Grace's Forgiveness Read Online Free PDF Page A

years. If the stranger meant to harm anyone, he would have done so. He probably needed a place to sleep and necessities to help him survive.”
    “Levi visited me. He told me things are missing from his haus. I suspect the same intruder robbed him and slept in my barn. Please don’t go anywhere alone.”
    “I’m not afraid. He hasn’t harmed anyone. I doubt he will.”
    “Grace, I understand you want to find the good in people, but you must be careful. I don’t want any harm to kumme to you.”
    He’s frowning. I’ve upset him. He had her best interest at heart. Was their meeting the start of something special? She shouldn’t be difficult. “I’ll heed your advice.”
    Grace and Mark talked about the exact placement of the shelves. At eight o’clock, customers entered and interrupted their conversation. Grace greeted the women. They requested she unfold one coverlet after another. She explained the patterns on each.
    Mark set his coffee on a small table then removed his carpenter’s apron and tools from his scuffed and weathered toolbox. He tied on his apron, hammered, braced, and nailed ten long shelves on the longest wall on the right side of the shop throughout the morning.
    Grace fretted patrons would complain about the noise, but she overheard customers comment on the excellence of his work and on the beauty of the wood grain in the shelves. She liked a man who could fix and build things.
    Every chance she got, she stole glimpses at him. She caught him looking over his shoulder at her several times. Would they have time to talk today? Maybe he’d stay for dinner. She had prepared an extra thick ham and bacon sandwich for him before she left home this morning, hoping he’d stay for the noon meal. Maybe they could eat early.
    Sarah entered and dropped her plain reticule under the counter. “Hello to you both.” She kissed Grace on the cheek and stroked the last board Mark had hung. “This shelf is far more striking than any I’d anticipated we’d have for our shop. You’re a fine craftsman, Mark. The finely sanded oak you used to make the shelves is exquisite. Grace told me about your furniture store. I told Levi, and he’s thrilled for you. He and his friends are going to help you manage your farm until you have a chance to hire someone.” She stepped back and admired his work. “They are sturdy and will hold a lot of quilts, blankets, and other textiles.”
    “Danki, Sarah. I’ll appreciate their help.”
    Grace joined them. “The shelves are gorgeous. Our space will look less cluttered, and customers will have more choices.” She poured more coffee in his now half-empty mug. He gripped the cup with such force, she expected it to break. No doubt he wanted to ensure he wouldn’t drop it again. Poor man had a time holding on to things. He’d dropped his hammer a couple of times.
    “Danki. I’m pleased you like them. They will fill up the wall quite nicely.” He held up his mug. “Danki for the coffee. I better get back to work.”
    The bell clanged. “Grace, is my pocket quilt ready?”
    “Yes. I have it right here.” She crossed the room, ducked behind the wooden counter, and passed Mrs. Paulson a gray and white circle of love keepsake pocket quilt.
    The gray-haired Amish woman removed the exact amount of money from her black reticule with her bony fingers and paid for her purchase. “Someone robbed Samuel and Irma’s haus last night, while they were visiting her parents.” Mrs. Paulson shook her head in dismay.
    Sarah startled, tripped on her dark blue dress, caught the table edge, and straightened. “What did they find missing?”
    “The bandit stole a tin can full of loose change they keep by their bread box. If a man or woman needs help, why wouldn’t they knock on the door and ask? I’m afraid he’s running from the law. Please keep a watchful eye.”
    Berlin hadn’t had trouble from outlaws for a long time. Older kinner got into mischief now and then, but nothing