An Amish Reunion: Four Stories

By Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin

Four sweet stories about reuniting with the ones you love.  

Their True Home by Amy Clipston

When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?

A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?

A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller

Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?

Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin

At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love? 

• Each story in this sweet, contemporary collection can be read as a standalone, but the stories are best enjoyed together.
• Book length: approximately 100,000 words.
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Apr 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9780310352723

Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She's sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at AmyClipston.com; Facebook: @AmyClipstonBooks; Twitter: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston; BookBub: @AmyClipston.

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OTHER NOVELS BY THE AUTHORS

Amy Clipston

THE AMISH HOMESTEAD SERIES

A Place at Our Table

Room on the Porch Swing

A Seat by the Hearth

A Welcome at Our Door (available May 2019)

THE AMISH HEIRLOOM SERIES

The Forgotten Recipe

The Courtship Basket

The Cherished Quilt

The Beloved Hope Chest

THE HEARTS OF THE LANCASTER GRAND HOTEL SERIES

A Hopeful Heart

A Mother’s Secret

A Dream of Home

A Simple Prayer

THE KAUFFMAN AMISH BAKERY SERIES

A Gift of Grace

A Promise of Hope

A Place of Peace

A Life of Joy

A Season of Love

A KAUFFMAN AMISH BAKERY YA STORY

Reckless Heart

STORY COLLECTIONS

Amish Sweethearts

Seasons of an Amish Garden

STORIES

A Plain and Simple Christmas

Naomi’s Gift included in An Amish Christmas Gift

A Spoonful of Love included in An Amish Kitchen

Love Birds included in An Amish Market

Love and Buggy Rides included in An Amish Harvest

Summer Storms included in An Amish Summer

The Christmas Cat included in An Amish Christmas Love

Home Sweet Home included in An Amish Winter

A Son for Always included in An Amish Spring

A Legacy of Love included in An Amish Heirloom

No Place Like Home included in An Amish Homecoming

NONFICTION

A Gift of Love

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE YA SERIES

Roadside Assistance

Destination Unknown

Miles from Nowhere

Beth Wiseman

THE AMISH JOURNEY NOVELS

Hearts in Harmony

Listening to Love (available September 2019)

THE AMISH SECRETS NOVELS

Her Brother’s Keeper

Love Bears All Things

Home All Along

THE DAUGHTERS OF THE PROMISE NOVELS

Plain Perfect

Plain Pursuit

Plain Promise

Plain Paradise

Plain Proposal

Plain Peace

THE LAND OF CANAAN NOVELS

Seek Me with All Your Heart

The Wonder of Your Love

His Love Endures Forever

OTHER NOVELS

Need You Now

The House that Love Built

The Promise

STORIES

A Choice to Forgive included in An Amish Christmas

A Change of Heart included in An Amish Gathering

Healing Hearts included in An Amish Love

A Perfect Plan included in An Amish Wedding

A Recipe for Hope included in An Amish Kitchen

Always Beautiful included in An Amish Miracle

Rooted in Love included in An Amish Garden

When Christmas Comes included in An Amish Second Christmas

In His Father’s Arms included in An Amish Cradle

A Love for Irma Rose included in An Amish Year

Patchwork Perfect included in An Amish Year

A Cup Half Full included in An Amish Home

The Cedar Chest included in An Amish Heirloom

The Gift of Sisters included in Amish Celebrations

A New Beginning included in Amish Celebrations

A Christmas Miracle included in Amish Celebrations

When Love Returns included in An Amish Homecoming

Kathleen Fuller

THE AMISH BRIDES OF BIRCH CREEK NOVELS

The Teacher’s Bride

The Farmer’s Bride (available June 2019)

THE AMISH LETTERS NOVELS

Written in Love

The Promise of a Letter

Words from the Heart

THE AMISH OF BIRCH CREEK NOVELS

A Reluctant Bride

An Unbroken Heart

A Love Made New

THE MIDDLEFIELD AMISH NOVELS

A Faith of Her Own

THE MIDDLEFIELD FAMILY NOVELS

Treasuring Emma

Faithful to Laura

Letters to Katie

THE HEARTS OF MIDDLEFIELD NOVELS

A Man of His Word

An Honest Love

A Hand to Hold

STORIES

A Miracle for Miriam included in An Amish Christmas

A Place of His Own included in An Amish Gathering

What the Heart Sees included in An Amish Love

A Perfect Match included in An Amish Wedding

Flowers for Rachael included in An Amish Garden

A Gift for Anne Marie included in An Amish Second Christmas

A Heart Full of Love included in An Amish Cradle

A Bid for Love included in An Amish Market

A Quiet Love included in An Amish Harvest

Building Faith included in An Amish Home

Lakeside Love included in An Amish Summer

Building Trust included in An Amish Family

Surprised by Love included in An Amish Family

What Love Built included in An Amish Homecoming

Kelly Irvin

AMISH OF BIG SKY COUNTRY NOVELS

Mountains of Grace (available August 2019)

EVERY AMISH SEASON NOVELS

Upon a Spring Breeze

Beneath the Summer Sun

Through the Autumn Air

With Winter’s First Frost

THE AMISH OF BEE COUNTY NOVELS

The Beekeeper’s Son

The Bishop’s Son

The Saddle Maker’s Son

STORIES

A Christmas Visitor in An Amish Christmas Gift

Sweeter than Honey in An Amish Market

One Sweet Kiss in An Amish Summer

Snow Angels in An Amish Christmas Love

The Midwife’s Dream in An Amish Heirloom

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Tell Her No Lies

Over the Line (available June 2019)

ZONDERVAN

An Amish Reunion

Their True Home Copyright © 2019 Amy Clipston

A Reunion of Hearts Copyright © 2019 Elizabeth Wiseman Mackey

A Chance to Remember Copyright © 2019 Kathleen Fuller

Mended Hearts Copyright © 2019 Kelly Irvin

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ISBN: 978-0-310-35271-6 (trade paper)

ISBN: 978-0-310-09870-6 (library edition)

ISBN: 978-0-310-35272-3 (e-book)

Epub Edition February 2019 9780310352723

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

CIP data is available upon request.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America

19  20  21  22  23  /  LSC  /  5  4  3  2  1

CONTENTS

Cover

Other Novels by the Authors

Title Page

Copyright

Glossary

THEIR TRUE HOMEAmy Clipston

Family Tree

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

A REUNION OF HEARTSBeth Wiseman

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

A CHANCE TO REMEMBERKathleen Fuller

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Epilogue

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

MENDED HEARTSKelly Irvin

Featured Jamesport, Missouri, Residents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

Discussion Questions

About the Authors

GLOSSARY

*

ach: oh

aenti: aunt

appeditlich: delicious

bann: a temporary period of excommunication intended to cause a change of heart and end errant behavior in a church member

bedauerlich: sad

boppli/bopli/ boplin: baby, babies

brot: bread

bruder: brother

bruders: brothers

bruderskinner: nieces/nephews

bu: boy

buwe: boys

daadi: grandfather

daadi haus/dawdy haus: a small house built onto or near the main house for grandparents to live in

danki: thank you

dat/daed: dad, father

Deutsch/Deitsch: Dutch

dochder: daughter

dochdern: daughters

Dummle!: hurry!

Englisch/English/Englisher: English: non-Amish person

eck: married couple’s corner table at their wedding reception

Fehla: sin

fraa: wife

freind: friend

freinden: friends

froh: happy

gegisch: silly

gern/gaern gschehne: you’re welcome

Gmay: church district

Gott: God

groossdaadi/grossdaadi: grandpa

groossmammi/grossmammi: grandma

Gude/guder mariye: Good morning

gut: good

Gut nach/gut natcht: Good night

haus: house

hund: dog

Ich liebe dich: I love you

jah: yes

kaffi: coffee

kapp: prayer covering or cap

kichli/kuche/kichlin: cookie, cookies

kinner: children

kitzn: cat

krank: ill

kuche: cake

kuchen: cakes

kumm: come

leib/liewe: love, a term of endearment

maed: young women, girls

maedel: young woman

mamm/mudder: mom, mother

mammi: grandmother

mann: husband

mei: my

Meidung: avoidance, shunning

millich: milk

naerfich: nervous

narrisch: crazy

nee: no

onkel: uncle

Ordnung: written and unwritten rules in an Amish district

rumspringa/rumschpringe: period of running around when a young person turns sixteen

schee: pretty

schmaert: smart

schtupp: family room

schweschder: sister

schweschdere: sisters

sohn/suh: son

Was iss letz?: What’s wrong?

Wie bischt?: How are you?

Wie geht’s: How do you do? or Good day!

wunderbaar: wonderful

ya: yes

*The German dialect spoken by the Amish is not a written language and varies depending on the location and origin of the settlement. These spellings are approximations. Most Amish children learn English after they start school. They also learn high German, which is used in the Sunday services.

THEIR TRUE HOME

Amy Clipston

With love and appreciation for Zac Weikal

and the members of my Bakery Bunch

FAMILY TREE

Featuring Characters from the Amish Homestead Series

Rosa Lynn (deceased) m. Elias Bawell

Marlene Bawell

Anna Bawell

Ada m. Jeptha Swarey

Rudy Swarey

Feenie m. Leonard Esch

Betsy Esch

Laura (Riehl) m. Allen Lambert

Mollie Faith

(mother—Savilla—deceased)

CHAPTER 1

Marlene Bawell hugged her body as she stared down the sidewalk at the stores that lined Highway 340 in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Her heart seemed to turn over in her chest as the midmorning June sun warmed her cheeks. Had it truly been ten years since she’d walked down this road?

She smiled as wonderful memories came rushing back to her. Whenever she and her mother visited this street years ago, shopping for groceries and supplies, their friends would call out to them to say hello. She missed those days so much that her chest ached. She squeezed her eyes shut, working to keep her emotions at bay.

Of course, that was before Mamm had died and before Marlene’s father had moved her and her younger sister to Indiana in order to escape his own memories. While Marlene had cherished her life in Bird-in-Hand, Dat seemed to want to forget it all.

She shook the thought away and turned toward the front window of Lancaster Hardware and Supply. A Help Wanted sign caught her attention, and her stomach did a little flip. Although she’d headed to town this morning for groceries, she’d considered stopping by a few businesses to see if they were hiring.

This was what she’d prayed for: an opportunity to help her father. She’d hoped to earn enough money for her family to afford a house to rent in Bird-in-Hand so they could move out of her aunt and uncle’s home. If she could help her father pay rent, maybe she could convince him to stay.

Marlene squared her shoulders and pulled the door handle, and the bell above the door announced her entrance. As she made her way toward the front counter, the aroma of wood stain filled her senses. She glanced at a colorful display of birdhouses and bags of birdseed, then took her place in line behind an Amish man purchasing a hammer and several boxes of nails. The young Amish man behind the counter made small talk about the weather as he looked down at the cash register and rang up the items. He looked vaguely familiar to Marlene, but she couldn’t quite place him.

She fiddled with the strap of her purse and glanced around the store, taking in the aisles of tools and equipment. She’d have to learn how the items were organized, but doing so couldn’t be too difficult. After all, she’d worked in a market in Shipshewana, so she knew she could handle working at a hardware store. Now if only she could convince the owners to hire her, then she could get her father’s permission to work part-time—

May I help you?

Marlene’s gaze snapped to the counter. As the young man addressed her, she took in his dark eyes. He was so familiar. Had they gone to school together? Or perhaps he was in her youth group years ago?

Marlene? His milk chocolate eyes flickered with recognition. Marlene Bawell?

"Ya? She nodded and then snapped her fingers when she recognized him. Rudy Swarey!"

That’s right. He leaned forward on the counter as a smile turned up his lips. How long has it been?

Ten years. She hugged her arms over her chest as she studied his face. She was surprised to find it clean-shaven, indicating that he wasn’t married. He had to be twenty-seven like she was since they had gone to school together and been baptized into the church at the same time. But just like her, here he was—unmarried. Her pulse quickened at the thought. When they were teenagers, she’d had a secret crush on Rudy, but he’d never seemed to notice her.

You moved to Ohio, right? he asked.

Indiana, she said. "But mei dat, schweschder, and I are back now." She rocked back on her heels.

He stood up straight. "Well, welcome back to Bird-in-Hand. Are you back for gut?"

"I hope so. We’re living with mei aenti and onkel right now. She pointed toward the front window. I noticed the Help Wanted sign."

"Ya. He pushed his hand through his thick, dark hair. My two cousins work here part-time. One just got married and is taking over his father-in-law’s farm. My other cousin only works on days that his dat doesn’t need him at his furniture store."

Oh. She touched one of the ribbons on her prayer covering. So, you need someone part-time.

Right. He quirked a brow at her. You’re looking for a job?

Yes, I am. She lifted her chin as a surge of confidence rushed through her. I worked at a market in Shipshewana. I’m really good with a cash register, and I know how to stock shelves too.

He nodded but appeared unconvinced.

Marlene approached the counter, preparing to make a case for herself. "I’m a hard worker, and I will do a gut job." And I really need to help mei dat.

Okay. Rudy stepped around the counter and gestured for her to follow him. "Let’s go talk to mei dat about it. Ultimately he decides who we hire."

"Danki." Marlene took in his tall, lean stature as she followed him through the store, silently marveling at how much he had changed since she’d last seen him. Though he had been slightly taller than her when they were teenagers, he seemed to have shot up during the past decade. His shoulders and back were wide and ended at a tapered waist. Any trace of the skinny teenage boy he’d once been was gone. And he was even more handsome than she’d remembered.

They stepped through a doorway and into a large room lined with shelves and boxes. She followed Rudy through the long room before stopping in another doorway that led to an office, where a middle-aged man sat at a desk peering at a ledger over reading glasses. The man’s dark brown hair and beard were laced with gray, but his long face and nose resembled Rudy’s.

"Dat. Rudy tapped the doorframe and then leaned his forearm against it. Do you remember Marlene Bawell? He gestured between Marlene and his father. Marlene, this is mei dat, Jeptha."

Jeptha looked up at Marlene as a smile crept over his lips. Of course I remember you, Marlene. How are you these days?

"I’m fine, danki. Marlene smiled. And you?"

"I’m well, thank you. It’s been a long time. How’s your dat?" Jeptha set his glasses on the desk as he turned toward her.

"He’s doing gut." She smiled at Jeptha.

Are you here visiting family for the summer? Jeptha asked.

Marlene shook her head. "Mei dat was laid off from the factory where he worked in Indiana. I’m hoping we’re back for gut now."

Jeptha clicked his tongue and closed his ledger. "I’m sorry to hear that. What’s your dat going to do?"

She shifted her weight on her feet and kept her eyes focused on Jeptha, though she was keenly aware of Rudy’s curious stare. "Mei onkel gave mei dat a job working at his lawn ornament store."

"Oh, that’s right. Your onkel is Leonard Esch, Jeptha said, and Marlene nodded. His store stays very busy, especially this time of year. I’m sure your dat will enjoy working there. I’m glad you stopped by. We’ll see you at church."

Marlene is interested in the job, Rudy chimed in.

Oh? Jeptha divided a look between Rudy and Marlene.

"Ya, I am. She stood a little taller. I thought if I got a job I could help out mei dat."

It’s part-time, Jeptha said.

That’s fine with me, she said.

Jeptha and Rudy shared a look.

I’ve worked in retail before, and I’m a fast learner. Marlene folded her hands as if saying a prayer. I’m reliable, and I’ll work any hours you need me. As long as Dat agrees . . .

We’ll need help on the days that Neil can’t work, Rudy said.

"Ya. Jeptha rubbed his beard. So Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday for sure. Will that work with your schedule?"

Hope blossomed in Marlene’s chest as she felt a smile curving up her lips. "Ya. Definitely."

All right then, Jeptha said. Can you start tomorrow?

Of course! She nodded with such emphasis that the ties from her prayer covering bounced off her shoulders.

Great. Rudy stood up straight as he turned toward his father once again. I’ll take the Help Wanted sign out of the window.

"Gut. Jeptha shook Marlene’s hand. I’ll see you tomorrow."

"Danki for the opportunity to work here," she said.

Jeptha chuckled. "You might change your mind when you see how busy it gets on Saturdays. Tell your dat hello for me."

I will. Marlene followed Rudy to the front of the store, grinning from ear to ear. "Danki for reintroducing me to your dat."

"Gern gschehne. He swiped the Help Wanted sign from the front window and then turned toward her. I guess I will see you tomorrow morning. How about eight o’clock?"

Marlene agreed, then gave him a little wave before stepping out through the store’s front door.

As she walked toward the market, her pulse quickened. She couldn’t wait to get home to tell her father and sister that she’d found a job. Hopefully her paycheck would help her family get back on their feet. If so, could they start building a new life in Bird-in-Hand?

Later that evening, Marlene carried a platter of fried chicken to the table and set it in front of her father. The delicious aroma filled her senses, and her stomach gurgled in response. Anna, her younger sister, followed with a bowl of mashed potatoes. At twenty-three, Anna shared the same sunshine-colored hair and green eyes that Marlene had inherited from their mother.

Their cousin Betsy, also twenty-three, sidled up to Anna and set down a basket of homemade rolls before rubbing her hands together. "These rolls smell so gut!" Her light blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight streaming in through the windows as she pushed back a lock of blond hair that had escaped her prayer covering.

I think that’s everything. Aenti Feenie surveyed the table and smiled at Onkel Leonard. Let’s eat.

Marlene took her spot across from her father and between her sister and cousin. After a silent prayer, the large kitchen filled with the sounds of scraping utensils as they filled their plates with supper.

Marlene gazed over at Dat, who scooped a mountain of mashed potatoes onto his plate. She took in the streaks of gray highlighting his light brown hair and beard, the crow’s-feet around his hazel eyes, and the wrinkles peppering his tanned face. He looked older and sadder lately. The thought sent a pang of melancholy through her.

"How was your day, Dat?" Anna’s question brought Marlene back to the present.

Dat gave a halfhearted shrug as he lifted his glass and took a drink of water.

I got a job today. The words burst from Marlene’s lips as she smiled.

Dat’s eyes widened as he set his glass on the table. What?

I said I got a job. Marlene suddenly felt aware of her family’s eyes focused on her. I was in town earlier for groceries, and I saw a Help Wanted sign in the window at Lancaster Hardware and Supply. I went inside and applied for a job.

That’s Jeptha Swarey’s store, Onkel Leonard chimed in.

That’s right. Marlene nodded at Dat. He told me to tell you hello.

Dat studied her, his hazel eyes narrowing. We never discussed your getting a job. The plan was for me to work and keep saving money until a job opened up in Shipshewana. We’re only here until we can go back to Indiana.

Marlene’s cheeks heated as embarrassment crept up her neck to her face. "I thought you would be froh that I want to help."

You should have asked for my permission first. Dat pressed his lips together.

I just wanted to help you. Marlene’s voice was small, as if she were a little girl instead of a twenty-seven-year-old woman.

It’s not your job to support our family. That’s my job. Dat pointed to his chest.

We’re a family, Marlene insisted, her voice growing slightly louder despite the churning in the pit of her stomach. We take care of each other.

Dat picked up his spoon and waved it at her. You had no right to go looking for a job without my permission. Then he pointed toward the counter. "You have obligations here at the haus. You’re supposed to help Feenie, Betsy, and Anna with chores while Leonard and I work."

Marlene turned toward her aunt sitting at the head of the table. "I was only going to work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, Aenti Feenie. I promise I’ll do my chores on the other days."

Aenti Feenie’s smile seemed hesitant. "I think it’s your dat’s choice if you can accept a part-time job or not."

Anna touched Marlene’s arm. "I’ll cover Marlene on the days she works. I can make sure all of her chores are done, Dat."

Marlene felt her body relax, and she smiled at her younger sister. Praise God for you, Anna.

Dat pursed his lips, dividing a look between Marlene and Anna. Then he turned to Aenti Feenie. What do you think, Feenie?

Marlene held her breath as her aunt sat silently for a moment.

If you support it, Elias, then we do too, Aenti Feenie said. Right, Leonard? When Onkel Leonard nodded, she added, I’m certain Betsy, Anna, and I can handle the chores.

Marlene blew out a puff of air as Dat nodded. Fine, he muttered before looking down at his plate once again.

So, Betsy. Anna turned to her cousin. These rolls are fantastic. You need to make them again.

"Danki. Betsy’s smile was as bright as Anna’s. You can help me make them next time."

Marlene felt some of the tension draining out of her as she took a bite of fried chicken. When she glanced over at Dat, he was still studying his plate. Was he angry with her? If only he’d look at her, then she could know for certain that she was forgiven. The thought lingered in the back of her mind, pestering her throughout the remainder of supper.

Later that evening, the bed shifted beside Marlene when Anna crawled into the double bed they shared. Rolling to her side, Marlene faced the wall and glimpsed a sliver of light between the green shade and the window casing.

Are you awake? Anna whispered.

"Ya." Marlene pushed a lock of her thick, waist-length hair away from her face.

Do you think we’re going to be okay here?

Of course. Marlene nodded as if her sister could see her through the darkness that shrouded their small bedroom.

"It’s just so strange to be back here in this haus. The last time we were here . . ."

I know. Marlene reached over and touched her sister’s arm. She was with us.

Anna sighed, and a heaviness seemed to fill the air between them. I miss home.

I do too. Marlene’s lip trembled as visions of the little house they had rented in Shipshewana filled her mind. Her thoughts moved to her friends and her job at the market. And yet, though she would miss her friends in Indiana, she wanted to be back here in Bird-in-Hand. This is where she was born. This was where she’d last seen her mother. This was where the memories of her mother had been made and where they lived in her heart and mind. This was her home—where she, Anna, and Dat belonged. If only Dat could see that.

I think it’s great that you got a job.

Marlene shifted to face Anna in the dark. You do?

"Ya."

"Danki for helping me convince Dat to let me keep it. I’m going to save all of the money I make and give it to him so we can find our own haus here in Bird-in-Hand to rent."

I appreciate that.

Marlene thought she heard a trace of uncertainty in her younger sister’s voice. It was Marlene’s job to tell Anna that everything would be all right, even when she wasn’t certain that it would be.

I promise we’ll be fine, Marlene said. I’ll make sure of it, okay?

If you say so. Anna rolled onto her side facing away from Marlene. "Gut nacht."

"Gut nacht." Marlene turned back toward the wall and sighed. She waited for sleep to find her, but her mind spun even as she heard Anna’s breathing become steadier. Soon soft snores sounded from her side of the bed, and Marlene pressed her lips together. If only she could fall asleep as fast as her younger sister could.

A yawn escaped her, and she adjusted her head on her pillow. Her thoughts moved back to Indiana as she settled under the sheet. An image of Colin, her ex-boyfriend, filled her mind, and she stifled another yawn. She and Colin had dated for nearly four years, and he had proposed to her only a month ago.

Although she had enjoyed his company, she turned down his proposal. Regret filled her as she recalled the pained expression that had clouded his handsome face. But how could she marry him when she wasn’t certain how she felt about him? Her feelings at the time were a jumbled mess since Colin had proposed just after Dat lost his job.

But now confusion settled over her as she lay in the darkness of her aunt’s guest bedroom, her sister snoring softly beside her. Had she agreed to marry Colin, she would have been preparing to live with him on his father’s dairy farm. They might’ve spoken about starting a family soon after the wedding. Had she said yes to him, she could have enjoyed a more certain future.

And she would not have been here in Bird-in-Hand to help her dat and sister.

Guilt nearly suffocated her. How could she even consider enjoying an easier life while her sister and father struggled? She had to stop thinking about the past. Instead, she had to dig deep inside of herself to find the strength to move forward.

But how could she when she felt so confused and lost?

CHAPTER 2

Gude mariye, Rudy!"

Rudy looked up from the counter and smiled as Marlene walked toward him. "Gude mariye to you. He glanced at the clock on the wall and then back at her. You’re early. It’s only seven forty-five."

She shrugged as she approached the counter. I wanted to make sure I was on time. Her lips turned up, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. I’m ready to work.

Was something bothering her? He dismissed the thought. It was none of his business. She was here to work, not be his friend.

Great. He clapped his hands together, then moved around to her side of the sales counter. I’ll give you a tour, and then I have some items you can price and put out on the displays. But first I have to explain how the store is organized. He motioned for her to follow him.

He led her down each aisle, pointing out how the items were arranged and drawing attention to their most popular sellers. She chewed her lower lip and nodded as he talked, appearing to concentrate on everything he said.

When they entered the last aisle of the store, he pointed toward a variety of ladders. And this is where we keep the heavier equipment.

Got it. She fingered her black apron and stared down the aisle. A wisp of her light blond hair escaped from under her prayer covering, and he squelched the urge to push it