Grace's Forgiveness Read Online Free PDF

serious. She hoped this wasn’t the start of trouble for her community. She and Sarah reassured their friend they’d heed her advice as Mrs. Paulson exited the store.
    Sarah lowered her voice. “Levi is up in arms about this thief helping himself to our things. I told him he shouldn’t overreact. The intruder who came into our haus while we were gone didn’t steal anything we couldn’t replace.” Her brow lifted. “Maybe Levi’s right. We don’t know what this man is up to. After listening to Mrs. Paulson’s news, I’ll be more cautious walking or driving my wagon alone. You should too.”
    Grace whispered in Sarah’s ear. “Yes. Mark is worried and asked we be aware of our surroundings.”
    Two customers entered, and Sarah left Grace’s side to help them.
    Grace studied Mark as he pounded a brace in the wall. His long, lean arms stretched high. She couldn’t help from swooning over him. His strong arms, tall legs, manners, kind eyes, and pleasant voice were some of the reasons, she supposed. She joined him. “Is there anything I can get you?”
    “No. You have enough to do managing your store. I don’t want to interrupt your work. I overheard your customer say an intruder had stolen things from another haus.”
    “Yes. I’m surprised. Sarah and I will be on alert from now on.”
    “Good. I apologize for all the noise. I’ll be done around eleven.”
    She didn’t mind the noise. She liked watching him work. After he opened his store, she hoped he’d use the connecting door between their shops. If he didn’t, she would. She and Sarah waited on a steady stream of customers. The store emptied and Grace stretched and yawned.
    He packed his tools and supplies then joined her. “I’m finished.”
    “I brought sandwiches. I wouldn’t want you to leave hungry. It wouldn’t be right after all the work you’ve done for us.”
    His handsome face lit with a smile. “I appreciate the offer. I’d like to join you.”
    Her cheeks heated. Mark was a gentleman and generous. Two more reasons to add to her list as to why she liked him. If she were writing his wonderful traits on paper, she’d need another sheet. She washed her hands, served the sandwiches, then removed three jars of water from an icebox. She tilted her head to a small table and chairs off to the side of the room. “We can sit here.”
    He patted his stomach. “Danki. This is kind of you, Grace.”
    Sarah joined them. “I didn’t have much breakfast. I’m glad we’re eating earlier than usual.”
    “I’ll say a prayer of danki for our food.” Mark bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for our sins and danki for the food we are about to eat. Danki for your love and mercy. Amen.”
    Grace raised her head. “Danki, Mark.”
    “The air is warm, the birds fill the trees, and wildflowers fill the meadows. It’s difficult to stay inside on a day like this.” Sarah sipped her water.
    This was the perfect place for her, sunny or not. Grace liked watching Mark work. She looked at his plate. He’d devoured half his sandwich before she had taken two bites out of hers. He must like ham and bacon. She chatted about the weather with Sarah and Mark in between bites.
    The three of them finished with their food. Grace wiped the plates with a rag and put them in the basket to take home and wash later as she carried on her conversation with Sarah and Mark about Mamm’s new recipe for corn pudding.
    A woman rushed into the shop.
    Grace wiped her mouth and stood. “How can we help you?”
    The woman paled. “Is there a midwife here? I asked the postmaster where I could find one, and he sent me here. He said to ask for Grace Blauch.”
    “I’m Grace Blauch. How can I help you?”
    “My friend, Annabelle Watson, is in my buggy outside. She’s ready to give birth. Please help us.”
    Sarah addressed the woman. “Madam, you stay with me. We don’t want to get in Grace and Mark’s way when they bring Mrs. Watson to our back