Chapter 24
H ENRY
I’ve never seen the inside of the little shop where Ellie works, so I’m hoping to surprise her today with a visit.
I have no clue what her work hours are today, but my idea is to whisk her off on her break for a quick bite to eat. If I thought I was interested in Ellie before, now that I’ve gotten to know her even better, I can’t seem to get enough of her. I want to be near her every waking moment— ach , and every sleeping moment, if I’m honest.
But, Gott willing, that will come in time.
I can’t wait to see the look on her face when I walk through the door and she notices me there.
I pull the buggy around the back and park at the small lot near the alleyway. After checking my teeth in my rearview mirror, I hop down and make my way toward the entrance. I don’t see the Petersheims’ buggy anywhere, so Ellie must’ve hired a driver today. I hate that she has to use her hard-earned wages to pay for a driver. I wish I could take all the burdens from her slender shoulders, but that’s not possible—yet.
Someday, I’d like to become her provider and take care of all her needs. But with the Petersheims’ financial situation, it looks like someday might be a long, long way off. If only they’d let me help. I would have no problem whatsoever providing the funds needed for Ellie and me to get married.
And if Ellie and I did get married, wouldn’t that ease the family’s burden just a bit? It would be one less mouth to feed, not that Ellie eats all that much. On the other hand, it would be one less set of hands to help out at home.
Truly, I’m at a loss of what to do. Because the truth is, I’d marry Ellie tomorrow if I could. I don’t want to wait years and years to make her my fraa . And at the rate we’re going in the passion department, I don’t think we can wait that long. Because Ellie’s kisses…let’s just say they light a fire in me.
Gott , if there’s anyway You could speed things along. Ach , jah , not the most reverent prayer I’ve ever uttered. Sorry, Gott . Just please help me to have the patience I need to wait for Your perfect timing. But if it could be sooner rather than later, I would really, really appreciate it. I’m not sure if the second prayer was any better, but I have a feeling Der Herr understands.
I walk inside and spot a few customers. My eyes scan the area where the cash register is, but Ellie is not behind the counter. Instead, a kind looking middle-aged woman is helping out a customer with their purchases. I don’t want to disturb her, so I roam the shop in search of the woman I’ve fallen in love with.
My hope plummets when I discover she is nowhere to be found. As soon as the woman at the counter has a break in customers, I approach her. “Is Ellie around?”
Her eyes scan my attire and a soft smile appears. At that moment, I wonder if Ellie has mentioned anything about me—about us.
“I’m sorry, Ellie won’t be in for a few more hours.” At what must be my look of disappointment, she adds. “Is there something I can help you with?”
I think about her question for just a moment, then nod. “ Jah , please. Where are the items she has for sale?”
Her grin widens and she rounds the counter. “Let me show you.”
Even though I had already roamed the store, my mind had been solely focused on one thing—finding Ellie. But now that I’m actually looking for merchandise, I spot various items here and there, including some of the crafts I helped Ellie sew and package.
And if I do say so myself, they look quite appealing.
“My name is Missy. I’m the owner.” The lady offers her hand to shake. “Are you a friend of Ellie’s?”
“Yes. I’m her boyfriend.”
Missy’s eyes crinkle at the corners. “I thought you might be.”
I see the various items Ellie has made in different sections of the store as Missy points them out. And then I’m struck with an idea. What if I purchase Ellie’s handmade goods? I could give them as gifts. Or…better yet, I can donate them to the upcoming auction and she could maybe even get twice the money. No one would have to know that I was the one who purchased them.
“I have a question. I’d like to buy Ellie’s merchandise, but I don’t want her to know that it was me. So, if I buy several items, would you not tell her who purchased them?” I frown. “I know it must sound strange but?—”
Missy pats my hand then winks. “Your secret’s safe with me. If she asks, I can just say a customer stopped in and purchased them. That’s all she needs to know.”
“I appreciate that. Could you bag up the items she’s made for me?”
“Didn’t you help her make some of the handicrafts? I remember her saying that her beau came over and helped her sew.” A knowing smile lights her face.
My cheeks warm. Not the manliest thing to admit. I nod sheepishly.
“That was just one of the sweetest things I’d ever heard. Most men would have passed that off as women’s work. But in my opinion, there’s nothing more manly than a man helping out his woman in whatever capacity she needs, whether it be doing the dishes, changing a diaper, or helping her sew. So, kudos to you for stepping up and being a real man. It’s a rare trait, believe me.”
“I’d do anything for Ellie.” It was the truth, pure and simple.
“You’re a true keeper. And I think I mentioned that to Ellie when she told me about you helping her. If you’re trying to win her heart, keep it up. I do believe it is working, young man.” Missy held up a stack of sewn goods. “And this, what you’re doing here? It’s priceless.”
“Has Ellie mentioned anything to you about her family?”
Missy frowns. “The medical bills and such? Yes. She hasn’t gone into a lot of detail, but I put two and two together when she came in and asked for a job.”
“I was thinking of donating these to the auction our community is having to benefit the Petersheims. That way, she can get twice the money for them.”
“Oh, you are such a dear.” Missy shook her head. “You’ve inspired me. You know, Ellie has these here on consignment. Well, I think I will donate an extra portion for the cause as well.”
“Thank you. I’m sure it will be appreciated.”
Why was it that when you did a good deed for someone else, it brought immense pleasure to yourself? It’s almost like I’m getting more of a blessing than the Petersheims. I can’t help but feel like a million bucks as I drive home with several bags of Ellie’s handmade goods. I wish I could see the look on her face when Missy tells her about the items that sold. The owner suggested that I not buy everything, so that Ellie wouldn’t be overwhelmed trying to restock.
As it was, the items I purchased almost amounted to a couple thousand dollars. It was a hefty price tag, but I consider it an investment in my and Ellie’s future. I may not be able to give money directly to the family, but this is a way I can help contribute to the cause without squelching Daniel Petersheim’s pride.
Besides, it was between me and God. Nobody ever needed to know about the good deed done today.
Denki, Gott, for allowing me to help in this small way. Please bless Ellie and her family. Amen.