Grace's Forgiveness (11 page)

Daed gestured. “It’s on the right side of the old structure, over there where Peter Zook is standing. He’ll be the man in charge. He’s separated the men in groups already. I should join them.”

“Levi’s in the group to the right.” She searched for Mark but couldn’t locate him.

Bishop Weaver approached them. “Hand off your reins to this young man, Wilbur Yoder. He’s in charge of taking care of the stable today.”

“Good morning, Bishop.” Daed passed the reins to the red-haired, freckle-faced Wilbur. “Danki, Wilbur.”

Wilbur gave him a curt nod and accepted the reins. “Wilkom, Mr. Blauch.”

Mamm jumped from the wagon. “I’m sorry we’re late.” She grabbed her food basket from the back.

Bishop Weaver waved a dismissive hand. “You’re forgiven.” He pointed. “The women are putting their baskets of food on the tables in front of the haus.”

Grace looped her arm through her mamm’s. She peeked inside the basket and raised the dish cover. The food hadn’t spilled.
Yum
. Mamm had cooked a pan of chicken and buttered noodles. She’d definitely spoon some of this onto her plate at dinner. “Mamm, you outdid yourself on this food.”

Daed grabbed his wooden-handled toolbox. “I’m off to swing a hammer.”

Mamm tilted her head and dimpled her cheeks. “Don’t work too hard.”

Grace smiled at the easy manner between her parents and walked alongside Mamm to the outside table. She set her dish on the table and pointed. “There’s Mark.”

“Good morning.” Sarah placed her crate of covered dishes next to Mamm’s. “A lot of men showed up today.” She raised her hand and shaded her eyes from the sun. “Mark and Levi are working on the wall frames.”

“I’m going to love watching their progress throughout the day.” Grace picked up an empty pitcher off the table, crossed the yard, and pumped water into it.
What a gorgeous sunny day the Lord has provided.
She returned to the table and Sarah filled jars with water.

“Let’s join the other women and gossip with them for a while.”

A little while later, she put her mouth close to Sarah’s ear. “Until dinner, there’s not much else to do. Let’s sit under the shade tree next to the pond for a few minutes. We can watch the men work.”

Sarah pointed. “The kinner are playing hide-and-seek away from where we’ll be sitting. We can chat and have a clear view for watching the barn raising.”

They commented on the men’s fast progress and talent.

Grace covered her eyes. “I like how they heave and lift the wall frame in perfect unison, but this part scares me. I’m always afraid the frame will fall on the men.” She squeezed her eyes closed. “I can’t look.”

“I counted fifteen men holding the ropes on the left side of the frame and twelve on the right side ready to push it up with their poles. They’ve got plenty of men to raise the frame and place it into position. I’m sure it’ll go without a hitch. This is my favorite part. The other men are in place, ready to connect it to the posts. Open your eyes, Grace.”

Mr. Zook yelled, “Men, on the count of three, pull and push. One! Two! Three!”

She opened her eyes and squinted in the bright sun. The men had raised the wall into place. She flung her arm around Sarah and squealed. “They did it!”

Mamm waved them over. “The first wall frame has been hung. Your time under the shade tree has lasted long enough. Kumme help set the table for dinner.”

Sarah sighed. “I wish Levi’s parents could’ve been here today. We’re fortunate to have our parents. Levi’s daed said raising a barn resembled putting a big puzzle together. He used to take charge.”

“I remember. He was a respectable and compassionate man. It’s like connecting all the pieces together to form a beautiful picture.” She tilted her head. “I’m blessed Mamm and Daed are spry. I feel sorry for Levi and Mark for having lost their parents. I can’t imagine something happening to Mamm and Daed.” She shivered. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Kumme on, you can watch your husband work while we help set up. I’m definitely going to steal glimpses at Mark.” She giggled.

They walked to the table and joined the women.

Grace removed dishes out of the handwoven baskets and peeked inside each dish.
Yum
. Peach tarts had filling oozing out both sides. Pickled cucumbers, beets, and eggs lined the second dish. Fluffy white corn bread occupied another. The women had outdone themselves bringing such scrumptious food.

Friends and neighbors arranged the dinner dishes on the right side of the food table and desserts on the left.

Mark headed toward her. She met him halfway. His sweat-stained shirt clung to his muscular body. No matter. She’d stand or sit next to him anytime.

“Your arms must hurt from hammering.”

“I like the scent of wood and using my hands to create things. The men who prepared the oak girders, beams, posts, and studs did an excellent job. I’m impressed. They were precise when they cut and measured the joints. They’re the best I’ve ever used on a project. We should have the rest of the walls with windows in place, roof on, and barn doors hung by four this afternoon.”

“I noticed you paused to speak to the men several times. Were you instructing them on what to do?”

His chin lowered to his chest and he stared at the ground. “Jah. Mr. Zook asked if I’d direct the men in my group.”

Mark certainly wasn’t an arrogant man. Another trait she’d add to the list of what she loved about him.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I’m certain the men are appreciative you’re sharing your expertise.”

“Danki. I wasn’t sure how they’d take a newcomer telling them what to do, but they seemed to appreciate my guidance, which is a relief.” His eyes drifted to the food. “My stomach has rumbled all morning. I’m hungry.”

The bishop whistled. “Please bow your heads and join me in a word of prayer.” He closed his eyes. “Dear Heavenly Father, danki for the men and supplies here today. Please protect these men from harm as they work to complete their task. Danki for the excellent food these women have prepared for us. All this we ask and pray in Your name, Amen.” He raised his head. “Let’s finish our meals in a short time and get back to work.”

“Kumme and sit with me.” She handed Mark a plate and scooped pickled vegetables, corn bread, fried chicken and buttered noodles, oatmeal cookies, and a peach tart onto hers. She noticed he chose the same. They joined Levi and Sarah.

Sarah passed two jars of water to her. “Taste the peach tart. It’s scrumptious.”

“Danki.” She pinched off a corner of the tart and put it in her mouth. “I’m eating it first. It’s mouthwatering delicious.”

Mark winked. “I’m taking your advice and devouring my dessert first. The men are in a hurry to get back to work. I want to make sure I have enough time to eat my oatmeal cookies.” He bit off a piece and moaned. “Yum, this cookie is scrumptious.”

She slid a bag of cookies to him. “Mamm baked you an extra batch to take home.” She sipped her water. “Have you met Mr. Wittmer?”

“Jah. Mr. Wittmer is a kind man. He sits in his chair and scrutinizes our every move. He hasn’t wiped the smile off his face since we started at six. The minute we dropped our hammers, he got up, strolled to each group, and thanked us for our hard work.” Mark hurried to eat everything on his plate.

“He’s a sweetheart.” Grace opened her mouth to speak again but closed it.

Mark didn’t have much time to clear his plate. She’d give him time to finish his dinner. Mark’s shoulder brushed hers. Her pulse raced. What would it be like to have his arms circle around her? She closed her eyes for a moment. What was she thinking? She mustn’t entertain such thoughts. It wasn’t proper.

Mark interrupted her musings. “The men are heading back to work already. I should join them. I’m glad we sat together, Grace. I’ll share my cookies with them.” He winked. “I’ll find you before I leave.”

Her breath caught at his smile and his promise. “I look forward to it.”

Grace and Sarah helped the women rinse and stow their empty dishes in their baskets and transferred leftover food to containers. Sarah whispered in Grace’s ear. “How are you and Mark getting along?”

“I think I’m falling in love with him.”

“Do you think he’s falling in love with you?”

She shrugged and smiled. “He said he’s interested in me and not any other woman when we talked about my insecurities concerning Eve. We’ve shared our thoughts and feelings about friends and things that matter to us. I doubt he’d share this information with just any woman.”

Sarah grinned. “He leans in when he talks to you, makes eye contact, and is in our shop for dinner often. You are his focus. I like him. I’m happy you and he have met and are attracted to each other. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for you and Mark.”

“I appreciate your support, Sarah.” She paused. “Is something wrong with Mr. Wittmer?”

Sarah craned her neck. “Let’s find out.”

Women and men were running to where Mr. Wittmer had been sitting.

Grace stopped Mrs. Beiler. “Has something happened to Mr. Wittmer?”

“Mr. Wittmer has fallen. He won’t rouse.”

Grace dropped the dish she held and wiped her hands on her apron. She heard Sarah’s footsteps behind her, but she knew her friend couldn’t run as fast. Grace had no time to wait on her. She followed a crowd of women. Where was Mrs. Wittmer? She weaved her way through the crowd and stared down at the widow next to her lifeless husband and Mr. Zook.

Mr. Zook knelt on the ground beside Mrs. Wittmer. “I’m sorry. He’s gone. He groaned and clutched his chest then he slid out of his chair to the ground.” His hands trembled. “I put my hand to his nose then my ear to his chest. His breathing and heart have stopped.” The man’s face paled.

Mrs. Wittmer didn’t respond. She shook her husband’s shoulder. “Wake up! Open your eyes this instant!” She grabbed both his shoulders and shook him again. “I said wake up!”

Grace eyed the worried faces among the crowd. She wanted to block out their gasps. Her heart raced and she stood paralyzed. The woman’s desperate pleas were more than she could handle. Tears stained her cheeks.

Bishop Weaver upstretched his arms. “Please stand back and give Mrs. Wittmer some air.”

Mrs. Zook reached for the widow and eased her upright. “This has been a terrible shock for you. Let me help you. Kumme inside and sit.”

Mrs. Wittmer allowed her friend to escort her inside the haus.

Wiping her tears, Grace moved away from the crowd and stood by a tree. She gave a shy smile as Mark approached.

His voice soft, he said, “Grace, sweetheart, God’s taken him home. It’s all right. He’s in Heaven.”

She trembled and her voice cracked. “Poor Mrs. Wittmer, she’ll miss her husband.”

“God will take care of her and so will her friends. Right now, you need to rest in the fact he’s at peace this very minute.”

She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “His sudden death shocked me. I’ll be fine.”

“It hurts me when you’re upset. If I could hold you, I would. The chance someone will glance our way prevents it.”

“Danki.” She managed a weak smile. “I would wilkom your arms around me, but you’re right. It’s out of the question, even at a time like this.”

Hammers hitting wood echoed.

She slid a hand in her apron pocket. “I should go inside and ask if I can do anything to help Mrs. Wittmer.”

“I’ll find you when I’m finished working.” He brushed the back of her hand with his then joined the group.

She stroked her hand where he’d touched it. Her skin tingled. She wished it would last forever. He’d rushed to her side when she needed him. He seemed like a compassionate man. She went inside the haus to find the bereft woman.

She found the widow with Mrs. Zook and Mrs. Beiler in the sitting room. Grace’s heart ached, observing the woman’s grief-stricken face. She knelt on the floor by Mrs. Wittmer, clasped her hand, and listened as Mrs. Zook and Mrs. Beiler comforted her.

Mrs. Zook circled her arm around Mrs. Wittmer. “I’ll stay with you until the funeral is over.” She gestured to Grace. “Would you mind getting a clean handkerchief for Mrs. Wittmer?”

Grace stood. “Yes, of course I will.”

Mrs. Wittmer raised her head. “You’ll find it on top of my dresser.”

“All right.” Grace padded to the bedroom. She had been in this room several times to visit the woman when she was ill. A simple maple bed covered with a faded dark blue and white wedding ring quilt caught her eye. She snatched the clean white handkerchief off the dresser then stroked the worn coverlet. What would life be like for Mrs. Wittmer to sleep and eat alone?

Grace pressed her hand over her heart. Mrs. Wittmer’s life would be forever changed. Mr. Wittmer’s chair would sit empty at meals. The couple would no longer talk about their day, solve problems together, reminisce about the past, or express their love for each other in many small ways. She couldn’t imagine how sad Mrs. Wittmer must be at this moment. At least she could rest in the fact Mr. Wittmer was healthy in the presence of God. She wiped her wet cheeks and sat silent.

A few minutes later, Mr. Zook rapped on the door.

Grace startled. Her jaw dropped.

“I’m sorry, Grace. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Mr. Beiler and I are going to take Mr. Wittmer’s body to the funeral parlor. His fraa asked me to grab a coverlet and shirt and pants for him.”

Grace wiped her face with a corner of her white cotton apron. “No, it’s all right. Mrs. Zook asked me to retrieve a handkerchief for Mrs. Wittmer. I’m finished.”

“Danki, Grace.” Mr. Zook tipped his hat.

She returned to the sitting room and held up the delicate, handmade blue handkerchief. “Here you are.”

“I appreciate your help, Grace.” Mrs. Wittmer dabbed her wet nose.

Bishop Weaver entered and offered his condolences then stepped back. “Mrs. Wittmer, I’ll tell friends and neighbors they may view Mr. Wittmer’s body in your home for the next two days and the funeral will be held on Saturday as is customary.”

Grace sucked in her bottom lip. Bishop Weaver could be direct. He shouldn’t press her about this until later. Mrs. Wittmer might need time to gather her wits. The elderly woman had experienced a terrible loss this afternoon.