The Forgiving Jar Read online

  It was a good thing Ezekiel had prepared the bee boxes for the long winter months ahead. There would be no need to do much more than monitor the boxes from time to time until spring approached. This was a blessing, since the greenhouse needed the whole family’s attention.

  In November, all the honey had been collected, processed, and jarred, ready for his steady clients. Ezekiel left plenty of honey for the bees, so they would have enough food to survive the cold weather ahead. He made adjustments to the bee boxes, protecting the hives from the snowfalls and bitter air but making sure to allow good ventilation. Ezekiel even weighted down the tops of the hives to guard them against toppling over from the strong winds that often accompanied winter storms.

  “Thank you and come again soon.” Ezekiel smiled at the lady, who waited patiently for him to box up her poinsettias.

  “I will. You have some lovely flowers and plants here in the greenhouse.” The customer left, carrying her poinsettias with care.

  As another patron got ready to pay, Ezekiel heard a crash and glanced in the direction of the sound.

  A child had accidentally knocked over a flower, sending dirt and a shattered clay pot into one of the aisles. The little boy wailed when his mother pointed a finger and scolded him. Ezekiel’s mom got on it very quickly and had it cleaned up in no time. The child calmed down right away when she handed him a candy cane.

  Ezekiel smiled. His mother had always been good with children. He was sure she and Dad looked forward to the day one of their adult children would make them grandparents.

  His sister Amy kept busy helping another customer pick out flowers for a centerpiece she wanted to make. Meanwhile, Ezekiel’s brother Abe and their father were busy adding freshly made Christmas wreaths to the wall, as several customers gathered around to look at those too. It was a good thing Abe and Dad had made some extra wreaths this morning, because they were selling quickly. Ezekiel didn’t see his younger brother anywhere. Most likely, Henry was still in the barn, cleaning the horses’ stalls. Dad had sent him there a while ago, giving him a list of chores to do.

  Ezekiel’s customer smiled and glanced toward the wreaths before leaving. “There is nothing like the smell of fresh pine. I may have to go look at those before I leave.”

  When she walked toward the wall of wreaths, Ezekiel waited on the next customer who didn’t have any purchases in his hands. “Good afternoon, Mr. Duncan. Are you here to buy some flowers or one of our Christmas plants?”

  “You could say that, I guess.” The middle-aged man smiled and handed Ezekiel his receipt. “I’m here to pick up my order that I placed two weeks ago. Remember, I purchased fifty poinsettias to give out to my employees, plus a few extra to decorate the office too.” Mr. Duncan was the manager of an insurance office in Lancaster. “I believe you waited on me when I stopped by a few weeks ago to put in my request.”

  “Oh, you’re right. Give me a minute, and I’ll go in the back and bring them out.” Feeling a bit confused, Ezekiel took the customer’s order form. He’d had a hard time concentrating on his work today. Unlike other times when the greenhouse was busy and he was at the point of being frazzled, today a warm and lighthearted feeling kept his mood a happy one—although distracted. All he could think about was Michelle and the good time they’d had on Thanksgiving. Especially the ride when they were alone in his buggy.

  He would have liked nothing more than for Michelle to have said yes about joining the Amish faith so their courtship could happen sooner and progress at a faster pace.

  Ezekiel blew a puff of air through his lips. I can understand why she was hesitant though. After all, I didn’t jump in and become English just because I thought that’s what she wanted. Patience is what I need, and the willingness to give her some time.

  Ezekiel came to where the larger orders were waiting and was surprised to find Abe putting poinsettias into a box. “Do you know where Mr. Duncan’s order is?”

  “I’m filling it now,” Abe answered. “I have a few more boxes to fill, and then it will be complete. This is a big order and should have been filled last evening.”

  Ezekiel pinched the bridge of his nose. “It says on the receipt he’d be picking it up today.”

  “I guess it was missed,” Abe muttered. “Don’t want to disappoint Mr. Duncan, so I’m working on it as fast as I can.”

  “Here, let me help you. We shouldn’t keep the man waiting. He’s one of our best customers.”

  Abe looked at Ezekiel with lowered brows. “Exactly.”

  They worked together quickly to complete the order, and filled five boxes of poinsettias. “I’ll go get the cart so we can load these into his car,” Abe volunteered.

  While Ezekiel waited, his thoughts turned to Michelle once more. He couldn’t wait to see her, but with the way things were going and the busy days ahead at the greenhouse, he wasn’t sure when it would happen.

  Chapter 7

  Monday morning after the breakfast dishes were done, Sara slipped into a jacket, grabbed her purse, and headed for the back door.

  “Where are you going?” Grandma called from the kitchen table, where she sat writing a letter.

  Sara turned around. “Out to find a job. Remember, I told you I wanted to start looking today?”

  “Yes, but I thought you might decide to wait a few more days.” Grandma peered at Sara over the top of her reading glasses. “There’s no rush in finding a job, is there?”

  Without making reference to what she’d previously said about finding another place to live, Sara explained that she’d seen several job openings in this morning’s newspaper and wanted to check on them. “With the way the market is these days, it’s important that I do this when the opportunity strikes. The positions being advertised may not be available long.”

  “I suppose you are right.”

  “One of the jobs is working in a flower shop. I thought that seemed interesting.”

  “Have you ever worked in a flower shop?”

  “No, but I think it might be fun to learn. I’ve always liked flowers, and I’m a quick learner.”

  Grandma tapped the end of the pen she held against her chin. “I wonder if the Kings might need someone to work in their greenhouse. They sell poinsettias this time of the year, and with Christmas only a month away, they might need some extra help.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Eager to be on her way, Sara smiled and said, “Well, I’d better go.” She turned and reached for the doorknob, but before she could open the door, Grandma spoke again.

  “Will you be back in time for lunch?”

  “I don’t think so, Grandma. I might be gone until late afternoon.”

  “Oh, okay. I’ll see you later then.” She put her pen to paper again.

  Sara gave a backward wave and opened the door. When she stepped outside, she was surprised to see Michelle hitching Grandma’s horse to one of Grandpa’s closed-in buggies. Sara was even more taken aback when Michelle got into the buggy, picked up the reins, and headed down the driveway toward the road. The pretender sure hadn’t taken long to adapt to the new mode of transportation. Sara frowned. What is that girl up to, and what’s she trying to prove?

  It seemed odd that Michelle would be going anywhere with the horse and buggy by herself, not to mention wearing denim jeans and a long-sleeved sweatshirt under her teal blue puffer coat. The only people Sara had seen riding in the typical gray carriages here in the Lancaster County area were dressed plain.

  I bet she’s going over to her boyfriend’s house. Sara had noticed the sick-cow looks exchanged between Michelle and Ezekiel when everyone sat down to enjoy their Thanksgiving desserts.

  Sara got into her car and started the engine. Whatever happens between Michelle and Ezekiel is none of my business. I need to concentrate on landing a job. Hopefully, I’ll find one today.

  Michelle guided Grandma’s horse to the hitching rack outside the Kings’ greenhouse, got out, and secured Peanuts to the rail. Peanuts nickered to another horse a
lready at the rail. In fact, several horse and buggies, as well as many vehicles, were parked outside the greenhouse. Due to the number of customers who were probably shopping inside, Michelle assumed most of Ezekiel’s family was here working today. She wanted to speak to him about the things she’d thought about last night before going to bed, but didn’t want any of his family to hear their conversation. While she wasn’t sure yet about joining the Amish church, Michelle needed to know more about taking classes and what all would be expected of her. She was also eager to find out when Ezekiel planned to join the church.

  When Michelle entered the greenhouse, she noticed right away that they appeared to be having a good day. A number of customers had come out, despite the cold weather. She found Ezekiel’s mother, Belinda, setting some poinsettia plants on a shelf. A heater nearby blew warm air, which helped keep the plants at the correct temperature.

  Walking up to Belinda, Michelle smiled. “Hi, Mrs. King. Is Ezekiel here?”

  Belinda shook her head. “Not in the greenhouse, at least. I wish he was though, because we could use his help right now.”

  “Where is he?” Michelle glanced around.

  “Out checking the beehives—although I’m not sure why, since he already winterized them.” Ezekiel’s mother’s tone was cool, and she barely made eye contact with Michelle.

  She still doesn’t like me—even though I came back to Strasburg to apologize to the Lapps for letting them believe I was Sara. Michelle fidgeted with her purse straps. Should I talk to Belinda about what I did—maybe apologize to her too, since she probably thinks I offended the entire Amish community?

  Before Michelle had a chance to say anything, an elderly Amish couple entered the building. Belinda walked away from Michelle and went to see what they wanted.

  It’s just as well. I may have said the wrong thing anyway, which would have only made things worse. Truth be told, no matter what I say or do, Belinda will probably never think I’m good enough for her son. Maybe it’d be best if I don’t see Ezekiel anymore. He’d be better off with some nice young woman who grew up Amish.

  Michelle hurried from the greenhouse. She was almost to her buggy, when Ezekiel came around the corner of the building. “Hey, Michelle. I didn’t expect to see you here today.” He pulled his jacket collar tighter around his neck. “Did you come to buy something?”

  “No, I came to see you.”

  “I’m glad you did.” He stood next to her. “I just came from checking on the bee boxes. It’s good to monitor them from now until spring. Anyways, I’m heading to the house for something to drink before I help in the greenhouse again. Why don’t you come along and we can visit awhile?”

  “I was just in the greenhouse with your mom, and it’s pretty busy in there. Are you sure you don’t want to go in and help them right now?”

  “We won’t be long.” He smiled and gestured toward the house.

  Michelle hesitated but finally nodded. I may as well get this over with. It’s best that I let him go now.

  After Ezekiel and Michelle entered the kitchen, he pulled out two chairs and motioned for Michelle to take a seat at the table. “Would you like something hot or cold to drink? I can heat up some hot water for tea or cocoa.”

  She shook her head, watching as he went to the sink to wash his hands. “No thanks.”

  “How about some of my mamm’s banana bread? It’s pretty tasty.”

  “I’m sure it’s delicious, but I’m not hungry right now. As I said before, I came over here to talk to you about something.”

  “Oh? What about?”

  Michelle had almost worked up the nerve to say what was on her mind when Ezekiel’s sister Amy entered the room. She glanced at Michelle, looked away, then turned to face her again. “I was surprised to see you at church yesterday. I didn’t realize you’d come back to Strasburg.”

  “I’ve been back a month already. And I attended church two weeks ago.”

  Amy’s brows furrowed. “I didn’t realize that. I visited a friend’s church district two weeks ago, so I wasn’t at the service you attended and had no way of knowing you were there.”

  “Oh, I see.” Michelle couldn’t judge by Amy’s tone of voice whether she disapproved of her, but the young woman’s expression said it all. Apparently, like Ezekiel’s mother, his sister thought Michelle wasn’t good enough for him. The truth is, I’m not. He deserves better.

  Ezekiel cleared his throat real loud, looking right at his sister. “Did you come to the kitchen for any particular reason?”

  She shrugged. “No, not really. I heard voices and came to see who was here.”

  “I brought Michelle into the kitchen so we could visit without interruptions.”

  Amy poked her brother’s arm. “Okay. Okay. I can take a hint. I have to get back out to the greenhouse anyway. Business is booming, as you well know. Don’t be too long, Ezekiel. Your help is also needed today.” She glanced briefly at Michelle, then hurried from the room.

  Ezekiel took a seat across from Michelle. “That sister of mine … She says things sometimes just to get under my skin.” He leaned his elbows on the table. “Now what was it you wanted to talk to me about?”

  She drew a deep breath. “It’s about joining the Amish church. I’ve been thinking a lot about it these past few days.”

  “I hope your answer is yes.”

  “Not yet. I need to ask you some questions about everything that would be expected of me if I did decide to become Amish.” Michelle massaged her forehead. “But now I’m having second thoughts.”

  “What are your second thoughts?” Ezekiel questioned.

  “For one thing, it would be a big change for me to give up the only way of life I’ve ever known.” She held up two fingers. “I’d have to learn, not one, but two languages.”

  Ezekiel folded the fingers she held up, and encompassed her hand in his. “Not a big problem. I can help you with that.”

  Michelle’s gaze flitted around the room. “It’s obvious that your mother and sister don’t approve of me. So I think it would be best if you forgot about me joining your church and found someone else to court—someone who is honest and upright. You ought to choose a young woman who is already Amish.”

  Ezekiel shook his head vehemently. “It’s not up to them, and I don’t want anyone else.”

  “You may think that right now, but if the right girl came along—”

  “You are the right girl, Michelle. I thought that when I believed your name was Sara, and I still think it now.”

  Fearing she might cave in, Michelle pushed her chair away from the table and stood. “I can’t talk about this anymore. Please, give me some space. I’m confused and afraid of failing,” she confessed, putting a hand to her hip. “Furthermore, please don’t try to force me into this.”

  His cheeks puffed out. “I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do, but I hope you will think about it more. Don’t say yes now, and don’t say no. Just pray about whether you should join the Amish church.” He stood too and placed his hand on her arm. “The first of nine instructional classes in preparation for baptism and joining the church start next Sunday.” He paused and moistened his lips. “I’ve already agreed to take the classes that will be taught about thirty minutes before church service begins. So if you decide to take part in those classes, please let me know before then.”

  “When would the baptism take place?” Michelle asked.

  “In the spring. And if you have some specific questions concerning what all would be expected of you, I’m more than willing to answer them and put your mind at ease.” Ezekiel moved his hand from Michelle’s arm to her waist. “Don’t give up on us, please.”

  Offering no response to his statement, Michelle looked at her watch. “I’ve gotta go, Ezekiel. I want to buy something in your parents’ greenhouse, and then I’ll need to get back to the Lapps’. Willis is expecting my help with some things today.” She made a beeline for the door. It had been a mistake coming h
ere to speak with Ezekiel. Being near him made her want to say she would do whatever it took in order to join the Amish church so they could be together. But that would be the wrong motive for making such a drastic change. If Michelle were to become Amish, it had to be for the right reasons.

  Chapter 8

  How did the job hunting go?” Grandma asked when Sara returned home at three o’clock. “Were you successful?”

  Sara smiled, quickly hiding a purchase she had made around the corner so Grandma wouldn’t see. Fortunately, the surprise was well hidden in a big shopping bag. “I sure was. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be working at a flower shop.” She hung up her jacket and purse, then took a seat at the kitchen table. “They hired me on the spot.”

  “Oh, at Kings’ Greenhouse?”

  “No, it’s a florist here in Strasburg.”

  “That’s wonderful, Sara. What will you do there?”

  “I’ll be doing the books, answering the phone, and waiting on customers. Since I’ve taken some business classes, the flower shop is a good fit for me.”

  “So you won’t be making the flower arrangements?”

  “Nope. Don’t know if I’d be good at that, although it might be fun to learn. Think I’m better with beads.” Sara snapped her fingers. “Speaking of which … I keep forgetting to give you and Grandpa something I made. Is he around? If so, I’ll go up to my room and get the gifts right now.”

  “Yes, he’s here.” Grandma motioned to the living-room door. “After we ate lunch he said he wanted to catch up on his reading before doing more chores, so he’s relaxing in his easy chair.” She snickered. “The last time I checked though, your grandfather had dozed off. But he may be awake by now.”

  “Okay, I’ll go up and get the gifts and meet you in the living room.”

  When Sara entered the living room with gifts behind her back, she found her grandparents sitting on the couch engaged in conversation. They appeared to be quite interested in what the other was saying. Sara hated to interrupt, so she waited a few minutes until they finished talking. These two truly have a special connection. Someday I hope to have that same kind of relationship with my husband. If I ever fall in love, that is. Sara wasn’t about to settle for second best when it came to choosing a mate for life. Although Dean had treated her mother fairly, to Sara, he and Mama didn’t seem like soulmates. Sara’s mother had her interests, and Dean had his. Mama had a quiet personality, and Dean was outgoing.