Maryann's Hope

Book 4: Amish Charm Bakery

by Molly Jebber

Genres: Amish & Mennonite; Christian Romance; 20th Century Romance

Synopsis

The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies . . . the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visiting Englischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing—and new chances for love . . .
 
Secrets devastated Maryann Harding’s marriage to an Englischer—and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryann is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown . . .
 
Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew's fraa, Maryann can't abandon her mother—or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryann's hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?
 

Release date: January 26, 2021

Publisher: Zebra Books

Print pages: 288

Sample

Maryann gazed across the cozy corner table into Andrew Wittmer’s light brown eyes. He was twenty-two. They were out of their teens, the same age, and had plenty of time to learn if they were meant to have a future together. She hoped she wouldn’t let her past get in the way of trusting another man. “Danki for inviting me to supper.” He’d captured her heart in such a short time. How fast time had gone since she’d fled Massillon, Ohio, and returned to Charm after her late husband, Gerald’s, murder. Could she trust her judgment about men?

His eyes twinkled as he chuckled. “I wondered how many socials and after-church meals you would insist we attend together before you’d accept my invitation to supper where we could talk and not be interrupted every five seconds by our friends.”

She’d been cautious about him. His patience and irresistible kind heart impressed her. She doubted many men would’ve waited as long as he had until she was ready to have supper at the corner restaurant by themselves tonight. He had attended his fair share of family and community social events with her before now. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“I’m teasing you. I’d have waited for as long as it took for you to be comfortable kumming to supper with me.”

She gave him a lopsided grin. “We’ve been having conversations and sitting together at social events and after-church meals for several months, and it seems like we’ve been acquainted much longer.” She liked the waitress’s choice for the table in the small restaurant, near the beautiful orange hue of the flames in the fireplace. A wilkom change from the cold wintry snow falling outside the window. Andrew made her laugh, listened, and cared about what she had to say. She bit her lower lip. She should be careful. She had much to learn about her new suitor. She wondered if he’d be spending the holiday alone. She didn’t like the thought. “I can’t believe this is December first. You’re invited to join my family for Christmas.”

“Danki. I’ll look forward to it.” Andrew pushed his empty plate to the side and he leaned forward. “Maryann, I haven’t had a strong connection with any woman like I have with you. I’m amazed you’re a mamm and manage a bakery, unlike most Amish women. I admire you for it.”

“Most Amish men may not approve of my working at the bakery. I’m glad you do. I was surprised when Ellie and Hannah quit after they married. I could understand Ellie leaving, since she’s with child, but I expected Hannah would stay after she wed and wait to cut ties with the bakery until she had a boppli. I miss them, but I’m glad they’re happy staying home. I’ve learned a lot managing the bakery, and I love it.”

Who wouldn’t like a man who supported your dream? Not to mention his tall frame, broad shoulders, and handsome face. His easygoing nature and quick wit were attractive, and he was quite talented. “Enough about me. The handcrafted hardwood desk and chair you gave Mr. Kline to sell for you in his small store is beautiful. Did your daed teach you how to build things?”

“Danki. Yes, Daed and Uncle Luke. I have the best memories of Daed and me in his woodshop. He kept his tools and wood organized. We designed pieces and worked on them together. He was a good teacher, and he was inspiring. We visited Uncle Luke and Aunt Dora, or they came to our haus. He’s Daed’s bruder, and he has a furniture store with a workshop in back of it to build things. The three of us worked together whenever we visited them in Millersburg. Uncle Luke and Aunt Dora and I exchange letters to keep in touch.” He shrugged. “It’s never been a chore to create things.” He grinned and his eyes widened. “I’ve been saving money to buy a furniture store.”

“Andrew, what a wonderful idea.”

He should open a store. His attention to detail in the kitchen table and chairs he’d made to sell had been exquisite. She could understand why Mr. Kline had set it in the big display window.

He shrugged. “I’m saving money to open a store in Charm, but I may have to relocate based on the right location and price.”

Her stomach churned. She didn’t want to leave Charm. She’d left once, and it had been a mistake. She’d missed precious memories with her family and friends. Her daed and bruder told her Mamm had turned difficult and temperamental after she left. She cringed when they told her how hard life had been with Mamm during her absence. She didn’t know if she could leave and cause Mamm to sink into her sullen and dark moods again. But she wouldn’t worry about this now. He said he’d consider Charm. She’d face this if it became a problem. She didn’t want to discuss this anymore tonight. “Do you miss Shipshewana, Indiana?”

The young waitress approached their table. “Are you finished? Would you like dessert? We have sugar cream or butterscotch pie.” She laughed. “Since we buy them from your bakery, Maryann, you know they’ll be good.”

“We can’t pass up dessert. We’ll each take a piece of butterscotch pie. Danki.” Andrew handed the girl his and Maryann’s empty plates.

“You didn’t have to order dessert. You’ve been generous to buy supper.” Maryann’s face heated.

“You love butterscotch pie, and having dessert gives me more time with you.” He gave her an endearing smile.

“The waitress interrupted us when I asked if you missed Shipshewana. Do you?”

He must’ve had family memories and friends he’d left behind.

“Before Mamm and Daed passed from bad health, I liked growing up and enjoying life there. I was seventeen when Daed died, a year after Mamm. He was lost without her, and his health declined. He had trouble breathing and was too weak to get out of bed about three months before he took his last breath. Afterward, the place held sad and lonely memories for me. I pictured Mamm and Daed in their favorite chairs, as I sat on the settee, and Daed whistling on his old weathered stool when I was in his woodshop. I needed a fresh start, and I’m happy I moved to Charm and met you.”

Her cheeks warmed. “I’m glad too.” She gave him an impish grin. “You’re a charmer.”

“I assure you, I’m sincere.” He locked his gaze with hers.

She wanted to reach over and cover his hand to let him know she cared about him, but it wouldn’t be proper. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have teased you. I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t sincere. I enjoy your compliments.” She liked not having to guess if she was special to him. He didn’t mince words. “Tell me more about your family.”

“You can tease me. I like how comfortable we are with each other. It was the perfect opportunity for me to tell you I’m serious about you.” He smiled. “I’ve told you about Uncle Luke and Aunt Dora and my parents passing away. There’s not much more to tell. I’m looking forward to having a family of my own one day.” He raised his brows and grinned.

Her face heated. “I’m surprised you didn’t move to Millersburg from Shipshewana and work with him at his store.” She was curious to find out why.

“Uncle Luke has a best friend, Clyde, who’s his right-hand man. He didn’t need me, and he likes being the sole owner. Clyde is younger than Uncle Luke. I’m sure he’ll pass the store on to him when he can no longer manage it.”

“He and your aunt don’t have kinner?”

He shook his head. “They would’ve made wonderful parents. It’s unfortunate. Speaking of kinner, Betsy is such a sweetheart. She’s a mirror image of you with her blond hair and sky-blue eyes. She made my day when I first met her and she reached her arms to me.”

The waitress returned and provided them with clean forks and their pie. “Enjoy.” She smiled and walked away.

Maryann finished a small bite of butterscotch pie. “Betsy warmed up to you fast. Danki for the wooden blocks you brought her. She loves them. My parents and family like you, and that’s not an easy approval to gain. Mamm and my schweschder-in-law, Ellie, are hard to win over. They’re the most hardheaded and opinionated women in all of Charm, in my opinion. And they have a fierce love for their friends and family. I treasure them.”

He exaggerated a swipe with his hand across his forehead. “I’m relieved I met with their approval.” He cocked his head. “How is it you’re available? I’m sure you’ve had lots of suitors interested in you.”

“I had one interested widower, but he wanted an arranged marriage. A fraa to take care of his six kinner. I want to marry for love. Most Amish men don’t approve of my past marriage to an Englischer, nor do they want to raise another man’s boppli. As I mentioned earlier, I’m sure my job at the bakery doesn’t thrill them either. They may not trust me to stay in Charm or to remain faithful to the Amish life. You recognized my last name, Harding, is not Amish the first time we met, and you still asked me to supper. I was shocked and pleased.”

“You caught my attention right away the day I walked into the bakery. I couldn’t leave without knowing we would meet again. You’re as beautiful inside as you are on the outside, and I can’t resist those sky-blue eyes.” He leaned forward. “It’s not your fault your husband passed. You chose to return to Amish life. I assumed you’d asked forgiveness for leaving to live in the outside world, once you returned. It’s obvious you’ve committed your life to God and the Amish traditions. Do you mind telling me how you were able to leave your family and Amish life behind?”

She didn’t want secrets between them. That was what ruined her first marriage. She hoped their courtship would lead them to a future together. She was smitten with him. She set her fork on the plate beside her half-eaten pie. “I was young, immature, and curious about the outside world. Mamm smothered me, wanting us to remain close. Gerald offered me a life of freedom with him. He was fun-loving and handsome and had a good job at a bank to provide for us.”

“How did you meet him? It must’ve been hard to escape your mamm if she had a close eye on you.”

“I ran to town for anything she or Daed or Joel needed, and met Gerald. They were happy to have me fetch things in the stores for them. I feel terrible for what I put them through. I was a selfish and thoughtless girl. I’m thankful God has forgiven me, but I’m not sure I’ve forgiven myself. Daed and Joel told me Mamm’s mood changes were difficult on them. She’s different from other women in this way. She’s not right in the head. We are aware her drastic mood changes aren’t normal. I knew this, and I left. She smothered me and wanted me with her all the time. I couldn’t take it anymore. Gerald offered me a way out, and I took it. I’m guilt-stricken over it. They’re relieved I’m back, and she’s better.”

“It’s shocking and sad about your mamm. I’m also relieved she’s better.” He forked another piece of pie. “Did you love Gerald? Were you happy in your marriage? If I’m asking too many questions, tell me. We can change the subject.”

She shook her head. “Since we’re courting, it’s best you know everything. I fell for Gerald the minute he approached me and introduced himself. He was handsome, had a zest for life, and made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. I told him I needed an escape from Amish life and my hovering mamm. He told me about the beautiful music, clothes, conveniences, and things he’d provide for us.”

“How long did you court before you married him?”

Maryann gave him a crooked smile. “In six weeks, he asked me to marry him. He was tired of sneaking around. He was in town to train a manager as a favor for his daed’s friend who owned the bank. He had to return to his job in Massillon, and I went with him. He found a judge the day we arrived, and we got married. My infatuation with him turned into love until he put our lives in jeopardy and kept secrets.”

The waitress glanced at their empty plates. “Would you like me to remove these?”

They nodded.

The waitress gestured to their cups. “Would you like more hot chocolate?”

“Yes, please.” Andrew thanked her. “I’m not ready to leave. Are you?”

She shook her head. She would tell him her story. She hoped he wouldn’t change his mind about her. If he did, she wouldn’t blame him. “We were happy at first. He had dark hair and eyes, and he was tall and confident. I was attracted to him the first time we met. He lied about working at the bank after hours. A man approached me, saying my husband owed him money from a gambling debt. I told him I’d speak to my husband about it. He stomped away. I confronted Gerald, and he admitted he had been playing cards for money.”

“Did he say he’d stop?”

“No. He insisted he made enough money to take proper care of us and for me not to complain. He grew short-tempered and tired from staying out late, and lied about where he went at night. I begged him to quit.”

“What about Betsy? Was he happy when you told him you were with child?”

“He said he was happy, but this news put more pressure on him. We lost our haus and had to rent it from the owner for about a month and then sell our furniture to pay his gambling debts. We had to move to the boarding haus. Then he got into a dispute over a debt he owed a man, and the man killed him. He put himself and us in danger.”

“Was the murderer caught?”

“Yes. The sheriff caught the murderer. I was devastated and homesick for my family. I was afraid the men he gambled with would think I had their money. I wrote Joel, and he and Ellie came and brought me back to Charm.” She folded her trembling hands on the table. “I can’t blame Gerald for everything. I was young and selfish leaving my family instead of staying to take care of Mamm. I was in love and made the decision to go with him. He didn’t force me.”

“Didn’t his family take you and Betsy into their home?”

“His mamm had passed, and his daed wanted nothing to do with me. He had no love for the Amish. His father did love Gerald, and he kept him employed. He wouldn’t acknowledge me or Betsy after Gerald passed. At this point, I asked God to forgive me, and I longed for Amish life and my family again.”

His eyes widened. “What a tragic story.”

Maryann kept her head down and stayed silent. Her heart hurt. She had loved Gerald, and as difficult as he was, she mourned his death. She resented him for the secrets he kept that ruined their once-happy marriage. She’d been given a second chance to return to her family and Amish life. She’d attended an Englischer church and never abandoned her faith in God. Reliving this story tonight made her feel guilty all over again. She rolled her shoulders back and sighed. “I’m trying to put it all behind me.”

“We all make mistakes. God forgives us, and we should forgive each other. I care for you and for Betsy. I’m hoping our courtship grows more serious as we learn more about each other. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you to tell me about your past. Danki for being open and honest with me.”

She relaxed her tense shoulders. He hadn’t withdrawn or held anything she’d done against her. She half expected him to pay the check and drop her off at home as fast as possible, but he’d listened and not judged her. Andrew Wittmer was a keeper. She’d be heartbroken if there was something they couldn’t overcome that severed their courtship. “Danki for your understanding. It means more to me than you know.”

The waitress returned with their hot chocolate. “I apologize. I got distracted and took too long bringing your drinks out. If you don’t want them, I’ll take them off your bill.” She sucked in her bottom lip and waited.

Andrew patted the table. “No need to apologize. We’ve been enjoying our conversation and didn’t notice. Leave them. It’s all right. Danki.”

Maryann admired him for his kindness to the waitress. Not all men would be as patient or forgiving. She scanned the restaurant. They didn’t have anyone seated around them, except for a couple in the far opposite corner not paying attention to them. This had been the perfect evening to tell him what he needed to know about her before they moved further along in this courtship. She pressed a hand to her chest. He’d be a good partner to communicate with and resolve problems together.

She was amazed he wasn’t already married. “Were there any available women who caught your attention before you moved to Charm?”

“A couple, but neither worked out.”

“You must tell me more. I told you everything.” Maryann swallowed around the trepidation in her throat. She hoped both these women wouldn’t show up or pursue him. He was handsome and humorous and had ambition. What could’ve happened to deter him from courting them?

Andrew traced the top of his hot chocolate cup. “Natalie and I went to school together. She lived one farm over from ours. We were childhood friends and our friendship blossomed into a courtship when we were sixteen. She developed a terrible cough, became weak and bedridden, and died within six months. I mourned her death for over a year.”

Maryann’s eyes widened. “How tragic.” She shook her head. “It’s difficult to lose someone you love. I’m sorry.” She toyed with her red and white checkered cotton napkin. “You didn’t open your heart to anyone after Natalie?” She couldn’t imagine girls had left him alone. He had everything to offer them. He’d inherited his parents’ farm and he could handcraft beautiful furniture. He was handsome, kind, and courteous. Those traits were enough to entice any woman.

He rolled his eyes and sighed. “Then there was Maggie. She was a redheaded spitfire. She wanted to get married much sooner than I was ready, and she broke off our courtship. Four months later, she met and married Nathaniel. I went to their wedding and wished them well. And there’s the end of my courting stories. I believe I’ve met the last woman I’ll need in my life.” He grinned. “I should take you home. You have to get up early tomorrow.” He paid the check, helped her on with her gray wool hooded cape, and escorted her outside.

She slipped her mittens on her hands, held one out, and watched the snowflakes melt. “I like having snow for Christmas. Maybe we can work in some time for ice skating together soon.”

He slid onto the bench beside her, and rolled the brown broadcloth curtains to the buggy floor to shut out the cold wind and moisture. The curtains were used instead of doors on the enclosed buggy to save money, and they made the opening easier to get in and out. But he wondered if they might be a good investment. He then guided the mare to head to her home not far from town. “Good idea. We’ll check the ice pond near your property and go when it’s safe.” He reached back and covered her with a dark green wool blanket he kept on the back bench.

She held the lantern to light the way. This night couldn’t have gone any better, aside from the news he may have to search for a store site outside of Charm. Mamm was older, and Maryann had been the only one who could pull her out of her gloomy moods. Betsy had brought much joy to Mamm’s life. Daed and Joel thanked her often for being there for Mamm and them. She couldn’t leave Mamm again and have her suffer, bringing hardship to her family. Andrew was in Charm now, and there was a good possibility he’d stay. She’d ignore his suggestion that he might have to move in the future. “This is a good packing snow. We might get an extra two inches on top of the two already on the ground.”

He pulled close to her haus where her parents had set out lanterns on the porch to provide light for them. He stepped out and helped her down. Then he set the lantern on the snow on the ground. He bent, pushed snow together to form a ball, and ran with it making a larger ball for a snowman.

She laughed and made one herself and ran with it to make a medium-sized ball for the snowman’s middle.

“Stop!” He ran to her, hoisted hers, and set it on top of his big one. “We need one for the snowman’s head.” He rolled another one and set it on top of the middle snowball. “This is for Betsy. She’ll be tickled and amazed when she wakes up and peeks out the window.” He reached up and pulled a thin branch off a small tree. He broke it in half and stuck them on either side of the snowman for arms.

“She will love having a snowman in our yard! I’ve made little ones when we’ve played outside. She loves the snow, and her cheeks turn bright red in the cold. She cries when I take her in, even though she must be freezing.”

“Are you looking forward to more kinner?” He escorted her to the door.

“Yes, I do want more. Do you?”

“Yes, as many as the woman I marry will agree to. I’d have a houseful.” He rubbed his gloves together and shivered. “We can continue this conversation later. I don’t want to keep you out too long. You’ll resent me when you’re having trouble staying awake tomorrow.”

She could’ve enjoyed his company the rest of the night. She didn’t want to leave him. He made her heart soar. She wanted to know every little thing about this man. But she was a mamm and she did have a job. “I do have to be at the bakery by five. You must get up early too.”

“I do, but I can take my time doing my chores. You have hungry mouths to feed and bread to bake. Good night, Maryann. I’ll stop by the bakery and we’ll make more plans together.”

“I look forward to it, and danki again for tonight.” She went inside. She was thankful to have a minute alone in the living room. Her parents must be in the sitting room. Betsy would be asleep. Happy butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She closed her eyes and whispered, “Dear Heavenly Father, please don’t let anything kumme between Andrew and me. Danki for putting him in my life. I love you, Father. Amen.”

She opened the door to Betsy’s bedroom and peeked in at her. Betsy, lay flat on her back, fast asleep, and with her tiny lips parted. Peaceful and precious, she was comfortable. She opened the door to the sitting room.

Mamm threw her knitting needles and ball of yarn in the basket and strode to her. “Are you all right? I was worried. The snow and ice can be treacherous.”

Maryann rubbed the back of her neck. Mamm was overreacting. She didn’t want to confront her. It was easier to ignore Mamm’s anxiety. “Where’s Daed?”

“He’s gone to bed. I couldn’t sleep until you were home. I was sure you were in an accident.” Mamm wiped a tear.

She gazed into Mamm’s worried eyes. Her resolve wavered. She should be more compassionate. Mamm couldn’t help her over-the-top possessiveness of her. Maryann held her. “Mamm, I’m fine. Andrew took good care of me. Everything’s all right.”

Mamm calmed and she released Maryann. “If you marry Andrew, I’m happy his property is close and one over from ours.” Mamm gripped her sleeve. “And you’ll visit me, and I can kumme to your haus. You and Betsy mean the world to me.” Mamm’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m blessed and happy you’re with us. I missed you when you were gone.”

“You don’t need to worry. Please, Mamm. Please relax.” She held Mamm’s hand, kissed it, and watched Mamm go into her bedroom before entering hers. Maryann’s chest tightened. She was relieved Mamm had not been frustrated and argumentative. Mamm’s obsession over her, and now Betsy, was abnormal. It always had been, but what could she do but reassure her?

She couldn’t imagine how awful it had been for Joel and Daed when she was away. She and Betsy had proved to be the best medicine for keeping Mamm even tempered and happy. She loved her, and she would take care of her. It was her duty as her dochder. Joel and Daed needed her to take on this role, and she owed it to them and to Mamm. She prayed Andrew would stay in Charm.

Andrew had a good time with Maryann this evening. On his way. . .