“Linda?”

“I’m here. Just taking another look at Jimmy’s lip.”

“Is it still bleeding?”

“It does seem to be slowing up. I put a cold washcloth on it.”

“That was a good idea.”

“Are you coming home or not?”

“I really don’t see the need.” This was one of those times Jim wished his wife was willing to drive. It was ridiculous that she had to take the bus everywhere or call a taxi if Jim wasn’t available to take her. Once in a while, she’d rely on a friend, but since they’d gotten Jimmy, she didn’t socialize much anymore.