Grace's Forgiveness by Molly Jebber Page A

back the delicate material. Her mouth opened as she unfolded and held up the blue and white friendship patterned quilt. “She sewed a little heart in the two circles intertwined.” She hugged the quilt to her chest. “She and I shared many happy memories together. I love it.”
    Hester fingered the material. “I like the feel of this cotton.” She patted the pocket in the corner. “Becca sends her love along with it.”
    Grace tilted it to examine the pattern closer.
    Sarah frowned and scrambled to catch the note fluttering to the floor. She drew her mouth in a grim line and offered it to Grace.
    “Danki, Sarah. I’ll read it later.” Grace accepted the note and tucked it in her apron pocket. She loved Hester and Sarah, but Becca had been her true best friend. It hadn’t been long since Sarah had scolded about communicating with Becca. She suspected Sarah would admonish her again about accepting Becca’s gift and mentioning her friend’s name. She’d discuss this with Sarah later.
    Two patrons entered. Sarah went to help them. She furrowed her eyebrows. “Grace, you visit with Hester. I can help these women.”
    “Danki, Sarah.”
    Hester dragged a wooden chair over to the table and sat. “Becca delivered twins two days after I arrived. I wish you would’ve been there with us. As an outsider, I don’t understand why the Amish refuse to maintain a friendship with their loved ones who have left the Amish life. I’m thankful it’s acceptable for you and me to converse since we’re both midwives.”
    Grace covered Hester’s hand. Her friend had dark circles under her eyes and the lines had grown in number on her face. She loved her teacher and friend. She relished having an outsider to talk with about Becca. “Since you’ve never been Amish, I understand why you wouldn’t agree with it. The law to shun those who joined the Amish church then left the Amish life is meant to protect us from world views. I struggle with it where Becca is concerned.”
    “It’s easy for me to visit her since I’ve never been Amish, but I feel sorry for you. You’re fortunate your parents turned a blind eye to your writing to her for as long as you did. Sarah didn’t ask about Becca. Her stern face tells me she’s upset about the mention of Becca’s name. She obviously agrees with the law to shun Becca.”
    “She is angry about my contact with Becca. It’s not a subject I care to discuss with her. Although, she’s right. I would be horrified if the bishop found out.”
    “Please understand, I wouldn’t mention you contacting Becca to anyone else. I thought Sarah would be the exception, since you two are close.” Hester stared at her lap. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought this gift here or discussed Becca in front of her. I’ve put you in a terrible position.”
    Grace gripped her apron. “She doesn’t realize how hard this is for me.”
    “Should I apologize to Sarah for bringing up Becca?”
    Grace patted her friend’s hand. “No. Don’t worry about it. She’ll be fine.”
    Hester stood and hugged Grace. “Come visit me when you can. I must go. Thank your father for feeding my livestock while I’ve been away.” She opened the door and departed.
    Sarah handed change to the women who’d bought pink and white ruffled aprons and bid them farewell. Sarah joined Grace and pointed at the quilt. “You shouldn’t have accepted this gift from Becca or talked about her with Hester. We’ve discussed you having anything to do with her a number of times.” She scoffed. “I never understood your friendship with her. She complained about wearing pins on our clothes instead of buttons, and she talked openly about what it might be like to live in the world. It was wrong. I stayed away from her. You should have done the same.” She rested her hands on her hips.
    Grace wiped a tear. “My memories of spending time with Becca quilting, delivering bopplin, and sharing our hopes and dreams are precious. I care