Steadfast Mercy Read online

  “Was she talking to Darleen?”

  Jonica nodded. “I guess Stephen and I are big news.” No longer hungry, she set the sandwich back down. She’d take the leftovers home to eat later, or maybe Aenti Edna would want the food if Jonica reheated it.

  “Darleen is sweet on Caleb. She’s been somewhat vocal about their courting, but I’ve never gotten the impression his mother approves.”

  “Oh, dear. Caleb was probably late for her birthday celebration because of me.” No wonder Darleen had shot daggers at her in the store.

  “According to Hazel, Darleen’s been working on a proposal since before—” Faith craned her neck and nodded to someone across the room. “Coming.”

  Jonica glanced over her shoulder and glimpsed the customer seated at a table near the window lift his coffee mug.

  Faith stood. “That’s mei cue to make another round with the kaffi pot.” She eyed Jonica’s mug. “Looks like you’re ready for a refill too.”

  Jonica waited until Faith walked away, then leaned forward. “Stephen, finish your sandwich.” They needed to leave. Gossip had already spread throughout the community, and she didn’t want Stephen exposed to any of those comments. When Faith returned with the coffeepot, Jonica declined. “We need to get back home before Aenti starts to worry.”

  “Mamm, it takes so long. Can’t we stay longer? It’s too kalt.”

  “Stephen, eat.” She shifted her attention to Faith. “He’s a little whiny because he missed his nap. We came into town for groceries, but one of the wheels on the wagon broke, so I had to leave it on the side of the road. Needless to say, it’s been a long, kalt day.” Jonica motioned to her plate. “May I have a to-go box for mei sandwich?”

  “Oh, Jonica, look at the weather. It’s gotten worse since you’ve been inside. You can’t walk home in this.” Faith motioned toward the front-facing windows.

  Snow now blew across the parking lot and swirled in little tornadic whirls. Walking home in this weather would be foolish, let alone trying to carry Stephen.

  “Wait here, and I’ll try to find a driver to get you home.”

  “That would be great. Would you call Beverly for me?”

  “She’s out of town for her bruderskind’s wedding this week, but don’t worry. It shouldn’t be hard to find someone at Yoder’s to give you a ride.” Faith started to walk away.

  “Nay,” Jonica said, stopping her friend. “I can’t stay.” But could she leave?

  * * *

  Yoder’s Market was the last place Caleb wanted to go. After last night, he didn’t want to face Darleen, her father, or anyone else in her family for that matter. But not finding Jonica and Stephen on the way into town meant they were probably inside the store waiting out the storm. He drew a deep breath, the cold air triggering a cough.

  It didn’t make sense why the first snowfall of the season always felt colder, but it did. He pushed his hat down lower to cover his ears, then flipped up the collar on his coat as he headed to the front door.

  Entering the building, he spotted Darleen with a customer. He looped around to the back of the store, checking each aisle he passed, but didn’t find Jonica or her son. Lately, Edna’s memory hadn’t been reliable, but when she found the supply list was missing, she had seemed certain that Jonica and Stephen had gone to town. He’d assumed since it was snowing and Yoder’s was close by that they would have come here for their supplies. Then again, she had made him promise not to tell anyone they were in town. Maybe she foolishly walked an extra mile to shop somewhere else.

  “What can I do for you, Caleb?”

  He flinched at the iciness in Darleen’s tone, then lowering his head, he turned to face her. “Hello, Darleen. How are you?”

  “I’ve been better. What do you need?”

  She had a way of making him feel like dung collected on the bottom of boots. “I’m sorry.”

  “You are? Is that why you’re here?”

  “I’d like for us to be friends,” he said, then when her expression remained hardened, he added, “I’m looking for Jonica Muller and her sohn. Edna thought they were headed into town. I thought they might have stopped here.”

  “So, what I heard was true. She is back, and you two were at the doktah’s office together—on mei birthday. That’s why you were late for supper. You were with her.”

  “Don’t listen to gossip. Her sohn cut his hand and needed stitches. I gave them a ride. And jah, that was why I was late for your get-together.” And why he didn’t get his crop planted on time. Her eyes, he once thought so kind, locked with his, making him feel small. “Like I said last nacht, I didn’t mean to ruin your birthday.” He turned and walked away.

  “Caleb.”

  His spine stiffened. He didn’t want to discuss why he was late to her birthday—not now, and especially not in her father’s store.

  “Jonica was here.”

  He turned. “How long ago?”

  Darleen shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s been a while. She didn’t buy anything. Her sohn used the restroom and they left.”

  “Danki.” He left the store uncertain where to look next. She might have continued into town, or maybe she’d gone home taking another route with less traffic. He untied Nutmeg from the hitching post, then climbed inside the buggy. The wind had picked up, blowing snow in a horizontal direction. He needed to find them.

  He turned onto the road, the snow covering the line dividing the lanes, making it difficult to see his side. She’d been a fool to go anywhere with this amount of snow falling.

  Chapter 13

  “I have gut news.” Faith handed Jonica a Styrofoam container for her leftovers. “Lois arrived early for work, so I’m free to give you and Stephen a ride home.”

  “That’s wunderbaar. Are you sure it isn’t a problem if you leave?”

  Faith chuckled. “There’s nay threat to losing mei job when I own the restaurant.” She looked around the dining room. “Besides, it’s nett like we have an abundance of customers. The kalt weather has kept people away.”

  Jonica wished she had never ventured out today as well.

  “There’s a couple of things I need to do in the kitchen before we geh, but it shouldn’t take long. Would you like more kaffi while you wait?”

  “Maybe half a cup.”

  “Me too?” Stephen picked up his hot chocolate mug and tipped it to show Faith and Jonica it was empty.

  “If your mamm says it’s okay.”

  “Can I?”

  Her son’s boyish smile was hard to resist. “Jah,” Jonica finally said. “But only half a cup.” She loaded the to-go container with the uneaten food.

  A few moments later, Faith returned with the coffeepot and another mug of cocoa topped with extra whipped cream.

  “Danki,” Jonica said when the volume of coffee Faith was pouring reached half a mug.

  The two Englischers seated at the table next to the window stood, and Faith met them at the register.

  As the customers left the building, Jonica shuddered at the rush of cold air entering the building. She reached for her cloak and placed it over her shoulders. “Are you kalt, Stephen?”

  “Nope.” He took a drink, then licked the ring of cream from around his mouth.

  “I think it’s gotten colder outside,” she muttered. “Thankfully, the Lord has graciously provided a ride home for us.”

  “Yep.” He continued to drink his hot chocolate.

  After a few minutes, Faith came out of the kitchen carrying a wooden crate. “I’m ready to go if you are.”

  Stephen tipped his mug to get the last drop, then wiped his mouth with the napkin. “All done.”

  Jonica helped Stephen into his coat, then put her own cloak on properly. Frigid air caught in her lungs as they stepped outside. At least an inch of new snow covered the sidewalk, making it slippery to walk on. “I really appreciate you giving us a ride home.”

  “I’m happy to do it.” Faith led them to the back of the building where her buggy
was parked under an oak. She set the crate on the ground long enough to open the buggy’s back door, then she placed it inside.

  Jonica situated Stephen on the bench, then climbed in beside him as Faith untethered the horse from the post.

  “This must be a record snowfall for this time of the year.” Faith sat on the driver’s side of the bench. She picked up the reins and clicked her tongue. “I don’t know about you, but I’m nett ready for winter.”

  “Me either,” Jonica said.

  “I like snow.” Stephen expelled white puffs of breath as he spoke. “When can I play with your sohn?”

  Faith glanced both ways before turning onto the main road. “What do you think, Jonica? Maybe one day next week we can arrange to all get together?”

  Her son’s smile heaped guilt onto Jonica’s shoulders. “That would be nice.” If need be, she would come up with an excuse later. She didn’t want to deny Stephen playtime, but everything depended on the results of his blood work.

  “You’ll be able to meet Daniel tomorrow. Sunday service is at the bishop’s haus this week.”

  Jonica merely nodded. After running into Hazel and Darleen at the market and overhearing their discussion, she didn’t want to repeat that experience in front of a larger crowd. Word traveled fast in tight circles. She had to protect Stephen.

  “Would you mind pulling over?” Jonica asked when they neared the area where she had abandoned the wagon. “Our wagon should be in the ditch. There.” She pointed to the opposite side of the road. “I think I left it there.”

  Once Faith stopped the buggy, Jonica jumped out, crossed the road, and searched the ditch. The wagon was gone. Snow had covered their tracks, but she was sure she’d left it in this very spot. Jonica returned to the buggy. “It’s gone.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Faith said.

  “The wheel was broken and it was old. I just didn’t want to leave it on the side of the road for it to rust away.” Stephen shivered and Jonica placed her arm around him. The cold air getting in and out of the buggy had caused him to shake uncontrollably.

  As they came up on Aenti’s house, Jonica glimpsed a man working in the front field. Why was Caleb planting now—in the snow? Shouldn’t he know it’d be a waste of time and seed? Nothing would grow in this weather. Even winter wheat needed to establish its roots before frost.

  She climbed out of the buggy when Faith brought the horse to a stop. She lifted Stephen off the bench. His clothes damp from snow, he was shivering. “Danki again for the ride.”

  “Anytime. It’s great having you back.” Faith jumped out and rounded the buggy to the backside. “I almost forgot.” She opened the hatch. “I put together a box of some basic things you might need. Bread, milk, eggs, butter, macaroni . . .” She winked at Stephen. “And peanut butter cookies.”

  He giggled. “For me?”

  “I happen to know that your mamm loves peanut butter cookies too, so I think you’ll have to share with her.”

  “And Aenti Edna,” he said.

  “Jah.” Faith nodded. “Aenti Edna too.”

  “Faith.” Jonica’s voice choked with emotion. “I’d give you a hug if mei hands weren’t full. Danki, so much.”

  “It’s the least I can do. You mentioned that you’d come to town for groceries, but I didn’t see that you had any bags.” Faith followed them up the porch steps.

  “When the wagon wheel broke, I realized I wouldn’t be able to carry Stephen and the groceries.” She opened the door and stepped aside so Faith could enter.

  Aenti Edna shuffled into the foyer from the sitting room, knitting needles in hand. “Finally, you’re home. I’ve been worried sick about you.”

  Jonica lowered Stephen to the floor. “I’m sorry you were worried, Aenti. The weather turned bad, and Stephen and I went to The Amish Table to have something warm to eat and drink.” Jonica lifted the Styrofoam container. “Have you eaten?”

  “Jah, Mr. Jordan and I had soup.”

  Jonica grimaced. “You had lunch with him again?”

  “The man has been hard at work in the field.”

  “Hiya, Edna,” Faith spoke loudly.

  “I’m nett deaf.” Edna squinted at Faith. “Do I know you? You don’t look familiar.”

  “I’m Faith Rohrer. Gideon’s fraa and Irma and Mordecai’s dochder.”

  “Faith,” Edna repeated, continuing to eye the other woman like she was trying to put her name together with her face. “Nay, I don’t know you.” She turned and ambled toward the sitting room.

  “I’m sorry.” Jonica spoke as she removed Stephen’s coat. “The other day she thought I was her schweschder and we were still living at home with our parents.” She hung the garment on the wall hook, then motioned to the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of tea or kaffi?”

  “Tea sounds gut.”

  Noticing her son shivering, Jonica turned Stephen’s shoulders, aiming him at the stairs. “Geh upstairs and put on some dry clothes.”

  “Okay.”

  “Make sure you change your socks too,” she called as he scurried up the stairs. “He gets distracted easily,” she told Faith as they headed into the kitchen. Jonica filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove, then helped Faith unpack the wooden crate.

  “Edna has never nett known me.” Faith removed a loaf of bread. “The restaurant keeps me busy, so I don’t get to many of the sewing frolics.”

  “She has gut and bad days—moments even. In a few minutes she will probably ask you all about your parents and how the restaurant is doing. You just never know.” Jonica placed a restaurant-size ten-pound bag of uncooked macaroni in the cabinet. “Have you heard of a Mr. Jordan? He’s an Englischer in his forties, has red hair.”

  “He doesn’t sound familiar. That’s the man she had lunch with?”

  “Jah, and he was here yesterday for lunch too. I thought maybe you’ve seen him around town or maybe he’s kumm into your restaurant.”

  Faith shook her head. “I’ll ask Gideon when I get home if he’s seen him, and I’ll ask about him when I go into work on Monday. How long has she known him?”

  Jonica shrugged. “According to Mr. Jordan, a couple of weeks. But Caleb has been working the field and he met the Englischer yesterday for the first time.”

  Faith frowned. “That’s strange.”

  “Jah, it is.”

  “You need to be extra careful.”

  Jonica’s thoughts drifted to earlier when the redheaded man had helped her get the wagon out of the shed. He knew she and Stephen were heading into town and would have known Aenti was alone. Had he used the opportunity to persuade Aenti to invite him into the house?

  “So.” Faith interrupted Jonica’s thoughts. “Tell me about Cedar Ridge. What’s it like?”

  “It isn’t much different than here. Other than the growing season is shorter. Our soil is mostly clay based and drainage isn’t gut, which made gardening a challenge. I don’t know how many times Mamm and I tried to plant corn. Our stalks never reached knee high by the fourth of July.”

  The teakettle whistled. Jonica placed a tea bag in each cup, then added the hot water. She and Faith sat at the table with their drinks. Talking with her friend felt like old times. “How many kinner do you have?”

  “Just Daniel so far. He turned three last summer.” She sipped the tea. “How old is Stephen? He knows more Englisch words than mei Daniel.”

  Jonica looked down at her tea. “He’s five.” Not giving Faith a chance to comment, Jonica continued. “He’s small for his age. Everyone always thinks he’s younger.”

  “I was going to say he’s very smart.”

  “Danki.” She drew in a deep breath and let it ease out. News would reach Faith’s ears soon enough. Jonica might as well get everything out in the open. “The rumors are true,” she blurted, then covered her mouth with her hand and glanced around to make sure they were still alone.

  Jonica leaned closer and lowered her voice. “We moved to Cedar Ridge because I w
as pregnant. I wanted to write to you. I really did. But I was too ashamed.”

  Faith reached for Jonica’s hand. “I’m glad you told me, and for whatever it’s worth, I don’t think any less of you. You will always be like a schweschder to me. And I know mei Daniel will be excited to meet your Stephen. They’ll be able to play after service tomorrow.”

  Jonica smiled, hoping to fool her friend. It was one thing to trust Faith with her shameful past, but she couldn’t trust that tongues wouldn’t wag tomorrow if she attended service.

  “God is rich in mercy,” Faith said. “His forgiveness redeems and sets us free of our past.”

  Jonica nodded. Over the years, God had certainly shown her mercy and blessed her with a friend who couldn’t be easily fooled by a masked smile.

  Faith slid her chair closer. “What else is troubling you?”

  “When Stephen cut his hand, it didn’t stop bleeding right away. The doktah was concerned and ordered blood work.” She made sure Stephen wasn’t nearby, then leaned forward. “He doesn’t know but there might be something wrong. I didn’t tell Aenti Edna either. Other than you, Caleb is the only one who knows, and that’s because he was in the room when I received the news.”

  “Oh, Jonica, I’m so sorry. When will you know more?”

  “Monday, hopefully. Although Doktah Mallory said it might nett be until Tuesday before he gets the test results.” She sipped the tea in an attempt to ease some of the pressure building in her throat. It didn’t help. Her skin was tingling, her vision dimming. She closed her eyes, willing the light-headedness to go away. Relax. Stay strong. Focus on God—He’s in control.

  “Jonica?”

  She looked down, vaguely aware Faith was tapping her arm. Lifting her gaze to meet her friend’s, the room began to spin.

  “What does the doktah think is wrong with Stephen’s blood?”

  Jonica pointed to the faucet, unable to speak.

  “Would you like a drink of wasser?”

  She gave a slow nod.

  Faith went to the sink, filled a glass with water, then handed it to Jonica. “Here.”

  After several sips, Jonica set the glass on the table. “That helped, danki.”