Grace's Forgiveness Read Free Page A

store manager. Impressive. She had a melodious voice, big brown eyes, and a cheerful attitude. Kind and sweet described her best.
    He hadn’t known whether to mention his bruder or not when Sarah asked if he had siblings. Amish law stated he should shun anyone who joined the church then left the Amish order, as if they were dead. His bruder might ask friends in Lancaster where he had moved to. If Abel came to his haus or shop and asked for help, what would he do? He pushed the anguish out of his mind.
    Mark approached the liveryman, paid his fee, and retrieved his horse and buckboard. On his way home, the soft wind blew the dark clouds away, allowing the sun to shine. He’d open the windows to invite the fresh air inside when he arrived home.
    He climbed out of the buckboard and tied the horse’s reins to the white hitching post. Jed Post stood on his porch. He motioned to a young man who sat in a spring wagon loaded with crates of hens and a rooster. Three other young men managed the livestock.
    “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long.”
    “No, we arrived a few minutes ago. We’ll follow you to the barn and help you secure the animals.” Mr. Post introduced Mark to his sons. “Call me Jed.”
    “Danki, and call me Mark.” He unhitched his horse from his buckboard and stowed him in a stall.
    The men guided and secured the plow horse, sow, hogs, cows, hens, and rooster inside the barn.
    Mark indicated the haus. “I’ll go inside and get the money I owe you. You’re wilkom to kumme inside and rest. Would any of you like something to eat or drink?”
    “Danki, but we can’t stay long. We’re getting ready to move and have a lot of work to do before the sun sets. I’ll wait here.”
    Mark went inside, retrieved coins from his money jar, and joined Jed. He pressed the coins in his hand. “Danki.” He chatted with his visitors for about ten minutes.
    Jed gestured to his sons. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Mark. We should be on our way. My bruder is expecting us. He’s much older than I am and not in good health. We’re going to move into his big place and take over his farm in Lancaster. He’s got more livestock than I need. I’m pleased you bought mine.”
    “I’m sorry your bruder is ill. I hope all goes well as you travel there.” Mark bid them farewell and checked the livestock again. The animals appeared healthy and were what he needed.
    Several minutes later, a horse’s neigh caught his attention. He peeked outside. Who was coming toward his haus? This day had been busy. It was a good thing he’d finished a lot of his chores at six this morning. A short, round Amish man got out of his buggy and held his horse’s reins. Wire-framed spectacles sat low on the man’s nose. “I’m Bishop Weaver.”
    “I’m Mark King. Would you like to kumme in?”
    “Jah, may I call you Mark?”
    “Of course, but before we go inside, I’ll give your horse food and water.”
    “Don’t bother. I mean to stay only a short time.” Bishop Weaver secured his horse to the hitching post and patted the animal’s head. “There you go, boy.” He then followed Mark inside.
    Bishop Weaver removed his hat and hung it on a sturdy new maple rack displaying thick hooks Mark had nailed to the wall next to the front door.
    Mark should’ve prepared answers for questions Bishop Weaver and others might ask about his family. “Have a seat.” He opened the windows and breathed in. “It looks like the clouds have departed.” He approached his guest. “Would you like anything to eat or drink? It’s close to eleven thirty. I have stew I can heat.”
    “Nothing for me, danki.” Bishop Weaver placed his hat on his lap. “Levi Helmuth told me about your parents’ and the Stoltzfuses’ accidents and the fire. The Stoltzfuses were good friends of mine. I was surprised to hear they are with God in Heaven. You’re a young man to have suffered such tragedy and hardship.”
    Mark frowned and folded his