Magdelena's Choice

Book 5: Amish Charm Bakery

by Molly Jebber

Genres: Christian Historical Romance

Synopsis

Fresh-baked muffins fragrant with ripe blueberries . . . cinnamon-scented turnovers that transform any meal into a feast. . . . In 1914 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery holds a special place within its close-knit, faith-filled community, where love finds a way through God’s grace . . .
 
As the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Magdelena Beachy may not truly need her job at the Amish Charm Bakery, but she enjoys tending to customers, be they neighbors or curious Englischers. Only one thing would make life sweeter, and that’s if Toby Schlabach would court her. It’s not just his dimples and smile that warm Magdelena’s heart—she admires his kindness and values. Yet she worries their chance may slip away . . .
 
With his daed ill and his mother and sister depending on him, Toby can’t yet offer Magdelena the future she deserves. But even as he nears his goal, he learns her father has arranged a match with another suitor. Magdelena risks shunning if she goes against her family. Choosing a path will take courage as well as faith—in God’s plan, and in this steadfast, tender love . . .

Release date: January 25, 2022

Publisher: Zebra Books

Print pages: 288

Sample

Magdelena Beachy strolled to the dessert table and squinted against the hot sun. She scanned the sea of straw hats and bonnets for Toby Schlabach. He stood next to his daed, talking to Joel. She wanted to get better acquainted with him, but he worked long hours six days a week to provide for his family. He saved any spare time for his daed. She was determined to approach him later. She gripped the big spoon in the bread pudding and dropped a serving onto her plate, and then she grabbed the next spoon in a bowl of vanilla icing and drizzled the sugary mixture over her dessert. She grabbed a fork and some cotton napkins. It was considerate of her friends Ellie and Joel to host this casual, early Wednesday evening picnic. Hard to believe it was July first. Her favorite season was passing by too fast.

Her little schweschder grabbed her free hand. “Magdelena, hurry! I saved you a place by Ellie and her boppli, Emma.” Charity dragged her through the crowd.

“Slow down! I’ll drop my plate.” Magdelena tripped over a branch and bumped into Toby. She gasped as the gooey mess slid down the front of his clean white shirt and black pants. Heat rose to her cheeks. “Oh no! I’m so sorry.” She wiped the food from his shirt. This wasn’t the way she had intended to get Toby’s attention.

Charity winced. “Sorry, Toby.”

He brushed more of the bread pudding and icing off his shirt. “No harm done, little one.”

Magdelena’s cheeks heated. “Charity, no more running.”

“All right. I’ll be with Ellie and Emma. I really am sorry, Toby.” Charity avoided eye contact with her and Toby.

He squatted. “Don’t worry. Accidents happen. Go have fun.”

“Danki.” She grinned and skipped away.

“Toby, do you mind if we find a spot together and talk?” She shouldn’t be forward, but she didn’t want to pass on this opportunity to have a conversation with him.

He smiled. “Good idea.”

Magdelena set her plate on a nearby picnic table and gestured to the water pump. “Let’s wet one of my cloth napkins.”

He walked with her to the pump, accepted the cloth napkin, drenched it, and twisted it to get rid of the excess water. “It’s all right. I should watch where I’m going.” He dabbed the stains.

She handed him a dry napkin. “Here’s another one to dry your shirt.”

“The sun is blazing hot today. This gives me an excuse to use water to cool off.”

Magdelena grinned. “Have you had dessert?”

He shook his head. “Your bread pudding looks delicious. Kumme with me to get some, and then we can find shade under the willow tree by the pond.”

She followed him to the dessert table and then to a bench under the willow tree, away from the crowd. She balanced her plate on her lap. “How’s your daed? I’m surprised he joined you today.”

“He doesn’t complain. He fights through his pain on bad days better than I could. Always cold, he loves being outside in the warm sun. And he enjoys visiting with his friends.” Toby glanced at his daed. “I’m not sure how long he’ll last before we need to take him home.” His smile faded.

She wished she could erase his sadness and worry. “Your daed is such a kind man. He’s loved by many. Look at the crowd around him.”

“He hasn’t lost his sense of humor and love for telling stories.” Toby glanced at his daed.

She admired his devotion to his daed, and it was another trait she found attractive about him. She talked to Toby any chance she got, and she’d never grow tired of looking into his light brown eyes. He had a square chin and high forehead. His thick brown hair had a natural wave and shine beneath his straw hat. He had a lanky build and a calm and kind demeanor. She wanted him to enjoy the day and his time with her. “These sunny days make me want to take long walks by the pond, fish out of the wooden rowboat we have, and wade in the shallow part of the pond with my bare feet. What do you like to do in the summer?”

“I like to play horseshoes, handcraft furniture and toys, and do all the things you named, but working at Andrew’s place and on our small farm, and helping with Daed, fill my days and nights. I can’t remember the last time I’ve done those things.”

Charity and her friend Peter ran to them. “Will you both wade in the pond with us? Mamm said we aren’t allowed to go by ourselves.”

Peter swiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and smoothed back his chocolate-brown hair. He tossed his straw hat toward the nearby apple tree. “I’m hot. I want to wade in the water to cool off.”

“Give us time to finish our dessert and we’ll wade in the pond with you.” Magdelena wanted Toby to herself for a couple of minutes.

Charity grinned. “Danki!”

Peter skipped after Charity.

“Toby, I’m glad you came today.” She tensed. Her parents wouldn’t approve of her being forward with Toby, but she wanted him to know she was interested in him. Maybe it would encourage him to carve out time for her. She’d be thrilled if he’d ask to court her.

Charity and Peter returned to them. Charity pointed to their plates. “You’ve both finished your dessert. Ready to wade in the water?”

“Almost. Will you give us a couple more minutes?” Magdelena finished her last bite of bread pudding.

“It’s hot. We’re ready to get in the water,” Charity begged.

Peter waved Toby to the water’s edge. “Kumme on.”

Toby chuckled. “Wading does sound like fun.”

“Yes, it does. Let’s go.” Magdelena swallowed around the disappointment in her throat. She set her plate on top of Toby’s in the grass and stood. She would’ve liked to have had more time to talk with Toby without distractions.

Magdelena removed her shoes and socks and set them close to Toby’s, Charity’s, and Peter’s.

She stepped into the shallow water. “It is refreshing.” When would Toby be ready to court? And was he interested in her?

Peter splashed Charity.

She splashed him back and laughed.

Magdelena shouted, “Charity and Peter, don’t soak your clothes.”

Charity giggled. “My dress is already wet. Peter’s clothes are, too.”

Toby swatted water at Magdelena and gave her a mischievous grin. “The sun will dry their clothes and ours in no time.”

“You’re right.” She chuckled and splashed him back. The dimples in his handsome cheeks and the sparkle in his eyes made her heart skip a beat. She didn’t know he had a playful side. Another reason to find him attractive.

Toby found some flat rocks, and he handed two to Magdelena. “I love to skim the water with the rocks and watch them skip across the surface.”

“Me, too.” Magdelena tossed a stone and watched it skip three times.

“Very good!” Toby smiled.

Peter held out his hand. “I want to try.”

“Let me go first.” Charity picked up a slender rock. She threw it. “Did you see it bounce on the water twice?”

“Watch me!” Peter spun his rock. “I did it. Mine skipped twice, too.”

Toby didn’t put much effort into his throw, and the stone sank right away. “You’re all putting me to shame.”

Magdelena liked his humbleness. He’d let the kinner outdo him. He was again thinking of others’ happiness before himself. “It doesn’t take much to get these two excited.”

“They seem close. Do they spend a lot of time together?” Toby offered Magdelena his hand to help her out of the pond.

She accepted, stepped out, and sat on the bench. “From the day they met, they’ve been close friends. Charity insists she’ll marry Peter. He agrees. I envy their innocence and worry-free life at their age.” She put on her shoes and socks.

Rachael joined them. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Daed is ready to go home.”

Toby finished putting on his socks and shoes. “I need to lift him into the back of the wagon. We’ve put blankets and a feather pillow in the back for him to get comfortable.”

“I’ll go with you and Rachael to say goodbye.” Magdelena turned to Peter and Charity. “Get out of the pond, put on your shoes and socks, and play away from the water.”

Peter cupped Charity’s elbow, and they both left the pond and plopped on the ground.

Peter said, “We will.”

“Wouldn’t it be something if Charity and Peter’s friendship blossomed into a future together in the years to kumme?” Toby glanced over his shoulder at the kinner.

“I would like for them to. They miss each other when they’re apart. They defend each other when one is in trouble. And they talk about having a haus with three porch stairs and lots of rooms. They hope to have six boys and six girls. Charity and Peter are both definite about these things.” She chuckled. “Liza and Jacob adopting Peter when his mamm died was such a blessing. And you’d never know he hadn’t been born into their family. Ellie was excited to have him for a bruder. And he’s been good for all of them. He’s really good for Charity.”

“They are adorable,” Rachael said.

Magdelena smiled. “Charity isn’t always adorable. She won’t listen to us, but if Peter asks her to do something, she does it. I worry about her. She has a stubborn determination. She has her nose in the corner often at our haus for not minding.”

Rachael limped between Toby and Magdelena. “The way you describe Charity reminds me of Ellie. She’s outspoken, protective, and fearless. She’s calmed since she married Joel and had Emma. I wouldn’t change her. She’s been a good friend to us.”

“Ellie is a spitfire,” Toby teased.

Magdelena and Rachael laughed. Magdelena loved Ellie’s directness and how her friend defended her without hesitation. She knew Rachael and Toby felt the same about Ellie, too. She hadn’t known Toby had such a good sense of humor and liked to tease. She was finding more things out about him she liked each time they were together.

“Are you both close to your daed?” Magdelena walked between Rachael and Toby.

“Yes. He’s my best friend. He has a gentle soul and big heart. He was a hard worker before he became ill. But he’d always make time to take me fishing and hunting, and he taught me to swim. We’d go to town together to get supplies, and he and I loved lemon drops. He’d let me buy them, and then we’d share the candy with Mamm and Rachael. It seems like a small thing, but it meant so much to me as a little boy. I still buy them for us. I dread the day he’s no longer with us. I don’t know how much time we have left. I’m surprised he’s lived this long.” Toby’s grin faded.

Rachael hooked her arm through Magdelena’s. “I’m close to Daed, but Toby and Daed have a special bond. He doesn’t let his sickness get him down. I’m not sure I would be as brave.”

“Anytime I’ve kumme to your haus and delivered meals, he’s been chipper and sweet. If I’m ever sick like him, I hope I’d have the strength to overcome my pain enough to show kindness to others like your daed and not want to hide from friends and family.” Magdelena had visited and talked with Vernon Schlabach enough to recognize the resemblance in Toby and his daed. They both had gentle souls, strength to overcome adversity, and a happy heart. They might not have much, but she always left their home feeling like they had everything they needed. Love and each other. She wanted a future with Toby, and she’d be blessed to be a part of his family someday.

They approached Toby’s daed. Mr. Schlabach’s gray pallor concerned her.

He gave her a feeble grin. “Magdelena, danki for convincing my son to have some fun. It did my heart good to watch him relax. He works too hard.”

Toby blushed. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’m tuckered out. I did love having the sunshine on my face and watching the kinner play and having conversations with my friends. Magdelena, don’t be a stranger. We look forward to your visits. Right, Toby?” He winked at Magdelena.

“Time to go, Daed.” Toby grinned at Magdelena and then helped his rail-thin daed to the wagon, where they’d stacked blankets.

Magdelena walked with Rachael and Eleanor.

Eleanor, Toby’s mamm, clasped Magdelena’s hand. “Danki for the meals you’ve provided for us. You’re like a part of our family. We love you, Magdelena. And I’m sure my son does, too. I hope you’ll be patient with him.” She dropped Magdelena’s hand and caught up with her son and husband.

Magdelena called out to Eleanor, “Danki. I love you, too.”

Rachael pulled Magdelena back while Toby helped his daed into the wagon. “We’ve talked about this before, but I’m sorry again that Toby isn’t ready to court you. I wish the circumstances were different. If you get tired of waiting on him, I’ll understand, and it won’t change our friendship. My bruder’s heart is in the right place, but he does go overboard with what he surmises would be enough money to provide for our family and a fraa and kinner.”

“I understand his position. I’ll take every opportunity I can to talk with him, and I’m going to practice patience. Your bruder is worth the wait.” Magdelena watched Toby as he helped his daed. He was a caring man.

Magdelena bid them farewell and watched them until their wagon disappeared onto the main road. Would Toby ever be free enough from his burdens to marry?

Toby drove toward home, and he winced each time his daed moaned when they hit a rut in the road. There were spots he couldn’t avoid. Magdelena had brightened his day, along with Charity and Peter. What cute kinner. Charity’s freckles across her nose and cheeks and curly light red hair added to her bubbly personality. His friends had found lovely fraas, they were having precious kinner, and they seemed happy. He would have a family someday, and he would court Magdelena when he was in a better financial position. Would she wait for him? It was a risk he’d have to take.

“Are you all right in the back with Daed, Mamm?” Rachael sat next to Toby and turned to look at Mamm.

“We’re fine, dear.”

Toby wanted a solid and loving marriage like his parents’. Mamm read the scriptures to Daed, and they said their prayers together each evening. In spite of his illness, she included Daed in their everyday decisions. She asked his advice and what to choose to cook for meals and bake for desserts. She hurried to finish her chores to be with him.

“We’re home.” He pulled the wagon close to the haus. He jumped out and stepped in the back. He lifted his father, scooted to the end of the wagon, and slid out. He carried him into the haus and lowered him to the chair. “Is the chair or bed more comfortable for you?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll rest here for now.” Daed closed his eyes.

“Patches, have you behaved while we’ve been gone?” Rachael bent and hugged the fluffy-haired dog. She opened the front door.

Patches ran outside to relieve himself and came back in the haus.

Mamm kissed Daed’s forehead. “I’ll empty the basket of dirty dishes in the kitchen. Call me if you need anything.”

Daed opened his eyes and managed a weak smile and nodded at Mamm. “Toby, I didn’t last too long in this chair. I’m sorry to trouble you. Please take me to bed. I’m ready to lay down. Danki, Son.”

Toby lifted him and carried him to bed. “What can I get you?”

Patches settled on the floor beside Daed’s bed.

Toby scratched the dog’s back.

“Nothing for now. I suspect I’ll be asleep in a matter of minutes.”

Toby didn’t want to move him to pull back the coverlet on the already made bed. He grabbed a sheet and quilt from the chest and draped them over his daed. “Are you too warm?” He didn’t know how Daed could stand covers on this hot summer day. Daed had lost a lot of weight, and he appeared much older than forty-eight.

“No, I’m comfortable. Danki, Son.” He shook his head. “Isn’t it strange I’m cold when it’s warm outside?”

“Patches is sure glad you’re home. I’ll check on you later.” He closed the door partially behind himself, padded to the kitchen, and sat at the wooden scarred table with Rachael and Mamm. “Daed’s lost more weight, and he seems weaker.”

Rachael traced the rim of her glass. “Mamm and I said the same thing right before you joined us.”

Mamm’s eyes pooled with tears. “I’m not ready to let him go.”

“I can’t imagine him not being here with us.” Rachael wiped a tear spilling onto her cheek.

“Daed and Patches are best buddies. The dog doesn’t leave his side. Patches will be sad when Daed is no longer with us.” He’d been afraid the dog he’d gotten from Magdelena’s litter a couple of months ago would be a nuisance to Daed. It was the best decision he could’ve made.

“Let’s change the subject. Daed wouldn’t want us to dwell on his bad health.” Mamm cleared her throat. “I noticed you and Magdelena had separated from the crowd and were talking. I wish you’d court her. She’s lovely. And many of the unwed women who are bringing food to our haus are hoping you’ll be here. You’re at an age you need to consider a fraa. Magdelena is my favorite and, from what I observed, she’s yours, too.”

Rachael nudged him and gave him a mischievous grin. “Yes, Toby, why don’t you court her? It’s obvious you kumme to the bakery often to talk to Magdelena. Not me.”

His cheeks heated. “Magdelena’s beautiful inside and out. She and I are friends. I’d like to court her, but I’m not ready.” Toby sighed.

Magdelena had captured his attention the first time they met. She was pretty with her coal-black hair and dark brown eyes. She had a cheerful disposition, and he loved being around her.

“I shouldn’t nag you, but I’m your mamm and consider it my duty.”

“I don’t mind.” He did stop at the bakery to talk to Magdelena whenever he was in town, and he enjoyed their conversations. She deserved more of his time, but he didn’t have it to give, with taking care of his family’s and Andrew’s properties. He treasured his time with Daed. “I may not be Magdelena’s idea of a suitor. She may want to keep our relationship as friends.”

Rachael gave him a stern eye. “It’s no secret Magdelena cares for you. Does her family’s wealth from the cattle ranch have anything to do with why you won’t court her? You shouldn’t let their financial status stop you. Magdelena’s interested in you and not what you can offer her.”

Mamm leaned forward and placed a hand on his arm. “I agree with Rachael. Magdelena wouldn’t be seeking you out at church services or the few socials you attend if she cared about your financial situation. Take her on a picnic or a ride through the country. She always asks if you’re here and how you’re doing. You and she could visit on Sundays.”

“We could, but I’m not satisfied at present with what I have to offer her. When I am, I’ll ask her if I may court her. And yes, her daed’s success does matter to me. She’s accustomed to having more money than most of the Amish in Charm. I’m not in a position to offer her half of what she’s used to.”

Rachael crossed her arms against her chest. “You’d risk another man catching her eye? Are you willing to take that chance?”

“It’s a risk I must take.” Toby couldn’t stand the thought of another man pursuing Magdelena, but he was set in his ways. He’d need enough money to build a haus for them and his family. Did God plan for him to marry or have a family? He didn’t know yet.

Mamm stood. “You’re a grown man and you have good reasons why the time isn’t right for you and Magdelena to court. I appreciate all you do for this family, but I do feel bad about being a burden to you.”

“You’re not a burden. You and Daed have been good parents, and Rachael and I have always been close. Our riches may not be in wealth, but we’re rich in love and devotion to each other.” Toby stood and kissed Mamm’s cheek.

“I love you, Toby.” She hugged him.

Patches padded into the kitchen and barked.

Toby scratched the dog’s perked ear. “What’s wrong, boy?”

Patches barked and walked away from him and then looked back.

Toby’s throat clenched. He followed Patches to Daed’s room, with Mamm and Rachael close behind. Daed lay on his side facing away from them. Was he breathing? He seemed too still.

Toby gently shook his daed’s shoulder. “Daed, are you all right?” He checked for a pulse.

Mamm paled. “Is he breathing?”

Daed rolled over onto his back and rubbed his eyes. “What’s all the fuss about?”

Rachael gasped.

Mamm sat next to Daed on the bed and caressed his cheek. “Sweetheart, you scared me.”

“Why?”

Toby blew out a breath. “Patches gave us a scare. He barked and looked back at us, as if he wanted us to follow him. We thought something was wrong.” He’d been afraid Daed had taken his last breath. He loved him so much.

Stepping back, he watched Mamm, as she sat on the side of the bed next to Daed and caress his cheek. His parents had set a good example of how a couple should respect and love each other.

“I don’t know what would have alarmed him. I did have trouble getting comfortable.”

Mamm smiled. “We’re sorry we disturbed you. Close your eyes and rest.” She kissed his cheek.

Rachael hugged Toby’s arm and whispered, “Each day we have with Daed is a blessing.”

He nodded and motioned to the bedroom door. “We should give them time alone.” He followed Rachael out of his parents’ bedroom to the sitting room.

“I’m sure I would’ve had the same close relationship with my late fiancé, John, as Mamm and Daed enjoy. I miss him.” She gave Toby a veiled glance.

“I have no doubt God has the right man for you. Be patient.” He loved his schweschder.

She had been in love with John, who had been perfect for her, until robbers had chased them and caused a buggy accident wherein John was killed. Rachael had been fortunate, although she’d have a limp for the rest of her life. She’d let the limp damage her confidence. He wished she saw herself through his eyes. Her big green eyes and light brown hair made her pretty. She was average build. She was kind and a hard worker. She’d make a good fraa and mamm. He hoped the right suitor would kumme along for her. He was blessed to have her for a schweschder.

Rachael rested her head on his shoulder for a moment. “I’m content with my life. It’s you we need to concentrate on.”

Magdelena rocked in the porch swing. She’d had a wonderful time with Toby earlier today. It was eight-thirty in the evening and the sun wouldn’t set until closer to nine. She’d asked Ellie if the new couple who moved in next door to her could kumme to the social, and she’d invited them. Why hadn’t they kumme? The outing would have given them an opportunity to meet other Amish and make new friends. She went inside the haus. “Mamm, I won’t be long. I’ll take this plate of butter cookies left over from the food today to the new neighbors.”

“Yes. I missed them today. I’d hoped to get better acquainted with them.” Mamm shrugged. “They may have had too much to do to attend. I almost didn’t get my chores done in time to go.”

“Do you want to go with me?” Magdelena put her hand on the polished brass doorknob.

Mamm shook her head. “Charity’s playing in the backyard. And your daed fell asleep in his chair. He could sleep through a thunderstorm. I better keep an eye on your schweschder.”

Magdelena hitched the horse to the buggy and drove in the direction of the farm next door. She breathed in the fragrance of the honeysuckle and admired the field of tall cornstalks. Daisies and wild purple flowers swayed in the gentle breeze. They had a modest white haus with a wraparound porch. A large gray weathered barn stood tall on one side of the haus, and a cornfield and garden of other beautiful vegetables grew on the other side.

She walked to the door with the plate of cookies and raised her free hand to knock but dropped it before knocking. She stared at the couple through the window in the door. Was Abram yelling at Annie? He towered over Annie and had his arm raised.

She had to do something. She didn’t want to tell her parents. They’d tell her to mind her own business. She could trust Toby. She got back in her buggy and headed for his haus. She arrived and went to their door and knocked.

Rachael opened the door. “I’m surprised and happy you’re here, but I hope nothing is wrong. You aren’t smiling.”

Toby entered the room, holding a glass of water. He held it up. “Can I get you anything to drink or eat?”

Magdelena held up the plate of butter cookies. “Please take these butter cookies and help yourselves. I’m still full from the food I had at the social. I’d like to discuss something with you if you have time.”

“I’ll give you two the room,” Rachael said.

“You can stay.” Magdelena sat and patted the settee’s cushion.

“It’s sweet of you, but there’s a chair out back calling my name. Mamm’s with Daed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she fell asleep next to him. I’d like to take a nap in my chair outside on this beautiful evening.” She smiled and left them.

Magdelena wrung her hands. “I’m sorry to bother you with this, but you’re the first person who came to mind.” She set the cookie plate on the coffee table.

Toby helped himself to a cookie. “These are delicious. What’s wrong?”

“Abram and Annie Hook moved into the farm next to us. I would guess their ages close to twenty-one, like us. I asked Ellie if I could invite them to the soci. . .