Henry shook his head. “Our mamm’s too nice to say anything negative about Monroe. Even if she felt the way I do, I doubt she’d ever say it to his face. Someone in our family needs to take the horse by the reins and put Mr. Esh in his place. And if you’re not gonna do it, then I will.”
Oh boy, I hope Henry isn’t serious about confronting Mom’s friend. It would only make matters worse and add more stress to the situation.
Ezekiel held up his hand. “Whoa now, Brother, just calm down. Let me have a talk with Mom, and then I’ll decide what to do. In the meantime, you need to focus on the chores you’re supposed to do out here.”
Henry stomped off to the other side of the barn in a huff.
I’d like to approach this situation with wisdom and understanding. Ezekiel closed his eyes and paused to offer up a prayer. Heavenly Father, please give me the right words when I talk to Mom about Monroe. I don’t want to say anything that might upset her.
Sylvia had gotten the children up and seen to their needs, although things had been a bit hectic this morning with her littlest one being so fussy. Another tooth was trying to come in, and Sylvia massaged the area, hoping to help it break through. When she’d finally gotten Rachel settled down, she headed for the kitchen but paused outside the door. Taking in some deep calming breaths, she did her best to collect herself. I hope I don’t lose my nerve.
Sylvia opened the door and stepped into the room. “Mom, if you have a minute, can I talk to you about something?” She wiped her sweaty hands on her apron before crossing the room to her mother, who stood at the counter, cracking eggs into a bowl.
“As you can see, I’ve already started fixing breakfast, but we can talk while I mix up the oier.”
“Okay. I’ll help with whatever else needs to be done as soon as we have our talk.” Sylvia moved closer to her mother and made sure to keep her voice down so no one else in the house would hear. “What I have to say is about Monroe.”
“What about him?” Mom began beating the eggs.
“It was a little disconcerting to have him join us yesterday.”
“How so?” She kept whisking. “It’s not like it’s the first time Monroe’s dropped by.”
“You’re right, but he’s not part of our family, and in my opinion, he should have spent Christmas Day with his parents and siblings, not with us till way after dark.”
When Mom offered no reply, Sylvia continued. “I, along with Henry and Amy, think Monroe is trying to worm his way into your life.”
“That makes four of us,” Ezekiel announced as he entered the kitchen.
Mom turned with a frown to face him. “Well, you and the rest of your siblings can quit worrying, because there is nothing going on between me and Monroe. He’s just an old friend, not a single thing more.”
“So you have no interest in him at all?” Ezekiel tipped his head.
“Not romantically.” Mom placed her hand against her heart. “The only man I’ll ever love is your daed. Plain and simple.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Ezekiel flopped into a chair at the table.
“But Monroe is interested in you in a way that goes beyond friendship, Mom,” Sylvia interjected. “We all know it. I’m sure you must realize it too.”
Her mother nodded. “Jah, it’s obvious to me as well.”
“Want me to talk to him about it?” Ezekiel asked. “I can do it today or tomorrow, before we head back to New York.”
Mom shook her head. “No, I’ll take care of the situation. It’s my place to let Monroe know that I am still in mourning and have no interest in a personal relationship with him or any other man at this time. If he doesn’t back away, I’ll let you know, and then you can have a talk with him, via a phone call if necessary.”
“Okay.” Ezekiel gave a nod. “I won’t step in unless you say so.”
“Danki.” Mom turned back to her job of stirring the eggs.
Sylvia figured it wouldn’t be long before her mother had the chance to speak to Monroe. After the warm welcome he’d received yesterday, he would no doubt be dropping by regularly again. She hoped the next time would be the last time he would come by to pay a social call. The fact that he didn’t seem to understand, or even care, that Mom was still in mourning, was enough to turn Sylvia off toward Monroe, not to mention his strange behavior at times.
I can’t worry about this right now. I need to help Mom get food on the table before the rest of the family comes in for breakfast.
Amy nearly jumped out of bed when she looked at the clock on her nightstand and realized she’d overslept.
And no wonder, she thought as she pulled the covers aside. I was dreaming about Jared, and it was our wedding day. We looked so happy, as we stood before the bishop, answering his questions. If only it had been real and not a dream. Amy wasn’t good at waiting for things—especially something she wanted so badly.
Amy stood and plodded across the room. The fall of next year seemed like such a long ways off. She wished she could marry Jared tomorrow, but they needed enough time to plan all of the details that would need to be done for the wedding.
Amy had already chosen the material for her wedding dress. It was a dark burgundy fabric. She hadn’t cut out the pattern yet but planned to do so after Ezekiel and his family returned to their home. Since the greenhouse would be closed until sometime in March, Amy had all winter to make the dress. Her excitement about the wedding would probably drive her to get it done as soon as possible, though. Just looking at it hanging inside her closet would give Amy a sense of joy. She loved Jared so much and couldn’t wait to become his wife.
Amy reflected on the day she’d broken up with Jared, soon after her father, brother, and brother-in-law had been killed. She’d convinced herself that due to her added responsibilities, there would be no time for courting. Amy had always been one to make sacrifices for others, and this unexpected, tragic situation had been no exception. She’d firmly believed that her responsibility was to help Mom run the greenhouse, which meant giving up her desire to continue a courtship with Jared and eventually agreeing to marry him. It had taken Amy some time to realize she could make the time to spend with Jared, despite her busy work schedule.
Amy hurried to get dressed and put her hair up in a bun. She needed to get downstairs to help with breakfast. She was surprised someone hadn’t already rapped on her door to remind her what time it was.
She opened her door a crack and looked up and down the hallway. Although no one was in sight, the wonderful odor of coffee brewing on the stove, mingled with the mouth-watering aroma of sweet sticky buns indicated that their morning meal was in the works. One more reason to hurry downstairs to the kitchen.
Belinda kept her thoughts to herself, but she was a bit miffed that Ezekiel felt the need to intervene on her behalf where Monroe was concerned.
Doesn’t my son realize I can speak for myself? Belinda fretted as she heated up the frying pan to cook the scrambled eggs. Did my oldest son and daughter really think I would be flattered enough to even consider a relationship that went beyond friendship with Monroe or any other man?
Belinda and her husband Vernon had enjoyed a strong and sure marriage. She’d never loved anyone the way she had him. Her beloved husband was not a man who could easily be replaced, and truthfully, Belinda didn’t see herself ever getting married again. Even though Vernon had died, her love for him would always remain strong.