Grace's Forgiveness by Molly Jebber Page B

about her very much. She’s a lovely person with a big heart. She’s a midwife and a nurse who helps the sick and those in need. When she married Matt, she didn’t abandon her good moral values or her strong faith in God.” Grace covered Sarah’s hand. “Please don’t be angry with me. I thought we’d put this subject to bed.”
    Sarah’s voice softened. She dropped her chin to her chest but kept eye contact. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I apologize for my wagging tongue. You’re my best friend.” Her lips quivered. “Please forgive me. I must ask forgiveness for my harsh words against Becca in my prayers tonight.” She grasped Grace’s hand. “Please tell Hester to deliver any gifts from her to you in private.”
    “I told Hester I was wrong to keep in touch with Becca. She understands. Hester offered to apologize to you for bringing up Becca’s name and delivering the quilt to me here. I told her you wouldn’t expect her to apologize. Am I right?”
    Sarah fidgeted with her kapp ribbon. “Jah. Hester is innocent in this. She didn’t mean any harm. The bishop finding out about your offense scares me. If we were ordered by the bishop to shun you, it would break my heart. I don’t know if I could do it.”
    Grace blew out a sigh of relief. Thankful she and Sarah agreed on Hester’s innocence in this matter. Sarah’s warning sent shivers through her. She pictured neighbors and friends passing by them without a word, not socializing with them at church, picnics, or anywhere. It would be like they were invisible. “I’m not writing to her anymore.”
    Sarah stood. “I’m glad. Then I can stop worrying about you getting into trouble. It’s for your own well-being.”
    Grace pulled out the sales journal and pretended to read it. Memories flashed through her mind of times spent laughing, sewing, and baking with Becca through the years before she departed for Massillon. She would love Becca until the day she died. The connecting door squeaked open.
    Mark rubbed his forehead. “Is it time for dinner yet? I have sugar cream pie.”
    This had been a difficult day. First, her encounter with Mrs. Fisher and Mark’s introduction to Eve, and then her spat with Sarah, and now Mark had mentioned Eve’s dessert. She wanted to throw Eve’s pie out the back door. She didn’t want Mark to have anything to do with the young woman. Could this day get any worse? Oh yes, it could. He’d probably bite into the pie and find out Eve was a wonderful baker. “Kumme in. I’ll set the table.”
    Grace removed her picnic basket from behind the counter and brought out ham sandwiches and jars of water. She couldn’t get Eve’s face out of her mind. Guilt pricked her heart. The woman had done nothing wrong. Grace’s fear and jealousy were taking over again. She should rise above it, but the anger stewing wouldn’t go away.
    Mark slid their chairs in a circle, and Sarah joined them.
    “I’ll pray.” Mark bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for our sins. Danki for the food we are about to eat. We praise You for your love, mercy, and protection. Amen.” He brought the sandwich to his mouth then paused. “I found a flour sack in an old trunk in my barn. It doesn’t belong to me. The man must’ve left it.”
    Sarah traced the rim of her jar. “Levi’s convinced he’s gone, since there’s been no sign of him lately. He’s asked around town and not one person has had anything stolen lately.”
    “The intruder could’ve stashed his bag in my trunk weeks ago. It’s hard to tell when he put it there.”
    Grace gasped. “What did you do with the bag?”
    “I put it back. Maybe he’ll return for it and I’ll catch him. I’d like to talk to him about why he’s hiding and stealing things.”
    “I still believe he was in need of shelter and food.” Grace sipped her water. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. More important things were on her mind, namely, Eve. She wasn’t in a pleasant