Rachael's Decision

Book 6: Amish Charm Bakery

by Molly Jebber

Genres: Christian Historical Romance

Synopsis

Set in a close-knit Amish community in 1900s Ohio, award-winning author Molly Jebber’s historical romance brims with authentic detail and an emotionally complex storyline—a treat both for historical fans and those who enjoy wholesome romance by writers like Charlotte Hubbard, Rachel J. Good, Amy Lillard, and Jennifer Beckstrand.

In 1915 Ohio, anyone entering the Amish Charm Bakery is greeted by the sweet warmth and delicious fragrance of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from freshly baked cookies and pies. And newcomers to this Amish community will find friendship on the menu, too—and perhaps for a lucky few, even lasting love . . .
 
Rachael Schlabach’s first chance for a husband ended in a tragic accident that left her with a limp. Though happy to work in the beloved Amish Charm Bakery, she hasn’t abandoned her romantic dreams, but she has focused on a widower with two adorable kinner she would love to raise as her own. Then handsome, single Caleb Yutzy arrives on the scene . . .
 
Caleb is eager to court pretty, warm-hearted Rachael, and tells her so. But their frank conversations reveal a truth that dashes her hopes—Caleb very much wants kinner, the one thing Rachael can’t give him. Even when Caleb assures her it’s no matter, she can’t bring herself to be so selfish. Yet love is beyond all planning, and with faith Rachael and Caleb may discover the lifetime of love they were meant to share . . .
 

Release date: January 24, 2023

Publisher: Zebra Books

Print pages: 288

Sample

Rachael Schlabach served vanilla cake with white frosting to Nathan Wagler and his two kinner. She cut a slice for herself and sat at the Waglers’ round kitchen table on Thursday evening.

“I love this cake, Mamm.” Joy giggled and scooped icing onto her finger and licked it.

Rachael froze. She was used to the six-year-old saying whatever came to mind, but this was the first time she’d called her mamm. She’d helped with Nathan’s late fraa Katherine’s funeral eight months ago. She’d gone to the Waglers’ home and washed clothes, cooked evening meals, and cared for Joy and Thad after work most nights since then. Their daed still mourned Katherine’s death, and he spoke about her often. She considered Nathan a close friend, but would their friendship ever grow into something more?

Nathan cleared his throat. “Rachael is our special friend. You should call her by her given name. Your mamm is in Heaven.”

Thad, at eight, was wise beyond his age. He crossed his skinny arms. “Peter calls Liza Mamm and his real mamm is in Heaven. Mamm wouldn’t mind. She would have liked Rachael.”

Rachael didn’t want this awkwardness to linger. It had been two weeks since he’d asked her to give Katherine’s clothes and things to the Amish who could use them. She’d kept handkerchiefs, a bonnet, and a brush and comb for Joy when she was older. She would try to help them understand. “Liza married Jacob and they adopted Peter. Liza is his stepmamm, but they’ve agreed he can call her Mamm. I’m your neighbor and friend who loves you both. I’m here to lend a helping hand for a while. You should call me Rachael. I love you no matter what.”

Nathan stood and carried dirty plates to the sink. “I’ll wash.”

“Don’t worry about the dishes. Go to your sitting room. The kinner and I will clean up, like always.”

Thad dragged Joy’s wooden stool covered in crayon marks to the sink for her to stand on.

Rachael waved Nathan out of the large kitchen, with twice as many cabinets as she and Mamm had at home. “You go relax. We’ll be fine.” She was relieved when he headed to his sitting room and put an end to the conversation. She would like him to ask for a private conversation to discuss if and when he would court her. But she was patient. Did she really want him to ask? It would be a risk. Their friendship wasn’t guaranteed to blossom into love. But she loved the kinner. She could envision herself being their mamm, and they would be worth maybe never falling in love with Nathan.

She limped to the sink and washed and dried the china dishes with a red apple in the center of each one. She admired the unique design. She allowed the kinner to help her and then worked a puzzle with Joy and Thad in the sitting room while Nathan read his Bible. A half hour later, she bid them all a good night. She drove the short distance to her farm next door and went inside. Mamm had already gone to bed. What would she do if Nathan pursued her? Maybe she didn’t need to ponder it. He might not find her attractive. Should she back away from the Wagler family? It was too late. Her heart would break not being around the kinner. She prayed to God for guidance.

Rachael overslept Friday morning. She dressed and kissed Mamm’s cheek. “I don’t have time for breakfast.”

Mamm passed her a wrapped fried egg biscuit sandwich. “Take this. You need something in your stomach.”

She accepted the sandwich. “Danki.” Then she ran outside, harnessed her mare to the buggy, and drove to the livery. She crossed the wide road, waved to other shop owners unlocking their doors, and entered the bakery. “Good morning, Magdelena. I’m sorry I’m late.” She loved her best friend and schweschder-in-law. Magdelena was perfect for her bruder, Toby. She slipped her apron over her head and tied the strings behind her back. She stood at the big, hardwood, waist-high worktable centered in the room, where they had enough space to create their delicious desserts.

Magdelena grabbed the rolling pin and pushed it back and forth over her dough. “You’re only a couple of minutes late. Don’t apologize. I’ve been late a time or two. Anything new with the Wagler family?”

“Joy called me Mamm.” She told Magdelena what Thad had said.

“How did you feel about it? Do you want to be their stepmamm someday?” Magdelena stopped rolling her pin and stared at Rachael.

Rachael recounted to Magdelena what she and Nathan told the kinner and how Joy and Thad reacted. “I don’t know where Nathan stands. I may love him, but I’m not in love with him. Not to say I couldn’t fall in love with him, but who knows? It’s not like I’m overrun with suitors knocking on my door. I love the kinner. Any advice?”

“I’m not sure what to tell you. Let’s pray about it together.” Magdelena offered a prayer to God to intervene on Rachael and Nathan’s behalf. To close the door or open it for a courtship.

“Danki, Magdelena.”

For the next two hours, Rachael and Magdelena discussed the Waglers, recipes, and gardening as they baked bread, pies, and cookies to sell.

“I should’ve unlocked the door for customers ten minutes ago.” Magdelena hurried to the front room, where a display case showed their desserts for sale and white metal “ice cream” parlor chairs and tables were available to customers to enjoy their purchases inside the bakery. She unlocked the door.

Rachael slid a tray of molasses cookies onto the glass shelf in the display case. She stood and caught her breath.

A handsome Amish gentleman walked into the bakery. He met her gaze with his big, sky-blue eyes. He was tall, with broad shoulders. She guessed his age close to hers. He didn’t have a beard. He must be unmarried. “Good morning.”

He smiled, and his teeth were white as snow. He tipped his hat, and he had a head full of thick blond hair. He’d probably never go bald. “Good morning, ladies. I’m Caleb Yutzy and I’m new in town. I hope you have cinnamon bread.”

Rachael pressed a hand to her heart. She couldn’t wrench her gaze from his. “I’m Rachael Schlabach. We have a fresh loaf right out of the oven.”

Magdelena waited on the two customers who came in behind Caleb.

“I’d love a loaf and a slice of it right now, if you don’t mind.” Caleb chose a middle table among the other five “ice cream” white-metal chairs and tables in the café area decorated with red tablecloths.

“Would you like coffee or hot chocolate?” Rachael cut a thick slice of bread from the loaf and packaged the rest. Then she limped over to him and served him the warm cinnamon bread with butter and a cup of coffee. What was happening to her? She couldn’t quit staring at this tall, lean-framed man.

He pulled out the other chair at the table. “Will you take a break and join me? I promise to not keep you long.”

Rachael’s heart fluttered, and she hesitated. He was bold, but she didn’t mind.

Magdelena approached them. “She’ll be glad to. I’m Magdelena Schlabach, Rachael’s schweschder-in-law. I overheard you say your name is Caleb Yutzy and you’re new to Charm. Where are you from?”

“Nappanee, Indiana. I moved here with my bruder, Stephen, and his fraa, Frannie, and their boppli, Lily.”

Two women entered the bakery.

“Excuse me. I should take care of these customers. Rachael, take your time.” Magdelena greeted the women and returned to the display case.

Rachael sat at the table with Caleb. She could gaze into those blue eyes all day. “What brought you and your family to Charm?” She wanted to know everything about this man.

“Stephen and his family lived with Frannie’s mamm. When her mamm died, she found it difficult to live with the memories attached to the haus she grew up in. Stephen suggested they sell the haus and move here. He’d passed through Charm a time or two and he was made to feel wilkom. The town made a lasting impression, and he mentioned it to Frannie, and she was in favor of moving here. I sold our parents’ place and came with them.” Caleb sipped his coffee. “Do you have a suitor or husband?”

Rachael’s cheeks warmed. “No. I live with my mamm. Daed died last year. Magdelena married my bruder, Toby, in September, and they live not too far from us. Forgive me. I’m rambling.”

“Please continue. I want to know everything about you.” He winced. “Stephen says I’m too direct sometimes.” He covered his mouth with his hand, then dropped it. “I hope I haven’t offended you.”

She smiled and shook her head. “I’m not offended.” She wanted to encourage him, but she didn’t want to be too forward.

He finished the last of his bread. “Would you like to kumme to supper tomorrow night at my family’s haus? I’d like for you to meet them, and we could get to know each other better. Give me directions to your haus and I’ll pick you up.”

“Yes. I’d love to meet them.” She gave him directions. “I should get back to baking, but I’m pleased to have met you, and danki for the invitation.” She couldn’t wait to spend more time with him.

“The pleasure is all mine.” He stood and made an exaggerated bow. “I’ll be at your haus at six tomorrow evening.” He bid her good day and left.

Magdelena served a patron coffee and then pulled Rachael aside. “What a handsome fellow, and his interest in you is apparent. Caleb didn’t waste any time finding out if you are unmarried.”

Rachael waggled her forefinger at Magdelena. “Were you listening to our conversation?”

“Of course. The connection between you and him was immediate. You and Caleb couldn’t quit smiling from the time your gazes met. His high cheekbones and square chin with those blue eyes give him a striking face, and he must be a little over six feet tall. If he wasn’t Amish, he could’ve been an actor. He does need some meat on those bones. He needs you to invite him to supper.” She chuckled. “I’m proud of you. You didn’t hesitate to meet his family.”

“I don’t know what came over me. One look at him and I was smitten. I didn’t flinch when he asked me to supper, having just met him. My limp didn’t seem to bother him. I haven’t had any Amish men show interest in me like this for quite a while. With Nathan, I invited myself and pitched in to care for him and the kinner. But our situation is different. He’s lost and mourning his fraa. I didn’t have any expectations where he and I are concerned.”

“You’re giddy about Caleb.”

Rachael grinned. “I’m excited to meet Caleb’s family and talk with him tomorrow night.” She picked up a towel on the counter and gripped it. Joy and Thad might be upset when she told them she had plans and wouldn’t be joining them for supper. This would be a definite break in their routine. Would her plans with Caleb matter to Nathan? She’d break the news to them this evening.

Magdelena beamed. “I’m happy for you, my friend. This could be the beginning of something wonderful for you and Caleb.”

“I hope so.” Rachael’s heart soared.

Magdelena’s dark eyes and coal-black hair, plus her slender frame, usually captured everyone’s attention first. But Caleb had been different. He’d set his gaze on her. She had questions to ask him. What were his likes and dislikes? Had he been in love before? Did he plan on staying in Charm?

At the end of the workday, she drove to Nathan’s haus. He had a wraparound porch in front and a swing she and the kinner liked to sit in. He had cows grazing in the field, and his smokehaus and barn were on one side of the property and the garden was on the other side of the haus. He had a small pond beyond the garden. She liked the layout.

Joy ran to her, holding a picture. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Rachael tied her mare to the hitching post and then held her arms open wide. Joy’s bonnet fell off her head, showing her white-blond curls as she ran into her arms. She was a beauty. She’d have a line of suitors at her door when she was ready to court.

Rachael hugged the child. “What did you draw?”

Joy held her picture high for Rachael. “You, Daed, me, and Thad. Oh, and my barn cats.”

Rachael’s heart sank. She didn’t want to disappoint or hurt Joy, but this picture portrayed them as a family. Joy had drawn her and Nathan holding hands. “This is a wonderful picture. Did you show this to your daed?”

Joy nodded. “He liked it. Thad did too. I’m keeping it on my dresser. Is Eleanor kumming for supper?”

Rachael had invited Mamm often to the Waglers’ for supper, but she’d accepted the invitation only a couple of times. Mamm had friends who kept her busy. She worked hard, and she suspected Mamm would like for Nathan to take an interest in Rachael as more than a friend. Rachael stopped asking her to join them each time and told her she was always wilkom. Her mamm went to Magdelena and Toby’s a couple of times a week for supper.

“Not tonight. How was your day at school?”

“Thad and I played hide-and-seek with Peter and Charity at dinnertime. I slipped and fell in the mud chasing the yellow cat, and I had to change clothes when I came home.”

“We’ll wash your dress after supper. Accidents happen.” Joy stained her clothes with dirt or food more than Thad. Her favorite thing to do was make mud pies. Joy pumped water from the pump in anything she could find and then poured the water over the dirt to make mud to play in.

“Where are your daed and Thad?”

“Daed has a chicken plucked and ready to cook. He wanted to surprise you, so don’t tell him I gave away his secret.” She giggled and held her forefinger to her lips. “Thad and he plucked the feathers off the chicken together.”

“What should we have with our chicken?”

Joy often stayed by her side in the kitchen, waiting for tasks to do. “Mashed potatoes.”

Rachael tweaked Joy’s cheek. “You’d have mashed potatoes every day if you could.”

Joy laughed. “Yes, I would. They’re my favorite. You let me mash them when we cook, but Daed insists on doing it himself.”

They entered the house and went to the kitchen.

Thad grinned and pointed to the table. “I set the table and filled the water glasses.”

“The chicken is ready to kumme out of the oven, the potatoes are ready, and there’s brown bread sliced in the basket.” Nathan pulled out her chair. “We’ll serve you.”

She hadn’t expected this. He’d not made supper before this evening and he’d gone to a lot of trouble.

“I appreciate this. Danki.” Rachael sat, unfolded her napkin, and spread it out on her lap.

Nathan had readied a chicken for her to bake or fry in the past, but he’d not prepared the entire supper. He’d even changed the plain yellow tablecloth to a red one edged with lace. He had cloth napkins to match. Was this a danki or something more?

Nathan and the kinner took their seats. Nathan bowed his head and said a prayer to God for the food. “Enjoy. We’ll have enough food left over to have the same thing tomorrow evening. You won’t have to work as hard.” Nathan removed the chicken from the oven, cut and put the pieces on a platter, stirred the drippings into the gravy, and carried it to the table. He had the mashed potatoes warming on top of the stove, and he put the bowl next to the meat.

Thad placed the bread basket beside the butter, and raspberry jelly was already on the table. “Would you like bread?” He passed the basket to her.

Thad’s chocolate-brown eyes gazed at her. With his lanky build and wavy, light brown hair, he was a handsome boy. She loved his kind and wise demeanor.

“I want one.” Joy reached in and took a slice as Rachael accepted the basket. She wouldn’t call Joy bashful. The six-year-old always let you know what was on her mind.

“Will you bring home some iced sugar cookies for dessert tomorrow night?” Joy held a scoop of potatoes on her spoon.

Rachael traced the rim of her glass. She hoped they wouldn’t get upset. “I have plans tomorrow evening with a friend, so I won’t be joining you. You can have the leftover chicken and make sandwiches.”

Joy grinned. “We’ll kumme with you. Bring the cookies to your friend’s haus. We’ll all have dessert together.”

Thad shrugged. “Yes. Where does your friend live? What’s your friend’s name?”

“Caleb Yutzy. He’s new in town.” Rachael’s cheeks heated.

Nathan avoided eye contact with her. “Enough with the questions. You’re being rude. Rachael doesn’t expect to go with you when you go to a friend’s haus. It’s not proper to invite yourselves to tag along with Rachael and her friend.”

Joy pouted. “You want us to kumme, don’t you, Rachael?”

“I’m sorry. Your daed is right. It’s not appropriate for me to bring you. We’ll talk at church on Sunday.” She avoided eye contact with them.

Nathan and the kinner frowned and the room went silent.

She had to bring smiles to their sad faces. “Would you like to mix a batch of sugar cookies before we do the dishes? It wouldn’t take us long.”

Joy’s head bobbed. “Yes!”

Thad grinned. “I’ll stir the batter.”

Nathan put his napkin on the table. He’d left half the food on his plate. “I’ll be in the barn if you need me.” He left the room.

She pressed a hand to her nervous stomach. Nathan and she had no romantic relationship. They hadn’t flirted or hinted at even the possibility of courtship. Why had he acted hurt? She understood the kinner might get upset, but why Nathan? Or had he gotten used to their routine and didn’t want it interrupted? She wouldn’t confront him about his abruptness. She’d wait until he was ready to discuss it.

She instructed Joy on what and how much of each ingredient to put in the bowl.

“This is fun.” Joy followed her directions.

“Thad, you can stir.”

He waited for Joy to step aside, and he stirred the batter.

Joy stood close and watched his every move.

Rachael let them each scoop small amounts of batter onto the cookie sheet. She slid the cookies in the oven and put the ingredients away.

Joy slid her finger around the bowl and licked the batter from her finger. “I like the batter more than the baked cookies.” She giggled.

Thad took the bowl from her. “Leave me some.” He swiped out the rest of the batter with a wooden spoon and licked it. “So good.”

Rachael washed and let Joy and Thad dry the dishes.

Joy handed a plate to Thad to put in the cabinet. “I’ll miss you when you go to your friend’s haus.” She pouted.

Thad stayed quiet.

“I’ll miss you too.” She didn’t know if she’d resume their routine. She didn’t want to say too much. She wasn’t sure what the future held. She took the cookies out of the oven. “We’ll let the cookies cool while we wash Joy’s dress.”

She and Joy washed the muddy dress. Thad hung it up to dry.

Thad entered the kitchen and grabbed a container for the cookies. “I’ll put the cookies away and leave out four for us so we can each have one.”

“Danki, Thad.” Rachael waited for him to empty the baking pan and then washed and dried it. She put it away.

Joy reached for a plate on the counter and placed four cookies on it. “I’ll carry the cookies to the sitting room and choose a board game for us to play.”

Rachael and Thad followed her to the sitting room. Joy carried the plate of cookies to each of them, and they took one.

Joy sat on the floor next to Rachael. They finished their cookies, laughed, and had a good time.

Nathan came inside. His tone was stern. “Kinner, time for bed. Change into your nightshirts, and I’ll be in to say prayers and good night in a minute.”

“Daed, we saved you a cookie.” Joy pointed to the plate. “Do we have to go to bed now?” she begged.

“Yes, and don’t whine.” Nathan pointed to her room. “Go now.”

The kinner hugged her goodbye.

Rachael went to the door. “Sleep tight.”

“Rachael, danki for taking care of the dishes. You don’t need to wait if you’d like to go home.”

“Danki for the delicious food. Good night.”

“Good night.” Nathan headed to Joy’s bedroom.

Rachael drove home. Nathan wasn’t himself tonight. His mood changed from jovial to serious after she said she had plans tomorrow evening. Should she have asked him why he was upset? His extra effort with supper could’ve been a danki for taking such good care of them. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. Why would he avoid her and not talk about it? She went inside the haus and Mamm was reading her Bible.

“How was your evening?”

“Nathan cooked supper. He did a marvelous job. He’s never expressed interest in me. The supper could’ve been to show he wanted to reciprocate and not expect me to do all the cooking. I’m not sure. When I told him I have plans tomorrow, he became quieter than usual. I didn’t press him about it. Tomorrow evening, I’m having supper with a new family who moved to Charm. I’ll tell you more about them and introduce you to Caleb when he picks me up.”

“Who is Caleb? What’s his last name?” Mamm put her Bible on the end table. “I need more information.”

“Yutzy. Caleb lives with his bruder’s family. He came to the bakery and asked me to join them.”

“You’ve talked to him once and you agreed to go to his haus? Isn’t this too soon? If he’s new in town, no one knows much about him.” Mamm worried her brows.

Rachael shook her head. “We’ll be with his family. I can’t explain it, but I was drawn to him on sight. I haven’t gotten giddy over a man since John died. It’s been four years. I’m curious about Caleb.”

“Since his family will be present, I suppose it’s all right. When you told Nathan and the kinner you wouldn’t be with them tomorrow night, it was probably hard for them. They are used to you having supper with them. Nathan may have cooked to show interest in you. I’m uncertain, but it would explain why he was upset. What about the kinner?”

“Nathan should’ve said something instead of sulking. Joy and Thad were disappointed. I’m not sure Nathan and I will ever be more than friends. I love the kinner, and I’ll always be there for them if they need me. I’m taking this change one day at a time. Who knows what will happen with Caleb. This might be my first and last supper with him.”

“You’re right about everything you’ve said. There’s no reason not to get acquainted with Caleb and his family.” Mamm reached for her Bible and opened it. The binding was loose and she handled it with care.

“Mamm, do you have plans tomorrow?”

“Yes. I’ll already be at the Yoders for supper before you get home from work. I’m going early to help them cook and bake. Have a good time. I’ll look forward to meeting Caleb when you kumme home.” Mamm kissed her dochder’s cheek.

Rachael hoped it would be the first of many times she and Caleb would spend time together.

Caleb dried and put away the last dish from supper Friday evening. Rachael had occupied his mind since he met her today. She had beautiful emerald eyes and a pleasant voice. She had pretty, light brown hair where her kapp was set farther back on her hair. She didn’t seem put off by his questions or his interest in her. She had a positive attitude and a genuine smile. She had a limp. Was she born with it? He’d find out soon enough. He went to the porch and sat in the white-painted rocker near his bruder, Stephen, and his schweschder-in-law, Frannie, holding Lily on her lap. “What a beautiful evening. I’m glad we could switch from coats to light sweaters. I’m ready for summer.”

Frannie cocked her head to Caleb. “Danki for taking care of the dishes.”

“You’re wilkom.” Caleb hadn’t told them about Rachael.

Supper had been more chaotic than usual. Lily had been fussy, and Stephen had knocked over his water glass. He’d sent them to the porch to relax, hoping they’d be in a better frame of mind when he told them he’d invited company for tomorrow night. He prayed it would be cal. . .