Grace's Forgiveness by Molly Jebber Page A

line of women clutched quilts to their chests, had coins in their hands, and were ready to pay for their purchases. Other patrons were perusing their selection of textiles. Grace answered customers’ questions and, upon request, unfolded coverlets for them to view.
    The last woman in the store departed. Grace fanned a hand inches from her face, plopped in a chair, and gestured for Sarah to join her. “I’m thankful we sold a lot of quilts, but I’m exhausted.” She remembered the small miniature wooden doll in her pocket. “Mark gave me this toy today. Isn’t it pretty?”
    Sarah traced the outline of the doll. “It is pretty. He must like you a lot to give you a gift. I’m hoping he’s the one for you. He’s kind and a hard worker.” She passed the toy back to Grace and dipped her chin. “I’m sorry to dampen your mood, but we must discuss you attending Becca’s wedding. I’m upset with you for what you’ve done, Grace. You said you went with her parents several times to buy supplies in Massillon last year. You know better than to put yourself and your family at risk.”
    Grace chewed her lip. “I’m sorry. I did buy supplies, but I also went to Becca’s and Ruth’s weddings. I couldn’t tell you and compromise you, too. Since Becca’s parents have passed, I won’t be visiting her again.”
    Sarah sighed. “I accept your apology, and I forgive you. Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone what you’ve done. You’re my friend, and I love you.”
    Grace wiped tears from her face. “It’s hard for me to let her go. She means a lot to me. We’ve been close most of our lives.”
    “I sympathize, but Becca understood she’d be shunned by her family and the Amish community when she left the Amish life. You need to accept she can’t be a part of your life anymore.” She smoothed her apron. “Did you say anything to Mark about attending Becca’s wedding? You might ruin his positive impression of you if he learns you’re not abiding by Amish law and shunning her.”
    “I told him about her. He has a bruder who joined the Amish church then left to live among the Englisch. He understands my struggle to sever ties with Becca based on his own situation with his bruder.”
    Sarah covered her open mouth. “He shouldn’t have mentioned him to you.”
    “He’s not in communication with him.”
    She should’ve known better than to share this information with her friend. Sarah didn’t have any compassion for anyone who left the Amish life. “A patron interrupted us. We didn’t discuss his bruder any further.”
    “For your sake, I’m relieved he understood your situation with Becca, even though he should’ve scolded you for communicating with her. He’s abiding by Amish law and staying away from his bruder, and so should you stay away from Becca. I don’t want anything to change his mind about you. I have said enough on the matter.” She sat in silence for a few moments then opened her mouth. “Something else is bothering me.”
    Grace sucked in her bottom lip. What else had she done to upset Sarah? Nothing came to mind. “What is it?”
    “I wish I could have a boppli. What’s wrong with me? It’s been a year. I’m scared. What if I’m unable to have kinner?”
    Breathing a sigh of relief, Grace slid her chair close to her friend. “God has a plan for your life. Be patient. You’re young and have plenty of time for kinner. I believe you will have a boppli when you least expect it.” She prayed Sarah would find herself with child soon.
    Her friend longed for a child more than anything else in her life.
    “I hope you’re right.” She rubbed her tummy. “Are you hungry?”
    It’s dinnertime. Her stomach grumbled. “I’ll check with Mark and ask if he’s hungry.” The door swung inward before she could put her hand on the knob. She jumped back, waved her arms, and regained her balance.
    Mark reached for her. “I should be more careful when opening this door. Are you all